Latest news with #superbike
Auto Blog
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
BMW's Small, Carbon-Laden Superbike Emerged at Villa d'Este
The next generation of German riding At the illustrious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este at Lake Como, BMW has provided a rare early glimpse into its next-generation superbike. The BMW Motorrad Concept RR represents a new direction for the automaker, setting a new standard for construction and aerodynamics for its superbike lineup. The aim is to have a flagship, zero-compromise superbike in the lineup, and this may be BMW's best effort yet. Paying particular attention to aerodynamics and the demands placed on a superbike and its rider, Concept RR is not only lightweight and performant, but it's compact, too. BMW also culled many external attachments to further focus on airflow around the bike and rider, and improved airflow through the bike itself to increase airflow to the rear winglets of the bike. BMW Concept RR The BMW Concept RR is small but mighty BMW Concept RR Designed for street and track use, Concept RR was inspired by the automaker's M 1000 RR bike, which was piloted by factory rider Toprak Razgatlioğlu in his FIM Superbike Championship last year. BMW claims this early glimpse into the next generation of RR is unprecedented, though it hasn't said when the bike will be available for purchase. 'The BMW Motorrad Concept RR is a true masterpiece of our development team, both technically and in terms of design language,' says Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad. 'The transfer from racing to road has never been shown more clearly. It represents BMW Motorrad's leadership claim to offer the highest engineering level and maximum performance in this segment.' Concept RR doesn't change everything about BMW's RR lineup. It will have the M's 230 horsepower water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine and incorporates the electronic control and regulation system (engine management, traction control, and engine brake) from the BMW WSBK M 1000 RR. By keeping tried-and-true performance under the rider, the Concept RR aims to improve the experience elsewhere. BMW Concept RR Carbon, aluminum, and fun Focusing on 'riding stability at very high speeds' and the Concept RR's ability to handle cornering at high speeds, BMW engineers knew they'd have to reduce air resistance in every possible way. BMW utilized carbon and aluminum throughout, materials renowned for their stability and strength while remaining lightweight. Where BMW engineers didn't eliminate, like with the external attachments, they innovated. The frame and every component on the bike, for example, were 'optimized for lightweight construction and performance.' BMW applied everything learned from the track to the Concept RR. The bike is just as performant beneath the fuel tank but packs all the power and performance from previous generations into a smaller, lighter package. What more could you ask for? BMW Concept RR Final thoughts BMW wasn't clear on how much of the bike is carbon, but it seems that many of the body panels are. We know the frame and tail are aluminum, but we don't know where else aluminum may have been incorporated. It's an incredible early look at the Concept RR, but we just wish there were more details. From what we know so far, though, it's an incredible bike.
The Sun
06-05-2025
- The Sun
First survivor of British Superbike crash breaks silence after championship race horror left two riders dead
A SURVIVOR of the horrific 11-man British superbike crash has broken their silence after two fellow riders tragically died. Shane Richardson, 29, and Owen Jenner, 21, lost their lives after the shocking collision and pile-up at Oulton Park, Cheshire, on Monday. 3 3 3 The riders went down at the very first turn of the race, with horrific live footage showing how one racer lost control before skidding across the tarmac into the path of other bikers. Now, fellow rider Morgan McLaren-Wood has taken to social media to share his emotions, following the tragic deaths. He wrote: "Struggling to find the words for what happened today. Rest in peace, Shane and Owen. "My heart goes out to both of their families during this heartbreaking time." Owen had been treated trackside, following the disaster, but tragically died due to a "catastrophic" head injury, despite undertaking further resuscitation treatment at the circuit. Shane was also treated on site by medical teams for severe chest injuries. He was rushed to Royal Stoke University Hospital but sadly died prior to arrival. Tom Tunstall, 47, was also quickly taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries, while five other riders, including Morgan, were treated for minor injuries at the track. In the tragic "chain reaction" crash on Monday, multiple bikes began piling into each other, after one rider lost control and veered across their paths. One bike even caught fire in the devastating scenes as medics rushed to try and limit the damage. The event at Oulton Park was subsequently cancelled, and a police investigation has been launched into the tragedy. is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
