Bike Trader


BMW announce Supersports

02 May 2008
News image BMW is gearing up to take on Honda, Suzuki and Ducati in the Supersports arena with the all-new S 1000 RR.

BMW’s Superbike uses dry sump oil circulation, with the valve train similar to the system used in the current K 1200 models. To compete with Japanese and Italian Superbikes, the road-going BMW will need to deliver a minimum of 180 hp and weigh less than 440 lbs gassed and ready to go, and have at least one feature that will make the Bavarian Four unique.

“It is our objective to offer a high-performance motorcycle with absolutely outstanding qualities and features on both the road and race track in terms of rideability, performance, and ergonomics,” says BMW head of development.  

“In the early project phase we checked out various engine concepts. We decided straight-four offered the best qualities to meet the power, performance, weight, and package requirements. In typical BMW style, the engine will of course offer a number of special features, especially on the cylinder head.”

BMW decided against the Duo-Lever on the suspension.  As it is bulkier than a telescopic fork the Duo-Lever would not be suitable for the very compact dimensions of BMW’s new Superbike.

The S 1000 RR will feature traction control. “As you may expect of BMW Motorrad, the design of our Supersports will be absolutely unique and very different,” adds BMW. “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.”

To meet the rules of the World Superbike Series, the new motorcycle will be available to customers in 2009 and BMW will build 1,000 production models by the end of next year.

“We are implementing our racing activities in close cooperation with our partner Alpha-Racing, a specialist very experienced in motorsport,” says BMW. Located near Munich, Alpha-Racing have already started work in a special production hall specifically for this purpose.

The team is a combination of specialists from BMW and members of the Alpha-Technik racing crew, as well as further specialists from professional Superbike racing. 

BMW expect to sell their Superbike for no more than $1,000 above the list price of its Japanese competitors.

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