BMW BLOG

We have received fresh information about the alleged “S1000RR HP” model we reported on at the 2010 NAIAS. As it turns out, there will be no factory installed “HP package” for the bike, but rather a wide selection of performance parts available for purchase from your local motorrad dealership.

The carbon fiber body paneling encompasses both the left and right side secondary fairings, the front wheel fender, the rear wheel deflector, the foot peg braces and the rear seat cover, the partial tank cover, under-seat fairing, and the underbody fairing. An Akrapovic exhaust is also available for purchase, slicing 1.1 lbs off the weight of the standard bike (the Akrapovic exhaust weighs in at approx 2.4 lb). BMW has not released an official weight figure for the fully upgraded bike, but we suspect a weight savings in the realm of 3 to 5 lb in addition to the 1.1 lb savings from the exhaust for a total of 4 to 6 lb weight reduction. This would bring the bike’s total weight to 201 kg (444 lb) to 202 kg (446 lb) wet, if our projections are accurate.

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We have a fresh video review of the BMW S1000RR superbike facing off against its tough competition in the South of France.  Brought to you by MCN, a strong authority in motorcycle news and reviews, this video shows the dominance of BMW’s new superbike.

The S1000RR is the epitome of performance motorcycling.  With 193 hp, it boasts the highest output 1000 cc engine on the market.  In fact, if we applied the S1000RR’s specific output to one of BMW’s 3 liter engines (lets say the one in the new 1 series based ///M car – the ///M135 if you will), we would arrive at an output of 579 hp.  Of course, the operational demands of BMW’s automotive products differ greatly from their motorrad products, and this is not a true to life engine output comparison – but still, it’s an interesting figure!  With BMW’s extensive F1 engine design and other racing experience, the sky is truly the limit for the Bavarian Auto maker.

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We have received fresh information about the “S1000RR HP” model we reported on at the 2010 NAIAS. As it turns out, there will be no factory installed “HP package” for the bike, but rather a wide selection of performance parts available for purchase from you local motorrad dealership.

The carbon fiber body paneling encompasses both the left and right side secondary fairings, the front wheel fender, the rear wheel deflector, the foot peg braces and the rear seat cover, the partial tank cover, under-seat fairing, and the underbody fairing. An Akrapovic exhaust is also available for purchase, slicing 1.1 lbs off the weight of the standard bike (the Akrapovic exhaust weighs in at approx 2.4 lb). BMW has not released an official weight figure for the fully upgraded bike, but we suspect a weight savings in the realm of 3 to 5 lb in addition to the 1.1 lb savings from the exhaust for a total of 4 to 6 lb weight reduction. This would bring the bike’s total weight to 201 kg (444 lb) to 202 kg (446 lb) wet, if our projections are accurate.

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According to just-released Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) reports, BMW Motorrad USA outperformed all of its competitors in 2009. Despite a U.S. motorcycle market that declined 41 percent and lost nearly 360,000 units, BMW motorcycle sales only declined 22 percent, which was the smallest decline among all motorcycle brands. This follows on the heels of 2008 when BMW Motorrad USA was one of only two motorcycle manufacturers to post positive growth.

“Our dedicated dealers were the key to our success this past year,” commented Todd Andersen, BMW Motorrad USA Marketing Manager. “Despite the tough market, they continued serve our customers well and promote our new products like the K 1300 S and the K 1300 GT. They were supported by attractive financing programs from BMW Financial Services. While many other dealers struggled to finance their customers’ purchases, BMW dealers never lost access to good financing, and this will continue for 2010.”

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The UK’s first dynograph test on BMW’s new S1000RR was completed by ‘Bike’ Magazine and the results are staggering. 183 hp at the wheel. There are only four descriptive words I can think of; one I can’t say, what remains… ‘Das Ist Animal!’

Of course, BMW are typically conservative with their official power figures, and once again this holds true. There is thought that Motorrad were concerned of the legal and political implications involved around releasing a 200 hp motorcycle for street use. So what did they do? Well, it appears they tuned the bike for even more power and then told the press it punches out 193 hp. VVunderbar.

The demographic BMW are targeting with this bike are not ‘new learner’ teenagers, in fact, BMW refuse to sell their high output motorcycles to anyone short of experience on medium class bikes. My local Toronto Motorrad dealer takes pride in this policy, and as a Toronto Medic, I’m proud of them for it.

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Luxist.com and Autoblog’s Jonathon Ramsey were invited by BMW at the Performance Center Motorcycle School in Spartanburg. Along with the M Performance School, BMW offers a variety of other courses, from motorcycles to young and more advanced drivers. The experience is quite unique and we had the opportunity to experience it first hand back in the summer.

Since we haven’t man up yet to take on the task of riding these wonderful beamers, we’ll let Jonathon entertain us and give us some insight in the BMW’s Motorcycle School.

“BMW invited Luxist to its Performance Center in Spartanburg for some lessons on how to ride and how to drive. The idea was that we would hone a few things we did know and learn a few things we didn’t, guided by some of the best instructors and piloting some of the best machinery in the business. The first day we tackled — sometimes literally — motorcycles. It was a cool, rainy morning in Greenville, South Carolina when we straddled the BMW F 650 GS for an education in 2-wheeled manners. It would also turn out to be a wet, muddy, and thoroughly rewarding workout.

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Finally, after much anticipation, my eyes have fallen on the S100RR in the flesh. Was it worth the wait? Here are some exclusive pictures for your viewing from the Toronto Motorcycle Show, please enjoy.

The S1000RR was created when art and science went out for dinner. Actually, they got married. To refresh on the basics, the S1000RR is the world’s premier liter bike, boasting 193 hp while spinning up to its 14,200 rpm redline.

Yes, that’s 142 with another two zeros behind it, the world’s highest revving production liter bike. Also the world’s lightest ABS equipped super bike at 206.5 Kg (455.3 lb) wet. As you’ve noticed, this bike has a lot of world firsts, and that is barely scratching the surface. For a more in-depth review of this bike, please refer to our previous article, “Two Wheeled ///M”

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Since its earliest stages of development, I’ve been all over the S1000RR. One of the most beautiful bikes I have ever laid eyes on, I’ve often pondered whether the S1000RR has the mechanical venom to match its aesthetic beauty. While I’ve yet to ride the new BMW, the numbers often tell a story. Put on your helmet before reading, this is one he!! of a story.

BMW has never been one to shy away from a technological challenge. What’s the challenge? To meet and defeat the reigning “Big 4″ superbikes from Japan. Yes, the same 4 who have been perfecting their machines on the racetrack for 6 decades.

To be fair, BMW has its own rich heritage of motorcycle racing. Giving testimony to BMW’s prowess on the racetrack, among countless other race wins and championships, are six Dakar Rally Championships spanning from 1981 to 2000, winning the 1939 Isle of Man TT, and most significantly winning the inaugural 1976 AMA Superbike Championship with a BMW R90S piloted by Reginald Pridmore.

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