German automaker BMW is no exception to the trend of creating a separate division dedicated to racing. In 1972, BMW established BMW Motorsport to fulfill its racing ambitions. The division made its debut in the European Touring Car Championship the following year with the remarkable 3.0 CSL (Coupe Sport Light Construction). This car was produced in limited quantities, with less than 1,100 units manufactured.
Since then, BMW’s racing division has experienced significant growth. In 1978, they introduced the powerful M1, and a multitude of other models followed suit. In addition to producing their own cars, the division, now known as “M” since 1993, began developing performance parts that were not only utilized in their own models but also made available for regular production BMWs through special packages or aftermarket installations.
BMW’s ownership of the motorcycle division, Motorrad, sets them apart from their premium carmaker competitors. This unique advantage has allowed the M division to explore new opportunities. Starting around 2018, M began offering optional equipment and performance parts for various Motorrad motorcycles. It was only a matter of time before they expanded their involvement to include the development of high-performance motorcycles from scratch.
In 2020, BMW made the decision to allow M to enter the world of motorcycles, resulting in the creation of their first-ever high-performance motorcycle. Since then, the portfolio has grown to include three models and a limited edition version. In this article, we will delve into the details of each model and eagerly await future developments from M, possibly later this year.
BMW M 1000 RR (M RR) – Photo: BMW
The inaugural motorcycle to bear the M badge was the M 1000 RR, introduced in late 2020. This bike was designed with “pure racing technology for the highest performance requirements in motorsports and on the road.” It quickly proved its capabilities on the world’s tracks, as it was immediately entered into various competitions by teams supported by BMW.
The M 1000 RR features an aluminum bridge frame chassis, weighing in at 423 pounds (192 kg) when fully equipped. It is supported by an upside-down fork and a revised central spring strut, providing the necessary stability for the powerful engine housed within the frame.
Powering this machine is a 999cc engine, which is a variation of the powerplant utilized in BMW’s racing bikes. This water-cooled, four-cylinder engine incorporates BMW’s ShiftCam technology and delivers impressive performance figures.
When handled correctly, the engine has the ability to produce a total of 212 horsepower at 14,500 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm. Essentially, this exceeds the capabilities of most European city cars.
BMW M has also increased the engine’s rev speed to 15,100 rpm, which required modifications to various internal components. Specifically, the M RR version of the engine features new two-ring forged pistons, adapted combustion chambers, and longer and lighter titanium connecting rods.
Additionally, the compression ratio has been raised to 13.5, and a titanium exhaust system has been installed to improve breathing.
However, the engine is not the only aspect of the motorcycle that has been enhanced by BMW M. Due to its dual-purpose nature as a street and track bike, aerodynamics were crucial. To achieve this, carbon fiber winglets have been added to the front of the bike to generate increased downforce.
Furthermore, the M division has developed special brakes specifically for this superbike, along with M-designed carbon wheels, to assist the rider in controlling the immense power.
Even the rider’s interaction with the motorcycle has been enhanced by BMW M. The bike offers five different modes: Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race, and Race Pro 1-3. It also includes features such as Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), a DTC wheelie function with a 6-axle sensor box, launch control, and hill start control.
The front of the bike features a 6.5-inch TFT display, and it is equipped with an OBD interface that allows the rider to access the M GPS data logger and M GPS lap trigger.
In addition to all of these impressive features, BMW M has also introduced a special M competition package for this motorcycle. This package includes the M GPS lap trigger and activation code, M milled parts package, M carbon package, silver swinging arm, and DLC-coated M endurance chain. It provides everything a rider would need to prepare the bike for serious racing.
After four years since its initial introduction, the BMW M 1000 RR is now available on the U.S. market for a starting price of $33,345. However, it’s important to note that additional parts and accessories can quickly drive the price closer to $40,000.
In 2022, BMW M celebrated its 50th anniversary, having been established in 1972. As part of the commemoration, the company released a range of special car models and a rare motorcycle, the M 1000 RR 50 Years.
The special edition was, of course, based on the M 1000 RR introduced two years prior, and as such, it had the same mechanical components. However, it did come with a plethora of additional features meant to solidify its position among the exclusive collection of Motorrad bikes.
The most apparent change was the color. While the original M 1000 RR was white with accents in the M colors (blue, dark blue, and red), this version sported a vibrant shade of yellow called Sao Paulo and was adorned with a 50 Years BMW M emblem.
The bike included the M Competition package mentioned earlier, which was a standard feature. It was only available for purchase between May and November 2022. With a price tag of $36,995, it was quite reasonable considering its limited edition status.
