BMW is making strides in motorcycle technology with the development of illuminated winglets, according to their latest patent.
This innovation could potentially be incorporated into future BMW Motorrad models, including the M 1000 RR and M 1000 R.
The illuminated aero is aimed at reducing weight whilst enhancing visibility.
Currently, BMW’s S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR motorcycles feature turn signals integrated into their mirrors, eliminating the need for additional protrusions on the sides of the bike.
However, this solution adds weight and cost. By utilizing the winglets as turn signals, BMW aims to reduce weight and improve cost-efficiency. The LED strips in the winglets have a lower and more forward mass distribution, providing a slight advantage in terms of weight distribution.
The illuminated winglets serve a dual purpose, combining daytime running lights (DRLs) and turn signals. When the turn signals are not in use, the DRLs remain illuminated, turning off on one side only when the turn signal is activated.
This arrangement enhances visibility, especially in low-light conditions, making the motorcycle more noticeable to oncoming traffic. The wider separation of the DRLs defines the bike’s widest part, allowing for easier estimation of its speed.
In addition to the lighting elements, BMW’s patent also includes a projector light mounted on the lower surface of the winglets. This light is designed to project a puddle of light onto the ground, similar to the puddle lights found in cars. This feature enhances visibility when stopped, providing a better view of the surface on which the motorcycle’s sidestand is placed.
The patent even suggests the possibility of incorporating a transparent liquid-crystal display into the projector light, allowing for customizable patterns to be projected onto the ground.
While the primary purpose of the winglets is aerodynamic, BMW’s lighting innovation could prove to be more advantageous for riders in terms of safety. With the combination of enhanced visibility and the projection of light onto the ground, these illuminated winglets could offer significant benefits to motorcyclists in the future.
BMW Motorrad has given enthusiasts an early glimpse of their highly anticipated M 1000 XR prototype. This latest addition to the M model lineup is designed to meet the demands of riders seeking high-performance, long-distance capabilities, both on the road and the race track.
Dominik Blass, the Product Manager, describes it as a fusion between the current S 1000 XR, S 1000 RR, and M 1000 RR models.
The M 1000 XR aims to fulfill the desires of customers who crave performance, exclusivity, and individuality.
This prototype showcases BMW Motorrad’s successful strategy of incorporating the renowned M brand, known for its racing success and high-performance automobiles, into their motorcycle range. With the introduction of the M RR and the M R in recent years, the M 1000 XR further solidifies their commitment to offering independent M models.
At its core, the M 1000 XR features an inline four-cylinder engine derived from the S 1000 RR superbike. Utilizing BMW’s innovative ShiftCam technology, this powerplant delivers over 200hp of raw power.
Despite its impressive performance, the M 1000 XR boasts a remarkably weight of just 223kg when fully fuelled. Combined with purpose-built chassis technology, aerodynamics, and advanced control electronics, the M XR blurs the line between long-distance touring and track-oriented racing motorcycles.
For those seeking even greater performance, BMW offers the optional M Competition Package, providing additional weight reduction and enhanced riding dynamics. The prototype’s top speed reaches an impressive 280 km/h.
Aerodynamics played a crucial role in the development of the M XR prototype.Equipped with winglets, the motorcycle achieves superior stability at high speeds, thanks to increased downforce.
This translates into improved traction and reduced wheelie tendencies during acceleration. The rider benefits from better contact between the wheels and the road, resulting in quicker lap times. The ergonomics of the M XR’s seating position also contribute to enhanced bike control, particularly in supersport mode.
Drawing from their expertise in racing, BMW incorporated the M brake system into the M XR. The M brake calipers feature a signature blue anodized coating, echoing the brand’s distinctive logo. This technology, derived from BMW Motorrad’s Superbike World Championship racing machines, ensures optimal braking performance in both race track and performance modes.
BMW Motorrad plans to release further details on the BMW M 1000 XR in the second half of 2023, building anticipation for what promises to be a remarkable addition to the sports motorbike segment
BMW Motorrad, the German motorcycle manufacturer, has announced a technical campaign affecting some buyers of the much-anticipated 2023 S1000RR superbike.
BMW to replaced all 2023MY S 1000 RR with a new brake lever pin.
All delivery of the 2023 S 1000 RR will be put on hold temporarily.
According to a statement released by the company, a small number of S1000RR motorcycles with milled levers will be equipped with a new brake lever pin.
