Cw First Ride 2015 Bmw S1000rr

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2015 BMW S1000RR -> DDC EXPLAINED -> DTC EXPLAINED 4 HP GEAR SHIFT ASSIST PRO

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CW FIRST RIDE 2015 BMW S1000RR

GET A GRIP: Updates for 2015 bring increased power, yet refinements to the electronics make the new RR more rideable.

57 DEGREES: The maximum lean angle I achieved as reported on the dash display.

7 AMPERE-HOURS: Rating of the S1000RR's smaller, 2.2 pound-lighter battery.

With less weight, more power, and improved electronics, the new BMW S1000RR is more super than ever

Don Canet

With an unabashed display of Bavarian bravado, BMW entered the liter-class supersport category with a bang in 2010. The onslaught continues, with the latest S1000RR losing 9 pounds while gaining a host of refinements and other features directly derived from BMW's race development.

The 999CC liquid-cooled inlinefour, reworked in several areas, has gained 6 hp, and peak output is now a claimed 199 hp. An all-new exhaust has eliminated the previous model’s under-engine canister, pairing some 6.6 pounds while the new muffler placement has shifted the CG slightly higher and rearward.

The shift of CG, along with new steering geometry that has 0.5 degree less rake (23.5 degrees),

1.5mm less trail (96.5mm), and a 3mm-lower swingarm pivot, is aimed at improved front-end feel, overall handling, and rear grip.

The most notable chassis update is Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) electronic suspension, a refinement of the system that made its debut on the HP4.

The 2015 S1000RRI rode at the world press launch held at the Circuito de Monteblanco in southern Spain was equipped with the optional Dynamic Package (see sidebar). My first of five 20-minute sessions lapping the 2.44-mile, 14-turn track was in wet conditions, offering an opportunity to experience the safety benefits of Rain ride mode. I encountered not so much as a slip on corner exits despite feeding in a great deal of throttle.

With a dry track for the remaining sessions, I could better test the various ride modes: Sport, Race,

Slick, and the new customizable User mode. BMW has refined the software controlling each ride mode, resulting in much more seamless and subtler Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and wheelie control intervention. Also, the ABS/anti-rear-wheel-lift system has been recalibrated for greater braking stability.

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FIRST RIDE

The SIOOORR's DDC electronic suspension is included in the optional Dynamic Package upgrade along with LED turn signals, HP Gear Shift Assist Pro, and heated grips. DDC is only available if you already have the optional Race Package, which consists of Pro Riding Mode, Dynamic Traction Control, and cruise control. Pro mode unlocks race-derived features in Launch Control, an adjustable pit-lane speed limiter, Slick ride mode, and another called User that allows a custom set of parameters (throttle response, peak power output, engine-braking, traction control sensitivity, ABS, and linked rear brake/anti-rearlift strategy) that are preset as defaults in other modes. For example, in User, you can pairthe soft engine response of Rain with all other parameters set in the aggressive Slick mode. -DC

Slick and User modes allow DTC sensitivity to be altered on the fly, with seven +/steps of adjustment controlled by a rocker switch on the left bar. While the DDC suspension adjusts dynamically to changing conditions, it reacts differently in each ride mode (softest in Rain, firmest in Slick) and also allows seven +/steps of fine-tuning adjustability within each ride mode.

I spent much of my time in Slick and User modes, primarily playing with different DTC levels. The afternoon also saw a change from the standard-fitment Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP to Pirelli race slicks. The sticky tires delivered an even greater confidence in front-end feel and grip, with only an occasional flash from the DTC light on the dash once I ventured into a negative sensitivity setting. Subtle, controlled rear drifts on corner exits and floating power wheelies onto the track’s main straight were now the norm.

I’ve saved my favorite new feature for last: HP Gear Shift Assist Pro, which provides silkysmooth upshifts and performs perfectly executed clutchless auto-blip downshifts. Charging a corner entry has never been simpler! As you keep the throttle closed and focus your attention on maintaining steady frontbrake pressure, a simple dab of the shifter results in a sweet downshift with the precision of a Bavarian clock.

A winner of superbike shootouts the world over and Cycle World’s Best Superbike of 2010, the BMW S1000RR, now more than ever, has a way of making mere mortals feel super in its saddle. ETU

2015 BMW S1000RR