Fine Tuning for 2012. The Bavarian Superbike was better again. Intensive rubbing shoulders on the track at Almeria.
BMW S 1000 RR 2012
At a certain age you would not make it so unpleasant. 1000PS sideline editor ismi has exceeded the 40s, multiple state champion and 2012 would complete a carefree and successful season. His choice was therefore on the S 1000 RR, the 2012th Can the motorcycle meet the demands of the ambitious racer?
The first impression in the garage first brought disillusionment. The after countless seasons tailored to Japanese sport bikes Toolbox brings you the BMW no further. On the rear axle nut 34 one is required, the front axle needs a 24er Allen and the fairing and all attachments are secured with Torx screws. But the second impression is quite positive. If the tool is first prepared to get there with a very small toolbox. All the fairing bolts are the same size and you have the feeling you could disassemble the entire bike with only 3 different tools. This work goes ahead briskly. The tail is quickly removed, the trim removal is no more fumbling and is slightly out of hand. Everything comes across as high, nothing breaks, no scratches on the bike virgin spoil the mood screwdriver.
The first rollout ian already passed on Pannonia Ring. But the BMW test camp in Almeria we have two days to check all the components of the bike through its paces. We started at 5 degrees in the morning and immediately activated the stage two of the grip heaters. BMW has built into the S 1000 RR the most favorable season extension ever. Glorious laps of the track are now possible from virtually just above freezing. It might be sunk, that the mutated S 1000 RR with these grips to the bike tour, but the opposite is the case. The throttle is short-stroke by 5 degrees than the previous model, which becomes pronounced at the track clear and positive impact. Cons said the new "Racing Throttle" not with it, because the excellent engine management so allows precise dosing of the engine. In terms of peak power compared to the previous model really nothing done. But BMW has implemented two highly effective and very unspectacular tuning measures. The motorcycle is a tooth translated shorter one and fits perfectly even for short trips to the race track days. No amateur pilot is here 2012, change the translation. Furthermore, the torque curve has been raised in the lower and middle ranges. In conjunction with the shorter translation, the bike feels on corner exit now stronger than the 2011 edition.
HP Race Power Kit Brings 4 HP And Saves 6.8 Kilograms
The S 1000 RR was leading what concerned the electronic driving aids ABS and DTC. But the opponents have good engineers and therefore has refilled BMW for 2012. The scheme is now fine and out of corners, the electronics, the almost 200 hp better grip. ismi will use for its use in the Superstock 1000 Cup the "HP Race Power Kit". This includes an Akrapovic full exhaust system and a new ECU. This package increases the peak power of 4 hp and makes the control curves of ABS and DTC noticeably sharper. Along the way you can save a 6.8 kg, with the now mighty paunch ismi makes sense. The kit has proven itself in practice already. Ayrton Badovinis won it the 2010 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup. The development work was spilled into the now finished product.
Speaking of development work. In combination with the HP Race Calibration Kit can be the S 1000 RR to develop even more for his personal needs at the racetrack. Grammer is possibility to benefit from the experience of his cronies Fritz Schwarz and Michael Ranseder. Because the business model of the tuning company from "Fritz-tuning" it is now time to pass on the accumulated knowledge of the track directly to paying customers.
Excited both ismi and the slower pilots showed here in Almeria of the brake. Even the IDM troops around Ranseder will again bring the series brakes, coupled with SBS Racing brake pads are used. On the ABS he will resign at the track but, frankly. The tool is called "Race ABS" and has rightly determined prevented here in Almeria possibly dozens of crashes. But top pilots in national championships that have years of experience do without, despite any benefits in the wet on the ABS. Because this has the racing sport at a high level from a built disadvantage. The lines have to take a detour from the brake pump on the control unit and can therefore not hold the pressure point as constant as a conventional system. In addition, by removing 3 kg can be saved.
ismi will set itself in its use are for a K-Tech Suspension. Only the finest of the finest is good enough for the racetrack sir. He also has a fine team leader and sponsor to the side that burns the bill. But for the benefit of all "Same-payer" the standard suspension 2012 will cover an even wider range of applications. In the first turns in Almeria train-like pressure stage were on the fork at level "4". When duel with ian was passed horribly and he wept bitterly in the pit lane. (Left: video evidence) He had to listen to things like "a star burns up" or things like "the beginning of a new era". He said he had no chance under braking simply because his BMW always so strong sank and he lost his confidence. The one on the BMW S 1000 RR for adjusting the chassis needs no tool box and also need to be a qualified engineer, he first discovered on the second day. The chassis can be adjusted very smoothly with the "screw-top" of the ignition key. Only 3 clicks of compression damping front eliminated the problem on corner entry and sealed the fate of ian - who fell in the repeat of the epic duel of the day before, according to ismi several seconds within two laps behind. Witnesses who can confirm this finding after a patronizing invitation at the bar of ian to warn everyone, but no more.
We drove on the track in Almeria the Metzeler K3. So not quite the hot mixture, but perfect for these temperatures and for this use. The tire is easy to use, comes quickly to operating temperature and provides good feedback. The series strut has also over longer distances no trouble with the built-up grip. The cooling load here at the test event in Almeria yes from the shock and almost never offered a constant, very satisfactory performance. Once the sharp slicks are mounted in explorer go driving but of course this high part of the reserves. ian ran his S 1000 RR at Pannoniaring with the standard suspension, 2:05 he times meaner fellows regularly cracked the 2:00 mark it. Who wants to invest even more precisely.
Doubts about the election?
The enemy of good is better. BMW has by acting cosmetically intervention in the suspension geometry of the 2012er model of the already well-functioning predecessor put the rod in the window. The S1000RR not only looks like a six-hundreds of them now goes that way. Caster, Caster angle and swingarm pivot has everything in terms of a nimble handling while maintaining stability not only changed but also improved.
All in all, ismi is happy with his choice for the racing season 2012. But in just two weeks, he could begin to doubt any. Because then he tests for the new 1000hp Panigale Ducati in sunny Abu Dhabi.
