2020 BMW S 1000 RR Review | First Ride

Cycle World's Testing Editor, Michael Gilbert, heads to Portugal to ride the 2020 BMW S 1000 RR. Is it an easier to ride superbike despite all the upgrades and more power. Watch to find out.

The front straightaway at Circuito Estoril is more than a half mile long. Usually, this is where you look forward to getting some rest. Put the last few corners behind you, loosen your grip, and breathe before sweating it out for another lap. On the 2020 BMW S 1000 RR, however, I’m not tired enough to need a rest; this hustle has become easier.

When exiting Estoril's final third-gear right hander, the refinements to the S 1000 RR's ride-by-wire electronic suite prove themselves, the TC ushering me effortlessly off the corner with minimal wheelspin and wheelie control hanging the front wheel only inches above the pavement—no more, no less. Aided by seamless full-throttle gear changes, its linear power delivery makes the BMW deceptively fast. RPMs climb quickly to a 14,600-rpm redline, prompting higher gear and more speed. Tucked cozily behind the windscreen, the TFT dashboard displays 170 mph in top gear, but feels no more than 125 mph.

Four downshifts happen seamlessly and in quick succession thanks to BMW’s auto-blip downshifter and slipper clutch, while a firm two-finger squeeze on the brake lever sheds speed for turn 1. Only a handful of times did ABS intervene, effectively keeping the chassis composed and the rear wheel from lifting off the ground under serious braking. Confidence is at an all-time high for BMW. Minimal handlebar input decks the 426-pound fully fueled S1000RR to the right, where it carves a tight line through Estoril’s second-gear first corner. All with seemingly little effort.

The user-friendliness of the all-new S 1000 RR is a testament to BMW Motorrad’s hard work over the course of a 46-month developmental period. The German manufacturer didn’t want just a faster literbike, it wanted one that’s lighter and easier to ride.

Every element of the S 1000 RR was put on a diet, resulting in a total claimed weight loss of 25 pounds in comparison to the outgoing model. BMW says a large portion of the weight savings is found in the RR’s 999cc inline-four powerplant; much thanks to a significantly lighter crankshaft, hollow-bore titanium valves, and various other bits. The crankshaft alone saves more than 3.5 pounds dramatically reducing the rotating mass of the engine, promoting greater side-to-side agility. A smoother power curve is welcomed via the BMW ShiftCam Technology, which varies the intake valve timing at 9,000 rpm to ensure optimum power on both ends of the rpm spectrum. The result is a significant increase in low-to-midrange torque, while extracting a few more horses at peak power, bringing maximum output to a claimed 205 hp at 13,500 rpm.

[vicati]

Freaking Sick! I can’t wait to ride that machine!

[md]

Sounds like a great new engine, but will it be reliable over the long run? I'll stick with my 18' Gixxer, for 2 reasons, 1- I'll never use half of that extra race tech. 2- I cannot afford BMW parts or maintenance.

[flawlessfoose]

I hope this BMW keeps or even improves on the top end these beast are known for.

[upsidedowndog]

Better looking headlights. Those wheels are badass, Hp numbers are good, should be a hell of a ride!

[ahkau]

Some interesting comments & perspectives. Does it fishtail under hard braking? Looking forward an indepth review of the DDC on track and on the street (plushness?)

[Bongalicius]

It's a 2019 bike. I already sat on it at the local BMW dealer

[Miskatonik]

Funny, hearing at this it seems the previous model was shit and now EVERYTHING is SO much better. I wonder why each year it´s the same with previous model.

[Concordeagle]

Finally! Someone uses the correct title of 2020 and not 2019. Thank you

[larrysweetser]

It is 2019! Mentioned in the video 2X 2020 S 1000RR. Did I zone for a year? ;-)))

[thelastrebelshow]

Bet the guys that bought a 2019 are happy.

[MiguelitooO]

Good short review. Can’t wait to put it against the Rsv4factory and the V4R.

[TomDotCom.]

The new S1000RR does not have HP4 Carbon wheels from ThyssenKrupp, but Carbon wheels from Carbotech Austria.🤘🤪

[Dankavich]

I’d be fine with a 2015 still, looks badass though

[joshuamedina]

H2 only was the fastest for 1 year and just like that s1000rr is KING AGAIN. 🔝💯

[FancyAnimal]

You know it's a dud when the first accolade concerns the blipper. Keep your old S1000.

[roninortyseen]

Why 205 in the US?
Noise regulations?

[HotSizzleTV_]

I still like the older style more for some reason I’m not digging the new look. I still love bmw though.

[aldevaranu]

So I guess it was false advertisement when they announced live from BMW Motorrad

[george.ptauner]

Yes my come in june 2019 ! BUT IT STILL GONNA BE A 2020 MODEL !!

[JK-qjqp]

Estriol?? 🤦‍♂️ It’s pronounced just how it’s spelled. ES-TOR-IL