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