BMW: Mighty motor sports bike

BMW is launching its first in-line four, with the international launch of the S 1000 RR sports bike to take place at Monza.

The mighty motor will deliver 142kW at 13,000rpm and 112Nm at 97504rpm from a bike weighing just 204kg including fuel - or 696kW per ton.

Those figures should give this machine the mass market litre bike high ground.

To help keep the S 1000 RR under control, BMW will fit dynamic traction control as well as a lightweight ABS system and a gearshift assist that allows full power, clutchless up-shifts.

The Superbike class is the premier racing class for production machines. BMW says a straight four combined with an aluminium bridge frame deliver the riding dynamics and durability advantages needed to win it.

Meanwhile, race or road riders will appreciate tech like the DTC traction control, which lets the rider select for wet roads, dry roads, race tracks with supersport tyres, or race tracks with slicks - and will even let the rider set the system according to engine setup.