News/ Bikes/ BMW Updates its Fireworks! Superbike Lineup Revamped

BMW Updates its Fireworks! Superbike Lineup Revamped

If there's a competitive space in the motorcycling world which always stays boiling hot, it has to be the litre-class category. Bikemakers go far and beyond to make sure that their halo offerings remain ahead of their rivals. It makes sense though because these litre-class superbikes are the ultimate testimony to what a manufacturer can achieve, while still making their star childs road legal. To fly ahead of the competition, BMW Motorrad has rolled out a flurry of updates for all of its litre class offerings including the S 1000 RR, S 1000 R and their maniacal M derivatives as well. Here's all you need to know about these updated German beauties! (Not sure about the beauty part though, look at those big, big wings!)

BMW M 1000 RR

The M 1000 RR is BMW's befitting reply to the Ducati Panigale V4R and BMW's recent outing at WSBK also cements the domination of the M. For 2025, BMW has managed to extract 6 more ponies from the screaming 999cc four-cylinder motor, bringing the total to a claimed 215bhp. 6 HP might not sound a lot but even the tiniest of steps could become a giant leap when every mini second matters around a racetrack. The additional horsepower was achieved by implementing a horde of changes to the engine internals including newly designed full-shaft titanium valves, modified combustion chamber shape, larger throttle valves, and an adapted titanium exhaust.

Winglets are the order of the day and if you don't agree on this, just take a look at your favourite superbikes. The updated BMWs are no different. The M 1000 RR benefits from a huge set of third-generation carbon fibre winglets that generate a claimed downforce of about 30kg when the motorcycle is clocking 299kmph. The claimed top speed of M 1000 RR stands at 314kmph. BMW has also tweaked the electronics suite of the M 1000 RR which now includes 'slide control'. For faster acceleration, the M 1000 RR also gets M short-stroke throttle (also used on the new S1000RR), which reduces the rotation angle from closed to fully open by 14 degrees.

BMW S 1000 RR

You could take it with a pinch of salt but the M's more sedated cousin, the 'regular' S 1000 RR hasn't received any bump in performance figures as it continues to make 'just' 207hp. Following the footsteps marked by its monstrous version, the S also gets new winglets for increased downforce (up by 6kg from last year to 23.1kg at 299kmph). It is also worth noting here that both the motorcycles also get updated fairing panels. Previously only available as an extra fitment, the S 1000 RR can now be had the three 'Race Pro's modes as standard. Adding to its safety net is the Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) too, which prevents unintended acceleration during hard braking, ensuring a stable stop.

BMW M 1000 R

While its faired counterpart has received a power bump, the M 1000 R continues without it as it puts down the same 205 hp. Still mad, freaking mad for a roadster! Just like the M 1000 RR and the S 1000 RR, the M roadster also gets 58° M Quick-Action throttle. BMW has also lent it the updated mappings from the other motorcycles when it comes to Dynamics Traction Control. Visually, the biggest tweak that the M 1000 R has received comes in the form of a new headlamp design. It also gets winglets but not the huge ones like its faired counterpart.

BMW S 1000 R

What could be called the most sedated offering out of these 4, has also received a bunch of upgrades. For starters, it now makes 5hp more than before, clocking its total output at 170hp now. Just like the other scorchers in its family, the S 1000 R also gets a 52° M Quick-Action throttle and a shorter final drive ratio, with a 17-tooth front sprocket matching to a 46-tooth rear. New for the S 1000 R for 2025 is the addition of BMW’s Standard Drag Torque Control (MSR) and Engine Brake function. Also standard for the new 2025 S 1000 R is the short license plate holder, USB-C socket, and Intelligent Emergency Call in case it goes rubber side up.

TopGear Magazine November 2024