BMW displayed a factory-liveried S1000RR Superbike at the giant Intermot show in Cologne, Germany, accompanied by one of its new riders, Ruben Xaus. While the display asserted BMW’s commitment to racing, there was no sign of a street version or any other new models besides the redesigned K1300 variants.
The presentation, held in BMW’s lavish display at the huge Köln Messe convention center, began with a speech by BMW VP Peter Müeller detailing the company’s involvement in racing. Highlights included the HP2 Sport running respectably in international endurance races (including the Daytona 200) and the uncompromising nature of the S1000RR’s design. He then noted the selection of 2005 World Superbike Champion Troy Corser and ’03 series runner-up Xaus to the BMW squad—a “dream team” with great potential to help BMW develop its efforts. Further support comes from Alpha Racing’s huge new headquarters near Rosenheim, Germany. He then invited the 30-year-old Xaus onto the stage to show off the gleaming white racebike.
Aside from company logos and “BMW” stamped on the engine covers, the S1000RR doesn’t look much like a traditional BMW. In fact, it looks similar to superbikes from the Japanese factories. Müeller told the crowd that the valvetrain has Formula One overtones, allowing for a compact, high-revving design leading to competitive power. BMW isn’t going racing “just for the fun of taking part,” said Mueller. “Our goal is to win.”
Traction control (and ABS for the street version) is part of the equation, as is Öhlins suspension and a conventional twin-spar aluminum chassis and an inverted fork. BMW designer David Robb—whose team penned and engineered 100 percent of the bike—seemed happy to play by the rules. “It’s exactly what our customers want,” he said. BMW will start taking orders for the streetbike in the spring.
I asked Xaus what he brings to BMW’s race effort. The gangly Spaniard held his hand to his chest and said, “I have heart.”
