2024 BMW M 1000 RR: Performance, Price, And Photos

BMW's pursuit for speed both on the track and on the street reaches new extremes

The Bayerische Motoren Werke has for over a century been a force in the racing world, and this newly-updated M 1000 RR is a perfect example of just exactly why that is. This is a Pure-D racing machine, even if they do throw on some blinkers and a tag, so you can legally ride it on public roads. Widespread use of titanium and carbon fiber adds a space-age element for a high strength-to-weight ratio. Revised bodywork and down-force-inducing foils dress up the 2024 model to improve penetration and lower drag. The edgy stylishness of it is purely a by-product of performance-seeking measures, 'cause this is a form-follows-function type situation.

Between all the new stock items and the numerous accessories, there is plenty of potential for you to make your own mark on your bike, with an “M” package that's just for racing. The 2024 M 1000 RR carries over a number of features from the previous gen, including a robust electronics suite that bundles both non-racer and racer systems under the stock equipment package, to keep all the bases covered. Being homologated, it conforms to the rules for racing use.

The liter-sized four-banger mill reprises its role as this Beemer's beating heart with over 200 ponies for your riding pleasure, or racing success, whichever applies to your situation. You will have to exercise considerable restraint while riding on public roads, even more so than with garden-variety sportbikes, which may be a bit of a bummer when using it as an around-town bike. Honestly, it really belongs on the racetrack under a pilot who can do it justice.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why The BMW M1000RR Is The Ultimate Superbike

Key Features:Optimized aerodynamicsIncreased top speedImproved downforceNew visible carbon fiberNew M carbon wheels

Power for the BMW M 1000 RR comes from a transverse-mount, inline-four that has all sorts of delightfulness hidden away under the cowling. The engine has water-cooling to remove the bulk of the waste heat and dissipate it to atmosphere, but it also runs with an oil-cooler that reduces thermal breakdown of the engine's lifeblood.

Dual overhead cams time a quartet of poppets per cylinder. The BMW Shiftcam feature on the intake cam deepens the torque well for more low-down power, as does the variable-length intake funnels. This translates to a significant amount of torque available as soon as the engine starts to spool up. The tough, lightweight titanium valves reduce the reciprocating weight of the valvetrain and can handle the heat this monster produces.

To that point, the engine is massively oversquare with an 80 mm bore and 49.7 mm stroke that gives it a 999 cc displacement. It has a smokin'-hot, 13.5:1 compression ratio that'll demand high-octane premium fuel to prevent misfires and dieseling. You were going to feed it supreme hook anyway, right?

The 2024 BMW M 1000 RR produces 205 horsepower and 83 pound-feet of torque. Power flows through a slipper clutch that adds a backtorque-mitigating function for safer downshifts and engine-braking techniques, so the rear end doesn't break loose on you. A six-speed transmission and chain-type final drive complete the drivetrain with an overall drive ratio that turns out a claimed M 1000 RR top speed of 189-plus MPH.

As for electronics, the Hill Start Control Pro comes stock along with a Dynamic Traction Control, but the real wizardry is in the Pro Riding Modes feature that adds racing elements such as a Launch Control, Wheelie Control, and Shift Assist Pro. If you aren't on a track, the Road, Rain, and Dynamic modes let you tailor the power delivery to suit the prevailing conditions. A Launch Control feature ensures that you nail the holeshot along with a Shift Assist for no-clutch shifts, and a Pit Limiter that lets you dial in the max speed to suit the local rules. If you think you need it/handle it, you can set it up for MotoGP-shifting.

