BMW Motorrad has used Monza’s famed racing circuit to unveil the new 2010 BMW S 1000 RR supersports bike to the world, its new weapon for BMW showrooms and the World Superbike Championship.
With a lightweight water-cooled four-cylinder inline power unit producing 142 kW (193 hp) at 13,000 rpm (and revving up to a maximum speed of 14,200 rpm), and maximum torque of 112 Nm (82.5 lb-ft) at 9,750 rpm, the new S 1000 RR tips the scales at just 204 kg (450 lb) including fuel.
That’s a respectable power-to-weight ratio in any language – best in class, according to BMW, with 1.05kg per horsepower without Race ABS, and 1.06 kg per horsepower with Race ABS.
An aluminium bridge frame integrates the engine as a loadbearing element, tilted to the front at an angle of 32 degrees. This provides optimum torsional stiffness and minimum weight.
The front wheel runs on an upside-down fork with a fixed tube (46mm or 1.81-inch diameter), while keeping things together at the rear is an aluminium swing arm with spring and damping action provided by a central spring strut.
The rear frame section of the S 1000 RR is a welded light-alloy structure belted to the mainframe.
Also equipped with Race ABS and DTC Dynamic Traction Control, the S 1000 RR sets “a new benchmark in terms of riding dynamics, safety and innovation” according to BMW Motorrad.
Featuring an aluminium bridge frame, and compact overall layout, BMW also claims its new S 1000 RR supersports offers sure-footed handling and straightforward rideability.
It also features premium safety technologies with Race ABS and DTC Dynamic Traction Control developed especially for the S 1000 RR and available as an option straight from the factory.
Riders have the choice of altering the engine characteristics and set-ups at the touch of a button, enabling them to select between various riding conditions such as wet roads (‘Rain’), regular road conditions (‘Sport’), a race track with supersport tyres (‘Race’), or a race track with slicks (‘Slick’).
The selected riding modes work in concert with the Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control settings to optimise performance and safety.
Having joined the World Superbike circus at the beginning of this year, the new S 1000 RR will be the foundation for the 2010 production-based racing machines ridden by BMW Motorrad’s two works riders – former double world champion Troy Corser and Spaniard Ruben Xaus. (Aussie Troy Corser signed on for two seasons with BMW Motorrad in September 2008.)
With a whole lot of BMW F1 technologies deployed in the engine, the S 1000 RR promises a whole new ball-game from BMW Motorrad in the 2010 season.
No word on pricing yet – it’s all a bit too fresh – but we’ll keep you posted when it comes to hand. (With world currencies fluctuating all over the place, BMW Motorrad won’t be sticking its neck out by making a pricing call for the Oz market too early.)