While the upgrade may cause a delay in delivery for some customers, BMW Motorrad has reassured them that they will receive their motorcycles soon. The company has also stated that new S1000RRs in stock will have the new part fitted over the next few weeks before they are delivered to customers.
The S1000RR is a flagship model for BMW Motorrad, renowned for its high performance and advanced engineering. With its sleek design and cutting-edge technology, the S1000RR has won praise from critics and enthusiasts alike, making it one of the most sought-after superbikes on the market.
The technical campaign is a proactive measure by BMW Motorrad to ensure the safety and reliability of their motorcycles. The company has a long-standing commitment to providing top-quality products and services to their customers, and this latest upgrade is a testament to that commitment.
BMW Motorrad has advised affected customers to contact their dealers for further information and to arrange for the upgrade to be carried out as soon as possible. The company has also expressed its gratitude to its customers for their patience and understanding during this process.
Five high-powered motorcycles got into an accident on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway at the KM26.5 (Kuala Lumpur bound) around 1.45 pm, today.
The incident caused a massive eight kilometres crawl after the right lane remained closed as of 2.30 pm, said Selangor Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Norazam Khamis.
“Six firemen along with a fire tender from the Selayang Fire and Rescue Department rushed to the scene.
“Upon arrival, they were informed of a fire involving a motorcycle that was completely burnt due to an accident.
“It was understood that five people were involved in the accident. One of them suffered burns,” he said in a statement today.
Earlier, several videos of the incident went viral online. Reports also suggest that the accident involved four BMWs S 1000 RR and one Honda CBR1000RR.
BMW Motorrad has officially announced the new 2023 BMW S 1000 RR.
2023 BMW S 1000 RR gains major styling updates including M 1000 RR-inspired winglets.
New for 2023 includes revised electronic package and higher horsepower.
The most notable change in the 2023 model year is the appearance of the M 1000 RR-inspired winglets at the front. According to BMW, the winglet adds up to 10kg of downforce at high speed.
Although the winglets are not as big as the M 1000 RR, which contribute to 16kg of front-end downforce, the new piece puts the 2023 S 1000 RR on par with the rest of the litre bike in its segment.
However, the 2023 S 1000 RR not only features styling updates and a lot of changes underneath the skin, including a revised chassis and a tweaked engine.
Despite retaining the same frame from the previous generation, BMW claimed that 2023MY allows for more flex due to adding more holes in the die-cast alloy frame.
Also new for 2023 is the steering-head angle, now sitting at 23.6 degrees rather than 23.1 degrees. The wheelbase is now longer, from 56.7-inches to 57.4-inch.
Interestingly, BMW’s adjustable swingarm pivot, previously available on the M Chassis Kit, is now standard on the new S 1000 RR.
BMW also added a new height-adjustable linkage for the rear shock and revised the wheel bushings and brake to allow for a faster tire change.
Other changes include a bigger rear sprocket (up from 45 to 46) that helps to improve acceleration, a new airbox and shortened variable-height intake funnels, all taken from the M 1000 RR.
Meanwhile, thanks to a revised 999cc ShiftCam four-cylinder engine, the 2023 S 1000 RR now makes 207hp @ 13,750rpm and 112Nm @ 11,000rpm.
Electronically, BMW adds a Slide Control function to the existing traction-control system that estimates the bike’s drift angle after reading the information from the new steering-angle sensor.
In addition, the 2023 S 1000 RR also features a Brake Slide Control function that allows the rear wheel to push out a step further under braking.
For track junkies, BMW adds a new Slick setting for the ABS that works specifically when the bike is fitted with race tires.
Other key features include:
lightweight battery
UBS port
redesigned wiring harness
updated Shift Assistant Pro quickshifter
Meanwhile, thanks to the upgrade mentioned above, expect a significant price hike over its predecessor.
BMW Motorrad unveiled the M 1000 RR during the chaotic year of 2020.
The M 1000 R nameplate appears in recent vehicle certification filed in Switzerland and Germany.
The M 1000 R is scheduled to arrive in 2023 and could make an appearance soon.
Although the coronavirus pandemic hit the world in 2020, BMW bravely went ahead by introducing the M 1000 RR sports bike.
