BMW may best be known for their cars, but their Motorrad motorcycle brand is just as recognizable in the two wheelin’ world. Their lineup of bikes has now grown thanks to the new S 1000 RR sport bike.

According to BMW, this latest generation of S 1000 RR has seen “meaningful enhancements to the chassis, suspension, aerodynamics and electronic assist systems.” That being said, you’d be forgiven for not noticing any changes upon first glance as the 2023 model remains similarly styled.

Judge a book not by its cover, nor a bike by its fairings. The foundation of the new S 1000 RR is an advanced “Flex Frame” for more optimized lateral flexibility. Chassis geometry has been updated with a new steering head angle, offset caster and wheelbase, though the overall frame design remains narrow. An M Chassis Kit is available, packaging an adjustable swinging arm pivot point and raised rear end.

Drive and power is produced by a revised 4-cylinder inline engine, generating 205 horsepower at 13,000 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm– unchanged from the outgoing model in the States– and maximum engine speed is a screaming 14,600 rpm. BMW claims increased rear wheel traction in all gears thanks to a shorter second gear ratio and a new sprocket with 46 teeth– one more tooth than before.

The new S 1000 R cuts through the air with improved aerodynamics, including a new front section, winglets and a high windshield. Furthering agility is the M lightweight battery, now standard. The Dynamic Traction Control DTC returns with a new Slide Control function, reading a new steering angle sensor to monitor drive slip. Hill Start Control is also standard, serving similarly to systems found on modern manual transmission cars. And for the first time, the “Pro Modes” driving modes offer an adjustable DTC Wheelie function. Wheelies can now be controlled while achieving maximum acceleration, computed by a front wheel lift-off detection system.

There’s a whole lot to cover, but these are some of the highlights. Expect the 2023 BMW S 1000 RR to start at $17,895 before destination, arriving in the US market January 2023.