Engine

Water/oil-cooled inline four-cylinder, four-stroke engine with four titanium valves per cylinder and variable intake camshaft control

Displacement

999 cc

Bore x Stroke

80 mm x 49.7 mm

Compression

13.5 : 1

Power

205 hp @ 13,000 RPM

Torque

83 LB-FT @ 11,000 RPM

Fuel System

Electronic injection, variable intake pipe

Final Drive

Chain 525 17/46

Clutch

Multiplate clutch in oil bath, slipper clutch

Gearbox

Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox with straight cut gears

RELATED: The 2023 BMW M 1000 R Is The World’s Most Powerful Streetfighter

Form follows function, as well it should. BMW subjected everything you see on the M 1000 RR to rigorous computer-model and wind-tunnel testing, all done in-house, because {of course} it was. Carbon-fiber elements lend their lightweight strength to the body, and the windscreen, made taller this year, improves airflow around the pilot. Tuned up for 2023, the “M” winglets provide significant increases in downforce, to the tune of 12.6 pounds at 95 MPH, and a whopping 49.8 pounds at 186 mph. Needless to say, it contributes very little at legal speed limits, so look at this as a racing feature, even though it will make for a good conversation piece if nothing else.

The front fender starts things out with the usual foil-shaped uprights that double as spoilers for the front fork tubes. Molded-in vents reduce front brake temps by as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit under track conditions. Dual LED headlights ride in the front fairing just above the bi-plane winglets with LED blinkers, front and rear, so everyone can see your intentions. This year, the turn-signal wiring at both ends is easier to access for quicker race-day setups.

An LED taillight finishes the lighting out back. Redesigned with performance in mind, the rear bodywork and M Endurance seat deliver long-distance comfort. If you're into winter riding, you'll appreciate the stock grip-warmer feature's efforts to keep your fingers from freezing. As much carbon-fiber as there is on the stock bike, the racing package brings even more of the stuff to the table to make this bike even more exotic. About the designing process, Project Manager Christian Gonschor said,

"We have achieved an engineering masterpiece in the aerodynamic development of the M RR due to our unwavering ambition, total passion and technical finesse. Thanks to countless hours in the wind tunnel as well as in road tests, we were able to considerably increase the top speed with unchanged engine output and at the same time significantly increase the downforce, also when banking in corners. Our development work will be rewarded with racing success."

Length

82.1 inches

Width

35.4 inches

Height

48.2 inches

Seat Height

32.8 inches

Wheelbase

57.3 inches

Ground Clearance

NA

Fuel Capacity

4.3 gals w/ approx 1-gal reserve

Curb Weight

425.5 lbs

Dry Weight

375 lbs

RELATED: Incoming: 2023 BMW M 1000 R With Over 205 Horsepower!

Aluminum is the material of choice for the bridge-type frame on the M 1000 RR. The engine is self-supporting to reduce the amount of framing overall and save some weight. The suspension comes off the top shelf with 45 mm front forks and a central rear monoshock to tame the yoke-style swingarm. Components at both ends come with the full trinity of manual tweaks. If you really want to pimp your ride, add the optional automatically-adjusting electronic suspension system and forget about the hand-adjustable business. Suspension travel checks in with 4.7 and 4.6 inches at the front and rear, respectively.

Carbon-fiber yummygoodness finds its way down to standard M Carbon wheels that roll in a 17-inch diameter with a 120/70 ahead of a 200/55 hoop. Naturally, the rubber comes with a Z rating that'll handle even racetrack speeds given the opportunity. For you fiery-eyed pegdraggers, this bike will not disappoint, even if it will be a bit of a drag trying to hold back on public roads.

Dual 320 mm front discs work with four-bore calipers, while out back, a 220 mm disc and twin-piston anchor handles things. Racing ABS and ABS Pro add layers of electronic safety. The steering head sets a rake angle of 23.8 degrees from the vertical with 3.99 inches of trail for a very nimble nature, and is more nimble yet by the reduced gyroscopic forces generated by the lightweight wheels for quick flicks and willing reversals.

Frame

Bridge-type frame, cast aluminum, load-bearing engine

Front Suspension/ Travel

Upside-down 45 mm telescopic fork, spring preload, rebound and compression stages adjustable / 4.7 inches

Rear Suspension/ Travel

Aluminum swing arm, full floater pro, compression and rebound damping adjustable, adjustable spring preload / 4.6 inches

Rake

23.8°

Trail

3.99 inches

Front Wheel

M Carbon wheel 3.50 x 17"

Rear Wheel

M Carbon wheel 6.00 x 17"

Front Tire

120/70 ZR17

Rear Tire

200/55 ZR17

Front Brake

M Twin disc brake, diameter 320 mm, four-piston fixed caliper

Rear Brake

M Single disc brake, diameter 220 mm, two-piston fixed caliper

ABS

BMW Motorrad Race ABS (partial integral)

RELATED: BMW Celebrates 50 Years Of The “M” Moniker With A Special Neon Green M 1000 RR

MSRP on the 2024 BMW M 1000 RR starts at $33,345. Get it in Light White or Blackstorm Metallic, both over the “M” Motorsport livery, for the same price. If you want the components the M Competition Package adds to the fun, expect for fork over another $5,395.

