are available, the fourth can only be activated by a BMW dealer. Simply put, Rain has the aforementioned 150HP, Sport, Race and Slick have full power which is quoted as 193: serious grunt. The ABS and traction control systems are less intrusive the ‘higher’ you go up the modes. In other words, Rain Mode has both kicking in much earlier than Slick Mode does. Superbike racer Steve Martin was at the launch and he likened the system in Slick Mode to that of a full-blown superbike. Not that long ago it would have been hard to imagine a race bike with 193hp, let alone a road bike. That said, while the bike was very fast, it didn’t seem demonstrably more so than any of the competition’s 1000cc inline fours, or Ducati’s big twin. What I’m getting at is they are all fast, they all propel you down Phillip Island’s main straight with eye popping intensity. Where I came away thinking this was something special was with the traction control and ABS. Most sportsbike riders will tell you it’s a load of wank. But I’m here to say it isn’t. I’ve ridden some special bikes around ‘The Island’ but never as fast as this.
44 - APRIL 2010
The secret is the traction control. I felt so safe with it on that I never wanted to turn it off to see what the difference would be. I could crack open the throttle with gay abandon exiting a corner like Siberia and you could feel the tractional control doing its job – beautiful. The traction control and ABS system doesn’t come standard in Australia. It’s a $2500 option (over the base $21,900 + ORC) but is well worth it. You can turn one or both off via a button on the handlebars but I’d leave them on all the time. And with the quick-shifter – standard on the Australian model – you just spear through the gears with the throttle held wide open. If you can’t get your jollies doing this sort of stuff you are probably already dead. Low down power is strong. When you get to 7,000rpm the bike starts to shift forward with real purpose, and when you hit 9,000rpm it goes absolutely mental. Redline is 14,000rpm. What’s the rest of the S 1000 RR’s running gear like? Top shelf, that’s how good. Radially mounted Brembo calipers, 46mm Sachs forks
S p e c i f i c at i o n s : 2010 BMW S 1000 RR Engine Type: Liquid-cooled inline four Capacity: 999cc Transmission: Six speed/chain drive Fuel Capacity: 17.5 Litres Frame Type: Alloy Seat Height: 820mm Wet Weight: 206kg Front Suspension: 46mm USD forks Rear Suspension: Fully adjustable single Sachs shock Brakes: Twin disc front, single disc rear. ABS option. Tyres: 120/70-17, 180/55-17 Price (RRP): $ 21,900 + ORC www.motorcycles.bmw.com.au Call for a quote
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