The U.S. motorcycle market continued to struggle as it declined 36% in February 2010 compared to the same month last year. Against this challenging backdrop, BMW Motorrad USA posted a 52 percent increase in retail sales in the same period.

The spike in February retail sales is largely attributed to the long-awaited availability of the production version of the BMW S 1000 RR Superbike, the most powerful and sophisticated sport bike ever produced. Dealers had confirmed deposits on over 600 bikes and deliveries to customers began in late January and continued through February. Other top-selling models included the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure as well as the popular R 1200 RT.

BMW Motorrad USA’s strong February sales continued the company’s industry-leading performance in this difficult market. Despite a U.S. motorcycle market that declined 41 percent and lost nearly 360,000 units last year, BMW motorcycle sales only declined 22 percent. This followed on the heels of 2008 when BMW Motorrad USA was one of only two motorcycle manufacturers to post positive growth.

“Superior products in all segments of the market, a dedicated and expanded dealer network, and attractive financing programs from BMW Financial Services will help keep the positive momentum going in 2010,” commented Mac McMath, BMW Motorrad USA Sales Manager.

[Source: BMW ]

Yet another amazing, cool commercial from BMW. This time, the BMW S1000 RR, the same bike we’ve been talking about for months now and the same very one our editor Shawn has named it, “Two Wheeled M”.

Here is how BMW describes their latest “experiment”.

From zero to 100km/h (62 mph) in just 2.9 seconds sounds very nice. But would that help in our XXXL-experiment ?

Don’t try this at home with your dishes. Or your mom’s ones.

Follow BMW Motorrad on Facebook.

“I am very glad to hear of the outstanding success of our motorcycles and would like to thank the readers of MOTORRAD most sincerely for their votes. As I see it, this is a great sign of confidence and reflects the enormous enthusiasm for our products. I am particularly pleased that BMW Motorrad was able to achieve a top ranking in reader popularity so quickly with the S 1000 RR – after all, we have entered new territory with this model,” said Hendrik von Kuenheim, Head of BMW Motorrad, commenting on the result of the vote.

With BMW Motorrad represented in the “Sports” category with a 4-cylinder supersports bike for the first time, the new BMW S 1000 RR won this hotly competed class the first time round, thereby underscoring its outstanding technical conception combining top-class 4-cylinder performance with Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control DTC.

The “Touring bike” category was won by the BMW K 1300 GT, with the BMW R 1200 RT finishing in third place. “This excellent result underpins the outstanding importance of BMW motorcycles when it comes to fast, comfortable and in particular safe motorcycle travel,” von Kuenheim went on to say.

The BMW R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure were able to re-assert their leading position in the market segment in the traditional MOTORRAD readership vote, finishing first in the category “Enduro/Supermoto”. 4th position for the R 1200 Megamoto and 5th for the F 800 GS further highlighted the dominance of BMW motorcycles in this category.

Like last year, BMW Motorrad also won first place in the categories “All-rounders” and “Naked bikes”. Here it was the high-action BMW models K 1300 S and R 1200 R which once again impressed readers most.

In addition to individual rankings in the various categories, BMW motorcycles also dominated the relevant brand rankings, which were won in four cases.

Parallel to the voting for “Motorcycle of the Year 2010″ the annual reader’s voting “Best Brand 2010” took place. In 19 product categories the readers could vote for their most convincing brands in the main categories “Riders and Motorcycle Equipment”. BMW Motorrad Rider’s Equipment won the category “Textile clothes”.

The award ceremony was held at the “Motorräder Dortmund 2010” trade fair on March 4th 2010 at 6 pm in the Restaurant Strobels in Dortmund. No less than 200 candidates in a total of eight categories entered the “Motorcycle of the Year” vote to compete for the coveted titles: held in 2010 for the 12th time, it is regarded as the most important readers’ vote for motorcycles and scooters in the whole of Europe. Over half a million have taken part in the vote since 1999.

Ruben Xaus had a collision with another rider during his warm up, and after consultation with the team doctor, decided not to race. We’re glad to report Ruben has no significant injuries, but rather was ‘shaken up’ by the accident.

Further down the grid, the private entry of Team Reitwagen Racing secured a mid-pack result, crossing the checkered flag in 15th position after both races. For their first race, 15th is a very respectable result. We look forward to seeing them race alongside the factory racers in the future.

Head of BMW Motorrad race bike development, Berthold Hauser had this to say after the race: “The weekend was like a rollercoaster and we had a lot of difficulties to overcome. We had to manage the pressure on the team, deal with some technical issues and of course I feel sorry for Ruben who decided not to race due to his crash in today’s warm-up session. However, the team kept focused and did a fantastic job. We are definitely closer to the top teams than last year. Thanks to everybody in the team, and thanks to Troy who had a great second race. We can now travel back to Europe with our heads held high. Also congratulations to Reitwagen Racing who did a really good job this weekend.”

