BMW Motorrad has unveiled the M 1000 RS limited-run variant of its top-spec naked streetfighter, the M 1000 R. Limited to 1000 units, each one carrying unique numbering and commemorative badging, the M 1000 RS takes the already-extreme M 1000 R as a platform and looks to perfect it.
The ‘RS’ in the name stands for ‘Rennsport’, or Racing Sport, giving BMW the freedom to equip the M 1000 RS with every top-shelf component the brand can throw at it. A lot of kit has filtered down from BMW’s M 1000 RR, such as the track-spec M-Footrest adjustable rider footpegs and a carbon ‘Monoposto’ rear cowl, but the carbon goodies don’t end there. The M 1000 RS gets forged carbon wheels, an M titanium exhaust, carbon winglets, and carbon shrouds for the aluminium fuel tank. The sum of all this carbon-ification is a kerb weight that tips the scales at 196kg fully fueled.
Mechanically, not much has changed. The M 1000 RS continues to use BMW’s tried-and-tested 999cc, liquid-cooled inline-four engine. However, courtesy of the M-Performance titanium exhaust, as well as the high-RPM ECU map borrowed from the M 1000 RR, the M 1000 RS makes 218bhp (205bhp in North America), which is 12bhp up on the M 1000 R. More power & lower weight, with the M-Footrest system’s sportier riding posture, should make the M 1000 RS a hoot to ride on track.
The suspension setup consists of fully-adjustable, electronically controlled units at the front and the rear, with a 45mm USD fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. 320mm discs with four-piston radial calipers and a 220mm rear disc with a single-piston floating caliper handle stopping duties. The M 1000 RS also carries over the M 1000 R’s extensive suite of rider electronics, including BMW Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Wheelie Control (DWC), cruise control, multiple ride modes and a bi-directional quickshifter.
BMW has priced the M 1000 RS at EUR 40,000 (Rs. 42.36 lakh), with no word on whether the M 1000 RS will make it to India. In international markets, the M 1000 RS will compete against Ducati’s Streetfighter V4 SP and KTM’s Super Duke 1390 R Evo.
