BMW’s M-series autos have long been the brand’s performance cars, and when the M-series tag came to the motorcycle world a few years back, we assumed the idea would spread beyond the company’s superbike. Now, with the new naked M1000R, we see that happening in 2023—but once again, the big news is the M1000RR superbike, which gets an overhaul for next season.
M1000RR Updates
BMW’s press release emphasizes that this machine is the basis of the company’s roadracing plans in coming years. Of course, it is based on the also-recently-updated S1000RR, but the M-model has a long list of performance parts as standard equipment.
That list starts with the engine, where horsepower (205 hp) and torque (83 lb-ft) remain the same as the stock bike. No doubt this is to appease the regulators. However, the engine’s internals are changed, with Pankl connecting rods and shorter intake channels. There’s also a new titanium exhaust system. All these changes should work together to spin that engine up more quickly, even if performance is the same at the top end
BMW claims a top speed of more than 304 km/h, and obviously, most riders want all the help they can get at that speed. So, we get the usual electronics package to ensure you stay in a straight line and upright: anti-wheelie, leaning-sensitive ABS and traction control, an adjustable powerslide and brake skid control, multiple riding modes (including modes for track, rain and street conditions), and so on. The semi-active suspension adjustments are linked to these modes, as well as performance of the engine and electronic safety features.
One of the most important features providing stability to modern superbikes is the aero package, and the M1000RR has a new set of winglets to keep the front end planted under acceleration and when cornering.
The M1000RR also gets new carbon-fiber wheels, wheel covers, fairing and other bits. See an official list of updates below:
The highlights of the new BMW M RR and M RR M Competition.
• M RR 999 cc 4-cylinder engine developed for racing purposes.
• Output 205 hp at 13,000 rpm and 83 lb-ft. at 11,000 rpm.
• 2-Ring forged pistons
• Fully CNC machined intake ports and BMW ShiftCam technology to vary valve timing and lift.
• Titanium valves, optimized camshafts and light, narrow rocker arms.
• Light, compact engine with longer and lighter (85-grams / 3-ounces less) Pankl titanium connecting rods for reduced friction and weight compared to the S RR.
• Anti-hopping clutch without self-boosting optimized for race starts.
• Improved intake system with shorter intake funnels, compared to the S 1000 RR, for improved flow at high engine speeds.
• Lightweight exhaust system with titanium manifold, front and rear silencers.
• NEW: Improved aerodynamics with more downforce even at lean angles while still slightly improving top speed.
• NEW: New fairing in visible carbon fiber with new carbon fiber front fairing carrier and new carbon fiber M Winglets.
• NEW: New visible carbon fiber front fender with integrated brake cooling ducts.
• NEW: M Aero Wheel Covers made from visible carbon fiber.
• NEW: M Carbon wheels with new finish and M Design graphics.
• NEW: Forged wheels available as an alternative to the carbon fiber wheels.
• NEW: Newly designed rear section.
• NEW: Ergonomic M Endurance seat.
• NEW: Short license plate bracket.
• NEW: Modified wiring harness with LWS connector for easier removal of license plate bracket and lights.
• Riding modes “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic”, “Race” and “Race Pro1- 3” as well as the latest generation of Dynamic Traction Control DTC and DTC wheelie function with 6-axis sensor box.
• Two adjustable throttle characteristics available now for optimum response. “Engine Brake” with triple adjustability of engine drag torque in “Race Pro” mode.
• Shift Assistant Pro for fast upshifts and downshifts without using the clutch. The shifting pattern can be easily reversed for track use.
• Launch Control for improved race starts and Pit Lane Limiter for keeping precise pit lane speed.
• Hill Start Control Pro for comfortably starting off on inclines.
• M Brakes: Maximum braking performance on the track.
• Instrument cluster with large, readable 6.5-inch TFT display, start-up animation with M logo and OBD interface for M GPS Datalogger and M GPS Laptrigger.
• Lightweight M battery, rear USB charging socket, powerful LED light units, electronic cruise control and heated grips.
• M Competition Package with M GPS Laptrigger and activation code, M milled parts package, M Carbon package, natural anodized swing arm (220 gram / 7.0 ounces lighter than the stock variant), DLC-coated M Endurance chain and pillion package including hump cover.
• Extensive range of optional accessories and special equipment.
BMW says it will make at least 500 of these bikes, in order to meet homologation requirements for WSB. We would expect to see these machines in CSBK as well in 2023. MSRP in Canada is $43,260 for 2023; find more details at BMW Motorrad’s Canadian website.
The new M1000R
BMW’s S1000R naked bike has been sort of ho-hum since it lacks the same variable valve timing tech as the RR superbike. Now, the M1000R appears, getting that same Shiftcam inline four as the M1000RR, including updated con rods and intake funnels. That means this naked bike should have the same hairy-chested horsepower and torque as the RR model, but in a more stripped-down package.
That means no expensive carbon-fiber fairing, fenders, and so on, which keeps the price down considerably. However, note that there’s still plenty of bodywork on this bike—arguably more than an OG 1980s superbike. So is it really a naked bike? Beauty, as always, is in the eye of the beholder … and perhaps you prefer the half-naked look, in this case.
Note that the R does get winglets, though, just as it gets a host of electronic rider aids like the RR. These provide useful function, not aesthetic airs, which explains their inclusion.
Although you could certainly take the M1000R to a track day, it’s built for the streets, and that means you aren’t paying for the race-only add-ons the RR comes with. Some of that stuff you could add as an accessory, if you’re planning to ride on-track, but many owners will probably be happy to flex their M-model on public roads.
Asking price for the M1000R is $25,495 in Canada (plus taxes and fees and so on). BMW Motorrad already has it listed on the Canadian sub-site, with full specs, plenty of photos and lots of other details.
