BMW M1000R (2023) Review

Cruise missile

Here at AutoTrader Bikes, we have the opportunity to test a variety of motorcycles ranging from adventure machines of all sizes to cruisers and even 1-litre sportbikes but it is not very often that we get the chance to take a true superbike out. Advanced machines like the Suzuki Hyabusa and KTM's 1290 Superduke have graced our drive but it was an absolute treat when a true blue hyperbike arrived for test.

Related: BMW R 1250 GS Trophy (2023) Review

The BMW M1000R is what the manufacturer calls a hyper-naked, this machine is a visceral and incomprehensible piece of engineering excellence that only occurs when the folks over at BMW's M division get their hands on a Motorad product. To say that this bike is insane only short changes the engineers that designed and built it because what you have here is a two-wheeled missile that is completely comfortable doing the daily commute but also capable of dominating a track day without changing a single thing. Let's take a deeper dive into what makes up this technological masterpiece.

 

Styling

This particular machine is very far from the standard model that you get. This is the M Competition spec meaning that has the optional R110k carbon package fitted and as you can see it is simply covered from top to bottom in it. The tank panels, fairings, windscreen, front and rear mudguards, chainguard, and yes, even the wheels are pure carbon fibre. The splashes of colour come from the M Motorsport/Black Storm scheme that only adds to the sporty and aggressive look.

There is also a billet aluminium pack that replaces many of the fasteners, footpegs, and control levers with anodised machined parts that just elevate this to a completely new level with intricate details and badging that you only notice after a few hours of staring at the bike in amazement.

The M1000R is basically an RR model without the full fairing and it looks very aggressive with the front winglets, sleek lines, and aerodynamically optimized bodywork and although it looks mean, it is actually rather comfortable to ride. This is one of the cases where the bark definitely matches the bite because as sporty as the M1000 looks, it's the tech and engineering underneath the skin that makes this the Jekyll and Hyde machine that it is.

 

Tech and Features

This laundry list is long, it is a BMW after all! Starting upfront a single 6.5" TFT screen relays info back to the rider who can control the functionality through the left control scroll wheel which GS riders will be familiar with. BMW’s ABS Pro system, 6-Axis IMU, and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control system) keep things in check on the electronic control side and there are 6 ride modes on the M1000R but they are really split down the middle, 4 for the road and 2 for the race track. The standard fair Rain, Road, and Dynamic are for street use, and then for those that can, Race, Race Pro 1, and Race Pro 2. We absolutely DO NOT recommend making use of these last three modes on public streets as they deactivate the safety systems put in place to protect riders and public roads are no place to use them.

The front winglets were a talking point wherever we went, with most wanting to know what they were for and if they did indeed work. These wings create 11kg's of downforce to maintain stability at speed and we can indeed confirm that they do work but only at [cough] higher speeds [cough].

Deep within the gubbins of the M1000R, you also get a GPS Lap Trigger for when you do decide to take this to the track which you inevitably will as the only way to fully appreciate what BMW has built here is to take it to a controlled environment where you can stretch its legs so to speak.

 

Engine and Drivetrain

The 1000cc of engineering perfection nestled in the frame delivers 154kW and 113Nm through a 6-speed transmission. This combo can rocket you from a standing start to 100km/h in a mere 3.2 seconds and you can easily reach 200km/h in just 7.2 seconds if you can find a stretch of tar smooth enough. 280km/h is the limited top speed but you would be certifiable to try and reach that in public. 

This is all achievable thanks to the ShiftCam technology inside the engine which is essentially V-Tec for bikes, a two duration inlet cam does duty, one duration or sedate city commuting, and the other that comes onto song when you merely flex your wrist at the right rev range.

Comfort and handling are taken care of by electronically controlled variable suspension and a dynamic chassis meaning that it can go from mild to wild with the flick of a switch and you can go from riding to the track in relative comfort, to drifting through corners at speed on track and be able to tune the bike to your liking in each situation.

This of course would not be a BMW product without some M sport brakes and these are no different, checking the M1000R up on a penny are Brembo calipers at the rear and M Sport 4-pot radials at the front gripping 320mm discs.

 

Let's ride

Due to all the electronic wizardry and the general construction of the bike, it is no more difficult to ride than a Yamaha R1M or Suzuki GSXR. My pillion who usually rides with me was a little upset at the minuscule passenger seat but a machine of this calibre is not really meant for taking backpacks and although they did tag along on a short buzz, there was little to no comfort there.

Our first outing on the M1000R was a morning commute through rush hour and after a 40-minute stint I got off feeling rather refreshed and ready to go again. The weekend saw me hit the open freeway and unleash what we can only describe as biblical acceleration. There is so much power and torque on hand that 6-gear roll-ons are easily achievable, no need to downshift to overtake at all. The suspension is as near to perfect as you are going to get as it cleverly readjusts to speed and cornering inputs and the brakes are simply divine with no fade at all.

The M1000R is equipped with a 20l fuel tank, 16l usable, and 4l in reserve, and with spirited riding you will blow through a tank in no time at all. The bike is not particularly heavy on fuel returning 7.2l/100kms when you behave, but we can almost guarantee you will become a familiar face at your local filling station!

At first start-up you may find yourself a little disappointed as you might be expecting a deep throaty growl from the Akrapovic exhaust system but instead, there is a sewing machine-like rattle, once you get up through the gears though, it does turn into quite a meaty roar.

 

Pros and Cons

• Stunning design
• Electronic wizardy
• Excellent brakes
• Pinpoint suspension
• Divine power delivery from the engine

 

• Flat engine tone at idle
• Price tag

 

Models and Pricing

BMW M1000R (Base Price)	R 367 000
M Competition Pack	R 110 000
Akrapovic Titanium Exhaust	R 39 100
(As tested)	R 516 100

 

Verdict

The BMW M1000R is a masterpiece in engineering and design that will reward skilled riders and be completely lost on folks who will not or cannot harness the abilities of this machine. It is an awe-inspiring piece of kit that would not look out of place in a Moto GP paddock. This a bike that is purpose-built to take to a track and as such, much of its tech and features will be wasted if you are only ever going to commute on it. The light switch-like nature of the M1000R means that you cannot and should not use its track abilities on the street and if you arent going to push its limits at a track the best parts of the bike will be lost to you. This brings us to the biggest issue for most South Africans, the price.... The M1000R in M Competition trim with a few added extras, is over half a million rond and that is a lot of money for a bike that can only be used to its fullest capability on a race track, a place insurance companies fear to tread. We absolutely love the M1000R with is split personality and can only urge the 1% of the 1% to go and take this one for a ride and then take it to a track.