BMW never disclosed the exact number of M 1000 RR 50 Years bikes that were produced.
BMW M 1000 R (M R) – Image: BMW Motorrad
The second addition to BMW M’s lineup of directly-managed motorcycles came in the same year as the release of the 50 Years edition, 2022. This new model is known as the M 1000 R and is described by its manufacturer as the first roadster motorcycle from the performance division.
The M 1000 R is derived from the S 1000 R, a roadster model developed by Motorrad based on a superbike. Like its predecessor, it utilizes a 999cc engine to deliver its performance, although with slightly reduced power. Instead of the 212 horsepower produced by the RR, it reaches 205 horsepower at 13,500 rpm. Nonetheless, this is still 40 horsepower more than what the base S 1000 R can provide. The peak torque of the M 1000 R stands at 112 Nm, almost identical to that of the M RR.
The increase in power was achieved through the implementation of an optimized intake system with variable intake funnels and a sport exhaust system featuring a titanium silencer. These enhancements enable the motorcycle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and achieve a top speed of 174 mph (280 kph).
What sets this two-wheeler apart is its specific tuning for unparalleled acceleration. To achieve this, M equipped the M 1000 R with shorter gear ratios for the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth gears compared to the S 1000 R.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a chain from the M stable. The entire bike can be adjusted to one of four riding modes: Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race, and Race Pro 1-3.
Similar to its predecessor, the M 1000 R is equipped with an OBD interface for access to the M GPS data logger and lap trigger. It also features the M brakes introduced a few years ago and the aerodynamically designed winglets developed by M.
When it was introduced, the BMW M 1000 R was the more affordable choice for entering the M motorcycle world, with a price tag of $21,345. Currently, it is slightly pricier at $21,695 but still holds the title of being the entry-level M motorcycle. However, if a rider desires a fully equipped ride, the price will increase by at least $5k.
In 2023, BMW unveiled their third M motorcycle, which differed from previous models as it was not solely designed for racing purposes. Instead, it was created to cater to a wider range of riders. According to BMW, it is “the lightest and most powerful production crossover bike in the world.”
This new ride is known as the M 1000 XR and is derived from the S 1000 range. Unlike its siblings, it is not exclusively focused on high-speed track riding but aims to combine that with the ability to handle long-distance trips, hence the “crossover” aspect.
Powering the XR is a 999cc engine, similar to the other two motorcycles, but it is the least powerful variant. It produces 201 horsepower at 14,600 rpm and 112 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm. With these specifications, the bike can reach a top speed of 170 mph (274 kph).
Compared to its siblings, the XR is slightly heavier, weighing 492 pounds (223 kg) with a full tank of fuel. Opting for the M Competition package and its accompanying carbon components can help reduce some weight.
As of now, the BMW M 1000 XR starts at $24,295, but a fully loaded configuration will likely push the price closer to $30,000.
Following the introduction of the first M motorcycle, Danish toy manufacturer LEGO recognized its significance in the motorcycle industry. In 2021, LEGO released a 1:5 scale model of the bike as part of its Technic range. This quick transition from real vehicles to plastic brick toys highlights the importance of the M motorcycle.
The LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR replica requires assembling 1,920 plastic brick pieces in the correct order to achieve the familiar shape of the M RR. As a Technic toy, certain components of the model are functional, mimicking their real-world counterparts, such as the steering, front and rear suspension, chain transmission, inline 4-piston engine, and gearbox.
Once completed, the LEGO Technic BMW M 1000 RR stands at a height of 10 inches (25 cm), length of 17 inches (43 cm), and width of 6 inches (15 cm).
LEGO continues to sell the set two years after its initial release, with a price tag of $249.99, which is $50 more than its original launch price.
Less than a year after LEGO introduced their own version of the M RR, BMW Motorrad followed suit and released their own toy replica of the powerful two-wheeler. This scaled-down model, with a 1:10 scale, closely resembles the real motorcycle, without the use of blocky plastic bricks.
Now, let’s address the obvious question of whether BMW manufactures toy cars and motorcycles. The answer is yes, and in the case of motorcycles, they already offer miniature versions of the R 1250 GS, F 850 GS, and R 18.
For fans of the M RR, the scale model features the same paintwork as the actual motorcycle and includes functional parts such as the steering and front and rear suspension.
During its initial launch, BMW stated that the model would be priced at approximately $106. However, it is currently available at dealerships with prices reaching as high as $120.
That concludes the current lineup of BMW Motorrad M motorcycles. Based on recent trends, it is likely that BMW will introduce a new model in 2024 as well.
According to the Source autoevolution.com