Suzuki and Ducati split the trophies, each securing victory in race 1 and race 2 respectively.

The World Superbike Championship now heads to Portimao Circuit in Portugal for the second race of the season.

Leon Haslam secured pole position with a best time of 1:31.229, securing Suzuki’s first Pole position of the season. Corser and Xaus best qualifying laps of 1:32.430 and 1:32.842 respectively show them 1.2 + seconds off the ultimate pace. Surprisingly, these lap times were set on race spec tires for both BMW riders as the bike was not performing well with the qualifying spec tire.

Former Ducati Xerox Team Manager Davide Tardozzi has joined BMW Motorrad’s WSBK racing effort for the 2010 season. With Davide in the position of Team Manager, BMW Motorrad is in very good hands. Tardozzi has led Ducati for almost 20 years in WSBK to become the winningest team in the series. After the qualifying session earlier today in Australia, he had this to say: “We made a step ahead although the times and the grid positions don’t reflect that too much. For some reason we struggled with the qualifying tyres, and both riders set their fastest lap in today’s Superpole on race tyres. Apart from the starting position we are in a comfortable situation for tomorrow. The team will do their best to finish the races in the best possible positions.”

With a fourth row starting position on the grid, a podium will likely be just out of reach, but with every World Superbike Race divided into two “heats” it is difficult to predict final positions.

We look forward to tomorrow’s two-part race and we’ll be bringing you the race results after all the dust settles.

It’s nearly time for the season opener to kick off the 2010 World Superbike Championship. With one season under their belt, BMW’s factory race team is on the prowl for podiums this year. With 17 top ten finishes in their inaugural year, the team already has much to be proud of. But the men with anxious right wrists have more auspicious plans in mind – Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus will be satisfied with nothing short of a race win.

Ruben has been in recovery from a broken femur sustained in an accident from last year’s race season. Even while still in a leg cast Ruben was back in the gym, pushing himself for a speedy recovery. Now fully recovered and back on the bike, he can focus on what he does best: dragging his knees.

BMW’s S1000RR has been through an intensive development program through the winter and has recently concluded several test sessions in Portugal and Spain. Over 2000 test kilometers have been logged on the new race bikes. Troy and Ruben have thus had ample opportunity to further develop the bike, offering feedback to their engineers. The engine has been further developed with enhanced electronics and the package has been honed to be friendlier at the limit. The S1000RR started off with brilliant aero, and it appears that small advancements have been made here as well.

While we were enthralled to see two BMWs on the grid last year, we are even more excited for 2010 as two more BMWs will line up for the green lights to flash. A private entry, Team Reitwagen will enter two S1000RRs ridden by Andrew Pitt and Roland Resch. In a series where racing is wheel to wheel and the grid is often varied, it is great to know four BMWs will be in the equation. While we expect them to lie sharply behind the factory works team, we do expect the S1000RRs to be competitive, no doubt fighting mid-pack this year.

A brilliant race season awaits us, and it all kicks off this weekend. Stay tuned to BMWBLOG for updates from the race in Phillip Island, Australia

While not as popular in the U.S. as brands like Harley Davidson, BMW Motorrad’s third largest market are represented by American consumers, with 9,168 BMW motorcycles registered in 2009.

Courtesy of Jalopnik, the photo below shows Apple’s then-and-current CEO, Steve Jobs, riding a 1966 BMW R60/2 motorcycle two years before even the original Macintosh was introduced. The picture was featured in the National Geographic Magazine.

The R60 and R60/2 are 600 cc boxer twin BMW motorcycles that were manufactured from 1956 to 1969 in Munich, Germany. Some 20,133 of these 600 cc shaft-drive, opposed twin R60 (1956-1960, 28 hp), R60/2 (1960-1969, 30 hp), and R60US (1968-1969, 30 hp) were built. These models, except for those with the “US” designation, were designed primarily as rugged motorcycles to pull sidecars (mounting points were built in) and had duplex tubular steel frames.

The standard colors for these motorcycles was black with white pin striping, though special colors could be ordered. Indeed, the motorcycles could be ordered in any color that was being used at the time for BMW cars. A special case was Dover white. Michael Bondy, of the U.S.A. BMW importer Butler & Smith, sent BMW a can of that color paint, which was used on his 1942 Packard, and BMW duplicated it. He then ordered 50 motorcycles in that color.