At the time, we knew that BMW wouldn’t stop at M 1000 RR, as the House of Munich also trademarked the name with “M 1000 XR” and “M 1300 GS”, signifying the arrival of two flagship motorcycles.
However, to our surprise, the firm’s hyper-naked motorcycle, the S 1000 R, will also receive the “M” treatment for 2023.
*BMW S 1000 R
That is the case according to the latest vehicle certification documents in Switzerland and Germany, as reported by Motorcycle.com.
The document showcased the M 1000 R pumping 206.5hp @ 13,750rpm and 112Nm @ 11,000rpm, a significant bump from the base S 1000 R that makes 165hp @ 11,000rpm.
This suggests that the M 1000 R will get the same tuning package as the firm’s S 1000 RR instead of the street-friendly S 1000 R.
*BMW S 1000 R
According to reports, the M 1000 R will also get a new exhaust system while adopting the ShiftCam timing system.
Considering that BMW Motorrad will not be present at this year’s EICMA show in Milan, the motorcycle could appear one month earlier at Intermot in October.
The BMW S 1000 RR was notably missing when BMW Motorrad revealed the list of updated models for 2023.
2023 S 1000 RR to feature more power and better aerodynamics.
Noteworthy upgrades include an aerodynamic winglet taken from the M 1000 RR.
However, according to the latest development, the S 1000 RR sportsbike is getting a much-needed upgrade for 2023, according to a new type-approved document filed in Europe.
As expected, the 2023 S 1000 RR will adopt features from the firm’s flagship M 1000 RR, including aerodynamic winglets.
However, a noteworthy upgrade is done to the engine, which now makes 206.5hp @ 13,750rpm compared to 204hp available from the 2022 model.
Also, the electronics package is believed to receive some minor tweaks and adjustments; however, the ShiftCam engine with its unique VVT system will likely remain unchanged.
That said, BMW also adopted the M 1000 RR lower final-drive ratio onto the S 1000 RR. As a result, riders will feel the bike is quicker than the previous model.
The document also reveals a longer wheelbase, from 1440mm to 1457mm, similar to the M 1000 RR. However, the 2023 S 1000 RR weight is unchanged, which remains at 197kg.
That said, the 2023MY S 1000 RR will retain much of the bodywork from the 2022 model, and with the addition of an aerodynamic winglet and new paint job, there’s no doubt the upcoming S 1000 RR is eye-catching.
Based on reports, BMW will unveil the new motorcycle soon.
BMW Motorrad akan memperkembangkan portfolio kerjasama dengan TVS Motor Company dengan memperkenalkan G 310 RR pada 15 Julai ini di India.
BMW G 310 RR bakal sertai G 310 R dan G 310 GS yang telah pun ada di pasaran dunia sejak 2015.
Bagaimanapun, berbanding G 310 R dan G 310 GS yang tampil sebagai jentera ‘roadster’ dan ‘touring’, G 310 RR merupakan model ‘sportbike’ yang dibina berasaskan TVS Apache RR 310.
Ramai yang menjangkakan G 310 RR akan hadir apatah lagi sejak TVS dan BMW bekerjasama dalam membangunkan Apache RR 310 untuk pasaran India dan global pada tahun 2018.
Punca penangguhan itu tidak dapat dikenal pasti namun menurut BMW Motorrad India, G 310 RR akan dilancarkan secara rasmi pada 15 Julai ini dengan pengedar rasmi di negara itu telah pun menerima tempahan.
Sementara itu, berdasarkan beberapa teaser dikongsikan, BMW G 310 RR disahkan akan menawarkan beberapa ciri menarik antaranya sistem suspensi KYB boleh laras depan dan belakang, serta paparan TFT berwarna.
Menariknya, ‘teaser’ terbaru juga mendedahkan G 310 RR akan mendapat grafik dan warna yang diinspirasikan daripada model S 1000 RR.
Selain itu, BMW G 310 RR dijangka dikuasakan enjin satu silinder 313cc empat-valve yang mampu menghasilkan 34hp pada 9,500rpm dan 27.3Nm pada 7,500rpm sama seperti ditawarkan Apache RR 310.
Malaysia will now have one BMW S 1000 RR HP4 Race.
The bike was delivered to her owner last night.
It will see track action soon.
The one and only BMW S 1000 RR HP4 Race in Malaysia was delivered to her lucky owner last night.
