Undressed to M-press: BMW reveal ballistic 200bhp+ M1000R naked with winglets and superbike tech

BMW have stepped out from the shadows and directly into super naked title contention with their new M1000R.

BMW M1000R competition

A winged-assassin, complete with a claimed 206.5bhp, S1000RR superbike-derived technology and winglets for downforce, it takes aim at the likes of Ducati’s £28,895 Streetfighter V4SP for upright exotica glory. Other rivals include the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory and the Yamaha MT-10SP.

The German firm have been producing a standard S1000R since 2014, with the latest 162.3bhp version launched for 2021 forming the basis for the new M machine.

Both bikes make use of an aluminium bridge ‘flex’ frame to house their 999cc four-cylinder motors, however the BMW M1000R gets a hefty 44bhp more whilst dropping less than 1lbft of torque, thanks to a modified version of the water-cooled motor found in the S1000RR, complete with ShiftCam technology, variable intake funnels and a titanium exhaust silencer.

ShiftCam is a variable valve timing system used on the RR since 2019, and effectively gives the rider a broader spread of power – with more meat below 9000rpm for everyday road riding and a fatter wedge of peak power up top for your next trackday.

The engine’s rev limit has also increased from 12,000rpm to 14,600rpm, there’s said to be an increase of rear wheel traction thanks to the use of a larger 47-tooth rear sprocket (45 on the standard R) and shorter fourth, fifth and sixth gears.

Helping to feed all that power to the road and prevent unwanted front wheel lift are a set of winglets, which protrude noticeably from the shoulders of the fuel tank and beneath the rider’s handlebars. Although not what you’d call beautiful, they are said to provide an extra 11kg of front wheel load at 137mph.

Lending a helping hand to the wings is a lean-sensitive electronics package and riding modes for Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race. A Race Pro mode gets three levels of throttle response and engine braking options, too.

Also expect to find launch control, a pitlane limiter, and even hill hold – plus a system called ‘Brake Slide Assist’ that allows competent track riders to maintain a constant slide into a corner by limiting back brake pressure and rear wheel slip to achieve a controlled, pre-determined drift angle. Very clever.  

On top of this, the now blacked-out 45mm front forks have been given additional electronic adjustability, with the fork legs themselves also modified to accommodate a new set of blue anodised M brakes, first seen on the first-generation M1000RR.

Said to offer maximum performance, with minimum fade, the four-piston radial stoppers bite onto 320mm discs – with two brake pad variants available dependant on your application.

One is for road use, with the other compound lifted straight from the World Endurance Championship for the track. At the rear, you also get a single-piston floating caliper in the M design, together with a 220mm steel brake disc.

There’s also aluminium forged wheels to help reduce un-sprung weight, plus an adjustable steering damper.

This damper sits below the front LED headlight unit – complete with M badging – which also acts as a mounting point for the 6.5in TFT dash. This coloured unit is essentially the same as the M1000RR with four displays available and helps you cycle through the various modes, as well as activate an optional lap timer and data logger.

Available as of April 2023, other neat touches include a lightweight battery, USB charging port, cruise control, heated grips, and keyless ignition.

Keep an eye out for the in-depth, expert 2023 BMW M1000R review coming soon on MCN.

BMW M1000R spec

• Power 206.5bhp @ 13,750rpm
• Torque 83.4lbft @ 11,000rpm
• Engine 999cc liquid-cooled inline-four
• Kerb weight 199kg
• Seat height 840mm
• BMW M1000R price £19,480