BMW has brought the 2023 S 1000 RR to Indian shores and launched it at Rs 20.25 lakh, ex-showroom. It's available in three variants — Standard, Pro and the range-topping Pro M Sport. With a few tweaks to its engine, suspension and chassis BMW Motorrad's flagship superbike is now more powerful, safer and technically advanced than before. Here's what you need to know about it:
When it comes to design, the 2023 BMW S 1000 RR benefits from a redesigned front section with composite plastic winglets that make it look more aggressive. BMW claims they provide as much as 17.1kg of downforce at 300kmph. Then there's a new, lighter and sportier-looking rear section and the three new colour schemes: Blackstorm metallic, Racing Red non-metallic and the racing-oriented Light White non-metallic. Other than that the superbike remains largely the same with a centre air vent upfront that is flanked by thin LED headlights and a larger bubble wind visor. The tail section has been revised with a shorter number plate carrier. And to dress up your S 1000 RR, BMW also offers an array of packages including the M package, Dynamic package, Race package, Carbon package and even an M Billet package some of which also add in a few electron aids and even an exhaust system.
Mainly, it's the mechanicals which have gotten better with the 2023 BMW S 1000 RR. While it retains its famed 999cc in-line four-cylinder engine, the power plant now makes 206bhp, making it the most powerful S 1000 RR ever. This engine churns out 113Nm of torque and doesn't stop revving until 14600rpm. Some new stuff includes a bigger airbox and shorter intake funnels, from the M 1000 RR, to aid flow at high speeds. Moreover, it also gets BMW's ShiftCam tech with variable valve timing that provides better power, no matter what the rev range.
In terms of chassis updates, the 2023 S 1000 RR' frame has been given “several openings in the side areas,” to provide more lateral flex. It also has a larger steering rake and shorter triple clamps. At the same time, the wheelbase was extended to 57.4 inches, an increase of 0.7 inches. All these changes translate to improved stability.
On the suspension front, the 45mm telescopic forks and rear monoshock aren’t much different from before, but the new 2023 S 1000 RR can be equipped with the optional Dynamic Damping Control or DDC. This system features four modes namely, Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race. Braking duties of the S 1000 RR are handled by twin 320mm floating disc brakes with radially mounted four-piston calipers at the front and a single 220mm disc one-piston floating caliper at the rear.
The 2023 BMW S 1000 RR features four riding modes as standard including Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race, while there's an optional 'Pro Mode' which offers 'Race Pro 1', 'Race Pro 2' and 'Race Pro 3'. These can be tweaked for finer adjustments. These are for the folks who call the racetrack, their second home.
While the S 1000 RR retains the usual electronic nannies one expects from a bike of its calibre, like ABS, Traction Control etc, BMW has also given it a 'Slide Control' function too. This system uses the IMU, steering angle sensor, and wheel speed sensors to tell when the rear tire is not inline with the front. It lets the rear step out a certain amount before adjusting the power output and bringing everything back in line.
Then there's a feature called 'DTC Pro' with DTC Wheelie, that helps you pop the front wheel in a controlled manner. In a similar vein, another cool new feature is the 'Brake Slide Assist '. Where the Slide Control system helps keep the bike under control as you slide out of a corner, Brake Slide Assist can help you back it into it. Other features on the electronics side include launch control and a pit lane speed limiter.
The 2023 BMW S1000RR is offered in three variants: Standard, Pro, and Pro M Sport. Priced at Rs 20.25, 22.15 and 24.45 lakh respectively. It has gotten a little bit more expensive than before, but that is backed by its array of new electronic nannies and more kit on offer. Moreover, it still is pretty competitive in terms of pricing when compared to the rivals. The Ducati Panigale V4 and Aprilia RSV4 RF are dearer, and only the updated Kawasaki ZX10-RR undercuts it.