With an unabashed display of Bavarian bravado, BMW entered the liter-class supersports category with a bang in 2010. The S1000RR raised the performance bar with all the subtlety of a V2 rocket, blowing away the establishment with awesome power and advanced technology previously unheard of in a mass-produced superbike. And now, for 2015, the onslaught continues, with the latest S1000RR losing 9 lb. while gaining a host of refinements and other features directly derived from BMW’s race development
The 999cc liquid-cooled inline-four, reworked in several areas, has gained 6 hp and peak output is now a claimed 199 hp. On the intake side are reshaped ports, revised cam profile, lighter valves and shorter velocity stacks drawing from a larger air box. An all-new exhaust has eliminated the previous model’s under-engine canister, pairing some 6.6 lb. while the new muffler placement has shifted the CG slightly higher and rearward, closer to the swingarm pivot.(96.5mm), and a 3mm lower swingarm pivot, is aimed at improved front end feel, overall handling, and rear grip. The revised frame now allows more flex in the swingarm pivot area for further improved feedback and rear grip.. BMW has refined the software controlling each RR ride mode, resulting in much more seamless and subtler DTC and wheelie control intervention. Also, the ABS/anti-rear-wheel lift has been recalibrated to deliver greater braking stability. As before Rain, Sport, and Race modes come standard, while the Pro mode upgrade unlocks Slick and a new mode labeled User that allows selection of defined parameters (throttle response, peak power output, engine braking, traction control sensitivity, Race ABS, and linked rear brake/anti-rear lift strategy) that are fixed in the preset modes. 
While the DDC suspension adjusts dynamically to changing conditions, it’s calibrated differently in each ride mode—it’s softest in rain, firmest in Slick. It also employs an adjustment interface with 7 +/- steps for fork damping (both compression and rebound) along with discrete compression and rebound shock adjustability for further fine tuning.
After briefly sampling Road and Sport modes, I spent much of my time in Slick and User, 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.
Of all the S1000RR’s improvements and new features, I’ve saved my favorite for last: HP Gear Shift Assist Pro, which provides silky smooth clutchless upshifts and also 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 front brake 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 the BMW S1000RR, now more than ever, has a way of making mere mortals feel super in its saddle.
