EICMA 2018: The Second-Generation BMW S 1000 RR is here

Rohit Paradkar Updated: July 08, 2019, 09:52 AM IST

As expected, BMW Motorrad chose the EICMA 2018 as the show-floor for its all-new third-generation S 1000 RR. The litre-class contender from BMW doesn't boast of its trademark (and controversial) asymmetrical design anymore and that could make some of the S 1000 RR purists cringe. But for those who thought that the S 1000 RR was bulkier than the new-age of litre-class motorcycles, the new one is more compact and between 11-14.5 kilos lighter than the outgoing model.

The 2019 BMW will be available in two shades - the Racing Red...

...and the Motorsport tri-colour

A new chassis imparts the 2019 S 1000 RR with a slimmer profile for the tank and seat while improving the seating geometry for track and road use. The chassis is suspended by a new suspension that claims better handling and traction performance. As before, the S 1000 RR can also be optioned with an electronic suspension which now features an improved valve control technology for quicker operation on the track.

The new chassis is lighter and more compact than the outgoing model

The engine is more powerful, lighter and features variable valve timing

Speaking of valves, there is a new in-line four-cylinder engine now, which is 4kg lighter and like the R 1250 GS, boasts of BMW's new ShiftCam variable valve timing tech on the intake port. The latter should theoretically help in quicker outright and in-gear acceleration, though BMW hasn't shared any official performance figures yet. That said, BMW hints that the third-generation S 1000 RR will be at least a second faster on the lap times as compared to the outgoing model. To that effect, the new S 1000 RR boasts of a better power to weight ratio of ~1051PS/tonne compared to ~957PS/tonne of the outgoing bike. The new S 1000 RR puts out 207PS of peak power and up to 100Nm of torque is available between 5,500-14,500rpm, while the weight is down to 197kg (193.5 with the M Package). The exhaust system has shaved another 1.3kg and looks leaner than its outgoing counterpart.

The BMW racing livery is now categorised under the 'M Package' and these colours will also be seen in the 2019 WSBK championship as BMW aims to compete in the upcoming season with the new S 1000 RR

The tail lights seem to be integrated within the turn-blinker assembly

The new 6.5-inch instrumentation is customisable for road and track use

The M Package also comprises lightweight components like the carbon fibre wheel seen here

In BMW's world, the M badge is synonymous with higher performance and for the S 1000 RR, it will introduce a range of performance accessories for the road and track alike. The M Package currently comprises the motorsport paint finish (red-white-blue), M carbon fibre wheels, a lighter battery, an M Chassis Kit with rear ride height adjustment and swingarm pivot, an M sports seat and the Pro Modes. By default, the 2019 S 1000 RR offers four riding modes - Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race; while the Pro Modes option brings with it, launch control and a pit-lane speed limiter function. An up/down quick shifter is standard, while other electronic aids include traction control, cornering ABS, a multi-step wheelie control, and a customisable 6.5-inch digital instrumentation. The electronic aids use a six-axis IMU, and the gearbox can be switched to a reverse pattern for track/race use.

The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR goes on sale globally by early 2019 and we expect it to ride into India in the next financial year.

2019 BMW S 1000 RR Track Ride Video Review you can see our