Motorcycle specifications BMWS 1000 RR 2026 The circumstances of the race

Since its launch in 2009 (over 15 years ago), the S 1000 RR has always been one of the most powerful sports bikes in the sector. Programmed, born, designed and indoctrinated to win in Superbike and Endurance racing, it was only belatedly that it managed to achieve its Grail. Although it's mainly its body-built M 1000 RR twin that does the work.

Glory, or recognition, is also hers off the track. A Tourist Trophy enthusiast, it also offers a hell of a lot of thrills on the road. The BMW is a veritable adrenaline machine, with performance to match. When it came to revising certain small details because of Euro5+, the "RR" asked itself"what if I went further? Harder, faster

This explains the arrival of huge new winglets. Modelled on those on the M, they provide 35% more downforce than the old winglets - downforce at 300 km/h is now 23.1 kg. Top pilots will be able to exploit more speed in curves and relieve the anti-wheeling system.

But with 210 horsepower to digest, it's got its work cut out for it. A very strong engine, which BM has not seen fit to increase. This little privilege is reserved for the M 1000 RR, which gains 6 hp this year. No, there's already enough power in the boiler to nuke all your license points in a matter of seconds, as well as heat up the stopwatch nicely. With its 4 enriched uranium cylinders, Shiftcam variable valve timing, 14,600 rpm and 11.5 mkg of torque, the engine is one of the best in current production.

No watts, but more electronics for the S 1000 RR 2025. And a quick-draw throttle, requiring 58° of rotation instead of 72° to get the sauce flowing. The riding assistance package is enhanced by the standard installation of "PRO riding modes". This brings the number of riding modes to 7: Road, Rain, Dynamic, Race and now Race Pro 1, 2 and 3. Thanks to these, the rider can fine-tune traction control over a wider range, adjust the intervention level of wheeling control, enjoy 2 additional types of throttle response (soft or direct, with maximum torque), set engine braking management to 3 levels, enhance the hill-start assistant with automatic detection, adjust ABS to 5 levels (including a special slick tire), and benefit from Dynamic Brake Control. This safety feature prevents acceleration during braking.

While not a major redesign, BMW has refreshed its missile. The fairing panels have been redesigned, with a more aggressive emphasis on the "gills" on the right-hand side, one of the asymmetrical symbols of the first-generation S 1000 RR. The rest of the design only brings new colors to dress up a charismatic and vindictive sports bike, but without the suave subtlety of an Italian. The front fender is modified to integrate ducts forcing air towards the 4-piston Hayes radial calipers, to improve cooling.

But that's as far as the transformation goes. She remembers that her "Flex Frame" aluminum perimeter frame evolved not so long ago, becoming a little more flexible laterally. In 2023, the chassis became more precise in steering, and more adjustable with the possibility of modifying the height of the swingarm pivot point. This evolution also brought a lighter M battery, a USB port at the rear, a plate holder that's easier to turn, a shortened transmission and easier mounting and dismounting of the rear wheel.

With the exception of brake-shoe ventilation, the front drivetrain still features a 45 mm Marzocchi inverted fork and 320 mm discs. The shock absorber is also from the Italian manufacturer. As you'd expect, the suspension is adjustable in all directions.

The S 1000 RR also comes with a 6.5" TFT color display, cornering ABS, a shifter, circuit tracking with M GPS Laptrigger, and a number of optional extras such as pilot-controlled suspension, cruise control, heated grips, forged rims, glide controls, an emergency call system, etc... All this in 197 kg ready to pounce.

A little more M, and unconsciously following in the footsteps of its winning sibling, the new S 1000 RR extends its achievements and takes a small step towards greater efficiency. It's a mission that's getting harder and harder for all manufacturers to accomplish, given the very high standard of today's sports bikes.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos