This motorcycle has the aficionados standing in their seats and yelling in wonderment. You see, the S1000RR is unlike any other motorcycle BMW has ever built. BMW bikes are chosen for round-the-world trips or long-distance touring. They are stodgy, reliable and decent performers if you choose the right bike. They do not look or perform like crotch rockets—until now!!

This motorcycle has the aficionados standing in their seats and yelling in wonderment. (Photo: Charles Renny/Moto123.com)

Precursors to the S1000RR (S1200, S1300 and HP2 Sport) were decent performers and surprised Japanese bike owners with how quick and fast they were. Now the ultimate performance bike produced by BMW has more Formula 1 technology in it than MotoGP. With the bodywork in place, it looks like a normal crotch rocket, but within those covers is a whole new way of getting a motorcycle onto the street.

Facts and figures
For those hung up on numbers, BMW claims the engine puts out 193 horsepower, but several groups who are used to manufacturers overstating their numbers put the bike on their own dynos and came up with 192 horsepower at 13,000 rpm. Redline is at 14,000 rpm, while peak torque is 82.5 lb-ft at 9,750 rpm.

Dry weight is 500 lbs, or 204 kg. Loaded with 17 liters of fuel and other fluids, the wet weight provides a horsepower-to-weight ratio of 1.06 kg per horsepower. Add in a six-speed gearbox, traction control, ABS brakes and a few other odds and ends like side reflectors, LED turn signals and taillights, and you have a race bike that has enough of a veneer of civilization over it to be licensed for the street.

The street ride
When I was offered a chance to take the S1000RR on a controlled ride, I chaffed a bit at the idea, but BMW Motorrad said that was the way it was to be so I went for it. I am glad I did. I have ridden some interesting machines, but never the like of the S1000RR.

Just sitting there, it doesn’t look much different than any other superbike. The bars are low, the faring tiny and the foot pegs are back and up. Riding position is remarkably similar to that of a jockey on a thoroughbred at full speed. Once in place, side stand up and in first gear, I am off.

Riding position is remarkably similar to that of a jockey on a thoroughbred at full speed. (Photo: BMW)