|
2011 Model |
2012 Model |
| Capacity (cc) |
999cc |
999cc |
| Bore/Stroke (mm) |
80.0/49.7 |
80.0/49.7 |
| Max Output (bhp) |
193 |
193 |
| Max Torque (lb-ft) |
82 |
82 |
| Compression Ratio |
13.1 |
13.1 |
| Final Drive Ratio |
1:2.588 |
1:2.647 |
| Wheelbase (mm) |
1432 |
1422.7 |
| Tank Capacity (L) |
17.5 |
17.5 |
| Wet Weight (kg) |
204 |
204 |
| Price (OTR) |
£10,950 |
£12,295 |
BMW's 'new' for 2012 S1000RR looks remarkably similar to the original
model. Tweaks, not big changes are the order of the day for a bike that
shoved a huge spanner in the Superbike works when it first arrived on
the scene.
Performance Changes
The S1000RR's engine capacity, bore and stroke, power output, torque
and compression ratio all remain exactly the same. So what has changed?
The rear sprocket is given an extra tooth, from 44 up to 45, to aid
acceleration.The air-intake through the headstock has been revised to
increase the surface area by 20%. The throttle action is quicker, now
requiring 11% less travel.
Chassis Changes
The new model has a shorter wheelbase, down from 1432mm to 1422.7mm.
The steering head angle changes from 24 degrees to 23.9 degrees, while
trail is increased by 2.6mm. A mid-speed damping valve has been added to
the front forks and internals have been revised with the aim of
improving front-end feedback. The rear shock features a new spring and a
wider range of adjustment. The swingarm pivot is located 4mm higher in
the chassis a move designed to improve suspension feel. The bars are set
wider and the reach to them is slightly greater, for more leverage than
before.
Electronics Changes
The Rain power mode has been revised, from a rather meagre (joke!)
152bhp to 163bhp. The main changes are to the traction control and
'combustion control'. The Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) was a popular
optional extra on the original model, with over 98% of customers opting
for it. BMW have revised the system, refining it, making its
intervention less obvious. The 'combustion control' is used in Slick
mode and is designed to help corner entry by 'opening' the throttle a
minute amount to maintain the perfect amount of engine braking.
Cosmetic Changes
Again, the new model features small tweaks, with a revised and
smaller tail unit and the addition of tiny 'winglets' located on the
side of the nose fairing. The obvious cosmetic changes are the colours,
with the new Red/White and Light Blue schemes.
Price Changes
BMW haven't helped themselves with the price change. The original
model weighed in at £10,950, but let's say that's £11,000. The 2012
model is £12,295 but VAT has increased from 15% to 20% since the
original model's introduction and that increase alone is around £500,
meaning BMW have 'only' added around £800 for the revisions. Still,
that's something many will find hard to stomach.
In Summary
The changes are all small but numerous enough to add up with BMW
addressing the suspension, power delivery and traction control - areas
that came under close scrutiny in group tests. In short, BMW haven't
messed with the formula for what made the original S1000RR good, instead
they've refined it to make it better.
Noticeably
absent are BMW’s top-selling R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure and the
R1200RT. We already know BMW is developing a liquid-cooled replacement
for the R1200GS so its absence from the 2013 lineup announcement is not a
surprise. 
