BMW M 1000 RR Review Live From Double R Fest

In the upper edge of the superbike class, BMW Motorrad campaigns its 2022 M 1000 RR ($36,995 as tested). This is the German brand’s top-of-the-range liter-class homologation special for the 2022 model year. This sportbike offers an array of technical improvements versus the base S 1000 RR.

Beginning with the 999cc inline-four, inside there are aluminum forged pistons and titanium connecting rods. The cylinder head has been reshaped and now benefits from titanium exhaust springs. Other improvements include an updated airbox with improved and still electronically height-adjustable velocity stacks. Externally, outside of the engine. The twin-spar aluminum frame has been modified with material removed in certain areas. The triple clamp offset is reduced, so the clamps are more far forward. The steering geometry has been a little bit more relaxed to boost stability.

The swingarm pivot has more finite adjustment (maximum adjustment range remains the same). The swingarm is also a half pound lighter and includes an adjuster to modify the linkage ratio of the rear suspension. It’s easy to make adjustments: Loosen the Torx head screw then loosen the fastener inside the linkage. The mechanic then pivots the arm and adjusts the linkage ratio. There is a lot of adjustment inside this M 1000 as compared to the RR.

The M 1000 RR’s braking package has also been tweaked. Blue anodized Nissin calipers are fitted and grip a pair of 320mm rotors that are 0.5 millimeter thicker than the standard model. Of course, this bike is dripped in carbon fiber. Carbon fiber wheels and winglets that increase the downforce of this motorcycle by 16 pounds at 120-something mph. We also have awesome embossed rearsets that are adjustable, so you can adjust the position of the footpegs and the rear brake and shift lever to your liking. We’re big fans of motorcycles that offer footpeg adjustment.

This M 1000 RR also includes GPS data acquisition, so you can monitor lap times and the vitals of the motorcycle while setting fast (or slow?) laps. And because it is a BMW, it offers heated grips and a USB charging port under the seat. Motorrad understands that we like to ride on the road, on the track, and in all types of weather.

This is a handsome-looking motorcycle and it rings in at $37,000. Yes, it costs around $12,000 more than a standard S 1000 RR, but you get a lot of extra features and improvements for the money. It’s worth noting that for the 2023 MY, BMW Motorrad has a new and improved M 1000 RR, which we hope to operate one day.

Swinging a leg over the M 1000 RR, we love its conventional mechanical ignition key. This key is locked to the 6.5-inch dash display, so when you reflash it, you have to remove this entire ignition setup, as well as the ECU. Diving into the menu on this color TFT allows you to access vehicle settings, just like the standard RR.

Here in the “settings” menu is where things get good. There are three race modes that you can customize (Race Pro 1, 2, 3). The rider can tweak engine power, engine-brake, traction control (BMW calls it DTC), wheelie control, and ABS. For this test we customized the Race Pro 3 mode. We installed maximum power (duh); we also engaged maximum engine-brake. We prefer the maximum engine-brake setting because we need extra help slowing the vehicle. We could see how faster operators could desire more free-wheeling effect during corner entry. We also selected a lower DTC setting. Wheelie control, we selected Level 2. So it’s not the least aggressive wheelie mitigation mode. In terms of ABS, we chose Level 2, so again, not the most aggressive ABS setting. Rear ABS is enabled in the setting.

This M 1000 RR is set up with reverse shift with a shift pattern of one up, five down. This modification reduces the short amount of time it takes to upshift into the next cog.

Double R Fest is a BMW Motorrad trackday experience, but you don’t have to just ride a S 1000 RR. It’s open to all types of motorcycles. But the reason many riders chose to ride BMW is because it offers so much character and charisma...

Photography: BMW Motorrad
Video: Adam Waheed

Motorcycle Riding Gear Worn

Helmet: AGV Pista GP RR Futuro
Suit: Dainese Misano 2 D-Air
Gloves: Dainese Full Metal 6
Boots: Dainese Axial D1

[williamcb]

Adams ability to make perfect sense & remember stats while riding the wheels off bikes truelly amazes me ! Brilliant content as always . 🤘🏻

[Hugo_WP]

This guys is a legend and the bike looks great!

[sqdr]

Adam, such a legend. Glad we didn't lose him to obscurity with the switch to digital media.

[lorentzinvariant]

Adam on the new M1000RR. This is going to be fun!

[johnswanson]

Adam dude, you may be out of practice, but you gave that bike the beans!

[viasevenvai]

“(previously)S1000rr has no character” at 10:00 “this bike is loaded with character.”. why does EVERY review say they have no character but the 37K bike i guess has it.

[MLambdaman]

That's one heck of a long name !
Thank you for the nice review.

[durkester]

About the torque map: (And I could be wrong) But i've read that bmw is offering to flash the torque map and undo it once if you choose. So not a bad idea to ride the bike with the stock map for a week or so and then try the torque map if you're curious. And bmw will undo it once for free if you don't prefer it. I read this on BMW S1000RR forum. Maybe it's not true, maybe it's only for the S and not the M. Something to ask the dealer about tho.

[WhatDoYouReallyMean]

Talking about a bike while going 120+mph is a feat in itself. Great video.

[BrianEvansracer]

Nice review Adam. Amil was fun to ride in the that M3 too!

[williamwintemberg]

Solid review on a solid machine by an Epic Motorcycle Journalist! It doesn't get any better.

[mmnaddaf]

Great as always! Can we expect more MC Commutes for 2023?

[coryk.]

Great video, was wondering if you tried a Zero Gravity Corsa or Sport Touring windscreen for taller riders. I heard you mention they’re really good for us, thx ✌

[dg]

We want to see the test on the new '23 M1000r, we've already heard all about this bike from other publications.

[Firestorm]

I did the 2 day M course In Spartanburg SC. Adult Disneyland, so worth it.

[mtkoslowski]

Very nice looking scooter. My favorite of all time is the R27.

[elmoomle]

Cool vid...and Emil looks like the real deal on 4 wheels.

[otlndsh]

Cable-actuated clutch? Das interesting...

[lopsided]

@heed Brentune doesn't require sending in anything to flash, you receive and use a handheld unit.

Love your reviews, sir! Let her eat!!

[xorbe]

I thought I might get one on the used market eventually, but only 150 came to the USA, so yeah that's not going to happen.