BMW officially unveils World Superbike contender

These are the first official pictures of BMW’s 2009 World Superbike (WSBK) contender, which was unveiled to a select group of journalists in Germany this morning.

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

The road-going version is due to feature traction control, and BMW is working towards a target weight of 190kg, and power of 190bhp.

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.

MCN estimates the model would need to be priced around the £10,000 mark to satisfy that requirement.

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.

The aim for 2010 would be to start winning races, with a view to wrapping up the championship in 2011 or 2012.