Features

6.5” TFT display, Ride Modes, Cruise Control, Heated grips

Warranty

3 years or 36,000 miles

Colors

Light White, Blackstorm Metallic

Price

└ 2023

$32,995

└ 2024

$33,345

Race-like sportbikes are a dime a dozen, but real track-capable machines, maybe not so much. Still, the industry heavies mostly have something comparable, with the Honda CBR1000RR-R-FIREBLADE-SP and Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon rising to the upper echelons of street-legal racer development. Let's start with the Honda based on the factory race bike, the RC213V, for an undeniable authenticity that is sure to appeal to the most aggressive riders among us.

Key Features:Optimized aerodynamicsIncreased top speedImproved downforceNew visible carbon fiberNew M carbon wheels

For 2022, development of this model’s inline four-cylinder engine centers on mid-corner acceleration: the intake ports, airbox, airbox funnels and exhaust mid-section are all revised to deliver extra midrange power.

Honda's 999 cc engine in the CBR1000RR-R-FIREBLADE-SP produces 215 horsepower and 83 pound-feet of torque against 205/83 for a razor-thin power advantage, but one that is unlikely to overcome rider skill when it counts. Electronics also slip a bit for the Honda to leave the Beemer more technologically advanced in general with better racing electronics specifically. Whether that matters depends on how you plan to use whatever you wind up with.

Credit where it's due, Honda also finds places to use titanium in the engine to increase strength while reducing weight. It also chucks on Öhlins suspension that comes complete with automatic electronic controls as part of the stock package for another slim advantage. The 2022 Fireblade model is the current model, and it rolls for $28,900. You'll have to decide if the lower price is worth the less-noble electronics package.

Key Features:Optimized aerodynamicsIncreased top speedImproved downforceNew visible carbon fiberNew M carbon wheels

Key Features:Hypersport performanceCarbon fiber panelTop-shelf electronicsSmartphone connectivityColor TFT display

Next up is the H2 Carbon from Kawasaki's renowned Ninja family. This is a real stupidfast beast. It's not homologated for formal racetrack use, but it sports much of the sam, relative to the BMW in the way of electronics, certainly more gadgetry than found on the Honda.

The engine measures 998 cc, but that doesn't tell the whole tale. The Kawi runs a supercharger for vastly improved volumetric efficiency that leads to 310 horsepower and 121.5 pound-feet of torque to make it a real threat to literally anything you are likely to meet on the public roads. The suspension takes a backseat to the Honda's electronic goodies, but breaks even with the Beemer in the manual suspension adjustments. Kawasaki wants $35,000 for its entry to cede a slim advantage to the BMW at the checkout counter.

My husband and fellow motorcycle writer, TJ Hinton, says,

“It really is amazing here at the upper echelons of race-bike design. The M 1000 RR hits all the right notes, and the price is well justified. If there's a downside, it's that you will have to exercise so much restraint on public roads that it becomes more of a bummer than a fun exercise. Maybe this is an Autobahn bike?”

“The M 1000 RR was already fast, but these changes make it more so. It's fast on the straightaways and in the corners due in part to the downforce of the wings making it grip the pavement like a boss. Lean angle under experienced hands is 60 degrees, so you know this is a beast, but the ride is stable and well controlled.”

Allyn started early on with an interest in mechanical things and making things go. She pursued careers in both the automotive and motorcycle industries as a mechanic. Having shared her love of motorcycles with her husband, biker TJ Hinton, Allyn brings that knowledge to TopSpeed. Allyn holds a degree in computer networking with certificates in A+ and Net+. Her other interests include raising chickens, homesteading, and textile arts.