The handover ceremony was carried out last night by BMW Motorrad Auto Bavaria in their new showroom in Ara Damansara. Owner Mr. Mark Chew was present to unveil and receive the mock key for the bike numbered 162/750.
BMW Motorrad introduced the HP4 Race to showcase their engineering prowess in building high performance bikes. Working hand-in-hand with a number of specialists, the HP4 is a study in creating an ultra-exotic superbike that’s chockful of components and materials this side of World Superbike and MotoGP.
Where do we begin?
The obvious place would be the engine. It may reside in a bike with the S 1000 RR silhouette, but it’s actually rather different from the standard unit. For example, it produces 215 hp at 13,500 RPM and 120 Nm of torque at 10,000 RPM. Compression ratio has similarly been bumped up to 13.7:1, necessitating the use of a minimum of RON 98 petrol.
To handle all that power and abuse, the transmission has straight cut gears for 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th speeds. The shift pattern follows that of race bikes, of course i.e. 1 up, 5 down. The package even includes a combination of 3 front and 5 rear sprockets of different sizes.
The bodywork is entirely carbon, including the self-supporting tail unit. The front mudguard and inner splash guard are also carbon. Using the black stuff cuts weight down to just 146 kg dry, and 171 kg ready to roll.
Speaking of carbon fibre, even the frame is made from the lightweight material, and weighs only 7.8 kg. But carbon fibre is stronger than steel, which means it doesn’t flex as much. That’s good when the bike is straight up, but how so when it’s cranked way over in a corner. BMW overcame this by designing in some flex to absorb shocks.
Running gear consists of great stuff, too. Everyone’s attention will first be diverted to those jaw-dropping wheels. Yes, they’re made of carbon fibre, too. As the eyes move up, they’ll be caught by the GP-spec T-floating Brembo brake discs and GP4-PR monobloc calipers. These calipers feature titanium pistons. The rear brake caliper also has a caliper with 4 titanium pistons.
The front is suspended by Öhlins FGR 300 World Superbike forks. these fork legs are rotatable, enabling front tyre change without removing the brake calipers. At the back is an Öhlins TTX 36 GP WorldSBK-spec shock, which is attached to a swingarm made by Suter. (Suter is a frame and racing components specialist who entered Moto2 a few years ago.)
Up top, an eccentric carrier allows the steering head angle, hence the rake can be adjusted by a maximum of 1-degree in 0.5-degree increments from 24.5 degrees. As such, the trail is also adjustable between 95 to 112 mm.
It’s definitely a bike for those who dare to dream. “I’ve always wanted a bike like this since I was a kid,” said Mark Chew. “I’ve already got a Ducati V4 S, but the HP4 Race is something truly exotic.”
Mark had raced professionally 20 years ago but is now a regular of SBR Trackdays at the Sepang International Circuit. “Yeah, I can’t wait to take this bike down to the track. The earliest trackday will be in early March.” “I really appreciate the support given by Auto Bavaria, as they will send a team of mechanics to help me understand and setup the bike. Plus, they will also help me with the 2D GPS data acquisition system which will tell me where I should go faster.”
That’s truly nice to hear, rather than have the bike sitting in a glass case or in the living room.
We were given the honour to cover the 8 Hours of Sepang FIM EWC race from inside the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team.
We had an unprecedented access to what made them tick and the strategies involved.
The team finished third overall.
Excitement fills the air as the bikes were fired up for 8 Hours of Sepang FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) race.
As adrenaline started coursing through the veins of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team members, their cheerful disposition gave way to steely stares and clenched jaws. It’s time to go racing.
The Planned Start
A technician pushed the BMW S 1000 RR onto the pitlane with rider Ilya Mikhalchik following closely behind. As he reached for the started button, I braced myself as if squeezing my ear canals in anticipation of an exhaust blast. But… nothing… there was a slight roar from the titanium Akrapovic exhaust silencer but that was it. No eardrum assaulting, chest punching roar.
And away he went along with other riders. The technicians grabbed their equipment and hurried to the gate to the grid. By then, the first riders had completed their warm-up lap.
When the bikes returned to the grid, they were wheeled backwards and parked against the pitwall at an angle. The riders then went to the other side of the start finish straight. The factory BMW sat in fifth while the crew blanketed the rain Dunlop tyres with warmers again.
Alas, the rain started coming down in earnest with just 25 minutes before the start.
