S 1000 RR M Pack vs M 1000 RR: What’s the difference?

The “M” brand is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, and now it is carried by a motorcycle for the first time in history.  Motorcyclists can purchase an M-bike straight from their local BMW Motorrad dealership, but now we have a couple of options.  Should you pick up a standard S 1000 RR, an S 1000 RR with the M Pack, or the new M 1000 RR?  Decisions, decisions.  Well, let’s run through what the M Pack gets you, and how that differs from the M 1000 RR.

The S 1000 RR regularly sits on the podium when it comes to superbike comparisons, so what makes the M Package worth the extra cash?  Purchasing the M Package will mean that your bike will come from the factory with the red, white, and blue “Motorsport” paintwork, and the M-branded sport seat (read: not. a. lot. of. padding.). Further than this, the major upgrades that you are buying with the M Package are the carbon wheels, which are 3.75 lbs lighter than the standard wheels, and these wheels are fitted with 4.5mm brake disks.  You are also going to save weight when it comes to the battery as well.  The M Package comes with a lithium-ion battery that weighs in at just 2.8lbs.  Further than this, you are getting a full complement of technology that will unlock the potential of the S 1000 RR and allow you to customize and configure your bike just the way you want.  Also, you will get electronic items such as Launch Control, Pitlane Limiter, Hill Start Control Pro, Dynamic Brake, and Slide Control.

When you get an S 1000 RR with the M-Pack, you are leaving yourself room to customize and accessorize how you see fit.  You are getting a big-ticket item, carbon wheels, at a bit of discount when you consider that you are getting electronics, a lighter battery, and a few M badges sprinkled around the bike.

When you step up to the M 1000 RR or let me rephrase… “IF you are able to find an M 1000 RR to buy…”, you are going to get a very similar bike to the S 1000 RR with the M Package, but already built to the hilt.  One of the first, and most striking items is obviously the exclusive paint scheme that comes with the M 1000 RR.  From there, you move on to the carbon winglets.  These have been developed in the wind tunnel to produce 35.9 lbs of downforce at 189mph.  That is about the same amount of weight one gains in a long-term relationship keeping your front wheel on the ground! 

The blue M Brakes were developed for use in WSBK and are standard equipment on the M 1000 RR.  They are tuned to work with the electronics package for supreme feel, balance, and performance.  The S 1000 RR brakes are special in their own right, but these are another level.

If you aren’t satisfied with the “base” M 1000 RR, you can add the M Competition Package.  This will add a slew of carbon bits, and milled pieces to kick the M1000RR up another notch. The carbon bits are scattered around the bike to help keep the weight down, but in true German fashion, the carbon usage is subtle but meaningful.  Ilmberger Carbon is the official producer of the carbon pieces and several items are available to order without the M tax, on the MotovationUSA.com store.  Similarly, Gilles Tooling is the producer of the M Billet parts.  The rear sets are among the best in the business.

At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with either selection.  The major decision you must make is this: Do you want to customize the bike yourself, or do you want to buy it ready to roll from the factory?