How Much Power Does the 2023 BMW M 1000 RR Make?

BMW’s M 1000 RR is a homologation special designed to give BMW the best possible platform for racing. In 2023, the superbike received major aerodynamic changes while the 999cc powerplant remained the same. BMW claims the new bike, despite its unchanged engine, has a faster top speed than its predecessors due to improved aerodynamics achieved through redesigned bodywork and downforce winglets. Chassis components also remain the same, continuing with a bridge-type, cast aluminum frame and 45mm upside-down telescopic fork and full floater pro shock, both offering adjustable spring preload, compression, and rebound damping. The electronics suite remains the same for 2023 as well.

The 999cc inline-four 16-valve ShiftCam engine was measured in the 2022 M 1000 RR on our in-house dyno last year. Despite its lack of engine changes, we wanted to run the 2023 Cycle World Ten Best Superbike on our in-house Dynojet 250i dynamometer to see how the current model compares to its predecessor. Before hitting the Cycle World dyno, the 2023 BMW M 1000 RR weighed 432 pounds on our automotive scales. On the dyno, the bike produced 189.4 hp at 13,220 rpm and 79.2 lb.-ft. of torque at 11,000 rpm. For reference, the 2022 model produced 179.2 hp at 13,960 rpm and 76.3 ib.-ft. of torque at 9,480 rpm. With no physical changes to the engine from 2022 to 2023, the increase in power is interesting as BMW says there are no changes in mapping. And for those shopping in North America, the restricted US model produces less peak power than the European model at a lower rpm, according to BMW.

Despite the Barvarian superbike’s impressive peak power figures, its lack of readily available torque along with dips in the power curve require keeping the M 1000 RR singing in the upper rpm range. During our first ride on the European model in August of last year, two-time World Superbike champion Troy Corser told Cycle World test rider Adam Child to “make use of every last rpm.”