BMW S1000RR Gallery

BMW S 1000 RR Babe

BMW S1000RR Wallpaper

BMW S1000RR Motor Sport

BMW S1000RR Black

BMW S1000RR Road Test

BMW S1000RR Racing

D1200R – BMW Based Concept Motorcycle

Every now and then, one of the many emails we receive from designers and builders stands out from the crowd, and this project, the BMW D1200R by Pablo Gonzalez de Chaves and Carlos Beltran, is one of the best to come along in quite some time.

Pablo started with the idea of improving and transforming the BMW R1200R into a new motorcycle, with a new front suspension, a new chassis, essentially a whole new design. His design work is first rate and if he stopped at that point, it would be considered well done, but he didn’t stop there, the project continued with the creation of hard parts and assembly into the actual motorcycle he envisioned on the computer screen. There’s nothing like testing your skills by making the actual pieces fit together and perform in the real world.

The year long project began with a BMW R1200R fitted with sensors and taken to the track where a great deal of performance data was gathered. Then the motorcycle was disassembled, extensive measurements were taken, entered into the computer and the redesign began.

The design started with pencil sketches, progressed to Photoshop and finally took shape in CAD and 3D modeling software. The design data was then used for the machining necessary to create the parts. Assembly surprises were limited due to the careful design work and after the motorcycle was complete, it was taken back to the track where the initial data was gathered and performance was compared with favorable results. Some areas for improvement were noted and some revisions will be incorporated as work continues.

The chassis for the D1200R is made from milled aluminum and sharp eyed readers may notice the front brake is from a Buell XB12. Lights are LEDs. The front suspension, similar to designs by Foale and Parker, was purposely left exposed for aesthetic reasons and I have to agree, it looks good that way, showing off the extensive redesign. Pablo’s website visually documents the whole process to give you an idea of the work involved.

Pablo has considerable training in the field of motorcycle design, holds a MSc in Motorsport Engineering and has work experience with Lamborghini, among others. He has 2 earlier designs on his site, one a 600cc inline 4 cylinder streetfighter and the other an electric scooter. It looks like the he’s putting his skills to good use. Excellent work!

UPDATE: Pablo wanted to add that Carlos Beltran also played a very large part in the mechanical design portion of this project and I have added his name above. Nice work, Carlos! (I should have noted his name earlier but I was relying on translations of the pages and it was a little confusing.)

Link: DeChaves Garage

BMW S1000RR Breaks Cover in America

The recent Miller Motorsports Park round of World Superbike races marked the unveiling of BMW’s new 2010 S1000RR sportbike to the US market. And while the talk and buzz surrounding the actual machine and all it has to offer was high, no doubt piquing everyone’s interest was their loose pricing claims. But not in a typical BMW-high way. Quite the opposite.

“We will be within $1000 of the competition,” said Pieter de Waal, VP of BMW Motorrad USA. And by competition, he refers not to the exotic Ducati and Aprilia sportbikes you may think, but the run-of-the-mill Japanese 1000cc sportbikes; the affordable bikes of the bunch. Which, depending on where their prices fall for 2010, should have the base S1000RR coming into American for roughly $14,000. Which, for a BMW packed full of high-tech engineering (even in base from), this seems almost unbelievable. Though considering they are aiming for nearly 90% of sales to be conquest sales from the Japanese makers, this would make sense.

How they will do it and still make a profit? Now, that will be the tough part. And an important part at that. According to De Waal the success of the entire BMW Motorrad division rests in some part on the success of the S1000RR. Talk about pressure.

After four years in the making, we had a chance to get a close-up look at the new Beemer in the flesh at MMP to see what all one gets for supposedly “under $14,000.”

Technical Features

Titanium valves, both intake and exhaust, are actuated by equally small and light single cam followers. Valve play is compensated by means of adjustment platelets running on the spring plates.

“For us the key is to come to market with a product that will out-perform the competition in your (magazine and website) shootouts, as this is what the consumer basis a lot of their buying decisions on,” continued De Waal. “Most people will not go to the track and may not be able to push a bike like this to 99% of its limits, so it is important to us to set the fastest lap times and make the most horsepower in your comparisons as this show the buyers which bike is most capable.”

