With 193 crankshaft horsepower and a claimed dry weight of 404 pounds, BMW says the S1000RR has the best power-to-weight ratio of any production bike. And, by the way the S1000 lofts its front wheel onto Portimao’s front straight at 150 mph, we’re becoming believers!

But BMW’s RR isn’t just a monster motor. Turn-in response is brisk, its brakes are ferociously powerful yet provide excellent feedback, and the entire package is remarkably easy to handle for a hyperbike with such elevated capabilities.

BMW has never been afraid of incorporating the latest technologies, and the S1000s we rode were equipped with high-tech features such as traction control, race-level antilock brakes, multi-mode engine tuning selections and BMW’s Gearshift Assistant that allows full-throttle upshifts without backing off the throttle or using the clutch.

What is especially amazing is how BMW has instantly become competitive with Japanese literbikes that have been developed over a decade or more. While we’re not yet prepared to to say the S1000RR can beat the best from Japan and Italy without riding them back to back, we can say with confidence BMW’s RR will give any of its established rivals a run for the money.

BMW has fired a potent salvo into the literbike market, and it will surely shake up the pecking order of its competitors. Check back with Motorcycle.com on Monday for our full report.

Two weeks ago, I took a break from my regular duties gathering news for Motorcycle.com to fly to Germany to cover the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show for our sister site AutoGuide.com.

For two hectic days, AutoGuide editor Colum Wood and I scrambled across the massive 6.2 million square foot Messe Frankfurt trade fair compound, running from press conference to press conference to get the latest on exotic sport cars, futuristic concept models and international unveilings from the automotive world.

It was heaven for car lovers, but for me, it meant fighting my way through hordes of photogs, auto-journalists and car show models to get the first photos of four-wheeled goodies from MINI, Ferrari and Lotus. Okay, I didn’t mind the car show models that much.

But I didn’t forget my day job with MO. Through this Cagers’ Paradise, I managed to find some gems for the loyal Motorcycle.com Readers.

Check out the photo gallery after the jump.

BMW, Suzuki and Can-Am displayed some of their latest two-wheeled (or in Can-Am’s case, three-wheeled) vehicles. The Big Red was a no-show unfortunately, but it wasn’t a surprise as Honda seems to be pulling out of everything lately. But I did manage to find a customized Harley-Davidson V-Rod at one of the vendor booths.

But a picture is worth a thousand words, so I think I’ll let the photos do most of the talking.

BMW displayed their new S1000RR Superbike as well as the K1300S.

BRP Germany had an exhibit for the European introduction of the Can-Am Spyder RT. A BRP rep told me the new trailer hasn’t been homologated for Europe yet. BRP also had a Spyder hanging from the rafters, and thankfully, its “webbing” was strong enough to provide a rare view of the three-wheeler’s underbelly.

Suzuki had the largest display of motorcycles. The highlights include MotoGP racer Loris Capirossi’s GSVR and World Superbike racer Max Neukirchner’s GSXR.

Suzuki also had some of their Euro-only models such as the 2010 GSX1250F and the Bandit GSF1250.

Check out the gold details on this white Harley-Davidson V-Rod.

For more pictures, visit the Gallery page. And if you are into cars, don’t forget to stop by AutoGuide.com for our coverage of the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

We’re still a few months away from testing it for ourselves, but we can across this great video that will give you a little insight into how this Beemer howls at top speed. This was shot at the infamous Nordschleife course at Germany’s Nürburgring, a 14-mile road circuit built in the 1920s that is perhaps the grandest and most challenging racetrack ever built.

Check out the S1000RR on the track along with four other videos after the jump.

Since it’s inception Motorcycle.com Specs has been the best place for bikers and enthusiasts (like you) to voice their opinions; there has been a lot to spout-off about too! Over 528 Motorcycle models have been updated for you to review in 2009 alone. It’s great to see what the Motorcycle Community has to say about the bikes they ride. We’ve taken all your reviews and ratings (good and bad) to figure out which sport bikes our viewers ultimately chose as the best SportBike of 2009.

But… Reviews are still rolling in (so go review your bike if you haven’t already!) you never know which machine may be the victor before years end. Without any further adieu and with no spoilers.. drum-roll please.. The Top 10 Sportbikes of 2009 by Viewers Choice..

