The bike is being used as the safety bike for the MotoGP race this weekend in what seems to be a calculated marketing lpoy from BMW to raise the interest levels before the official unveiling at Monza World Superbikes next weekend.

MCN has exclusively revealed some performance data on the the BMW S1000RR previously, like putting out around 10bhp more than any other 1000cc bike around at the moment – 182bhp was the peak power figure on a leaked dyno graph “obtained” by MCN.

Other key features include:

• Four-way adjustable ABS system
• race-derived traction control.
• An engine which is thought to be one of the most compact four-cylinder motors ever built.

Full disclosure of the nitty gritty details are expected to be revealed by BMW at the official press conference at the Monza round of the World Superbike championship on May 9.
Until then I will be watching any safety bike appearances with interest this weekend…

MCN has supposedly spoken to a foreign journalist who got to ride a pre production model of the new BMW 800R naked machine in southern Germany – he only managed to get in a few miles on the brand new BMW motorcycle but it was enough to get some idea on how the bike will handle.

here is what the “foreign journalist” had to say on the subject…

“The bike feels lovely and light and with the raised bars this is only made more apparent – the bike is so easy to move around at low speeds.”

The naked F800R uses exactly the same 85bhp 798cc parallel twin as the BMW F800S and F800GS models, but has no bodywork. other changes include a set of upright handlebars and the non-symmetrical lights that currently eature on the larger K1300R model.

Specifications
Power: 87bhp
Torque: 63ft lb
Kerb weight: 199kg
In showrooms: May 2009
Colours: Orange, silver, blue

There should be more detailed reviews coming out this week, so keep an eye out in the press and on the Web for more info.

2009 has started well, like most recent years for BMW. The BMW motorcycles once again have achieved excellent results in the reader’s choice segment at the MOTORRAD magazine “Motorcycle of the Year 2009″ Awards. Now before you ask, MOTORADD is a German magazine for German motorcycle fans. and BMW have won the readers choice award? Go figure. I’m only kidding BMW, I am sure the award is very well deserved.

The MOTORRAD readers’ vote of three first place awards, one second place and one third place award confirmed that BMW Motorrad continues to meet the expectations of motorcyclists with its current models.

The BMW R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure managed to maintain their leading position in their market segment in the traditional MOTORRAD readers’ awards, taking first place in Category “Enduros/ Supermotos”.

BMW R1200GS

As in the previous year BMW Motorrad also took first place in Category “Allrounders” and “Naked Bikes”. Here readers were most taken with the active ride BMW models K 1300 S and R 1200 R.

In “Tourer” category, the BMW R 1200 RT took second place and K 1300 GT took third place, underlining the importance of BMW motorcycles when it comes to speed, comfort and safety.

The awards ceremony was held at 2.00 p.m. on 5 March 2009 as part of the “Motorräder Dortmund” motorcycle show in Dortmund’s Westfalenhalle.

This was the eleventh time that the “Motorcycle of the Year” Awards were held, regarded as the most important motorcycle and scooter readers’ prize in Europe.

There were 200 candidates in all in a total of eight categories. Around half a million readers have cast their vote in this awards scheme since its inception in 1999.

Here is the link to the Motorrad awards

Source: BMW press release.

If you look at the video, you can see that the enduro motorcycle’s back wheel is winding up a long cord with a handle on the end, which the crazy snowboarder dude use it to build up enough speed to jump clear over a frozen river.

I think I might stick to more traditional uses for my motorcycle if… er… that OK with you…

BMW Motorrad have a very long history, but they are the new kids on the block as far as the WSB goes. The company has decided to enter the series at probably the most competitive time in its 20-year history. BMW are under no illusions about the challenges ahead, but it is a measure of how serious they are taking the WSB that they have managed to get Troy Corser on board. BMW are entering World Superbike because it is a championship where fans and customers identify with the brand and the bikes. And fans will not have long to wait for the S 1000 RR roadbike from which the racebike is derived: it will make its public debut in early summer 2009.

Troy Corser had this to say about BMW and the approach the team is taking…

“The BMW S 1000 RR racebike has a good base and we are all working hard to be competitive as soon as we can. This is BMW’s first time in World Superbikes and none of us underestimate the challenge. But the challenge is part of the excitement and we are determined to do the very best we can. As the season progresses I’m sure we’ll improve a lot, but we are at a bit of a disadvantage because every time we go to a track we will be starting from scratch, whereas the others will have info and data from previous years. Even so, as the year goes on, I’m sure we’ll get better and better and maybe even surprise a few people along the way.”

Ruben Xaus is the other rider, no slouch himself on two wheels…

“This is a great challenge and I am so happy to be riding for a factory team and working with a great bunch of guys. I think I always knew that I would probably have to modify my style (after years of riding a twin) but I am very pleased with the progress we made in this direction at the recent tests. For sure, it is not easy for any new manufacturer to enter this incredibly competitive series, but I believe that BMW can make a big impact on the championship and I am very happy to be a part of this big adventure.”

The Director of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, Bertie Hauser, chipped in with the following…

“This great adventure began not so long ago, but now we are about to take part in our very first World Superbike Championship race and it is an exciting moment for us all. I firmly believe we have two great riders – Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus – and a very committed and enthusiastic team. Troy is the most experienced rider in WSBK and brings a lot of knowledge and information to the team. Although Ruben is not as experienced as Troy, he has so much enthusiasm for this project and I feel that he and Troy are a perfect combination. I am very pleased with the amount of progress we have all made in the past few months and now, like the whole team, I am really looking forward to this great challenge.”

A Troy Corser fan apparently…

The Long Way down motorcycles as ridden by Ewan and Charley

The bikes feature the same leopard and zebra patterns on the side of the fuel tanks, as seen on the bikes used by the pair in the 2007 trek from John O’Groats to Cape Town.

The bikes has traction control and ABS brake systems plus a tyre pressure control system.

The Ewan McGregor replica (blue) is priced at £11,628 or around $18,000 and has a dynamic comfort pack, which includes chrome exhaust, heated grips, onboard computer and LED indicators.

The Charley Boorman liveried bike has the same but is slightly more expensive at £12,567 (closer to $20,000) as it also contains extra pannier fastenings, fog lights and an electronic suspension adjuster.

Roll up roll up for the motorcycle of a lifetime…