2012 BMW S 1000RR revealed: Images, specs and details

Merely 2 years after the successful launch of the path breaking super sportsbike, German auto manufacturer BMW has gone ahead and done some revisions on their S 1000RR. As with many manufacturers in our country, where Biking as an art is still developing, I thought of the upgrades to be merely visual and a better tuned engine at the most. But, I seem to stand corrected. Here, I have tried to discuss the substantial changes. The basis of the following information has been provided by BMW itself.

The major things that have been revisited are steering geometry, along with the steering head angle and the swing-arm pivot location, forks, instrumentation, “optimised torque curve” for better rideability, 3 new power curves and an all new mechanical steering damper. All for the added user friendliness.  Interestingly, peak horsepower remains the same, a massive 193 brake horse power at 13,000 rpm, and the redline again remains same at unchanged at 14,200 rpm.

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Here are some of the details from BMW, followed by a few official imagess:

How to fix something that ain’t broke?

Engine

Just as always, the S 1000 RR sports the water cooled four cylinder inline engine of merely 59.8 kg delivering a top power output of 142 kW (193 hp) at 13,000 rpm and a top engine speed of 14,200 rpm. The max torque of 112 Nm is reached at 9750 rpm and this all too remains unchanged.

The objective of the an ‘ideal’ ride also included the optimization of the power and torque curves.

Three new power curves have been provided: one each for the Rain and Sport modes and an third for the Race and Slick modes (in contrast to earlier model, where there was one for the Rain mode and a second for the Sport, Race and Slick modes). With an eye glued at improving acceleration and thrust, BMW have reduced the secondary ratio from its former 17:44 to its present 17:45.

In Rain mode, the new S 1000 RR now delivers 120 kW (163 hp), or 8 kW (11 hp) more than ever. In Sport, Race, and Slick modes, the RR still delivers a max. power output of 142 kW (193 hp), but the power could be significantly raised. The result is essentially a more linear and punchier engine characteristic.

The full stainless steel exhaust system on the S 1000 RR boasts of a redesigned catalytic converter.  The communications between the 20% larger cross section of the intake air guide in the steering head, the upgraded airbox, and the new bellmouth geometry all serve to increase the torque. These modifications to the exhaust system now eliminate the need for the heat shield installed previously on the oil sump.

Suspension.

The S 1000 RR boasts of an innovative suspension for the higher levels of supersports performance. The improvements made to the suspension have focused particularly on enhancing agility, handling, and inclined stability. In short, the new RR feels even lighter and more manageable, but without having to sacrifice to riding stability.

The main objectives to re-visit the bike were : an even better riding precision and agility, a bolder power buildup, and more sensitive response. The revised S 1000 RR has been based on feedback from national super stock races.

Very much like its predecessor, the upgraded RR knows seems to know of no compromise, providing the highest level of sportiness and even better riding dynamics. The impressive new features of the revised S 1000 RR are said to be its improved handling with sheer riding stability, absolutist engine performance with indefectible everyday practicality, and a resounding dynamic performance. The active safety is a result of hard work by an advanced brake system (BMW Motorrad Race ABS). While accelerating, the rider is aided by the Dynamic Traction Control system. Both of the above mentioned systems have been further optimized for the perfect interaction.

The superior engine power of 142 kW (193 hp) with a weight of only 204 kilograms including 90% fuel (206.5 weight with Race ABS) remains unchanged.

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Dynamic riding package
Among the primary objectives kept in mind for the revised S 1000 RR model, one of them was to improve ridability by upgrading thrust and optimizing the linearity of the power and torque curves. The response has been improved upon by offering an upgraded throttle.

The new, re-configured design raises sensitivity of response and tightens the twist-grip angle along with reducing the twisting force.

Improved handling and feedback.
The upgrades to the new RR suspension play a vital role in boosting its riding dynamics. Taking up for an example, the upside down fork and the spring strut feature a new internal structure, that is expected to provide an even better range of damping forces from one end of comfort to the other end of performance.

