Now with the M 1000 RR throttle, brake covers, new winglets, Pro riding modes as standard and redesigned fairings, the 2025 BMW S 1000 RR is one refined track bike, as we find out at SMSP...
It’s always an absolute honour being invited to test a bike at the track, even after two decades as a journo. Despite the 2025 BMW S 1000 RR being more of an upgrade than a model overhaul, it’s even more refined than it already was, as I found out while lapping a dark SMSP recently.
BMW Motorrad Australia are always thinking outside of the box when it comes to testing and events, and running Australia’s first night track launch was a cool idea and something different, it was also my first night track ride.
I also threw a leg over the mighty M 1000 RR at the launch, but first, let’s look at the S 1000 RR…
For the aesthetics, the main changes are the aero wings and brake cooling ducts on the front wheel. The new front wing design produces an extra 37 per cent of downforce and if you happen to get to 300km/h, which is highly likely on this insanely powerful missile, you’ll have 23.1kg of downforce on the front wheel! For 2025 you also get a new 58 degree quick action throttle, reduced from 72 degrees, which allows you to get all 210 of those horses to the tarmac quicker than before.
Another change for this year is, you now get Race Mode Pro as standard on all models whereas before it was an option, this gives you the ability to customise basically every function the bike has, to tailor to your own requirements. The other change is the side fairings, cosmetically adding the cutout gills, which give a nod to the original RR from back in 2010.
Bikes don’t come much better looking than an S 1000 RR… How hot does it look in the sunset on pit lane? That shot would make an awesome poster… By the way, you now get Race Mode Pro as standard on all models whereas before it was an option…
Along with the base model S 1000 RR ($26,680), you can option for the Sports model for an extra $2580 ($29,260), which gets you DDC (Dynamic Damping Control) heated grips, cruise control, passenger kit and tyre pressure monitor. If you want a more racy option you can then pay an extra $3730 ($32,990) on top of that, to get forged wheels, a sports silencer and a M endurance chain.
And if that’s not enough you can get the M Sport option for a mere $5700 more ($38,690), this gives you everything you get on the other bikes plus carbon wheels, a M-endurance seat, M Blue brake calipers, Black fuel cap and the M billet pack. Moreover, if you have deep pockets and an understanding partner, you can treat yourself to the 218hp M 1000 RR for $54,690 or even the competition version, for an eye watering $66,450. Base R/A price ex-Sydney is $29,055 for the S 1000 RR and $58,155, the M 1000 RR.
Base Ride Away price ex-Sydney is $29,055 for the S 1000 RR and $58,155 for the M 1000 RR.
The launch was held at SMSP on a Friday night in combination with a public track day. I’d never ridden there in the dark before so it was going to be an experience to say the least. However, I couldn’t think of a better bike to do it on and I knew that the sophisticated electronics on this absolute missile would have my back.
Pommie was confident going into the test, knowing and trusting the S 1000 RR electronics would have his back in the dark conditions. The bike is so forgiving that a beginner could easily do their first ever track day on the S 1000 RR and they do, because you can hire them here as a track day bike.
For the first session I selected Dynamic mode, this mode gives you all 210hp, but still intervenes to safely manage the traction control, ABS, and throttle acceleration via the six-axis IMU. With the new quick action throttle I thought it may be a bit more lightswitch like, this I’m pleased to say couldn’t be further from the truth, the fuelling is butter smooth and after a few laps I forgot completely that I wasn’t having to twist my wrist as much as I would have with a normal throttle action, which would no doubt reduce fatigue over a long day.
“For the first session I selected Dynamic mode, this mode gives you all 210hp, but still intervenes to safely manage the traction control”…
The bike is so forgiving that a beginner could easily do their first ever track day on the S 1000 RR and they do, because you can hire them here as a track day bike. The Shift-Cam technology in this inline-four means you can potter around as if you’re on a 600cc sportsbike, it’s only when you twist the throttle in anger and get higher in the rev-range that the true animal is unleashed and then you better hold on.
“Clicking up each gear to top gear and 280km/h via the incredibly smooth and precise quick-shifter”.