Original prices for an R60/2

• U.S. Price: $1,131 (1960) (2008 US$ 8217 after inflation)
• U.S. Price: $1,236 (1965) (2008 US$ 8428)
• U.S. Price: $1,364 (1969) (2008 US$ 8005)

Engine

* Internal designation 267 / 5
* Type four-stroke, two-cylinder, air-cooled boxer
* Bore/stroke 72 x 73 mm

• Cubic capacity 594 cc (34 in.3)
• Maximum power 30 HP at 5800 RPM
• Compression ratio 7.5 : 1
• Valves per cylinder 2
• Carburation system 2 Bing 1/24/125-126 od. 1/24/133-134 od. 1/24/151-152
• Engine lubrication forced-feed lubrication
• Oil pump gear pump

Dimensions and Weights

• Length x width x height 84 x 26 x 39 inches (2125 x 660 x 980 mm)
• Wheel base 55.7 inch (1415 mm; with sidecar 1450 mm)
• Tank capacity 4.5 US gallon (17 l) / optional 6.5 US gallon (24.6 l)
• Unladen weight, full tank 430 lb (195 kg; with orig. BMW sidecar 320 kg)
• Load rating 360 kg (with orig. BMW sidecaR600 kg)

Performance

• Idle/riding noise 81/82 DIN-phon (from June 1967: 74 / 95 dB (A))
• Fuel consumption 47.0 MPG (ca. 5.0 l / 100 km)
• Oil consumption ca. 0.5 – 1 l / 1000 km
• Top speed 90 mph (145 km/h)

Data provided by Wikipedia

We’ve scavenged a video of the S1000RR’s engine at full throttle, pulling up to its 14,200 RPM redline. We’ve seen many such videos before, actually, but this one is unique. You see, in this video, the engine head has been cut away to display the valve train in motion! What you are about to see is rare footage, and to those of you who are taking delivery of your new S1000RR soon, we beseech you: don’t try this at home.

Note the oil mist spewing from the valves and the Formula 1 derived single cam followers reciprocating at mind-bending speeds – far faster than the human eye can follow. We’re not sure what the cameraman was wearing, but we suspect he’s still trying to get the oil out of his hair.

The S1000RR is the world’s premier superbike with an incredible engine output of 193 hp. 82.5 ft-lb of twist peaks at 9,750 RPM, lending the bike supreme drivability. A myriad of technological innovations render this new BMW a true engineering achievement. Programmable traction control, advanced race ABS, and a trick quick shifter provide a very forgiving ride experience, allowing the least of us to mimic the talent of Ruben Xaus and Troy Corser – BMW’s factory World Superbike Championship team riders.

While the new S1000RR is dominant on paper, we have yet to see many in-depth bike comparison tests. We look forward to these test results and we’ll be sure to pass on the coverage as soon as it’s available. From the feedback given so far, BMW’s new S1000RR is a well-rounded bike, ready for competition with the best from Japan and Italy.

We look forward to BMW Motorrad’s 2010 WSBK Championship bid. Commencing February 26th we will be bringing you up-to-date coverage of the first race at Phillip Island racetrack in Australia.

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.

As for cost, BMW has confirmed with us that “the cost of these parts range from between $100 to $500 and some parts cost up to $1000 to $2000.” The Akrapovic exhaust has an MSRP of $1,105, all prices listed are in USD.

While this may seem a lavish indulgence to the typical rider, those who are sweating for tenths at the track, or searching for that ultra exotic look will be satisfied with these upgrade parts and willing to open their wallet. We are pleased that the complete “HP” carbon fiber accessorized bike bears such striking resemblance to the S1000RR factory race bike as well as the legendary, endurance race winning HP2 Sport – seen displayed beside the S1000RR at NAIAS.

Interestingly, the “HP” label you see prominently displayed on several of the carbon fiber body panels is optional, you can also order all fairings without this HP logo. With this breaking news, we can now confirm that this bike will retain its S1000RR title and there will be no official “HP” appendage.

The original article from NAIAS is posted here, we stand corrected for the misprint regarding a possible factory “S1000RR HP.” Although we cannot entirely rule this possibility out for the future, as it stands, BMW have confirmed they have no such plans.

A special thank you to BMW NA for the scoop!

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.

For a more in-depth look at the S1000RR, please check out our Two-Wheeled M article

We look forward to further group tests from other journals, but for now, please enjoy the following video by MCN.

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.

As for cost, BMW has confirmed with us that “the cost of these parts range from between $100 to $500 and some parts cost up to $1000 to $2000.” The Akrapovic exhaust has an MSRP of $1,105, all prices listed are in USD.

