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BMW S 1000RR Prototype

 

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This is the BMW’s 2009 World Superbike (WSBK) contender.

The motorcycle is named the S1000RR, and BMW plans to produce 1000 road-going versions in 2009 to satisfy World Superbike homologation requirements.

The target is 190kg with 190bhp for the road bike. It will come with a quickshifter, Öhlins front and rear, Brembo brakes and there's a lot of talk about the engine's head too; something is special about it, there's a possibility it contains pneumatic valves but BMW are being really cagey about it all. 

BMW has also specified that the road-going version should be comfortable to ride and easy to move around on, despite being light and compact.

Adrian Roderick, general manager of BMW Motorrad UK told MCN that the S1000RR is unlikely to be in dealers until early 2010, as the World Superbike homologation rules give the firm until December 2009 to build road-going motorcycles.

While the firm has yet to set the price for the road motorcycle, it is aiming to keep it competitive, relative to Japanese superbikes.

BMW has set ambitious targets for the race bike, looking to be a consistent top-10 finisher in 2009 with a two-man team comprising one experienced rider, and one young-gun.