I certainly found out fast when I came around turn 12 in third gear and twisted the throttle, clicking up each gear to top gear and 280km/h via the incredibly smooth and precise quick-shifter. At around 13,000rpm, the noise generated by a combination of intake induction and exhaust howl was intoxicating to say the least…
“There are no words to describe the sensation of speed and adrenaline I felt as I was catapulted down the straight into the dark”…
There are no words to describe the sensation of speed and adrenaline I felt as I was catapulted down the straight into the dark. It felt like it was only seconds before I was shutting off, braking hard, and then gently applying a bit of back brake as I tipped into turn one at a speed a lot lower than the bike was capable of, before getting on the gas again for the short burst before turn two.
“This new bike comes with adjustable cornering ABS and slide control, which allows the rider to dial in how much they want to back end slide into a corner”…
The braking forces on my arms from the Incredible BMW ABS system is on another level, but never intrusive and has great feel. This new bike comes with adjustable cornering ABS and slide control, which allows the rider to dial in how much they want to back end slide into a corner and with the sophisticated IMU it also is adjustable for how much you want the bike to spin the rear wheel when exiting the turn. I must confess that my track skills aren’t good enough to put this new slide function to the test, but the fact that a bike you can buy at a dealer comes with all these functions blows my mind.
One technology advancement that I do like playing with is the optional DDC (electronic suspension). I really think this is one of the best features to ever go on a bike. In the past if you wanted to take your bike to the track and get the best out of it, you would need some serious knowledge or a mate with the spanner skills to set your bike up from a road bike to a track bike. Now you can simply ride to the track, select Dynamic or Race Pro mode and off you go, you can easily adjust it to suit your riding style with the mirriad of fine adjustments, then when you are finished for the day, select Road mode and ride home in relative comfort.
“Now you can simply ride to the track, select Dynamic or Race Pro mode and off you go, you can easily adjust it to suit your riding style”.
The handling on the S 1000 RR, no matter what model you opt for, is unbelievable. The bike feels so light and precise that it’s more like a 600 in the way it drops into corners and steers. Even though the bike feels light and agile it also feels really stable, which encourages confidence, this along with all the electronic aids allows me to push the limits slightly more than I would normally without fear of getting spat off on a bike with this much horsepower running to the rear wheel.
I remember way back in 2010, I was lucky enough to be invited to the Australian launch of the original S 1000 RR at Phillip Island, back then the S 1000 RR was revolutionary and it simply blow every journalists mind, it was so far ahead of the competition with its performance and technology, it won every bike shootout and comparison all over the world including our Rapid Bikes shootout.
Since then the bike has been refined over the years into what we have today, a 210hp rocketship that’s as easy to ride for beginners, but can still be easily adjusted with the press of a few buttons into a bike that is not too dissimilar to what I imagine a world superbike would be like to ride…
BMW M 1000 RR
After riding the S 1000 RR it was a bit of a surprise when the 2025 BMW M 1000 RR was wheeled out. This new bike has a whopping 218hp and drools carbon-fibre and exclusivity from every pore and was the only one in the county at the time, so obviously I grabbed my helmet to be the first one to ride it!
As soon as the BMW tech fired the bike into life I immediately ditched my ear plugs so I could get the full sensation of my short time aboard this weapon. To be honest, I didn’t get off the standard RR and say to myself this bike could do with an extra 8hp, but here we are…
Heading down pit lane and out on the track I could tell instantly that I was on something even more special than the standard RR. Just the extra noise alone coming from the induction and the Akrapovic exhaust added to my experience, never mind all the carbon and billet alloy I’m looking down on in the cockpit area. Tipping the bike into turn two, the M felt light and agile, no doubt due the the carbon wheels reducing the gyroscopic weight effect of the reduced unsprung mass.
After a couple of laps and with the tyres warmed up I felt a bike more confident to have a bit more fun, keeping in mind not to bin the bike due to other journos wanting a ride. Apart from BMW somehow managing to make the bike handle like a 600 and the fact that the brakes, quick-shifter and gearbox are probably the best I’ve ever used the sheer feeling of acceleration was the biggest surprise.
