Repli-Or Real Racer From Bmw?

REPLI-OR REAL RACER FROM BMW?

BMW acknowledges the existence of this full-on sportbike, going so far as to release this grainy picture and a vague press release, but insists the bike is only a test mule for technologies such as traction control meant for the company’s future streetbikes.

But for years rumors of a BMW MotoGP bike have been circulating (see Roundup, November, 2004). The “mule” was caught testing again at Spain’s Almeria circuit this past April by British weekly Motor Cycle News, which reported that two displacement versions of the pneumaticvalved three-cylinder-muffled and unmuffled, 800 and 990cc-were on-track. Suspension

appears in line with current racebike practice, using an inverted Öhlins fork and conventional double-sided swingarm.

Spokesmen for BMW continue to deny racing or produc-

tion plans for the bike, but it is hard to

cially with BMW’s new emphasis

on performance-that the company would design an all-new engine and top-level chassis for research purposes only.

Here’s to hoping for a player on the road and track. -Mark Hoyer