First Look: 2023 BMW M1000 R and M1000 RR

BMW’s launched not one but TWO new ‘M’ motorsports bikes for 2023 – an update to the current M1000 RR superbike homologation machine, and an all-new M1000 R hyper-naked roadster.

2023 BMW M1000 RR

First up is the new M1000 RR, which takes the current race-replica superbike, and adds a massive upgrade to the fairing and aerodynamics package, plus lashings of saucy carbon fibre components. The new fairing is bigger, giving more wind protection for the rider, but also cuts drag, and increases the M1000 RR’s top speed from 190 to 195mph – ideal for those flat-out Autobahn jaunts. The main fairing bracket is also new, using carbon fibre for extra strength with less weight.

2023 BMW M1000 RR

It’s the new aerodynamic devices which catch the eye though. First, the now-traditional winglets are much bigger, and are made of clear-coated carbon fibre. They are claimed to give an extra 6.3kg of downforce at 186mph, up to 22.6kg from 16.3kg before. That’s important, because it improves the stopping force possible on initial hard braking, cutting lap times, while also reducing the tendency to wheelie, and improving front end stability.

BMW M1000 RR

There’s more naked carbon fibre round the front wheel as well, with new carbon air ducts to help cool the front brake calipers, pads and discs, as well as funky new aerodynamic wheel covers. Attached to the fork lowers, these flat plates look to smooth the airflow around the spinning front wheel, helping it to re-attach to the lower fairing panels and cutting speed-sapping drag.

2023 BMW M1000 RR

Away from the radical front end, there are new carbon fibre M wheels available as an option, or forged aluminium rims as stock, and there are detail mods to the rear seat unit and seat. The race-ready engine remains the same, with two-ring forged racing pistons, Pankl titanium con-rods and a peak power output of 212bhp@14,500rpm. Kerb weight is also unchanged at 192kg.

The new M1000 RR will be on sale in April 2023, priced from £30,940

BMW M1000 RR highlights

NEW: Drastically optimised aerodynamics with more downforce even at lean angles, while at the same time increasing the top speed from 306 to 314 km/h.
NEW: New fairing in visible carbon fibre with new fairing front carrier made of carbon fibre and new visible carbon fibre M Winglets.
NEW: New visible carbon fibre front mudguard with integrated brake ducts.
NEW: M Aero Wheel Covers made from visible carbon fibre.
• NEW: M Carbon wheels with new surface and M Design Tapes.
NEW: Forged wheels optionally available
NEW: Newly designed rear section.
• NEW: Ergonomic M Endurance seat.
• NEW: Short number plate holder.
NEW: Modified wiring harness with LWS connector for even easier removal of the number plate holder with light units.
M RR 4-cylinder developed for racing purposes.
Output 156 kW (212 hp) at 14,500 rpm. • Maximum torque 113 Nm at 11,000 rpm.
2-ring forged pistons
Fully CNC machined intake ports and BMW ShiftCam technology to vary valve timing and lift.
Titanium valves, optimised camshafts and narrow and light cam followers.
Very light, compact basic engine with longer and 85 g lighter Pankl titanium connecting rods for reduced friction and weight compared to the S1000 RR.
Anti-hopping clutch without self-boosting optimised for race starts.
Optimised intake system with shorter intake funnels compared to the S 1000 RR for optimised charge exchange at high engine speeds.
Lightweight exhaust system with titanium manifold, front silencer and rear silencer.
Riding modes “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic”, “Race” and “Race Pro1- 3” as well as the latest generation of Dynamic Traction Control DTC and DTC wheelie function with 6-axis sensor box.
Two adjustable throttle characteristics available now for optimum response. “Engine Brake” with triple adjustability of engine drag torque in “Race Pro” mode.
Shift Assistant Pro for fast upshifts and downshifts without using the clutch. The shifting scheme can be easily reversed for race track use.
Launch Control for perfect race starts and Pit Lane Limiter for keeping to the given speed precisely in the pit lane.
Hill Start Control Pro for comfortably starting off on inclines.
M Brakes: Maximum braking performance on the race track.
Instrument cluster with large, perfectly readable 6.5-inch TFT display, start-up animation with M logo and OBD interface for M GPS Datalogger and M GPS Laptrigger.
Lightweight M battery, rear USB charging socket, powerful LED light units, electronic cruise control and heated grips.
M Competition package with M GPS Laptrigger and activation code, M milled parts package, M Carbon package, natural anodised swinging arm 220 g lighter than the basic variant, DLC-coated M Endurance chain and pillion package including hump cover.
Extensive range of optional accessories and special equipment ex works.

2023 BMW M1000 R

If you want your ‘M’ bike kicks in a more road-biased format, then the M1000 R – or M Roadster – could be just the ticket. It’s essentially a naked version of the new 2023 S1000 RR, with the same ShiftCam engine, putting out 210bhp, flex-frame chassis design, DDC semi-active suspension and M brake components. It’s also got a new bodywork design, with radical aerodynamic winglets for the first time.

2023 BMW M1000 R

Mounted on the radiator side covers, these aero devices produce more downforce on the front end – even more important on a high-performance unfaired machine – giving 11kg of stabilising force on the front wheel at 135mph. Added to the sleek tail unit, compact headlight surround and wide handlebars, the new aero winglets give the M1000 R a hardcore look that’s more than up to the likes of Ducati’s Streetfighter V4S or Aprilia’s RSV4 1100 Tuono.

2023 BMW M1000 R

The new M Roadster offers a massive jump in performance over the standard S1000 R, which remains on sale. It’s got a massive 45bhp more peak power than the S1000 R, with much more radical chassis technology and track-friendly equipment. The standard bike is a cracker in its own right – but the new M1000 R is a very different beast in comparison.

The new M1000 R will be on sale in April 2023, priced from £19,480.

BMW M1000 R tech highlights

M RR shift cam engine, output 154 kW (210 hp) at 13,750 rpm, 45 hp more than the S 1000 R. Maximum torque of 113 Nm at 11,000 rpm (S 1000 R: 114 Nm at 9,250 rpm).
Shorter secondary gear ratio (sprocket with 47 teeth instead of 45).
Shorter gear ratios of 4th, 5th and 6th gear.
Optimised intake system with variable intake funnels for improved charge exchange at high engine speeds.
Titanium rear silencer.
M Endurance chain.
Riding modes “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic”, “Race” and “Race Pro1- 3” as well as the latest generation of Dynamic Traction Control DTC and DTC wheelie function with 6-axis sensor box.