Starting with the engine, BMW is claiming a strong 193 horsepower at the crank, putting it right in the mix, or even at the upper end of the liter-class competition. Not to mention they claim a whopping rev-ceiling of 14,200rpm, well over that of the competition. Bore and stroke comes in at a very oversquare 80mm x 49.7mm, making for a displacement of 999cc. In fact, at 80mm it’s the biggest bore in the literbike segment. But much of the BMW S1000RR engine’s capability is the result of their Formula-1 derived valvetrain system.

Exiting spent gasses is a uniquely-designed exhaust system, featuring a host of race technology mixed in with the emissions requirements.

Titanium valves, both intake and exhaust, are actuated by equally small and light single cam followers. Valve play is compensated by means of adjustment platelets running on the spring plates. On the intake side the spring plates are made of light aluminum-fiber material. Combined with a small sprocket driving each cam via an intermediate gear and lightweight cam followers, it allows higher revving of the engine with equal reliability.

Another design highlight of the cylinder head is the arrangement of the cam follower axes, as both the intake and the exhaust followers are facing to the rear in the direction of travel. This keeps the cylinder head slimmer. All told this also means the engine weighs a feather light 132 lbs.

Exiting spent gasses is a uniquely-designed 4-2-1 exhaust system, featuring a host of race technology mixed in with the emissions requirements designed to meet government regulations while still providing as much usable power as possible. It uses a short rear end muffler, pre-silencer and electronically controlled interference pipe flaps, as well as a fully controlled exhaust gas manifold and two fully controlled three-way catalytic converters.

Active safety when braking is significantly enhanced by Race ABS developed especially for the S1000RR as a genuine supersports and available as an option straight from the factory.

Slowing things is an available race-capable ABS braking system. While still keeping the machine’s weight at a claimed 450 lbs, BMW claims it is the lightest supersport 1000 with ABS, and they developed the system almost entirely on the racetrack, to aid in track prowess instead of take away from it. Part of the optional add-ons is the DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) system, which features settings from Rain to Sport to Racetrack and Racetrack Slicks. Included in the system are wheel-speed sensors that provide the rider a host of TC (Traction Control) options at the flick of a switch. While unconventional as to how it’s displayed, we can’t wait to try the systems. BMW has it down to a science on the M-series high-performance sports cars, so it will be extremely interesting to see how it works on their first true supersport motorcycle.

As a stressed-member of the aluminum frame, the engine sits a 32% angle for claimed optimum weight distribution, while suspension up front is the latest in inverted fork fare, sitting 46mm in diameter. Out back a fully-adjustable race-bred shock controls a “very torsionally-stiff” box-type aluminum swingarm.

Supreme aerodynamics and sporting ergonomics ideal for both the tall and short rider.

Further keeping weight down is an aluminum gas tank, something not regularly seen in this market due to cost. Gauges feature an almost overwhelming amount of information, traditional BMW-style, though we would venture to guess once used to the interface they would come in quite handy. Rounding out the new machine is revolutionary-styled bodywork. Showcasing an asymmetrical design with one side of the fairing slightly different than the other and two different headlights up front, the angular skins have been much talked about since the bike first broke cover.
“For us we needed to come up with something different,” De Waal said of the design. “If we make a Japanese lookalike then people would quickly criticize and with it being different people may not love it right away, but we are better off doing our own thing than making another Japanese bike. It’s already an Inline-Four, so it was important for us to separate ourselves from the competition with regards to styling.”

As for the pricing, considering current Japanese literbikes come in right around $12,999 on average, that would currently put the S1000RR at $13,999 in base from. Of course optional equipment like DTC will come at a cost, though according to BMW these will be very competitively priced. It’s reasonable to assume that a fully-loaded S1000 would hit dealerships around $16,000-$17,000, putting it well under the equally-equipped $21,795 Ducati 1198S. We’ll believe it when we see it. But if so, BMW could have a real winner on its hands in the 1000RR.

"For a brand-new team with a brand new motorcycle these guys are doing an amazing job." - Ruben Xaus

Racing, Racing, Racing

In a smart move, BMW took advantage to World Superbike’s fairly loose homologation rules to use 2009 as a development year for the S1000RR by fielding a full-factory BMW Motorrad team with riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus.

In typical BMW fashion, instead of going the tradition route and outsourcing some of the tougher things to make, such as racing electronics, they have opted to do nearly it all in-house. But this is the BMW way. If you know anything about its racing history in other sports, when BMW wins, BMW wins. Not ones to like much help, BMW hasn’t made things easy by joining what could arguably be the most competitive form of road racing on the planet on an all-new motorcycle, one which they insist to develop as much in-house as possible.