While this may seem a lavish indulgence to the typical rider, those who are sweating for tenths at the track, or searching for that ultra exotic look will be satisfied with these upgrade parts and willing to open their wallet. We are pleased that the complete “HP” carbon fiber accessorized bike bears such striking resemblance to the S1000RR factory race bike as well as the legendary, endurance race winning HP2 Sport – seen displayed beside the S1000RR at NAIAS.

Interestingly, the “HP” label you see prominently displayed on several of the carbon fiber body panels is optional, you can also order all fairings without this HP logo. With this breaking news, we can now confirm that this bike will retain its S1000RR title and there will be no official “HP” appendage.

The original article from NAIAS is posted below.

A special thank you to BMW NA for the scoop!

In the meantime here’s what we do know: the S1000RR HP model will have copious amounts of Carbon Fiber throughout and an even lighter curb weight than its already-lightest-in-class sibling at 204 kg (450 lb).  The HP model will include all factory options including advanced race ABS, traction control and a fantastic quick shifter.

If this model is deemed “High Performance” by BMW, than what should we call the 193 hp standard model?

Please enjoy these exclusive photos of the S1000RR HP from Detroit.  For a detailed look at the S1000RR, please take a look at our Two Wheeled M article.

“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.”

“We expect significant sales growth in 2010,” said Andersen, “on the strength of the launch of the production version of the S 1000 RR Superbike, the most powerful and sophisticated sport bike ever produced. Our dealers have confirmed deposits on over 600 bikes and deliveries to customers will begin January 26.”

Also slated for the coming year are new versions of BMW Motorrad’s most popular models: the R 1200 GS, the R 1200 GS Adventure and the R 1200 RT.

[Source: BMW ]

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.

The BMW S1000RR is now the world’s premier superbike with an output of 183.7 Rear Wheel hp at 13,200 rpm*. In fact, this bike has surpassed the vaunted Hayabusa by 3.7 hp, becoming the world’s most powerful production road bike.

Please hit the jump to read the article by MCN

*These performance figures were found on a private Dyno in the UK and were published by “Bike” magazine and it’s sister publication “MCN” – both trusted authorities in motorcycle journalism.

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.

When it comes to BMW motorcycles, the case is more complex. We can still start off with “It’s a BMW,” and at that point you know, “All right, it must be good.” And then… blank. What does a BMW motorcycle stand for? We’d venture to say that most BMW car owners don’t even know. And you know who we can blame for that? Vanilla Ice.

Well, we can’t blame this all on him, so we’ll throw in John Travolta to keep him rightful company. American motorcycle culture and perceptions are far more informed by Mr. Ice and the Wild Hogs bunch than Ewan McGregor and dusty roads of The Motorcycle Diaries. For the most part, U.S. riders want to check these three boxes: looks cool, makes noise, chicks dig it. Kawasaki and its sport bike brethren, and Those Harley Things generally get the job done there. BMW, uh, not really.

Dare we say it, but BMW motorcycles are the Audi cars of the U.S. scene. You need to invest the time to understand them, get to know them, before you can fully appreciate them. BMW cars are The Ultimate insert-adjective-and-noun-here — it’s impossible not to understand that. Audi cars are “Vorsprung durch Technik,” commonly translated as “What?” Yet the “technik” school is where the BMW lives: it calls its bike division “Motorrad.” That means “motorcycle” in German, but to most American riders translates simply as “pretentious.”

Continued at Luxist

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”

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.

BMW has now come full circle. While they have diverted their attention away from a whole souled superbike racing effort since the 1970’s, we now see a re-focusing of energies and dedication to this world pinnacle of production based motorcycle racing. Leading up to their reappearance on the stage of superbike racing was a resurgence in endurance racing. Leading up to the 2007 LeMans 24 hour race we saw the BMW R1200S put in strong performances and grace varying podium steps. The hard development work at BMW Motorrad gave fruition to the “Boxer Sport,” a highly developed race spec R1200S featuring ample carbon fibre, fine tuning and upgraded components. This boxer-twin meant business, and delivered beyond all expectations, capturing the class win at the 29th running of the motorcycling class 24 Hours of LeMans!

BMW had realized its progressive goal in endurance racing, and the time was ripe to pour all efforts into preparation for a return to superbike. With all hands on deck BMW formed an alliance with Alpha-Racing of Munich and went to work on producing the world’s fastest production superbike. What were the results?

General Director BMW Motorrad, Mr Von Kuenheim states, “As you may expect of BMW Motorrad, the design of our BMW Supersports will be absolutely unique and very different. While it will of course reflect the usual design language in the segment, it will at the same time offer a strong and powerful message from the BMW brand.” I would sum it up with three words from Mr Von Kuenheim… strong and powerful.

