BMW S 1000 RR SuperSports Street Motorcycle
Part 4: Electrics, Body, Colors, Accessories and Specifications

wBW Special Report - Edited by webBikeWorld Staff

BMW S1000RR: Part 4

1. Electrics and Electronics

The S 1000 RR comes as standard with a light 10 Ah battery.  Whenever fitted with an anti-theft warning system as an option, the machine features a 12 Ah battery offering a longer service life and practical benefits.

Again with the objective to ensure maximum engine performance, the S 1000 RR features a fully controlled fuel pump operating at a maximum pressure of 5 bar. 

Multi-functional instrument cluster with racing features.
The instrument cluster comes with a large, easy-to-read LCD display as well as an analogue rev counter also with a clear scale very easy to read.  In developing the instrument cluster, the responsible engineers and other specialists attached utmost attention to clarity and the avoidance of any reflections in the display.

Apart from the gear currently in mesh, the display also presents the mode currently chosen by the rider, that is Rain, Sport, Race, or Slick.  The rider is able to switch from one mode to the other from the right-hand end of the handlebar also while riding, simply pulling the clutch and turning the gas handle in idle to confirm the change in mode.

The instrument cluster featured on the S 1000 RR comes with a far wider range of functions than is generally the case in this class, making it absolutely unique in the supersports segment in terms of its wide range of options and practical use.

As an example, the rider may switch over the display to the race track mode, receiving information on his current, best and latest lap times.  And in conjunction with the lap-trigger likewise available as special equipment, the rider is able to make precise time measurements for the subsequent analysis of data.

A gearshift light fl ash integrated in the system and adjustable in terms of frequency and brightness allows the driver to achieve precisely the shift speed required.  At the same time this flashlight may also be used as an engine speed indicator for starting in a race, flashing on and off at the appropriate speed – approximately 9,000 rpm – for an optimum start.

Whenever engine speed is too low, the light flash will go off. Whenever engine speed is too high, the light display will come on permanently.  A final important point is that the instrument cluster in the S 1000 RR is the lightest of its kind.

BMW S1000RR in Acid Green Metallic

Dynamic, Asymmetric Lightweight Headlights
The asymmetric configuration and layout of the main and high-beam headlights comes from endurance racing, applying the principle of maximum effect on minimum weight.  Precisely this is why the high-beam headlight is much smaller than the low-beam unit.

The front direction indicators come off easily and quickly for racing the S 1000 RR on the track.  Similarly, the number plate support including the rear direction indicators and number plate light may be removed very quickly, simply by pulling a plug and unscrewing three fastening bolts.

LED direction indicators for further customization are available as an option.  The LED rear light cluster comes as standard in clear glass design, use of LEDs instead of conventional bulbs ensuring reliable and maintenance-free operation and offering a much longer service life.

New electrical switches for optimum control.
The S 1000 RR features the new generation of switches and hand controls already introduced on the K 1300 S. Using MID (Molded Interconnect Device) technology, these new switches are far smaller and more compact, offering supreme function, clear design and optimum accessibility.

Previously separated from one another, the switches for the direction indicators at the left and right are now combined in one function on the left handlebar, avoiding any confusion of the direction indicators and the horn.  The hazard warning flashers are operated by a separate switch within easy reach on the left handlebar.

Operation of the low and high beam as well as the light flash is controlled by one single switch the rider is able to operate conveniently with his left index finger. 

A truly unique feature versus the competition and a very practical highlight is the selection and operation of all functions and settings on the instrument cluster from the left handlebar.  A toggle switch also on the left handlebar enables the rider to conveniently operate both Race ABS and DTC.  And to choose the appropriate engine mode, finally, the rider just has to use the Mode switch on the right handlebar.

2.  Body and Design

Supreme Performance and Dynamics
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 characterize 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 Provide Endurance Look
The individual lines of the S 1000 RR reflect 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 efficient central air intake and the aerodynamically optimized 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 color 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 emphasize 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 reflected as yet another sign of distinction by the rear light cluster in clear glass.

Striking Rear Silencer
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 muffler.

Using sophisticated technology already described in detail in the Drivetrain Chapter, the engineers succeeded in developing a rear muffler 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 muffler accentuates the sporting performance and dynamic character of the S 1000 RR most impressively, blending perfectly with the overall design concept characterized by a light and truly dynamic look.

Intelligent Lightweight Construction With Exceptional Details
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 aluminum. 

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 aluminum and manufactured in close cooperation with BMW ’s Eisenach Plant.

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

Supreme Aerodynamics on All Surfaces
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 coefficient, 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 specifically 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 reflected not only by the overall dimensions of the machine, but also by specific 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 customization 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 customization of the S 1000 RR to an even higher standard.

Options and Special Equipment for a Wide Range of Customization.
The usual wide range of options, special equipment and other features offered by BMW Motorrad serves also to customize the new S 1000 RR Supersports.

Over and above the high-performance features already coming on the S 1000 RR in standard trim, the particularly sports-minded rider will find numerous options to enhance the performance and looks of the machine to an even higher standard.

Optional extras are supplied straight from the factory and are integrated in the production process.  Special equipment is for assembly either by the BMW Motorcycle Dealer or by the customer himself, either right from the start or at a later point in time.

3. Range of Equipment

BMW S1000RR in Thunder Grey Metallic

4. Color Choices

The color concept emphasizes the unique, dynamic character of the new BMW S 1000 RR. In conjunction with the swing arms and wheels in Ostra Grey, Mineral Silver Metallic forms a very technical and clear contrast, giving the S 1000 RR an extremely light, compact and dynamic, but not exaggerated look.

Thunder Grey Metallic serves a different purpose, intentionally avoiding any strong contrast and, together with the swing arms and wheels in Ostra Grey, giving the machine a compact, muscular appearance.

Finished in bold Acid Green Metallic, the S 1000 RR presents a clear commitment to sporting performance, again bringing back the contrast of colors impressively underlining the dynamic character of the S 1000 RR.  On this color variant, the swingarm is finished in epoxy Silver, the wheels come in glossy Black.

At extra cost, the new S 1000 RR is also available in the colors of the BMW Motorrad Motorsport Team reminiscent of the color scheme on the Superbike Works Racing Machines.  In this case the paintwork is modern Alpine White Non-Metallic, Magma Red Non-Metallic, and Lupin Blue Metallic, with the swingarm also finished in epoxy Silver and the wheels in high-gloss Black.

The frame comes in Black on all color variants. An additional optical highlight on all color variants is the red spring on the spring strut unit.

5. Engine Output and Torque Chart

6. Specifications Chart

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