Text & photos by : Benjamin and Jean-Michel Salmon
BMW literally stands for « Bavarian Motor Works. » While the engine manufacturer has a strong image in the world of sports cars, it is paradoxically much more renowned for its high-end authoritarian road bikes … The S 1000 RR is the first true supersport from BMW that intends to compete with the Japanese models. BMW, with its German rigor, has not done things halfheartedly and offers us a perfectly conceived machine; both stylistically and mechanically. And to prove its racing ambitions, BMW has committed itself to the Superbike, with by definition, motorcycles similar to the series.
Appearance: A contemporary format
The original designation was 192 192: 192 HP for 192 kg. In the end, the S 1000 RR had 193 HP or 112 Nm for 186 kg, making it simultaneously, the most powerful motorcycle ever offered by BMW and the best power to weight ratio in its category. Visually dashing with its athletic proportions, the design is without an equivalent: asymmetric fairing, large gill openings on the left and right, front typically BMW, type banana aluminum swing arm, high performance stylish short exhaust, 17 inch wheels with 10 aluminum spokes and a seat that leaves no chance of taking a passenger along! Last refinement: the wind screen has patented cutouts that reduce turbulence. The integrated electronics provides access to critical information at a glance (digital speed, red needle on a white back drop for the tachometer and a white shift light …) and has a complete timing system to which it is possible to add a sensor or « Lap-trigger » to make the system function automatically.
Equipment: The heavy artillery
Technologically, BMW has incorporated certain innovations from the F1 such as a distribution using titanium pivot posts to reduce the moving mass of the four-cylinder 999 cc in-line variable electronic intake (the intake
tube lengths vary depending on the speed range for a fully powered engine at low speeds and very powerful revolutions). The electronic accelerator retains the feeling of a conventional mechanism while providing control and a gradual release of the throttle according to the aggressiveness of the selected engine program (rain, sport, race, slick). Valves control the opening or obstruction of the interference between the exhaust pipes according to engine speed, while a valve in the exhaust creates a well appreciated sound that meets noise emission and pollution standards. The center of the frame houses a forced air intake (this creates an increasesof 5.5 HP at 250 km/h on paper!). The upside-down fork with a 46 mm diameter and 120 mm of suspension travel allows 10 adjustments for compression and rebound (using the ignition key as a tool with a color code depending on the driving program) and the Brembo radially mounted 4-piston brake calipers bite a 320 mm double front disk conceived with aviation style brake hoses.
Kinetics: A ballistic missile
The motor was started on Camargue’s clear roads. With the average temperature not exceeding 5° C, the absence of the famous heated grips are missed and it will be a good idea to keep in mind that the tires will never reach optimum temperatures. Immediately the motorcycle shows a surprising mixture of fluidity and extraordinary performance. The S 1000 RR accelerates without a hint of roughness and managed to catapult us naturally from corner to corner with neither brutality nor shock. The thrust is colossal, and endless with the « shifter » enabling gear changing at full capacity without using the clutch. Thus, when we should be resigned to let go of the accelerator when approaching the gear change, we continue the wild acceleration with a gentle touch of the control … We find the true sensations of a F1 automatic gearbox! Magical. But everything goes so fast … and even properly seated behind the large aluminum tank, it is better not to hit the front brake too hard on this version which is still lacking an ABS. The index finger is enough to modify the pressure on the right trigger. Decelerations are radical and are at the height of expectations. The accelerations are perfectly linear; it is a well-oiled and durable machine that breathes reliability. Breaks are pretexts for time trials … almost 15,000 rpm at 150 km/h in first gear! Stable and seemingly effortless, the fact remains that the S 1000 R is a real racing machine. BMW has moreover committed it to Superbike and the world championship of endurance; let’s bet that it will be met with success. Be careful not to be too confident too quickly because overestimation quickly leads to error … The version with dynamic traction control (DTC) coupled with the Race ABS, optimizes movement during acceleration and safety during braking depending on conditions and the drivers’ skills. Indeed, four types of road conditions can be manually selected. The program « rain » is a guardian angel for riding on wet roads and giving the machine a safe grip. The programs « sport », « race » and « slick » gradually make power available based on certain stimulus: the tilt sensor multiplexes diverse information such as wheel rotation speed and the solicitation of the accelerator in order to manage the power of the motor’s response, preventing the rear wheel from slipping. The S 1000 RR is able to prevent wheelies without this fine electronic management being seen as « limiting » because it can be completely turned off.
Conclusion
The S 1000 RR is unlike any other BMW. It is indeed a superbike with a Japanese style: stripped of any superfluous weight, exhilarating from the moment it takes off until it reaches the red zone and wears the handles, lying on the asphalt. However, all of Munich’s know-how can be found: uncompromising performance mechanics combined with integrated electronics that are tempered and finely adaptive, depending on the driver’s abilities and road conditions.
Driver Equipment : ATLANTIS protective apparel: High protection, high fashion!
With details worthy of the little hands of great couturiers, this outfit consisting of a charcoal gray nubuck jacket and pants, is one of the rarity offering an elegant and salient cut with optimal protection not only in the event of a fall but also against bad weather. Even during violent showers, the Atlantis has kept us comfortably dry. The fall of an experienced driver at more than 100 km/h before our eyes was definitely convincing: not a single scratch from this unexpected five-star crash test … Surprising, the Atlantis guarantees a premium protection (knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, back) without giving you that typical frog look, even when you aren’t riding. To have a complete set of motorcycle apparel, BMW offers matching gloves and the essential « Pro Touring » boots which are reinforced in sensitive areas (toes, heel, shin and malleolus).
The authors wish to particularly thank:
Mr. Romain Prudhomme (Aviaxess) from the helicopter platform Issy-les-Moulineaux as well as Mrs. Pascale Nizet and Mrs. Marie-Christine Poilpré and their entire team for their hospitality at the MAE and in the « Hall Concord. The museum, open Tuesday to Sunday, offers free admission for the permanent collections. Airport Paris-Le Bourget BP 173-93352. Le Bourget cedex France Tel: +33 (0)1 49 92 70 00. www.museedelair.org .
