2023 BMW M 1000 R

The super naked class has got even more super for riders looking for absolute sports performance in a more ergonomically-friendly package: high performance, high specification and high bars. The wings might help keep the wheelies down. Might…

So what’s the 2023 BMW M !000 R - or to be known as the ‘M R’ for short (how long before that becomes the BMW ‘Mister’?!) all about?

BMW M 1000 R Insurance

Before we dive into the detail, it is worth saying as this model being so new (October 2022 at time of writing) it may not be on any insurers lists yet, but if you call us on 01733 907000 we can add it manually (subject to your experience and other underwriting factors).

What is the BMW M 1000 R?

The M badge is all about BMW’s top end of performance. At the end of 2018, BMW Motorrad already introduced the successful M automobile range strategy for motorcycles and has since been offering M special equipment and M Performance Parts. The new BMW M 1000 R is the second M model from BMW Motorrad to celebrate its world premiere, following the M 1000 RR superbike: The M Roadster.

But basically, they’ve put the S 1000 RR engine in the S 1000 R with the Shift-cam tech, aerodynamic winglets, M brakes and a lot of other electronic and chassis trinkets. BMW says “The M Roadster meets the highest demands on both country road and the race track.” And on paper we wouldn’t argue.

2023 BMW M 1000 R Engine and Performance

Powerful M R 4-cylinder based on the RR engine. Even more peak power, higher torque and increased thrust and traction thanks to shorter secondary and gear ratios for maximum riding pleasure on country roads and race tracks.

The new M R features a modified water-cooled 4-cylinder in-line engine based on the power unit of the S 1000 RR. Its peak power output is 154 kW (210 hp) at 13,750 rpm, 33 kW (45 hp) more than in the S 1000 R. The maximum torque of 113 Nm is generated at 11,000 rpm (S 1000 R: 114 Nm at 9,250 rpm). Compared to the S 1000 R, the maximum revs of the M R are now 14,600 rpm. Increased rear wheel traction in all gears is also provided by a shorter secondary gear ratio through the use of a sprocket with 47 teeth (S 1000 R: 45 teeth). In addition, the gear ratios of the 4th, 5th and 6th gears are shorter, which also benefits thrust and traction at the rear wheel.

2023 BMW M 1000 R Aerodynamics and Winglets

M winglets and wind deflectors: You can brake later, benefit from a lower wheelie tendency and accelerate earlier thanks to the aerodynamic downforce.

In addition to drive and suspension technology, aerodynamics was also a key item in the specifications for developing the M R. The new M R was given winglets in the area of the front side panels with the aim of achieving even faster lap times on the racetrack and the best possible riding stability at high speeds, Already at a speed of 160 km/h, they provide an increase in front wheel load of 11 kg at 220 km/h thanks to the aerodynamic downforce generated. The BMW Motorrad developers countered the slightly increased aerodynamic resistance caused by the small additional frontal area and shape of the M winglets with a correspondingly designed wind deflector in front of the instrument cluster in combination with the M Competition Package.

2023 BMW M 1000 R Chassis and Suspension

Suspension and chassis trimmed for performance-oriented use on country roads and racetracks featuring fully adjustable suspension elements, steering damper, milled-over handlebar clamp, wider tubular handlebar with laser-etched "BMW M 1000 R" lettering and handlebar end mirrors.

The suspension and chassis of the new M R are based on the S 1000 R with the aluminium bridge frame as the centrepiece. On the M R, the front wheel is controlled by an upside-down fork with a 45 mm sliding tube diameter in "All black" design, i.e. it is really completely black. It is equipped with so-called closed cartridge inserts, separate hydraulic piston-cylinder systems. Another new feature of the M R is the additional adjustability of the fork's spring base in conjunction with the standard Dynamic Damping Control (DDC).

In addition, the fork of the M R features an upper triple clamp with an elaborately milled-over handlebar clamp as well as a black aluminium tubular handlebar with a wider design than previously seen on the S 1000 R and with a lasered "BMW M 1000 R" lettering. Also new on the M R are the handlebar end mirrors forged from aluminium. The fork legs have also been modified and are now designed to accommodate the new M brake callipers. Another new element of the M R is the adjustable steering damper.

2023 BMW M 1000 R Brakes

With all that go it has to stop as well! M brakes with radial hand brake pump and lightweight forged aluminium wheels for optimum riding dynamics on the racetrack and in performance mode. Exclusive M Carbon wheels as part of the M Competition package.

After the M 1000 RR, the new M R is the second BMW motorcycle to feature an M brake. It was developed directly using the experience gained with the racing brakes on BMW Motorrad factory racing machines in the Superbike World Championship. The M brake callipers feature a blue anodised coating in conjunction with the famous M logo.

Together with two 320 mm brake discs of 5 mm thickness and black anodised aluminium brake disc carriers, the brake system equipped with a new radial hand brake pump currently marks the pinnacle of brake development in the field of road-legal systems. The new M R is already equipped with very lightweight forged aluminium wheels as standard. As part of the M Competition package, the exclusive M Carbon wheels are available with newly designed tapes on the rim.

2023 BMW M 1000 R Electronics and Display Technology

The new Brake Slide Assist function is probably not going to get a look in on the road but it allows the rider to brake drift into corners with a constant slide. We will try it later…

Instrument cluster with perfectly readable 6.5-inch TFT display, new display of the rev counter (red area) and OBD interface for M GPS Datalogger and M GPS Laptrigger that can be used via activation code.

The instrument cluster of the new M R corresponds to the design of the M RR and also offers the M start-up animation. The extended display of the red speed range is a new feature. As optional equipment, comprehensive data material for using the M GPS Laptrigger and the M GPS Datalogger (Original BMW Motorrad Accessories) can be provided by means of an activation code via the OBD interface of the instrument cluster.

2023 BMW M 1000 R M Competition Package

If the new M R in standard trim is still not enough for you, the M Competition Package offers a fascinating mix of refined components for the racing technology gourmet and the aesthetically minded rider alike. In addition to the Blackstorm metallic / M Motorsport colour scheme, the M Competition package includes M Carbon wheels, M rider footrest system, M Carbon parts such as rear wheel cover and chain guard, front wheel cover, tank covers, airbox cover with tapes, wind deflector, sprocket cover, the M pillion package as well as the M pillion cover and a milled, fully adjustable M rider footrest system. The dealer might also throw in a bag of M&Ms for even more M power.

2023 BMW M 1000 R Price

UK pricing will be £19,4800 for the M 1000 R and we don’t yet know the price for the M Competition Package.

2023 BMW M 1000 R Availability

It will be available from April 2023 from all good (and bad) BMW dealers.

2023 BMW M 1000 R colours

There are two colours to choose from:

• Light White/M Motorsport
• Black Storm Metallic/M Motorsport only with M Competition Package

2023 BMW M 1000 R: Highlights:

• High-revving engine with 210hp from the S 1000 RR
• Shift-cam technology
• M Winglets
• Race Pro riding modes
• M GPS-Laptrigger activation code
• M Brakes
• Adjustable steering damper
• Akrapovic slip on
• exhaust, full titanium system available as an option
• Available in two colours from launch
  • Light White/M Motorsport
  • Black Storm Metallic/M Motorsport only with M Competition Package
• M Forged Wheels as standard, M Carbon wheels with M Competition Package
• Price £19,480
• Launch Date: April 2023