All this considered, BMW results thus far have been impressive. Corser has been seen in the top-10 on a semi-regular basis, while Xaus pulled off an impressive fifth-place in Monza, Italy, a few weeks back. Miller was a weekend the BMW squad would rather forget, missing Superpole for the first time all season in qualifying, with Corser finishing a best of 15th in Race 1.

While BMW has been able to make impressive power from the new machine, getting it to the ground is the tougher task.

Troy Corser has been seen in the top-10 on a semi-regular basis aboard the S1000RR.

“We have plenty of power, but getting it to work in the right order is hard,” said Xaus. “But for a brand-new team with a brand new motorcycle these guys are doing an amazing job. Right now we just need to work with the electronics to get the power to the ground more smoothly and this will help in all areas (of the bike). I’m really happy to be here though and I know the bike can win once we get the time to develop it.”

In reality, though, this provides the ultimate proving grounds for the new machine and that’s what it is all about. By year’s end BMW will have raced against the best in the world at tracks all over the world with technology that will directly trickle down to the production machine.

In Our Eyes

When first laying eyes on photos of the S1000RR we were a little skeptical. In the flesh our minds were quickly changed.

Having spent a great deal of time both riding and driving BMW machines, plus their extensive and impressive racing history on both two and four wheels, there’s little doubt in my mind the S1000RR will impress once in the saddle (we’ll be the first on the scene to ride it – expect a First Ride sometime in November). But the big question is: What about those looks? When first laying eyes on photos of the BMW we were a little skeptical. In the flesh our minds were quickly changed.

The asymmetrical bodywork looks sleek and fast, though very unconventional, while fit and finish is undoubtedly typical BMW first-class. And best of all, this unconventional styling has assured it is by no means a cookie-cutter Inline-Four. While still not totally sold on the green color, both the silver, black and BMW-racing inspired graphics work well and highlight the machine’s shape equally effectively – especially the BMW-racing colored edition (this will cost extra, though).

One to always impressive in terms of performance with its sports car lineup, it looks like BMW has finally followed suit in its two-wheeled department. And while it may take some time for the oddly-pointed taillight and one round headlight to grow on us, I can tell you that come shootout time next year if the bike is top of the time sheets as they say it will be, we’ll have no trouble getting to like those lights real quick. In this segment performance is the ultimate aphrodisiac, so the real answers will come in a couple months when we get a chance twist that right grip with the red mist. Stay tuned as this is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated new bikes of the upcoming season.

2009 BMW S1000RR First Look

The first pictures of the production version of the BMW S1000RR supersport motorcycle have been unveiled at BMW’s Berlin production plant. Until now, only the carbon-fiber clad World Superbike-spec version has been seen in action. This 403-lb performance riding machine is as high tech as any M-series automobile the Bavarian-based company has ever produced. Everything from traction-control to ABS as well as high-tech engine internals will make this first-ever BMW superbike a legitimate challenger to the Italian and Japanese sportbikes that have ruled the racetracks and back-canyon bi-ways of our little blue planet. Below is the press release on the unveiling as provided by BMW. -Ken

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After weeks of waiting, we finally got to see what the full road version looks like and we like what we see.

Staff and fans of BMW Motorrad are looking forward to March 1, 2009 with great excitement. At the introductory race to the Superbike World Championship in Phillip Island, Australia, two BMW motorcycles will be in the starting line-up for the first time. After recent tests in Portimao and Valencia, riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus are optimistic about the future and the mood in the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team is positive. The racing bikes will be fairly close to serial production models, allowing for the greater audience identification characteristic of the sport. Behind the scenes meanwhile, production of the serial machine is getting underway: the BMW S 1000 RR.

The package of this completely newly developed motorcycle with its 999cc in-line 4-cylinder engine is very compact and light. The dry weight of the motorcycle is 183 kg.

Both its supreme performance figures and its outstanding riding properties make the BMW S1000RR an extremely attractive offer in the supersports segment.

This shot gives a close look at the chassis and frame of BMW's S1000RR Superbike.

The engine has a very compact cylinder head and is narrow in shape. The valves are activated by means of very small, light cam followers, virtually at Formula 1 level in terms of their dimensions. This construction ensures very high engine speeds and allows maximum freedom in engine design in terms of torque and output.

