There are few words that can describe the 2024 BMW M 1000 RR Competition to its fullest, but weapon, missile and rocket all spring to mind. Now imagine said motorcycle doing laps around Sydney Motorsport Park.
Considered the brand’s homologated race bike, it sits atop a range that also includes the very capable S 1000 RR. Our opportunity to ride it came as part of MEGA Ride Days’ 30th anniversary celebrations, and this two-wheeled monster came with pre-warmed slicks.
A bike loaded with carbon fibre goodness, it scores the maximum 160kW of power and comes with a claimed top speed of 314km/h. Get up and go comes from the 999cc water/oil cooled in-line four cyclinder engine.
It features BMW shift-cam variable intake camshaft control. In a nutshell, this allows the M 1000 RR Competition to rev to 15,100rpm and assists with the delivery of power. On the track, it makes a noticeable difference.
Ride modes include Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race and a selectable Race Pro option. For our track testing, we spent a little time in Road, before realising we needed more for circuit use, and switched to Dynamic.
The real stand outs are its handling, braking and aerodynamics. The slicks contribute a little to this and it would be naive to think otherwise, but there is no doubt that the bike’s physical dynamics, when pushed, are simply sublime.
Stopping power is provided by M Twin 320mm disc brakes with a 4-piston fixed calliper up front. The combination provides exceptional feel, with the ability to pull the bike up in a real hurry. It also makes trail braking into corners a breeze, delivering maximum control.
On the rear is an M Single 220mm disc brake with a 2-piston fixed calliper. It does a good job, but didn’t get much use on the day. Redesigned front and side trim panels optimise aerodynamics.
When combined with the revised M winglets (which provide up to 50 per cent more downforce to assist with high speed cornering and lean angles), these are major contributors to the bikes handling prowess.
On the track, this translates to what is probably the best handling and most controllable bike we’ve ridden. The grip levels offer the rider oodles of traction, which can be utilised also for weaving through slower traffic and optimising overtaking opportunities.
Weighing in at just 194kg, it’s offered in two two trim levels, the standard M 1000 RR, which is finished in Light White non-metallic, or the Competition, tested here, which comes in Blackstorm metallic. Both bikes are backed by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty.
All that sophistication and race tech doesn’t come cheap though, and like most things in life, the best things will cost you an arm and a leg. The BMW M 1000 RR Competition retails for for around $63,000. What you get for you money though, is a supreme track bike.
As an added bonus, it can be ridden on the road. To find out more about the 2024 BMW M 1000 RR Competition, you can visit the BMW Motorrad website or contact your local dealer.
Our test bike was provided by BWM Motorrad Australia. Action images courtesy of SDPICS.
