BMW's Superbike, S 1000 RR - Rode Test
Maverick - May 5, 2010

“The fastest bike on the planet!” according to BMW representatives. 

The S 1000 RR is not for everyone, and riding it should not be determined by one’s capacity for throwing a leg over it. Potential owners should be qualified as an experienced motorcyclist before pouring the coal to this BMW.

The S 1000 RR is a world-class superbike, producing just under 200 horsepower, 193 to be exact, and weighing in at 404 lbs. An S 1000 RR street rider can get into trouble real fast. If you are riding this bike on the street, you better be attending to all safe motorcycle operator feedback variables; e.g., engine speed, highway speed, speed and density of traffic around you (you are most likely going faster than anyone else), terrain, proximity on the roadway (own your lane), curves of the roadway, etc.  The list goes on and riders must be paying attention.

What a gem to ride! The bike rolls easily, accelerates easily, reaches high speeds easily, covers a lot of ground easily, slows easily, and stops on command.  The S 1000 RR nearly pilots itself, but it is a thinking man’s bike.

BMW representatives state specific targets in developing the S 1000 RR were as follows:

• To achieve output and performance of the highest standard
• To make the suspension absolutely stable, with top handling and supreme traction
• To give the new machine that unmistakable, dynamic design of BMW Motorrad
• To reduce the weight of the motorcycle to an absolute minimum
• To ensure top quality typical of BMW

BMW designers and engineers achieved these objectives and more!

                                                 

• Engine -999 cm., water-cooled 4-stroke in-line four-cylinder-engine, two camshafts, four valves per cylinder
• Bore/Stroke (mm) -80/49.7
• Compression -13.0:1
• Maximum output -193 hp at 13,000 rpm (redline at 14,200 rpm)
• Maximum torque -83 ft. lbs at 9,750 rpm
• Emission control -Catalytic- 2 Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4 ready
• E-gas (ride by wire) -Race ABS & DTC
• Battery -14 V / 10 Ah, maintenance-free
• Gear box -6 speed
• Clutch -multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, anti hopping clutch, cable
                                    
  
• Final Drive -chain
• Emission control -3-way catalytic converter
• Frame - Bridge-type frame, cast aluminum, load-bearing engine
• Wheelbase -56/3 inches
• Wheels - Pressure cast (forged) aluminum
• Tires, front/rear -120/70 ZR 17 – 190/55 AR 17
• Suspension, front/rear - 46mm USD forks/ Single Shock with linkage
• Brakes, front -Double discs 320 mm Brembo 4-piston radial-mounted fixed caliper
• Brakes, rear -Single-piston floating caliper, 230 mm
• Seat height -32.2 inches
• Weight -404 Lbs. dry/449.7 with all fluids full
• Fuel -Aluminum 4.6 U.S. gallon tank
• Optional equipment -Race ABS, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Gear-shift Assist.
• Electronic throttle control -Four power modes
• Asymmetrical headlights -derived directly from endurance racing
• Colors are Acid Green Metallic, Mineral Silver Metallic, Thunder Gray Metallic, and BMW Motorrad Motorsport colors
• Black frame with all colors
• Mineral Silver and Thunder Grey come with Ostra Gray swingarm and wheels
• Acid Green and Motorsport come with a silver swingarm and gloss black wheels

The S 1000 RR is a lightweight motorcycle with a lot of power and notably compact. It is quick and agile!

Advanced technology and electronics factor heavily into the S1000 RR operation.

Did you read above about available optional equipment? Race ABS weighing in at 5.5 lbs and Dynamic Traction Control are a must for a street rider and a first for superbikes.  

With these features, wheel-speed sensors along with a gyro mounted at the bikes center, supply information to the ECU which in turn signals the ABS and DTC when set in one of four modes in response to changing conditions; e.g., rain, sport, race and slick, or they can be switched off completely.

The four modes simply set parameters for acceleration, lean angle, wheel speed, and brake pressure to maximize the potential that both wheels stay on the ground and the bike remains upright. 

• Rain mode limits output to a maximum of 150 horsepower and restricts throttle application at lean angles above 38 degrees.
• Sport mode allows full power, but limits throttle when lean angle exceeds 45 degrees.
• Wheelies: if the ECU senses the front wheel to be spinning slower than the rear, power is reduced assuring front wheel is making contact with road surface.
• If the rear wheel begins to lose contact with road surface, there is a commensurate reduction of brake pressure in front to assure rear wheel contact.
• Race mode allows 48 degrees of lean angle and rear wheel lift-off detection is disabled.
• Slick mode allows up to 53 degrees of lean angle before system intervention.

There are additional computer generated interventions, but they are subtle and relate to peak performance required on race day. 

Please note: It is the opinion of this Cycle Matters editor and motorcyclist (primarily a highway and off-road rider), that pushing the S 1000 RR to maximum performance on urban, suburban, rural, and interstate roadways; is to say the least, irresponsible!

During acceleration, rider can shift to a higher gear as fast as you can raise your foot 5 times.   No need to pull the clutch lever. Simply roll on the throttle and raise the shifter. The bikes technology imperceptibly cuts the ignition for smooth acceleration within parameters of mode settings.

Acceleration is not about wheelies or losing control. The Race ABS and DTC increases the probability that the front wheel stays on the ground and the bike remains upright.

During the ride, air is directed away from the rider’s head preventing turbulence, which may otherwise distract from a smooth ride. By design, the central ram air intake at the steering head sucks in the maximum amount of air going directly to the inlet manifolds and injectors for use in generating power.

The S 1000 RR is a head turner: great to look at, great to understand, and great to ride. Dynamometer pulls have proven it capable of generating more power than any other current superbike. It is made for racing performance.

MSRP is $13,800.00 and options: Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) Combined, Gear Shift Assistant, Anti Theft Alarm, and Motorsports Paint Scheme may be added for a combined additional: $3,075.00.

BMW achieved their intended targets with this motorcycle. Responsible road riders can have a lot of motorcycling fun for many miles on the S 1000 RR.