Moto123.com is currently in Seville, Spain, to attend the global launch of the next-generation 2015 BMW S1000RR. A full review is in order, but in the meantime, here are the main changes to the German superbike.

Introduced just five years ago, the S1000RR added an HP4 variant last year and immediately became a new benchmark in its class. However, with ever-improving competition (especially the Aprilia RSV4, MV Agusta F4R, and Ducati 1199 Panigale), BMW was forced to go back to the drawing board.



At first glance, the headstock looks more aerodynamic while retaining the asymmetrical headlights (oddly enough, the left and right units switched positions). The side deflectors are gone for a cleaner profile, which also sees a new beak under the ram-air intake as well as a sleeker-looking tail in the rear. Furthermore, the 2015 BMW S1000RR has a newly designed exhaust system.

The upgrades to the chassis and engine are much more significant, mind you. At 204kg (all tanks full), the new S1000RR is 4kg lighter than the outgoing model while the revised geometry promises sharper handling.

The 4-cylinder benefits from major revisions, too, increasing output to 199 hp (+6) at 13,500 rpm. Credit goes to a new cylinder head, lighter camshafts, shorter intake trumpets, a larger airbox, and revised engine maps. BMW engineers also fattened the torque curve beyond 5,000 rpm and made power delivery more linear and thus more useable.

Naturally, multi-mode traction control and wheelie control systems are still part of the equation, including the Slick mode, but there's a new, fully programmable User mode available with the Pro Riding package. The 2015 BMW S1000RR can also be specified with an updated version of the electronically adjustable suspension, launch control, and pit-lane speed limiter -- all derived from the 2014 HP4.

Finally, there's a new, GP-style instrument panel that displays basic info along with a gear indicator, engine map selection, suspension settings, deceleration, and lean angle.

This confirms the S1000RR's racing aspirations. Without a doubt, the new 2015 model has the specs to strike fear in the hearts of competitors. Just imagine when they'll line up next to it on the starting grid!