BMW S1000RR gets first major update since 2019 with new aero, more power and clever slide control tech

BMW have whipped the covers off their 2023 S1000RR superbike, which builds on the current machine introduced in 2019 with more power, more advanced electronics, an updated chassis, and winglets courtesy of the £30,640 M1000RR.

Dressed in three new liveries, the new RR is immediately distinguished from the old bike by its dual front wings wrapping around the frowning front LED lights, which are said to reduce unwanted wheelies on track with up to 10kg of additional downforce.

There’s also a taller front screen and a claimed lighter, subtly re-styled rear end, but the changes are way more than skin deep. For starters, the ShiftCam-equipped 999cc inline four has climbed to a suggested 206.5bhp – around 2.7bhp more than previous – thanks to subtle revisions like redesigned intake ports based on the M1000RR.

The rear sprocket has also lost a tooth to 45 to provide more traction to the rear wheel, with an up/down quickshifter – programable as either road or race shift – helping to feed power to the ground.

Also keeping the rider in control are more advanced electronics – using the steering angle sensor to provide controlled slides both on the throttle and under braking – for use when on the racetrack.

Starting with acceleration, the ‘Slide Control’ functionality is added to the bike’s traction control package and allows the rider to select two pre-set drift angles. Up to that angle, the bike will cleverly allow the rear wheel to slip and perform controlled drifts, without an unwanted 500GP-style highside to follow.

Decreasing in speed, the ‘Brake Slide Assist’ and ‘Slick’ ABS modes again makes use of the steering angle sensors to let you back it in to bends in a controlled manner. Very cool.

But it’s not all about electronics. Housing the liquid-cooled motor as a stressed member is an updated aluminium twin-spar ‘Flex Frame,’ which builds on the old design with several openings in the sides for greater lateral flex.

BMW have also altered the steering head angle by 0.5° – taking it down to 66.4° from the previous 66.9°. They’ve also reduced the triple clamp offset by 3mm and extended the wheelbase to 1457mm – up from 1441mm. This should slow down the steering and add stability at speed.

Moving away from the front end, the underslung rear swingarm now also gets an adjustable pivot as standard, which will help race teams and trackday enthusiasts make any rear geometry and ride height changes required.

A feature previously only available on the M Sport version, other features of the new RR include a lightweight battery, USB charging port, hill hold control, riding modes for both track and road use, a pitlane limiter, revised 45mm upside down forks, and a 6.5in colour TFT with updated displays.     

Want one? Prices start at £17,150 and climb to £18,610 for the Sport model. An M Package option also allows the opportunity to equip forged wheels instead of carbon. Fancy.

• Power 206.5bhp @ 13,750rpm
• Torque 83.4lbft @ 11,000rpm
• Engine 999cc liquid-cooled inline four
• Kerb weight 197kg
• Seat height 824mm
• £17,150 (Starting price)

---

Video: Explore the BMW M1000RR in detail