The Safety and Medical Cars were sent out to check but it was visible that the sheer volume of water had overwhelmed the drainage. The cars sent up huge plumes of spray.
By then there was a delay in starting the race and the field was given another sighting lap. The riders roared away in a whiteout wall of spray. Back in the pit, the team had their eyes transfixed on the TV monitors.
The riders tip-toed through every corner and there was still lots of standing water including at the apexes of Turns 5, 9, 13 and 14. There was a river-like puddle running across the track at the braking area for Turn 15.
Upon reaching the start/finish line, marshals instructed the riders to their bikes, away from the where they were supposed to start running from. A few minutes later, race direction suspended the start. Team managers were then called to the briefing room at 1:15pm. We feared the worst i.e. outright cancellation, but that decision never came.
Now, the long wait began.
The BMW Motorrad World Endurance crew didn’t look agitated, but they didn’t seem relaxed, either.
We waited.
This is how the stripped down BMW S 1000 RR endurance racebike looks like
The 1st Restart
The rain began abated somewhat by 2:30 pm. At 2:40 pm, a message flashed across all monitors at the track: PITLANE OPENS FOR 2 MINUTES AT 3:05 PM.
Yes! We’re finally going racing. As per endurance racing rules, the duration was shortened to 6 hours.
However, there was no Le Mans style start. Instead, the riders were flagged off one by one by a marshal holding the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag). Again, a wall of spray hung in the air as the bikes made their way to Turn 1. Also this time, they had to follow the Safety Car (SC).
Photo credit FIM EWC
The spectators in the grandstands were excited. Kids who’ve been running around suddenly sat ran back to their parents’ arms and pointed excitedly at the track.
The SC took the grid past the finish line for Lap 1. There was still too much spray. They went past for Lap 2. Then Lap 3, Lap 4, everyone in the pits was hoping for the SC to turn off its emergency lights. It would mean that it would peel into the pits and let racing commence.
All teams began to prepare for the eventual pitstop by placing tools, axle stands, refueling rigs near the pit entrance. They also place spareparts and assemblies such as front ends, rear subframes, bodywork, radiators, etc. where they are within easy reach (in case of crashes or breakdowns).
The refueling can was placed nearby together with a large fire extinguisher. The refueling man’s helmet and Nomex gloves were placed on top of the fuel can. There’s no time to rush back into the pits for something!
Sadly, the SC never turned off it lights and pulled in at the end of Lap 8. The red flags went out signaling another race suspension.
Another team managers meeting was called at 5.00 pm. BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team’s manager Werner Daemen ran up the steps again to the briefing room.
The organizers, stewards and teams deliberated for more than an hour before coming to the decision to either race or suspend it outright. However, should they choose to restart, the race has to end at 9.00 pm.
Sources told us that the teams were eager to go on and it’ll be a shame to cancel since they had travelled so far for this race. It would’ve been 8 Hours of Rain if it were cancelled.
The 2nd Restart
Soon, the message RACE TO RESUME AT 6.00 PM appeared on the monitors. Mechanics rushed to the holding area to pick up their bikes. They were pushed back to outside the pits and parked on the “hot pit lane” (the red line) and waited for the signal from Race Direction.
At the sound of the air horn, mechanics rushed their bikes into their respective pits to begin working on them.
Why such ruling? So that everyone starts working on their bike from the same time as everyone else. No handicap.
The team mechanics jumped in to change the rear sprocket for a taller gearing, fresh wet tyres were installed. They gave the bike a one-over to make sure everything was alright.
The pit reopened at exactly 6.00 pm and every single person at the track was eager to see the race get going. The field first formed up behind the Safety Car and the riders must be in their qualifying order before the car turns off its warning lights to let the 50 riders loose.
Finally, it was time to race after a couple of laps behind the SC. The 8 Hours of Sepang was go.
By the end of the first restarted lap, it was Mike Di Meglio of F.C.C. TSR Honda (#5) who was challenging Michael Van Der Mark from the Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (#21) for the lead.
The #37 bike of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team was in sixth at the end of the same lap, in a pack of four bikes including the Tecmas Racing #9 BMW S 1000 RR (older model). The Tecmas team’s pit neighbor’s the Motorrad’s pit.
Soon, a fierce battle developed up front between #5 and #21, as if it was the last few laps of a WorldSBK race.
