BMW

BMW

In line with its 2020 pandemic era announcement, BMW corporate has shunned major motorcycle shows in 2022, but that doesn't mean the firm hasn't got plenty of new and updated models for next year. In fact, there's something of a bumper crop, even if it consists of upgrades rather than clean-sheet designs.

The S1000RR superbike is at the top of the list, with wings on the fairing to keep up with the latest trends and add 10 kg of downforce at high speed. Power is also up - an additional 2 kW that takes the 2023 model to 154 kW (206.5 hp/210 PS) from the previous 152 kW (204 hp/207 PS) thanks to changes inherited from the M1000RR's engine, an extra tooth on the rear sprocket takes advantage of the 2023 bike's higher peak revs (max power comes at a screaming 13,750 rpm) to reduce the final drive ratio and improve acceleration without any loss of top speed.

S1000RR

Chassis tweaks include a slightly less aggressive head angle (23.6 degrees instead of 23.1) and a 16 mm longer wheelbase, and the rear bodywork has been revised to match the new-look front end. Weight is unchanged at 197 kg wet.

With the S1000RR closing the gap to the range-topping M1000RR, BMW has also updated the homologation-special model for 2023 - but instead of adding power, the focus is on radical aerodynamics to help make it a WSB contender. There's no change to peak power, 156 kW (209 hp/212 PS), or the 192 kg wet weight, but the 2023 M1000RR has less drag and more downforce than its predecessor thanks to a fairing that targets aerodynamic efficiency over cosmetic appeal. 

New wings increase peak downforce from 16.3 kg to 22.6 kg at 300 km/h but drag is reduced to increase top speed from 306 km/h (190 mph) to 314 km/h (195 mph). All numbers that are meaningless for road riders, but potentially decisive on the track. A bubble-like nose, made of carbon fibre, new side panels and a redesigned tail all contribute to the efficiency, and on the higher-spec M1000RR M Competition version there are also aerodynamic front wheel shrouds.

M1000RR

BMW's 'M' range also grows for 2023 with the debut of the new M1000R - a bike that combines elements of the S1000R streetfighter with parts from the S1000RR superbike to become the most powerful unfaired production machine on the market. 

While the S1000R has always been based on the S1000RR, it lacks the variable valve timing system and outright power of the faired model. That's corrected on the M1000R, which gets the full-fat superbike motor with 154 kW - a huge increase on the 121 kW of the S1000R and enough to beat rivals including the MV Agusta Brutale 1000RR and Ducati Streetfighter V4.

Visually, the M1000R gains winglets that add 11 kg of downforce at 220 km/h, while the 'M Competition' pack adds a small wind deflector on the nose. New suspension includes 45 mm USD forks and electronic damping control, while the brakes are also upgraded to cope with the additional performance, with the 'M' calipers from the M1000RR superbike.

At the more 'real world' end of BMW's range, the R1250R and R1250RS are both given minor refreshes for 2023. The naked R1250R gains a new LED headlight design that freshens the front end's appearance and adds the option of cornering lights, and while the R1250RS looks essentially the same as the previous model, both machines gain a new 'ECO' riding mode and dash display.