Chasing the speed of light
With the Concept RR, BMW Motorrad has created a new vision in the superbike segment – radical, reduced, racing-inspired. In an interview, Matthias Kottman, Lead Designer for the Concept RR at BMW Motorrad Design, talks about the technological leadership ambitions, the perfect symbiosis of design and performance, and the unapologetically competitive mindset behind the RR.
The Concept RR is accompanied by the slogan “chasing the speed of light” – what’s the meaning of that?
The Concept RR is accompanied by the slogan “chasing the speed of light” – what’s the meaning of that?
We see chasing the speed of light as a symbol representing our stance; our desire to never simply rest on our laurels when we have achieved success. We want to measure ourselves against what is possible. We want to keep setting new benchmarks in the superbike segment with the RR.
When the RR was presented for the first time in 2009, its technological leadership ambitions were plain to see. What makes the RR a superlative superbike?
Since its introduction, and throughout every stage of evolution since then, our RR has always had the latest technological and electronic features on board to ensure that it has a lead in this highly competitive segment. It goes without saying that the design was always a central aspect in elevating the super sport bike above the other contenders in the field. I think that we were able to achieve market leadership in the superbike segment by ensuring the perfect interplay between technology and design as part of the overall concept. A superbike for the racetrack, and for the streets.
What role does the RR play in motorsport, and how is the knowledge gained from the WSBK implemented for the Concept RR and the series development?
The RR was and is the cutting edge of our efforts in the sports bike segment – be it at the WSBK World Championship, the EWC endurance championship, in national tournaments, or at track days for ambitious private riders all over the world. It is perfectly equipped for use on the racetrack – from private racing, right up to professional customer racing.
The knowledge gained from professional racing, especially the WSBK, is continuously implemented in our development and in our series vehicles. The Concept RR is based directly on the WSBK bike and is a perfect example of how insights and technological advancements from racing can be applied to our series models – for maximum performance and precision at the highest level in sport.
What are the highlight features of the Concept RR and which design elements stand out in particular?
What are the highlight features of the Concept RR and which design elements stand out in particular?
The Concept RR embodies a clear message: competition. Reduced to the essentials, the design lines and proportions demonstrate a desire to win, even when the bike is at a standstill – they convey maximum speed and precision. The modern, aerodynamic design of the Concept RR is a key component of the overall concept. Air flows through both the front and the monolithic rear, which also stand out as highlights.
On the materials: what was the focus?
On the materials: what was the focus?
High-quality and authentic high-tech materials in combination with state-of-the-art processing techniques are the key to an athletic superbike with victory in its genes. In concrete terms, that means: a mix of high-end materials, such as carbon and aluminium.
What can RR fans, enthusiasts, and professional racers look forward to in the future?
What can RR fans, enthusiasts, and professional racers look forward to in the future?
The main goal is still to set new benchmarks in technology and design – from an extremely high-performance engine, to the overall concept, right down to outstanding design and optimal ergonomics. This is what we aspire to as we continue to chase the speed of light.
Concept RR LTD jacket
The Concept RR LTD lifestyle jacket combines exclusivity, style, and the highest level of quality. In cooperation with the long-standing Bavarian leatherwork company MEINDL, all 50 numbered jackets have been made by hand in Germany with great care. We have the highest standards when it comes to the materials: We use soft Nappa calfskin leather, combined with sophisticated details. The unusual design and exclusive elements from motorsport are what make this lifestyle jacket so unique.
