Motorcycle specifications BMWS 1000 RR 2015 Taming the beast

At the Intermot show in Cologne, BMW unveiled the new, lighter and more powerful 2015 S 1000 RR. The idea behind these improvements? To make the S 1000 RR even more powerful, but above all easier to ride, as this machine is known to be very demanding when pushed to its limits. Mission accomplished?

Almost 200 hp and an engine as full as an egg

The increase in power is not anecdotal in the battle between manufacturers to offer superbikes that quickly break the 200 hp barrier. Half of the hypersport offering has reached this frontier(R1 / ZX-10R / RSV4 / 1299 Panigale / F4) and it will become the minimum standard in the short term. Thus, the 2015 S 1000 RR picks up 6 extra guns to deliver 199 hp at 13,500 rpm. Powerful enough, but the most impressive technical information is that this engine is packed with torque and constant in its effort. In fact, while it delivers its peak torque of 113 Nm at 12,000 rpm, it already delivers ... 112 Nm at 9,500 rpm. Hold on to your wrist straps, wedge your buttocks into the saddle, press the throttle and the S 1000 RR will launch you into orbit! What a healthy mill.

Engineers have reworked the cylinder head with modified duct geometry, a new intake camshaft and even lighter intake valves. Thanks to a revised airbox volume and a shorter intake manifold, the air/petrol mixture is optimized for better explosion in the cylinder. The devil is in the detail, and BMW knows how to build exceptional engines. Increased performance is also due to the new exhaust system, lightened by around 3 kg.

Increasingly present electronic assistance

The 2015 version of the BMW S 1000 RR offers greater performance thanks to its optimized engine and chassis. But it's also faster and more efficient, thanks to its improved and impressive electronics package.

As a result, its rider will have three standard Riding Modes plus two modes offered with the "Pro Riding Modes" option. The basic "Riding Modes" are "Rain", "Sport" and "Race". With the "Pro Riding Modes" option, two additional modes, "Slick" and "User", can be added. The "Pro riding modes" option also includes Launch Control and Pit Lane Limiter, a feature that can be configured according to the regulations of the track you'll be riding on. The S 1000 RR can also be fitted with the HP Pro shifter, which allows you to upshift and downshift without having to use the clutch.

DTC dynamic traction control offers a wide range of settings, from +7 to -7. Standard equipment on the new RR includes Race ABS (partially all-wheel drive version) and ASC traction control. When the RR includes the "Pro riding modes" option, it also benefits from Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with cornering sensor.

With a firecracker like this between your legs, it's easy to give in to the temptation of excess on playgrounds that aren't necessarily suitable. You'll be pleased to know that BMW is thinking of protecting your license by offering, for the first time on a sports bike, the option of electronic cruise control.

The chassis: everything changes!

Behind appearances that would lead you to believe that BMW hasn't changed a thing, in fact the opposite is true. Without revealing the details, the German brand is announcing an overhauled frame. The chassis features a new, lighter structure that seeks the best possible compromise between rigidity and flexibility. Geometry has been modified, with a new fork-head angle, caster, wheelbase and swingarm pivot. The suspensions (46 mm forks) are still fully adjustable, and have been given a little more travel (120 mm) to allow for greater angle grip. As an option, the new S 1000 RR can be fitted with DDC Dynamic Damping Control, a pilot-controlled suspension already seen on the HP4.

Braking is provided by a 320 mm floating double disc, clamped by Brembo 4-piston radial calipers at the front. The rear features a 220 mm single disc with a single-piston floating caliper. The new S 1000 RR also gets a battery that's about 1 kg smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

All in all, between engine and chassis, BMW has shaved 4 kg off the scales for a machine that now weighs just 204 kg fully loaded.

Revised design but still atypical look

For those put off by the asymmetrical design of the S 1000 RR's headlights, this 2015 model won't change a thing, except that the headlights are reversed. The fairings have also been completely redesigned, as has the wind-tunnel-worked but still minimalist bubble. Note the huge air intake between the headlamps, responsible for feeding the engine. This gaping mouth is the signature of the 2015 version. Another aesthetic change, and not the least, is the design of the new exhaust. Previously unobtrusive under the engine, it's now in bazooka mode!

The dashboard is new, with a multifunction instrument cluster. The dial for the analog rev counter is new, as is the revised liquid crystal display (LCD), offering far more functions.

With this major evolution of its missile, BMW continues its quest for dominance in the world of hypersports. The game is tough, the competition fierce and the appetites voracious. In addition to power, BMW is also announcing an ever-increasing presence of electronics. It shows it as an option; it will soon be omnipotent.

Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer's photos

Highlights of the new BMW S 1000 RR :

• Increased power and torque: 146 kW (199 hp) at 13500 rpm and 113 Nm at 10500 rpm.
• Ease of piloting again enhanced by increased torque from around 5000 rpm and a linear curve.
• Maximum torque almost at its peak between approx. 9500 and 12000 rpm.
• Revised cylinder head featuring new duct geometry, new intake camshaft and even lighter intake valves.
• New intake system with shorter intake manifolds, larger airbox and fully electronic throttle.
• 4 kg lighter, for a fully loaded weight of 204 kg (corrected for equipment variations).
• New exhaust system without front silencer, reducing weight by approx. 3 kg.
• Standard "Rain", "Sport" and "Race" riding modes, plus optional "Pro" riding modes with two additional "Slick" and "User" modes (configurable) for optimum adaptation to operating conditions.
• Launch Control function for perfect starts included in the "Pro driving modes" option.
• "Pit-Lane-Limiter" to ensure scrupulous observance of the speed limit in the pit lane, as part of the "Pro driving modes" option
• A new, lighter frame structure, featuring an optimized interaction between rigidity and flexibility to ensure greater driveability and precision, as well as straightforward feedback.
• Cycle part with refined geometry for improved handling, enhanced motricity and crystal-clear feedback at the limits of physics.
• Fully adjustable suspension elements with optimized negative travel for increased cornering and agility.
• Advanced Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) - pilot-controlled suspension known from the BMW HP4 - as factory option.
• Race ABS with optimized calibration.
• DTC traction control with +/- 7 levels of precision adjustment (optional)
  
• HP Pro shifter for rapid upshifting and downshifting without using the clutch, available ex-factory (option)
  
• New on-board network with more powerful sensor box and lighter battery.
• Electronic cruise control optional ex-factory.
• Enhanced instrument cluster with more functions and more information.
• Completely redesigned fairings for an even more dynamic design language.
• Innovative color schemes with three distinct characters.
• More accessories and options ex factory.