BMW M 1000 R naked, M1000RR superbike revealed

Hot on the heels of the recently updated 2023 S 1000 RR, BMW has taken the wraps off its M 1000 R hypernaked and the M 1000 RR competition-spec road-legal superbike. The M 1000 R is the first BMW naked bike to breach the 200hp mark, making more power than even the lairy Ducati Streetfighter V4 S, at 210hp. Further, BMW has even updated its WSBK-spec M 1000 RR superbike with more slippery aerodynamics and increased downforce, enabling it to reach a higher 314kph top speed. 

• M 1000 R makes 44hp more than S 1000 R, lighter by 9kg

• M 1000 RR 7 percent more aerodynamically efficient; higher 314kph top speed

• Both bikes get billet-machined components and an Akrapovic exhaust

BMW M 1000 R naked bike: details

BMW has pulled out all the stops in an effort to make the M 1000 R its most performance-oriented naked bike. For starters, it gets the same engine as the M 1000 RR but makes slightly less peak power at 210hp at 13,750rpm (compared to 212hp on the RR), although the peak torque stays the same on both at 113 Nm. To help put this power down, BMW have strengthened the chassis of the M 1000 R and overhauled the suspension units internally, giving them more adjustability, and the 45mm front fork is now finished in black. 

Considering the fact that this bike makes 44hp more than the standard S 1000 R, BMW have also equipped it with the same braking hardware as the M 1000 RR, featuring upgraded M brake calipers (supplied by Nissin) biting down upon twin 320mm discs at the front. Not only has BMW increased the power, they have also made the M 1000 R lighter than the S 1000 R by 9kg. This has been achieved by extensive use of carbon-fibre for all body panels, lighter forged aluminium wheels and a lighter battery. The carbon-fibre winglets aren’t for show either, at 220kph they provide 11kg of downforce on the M 1000 R. Helping you keep the rubber side down on this hairy-chested machine are the full suite of rider aids borrowed from the latest-gen S 1000 RR, including Race Pro riding modes and Brake Slide Assist. 

BMW M 1000 RR superbike: details

While the focus on the M 1000 R naked was more toward squeezing out more power, with the M 1000 RR, BMW has focused on improving the aerodynamics package of this fully-faired missile. To begin with, BMW has equipped the M 1000 RR with a taller windscreen fitted to the new full-carbon fibre front fairing, which not only helps improve airflow over the motorcycle at speed but also shelters the rider better at higher speeds. Then there are the redesigned carbon-fibre winglets which provide even greater downforce than before. At 300kph, the winglets provide 22.6kg of downforce (up 6.3kg from 16.3kg previously). 

BMW has also redesigned the carbon-fibre front fender, which now incorporates brake cooling ducts (also made of carbon-fibre) in an effort to improve airflow. The claim here is, cooler front brakes by up to 10 degrees. The M Competition variant takes things one step further by equipping the bike with carbon-fibre wheel covers, further lowering drag (only above 250kph), and is finished in all-black. 

As a result of all this aerodynamic wizardry, the newer model has 7 percent lesser drag and is able to achieve a higher top speed of 314kph (up 10kph from 304kph previously). 

BMW M 1000 R, M 1000 RR: pricing, India launch and rivals

Considering the fact that BMW had brought its M 1000 RR in very limited numbers to our shores at an astronomical price of Rs 42-45 lakh (depending on the variant) there is a strong possibility of these two bikes making their way to our shores as well, albeit in limited numbers. 

Currently, the most expensive S 1000 R M sport variant will set you back by Rs 22.50 lakh and when the M 1000 R is launched expect it to cost much higher than this bike considering the upgraded hardware and software on offer. Its only rival is the Rs 34.99 lakh Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP. Coming to the BMW M 1000 RR’s price, expect it to be hiked over its Rs 42-45 lakh price as well, considering the aerodynamic upgrades on offer. The M 1000 RR’s rival is the equivalent Ducati, the Rs 40.99 lakh Panigale V4 SP2. Unusually, this makes the BMW more expensive than the Ducati, which doesn’t happen all that often. 

Of these two ultra-exclusive track-bred machines, which is your pick? Let us know in the comments section below.