Moreover, the suspension geometry has been altered with new values for the steering head angle, offset, position of swing arm pivot, fork projection, and also for spring strut length to extract even better handling and steering precision for the upgraded S 1000 RR. This has demanded substantial changes to the main frame that also included enlarging the cross sectional area of the intake air guide through the steering head for greater air flow efficiency. This package of suspension optimization is finally completed  by an adjustable mechanical steering damper.

Say hello to a new instrument assemblage.
The tachometer binnacle has been redesigned for better readability. Also, the display can now be dimmed and provides more functions. For example, the lap timer can now show “Best lap in progress”, and if needed, “Speedwarning” can inform the rider when he rides beyond a particular speed.

Clarifying the design and also offering new colors.
The new S 1000 RR sure benefits from the whole bunch of technical upgrades but has also gained another new feature to brag about with the changes in terms of design. The tail now looks considerably wizened. There have been some faint changes to the very asymmetrical side panels, and the center airbox cover now flaunts side aperture grilles. On the crown of the panels, a new, telling identifying feature takes the form of two winglets that also does the job of enhancing the aerodynamic qualities.

In the most racy colour combination of Racing red and Alpine white, the RR oozes of power and speed even at standstill, whereas plain Bluefire lends it a very flashy look.

Sporty dynamics is depicted by Sapphire black metallic, and in BMW Motorrad Motorsport colours, the new S 1000 RR testifies to its direct affair with BMW Motorrad Motorsport (obviously).

Also the ergonomics seem to have been improved in the form of new heel plates.  The stabilizers on the passenger footrests have now been designed for an even leaner look.

Extended range of optional extras  
For customizing the new S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad is further expanding its range of optional extras. Riders with a substantially sporty bent can now decorate their RR with an HP titanium exhaust system or with the HP race data logger. Also the heated grips offering two levels and fitted as yet another of the ‘optional extra’ feature can take the cold bite out of the early morning run on the racetrack or long rides in winters.

The new features at a glance

• Optimised torque curve for improved ridability.

• Expansion from two to three performance curves (one each for Rain and Sport modes and an additional one for Race and Slick modes); Rain mode now 120 kW (163 hp).

• Reconfigured throttle for enhanced response (particularly gentle and sensitive acceleration in Rain mode, and immediately direct and spontaneous response in Sport, Race, and Slick modes).

• Reduced twisting force and tighter twistgrip angle.

• Smaller secondary ratio for boosted thrust.

• Refined tuning between Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).

• Enlarged cross sectional area of the intake air guide through the steering head for greater air flow efficiency.

• Better handling, steering accuracy, and feedback.

• Revised spring elements for an even wider range of damping forces.

• Suspension geometry modified with new values for the steering head angle, offset, position of the swing arm pivot, fork projection, and spring strut length.

• New mechanical steering damper adjustable over ten levels.

• Forged and milled fork bridge in a new design and with a smaller offset.

• Revised design with a leaner tail section, redesigned side panels, centre airbox cover with side aperture grilles, and winglets.

• For new colour variants: plain Racing Red with Alpine white, Bluefire, Sapphire black metallic, BMW Motorrad Motorsport colours.

• Revised RR logo.

• New heel plates and leaner stabilisers on the passenger footrests.

• Redesigned LCD engine speed display for better readability and with five dimming levels.

• Instrument cluster with the new functions “Best lap in progress” and “Speedwarning”; deactivation of “Lamp” fault message when headlamp or number plate carrier removed.

• Catalytic converters relocated, so no heat shield necessary.

• Expansion to the optional extras and special equipment ex works.

 Image Gallery

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1 thought on “2012 BMW S 1000RR revealed: Images, specs and details”

  1. well every1 got somethin special and god himself didnt get anythin much..

    but the question here arises is that ferrari had announced that all 599 were sould out when only.. so from where did this one come..??

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