BMW reworks the S1000RR

We were mightily impressed by BMW's S1000RR superbike the first time round, now the German manufacturer has announced the S1000RR mark II. Power and maximum torque figures remain at 142 kW (193 hp) and 112 Nm on the revised superbike with the mostly subtle changes centered on improving response, power delivery and handling. The torque curve, throttle response and suspension have all been tweaked along with the (very effective) ABS and Dynamic Traction Control systems. Externally, the 2012 SS1000RR gets an upgraded instrument cluster, revised rear-end, redesigned side panels with the addition of two winglets for improved aerodynamics and a new range of colors.

The S 1000 RR has has wasted no time populating the trophy cabinet since its release in 2009, winning 13 titles and over 120 race victories in superstock and superbike championships during its first full year of competition. BMW Motorrad, which offers a support service to customers who want take the S1000RR racing, says feedback from the track played a major role in the bike's overhaul.

"We listen very closely to our racing colleagues in many teams, especially the BMW Motorrad Italia superstock team or the IDM Team BMW Motorrad Wilbers Suspension," said RR Product Manager Sepp Mächler." We help these teams out and they give us quick and reliable feedback, which helps reduce development times."

Here's a run down on the key changes:

• reconfigured throttle with 25% less twisting force and tighter twistgrip for improved response
• more linear torque curve and expansion from two to three performance curves (one each for Rain and Sport modes and an additional one for Race and Slick modes); Rain mode now 120 kW (163 hp)
• enhanced tuning between Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
• final drive now 17/45 (was 17/44)
• modified steering head angle, swing arm pivot position, fork projection, and rear shock absorber length
• new internal structure for upside down fork and the rear shock absorber
• new mechanical steering damper adjustable over ten levels
• leaner tail section, modified stainless steel exhaust system, larger intake air guide, redesigned side panels, side aperture grilles and winglets
• revised LCD instrument cluster easier to read rev counter, five dimming levels and additional functions such as "Best lap in progress" and "Speedwarning"
• revised RR logo
• new color variants: plain Racing Red with Alpine white, Bluefire, Sapphire black metallic, BMW Motorrad Motorsport

The revised BMW S1000RR was shown this month at EICMA in Italy and is set for release in January 2012. No RRP has been announced as yet.

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BMW Rolls Out iPhone Friendly Mini EV Scooter

BMW is set to debut three new electric-powered scooters at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The Mini Scooter E is a two-wheeled two-seater, with its electric motor housed back with the rear wheel. There has been much talk of late about the need for a buildout of a charging infrastructure to support electric vehicles; a report from Pike Research yesterday foresaw 4.7 million charge points to be installed globally by 2015. But the Mini Scooter E sidesteps this question entirely, since it can be charged at any old outlet using an on-board cable. Here's the coolest part of the Mini, though: the scooter's cockpit houses a snap-in adapter for your smartphone, which becomes the central display and control element of the scooter. In fact, the smartphone will even serve as the ignition key; snap it in, and the scooter switches on.

All the things that you usually feel guilty about doing on your smartphone while driving, the scooter basically makes easier (and probably safer) for you to do. Your GPS is docked right in front of you, instead of held outstretched in your hand; you can presumably use your iTunes like a built in radio; and you can make calls hands free with the help of a Bluetooth-outfitted helmet. BMW also has conceived an app that will let you know where other Mini Scooter E's are in your vicinity. When you pass a fellow traveler on the road, the app will flash your headlights in mutual self-congratulation.

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