Friendly Beast

BMW's ultra-aggressive M 1000 RR homologation special enters the ring with improved aerodynamics and a claimed top speed of 314 km/h

- Adam 'Chad' Child

WHEN A MANUFACTURER updates a sports bike, especially a homologation special designed to compete in the World Superbike W Championship, we would normally expect a hike up in power. However, in the case of the M 1000 RR, BMW have chosen to leave the bike's ShiftCam engine alone and instead concentrate on improving its aerodynamics.

Despite no change in its power output, the 2023 M 1000 RR and the even racier M 1000 RR M Competition (the bike we have on test here) are actually faster than the 2022 model. That is because its distinctive new bodywork and huge wings have done something remarkable by making it both more slippery through the air and increasing downforce by a staggering 40 per cent. Top speed has increased from 306 km/h to 314 km/h, but so had the downforce, meaning BMW have done what many struggle to do.

Our test of the new M was conducted during a three-day track-only fast riding course at the Mugello MotoGP circuit in Italy with the https://racing-school-europe.com in partnership with BMW and the lead instructor, two-time World Superbike Champion Troy Corsa.

Changes in the M 1000 RR's chassis are negligible ("if it's not broken, why fix it?") while its wet weight of 192 kilograms remains unchanged. The big talking points are those huge wings and the improved aerodynamics of new carbon bodywork. BMW claim the wings add so much cornering grip that corner speeds and lean angles are noticeably higher; which should, in theory, cut lap-times.