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

2024 BMW M 1000 RR

Premium Pick

9.7 / 10

Key Features:
Optimized aerodynamics
Increased top speed
Improved downforce
New visible carbon fiber
New M carbon wheels

Model

M 1000 RR

Engine:

999 cc inline-4

Power Output

205 HP @ 13,000 RPM

Torque

83 LB-FT @ 11,000 RPM

Transmission

6-speed manual

Driveline

Chain 525 17/46

MSRP

$33,345

Pros

• Top-tier power and performance
• Purpose-built as a racer
• Carbon fiber

Cons

• Overbuilt for the streets
• Pilot will have rein it in
• Forces a race-like riding posture

2024 BMW M 1000 RR Performance And Capability

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.

Performance Specifications

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

Design

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,

Specs And Dimensions

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

Chassis

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.

Chassis And Suspension

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

2024 BMW M 1000 RR Price And Availability

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.

Pricing and Features

How the BMW M 1000 RR Stacks Up To The Competition

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.

How the BMW M 1000 RR Compares To The Honda CBR1000RR-R-FIREBLADE-SP

• 2024 BMW M 1000 RR

  9.7 / 10

  Key Features:
  Optimized aerodynamics
  Increased top speed
  Improved downforce
  New visible carbon fiber
  New M carbon wheels

  Model

  M 1000 RR

  Engine:

  999 cc inline-4

  Power Output

  205 HP @ 13,000 RPM

  Torque

  83 LB-FT @ 11,000 RPM

  Transmission

  6-speed manual

  Driveline

  Chain 525 17/46

  MSRP

  $33,345

• 2022 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

  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.

  Model

  CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

  Engine:

  Liquid-cooled 32º inline-four-cylinder four-stroke

  Power Output

  214 HP @ 14,500 RPM

  Torque

  82.6 LB-FT @ 12,500 RPM

  Transmission

  6-speed manual

  Driveline

  16T/43T; #525 chain

  MSRP

  $28,900

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.

How the BMW M 1000 RR Compares To The Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon

• 2024 BMW M 1000 RR

  9.7 / 10

  Key Features:
  Optimized aerodynamics
  Increased top speed
  Improved downforce
  New visible carbon fiber
  New M carbon wheels

  Model

  M 1000 RR

  Engine:

  999 cc inline-4

  Power Output

  205 HP @ 13,000 RPM

  Torque

  83 LB-FT @ 11,000 RPM

  Transmission

  6-speed manual

  Driveline

  Chain 525 17/46

  MSRP

  $33,345

• 2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon

  9.8 / 10

  Key Features:
  Hypersport performance
  Carbon fiber panel
  Top-shelf electronics
  Smartphone connectivity
  Color TFT display

  Model

  Ninja H2 Carbon

  Engine:

  998 cc inline 4

  Power Output

  310 HP (supercharged) @ 11,500 RPM

  Torque

  104.9 LB-FT @ 11,000 RPM

  Transmission

  6-speed manual

  Driveline

  Sealed chain

  MSRP

  $35,000

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.

He Said/She Said

He Said

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

She Said