BMW previews 2023 M 1000 RR

Hot on the heels of announcing the 2023 version of their S 1000 RR superbike, BMW Motorrad has revealed details on the M 1000 RR that’s the basis for their entry in the World Superbike Championship.

Given the MY23 S 1000 RR has gained some components that were previously exclusive to the M 1000 RR, it raised some questions on where the latter could go for its 2023 version. It turns out that BMW Motorrad has ensured the M 1000 RR holds the advantage over the S1000 RR with slightly higher horsepower and more premium componentry, while adding a new fairing and improved aerodynamics.

These new and additional aerodynamic elements have increased top speed without alterations to the engine, frame and most of the other cycle parts.

"We have achieved an engineering masterpiece in the aerodynamic development of the M RR due to our unwavering ambition, total passion and technical finesse," said Christian Gonschor, Project Management, M 1000 RR.

"Thanks to countless hours in the wind tunnel as well as in road tests, we were able to considerably increase the top speed with unchanged engine output and at the same time significantly increase the downforce, also when banking in corners. Our development work will be rewarded with racing success."

The 2023 M 1000 RR will be offered in two forms: the standard version; and an M Competition variant. The former is identified by its ‘Lightwhite’ non-metallic paint and the latter by a ‘Blackstorm’ metallic finish. The M Competition also gets components not available on the standard version.

M 1000 RR engine and components

As mentioned, there are no changes to the M 1000 RR engine for the 2023 version, meaning the 999cc four-cylinder carries over, producing the same maximums of 156kW at 14,500rpm and 113Nm at 11,000rpm. This is 2kW more than the upgraded 2023 S 1000 RR, but maximum torque is the same across both bikes.

Built for racing, specifically in the Superbike World Championship, this liquid-cooled DOHC four features titanium conrods that are unavailable on the S 1000 RR, titanium valves and BMW’s ShiftCam variable valve control system, along with a BMS-O ECU, 48mm throttle bodies and a 13.5:1 compression ratio.

The engine is matched to a constant mesh 6-speed transmission with a multi-plate mechanical clutch. Optimised for race starts, the clutch is almost irrelevant on the M 1000 RR, given it comes with the Shift Assistant Pro quickshifter that allows up and down clutchless shifting.

On the M 1000 RR frame, it remains of aluminium composite construction and bridge configuration, with the engine as a stressed member.

Suspension componentry is carried over from the existing M 1000 RR, too, with an upside-down 45mm fork with full preload, compression and rebound adjustability.

The rear monoshock suspension is mounted to an aluminum double-sided swingarm and offers the same preload, compression and rebound adjustability as the front end.

Front and rear travel is 120mm and 117mm, respectively, with Full Floater Pro kinematics.

The M Brakes are unchanged from last year's M 1000 RR, consisting of dual floating 320mm discs with radial four-piston calipers on the front end and a 220mm rear disc with a two-piston fixed caliper. BMW Motorrad Race ABS Pro remains standard.

Similarly, the M 1000 RR’s range of riding modes and electronic aids, like the M Datalogger, Dynamic Traction Control, Launch Control and Hill Start Control Pro carry over for 2023, all operating off a six-axis IMU sensor and adjustable via the switchgear and 6.5-inch TFT dash display.

On the M Competition variant, this electronics package gains an M GPS Laptrigger, along with a pillion seat cover, M milled parts package, maintenance-free M Endurance chain, M carbon package and a lighter swingarm. For owners of the standard M 1000 RR, some of these components are available as part of BMW's range of optional accessories and special equipment for the M 1000 RR.

New Fairing, New Aero

The key change on the 2023 M 1000 RR is the new fairing, which is made from carbon fibre that BMW has kept visible throughout. For the first time, the fairing’s front carrier has also been made from carbon fibre and the M winglets have been redesigned.

Just as important as the material in this new fairing and supporting elements, including the tail section, is its shape. Said to be “drastically optimised,” the new fairing shape includes a taller windscreen to better direct airflow around the rider and improve downforce, even at extreme lean angles.

As a direct result of this new carbon fibre fairing, the tendency for the M 1000 RR to wheelie upon acceleration is reduced, but more importantly, top speed has been improved from 306km/h to 314km/h, according to BMW.

M Aero wheel covers are another new part of this improved aero package, designed to work at high (250+km/h) speeds, but these are limited to the M 1000 RR M Competition variant.

The M 1000 RR’s carbon fibre 17-inch wheels have been modified from last year’s M 1000 RR with a new clear lacquer surface and new-look M Design rim sticker accents. While these carbon fibre wheels are standard, forged alloy wheels are available as a factory option.

The carbon fibre front mudguard is new and features integrated brake ducts - a first for BMW Motorrad - while at the rear, the number plate holder is shorter and now includes an LWS connector for faster, easier removal when at the track.

The other notable addition for 2023 is an ergonomically-designed M Endurance seat, which claims to allow more rider control, especially on inclines, than the existing M 1000 RR seat.

Coming in 2023

BMW Motorrad Australia have confirmed the MY23 M 1000 RR will be released locally next year, and while an exact date had not been confirmed at time of writing, it’s expected to arrive before June.

Australian pricing is listed at $52,440 for the standard M 1000 RR and $59,990 in M Competition form. This excludes ORCs.

See your BMW Motorrad dealer for more details.