BMW is gearing up to launch its flagship superbike, the 2023 S 1000 RR in India on December 10. As we reported earlier, the bike gets some significant changes over its predecessor. It now makes 210hp (up 3hp on the older model), gets a chassis that allows more lateral flex and for the first time, the S 1000 RR features winglets.
Updates
With flagship superbikes today increasingly closing the gap to the 220hp figure, BMW has ensured the S 1000 RR doesn’t get left behind, and has managed to squeeze 3hp more out of its engine, taking its power output to 210hp at a sky-high 13,750rpm. Torque, however, stays the same at 113Nm. This increase in output has been made possible with a new intake geometry and revised intake funnels.
The chassis has undergone some significant work and now allows more lateral flex. In layman’s terms, the frame is now less stiff and theoretically, it shouldn’t get unsettled that easily. Further increasing stability is the longer wheelbase, now standing at 1,458mm, a more relaxed 23.6 degree rake angle and a lengthened trail at 99mm. The sum of all these changes is that the new model should, in theory, be a slightly slower steering bike while improving stability.
Electronics and aerodynamics
The electronics package has also been updated, with much more track-focused riding aids. The bike now features Slide Control, allowing the rear tyre to step out of line before cutting power. The ABS has also been updated with a new Slick mode and a new Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), which ignores accidental inputs from the electronic throttle after detecting a certain level of deceleration.
However, the change that will be most noticeable has happened on the outside, with the 2023 BMW S 1000 RR, featuring winglets for the first time. The winglets on the S 1000 RR are visually very similar to the race-replica BMW M 1000 RR, but provide 10kg of downforce as compared to the 16kg on the M 1000 RR. The tail section too has been revised for a sleeker look and is more aerodynamic now as well.
India launch, pricing and rivals
The 2023 BMW S 1000 RR is going to be launched in India on December 10. In international markets, the price has been hiked by GBP 700 (approx Rs 68,000) so expect a similar price hike here as well. The current model starts at Rs 19.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and goes up to Rs 23.95 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the range-topping Pro M Sport. Rivals for this flagship Beemer include the likes of the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 range, Aprilia’s RSV4 1100 range and the Honda Fireblade.