The Demo Site

The pertinent numbers are a claimed 193 horsepower (at the crankshaft) and a 403.5-lb claimed dry weight. In a ready-to-ride form including fuel, BMW says to expect 450 lbs of weight. DTC Dynamic Traction Control is an appealing option, as is the Race ABS that adds just 5.3 lbs to the bike’s weight. Also innovative is the RR’s variable-length intake tracts that work in harmony with a 14,200-rpm redline, the highest among its rivals.

BMW didn’t try to break any new ground in choosing an inline-Four engine with an aluminum frame for the S1000RR. In its foray into the highly competitive literbike market, the German manufacturer followed the tried and tested model that has proven so successful for its Japanese competitors.

BMW did employ technology from its Formula 1 program into the S1000RR’s cylinder head. The S1000RR’s four extra-light titanium intake and exhaust valves per cylinder are operated by equally light single cam followers. According to BMW, the cam followers weigh 11 grams (0.388 ounces), almost 50% lighter than what BMW uses in its K-series motorcycles. BMW says the light and tiny cam followers gave their engineers more freedom in choosing ideal valve lift curves to optimize performance.