The new and improved 2019 BMW S 1000 RR is finally here. Not only does it get a design overhaul, it gets mechanical changes as well, and some quite comprehensive ones at that. Now, we’re already riding the motorcycle at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida to get the feel of the bike first hand. But until then, here’s everything you need to know about BMW’s latest litre-class track tamer.
Gone is the iconic asymmetrical headlamp assembly
What is the first thing that pops into your head when you think about the BMW S 1000 RR? The asymmetrical headlamp design, right? Well, we’ve got some bad news for you. Along with the completely revised bodywork, the folks at BMW Motorrad have done away with the unique headlamp design and gone for a more “conventional” look.
The overall design is now more symmetrical and compact than before, a far cry from the bulbous looks of the older bike. To keep the design as tight as possible, the front indicators have now been integrated into the mirrors while the tail lamp has been located between the two rear turn indicators.
The main benefit of all this is that you can remove the mirrors and number plate kit for track days, which will get rid of the lights as well. So more weight reduction.
It packs a (stronger) punch
Powering the 2019 BMW S 1000 RR is a revised 999cc, in-line four-cylinder motor which now makes 207PS (up by 8PS) of power at 8,500rpm and 113Nm of torque at 11,000rpm (500 revs higher). It also gets a 6-speed gearbox with a bi-directional quickshifter.
BMW has now equipped the motorcycle with its ‘ShiftCam Technology,’ which is essentially Variable Valve Timing (VVT). This helps the S 1000 RR offer better low-end grunt without compromising on top end performance. The engineers at BMW have also revised the internals to make the engine slimmer and 4kg lighter than before.
It comes packed with electronics to keep you err, grounded!
In order to completely and safely utilise that 200PS of power, the S 1000 RR comes with a host of rider aids. This includes a six-axis IMU (inertial measurement unit), cornering ABS, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), hill start assist and engine brake control. As if that wasn’t enough, BMW will also offer something called ’Pro mode’ which adds launch control, wheelie control, pit-lane limiter, slide control and additional riding modes (Race Pro 1-3) to the mix.
You also get four riding modes as standard – Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race, which can be accessed through the massive 6.5-inch TFT display. Also, unlike the last-gen motorcycle, the 2019 iteration comes with all-LED lighting.
It has lost a lot of weight
Weight shedding is the theme here. Apart from the lighter engine, the 2019 BMW S 1000 RR also gets a redesigned chassis and a WSBK-inspired aluminium swingarm. At 197kg, this has helped in reducing 11kg of weight compared to the older model.
If you opt for the top-of-the-line ‘Pro M Sport’ variant the weight further drops down to 193.5kg, thanks to lightweight carbon wheels, M lightweight battery, M Chassis kit with ride height adjustment and a pivot for the swingarm.
It will set you back by Rs 18.50 lakh
Considering the whole host of updates, BMW has slapped a price tag of Rs 18.50 lakh on the 2019 BMW S 1000 RR. This makes it just Rs 45,000 more expensive than before! The German brand will also sell the ‘Pro’ and ‘Pro M Sport variants for Rs 20.95 lakh (up by Rs 20,000) and Rs 22.95 lakh respectively (all prices ex-showroom Delhi). As mentioned earlier, the ‘Pro’ variant packs an additional set of electronics, while the ‘M Sport’ variant comes with a lightweight set of components.
At this price point, it competes against the Ducati Panigale V4, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, Honda CBR 1000 RR and the Yamaha YZF-R1.
Source: zigwheels.com
