The gearbox is a story onto itself, with revised internals that make for more solid gear changes, with a reassuring but muted clunk to confirm the action, and a racing style electronic engine cut out to assist upshifts. When you pull on the shift lever to go up one ratio, electronics analyze the situation (RPM, throttle opening, gear ratio) and cut the engine power just long enough to allow for a smooth, effortless upshift, all without the rider having to chop the throttle or use the clutch – just like Troy Corser on the BMW Superbike racer! Unfortunately, you still have to cut the throttle and use the clutch to down shift, at least until BMW comes up with an electronic “Blipper” or better still, a one-way clutch system that would also improve stability on corner entry.

BMW also offers an advanced ABS system, as well as ASC traction control.

And finally, BMW also offers an advanced ABS system, as well as ASC traction control, to complete management of the power train. You can also add the Tire Pressure Control system, which tells you if a tire has dropped below a safe pressure level. Check out the option groups carefully to select the options you need or want, and can afford.

The chassis side more than holds its own in terms of refinement and stability, starting with the industry-leading Duolever front suspension, which eliminates major flaws of the standard fork design, namely torsion of the sliding parts under maximum braking load, and the resulting “Sticktion”, and changes in rake geometry under heavy braking which contributed to making the bike unstable at a critical moment. With the Duolever, you end up with a precise suspension that is free to dampen the smallest of irregularities under all acceleration and braking conditions, one that almost feels like a magic carpet. Add the evolved Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) whereby you can use a button on the handlebar to adjust damping at both ends, as well as rear preload and spring stiffness. Heaven at your fingertips for riding under varying sporting styles and loads, for the rider who will take the three minutes it takes to experiment and understand some of the basics. Do it - it works wonders!

The industry-leading Duolever front suspension.