Getting the engine screaming to the rev-limiter down the main straight as all my senses take in the noise and the pressure on my neck as I try to keep my head out of the wind at this ridiculous speed is a feeling I’ll never forget. Then sadly my session was up and I handed the M 1000 RR to the next wide-eyed grinning journo. To enjoy a lap of SMSP on an M 1000 RR, check out our video below…
Check out our BMW M 1000 RR on board Sydney Motorsports Park lap…
Tech Talk, 2025 S 1000 RR & M 1000 RR
BMW Motorrad continues to push the envelope in the hypersport segment with the updated 2025 S 1000 RR and its razor-sharp sibling, the M 1000 RR. With both machines receiving focused technical revisions, enhanced aerodynamics, and new rider aids.
2025 BMW M 1000 RR
The 2025 M 1000 RR (M RR) represents a significant leap forward in racetrack-oriented performance. BMW engineers have extracted an additional 4kW (6hp), bringing peak output to 160kW (218hp) at 14,500rpm from its 999cc inline four-cylinder engine. This power boost is the result of a host of internal engine changes: new full-shaft titanium valves, a raised compression ratio (now 14.5:1), and a revised combustion chamber design featuring larger throttle valves (52mm vs. the previous 48mm). The intake and exhaust ports have also been reshaped to oval profiles, optimising gas flow. A completely revised titanium exhaust system with larger oval headers and modified pre-silencer internals complements these changes, ensuring both performance gains and Euro 5+ compliance.
On the aerodynamic front, the M RR has received a redesigned front fairing and M Winglets 3.0 made from carbon fibre (CFK), which increase downforce to an impressive 30kg at 300km/h, up from 22.6kg. This translates to greater front-end stability, reduced wheelie tendency, and more confident cornering at higher speeds. The M RR’s Flex Frame has been refined with a new engine mounting point on the left side and adjusted rigidity around the steering head. The result is improved front-end feedback and chassis balance at race pace.
Crucially, BMW has introduced steering angle sensor technology into the electronics suite. This enables two groundbreaking features for track use: Slide Control and Brake Slide Assist. Slide Control allows controlled power slides under acceleration by monitoring drift angle via steering input. Brake Slide Assist, integrated into the BMW Race ABS Pro system, supports rear-wheel slide entry into corners, offering a semi-stable drift state for advanced riders.
The M short-stroke throttle, with a reduced rotation angle of 58° (down from 72°), allows faster and more precise throttle inputs—critical during aggressive track use. The new throttle mapping is standard across all riding modes. The M RR remains available in two trims: the base model in Lightwhite uni and the M Competition version in Blackstorm metallic with matte carbon bodywork.
2025 BMW S 1000 RR
For 2025, the S 1000 RR gains refinements aimed at enhancing its already formidable track credentials. While its output remains at 154kW (210hp) at 13,750rpm, the adoption of the M short-stroke throttle, new fairing designs, and increased downforce from reworked winglets mark a significant handling improvement.
The new winglets generate 23.1kg of downforce at 300km/h, up from 17.1kg previously. This increase in aerodynamic grip gives the rider more confidence in corners and mitigates front-end lift during acceleration. Brake cooling is also improved via integrated ducts in the redesigned front wheel cover, which channel air directly to the calipers—an advantage for endurance and track riders alike.
The RR’s styling update includes asymmetrical fairing side panels inspired by the original 2009 RR, featuring a heat exit on the left and distinctive gill vents on the right.
The 2025 S 1000 RR now comes standard with Pro Riding Modes, incorporating three additional “Race Pro” configurations. Riders can now access five levels of ABS adjustment, including a dedicated “Slick” setting tailored for use with race tyres. Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) is also standard, preventing unintentional throttle input during hard braking to maintain chassis stability.
Further features include customizable engine brake control, Hill Start Control Pro, and an expanded set of throttle/torque response combinations. Riders can choose between soft and direct throttle response, with full torque delivery, depending on preference and riding conditions. The S 1000 RR is offered in three variants: Blackstorm metallic (base), Bluestone metallic (Sport), and Lightwhite uni/M Motorsport (with the M Package).
