The BMW S 1000 RR Ready to Take on the Japanese Superbikes

The German response to the newest additions to the superbike market was bound to come sooner or later, because everyone who is anyone has brought their contribution to next year's season. After the Ducati 1098 R and the Aprilia SRV4, it was time for the Motorrad division of the Bavarian produced to unveil their latest brainchild.

It all went down at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany, when the BMW S 1000 RR was unveiled officially. Complete with the new team colors, the new model steers away from past BMW tradition, using a inline four-cylinder engine. Also, the positioning differs, being transversally mounted on the frame.

Standard chain drive was used, which is OK considering the bike does look smaller overall. For the suspension, BMW changed the classic setup which included a Telelever, Duolever and Paralever designs and went with the tried-and-tested telescopic front and coil-over back.

This slim yet powerful bike will be ridden in next year's Superbike championship by Ruben Xaus and Troy Corser. They will try to tame the 190 horses the 1000 RR puts out on the racetrack.

But don't feel discouraged if you feel a little left out by the fact these BMWs will only be available on the track. The Germans also promised a street-legal version, but only starting with 2009 and only 1000 units, so start saving now if you've fallen in love with lines of the new BMW S 1000 RR. These include numerous cutouts and vents and make for a very aerodynamic shape.

The production model will also sport a few new features, such as ABS and dynamic traction control. Orders will be able to be placed starting with the spring of 2009 and only in Europe for now, the rest of the world will have to wait longer.

Together with the 1000 cc engine, the 250 kg weight even with a full tank, this bike is sure to make an impact on the superbike circuit starting with 2009.