First ride: 2023 BMW S1000RR

Take aspects of the race-winning BMW M 1000 RR, and add advanced rider aids to create the new S 1000 RR. It’s not just good, it’s very good.

The RR embraces the steering geometry, adjustable swing-arm pivot and ride height adjustment of the M-Sport, plus a few more top-end horsepower from the excellent ShiftCam engine along with a pair of distinctive aero wings, similar but noy identical to the M-Sport. Electronics have taken a significant step forward with a new DTC Side Control, MSR engine brake torque control system, BSA Brake Slide Assist, ABS Pro, which is cornering ABS for use on track with slicks fitted, which the old bike didn’t have. There is even ABS Stoppie feature for returning down pit lane. Many of these new features are due to the new steering angle sensor, which is new for this class.

BSN headed to Almeria in Spain to see if the new S 1000 R can make you ride like God, or at least make you feel like you can.

Changes to the chassis are not spectacular and fundamentally stolen from the proven M 1000 RR. The wheelbase is nearly the same as the M and the steering is more relaxed. The S 1000 RR also gets the M chassis kit, with an adjustable swingarm pivot point, and ride height. As fitted to our test bike, electronic damping adjustment is an optional extra with the DDC ‘Dynamic Damping Control’ package, (Dynamic Package heated grips, cruise control, dynamic damping, riding modes pro £1,400) altering the suspension settings to suit the selected riding mode.

Quoted weight remains the same, 197kg fully-fuelled for the standard bike, 195.4kg with the optional ‘Race Package’ that adds forged alloy wheels instead of die-cast rims, and 193.5kg with the ‘M Package’ option that swaps them for lightweight carbon