BMW launches its new race bike

[King_Rider]

If the current BMW sport models are anything to go by the BMW will be underpowered compared to Japanse 1000cc superbikes. The closest comparison; the K 1200 R claims 163 hp and that is a 1200cc so I hate to think how much the 1000cc mill claims. In terms of styling it looks very much inspired by a late model Gixxer.

[Forest]

If the current BMW sport models are anything to go by the BMW will be underpowered compared to Japanse 1000cc superbikes. The closest comparison; the K 1200 R claims 163 hp and that is a 1200cc so I hate to think how much the 1000cc mill claims. In terms of styling it looks very much inspired by a late model Gixxer.

The power doesn't seem to matter so much as the overall system performance.

Ducati bikes have always been relatively underpowered, but they're very effective at putting down power on the racetrack.

[NZsarge]

If the current BMW sport models are anything to go by the BMW will be underpowered compared to Japanse 1000cc superbikes. The closest comparison; the K 1200 R claims 163 hp and that is a 1200cc so I hate to think how much the 1000cc mill claims. In terms of styling it looks very much inspired by a late model Gixxer.

Mate! Write off the German's if you like but but I would'nt, at least with cars anyway when they set their mind to winning a championship they usually do.

[King_Rider]

The power doesn't seem to matter so much as the overall system performance.

Ducati bikes have always been relatively underpowered, but they're very effective at putting down power on the racetrack.

Yeah thats true, power delivery is also very important; good rubber, torque curve, transmission, weight, throttle response etc... I get your drift but I do feel that the Japanese have perfected these things also. I guess only time will tell.

[Zookey]

Yeah thats true, power delivery is also very important; good rubber, torque curve, transmission, weight, throttle response etc... I get your drift but I do feel that the Japanese have perfected these things also. I guess only time will tell.

OIY: There must be a huge misconception out here when we think that Nipponese race bikes are a product of the said Company in there homeland.,ie ,Yamaha have recently moved their race plant from Britain into a huge new factory in Italy.And in a guided tour one didn't see a home country man on site,'and more the reason Rossi was so vaunted on home turf.Riding an Italian bike , that will get the Duke boys going methinks

[Kwakajack]

The telelever system weighs quite a bit more then conventional forks - so it would be kind of pointless to put it on a race bike.

That doesn't mean the telelever is shit.

Agreed, however you have to look at its intended use, as a touring bike there is simply nothing that does the job better. Sportsbikes on the other hand requires more adjustability as well as reduced weight, so unless BMW want to make the telelever unit entirely from magnesium alloy and carbon fibre then USDs are the obvious choice, that and I can't see the centrally mounted shock being that easy to adjust with a spanner . . .

To grab a few other ideas while I'm here, with aerodynamics being king and GSXRs being a pretty darn universal shape these days I can't blame BMW for adopting something similar in its silhouette. Marketing boys also have a part to play here, it must look like something we all recognise with being a clone while not being too out there and only attract the alternative crowd. Ducati tried that and personally I reckon didn't quite get there with the 999/749, then look at the 1098/848, back to the future??

BMW seek to hit the litre bike riding spoortsbike crowd and good luck to them its about time I reckon. Put one of those on the road at a decent price comparable to the Italians or Austrians then I reckon they'll sell well. . . . . . IF they have the results to back up the bike. Ballpark horsepower at the crank . . . lets hope 200 to 220 for good luck, better give the Japs a shock for their money. The K1200S being almost as quick as the ZX14 or Busa and a good 35 horses short, I reckon they've got a fairly good chance as long as the engine boys are given a really long leash before the electronics boys have to rein in the motor in again

[Little Miss Trouble]

In terms of styling it looks very much inspired by a late model Gixxer.

It actually looks like an oversized R6 if you take a closer look at it, they did afterall, track test it pre-release in R6 clothes.

I think it's best to wait until next year to start talking it up/down. Let the results speak for themselves.

[rustycharm]

Tend to agree with the comments re styling the beemer like the pointy R6 but lets face it - all the hyper sports bikes are going that way.
Only wish they'd done something creative with the exhaust - slinging it out the side is so... well... um.. yawn... boring.
The 749/999 was at least the catylist for cleaning up the back end and raising the arse of the bike towards the sky.
I do agree .. the duc didn't quite get it right .... even tho its the current ride of choice.