Strength, power, and then some. When BMW Motorrad went about determining the fundamental layout of the bike, they concluded that to surpass the performance of its competitors they must first consider the finest designs available. To this end, BMW tore apart the best of its competition and analyzed what gave the Japanese and Italians such speed and consistency in their bikes. BMW are an engineering powerhouse, always pushing the limits of what is technologically possible through creative and often very unique, unorthodox design philosophies. Non-conforming design has always been evident within BMW Motorrad, and for this project BMW compared creative designs against the current conventional; ultimately choosing the best designs in the end, one at a time.

60 years of hardened racing has the ability to perfect over time, and BMW recognized that to race against such experienced and heavy hitting competition, they must “reflect the usual design language in the segment.” Some will conclude upon first glance at the motorcycle that BMW have mimicked the Japanese. Look deeper and you will see the masterful creation of BMW. Run your hand along its contours and your fingers will follow the path of air directed by radical aerodynamics. In numbers, BMW’s new superbike, the S1000RR will silence its enemies and evoke fear in its stable mates.

A state-of-the-art 999 cc inline 4 beats within. The engine produces a staggering 193 hp on its way to a stratospheric 14,200 rpm. 83 lb-ft of torque is produced at 9,750 rpm. The engine has a bore/stroke of 80/49.7, the largest bore of any production litre bike. All this in a highly compact engine that weighs only 59.8 Kg (131.8 lb).

Unique technology on the S1000RR engine includes the exhaust system featuring two interference pipe butterflies. These butterfly valves oscillate according to rpm, throttle setting and other variables to cancel exhaust gas counter pressure pulses, thus increasing cylinder charge and engine power. In choosing between the bike’s 4 different engine maps you can tailor the power delivery to the prevailing road or track conditions. Valvetrain technology taken directly from BMW’s Formula 1 engines features titanium valves actuated by single finger style cam followers, said to reduce reciprocating mass by 50%. Switching through “Rain,” “Sport,” “Race,” and “Slick” settings, the new S100RR thereby combines multiple personalities and riding characteristics – much like engaging the ///M button on your BMW ///M Sports car.

A world first, the S1000RR also features Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). Utilizing a gyroscope, the engine will harness power based on lean angles for each respective engine mapping, allowing you to dial in heavy throttle on corner exit. The DTC will engage based on lean angles from 38′ in “Rain” mode to 53′ in “Slick” mode. While your first experience will require confidence in the system and a wrist-full of faith, DTC is a breakthrough in safety for street riders as well as a valuable performance enhancement. Central to its performance, the S1000RR is also the lightest ABS equipped motorcycle produced with a wet curb weight of 206.5 Kg (455.3 lb) fully fuelled. Yes, the S1000RR sports the world’s best power to weight ratio of any production bike at 1.05 kg/hp. Clearly, the numbers are staggering. You don’t have to remind Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki or Yamaha.

Brimming with Formula 1 technology, the S1000RR sets new standards in the evolution of sport bikes. As a demonstration of BMW’s design superiority, the S1000RR speaks volumes to BMW’s future, and the excellence they have attained.

We are very excited to refer you to the world’s first written ride review of BMW’s S1000RR, brought to you by MCN. Please enjoy… and tighten that helmet strap, would you?

In due time, we will bring you our own ride impressions of the S1000RR, but until then please hit the jump for MCN’s write-up. Download PDF

Looking at motorcycles, inventive engineers have also tried time and again to offer the enthusiast the thrilling concept of a straight-six power unit. But while a few engines in straight-six configuration have indeed been fitted in motor­cycles both lengthwise and crosswise, the straight-six has never really made a genuine breakthrough neither on production models nor in motorcycle racing.

Depending on the way the engine was fitted, six cylinders in-line inevitably made the engine either very long or very wide, creating disadvantages in terms of the running gear, weight distribution, and the centre of gravity. A further drawback was much higher engine weight usually setting off the benefits of extra engine power.

The BMW Concept 6 now proves that a straight-six, benefiting from the most advanced construction and production technology, may offer not only unique prestige, but also a supreme standard of riding dynamics.

The new BMW straight-six will further expand the K-Series in the foreseeable future. The first model to be introduced will be an innovative and luxurious BMW touring machine. Reflecting the tradition of the BMW K-Series, this will of course be a genuine top-of-the-line product.

Highly compact and dynamic six-cylinder.

The starting point for this dynamic introduction of the straight-six in the new Concept 6 from BMW Motorrad is of course the extremely compact form and configuration of the engine. The power unit is approximately 100 mm or 4″ slimmer than all former straight-six production engines and only a bit wider than a large-capacity straight-four with conventional technology.

