How we made the LEGO® Technic™ BMW M 1000 RR just like the real thing

We love motorbikes.

In fact, in the past, we’ve built a selection of awesome motorcycles. So, when it came to choosing a subject for a new LEGO® Technic™ set, the bar was high.

But, for designer Samuel Tacchi, the choice was obvious.

“We wanted to create the quintessential representation of a motorcycle, and I think the BMW M 1000 RR is just that.”

For those of you who follow BMW, you’ll know that the letter M is not awarded to just any vehicle. In fact, M models make up an elite club. The M is usually reserved for cars, and not just any cars, but cars with specialized engines, transmissions, suspensions and other modifications that set them apart and above other vehicles.

There is only one motorcycle that has ever been awarded the prestigious M, and that is the BMW M 1000 RR.

A special motorbike requires a special LEGO® brick build

It was early in the design process when Samuel and the team decided to make the BMW M 1000 RR the highest-scale LEGO Technic motorbike we’ve built so far: an awesome 1:5.

But this build is about much more than scale. The size allows for a whole new level of complexity and detail. The BMW M 1000 RR has a fully functional gearbox with 3 speeds + neutral operated by a built-in quick shifter, it has realistic front and rear suspension, front steering, a stylish gold chain, three different screen dashboard options and a racing stand and display plate call, making it easier for you to showcase your build.

“We wanted to up the scale in order to get the right expression of what our next-generation motorcycle would look like using LEGO elements,” says Samuel. “Like with the gearbox, we wanted to push the level of complexity and challenge a step further.”

But by pushing the level of detail and the scale, Samuel and the team came up against unique challenges that had to be overcome, in particular the weight of the build required the creation of our strongest suspension ever.

“With the suspension, there was a real challenge to find the right force without getting to the breaking point of our elements. The model weighs more than a kilo (2 lb) and most of this weight lies on the rear shock absorber, so with the spring, we needed to be very precise on how much force it can take. It took a lot of time and dedication to develop a single shock absorber, and without nailing this we couldn’t build the bike!”

Thankfully, the hard work has paid off, and Samuel hopes that this level of detail will fascinate and inspire motorbike lovers and LEGO Technic fans alike.

“This offers people a unique building experience that will boost and drive their creativity and push the actual limits of our building system a step further.”

An exhilarating build that’s just like the real thing

Samuel was a motorcycle designer in a previous job, and so brings all of his knowledge and experience to this new set.

To him, building a real bike or recreating a motorbike in LEGO Technic elements is very similar.

“The principle of reverse engineering is the same. Once you’ve got your shape ready, then you need to dive inside and work from the inside out, fitting the panels to the frame and working on stability.”

Even the method of building described in the instructions is the same. Just like BMW Motorrad would do, the build starts with the engine.

“To pay homage to all the workers behind the real motorcycle, how you build this Technic model is very similar to how BMW would build it inside the factory. Unlike the previous bikes we have done, this BMW M 1000 RR is on a stand and you build around it. So, you can rotate it and turn it around and it’s not laying down on your table.”

With this level of detail and realism, Samuel even wonders whether the BMW M 1000 RR set might go on to inspire the next generation of motorbike designers.

“It’s a learning tool. It can start opening the door to a future engineer who will work on new models. I hope it will be used for that. I hope it will create that motivation.”

What can you expect when you buy the LEGO Technic™ BMW M 1000 RR?

Creativity + Engineering = Magic

Well, expect a big build that will challenge and delight, an authentic replica of an iconic bike that will look great wherever you put it, and an opportunity to sharpen your skills while learning about the engineering principles behind real motorbikes.

Sam sums it up best. When asked what he likes most about the set, he replies:

“The finished model is something new and ground-breaking for us because it’s the first time we’ve done a motorcycle at this scale. It’s magic, really.”