The rain had stopped by the 4h 15 minute mark, but the track was still wet.
But neither leading rider backed down and they were pushing so hard that their bikes squirmed under hard braking. That frenetic racing saw a pace that no one else on the field could or want to match. While most of the field was lapping in the 2m 30s bracket, the dueling duo was circulating around in 2m 15s.
Meanwhile, #37 and #9 were locked in a battle of their own, and the former was briefly in fourth by the 4h 40 minute mark. The team members were glued to the TV monitors, a few mini-hopping up and down, a few chewed their fingernails.
Then it happened. V.D. Mark outbraked Di Meglio into Turn 15, but he went wide. Seeing the gap, Di Meglio stuck his bike up the inside. As V.D. Mark tried to tighten his line for the exit, he was surprised to find #5 there and lifted his #21 bike. Di Meglio was also surprised by the move and probably dabbed his front brake and lost the front tyre, which slid into #21’s rear tyre. It sent both men skidding off the track.
A huge roar went up all around the circuit and in the pits.
Di Meglio managed to pick up his bike first and continued racing, while V.D. Mark’s Yamaha was heavily damaged and had to return to his pit.
To give you an idea of how far they were ahead, Di Meglio rejoined the race in first place.
Into the Night
At the same time, #9 got the better of #37 and the latter dropped back to sixth. But four laps later, there was huge plume of white smoke leading into Turn 1. #9’s engine had gone bang in spectacular fashion. Peeking into our neighbours’ pit saw them slumped into their chairs. One of the crew members had told me during the start that they’re using Michelin tyres and gave the thumbs up. Michelin makes arguably the best rain tyres.
The Safety Car was called into action as the track crew removed the stricken bike from the gravel trap and to assess if any oil was dumped onto the track. It led the field for five laps.
During this time, BMW Motorrad team manager Daemen ran back and forth between the pit and pit wall, discussing their fueling strategy. He had told me earlier that the 24-liter tank could last between 26 to 27 laps in rainy conditions. But with the Safety Car period thrown into the mix, they needed to recalculate the bike’s fuel consumption. They also needed to figure out their pace in comparison to other competitors. Calling for a stop at the wrong time would be out of sync with field and cost them track position.
The mechanics began arranging different types of “stands” on the pit lane. They were all custom made for different purposes, including those to place the wheels. A loose wheel rolling down pit lane will be punished by a penalty.
They also prepared two types of Dunlop wet rear tyres, one intermediate and one full wet. The current rider will advise the team on which to choose.
At last, the #37 got the “BOX” message on his pit board. So do the other teams.
The bikes may appear slow on TV as they headed down pit lane, but they were fast in real life as the riders held on to the pit lane speed for as long as possible. The #37 flew into position in the blink of an eye and the four-man crew descended on it in that split second it stopped.
The wrenches went “rat-tat-tat-tat” in unison, the front and rear wheels came out, new ones went on, and and “rat-tat-tat-tat” again. But the mechanics also checked the nut with a torque wrench. (Here it was, where every second mattered, yet they still used torque wrenches, whereas most real-world mechanics never touch them.)
They yelled “GO!” to the fuel man and cleared away from the bike. With one swift motion, the biggest man in the pit (dressed in flame retardant suit) heaved the can above bike’s fuel tank and plunked it down into the dry break female coupling with an audible click, while another man stood by with the fire extinguisher. It took only a few seconds. He pulled the can off and the rider jumped on the bike, punched the starter button and away he went.
All these in less than 20 seconds.
You can watch video of the lightning fast pit stop below.
Countdown to the 8th Hour
We thought the field would settle into a rhythm. Instead, it was a crash fest.
Most riders crashed at Turn 5. Local riders know to stay away from apex as moisture seems to cling to that spot. The track was starting to dry but again, we local riders know that the Sepang International Circuit’s new surface may look dry while it’s still damp.
The most prominent crasher during this period was Mike Di Meglio on the #5 bike. While the earlier crash caused minor scrapes, this one saw extensive damage to the bike. He had to pit for repairs. His partner continued the race dead last but managed claw his way back to 21st at the 8th hour.
As the minutes ticked away, the top three began to emerge: YART Yamaha, Honda Asia-Dream Racing and BMW Motorrad World Endurance.
A second and last pitstop was called with 20 minutes to go. Again, the team did their choreographed magic. Again, they sent the rider and bike out in less than 20 seconds.