(or click here for the best of 2009 list from the editors at Motorcycle.com)

#10 Suzuki GSX-R 1000

User Reviews:

• “Beast from the East!” – Mike(Owner), Jan. 8, 2009
• “Everything about the GSXR 100 is outstanding!!!” – Jacob Mata(Enthusiast), Nov. 21, 2008

Motorcycle.com Review: 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Review – Getting better with age: An all-new Gixxer Thousand

Specs:

• MSRP: $12,899.0
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Displacement (cc/ci): 999 / 60.9
• Compression Ratio: 12.8:1

#9 BMW F 800 ST

User Reviews:

“F800ST Absolutely Awesome!” – Chris(Owner), May. 15, 2009

Motorcycle.com Shootout: 2008 Middleweight Sport-Touring Shootout: BMW F800ST vs. Honda VFR800 Interceptor – Two 800s to the 800s

Specs:

• MSRP: $10,600.00
• Engine Type: Parallel Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 8
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
• Displacement (cc/ci): 798 / 48.7

#8 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

User Reviews:

• “by far the best bike I have ever owned” – Mike McSween(Owner), Dec. 26, 2008
• “Incredible is all I can say.” – Chase(Owner), Jun. 11, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $12,099.00
• Engine Type: Horizontal In-line
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 16
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Displacement (cc/ci): 1352 / 82.5
• Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

#7 Kawasaki Ninja 650R

User Reviews:

• “Perfect balance of performance and comfort” – Erik Tyler(Owner), May. 16, 2009
• “I love this bike!!” – Larry L.(Owner), May. 6, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $6,799.00
• Engine Type: Parallel Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 8
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Displacement (cc/ci): 649 / 39.6
• Compression Ratio: 11.3:1

#6 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 Monster Energy

User Reviews:

• “What a bike!” – Jeff(Owner), Apr. 10, 2009
• “I recommend everyone to get the bike. Smooth RIDE. Sick looking bike!!!!!!” – Nick(Owner), May. 25, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $12,399.00
• Engine Type: Horizontal In-line
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 16
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Displacement (cc/ci): 1352 / 82.5
• Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

#5 Harley-Davidson VRSC V-Rod Muscle

User Reviews:

• “AWESOME!!! V-R0DI traded in my ‘05 vrscb for a new Muscle WOW what a change!! I love the new rod! every thing is sweet the only thing needs work is the license plate mount! Other then that Great investment!!! “- Samuel (Owner), Oct. 12, 2008
• “Totally Satisfied!I’ve owned my new Muscle now for over 6 weeks, and I must say…WOW. Everything about this bike is amazing, performance is out of this world, coupled with the ins and outs you’d hope to find on a HD. I can’t even ride any other bikes anymore, I totally recommend this ride…you won’t regret it.”- Bryan (Owner), Jan. 3, 2009
• “AWESOMEMy first Harley and LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Was concerned that my 5′6, 125 (female) body could handle it but after 300 miles I am in love. Handles great, looks great, highly recommended for anyone who wants something right in between a crotch rocket and a contemporary HD. AWESOME! (License plate suggesti…on: tilt it vertically, looks way better)”- Sabrina (Owner), Jun. 3, 2009

Motorcycle.com Review: 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle Review – Harley gets some Muscle

Specs:

• MSRP: $17,199.00
• Engine Type: V Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 8
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Compression Ratio: 11.5:1

#4 Buell Firebolt® XB12R

User Reviews:

• “Very fun bike“- Joe (Owner), Nov. 3, 2008
• “died and went to heaven xb12r” – John Moore (Owner), Jun. 19, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $9,995.00
• Engine Type: V Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 4
• Valves Per Cylinder: 2
• Valve Configuration: OHV – Pushrod
• Compression Ratio: 10.0:1

#3 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

User Reviews:

• “My First Motorcycle I would recommend th…is bike for any beginning sport bike rider. It’s not a bike you’ll want to trade in after a year. I’m ready to keep mine for quite some time.- Kristi Bluhm(Owner), Jan. 12, 2009
• “Don’t be fooled… this bike will kick @$$ I was the proud owner of a yamaha R6 for many years. The R6 was fast, responsive, nimble, and very uncomfortable on long rides. I sold it last year when it started to give me transmission issues (I bought it used with high mileage). As I was looking for a new bike to buy the ergonomically designe…d ninja 250r caught my eye. Sure it was only a 250 but the seating position along with the handle bars were very comfy..”- David Medeiros(Owner), Mar. 26, 2009
• “2009 250 Ninja – Best Bang 4 The Buck!!! Okay, I went into the dealer the day before thanksgiving to look for an entry level bike for my petite wife, who has decided she’d rather learn to ride her own scooter, than ride on the back of mine. I got the 2009 250 Ninja for less than MSRP, due to the time of year and the economy, and was total…ly surprised when I took it home! It feels like a bicycle with an engine! This bike corners, brakes, and handles like it was formed to me, and I still haven’t broke it in yet!..”- Joe Hawes(Owner), Dec. 19, 2008

Specs:

• MSRP: $3,999.00
• Engine Type: Parallel Twin
• Cylinders: 2
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 8
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Compression Ratio: 11.6:1

