BMW S1000RR - in person - Washington DC DC

Tail of the new BMW S1000RR superbike. Photo by Wes Fleming

Photos are one thing. Laying your own eyes on a new bike is a very different thing. I went to Hooters in Rockville last night to check out the newest superbike on the block in person. About a hundred eager and interested riders attended the event sponsored by Battley Cycles. Due to the rain, the bike and all its admirers were inside the restaurant.

I have to admit that I have never been a fan of sportbikes. High horsepower isn't what makes my blood boil. I look at a full fairing and all I can think of is how many screws I'd have to remove to do any of the typical maintenance work. I just know the footpeg position will make my knees ache.

Well, BMW has my attention. In the pre-release press photos from BMW, the S1000RR looks fast. In person, it looks just as fast, but it also looks sleek, svelte, and aggressive.

It also has gills, sort of. That kind of goes along with some of the other odd styling choices, such as the asymmetric and differently-shaped headlights.

Nate Kern, who normally races on other BMW motorcycles such as the R1200S, said the one word that best describes the new S1000RR is control. Kern said that "right off the showroom floor, you can dial it in without any aftermarket parts. It's ready to race." He described the bike as smooth and refined and, like BMW's finer cars, said that the S1000RR "doesn't feel mass produced."

Kern, BMW's escort for DC area events involving the S1000RR, spent the evening explaining much of the new technology to attendant motorcyclists, mentioning more than once the low center of gravity that is typical of most high-end BMW motorcycles. His enthusiasm about the bike was obvious and infectious.

Christina Reap of Clifton VA, one of dozens of riders that got to sit on the new bike, said "it's comfy - I like it." She said that, as a new rider that's still learning important skills and techniques, the light weight appeals to her, as with heavier bikes she's concerned about dropping them.

Drew Alexander, BMW sales manager at Battley, said "This bike isn't evolutionary - it's revolutionary. It's entirely different than any other BMW product and it's going to attract a totally new type of rider to the BMW family." When asked if test rides will be allowed on the S1000RR when it finds its way into showrooms in early 2010, Alexander said that decision has yet to be made by BMW North America. The first 500 bikes to hit the US are under preorder and will be delivered starting in December 2009.

Alexander stated, "At its base price of about $15,000, it's intended as direct sales competition for the four Japanese superbike makers."

Update 10 Jun 09: An unnamed source with knowledge of BMWNA policies, procedures and prices informed this reporter that the manufacturer will be allowing test rides on the S1000RR and that its base price will be "well under" $15,000.

Even Honda charges extra for its high-tech ABS system, so expect all the bells and whistles such as Race ABS, traction control, and the ride modes computer to add several thousand dollars to the base price. However, even in its stripped down format, the S1000RR offers up a huge chunk of impressive technology with advanced brakes, an interactive exhaust system, upside-down and fully adjustable forks, and a hydro-formed frame.

My impression of the S1000RR from a few minutes in the seat is that it's light, balanced, and well laid out from an ergonomic perspective. All the controls are within easy reach of the rider, the dash is thoughtfully laid out, and the foot controls are well placed. The hump in the fuel tank even offers a little support for the rider's upper body.

Another attendee and long-time local BMW rider Elsie Smith said, "It's a great bike, but I'll keep my F650GS." Given that the S1000RR has no apparent attachment points for BMW's traditional hard luggage and Smith recently returned from a motorcycle journey to Mexico, it's quite obvious that this bike is not the typical BMW offering.

There will be two more chances for DC riders to see and talk about the S1000RR, each hosted by the other two local BMW dealers - Bob's BMW of Jessup, MD and Morton's BMW of Fredericksburg, VA. Check each shop's website for more details.

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