BMW Motorrad previews its future with Concept RR superbike and 2027 lineup changes
BMW Motorrad has unveiled the Concept RR superbike at Villa d'Este, previewing a new model generation alongside a race-derived frame for the 2027 M 1000 RR and a new development chief.
BMW Motorrad unveiled the Concept RR superbike at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, previewing a future model generation. The concept produces more than 230 horsepower and uses World Superbike-derived technology and carbon components. BMW's 2027 lineup adds a race-derived frame for the M 1000 RR.
BMW Motorrad has presented the Concept RR, a superbike producing more than 230 horsepower, at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, offering an unusually early look at its next generation of high-performance machines. According to reports, the bike draws on technology from World Superbike racing and makes extensive use of carbon components. BMW Motorrad is the motorcycle division of the German carmaker BMW, which has built motorcycles since 1923. The division is now preparing its 2027 model year lineup, which includes a new race-derived frame for the M 1000 RR and, according to reports, selective price increases and new colors in the United States. It has also appointed Josef Honeder as its new head of motorcycle development, effective June 1. The moves come as the motorcycle arm shows notable financial strength. In one recent second quarter, BMW Motorrad reportedly posted a 15.2 percent margin, against 2.3 percent for BMW's car division — a gap that helps explain why the company is investing early and visibly in its two-wheeled future.
Concept RR at Villa d'Este signals BMW's next superbike generation
BMW Motorrad used the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este to present the Concept RR, a superbike study pointing toward the brand's next generation of high-performance machines. According to reports, the machine produces more than 230 horsepower and draws on technology developed in World Superbike racing, with carbon components used extensively in its construction.
The unveiling was unusual for the division, which typically keeps future models under wraps until much closer to production. Markus Flasch acknowledged as much, saying that never before had BMW Motorrad provided such an early glimpse into a future generation of models.
Reports suggest the Concept RR is closely linked to the changes coming in the 2027 model year, when the M 1000 RR is set to receive a new race-derived frame. BMW Motorrad has not said when, or in what form, a production version of the Concept RR might reach the market.
What changes for the 2027 model year
The headline change is a new race-derived frame for the M 1000 RR, the flagship of BMW's superbike range. Beyond that, according to reports, BMW Motorrad USA's 2027 lineup brings selective price increases alongside new colour options. Among them are Aurelius Green for the M 1000 XR and Imperial Blue for the K 1600 baggers, reports suggest.
Full pricing and detailed specifications for the 2027 range have not yet been released. What is clear is that BMW is pairing mechanical changes at the top of the range with cosmetic refreshes elsewhere, rather than a wholesale redesign of its lineup.
New development chief Josef Honeder takes over
BMW Motorrad has appointed Josef Honeder as its new head of motorcycle development, with the change taking effect on June 1, according to reports. The year in which the appointment becomes effective has not been confirmed in the available reporting.
The role places Honeder in charge of the development of BMW's motorcycle range, the product line built by the German manufacturer's two-wheel division since 1923. No further details about his background or predecessor have been confirmed in the sources consulted, and BMW Motorrad has not been quoted directly on the appointment. The reports do not indicate what prompted the leadership change or how it fits into any broader restructuring at the division.
A century of BMW motorcycles, and a division outperforming the car business
BMW's history stretches back further than its motorcycles. According to reports, the company was founded in 1916 as Bayerische Motoren Werke, initially building aircraft engines. Motorcycle production began in 1923, and BMW Motorrad has remained the carmaker's two-wheel division ever since.
Milestones have accumulated steadily. The two-millionth BMW motorcycle, an R1200GS, rolled off the line in May 2011. In 2015 the division sold 136,963 vehicles, a 10.9 percent increase over 2014 and a fifth consecutive record year.
The division has also proven unusually profitable. Reports indicate that BMW Motorrad achieved a 15.2 percent margin in one recent second quarter, while BMW's car division managed just 2.3 percent over the same period.
The range continues to evolve. For 2025, BMW Motorrad updated its R18 cruiser range, with reports confirming the models now meet Euro 5+ emissions standards — part of a broader refresh of the full 2025 lineup, including revised pricing and key changes across the range.
BMW was founded as Bayerische Motoren Werke and initially built aircraft engines.
BMW began manufacturing motorcycles.
BMW Motorrad produced its two-millionth motorcycle, an R1200GS.
BMW Motorrad sold 136,963 vehicles, up 10.9 percent on 2014, a fifth straight record year.
BMW Motorrad posted a 15.2 percent margin, compared with 2.3 percent for BMW's car division.
BMW Motorrad updated its R18 cruiser range to meet Euro 5+ emissions standards.
BMW Motorrad published details of its full 2025 model lineup, including updates and pricing.
Motorrad magazine released the first part of its spring 2025 tyre test covering enduro, sport touring and off-road tyres.
BMW Motorrad presented the Concept RR superbike, producing more than 230 horsepower with World Superbike-derived technology and carbon components.
Josef Honeder's appointment as BMW Motorrad's new head of motorcycle development takes effect.
BMW Motorrad's 2027 lineup includes a new race-derived frame for the M 1000 RR, selective price increases and new colors such as Aurelius Green for the M 1000 XR and Imperial Blue for K 1600 baggers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the BMW Motorrad Concept RR?
The Concept RR is a superbike BMW Motorrad presented at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. According to reports, it produces more than 230 horsepower and uses technology drawn from World Superbike racing along with carbon components. Markus Flasch said never before had BMW Motorrad given such an early glimpse into a future generation of models. When a production version might reach the market is not yet known.
What's new in BMW Motorrad's 2027 lineup?
BMW Motorrad's 2027 lineup includes a new race-derived frame for the M 1000 RR. According to reports on the US range, there are also selective price increases and new colour options, including Aurelius Green for the M 1000 XR and Imperial Blue for the K 1600 baggers. Full prices and specifications of the 2027 lineup have not yet been published.
When did BMW start making motorcycles?
BMW has manufactured motorcycles since 1923. BMW itself was founded in 1916 as Bayerische Motoren Werke and, according to reports, initially built aircraft engines. BMW Motorrad is the motorcycle division of the German carmaker. In May 2011 it produced its two-millionth motorcycle, an R1200GS.
How many motorcycles does BMW Motorrad sell?
BMW Motorrad sold 136,963 vehicles in 2015, a 10.9 percent increase over 2014 and a fifth consecutive year of record sales. According to reports, the division achieved a 15.2 percent margin in one second quarter, compared with 2.3 percent for BMW's car division, though the year of that result is not specified.
Who is BMW Motorrad's new head of motorcycle development?
Josef Honeder has been appointed BMW Motorrad's new head of motorcycle development, with the appointment taking effect on June 1, according to reports. The year in which the appointment takes effect has not been specified.
Compiled from reporting by 14 independent outlets. How we source our reporting.