#2 Suzuki Hayabusa™ 1340

User Reviews:

• “Sweet machine Just had her first service and haven’t been able to wipe the smile off my face yet. Suzuki has great quality, and the flag ship bike definately shows that. The only down side to this bike is that evryone wants to look at it and talk about it, which doesn’t seem that bad, but it cuts into riding time…”- Jun. 11, 2009
• “Great Bike! Absolutely taken with the 2009 Hayabusa!” – G Hep(Enthusiast), Dec. 4, 2008
• “So easy to ride!! Bought my new Busa over a month ago. After having my 04 GSXR 1000 for more than two years I thought it was time to offer my wife a bike that was easier for her sit on and easier on my body to ride, but didn’t wanna give up the horsepower. Well I definately chose the right bike. Abundant power, rides… like your sitting on a lazy boy..” – Brandon (Enthusiast), May. 9, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $13,199.00
• Engine Type: Horizontal In-line
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Cooling: Liquid
• Valves: 16
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Compression Ratio: 12.5:1

#1 Suzuki GSX-R 600

User Reviews:

• “Highly Satisfied Have about 500 miles on it now and loved every single mile. This bike is quick. It is comfortable, sounds great, looks great and is easy to ride. It has been years since I rode a sport bike and within hours I was right back into it. Still breaking it in but so far it has handled everything I have thrown at it…”- Steve(Owner), May. 26, 2009
• “Ive had my 09 for about 600 miles and also enjoyed every mile. Took her in for the first service and wasnt to thrilled to be without her for a couple days. Easy to ride,plenty of power, turns heads “- Andrew Lewis(Owner), Jun. 1, 2009

Specs:

• MSRP: $10,399.00
• Engine Type: Horizontal In-line
• Cylinders: 4
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
• Valves: 16
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4
• Valve Configuration: DOHC
• Compression Ratio: 12.8:1

Top 10 User Rated Sportbikes of 2009

1. Suzuki GSX-R 600
2. Suzuki Hayabusa™ 1340
3. Kawasaki Ninja 250R
4. Buell Firebolt® XB12R
5. Harley-Davidson VRSC V-Rod Muscle
6. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 Monster Energy
7. Kawasaki Ninja 650R
8. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14
9. BMW F 800 ST
10. Suzuki GSX-R 1000

Although not currently included in the Viewers Choice Top 10 Sportbikes of 2009 these ‘Close Contenders’ are still within reach. Yamaha, Honda and Ducati who are not currently represented in the Top 10 could rally their loyal followings to boost rank and steal the victory. Kawasaki and Harley also have more top-ranking machines. Last but not least United Motors a loner within the Top 20 could be the under-dog who steals it all at the last moment. You never know..

Close Contenders

• 2009 Yamaha YZF R1
• 2009 Yamaha YZF R6
• 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 500R
• 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSC Night Rod Special
• 2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
• 2009 Honda CBR® 600RR
• 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSC V-Rod
• 2009 Ducati 848 Base
• 2009 Honda CBR® 1000RR ABS
• 2009 United Motors V2S 650R

The Showdown

Who knows what the ultimate outcome may be? You, the users are the ultimate judge of the Viewers Choice Top 10 Sportbikes of 2009 on Motorcycle.com Specs.

Got something to say? Disagree with this list? Don’t see ‘The Best‘ bike ranked here? Don’t complain about it, do something! Go rank the sportbike you want to win UP or if you’ve ridden a bike you really don’t like, you can give it an honest review too. It’s all up to you! So, lets see which bike takes it all for the Viewers Choice 2009 Sportbike of the Year.

• 2009 Literbike Shootout
  • Honda CBR1000RR
  • Kawi ZX-10R
  • Suzuki GSX-R1000
  • Yamaha YZF-R1
  • Ducati 1198S
• 2009 Supersport Racetrack Shootout
  • Yamaha YZF-R6
  • Honda CBR600RR
  • Suzuki GSX-R600
  • Kawasaki ZX-6R
• 2009 Supersport Shootout
  • Honda CBR600RR
  • Kawi ZX-6R
  • Suzuki GSX-R600
  • Yamaha YZF-R6
• 2009 Streetfighters Shootout
  • Aprilia Tuono 1000 R
  • Buell 1125CR
  • Triumph Speed Triple

Machineart Industrial Design, Slims down and smooths out the most popular adventure touring bike on the market today, the BMW R1200 GS. The R1200GSM (M for Machineart) is designed to be a sleeker, sexier version of the stock GS. The GSM was built to promote the MachineartMoto brand of aftermarket parts for the current GS. Machnieart-moto products are sold through www.machineartmoto.com or dealers.