The reduction in width is achieved in particular by the slightly over-square bore: stroke ratio with relatively long stroke and very small gaps between cylinders. To achieve this very compact configuration with minimum width, the electrical ancillaries and their drive components are positioned behind the crankshaft in the open space above the transmission.

High-tech lightweight construction in all areas serves to make the power unit relatively light from the outset, important components in this context being the two hollow-drilled camshafts and the very light connecting rods. The perfect compensation of masses ensured by the configuration and layout of the engine avoids the need for a balance shaft and its drive elements on the new straight-six, which again means lower weight and enhanced running smoothness.

In its layout, the straight-six featured in the Concept 6 follows the well-known straight-four in the K 1300 model series, again coming with cylinders tilted to the front by 55o. This ensures not only a low centre of gravity, but also very good weight balance as an element essential above all under sporting conditions for precise feeling and clear feedback from the front. A further advantage is that the tilted engine provides extra space for the aerodynamically positioned intake manifold directly above the engine and allows ideal configuration of the frame profiles following the flow of power.

The straight-six featured in the BMW Motorrad Concept 6 comes with dry sump lubrication. Apart from greater reliability even under extreme conditions, dry sump technology serves to keep the crankcase particularly low and flat, with the engine being fitted lower down and masses concentrated around the centre of gravity. Doing without an oil sump, the engine may be positioned far lower than on a conventional layout.

The oil reservoir is provided by an oil tank integrated at the rear of the engine block. This avoids the need for a separate tank, again helping to make the entire power unit more compact and reduce weight to a minimum.

Maximum supremacy in running refinement and performance.

Designed and laid out as a straight-six, the engine also opens up new dimensions in motorcycling in terms of supremacy, power reserves, performance and running refinement.

Output of the new six-cylinder will be in approximately the same range as on BMW’s 1.3-litre straight-four power units. Torque, on the other hand, will be right at the top of the range, even in comparison with the largest motorcycle engines, such superior power and muscle coming inter alia from engine capacity of no less than 1.6 litres.

The engine’s power and performance characteristics are equally impressive, offering 130 Nm or 96 lb-ft of torque from just 2,000 rpm and at the same time revving up almost to 9,000 rpm – a dynamic potential quite unparalleled in the tourer segment. This alone qualifies the engine of the Concept 6 as the ideal power unit for a wide range of different motorcycles.

Environmental compatibility and all-round economy re-defined.

The Concept 6 shows the absolute supremacy of its six-cylinder drive system also in ecological and economic terms. Fuel consumption of this six-cylinder naturally equipped with a fully controlled catalytic converter is lower than on a comparable four-cylinder under normal touring conditions. The use of E-gas technology (ride-by-wire) then offers further potentials for enhanced fuel economy and riding dynamics throughout a wide range of different riding modes and conditions. And last but not least in this context, the straight-six power unit featured in the Concept 6 offers long inspection intervals through the use of cup tappets controlling the engine valves.

Dynamic and powerful design in Café Racer style.

Supremacy and dynamism are also borne out clearly by the thrilling design of the Concept 6 and, as usual, this project from BMW Motorrad is more than “just” the attempt to develop a motorcycle of a kind never seen before.

Working on Concept 6, the designers at BMW Motorrad have therefore focused yet again on technical function and quality and, in particular, the emotional element bringing together man and machine. Their rule, quite simply, is that a motorcycle must not only follow the laws of functionality, but also arouse emotion in all its facets. In a nutshell, therefore, the machine must be simply thrilling.

Precisely this is why the design of the Concept 6 focuses in particular on the powerful straight-six engine as the heart of the machine. Conceived as a mixture of classic and modern styling elements in motorcycle construction, the Concept 6, with its long front end and short rear, takes up the design language of the legendary Café Racer. Powerful and muscular, the body elements extend around the power unit finished in a special platinum colour, presenting the engine almost adoringly from every angle.

Smooth and soft lines ensure fully organic integration of the power unit within the machine, while at the same time they create a powerful, exciting and dynamic contrast to the sharply contoured front and rear ends.

The so-called Split Face, a well-known design element of the latest models from BMW Motorrad, extends smoothly from the front of the fairing all along the top of the fuel tank made of carbon-fibre, again confirming the high technological standard of the Concept 6 and forming an exciting contrast to the outer shell in aluminium with its white layers. The division into three sections created by the Split Face is further accentuated at the front by the LED headlight integrated longitudinally in the machine in its rod shape and by the slender LED rear light extending far up into the seat hump.

The powerful and supreme character of the Concept 6 is also underscored by the six-chamber exhaust system complete with sidepipes and the strong presence of the intake ducts again finished in platinum look. Aerodynamic components such as the twin-tipped engine spoiler and the air guide elements derived from the design of the new S 1000 RR Supersports, on the other hand, bridge the gap between functional and clearly visible technology, on the one hand, and the soft and smooth design of other body elements, on the other.

