Bmw's Superbike Hits the Street
BMW's Superbike hits the street
BMW is a changed company. No longer the last bastion of bearded Belstaffers bragging about reliability, the Bavarian Motor Werks is cranking out performance bikes without quirks.
In fact, the S1000RR already competing in World Superbikes under the pilotage of Ruben Xaus and Troy Corser is based on this soon-to-be-released street version, which is surprisingly conventional in its layout.
As in, twin-spar aluminum frame; transverse-mounted, liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder; chain final drive; inverted telescopic fork; angular, aggressive bodywork, etc. Heck, it's even got a "normal" Japanese-style turnsignal switch!
Technical details about the bike are not abundant, but we're told the 999cc engine is "very compact and light" and that the valves "are acti vated by means of very small, light cam followers, virtually at Formula One level in terms of their dimen sions." Claimed dry weight is 403 pounds, an impressive and ci ass leading figure among four-cylinder l000s.
Honda's superb new supersport ABS will gain competition, as the S1000RR has BMW's latest anti-lock technology featuring four different brake modes. There is also traction control, making the RR the only liter bike besides Ducati's limited-edition 1198S to be so-equipped.
Price in Europe is listed as 15,150 euros, including the dreaded VAT, or Value Added Tax. That converts to about $19,500, but BMW brass says the VAT-free U.S. price will be lower-probably under $1 5K-when the S1000RR hits these shores late this year or in early 2010. Ach lung, baby! -Mark Hoyer