For the supersports bike BMW S1000RR, a completely newly developed sports ABS featuring four different modes as well as the dynamic traction control system DTC will be available. The functional principle of the traction control system has been borrowed directly from racing.

Bikes are ready to roll out to dealerships in the next few months. A price and release date for the US market will be available soon.

The distinctive design of the S 1000 RR reflects the general style of the segment but also clearly represents the brand BMW. The new S1000RR will be available in the four finishes Mineral Silver metallic, Acid Green metallic, Thunder Grey metallic and - based on the BMW Motorrad racing colours - Alpine White/Lupine Blue/Magma Red.

The serial production machine BMW S1000RR will be presented to the public in the early summer of 2009 but can already be ordered in dealerships.

Officially Official: BMW S 1000 RR race bike

Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW S 1000 RR

Let the speculation end! BMW has officially pulled the covers off of its S 1000 RR race bike, which will sprout a production model next year. General Director of BMW Motorrad Hendrik von Kuenheim says that the company is committed to building 1,000 units of the new model next year. Featuring a 1000cc inline-four transversely mounted between the frame rails and an upside-down front fork, the RR is rather conventional by BMW standards. This has allowed the Motorrad to keep the bike as compact as possible, which can be attested to by the fact that it has been spotted lapping tracks in Yamaha R6 bodywork. So far, no specifications have been given regarding power levels, but we fully expect it to be competitive with the Superbike front-runners. Traction control is also reportedly put to good use. Judging from the extensive use of (bare) carbon fiber, we'd expect the weight to be on par with the competition, as well. There's an entire speech pasted after the break, so be sure to check it out.

BMW plans to crack the top ten next year in World Superbike racing and is expecting podium finishes the following year. Considering the fact that the Big Four Japanese manufacturers literally have a head start measuring a few decades on BMW, it's probably wise to set attainable goals for now. Though we're looking forward to more details regarding the S 1000 RR superbike, at least we have some pretty pictures to gaze at until then.

BMW K 1300 S

Background - The BMW K1300S
BMW announced updates to the K 1200 series at the 2008 Intermot show in Germany. They sent us 85 pages (!) of information covering the BMW K 1300 S, BMW K 1300 GT and BMW K 1300 R, with even a little S 1000 RR thrown in for good measure.

This much information means that BMW is counting on this as a major release. But...we can't help but wonder if this is a case of "too much, too late"?

With the global economic meltdown of 2008, worldwide extreme fuel prices and the difficult loan situation in many countries, a $20k bike with a 1300 cc engine may not be the best strategy. Meanwhile, at least in North America, dealers are completely sold out of smaller, fuel-efficient 125 cc to 500 cc motorcycles for the first time in decades, due to the new riders coming online and high fuel prices motivating buyers to look for MPG rather than HP.

In any case, the production schedule for the new K 1300 series was probably set several years ago, so there isn't much that BMW can do about it. And 1300 cc should be quite a kick...may as well go down in flames as the world comes to an end!

Here is an edited version of their information on the revised K 1300 S; we'll follow up with the rest of the new K 1300 series as soon as we can wade through the rest of the 85-page press release covering these new models.

BMW S 1000 RR

BMW S 1000 RR - Click above for a high-res image gallery

BMW has finally pulled the wraps off its new S 1000 RR superbike, and let's just say we're anything but disappointed. First, the most important bits: 193 horsepower at 13,000 RPM, 82.5 lb-ft of torque at 9,750 RPM, 455.3 pounds with a full tank of gas. For those keeping track – which is probably just about anyone interested enough to read this post – those statistics are enough to give the big Beemer the most horsepower and best power-to-weight ratio of all literbikes intended for public consumption.

Technophiles and anyone else wanting to post the best lap times possible will also be pleased to know that the S 1000 RR will be available with factory ABS and an extremely advanced traction control system. There's also an HP Gearshift Assistant that will allow for full-power clutchless upshifts.

Surely the most controversial element of the bike's otherwise conventional styling will be the asymmetrical headlights, which are the only immediately noticeable link to the rest of BMW's motorcycle lineup. Expect U.S. sales to begin early in 2010 for what's expected to be a rather attractive price. Want to know more? Click past the break to see a video of the bike in action and BMW's official press release.