2010 BMW S1000RR vs. 2012 S1000RR

A look at what's new on the 2012 BMW S1000RR

	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.

KTM Superbike 2013 Preview: KTM 1290 Super Duke R

KTM provides an important and exciting glance into the fascinating future of the Super Duke.” If that means moving its wicked streetfighting 1290 Super Duke R into production, then KTM’s future is exciting indeed.

After much speculation, KTM finally confirmed it is in the process of manufacturing the 1290 Super Duke R at the EICMA show in Milan. And while fans of the Austrian marque are craving a detailed spec sheet on KTM’s highest-powered Super Duke to date, facts about the naked bike are still ambiguous at best.

What is known is that the 1290 Super Duke R will be powered by a bored-out version of the V-Twin installed on the RC8R superbike, the latter an 1195cc liquid-cooled, eight-valve V-Twin. Exact displacement of the 1290 Super Duke R and power numbers haven’t been revealed yet, but the lump in the RC8R put out 152.41 hp on our dyno when tested back in 2011. Numbers tossed around for the new 1290 mill are in the 180 – 200 hp range. Power to the rear will be administered by a ride-by-wire throttle system.

The potent V-Twin is suspended below the tubular frame, the frame comprised of chrome-molybdenum steel. The frame is paired to a single-sided swingarm and a small rear subframe that opens up the look of the rear leaving the lightweight alloy racing wheels with the two-tone KTM orange and white color scheme out in the open for everyone to appreciate. Though dimensions weren’t listed, the rake is tight and racy and the wheelbase compact on this hooligan-bent steed. The motorcycle’s weight wasn’t listed either but carbon fiber used on the fenders and tank shroud should help keep the number down.

Electronics for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R include traction control and ABS, as well as anti-stoppie and anti-wheelie control. KTM states that these can be deactivated by the rider. Though price hasn’t been listed yet, the 2012 KTM RC8R sold for $16,499 so figure it to be comparably priced. KTM says “to look forward to the future and the second half of 2013 in particular,” which we’re assuming is the release date for the 1290 Super Duke R.

Motorcycle Review: Triumph Daytona 675 USA Review and Specs

Triumph Daytona 675 is one of the first motor that uses a three-cylinder super sports middleweight, the Triumph Daytona 675 is a force to be reckoned with in the most hotly contested arena in Motorcycling.

Triumph Daytona 675 has countless comparison tests and for the past two years has taken both the MasterBike and Supertest ‘King of the Supersport’ crowns. Triumph Daytona 675 is incomparable.



Triumph Daytona 675 uses a machine with a total capacity of 675cc with water cooled cooling and three-cylinder, 12-valve power unit is extremely compact, featuring a Keihin fuel injection system and a stacked six-speed close-ratio gearbox. Peak power of 123bhp is delivered at 12500rpm, with torque at 11750rpm 53ft.lbf.

Motorcycle review: Triumph Daytone 6

Motorcycle Review: Triumph Daytona 675 USA Review and Spec

 

Triumph Daytona 675 is one of the first motor that uses a three-cylinder super sports middleweight, the Triumph Daytona 675 is a force to be reckoned with in the most hotly contested arena in Motorcycling.

Triumph Daytona 675 has countless comparison tests and for the past two years has taken both the MasterBike and Supertest ‘King of the Supersport’ crowns. Triumph Daytona 675 is incomparable.



Triumph Daytona 675 uses a machine with a total capacity of 675cc with water cooled cooling and three-cylinder, 12-valve power unit is extremely compact, featuring a Keihin fuel injection system and a stacked six-speed close-ratio gearbox. Peak power of 123bhp is delivered at 12500rpm, with torque at 11750rpm 53ft.lbf.

BMW Review: 2013 BMW Motorrad R1200R

BMW announced eight models returning for 2013, all receiving new colors and ABS as standard. Beyond that, the most notable news is what models have not been announced.

The returning 2013 BMW models include the F800R, the G650GS, the R1200R, the S1000RR, the K1300S, the K1300R, the K1600GT and K1600GTL. These eight models join the previously-announced F800GS and F700GS as well as the C600 Sport and C650GT maxi-scooters.



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. 

The R1200RT’s absence may mean it too is getting an update, likely using the same liquid-cooled engine. Also not mentioned are the naked version of the S1000RR or the other boxer engined roadster recently spotted by spy photographers.

KTM Preview: 2013 KTM RC8 R

The Intermot as expected is unveiling to us almost all the top manufacturers line for the year 2013. The folks at KTM have used this international platform to announce the updated version of its V-twin superbike the 2013 RC8 R and the RC8 Track. 

The 2013 KTM RC8 is the ultimate power tool from KTM. Their designers pulled out all the stops in the art of engine building when it came to the 1190 RC8 R 2013. The rider has one of the most powerful V2 engines of our times and one of the best chassis in the world at his or her disposal - totally street-legal.

With the precision to cut out the others when entering the corner. With the power and traction to pull away from them exiting the corner. With the feedback and ergonomics to enjoy the 1190 RC8 R 2013 to the full.

The KTM RC8 R gets updates to its Keihin engine management system for better power delivery, a new and improved slipper clutch and a recalibrated suspension system. The RC8 Track produces 180 HP and is a track machine purely for the enthusiasts. 

It is still surprising that KTM still has not given both these bikes a substantial upgrade in these times of immense competition especially from top contenders like the BMW HP4 and the Panigale.

2013 KTM Duke 690 R presented at EICMA 2012

KTM now have a Duke for the entire range with the addition of the Duke 390 and the soon to be announced Super Duke street versions, but amongst all the hype over the Super Duke prototype and the Duke 390 there was another Duke that got a refresher, the Duke 690. KTM presented an ‘R’ version of the Duke 690 at the EICMA in Milan this year, this ‘R’ version takes in most of the upgrades used on the 690 for the European Junior Cup. 

The KTM Duke 690 R gets a fully adjustable front and rear suspension, new wheels, reinforcements to the chassis, a translucent air box cover and an Akrapovic exhaust system. The engine now produces 70HP. The braking department also gets updates with a four piston calliper at front and an ABS system that can be switched off. The handle and the foot pegs have also been adjusted for a more race oriented seating.