2012 BMW S1000RR | Preview

2012 BMW Superbike

When BMW released its inline-four S100RR in 2009, the machine immediately received much praise from the media, dealers and owners.

The superbike returned in 2010 as a carry-over model, able to sustain these praise. Although a top machine in the literbike category, BMW totally revised the S1000RR for 2012, the superbike optimized based on the feedback from national super stock race data.

BMW began with some engine refiments, although the BMW S 1000 RR’s engine remains the same mechanically. The 999cc, water-cooled inline-four still pumps out 193 horsepower at 13000 rpm and 83 ft. lbs. of torque at 9750 rpm.

Enhancements arrive in 2012 with a reconfigured throttle for crisper throttle response and an optimized torque curve throughout the four modes available (Rain, Sport, Race, Slick).

Speaking about the reconfigured throttle, BMW says “to date, engine control consisted of four individual throttle curves for each of the Rain, Sport, Race, and Slick modes. For the new RR, these have been reduced to two: a characteristic curve for a particularly gentle and sensitive throttle in Rain mode, and a second for immediately direct and spontaneous response in the Sport, Race, and Slick modes.

“Following this measure, the rider now no longer needs to adjust to the constantly changing throttle characteristics when switching frequently between Sport, Race, and Slick modes. At the same time, this also served to optimize the load change behavior.”

Along with these modes, the other technologically-savvy features of the 2012 BMW S1000RR – BMW Motorrad Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) – have both been optimized for “perfect interaction.”

For 2012, the Race ABS has been upgraded to match the new suspension geometry of the S1000RR. Discussing the Race ABS, BMW says “by pressing the lever, the rider receives feedback from the Race ABS as to when the traction limit will be exceeded and the control range reached. The rider feels controller feedback as a slight pulsing in the brake levers.”

The DTC has also been modified for the new geometry of the BMW S1000RR. BMW explains, “for the new RR, modifications have been made to reflect the new geometry, and wheelie detection has been optimized. When wheelie detection engages, the throttle valves now open much more gently. Moreover, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) has been optimized for greater riding and control performance in the Race and Slick modes.

“The new DTC application is based on the BMW Race Power Kit for better transparency during highly sporty maneuvers on the racetrack. The experienced rider can therefore achieve faster lap times.”

As stated, the Race ABS and DTC were upgraded due to the changes in the suspension. For 2012, BMW revamped the S1000RR’s suspension for improved riding dynamics. Besides a redesigned frame, the 2012 BMW S1000RR’s chassis also features a new steering head and tail section.

BMW says there’s “a 20% larger cross section of the intake air guide in the steering head. The steering head angle is now 66° instead of the earlier 66.1 degrees.

“The wheelbase has now been shortened by 9.3 mm to 1422.7 mm, and the afterrun has been lengthened by 2.6 mm to 98.5 mm. The fork bridge offset (front end) is now 2.5 mm shorter at 29.5 mm. In addition, the fork projection is 5 mm shorter than in the predecessor model. These modifications also included revisions to the steering head bearing for a lower breakaway torque and hence greater steering precision.”

Besides the chassis, BMW also revised the updside down fork and spring strut, which features a new internal structure for a wider range of damping forces. Also new for 2012 is a mechanical steering damper that has 10 levels of adjustment.

But it didn’t stop there; BMW improved ergonomics and instrumentation, and the 2012 BMW S1000RR also arrives with revised bodywork, most noticeably the fatter rear tail section.

And like always, factory customization is endless for the 2012 BMW S1000RR. Riders with a particularly sporty bent can now equip their RR with an HP titanium exhaust system (with or without ABE) or the HP race data logger.

There are also optional heated grips, which offer two levels of warmth. BMW says the grips can “take the bite out of the early morning run on the racetrack or longer rides in cold weather.”

And with this revision arrives new color options – Racing Red with Alpine white, Bluefire, Sapphire black metallic and the famed BMW Motorrad Motorsport colors.

Following are a list of the new features and specs on the 2012 BMW S1000RR. As of this report, no MSRP has been released.

2012 BMW S1000RR: New Features

  • Optimized torque curve for improved ridability.
  • Expansion from two to three performance curves (one each for Rain and Sport modes and an additional one for Race and Slick modes); Rain mode now has 163 hp.
  • Reconfigured throttle for enhanced response (particularly gentle and sensitive acceleration in Rain mode, and immediately direct and spontaneous response in Sport, Race, and Slick modes).
  • Reduced twisting force and tighter twistgrip angle.
  • Smaller secondary ratio for boosted thrust.
  • Refined tuning between Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).
  • Enlarged cross sectional area of the intake air guide through the steering head for greater air flow efficiency.
  • Better handling, steering accuracy, and feedback.
  • Revised spring elements for an even wider range of damping forces.
  • Suspension geometry modified with new values for the steering head angle, offset, position of the swing arm pivot, fork projection, and spring strut length.
  • New mechanical steering damper adjustable over ten levels.
  • Forged and milled fork bridge in a new design and with a smaller offset.
  • Revised design with a leaner tail section, redesigned side panels, centre
  • airbox cover with side aperture grilles, and winglets.
  • For new color variants: plain Racing Red with Alpine white, Bluefire,
  • Sapphire black metallic, BMW Motorrad Motorsport colors.
  • Revised RR logo.
  • New heel plates and leaner stabilizers on the passenger footrests.
  • Redesigned LCD engine speed display for better readability and with five dimming levels.
  • Instrument cluster with the new functions “Best lap in progress” and “Speedwarning”; deactivation of “Lamp” fault message when headlamp or number plate carrier removed
  • Catalytic converters relocated, so no heat shield necessary.
  • Expansion to the optional extras and special equipment ex works.

2012 BMW S1000RR Specs:

  • Capacity: 999cc
  • Bore/Strok: 80/49.7mm
  • Power: 193 horsepower @ 13000rpm; 83 ft. lbs. torque @ 9750rpm
  • Type: Water cooled straight 4-cylinder engine
  • Compression Ratio/Fuel: 13:1/min. premium unleaded (95 RON)
  • Valve: DOHC (double overhead camshaft) valve actuation over individual rocker arms below
  • Vavles per cyclinder: 4
  • Intake/Exhaust opening/closing: 33.5/27.2mm
  • Throttle Valve Diameter: 48mm
  • Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection, digital motor electronics BMS-KP
  • Emissions: Two regulated three-way catalytic converters, EU-3
  • Clutch: Multiple disc antihopping clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated
  • Gearbox: Constant mesh six speed gearbox
  • Primary Ratio: 1:1.652
  • Gearbox Ratios: 1:2.6471; 1:2.091; 1:1.727; 1:1.500; 1:1.360 1:1.261
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Transmission Ratio: 1:2.647
  • Frame Type: Bridge frame of aluminium
  • Suspension, Front: Upside down fork, standpipe diameter 46 mm, adjustable compress and rebound
  • Suspension, Rear: Two arm swinging fork with central spring strut, in spring mount, adjustable compress and rebound
  • Spring Travel: 120/130mm
  • Wheel Castor: 98.5mm
  • Wheelbase: 1422.7mm
  • Steering Head Angle: 66-degrees

2012 BMW S1000RR: Optional Extras

  • Heated grips with two levels.
  • HP titanium exhaust system street legal / non-street legal.
  • HP winglets of CRP.
  • HP race data logger with GPS.
  • HP race power kit.
  • HP race calibration kit.
  • HP race cover kit.
  • HP race shift pattern reversal.
  • HP race footrest plate.
  • In addition, BMW Motorrad HP Race Support assists all customers who want to use their RR at a higher professional level on the racetrack.

 

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