The M 1000 RR is no longer the lone ranger in the company’s M range of high-performance track-focussed motorcycles following the release of the M 1000 R naked roadster.
The new entry into the M line-up is based on the popular S 1000 R, but adds a host of performance upgrades to do justice to its moniker, including an in-line four-cylinder engine which revs harder and has far more mumbo.
Meanwhile, BMW has also upgraded the fully faired M 1000 RR as well – both on sale locally in early 2023 – but let’s tick off the M 1000 R first with a fair bit to whet the seat-of-the-pants appetite.
Compared to the S 1000 R, maximum power on the M 1000 R has gone to the next level – up by 45hp (33kW) to 212hp (158kW) – thanks to a freer-revving powerplant with variable intake funnels which now tops out at 14,600rpm. Maximum power is achieved at 13,750rpm, and peak torque of 113Nm at 11,000rpm.
If that doesn’t spell frenetic, BMW has also shortened the final gearing and the gear ratios to just move that little bit closer to maximum intensity. There are winglets to increase downforce, though – equivalent to 11kg at 220km/h. Phillip Island turn one here we come!
The S 1000 R has five riding modes, a titanium silencer, a bi-directional quickshifter, launch control, adjustable steering damper and exclusive M graphics and lettering.
The company’s brake slide assist, which we first made mention of in the updated 2023 S 1000 RR, also makes an appearance on the M 1000 R, and data logging is a nod to its race-track remit.
Price will be $32,290 plus on-road costs, while the Competition version will be $39,890 (plus on-road costs). The Competition version will come with a M Motorsport colour scheme, carbon wheels, fully adjustable footrests, a pillion package and carbon goodies such as wheel covers, tank cover, airbox cover, wind deflector and sprocket cover.
Meanwhile, the 2023 M 1000 RR will also be available with a Competition package, priced at $59,990 plus on-road costs and complete with sophisticated lap logging, milled and carbon parts and a lighter swingarm.
The base model will be $52,440 plus on-road costs, with both M 1000 RR offerings updated with new aerodynamics, new carbon wheels, a redesigned rear section and a modified wiring harness for easier removal of the number plate holder.
It’s the first major upgrade to the M 1000 RR, which was first released in 2020 to replicate BMW’s M high-performance car division.
Mark ‘Mav’ Fattore has been hanging around the motorcycle scene longer than he can remember, but still struggles to contain his two-wheel exuberance. He also eats like a bull-at-a-gate, which is why he once swallowed the prong off a plastic fork stuffing down Chinese takeaway during a frenetic magazine deadline. The digital space is a safer haven, and he’ll turn his writing hand to anything.
