Supreme performance and dynamics from every angle.

The S 1000 RR comes in the unmistakable design language and look of BMW Motorrad. Asymmetries intentionally used in the design of the machine as well as the typical split of the front silhouette into two halves, the so-called Split Face, are design features characteristic of BMW Motorrad now also borne out proudly and distinctly on the new S 1000 RR.

The S 1000 RR stands out clearly from its competitors through the looks of the machine alone, the extremely slender fairing giving the S 1000 RR an extremely sporting appearance. Again, these attributes clearly follow the overall design of the machine with its short and low front end, the high and compact rear, as well as the intentional look of lightness.

The low-slung front fairing and the high-rising, muscular rear end are almost reminiscent of a hungry animal ready to pounce at any time. Slender, dynamic proportions clearly characterise this well-trained, athletic supersports. From the front the most outstanding features are the asymmetric split of the headlight as well as the large centre air intake clearly demonstrating that on this machine the wind rushing by is converted into additional performance.

Asymmetric headlights in endurance look.

The individual lines of the S 1000 RR refl ect the design line of BMW Motorrad. The Split Face, for example, an enhancement of the design of existing BMW models, clearly expresses the technical functions of the machine with its highly effi cient central air intake and the aerodynamically optimised windshield.

The Split Face, a black, grained surface on the upper section of the fairing around the headlights, divides the upper section of the fairing, as seen from the front, into two “halves of a face”, thus ensuring both excitement and a truly unique look.

In its design and size, the main headlight takes up the typical look of the starter numbers on an endurance racing machine, while for constructional reasons alone the high-beam headlight is much smaller. Apart from this asymmetry creating both excitement and dynamism, the Split Face serves to subdivide the large painted surface in visual terms, giving the upper section of the fairing an even lighter and more sporting look.

Yet another design feature of all BMW motorcycles is the clear separation of the upper and lower fairing sections also to be admired on the S 1000 RR. So while the Split Face so typical of BMW , in combination with the asymmetric headlights of the S 1000 RR reminiscent of endurance racing, creates a truly unmistakable face, the optical split dividing the upper and lower section of the fairing gives the entire motorcycle a particularly light and challenging look.

Light and dynamic design language.

The S 1000 RR will immediately catch your eye with its side fairing sections finished in the body colour of the machine. The dividing line down the side interacts with the dynamic lines of the motorcycle as a whole, extending upwards all the way to the rear end to ensure extremely light and dynamic design language. The asymmetric shape of the headlights continues into the side fairings. While the left-hand side is dominated by a large opening for discharging hot air, the right-hand side stands out through its extremely dynamic and unmistakable fin look.

The frame, wheel guidance elements and wheels further emphasise the motorcycle’s transparency and lightness, thus underlining the extreme level of technology BMW Motorrad has set out to achieve with the S 1000 RR.

The 50:50 split of the twin-tip engine spoiler is refl ected as yet another sign of distinction by the rear light cluster in clear glass.

Striking rear silencer in racing look.

Full observance of even the strictest noise and emission standards despite supreme engine power was one of the objectives in developing the exhaust system for the new S 1000 RR. But at the same time the development engineers attached the same significance to maintaining the slender silhouette and the dynamic, light-looking appearance of the S 1000 RR, not wishing to spoil this unique look with an excessively large rear muffl er.

Using sophisticated technology already described in detail in the Drivetrain Chapter, the engineers succeeded in developing a rear muffl er with the design and dimensions formerly to be found only on racing machines. Short, slightly conical in shape and with a slanted rear end, the muffl er accentuates the sporting performance and dynamic character of the S 1000 RR most impressively, blending perfectly with the overall design concept characterised by a light and truly dynamic look.

Intelligent lightweight construction with exceptional details and solutions.

The search for minimum weight is refl ected throughout the S 1000 RR in virtually every feature. As usual, the overall concept developed by BMW Motorrad from the start provides the key to success, the front load-bearing section serving not only to hold the instrument cluster, the rear-view mirrors, the headlights, the horn and the upper section of the fairing, but also, through its duct-like design, guiding air through the ram-air system. And in order to reduce weight to an absolute minimum and concentrate all masses close to the centre of gravity, the front section is made of extra-light pressure-cast aluminium.

To achieve the truly demanding weight target of just 204 kg or 450 lb (without Race ABS) in road trim with a full tank, the S 1000 RR comes as the only supersports in this segment with a custom-built fuel tank made of deep-drawn aluminium and manufactured in close cooperation with BMW ’s Eisenach Plant.

Wall thickness on the various fairing sections also refl ects the rule to minimise the weight of the machine, the walls ranging in thickness, depending on their purpose, from less than 2 millimetres to a maximum of 2.5 millimetres (0.08–0.10"), thus ensuring effi cient lightweight construction also in this respect.

Supreme aerodynamics on all features.

Not least, the development team responsible for the S 1000 RR also focused on the superior aerodynamics and streamlining of the machine. The big advantage is that this means not only a minimum drag coeffi cient, but also other, even more complex requirements such as the extraction of heat from the radiator and the exhaust gas system as a particularly challenging task, given the compact construction of the S 1000 RR.

The new S 1000 RR offers the rider the best protection from wind and weather available in the supersports segment. At the same time specifi cally applied, patented openings in the windshield prevent any undesired swirl effect, keeping pressure on the rider’s helmet and upper body to a pleasantly low level even at high speeds.

Ideal overall ergonomics and a front wheel-oriented seating position.

One of the objectives in developing the S 1000 RR was to make the motorcycle particularly slender and compact. And precisely this is refl ected not only by the overall dimensions of the machine, but also by specifi c parameters such as length, width, and height. Indeed, the rider can even feel the compact structure of the S 1000 RR, particular attention being given to keeping the machine as slender as possible around the rider’s knees, following the principle that to ride well you have to sit well.

The benchmark set and achieved here was ensure compact dimensions otherwise to be found only in the 600-cc supersports segment. The active, cool, calm and collected, front wheel-oriented seating position is simply ideal for the rider and a sporting style of riding. From the start BMW Motorrad attached great significance to refined ergonomics, meeting the needs of both the short and the tall driver ideally and thus ensuring perfect riding conditions at all times.

Developing the new S 1000 RR, the engineers at BMW Motorrad were able to achieve optimum overall ergonomics from the start, without the need for all kinds of adjustments and different settings. However, BMW Motorrad still offers fully adjustable HP footrests as special equipment for greater customisation of the machine, making sure that the footrests allow a wide range of adjustment offered completely by the shift linkage bars extending through the frame and therefore avoiding the need for any subsequent change in gearshift kinematics.

Direct integration of the shift bars and the position of the pivot points on the production model ensure maximum shift precision right from the start, together with minimum operating forces and the best possible feeling when shifting.

The wide range of special equipment also includes folding HP brake and clutch levers for further customisation of the S 1000 RR to an even higher standard.