It’s all up to the rider now.
YART Yamaha was in an unassailable lead with one lap in hand, while the Honda Asia-Dream team was 1m 40s ahead in second.
By now, the BMW rider Mikhalchik was lapping 3 seconds a lap faster the leading pair, but there was no way in catching the second-placed team.
The team climbed atop the pit fence to welcome their rider home. It was their second podium finish in as many races. It’s a fantastic result by all means, considering that this is the first season for the factory BMW Motorrad team.
It was also the second podium of the year for Dunlop. (Remember, there’s a tyre war in the FIM EWC, unlike in MotoGP and WorldSBK.)
The next race will be the 24 Hueres Motos at the Bugati circuit in Le Mans, France on 18th and 19th April 2020.
We wish to record our heartfelt thanks to the BMW World Endurance Team for allowing us to cover the race along with them. Them team was very professional and they were very focused on their tasks at hand. It was a true honour to experience it firsthand.
A big thank you and appreciation to BMW Motorrad Malaysia also, for setting up the coverage.
Last but not lease, congratulations to the team and BMW Motorrad as a whole.
BMW filed an application to trademark the M versions of the S 1000 RR, S 1000 XR and R 1250 GS.
The application stated the three models as “M 1000 RR,” “M 1000 XR,” and “M 1300 GS.”
An M bikes means performance parts or higher performance.
Hold on tight, BMW filed an application to trademark the M versions of the S 1000 RR, S 1000 XR and R 1250 GS.
However, according to Motorcycle.com, instead of retaining the first letter suffix of each model, the application replaced them with the letter “M” instead. Thus, the three models became known as the “M 1000 RR,” “M 1000 XR,” and “M 1300 GS.”
This will be unprecedented if the three are sold as such. That’s because BMW Motorrad has a great system of naming their bikes, since the first letter indicated the type of engine the bike uses, with the exception of their scooter line-up.
For example, “F” means parallel-Twin, “G” says single-cylinder, “K” inline-Six (used to cover inline-Fours but has since been taken over by “S”), “R” is for Boxer, “S” means inline-Four. Scooters are a departure from the norm, designated with a “C”.
“M” on the other hand is reserved for bikes that receive the “M package.” M division is BMW’s performance branch who tunes stock machines in fire-breathing beasts, at least for the cars. For example, the M3 compared to the normal 3-Series. In terms of bikes, the 2019 S 1000 RR received the M package which consists of performance parts such as carbon fibre wheels, lighter battery, sport seat, adjustable ride height, adjustable swingarm pivot, Pro ride mode and finished with a special M livery.
So, what would an M 1000 RR be like? No other detail was provided but we are definitely salivating at the thought of a higher performance S 1000 RR. The same goes for the S 1000 XR. Conversely, the M 1300 GS may be even more “adventure” than the normal R 1250 GS.
We’ll see what transpires. It may amount to nothing at all, but who knows.
A German patent application showed that BMW is working on an electrically supercharged superbike based on the S 1000 RR.
An electrical supercharger boosts performance without sapping engine power.
Power and torque are boosted without needing higher RPM.
A German patent application showed that BMW is working on an electrically supercharged S 1000 RR.
Forced induction isn’t something new and neither is an electrically driven supercharger. but an electric supercharger offers more advantages than an engine-driven or exhaust-driven supercharger.
An electric supercharger has the potential to spool up quickly, thereby eliminating or reducing lag when the throttle is snapped open. The compressor should be driven by a motor which gets its power supply from a battery or capacitor.
On the other hand, engine-driven supercharger like the Kawasaki Ninja H2’s saps the engine’s power. The H2 may not lack power but the output could be potentially higher.
An exhaust-driven supercharger (or turbocharger) creates a blockage in the exhaust system and produces turbo lag. Another critical part is keeping the supercharger or turbocharger’s bearing oiled.
The document shows a simplified drawing of the system. The electric motor (24) drives the supercharger (28), which stuffs air into the combustion chamber (11).
Having a supercharger not only boosts top end power but also torque throughout the engine’s rev range. It certainly does away with needing tons of RPM. Besides that, engine emissions could also be reduced.
Will we see a supercharged S 1000 RR soon? Who knows, but remember that BMW patented a carbon frame and it resulted in the S 1000 RR HP4 Race.
