Munich. With a power output of 207 hp, an unladen
weight of only
193.5 kilograms in the M version and an overall
design concept dimensioned for maximum racing performance, the new S
1000 RR is ready and waiting to demonstrate its excellent riding
dynamics, whether on the road or on the race track. To enable those
with less experience to discover the full potential of the RR, without
forfeiting either enjoyment or safety, the BMW superbike is fitted as
standard with sophisticated assist systems like ABS Pro and DTC
Dynamic Traction Control.
And with the iRace Kit, BMW Motorrad is taking things a step further
with this software system for the S 1000 RR that allows less
experienced riders and even those who have just received their
motorcycle licences to turn in an astounding performance on the race
track, with the assistance of a number of autonomous riding programs.
Only last year, BMW Motorrad revealed an enticing outlook to the
future of possible motorcycle assist systems, with the self-driving R
1200 GS. Based on comprehensive research findings on the subject of
independently acting assist systems, BMW Motorrad has now succeeded in
developing a number of technical systems for use in serial-production
motorcycles. Things kick off with the new S 1000 RR, for which the BMW
Motorrad iRace Kit will be available from September 2019. Whether
accelerating, braking, gear shifting or steering, with the BMW
Motorrad iRace Kit, the RR is able to perform every manoeuvre fully
automatically if the rider so desires, enabling him to enter
completely new dimensions of motor transport physics.
The technical basis of the BMW Motorrad iRace Kit is a GPS-supported
software unit that is able to access all current race tracks in the
Superbike world championships, as well as other famed courses, such as
the Nürburgring Nordschleife and the Isle of Man. An additional user
interface in the TFT display enables the rider of the S 1000 RR to
preselect a particular riding mode for a specific race track, and in
so doing programme any lap time of his choice – all the way up to the
current record!
A targeted controller for the ABS Pro and DTC assist systems that is
precisely coordinated down to an order of milliseconds for the
respective track position and surface conditions, in conjunction with
the throttle valves and six-speed gearbox, enable the rider to
approach incredibly fast lap times within a surprisingly short time.
There are four riding modes available: Beginner, Sportsman, Advanced
and Unlimited.
The Beginner mode introduces a whole new world of motorcycling for
newcomers to the race track. Beginning with the optimum track and
temperature conditions, this mode enables even those with little or no
experience to approach a lap time for the track in question up to a
maximum of eight seconds over the current record.
In the Sportsman mode, the braking points are set a little later, and
those more familiar with race track riding benefit from a sharper
throttle response and faster acceleration out of bends. In this riding
mode, it is possible to realise a lap time up to a maximum of five
seconds over the current best time.
The Advanced riding mode is for experienced race track riders. Even
later braking points in conjunction with the DTC Dynamic Traction
Control for drift angles of up to 7.5 degrees and a slip of up to 12%
enable lap times of up to 1.5 seconds above the track record.
The serious hobby racer will enjoy unrestricted performance in the
Unlimited riding mode. Provided he is of good physical fitness and has
the right tyres fitted, in this mode it is even possible to achieve
times up to the lap record for the track. To enable this, the drift
angle is regulated for a maximum of 22.5 degrees with a top slip angle
of 17.5%.
The automatic bend control also has GPS support. The technical
implementation involves two electromagnetic actuators fitted to the
front wheel guide, combined with a complex gyroscopic system. This
enables high-precision control of changes in direction, again down to
an order of milliseconds.
Dr. Phillip-Magnus Schalk, head of autonomous racing simulation at
BMW Motorrad: “The development of the BMW Motorrad iRace Kits
was based on the experience made by our Superbike world champion
riders. They provided us with valuable programming data, particularly
as far as the braking points were concerned. We believe that this
patented BMW Motorrad system will enable the majority of S 1000 RR
riders to enter a whole new world of motorcycling. It is conceivable
that we might even integrate the system in other models at some point
in the future.”
Rosario Fröschle (39) was able to experience for himself on the Isle
of Man the outstanding level of support afforded by the BMW Motorrad
iRace system for even inexperienced track riders. In the run-up to
last year’s Tourist Trophy, the qualified plumber from Osnabrück was
able to test ride the S 1000 RR complete with BMW Motorrad iRace, over
four laps, in all four riding modes. He said: “I had never been on
this track before and I have to admit that over the first lap in
Beginner mode, what I experienced was sheer fear. But I soon began to
realise that the iRace could do everything better than me, and I
started to gain trust. By the fourth lap in Unlimited model, the RR
was literally flying me round the track. As the data logs subsequently
confirmed, I managed it in a time that was only just less than eight
seconds above the lap record of 16:50.202 minutes, set one week later
by Peter Hickman. It was pure madness, but completely safe.”
You will find further press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW
Motorrad rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.
In case of queries please contact:
Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications Motorrad
Tel.: +49 151
601 57505, Tim.Diehl-Thiele@bmw.de
Ingo Wirth, Head of Communications MINI, BMW Motorrad
Tel.: +49
89 382-25814, Ingo.Wirth@bmw.de
Internet: www.press.bmw.de
E-mail: presse@bmw.de
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW
Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and
motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services.
The BMW Group production network comprises 30 production and assembly
facilities in 14 countries; the company has a global sales network in
more than 140 countries.
In 2018, the BMW Group sold over 2,490,000 passenger vehicles and
more than 165,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the
financial year 2018 was € 9.815 billion on revenues amounting to €
97.480 billion. As of 31 December 2018, the BMW Group had a workforce
of 134,682 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established
ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain,
comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to
conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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