2012 BMW S 1000 RR refines the sportbike paradigm

Here was a bike, produced by a company known mostly for its touring and adventure machines, that wasn't just competitive with the best from Japan and Italy, but class-leading in power and technology – and all for an extremely reasonable price. And it has sold rather well.

So, how do you go about updating such a successful product? Carefully. BMW has chosen not to reinvent the wheel with its 2012 S 1000 RR, and that's certainly fine by us. Still producing a peak of 193 horsepower, there's no change to the engine other than a remapped throttle curve that's said to improve low-speed performance along with an additional riding mode (Rain, Sport, Race and Slick).

Suspension updates, on the other hand, are many. Geometry of both the front and rear suspenders has been adjusted, as have the spring rates. Structural updates include a new forged and milled fork bridge plus a reconfigured air passage through the steering head. Naturally, the electronics package has been "refined" for 2012, as well.

We're pleased with the new color schemes BMW worked up for its sportiest model. Before, we really only liked the red, white and blue motif that made up BMW's Motorrad Motorsport package, but now there are more attractive options that included Racing Red with Alpine White and Black, Sapphire Black Metallic and Bluefire. Oh, and don't forget the revised RR logo...