2009 BMW S1000RR Entering Production

We’re finally able to share some pictures and info about the production version of BMW’s new literbike, the S1000RR.

We now know that it has a claimed dry weight of 403 pounds, which should be competitive with its Japanese literbike rivals. The all-new inline-Four powerplant displaces 999cc, and its cylinder head is said to be very narrow and compact, with the valves actuated by “very small” cam followers that are nearly at Formula 1 levels in size. This allows “very high engine speeds,” according to BMW PR materials.

As you’d expect from a tech-savvy company like BMW, the S1000RR is equipped with Sports ABS with four different modes and Dynamic traction control (DTC).

Other items gleaned from the official pictures include the use of a conventional-looking perimeter-style aluminum frame and an arched aluminum swingarm made from a mix of pressed sheet and cast pieces. An under-engine exhaust placement keeps mass centralized, and Brembo radial-mount front brake calipers use lightweight rotor carriers. We also see conventional turnsignal switchgear instead of BMW’s three-switch arrangement.

It will be available in four colors:
- Mineral Silver metallic
- Acid Green metallic
- Thunder Grey metallic
- Alpine White/Lupine Blue/Magma Red (BMW Motorrad racing colors)

Although the S1000RR is still not scheduled to hit dealers until late this year, BMW’s Berlin plant has already started producing the high-performance sports bike.

BMW says the RR will be sold in Germany for 15,150 euros including VAT. U.S. market availability and pricing has not yet been determined, but we’re still expecting it to be priced about $2000 more than a Japanese literbike, somewhere around $14,000.

The S1000RR racebike will be at the opening round of the Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island in Australia on March 1, 2009. BMW says the race machines “will be fairly close to serial production models, allowing for the greater audience identification characteristic of the sport.”

Discuss more at BMW S1000RR Forum.

Related Reading – 2009 BMW S1000RR: A closer look

By Kevin Duke