Technical Comparison
Feature BMW S 1000 RR BMW M 1000 RR
Engine Output 210 hp@13,750rpm 218 hp@14,500rpm
Torque 113 Nm@11,000rpm 113 Nm@11,000rpm
Compression Ratio 13.3:1 14.5:1
Throttle Diameter 48mm 52mm
Top Speed >300km/h 314km/h
Downforce @300km/h 23.1kg 30kg
Curb Weight 193.5kg (M Package) 194kg
Electronics Highlight Race Pro Modes, DBC, ABS Slick Slide Control, Brake Slide Assist
2025 BMW S 1000 RR M Sport Specifications (M 1000 RR)
Price: From $26,680 ($54,690 M 1000 RR) + ORC.
Warranty: Five-years unlimited km
Colours: Blackstorm metallic, Bluestone metallic (Sport), Lightwhite uni/M Motorsport (M Package)
Claimed Power: 154kW@13,750rpm (160kW@14,500rpm)
Claimed Torque: 113Nm@11,000rpm
Kerb Weight: 193.5kg (M Package) (194kg M 1000 RR)
Fuel Capacity: 16.5L
Fuel Consumption Claimed: 6.4L/100km (6.5L/100km)
Fuel Consumption (Measured): N/A
Top Speed: >300km/h (314km/h)
0–100km/h: 3.3s (3.1s)
Engine: Water-/oil-cooled in-line four-cylinder engine, four-valves per-cylinder, DOHC, valve actuation via single rocker arm and BMW ShiftCam variable intake camshaft control system. Bore x Stroke: 80mm x 49.7mm Displacement: 999cc Compression Ratio: 13.3:1 (14.5:1) Throttle Valve Diameter: 48mm (52mm) Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection Exhaust: Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter Exhaust System: Titanium headers and silencer (M RR: modified titanium system with oval header inputs and larger pre-silencer) Gearbox: Six-speed constant mesh Clutch: Self-reinforcing anti-hopping multi-plate oil-bath clutch, mechanically operated Final Drive: 17/46 chain, 2.706 ratio
Chassis: Frame: Aluminium composite bridge-type, engine as a stressed member
Rake: 23.8° / 66.2° (23.9° / 66° M RR) Trail: 101.4mm (102.5mm)
Wheelbase: 1456mm (1458mm)
Front Suspension: 45mm USD forks, fully adjustable spring preload, rebound & compression damping.
Rear Suspension: Aluminium full-floater Pro swingarm with central spring strut, fully adjustable.
Travel: 120mm (f) / 117mm (r) (118mm rear M RR) Suspension Features: Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) electronic damping (SA DDC on RR, standard on M RR)
Brakes Front: Dual 320mm floating discs, four-piston radial calipers Rear: 220mm disc, single-piston floating caliper ABS: BMW Race ABS Pro with Brake Slide Assist, 5-level ABS adjustment, Slick Mode (M RR: standard)
Wheels & Tyres S 1000 RR: Cast aluminium standard, forged aluminium (Race Pack), or carbon (M Package) M 1000 RR: Carbon wheels standard Front Tyre: 120/70 ZR17 Rear Tyre: 190/55 ZR17 (200/55 ZR17 with M Carbon wheels)
Dimensions:
Seat Height: 832mm (865mm M RR)
Overall Length: 2073mm (2085mm M RR)
Overall Width (inc. mirrors): 848mm (899mm M RR)
Ground Clearance: N/A
Overall Height: N/A
Instruments & Electronics: 6.5in full-colour TFT dash, Riding Modes: Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race + Race Pro 1/2/3, Power Modes with custom throttle/torque maps, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Slide Control, Wheelie Control adjustable via Race Pro modes, Brake Slide Assist (M RR), Hill Start Control Pro with Auto HSC, Engine Brake Control (adjustable), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), ABS Pro with 5-level adjustment, Lean-angle sensitive 6-axis IMU, Launch Control & Pit Lane Limiter (Race Pro modes).
S 1000 RR Ratings | Bike Review | 2025 BMW S 1000 RR & M 1000 RR Track Test
Fast!
Here is our track test on the updated 2025 BMW S 1000 RR, and a quick review on the mighty M 1000 RR. Check them out, and watch our M 1000 RR video lapping SMSP as well.
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