BMW’s S1000RR is the German company’s first venture into modern superbike territory and what a serious effort it is.

Although it shares similar technology to the competition (GSX-R1000, Fireblade, ZX-10R etc) of dohc, 16-valves, stacked gearbox and so on, the engine delivers a mighty class leading claimed 190bhp at the back wheel.

Add a good gearbox, impressive fuel injection and electronics, it all adds up to make the BMW shine brightest.

As for handling; the S1000R was launched at Portugal’s Portimao circuit and couldn’t be faulted around one of the most tortuous tracks going.

Top marks are not just for the high bhp output alone, but also for the clever electronics.

One part of which is the performance mode selection switch where four choices are manually selectable.

‘Rain’ mode caps power to 150bhp and reduces the torque output, it also smoothes the throttle response.

‘Sport’ is for dry road use; ‘Race’ mode is used in conjunction with treaded race tyres at a track day; and ‘Slick’ mode is for use with slick racing tyres.

These final three modes all deliver the full 190bhp and torque output, but throttle response becomes more and more direct.

As you’d expect with a claimed 190bhp at the crankshaft, the S1000RR is a serious powerhouse.

But with rider aids like power mode selection and the optional ABS and DTC traction control, it is also a very safe bike to ride fast.
Sachs suspension doesn’t yet have the kudos of Ohlins, WP and Showa, but the massive 46mm front units and single rear shock are excellent.

BMW have also made suspension adjustment very easy by numbering the suspension adjustment range and colour coding it, and all it takes is the owner’s handbook to cross reference a suspension set up to suit the rider and conditions.

You can also use the key as a screwdriver to make adjustments to the damping adjusters.

On track the bike turns, stops and gives the rider so much confidence they will push harder and harder – and the BMW will take it in its stride.
Easy to adjust suspension, Brembo radial front brake calipers, Bosch electronics all come together in a sorted package.

The dash system doubles up as a lap timer. Optional extras make the S1000RR complete, like the Racing ABS and DTC traction control and BMW’s own quick shifter system.

You can buy the ABS system for £785 and the quick shift unit separately, but DTC has to used in conjunction with Race ABS for it to work (£1199 for the two).

BMW has recently admitted quality control on its bikes hasn’t exactly been top notch over the past five years.

With this in mind BMW, have gone overboard with mileage testing – 300 pre-production S1000RR have been used for testing, which includes track testing on circuits worldwide.

Every new component has been tested for every possible scenario, from wet weather to vibration destruction.

The one problem to come from the S1000RR’s launch was some front brake discs warped. The problem was traced to the discs not being the correct thickness.
The standard S1000RR has a 2009 list price of £10,950, which neatly places the BMW midway of the Japanese competition eg Yamaha’s R1 has an official price of £11,120, and the GSX-R1000 £9921. The S1000RR Sport version comes with quickshifter, DTC traction control and race ABS as standard for £12,235.

Top speed  mph
1/4-mile acceleration  secs
Power 190bhp
Torque 83ftlb
Weight 204kg
Seat height 820mm
Fuel capacity 17.5 litres
Average fuel consumption mpg
Tank range  miles
Insurance group 17
Engine size 999cc
Engine specification Liquid-cooled, 16v dohc in-line four-cylinder four-stroke. Six gears. Fuel injection.
Frame Dual beam aluminium
Front suspension adjustment Fully adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment Fully adjustable inc’ high and low speed compression damping
Front brakes 2 x 320mm disc with Brembo 4-piston calipers
Rear brake 220mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 190/55 x 17