Church of MO: 2010 BMW S1000RR Review

Something wicked aus Deutschland appeared ten years ago, a motorcycle we never thought the conservative Bavarians would build. More powerful than the Japanese, not much more expensive, and bristling with new electronics to save your speck, at least one publication called the new literbike the Final Solution. Father, forgive them. Herr Duke’s kudos cup ranneth over. BMW have been on the march ever since.

Not your father’s BMW

By Kevin Duke Nov. 23, 2009

Photos by BMW

BMW’s motorcycle division hasn’t enjoyed the worldwide performance reputation of its automotive sector, but that all changes with the incredible S1000RR, introduced to journalists last week at the equally impressive Portimao race circuit.BMW Motorrad hits the literbike market hard with its race replica, as the S1000 employs class-leading power, a stout chassis beyond reproach, and a techie electronics package second to none. This bike is the real deal.

We’ve been teased with details of the bike for well over a year. Our first glimpse came in April of 2008 when I wrote the S1000RR Preview, and then we brought new insight last December in our Closer Look article. Then we finally got to see the bike in the flesh at its U.S. introduction where Pete elaborated on the RR’s features and specs.

After all of that, we were already quite up to speed on what the bike consists of. Now all we needed to know is how it performs.

The new S1000RR fires a potent salvo into the literbike market, and it’s set to blow away perceptions of what a BMW motorcycle is.

Morning at Portimao

Rolling into the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao, Portugal, its extreme elevation changes promise an entertaining day, even if we weren’t to ride one of the most anticipated sportbikes to come along in years. .

<img title="The S1000RR in BMW's Motorsports …read more

Source:: Church of MO: 2010 BMW S1000RR Review