BMW Motorrad announces its first M-class bike

23 September 2020 Wes Fleming 590 Views m1000rr

Not content to merely offer M-class accessories and performance parts, BMW Motorrad has released its first M motorcycle, a sport bike variant called the M 1000 RR. The M designation has long signified high performance -though at a high cost- and builds on BMW’s racing heritage around the world.

BMW claims the MRR has 212 (crank) horsepower and a 423-pound curb weight. With those specs and a suspension and aerodynamics “designed for maximum race track performance,” the MRR could be the most super superbike available to the regular consumer.

BMW took the S 1000 RR’s liquid-cooled inline four -with ShiftCam technology, of course- and expanded its capabilities. With max horsepower coming at 14,500 RPM and max torque of 113 Nm (153 ft-lbs) at 11,000, the MRR is clearly made to rev clear to its redline of 15,100. Two-ring forged Mahle pistons, titanium Pankl con rods combine with a compression ratio of 13.5:1, updated combustion chambers, fully machined intake ports and optimized camshafts to produce this amount of power.

Taking cues from MotoGP and World Superbike (WSBK), BMW has included winglets on the MRR. Controversial at first, winglets have proven to be a beneficial aerodynamic addition at the highest levels (and speeds), and even the skeptics are starting to come around to their benefits. To boost maximum speed capabilities, BMW tested the MRR extensively on the track and in the wind tunnel, and the bike is simply dripping with carbon fiber to keep weight at a minimum.

Front-end suspension is an updated upside-down fork; the rear shock has been updated as well with Full Floater Pro kinematics, whatever that is. Keeping the chassis light and planted is enabled by aluminum and tweaks to the design, making the MRR a beast on the race track yet also keeping it suitable for average-rider apex strafing on the weekend, whether it’s at a track day or on a country road.

M carbon wheels and M brakes come straight from BMW’s WSBK race bikes and are standard on the MRR. A new TFT display with a built-in OBD interface provide both basic usability for the everyday rider and race-capable data logging; owners can add the GPS lap trigger and data logger technology easily with an activation code.

Initially, the MRR is only available in one color scheme, light white wi the M Sport trim in light blue, dark blue and red. The engine covers are granite gray.

Buyers can also add even more tricked-out M options, including the M Competition Package, which features a lighter swing arm and the new maintenance-free M Endurance chain.

Specifications

Engine
- Displacement: 999 cubic centimeters (61 cubic inches)
- Bore & stroke: 80 x 49.7 mm
- Power: 212 horsepower at 14,500 RPM
- Torque: 153 ft-lbs at 11,000
- Fuel: Super unleaded (RON 95-98), 4.4 gal. tank
Transmission
- Clutch: Multi-disc anti-hopping mechanically-operated oil-bath clutch
- Transmission: Claw-operated six-speed
- Final drive: Chain, 17/46
Chassis
- Frame: Aluminum composite bridge frame with engine supported
- Front suspension: USD telescopic forks, 45mm slider; spring preload, rebound and compression adjustable
- Front travel: 4.7 inches
- Rear: Aluminum twin-span swing arm with central shock; spring preload, rebound and compression adjustable
- Rear travel: 4.65 inches
- Wheelbase: 57.4 inches/4.8 feet
Brakes and Wheels
- Front brakes: M twin disc brakes with floating mounts, 320 mm diameter and radial four-piston calipers
- Front wheel: 3.50 x 17″, 120/70 ZR 17 tire
- Rear brake: Single disc brake, 220m with two-piston fixed caliper
- Rear wheel: 6 x 17″, 200/55 ZR 17 tire
Dimensions and Weights
- Length: 81.6 in/6.8 ft
- Width, incl mirrors: 33.4 in/2.8 ft
- Seat height: 32.8 in/2.7 ft
- Fully fueled curb weight: 423 lbs
- Permitted total weight: 897 lbs
Speed
- Acceleration, 0-62 mph: 3.1 seconds
- Max speed: 190 mph