Innovative suspension technology and equipment

The suspension of the BMW Motorrad Concept 6 is built around a light-alloy bridge frame as well as Duolever and lightweight Paralever arms holding and guiding the wheels front and rear. Seventeen-inch HP forged wheels as well as the extra-large brake system with its six-piston fixed callipers emphasise the sporting look of the new machine and its high level of technology.

The outstanding supremacy of the Concept 6 and its drivetrain is also reflected by details such as the instrument panel intentionally kept in minimalist design but nevertheless completely equipped with all the instruments and gauges required. While a digital display performs its usual function of clearly presenting road speed, there is intentionally no rev counter on account of the supreme flow of power at all speeds. So instead of a conventional rev counter, a LED display shows the rider at all times how much torque is readily available whenever required.

The range of new products extends from the new, sporting DoubleR C o l l e c t i o n (suit, helmet, boots and gloves) for the BMW S 1000 RR and the Pant Cross together with the matching Jersey Cross for hard offroad riding through new materials such as SuperFabric® and BeCool™ all the way to the trendy and functional enhancement of products already lauded for their quality.

While the new Suit Rallye 3 comes with a new membrane structure featuring comfort mapping, the Gloves Rallye 3 stand out through their new high abrasion-resistant SuperFabric® material. The Boots Rallye GS Pro now feature a removable inner shoe for extra comfort and a pleasant climate within the boots.

The rainwear also comes with new materials, for example on the two-piece Rain Suit RainLock 2 and the single piece ProRain 3. The inner coated 2.5-layer laminate now makes the suits even easier and more convenient to put on and take off.

The Function Underwear Package has been enhanced once again to an even higher standard, adjusting body temperature perfectly to varying conditions and requirements. The Trousers City 2 and Trousers City 2 Denim have been upgraded in their style and fashion, naturally without neglecting the quality for which they are known so well. On the Boots AirFlow 3 additional AirTex inserts improve wearer comfort through even better circulation of air.

To find out more information on the 2010 Collection, feel free to download the PDF.

BMW S 1000 RR Superbike is powered by a brand new water-cooled four-cylinder inline power unit which outputs 193 horsepower at 13,000 rpm and revving up to a maximum speed of 14,200 rpm. Maximum torque of 82.5 lb-ft of torque comes at 9,750 rpm, while only weighing 455.3 pounds with a full tank of gas. All engine components are compact and light, limiting weight of the overall engine without ancillaries to 59.8 kg (131.8 lb).

BMW S 1000 RR can be equipped with ABS and Dynamic Traction Control systems. As a curiosity, the ABS system weighs only 5.51 lbs. The new S 1000 RR is the lightest machine of its caliber displacing 999 cc and featuring ABS brakes.

Optional features include Optional DTC Dynamic Traction Control in conjunction with Race ABS for optimum performance.

Oh…almost forgot about the asymmetrical headlights which drives crazy some of the beemer fans, even though we kinda dig it.

Every year, at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, takes place a three-day event that reunites over 30,000 people in this mecca of BMW motorcycle fans. BMW Motorrad Division just issued a press release and photos that explain even better what goes on at this yearly special event.

Munich/Garmisch-Partenkirchen. “Once a year Garmisch-Partenkirchen is transformed into the mecca of BMW motorcycle fans – and so it is again this year,” announced the Head of BMW Motorrad Hendrik von Kuenheim at the official handing over of the keys of the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen for the three-day event BMW Motorrad Days 2009 by 1st Mayor Thomas Schmid on Friday evening in the main tent.

And there were indeed over 30,000 visitors, fans and riders of the brand BMW Motorrad in attendance from over 30 countries who had found their way to the picturesque holiday resort at the foot of the Hausberg mountain for the world’s biggest BMW Motorrad party, enjoying a lively program which reflected all aspects of the BMW Motorrad world – first in rather unsettled weather but subsequently in summer style. A group of eight persons from Peking had travelled furthest to get to the event.

The central focus of interest was the Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport which has been participating in the Superbike World Championship with the racing version of the BMW S 1000 RR since the beginning of this season. The team under Berthold Hauser, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, with the two factory riders Troy Corser (Australia) and Ruben Xaus (Spain), was introduced to motorcycle fans not only on the stage of the main tent – which was packed full to the last seat – but also at autograph sessions and close-up photo shoots. The riders also presented the serial production version of the BMW S 1000 RR to the public at large in the Freestyle Area of the BMW Motorrad Days – where Indoor Streetbike Freestyle World Champion Chris Pfeiffer otherwise kept his audience on tenterhooks.

