REVEALED: what changes have BMW made to the M 1000 RR for 2023?
A new machine is coming for the German manufacturer and they have revealed all the details about it…
There’s still plenty of action to come in the 2022 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season but some eyes are starting to turn to next season already. German manufacturer BMW have revealed details about their 2023 M 1000 RR bike as they look to make further ground on the manufacturers ahead of them in the Championship, with the 2023 model featuring an increased top speed and downforce due to a redesign of the front of the machine.
MORE STRAIGHT LINE SPEED: aerodynamic advances provide higher speed
The top speed of the new machine has been increased from 306 km/h (190 mph) to 314 km/h (195 mph). This comes from aerodynamic changes at the front of the bike; from winglets, a re-designed fairing and windscreen repositioning as well as innovations when it comes to brake ducts and the front wheels. The fairing has a new design and is made entirely out of carbon fibre and also includes a higher windscreen, increasing the top speed but also optimising airflow around the rider in search of optimal performance. The winglets generate around 39% more downforce both when turning and in an upright position, which could lead to greater lean angles or higher cornering speed from the same angle; while riders could also benefit from a reduced chance of the bike wheelieing.
The 999-cc engine is remaining the same and the top speed enhancements coming from aerodynamic improvements to the front of the machine. A water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine provides the power of the M 1000 RR with a peak power output of 212 hp at 14,500rpm, while maximum torque, 113 Nm, comes at 11,000 rpm.
FRONT WHEEL INNOVATIONS: integrated brake ducts
The area around the front tyre has also had a major change in design. The brake air ducts are made from visible carbon fibre and they have been integrated into the front mudguard of the M 1000 RR, with the mudguard itself undergoing a change; it has been redesigned to improve airflow around the fork legs and brake callipers. Not only does this improve the aerodynamics, it allows further brake cooling; reducing the temperature of the brakes when racing by around 10 degrees Celsius which brings benefits such as a more constant pressure point.
THE PLAN FOR AERODYNAMICS: optimising performance
Aerodynamics are a key part of motorsport and that is also true in WorldSBK, with recently-revealed bikes such as the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R featuring updates in this department. Manufacturers will try to optimise the performance of their machines as they look for the maximum top speed as well as the best possible contact patch between bike and road. The new M 1000 RR creates even more downforce than the current model, with an increase of 6.3 kg (16.3 kg currently, 22.6 kg on the 2023 machine) at 300 km/h. It isn’t just at this speed though, with increases at 150 km/h, 200km/h and 250 km/h as well.
Check out the full 2023 WorldSBK line-up here and watch the final two rounds from an enthralling 2022 season using the WorldSBK VideoPass!