Machineart ID R1200 GSM and BMW R1200 GS

The GSM Design

Machineart’s design creates a new design language that is more beautiful, characterized by line and surface flow, while retaining the essential GS attributes of toughness, versatility, and customizability. The GSM concept achieves beauty and sophistication in a market segment where appearance has been secondary to functionality. The design looks ahead, reflects modern design principles and succeeds in its purpose to stimulate enthusiasts and promote the sale of MachineartMoto products.

Direct Digital Manufacturing

GSM body parts were modeled in Alias Studio Tools and SolidWorks 3D CAD software, and produced in ABS-M30 plastic directly from 3D CAD data using two Fortus 3D Production Systems (www.fortus.com) from Stratasys. Fortus systems use FDM, the leading technology in 3D printing and 3D production. Fortus systems eliminate the need to make tooling to mold plastic parts and allow easy revision and customization from one set of parts to the next.

Planning the new look

Carefully modelled parts in Alias Studio Tools and SolidWorks 3D CAD software

Smooth new plastic parts

First coat of radiant red paint

Find more information from the official site: http://www.machineartmoto.com/

How’d you like to have the latest, most advanced motorcycle in BMW’s current line-up for $1,000 or less?

Now that I have your attention I’ll clarify the above by saying that you can have, at some point, the new S1000RR literbike for a stated maximum of no more than $1,000 over the retail of what most of the Big Four will price their liter machines. This was undoubtedly the biggest news from BMW during the U.S. round of WSBK held at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, UT, May 29-31, 2009, where the new in-line Four made its U.S. debut in both race trim and civilian form.

However, we’ll have to deal with the vague pricing news for some time to come, as BMW won’t be announcing the actual price until after the Big Four unveil 2010 pricing for their liter steeds. Per BMW, it’s expected that Japan will be forced to raise prices again (The ’09 GSX-R1000 has already jumped $1,400 from 2008!) next year in light of the still-unstable world economy.

For now, let’s use 2009 prices to speculate. With the non-ABS CBR1000RR dialing up as the most expensive from the Big Four at $12,999, simple math tells us the BMW S1000RR should fall in around $14K.

Of course, we all know that BMW pricing almost always starts with the elusive “base model.” Nevertheless, a non-Race ABS, non-DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) S1000RR will be in a tête-à-tête with, say, the Honda, and most certainly less expensive than the $16,495 Italian stallion Ducati 1198 (another superbike without ABS or traction control as standard).

At this level of the market, and considering the typical BMW customer, most will order or purchase the German liter motorcycle with at least the ABS and traction control. These options would seemingly then push the bike’s retail past the $1,000 mark. Go with the optional shift assistant (electronic speed shifter as first found on the HP2 Sport and now available for the K1300S), and the price will climb by another $500, give or take a couple bucks. Even a wild guess at a fully optioned S1000RR ($16,500-$17,000?) should put it well below the $21,795 of the tricked-out Ducati 1198S.

But BMW’s communications manager, Roy Oliemuller, expects that in order to keep the S bike competitively priced, cost of available options won’t ratchet the base model’s pricing to the moon, as is often the case with most other BMW models. One of the first things mandated about the S1000RR before a single Computer-Aided Design image was rendered was price point. In consideration of this, BMW will likely have to take a hit on the margins it usually enjoys on optional equipment if that’s what it takes to keep the retail figure as low as possible.

Click through to watch the video.

BMW has officially introduced their literbike contender:  The 2009 BMW S1000RR.

The pertinent numbers are a claimed 193 horsepower (at the crankshaft) and a 403.5-lb claimed dry weight. In a ready-to-ride form including fuel, BMW says to expect 450 lbs of weight. DTC Dynamic Traction Control is an appealing option, as is the Race ABS that adds just 5.3 lbs to the bike’s weight. Also innovative is the RR’s variable-length intake tracts that work in harmony with a 14,200-rpm redline, the highest among its rivals.

Hit the jump for a crap load of links and resources, pictures and a pretty awesome video montage of the design and build of the bike.

Some handy links to 2009 BMW S1000RR stories and forum

		2009 BMW S1000RR World Introduction
		2009 BMW S1000RR – A Closer Look
		2009 BMW S1000RR Preview
		2009 BMW S1000RR Entering Production
		BMW S1000RR Forums

Some pictures of the new 2009 BMW S1000RR

Pretty cool video on the 2009 BMW S1000RR.

Get all the details in our 2009 BMW S1000RR World Introduction article and read what others are saying about it on the BMW S1000RR forum.

They are currently being used in the U.K. but also in Japan, India and across Europe. I don’t think it’s the first option and cannot see it doing much if a house or building is on fire but it would be first on the scene.

Check out the demonstration video after the jump.