With breath-taking stunts, the world’s leading motorcycling acrobat with his BMW F 800 R showed that even the impossible can apparently be performed on a standard motorcycle. The four-times World and European Stunt Riding Champion and four-times winner of the Erzberg Rodeo fascinated visitors with the same spectacular trick combinations which enabled him to outshine all his competitors and win the Indoor Streetbike Freestyle World Championship for the third time in succession.

No less fascinating were the action performances of the two mountain bikers Igor Obu and Andreas Schuster. Obu hit the headlines about ten years ago when he raced down the Olympic ski jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on his mountain bike at a speed of 112 km/h, landing after 42.11 metres. At the BMW Motorrad Days, Schuster took fans’ breath away with a jump from ramp to ramp over seven metres.

There was also pure excitement on the demanding enduro circuit – the x-track – where enduro riders Gerhard Forster, Andreas Lettenbichler, Juha Salminen, Simo Kirssi and Bernd Eckenbach provided highly competitive racing action on their G 450 X race enduro bikes.

Anyone who wanted to venture off-road themselves had the option of the 10,000 m² Enduro Park complete with BMW GS models and Husqvarna motorcycles, where five experienced instructors provided free training courses throughout the entire weekend.

Those who prefer to ride on asphalt also had plenty of opportunity to enjoy themselves at the BMW Motorrad Days 2009. In addition to test rides on current models from the BMW Motorrad range through the magnificent landscape around Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the traditional motorcycle parade also took place this year on the Saturday, at least four kilometres long and running a distance of over 95 kilometres, as well as the classic parade on Sunday which ran a 25–kilometre circuit starting and finishing at Hausbergplatz and featuring some 80 historic BMW motorcycles. There were also special ladies’ tours on BMW motorcycles on offer for women riders.

For anyone who wanted to temporarily swap two wheels for four, there was the BMW xDrive circuit where visitors had the opportunity – under the safe supervision of professionals – to experience extreme side tilt, offset elevations and steep hill climbs and descents in the BMW models X3, X5 and X6.

The two motorcycle adventurers Michael Martin and Doris Wiedemann provided exciting entertainment, too. Martin gave insights into his latest project “Planet Desert” and Wiedemann talked about how she travelled in February 2009 on her BMW F 800 GS from the southernmost point of the USA in Key West, Florida, to the icy Prudhoe Bay on the Artic Ocean.

The great party atmosphere was mainly provided by the guests themselves, though of course supported by an extremely well-disposed presenter Jan Stecker and a wide range of live music acts. In the main tent the well-known party band “Blechblos’n” got guests going on Friday evening, as did the formation “Gary and Gerry and the used underwear” on Saturday evening. The US Lodge rocked with the Austrian party band “Dreirad” and “Switha’s Band” provided some excellent alternative rock from Portugal. More tranquil tones were to be heard from “Byron” with his acoustic guitar at the camp fire. Last but not least, DJ Moorat burned up the turntables and Gitty Fisher lent her powerful voice to unplugged performances for fans of country and rock’n roll music on both evenings. A big draw was held on Friday and on Saturday evening, when a BMW F 800 R and a BMW F 800 GS respectively found thrilled new owners.

Purely logistically the BMW Motorrad Days 2009 turned out to be a spectacular event, too. Over 700 people were and are still involved in the three-week preparations and implementation and the two-week dismantling process. In addition to rooms booked by long-standing regular guests in and around Garmisch-Partenkirchen, some 1,420 additional accommodation places were secured, with 1,400 tents in the Camping Area immediately adjacent to the event grounds providing yet more sleeping facilities. A total of more than 1,500 tons of material such as sand, tree trunks, concrete and stones were moved to create the x-track: the amount of sand alone was the same as the entire yearly requirement of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Fans and friends of the brand BMW purchased some 6,500 BMW Motorrad Days 2009 T-Shirts and 2,250 matching caps, as well as receiving the “BMW Motorrad Insider News” each day free of charge for information on the program, activities and weather situation. 5,000 copies of this newspaper were handed out on each of the three days. Over 1,000 Riders’ Passes were sold to allow visitors to make use of the numerous transport options.

1st Mayor Thomas Schmid was once again pleased at the solid and long-standing collaboration between the town and BMW Motorrad and hoped it would continue for many years to come. In this connection, Schmid mentioned not only the planned 2011 World Alpine Skiing Championship but also Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s application to host the Olympic Games in 2018. “BMW is a partner of the application company – so the bond is getting closer,” he commented. The success story of BMW Motorrad and Garmisch-Partenkirchen goes from strength to strength.

[Source: BMW ]