BDLJ
4653
Yes and No....
As I wrote, I'd really like them to do well. The more competitive bikes in the field, the better. Nothing like a bit of corporate pride being at stake.
The issue is that this bike has been around for a while in various forms, it began as their aborted effort at entering MotoGP in 2007ish. I think Luca Cadalora and McWilliams were test-riders for a while. The bike wasn't competitive, and combined with the cost of MotoGP and their market placement, they decided to go to Superbikes - a good decision, in my opinion. They've had a few years to get it competitive, and it isn't. Yet.
Ducati lobbied for the 1200cc rule even as they homologated their 1098. Typical of Flamini, they rolled over on the rules. Word is that had they known, Aprilia wouldn't have gone the 4 cylinder route had they been warned of the 1200cc change. Then again, as above, anything that feeds rivalry is good.
Picking up on the post below...ANOTHER very special BMW
Motorcycle, that is. My wife and I used to manage a BMW motorcycle dealership in Seattle. I love motorcycles...Harleys, Hondas, Ducatis, Triumphs.... I was stunned to see that as of last week, BMW has entered the superbike realm. The S1000RR weighs in at ...
Boa2, Great BMW's!
It's exciting to see BMW back into superbike with Troy Corser and Rueben Xaus! Unfortunately Corser crashed and will sit out Kylami circuit in South Africa. I have been traveling and haven't been able to keep up with WSBK so maybe Graham aka gmhutton can ...
Hmmm...that's a tough one
If I had only one bike, I'd say a BMW F800GS or a K1200R (photo below). That's because I do on occasion like to load up the bags and go for a weekend (or cross country trip ) away. I find the BMWs really comfortable at high speed, all day, and I like the ...
The BMW superbike
..is doing embarrassingly badly in SBK. I believe their best result thus far is a 7th place. I had a chance to look over the bike at the Phillip Island round: the finish of the bike is incredible and the team is huge. All of which means nothing when you a...
Hello BDLJ!
Hello BDLJ, As you are our PuristSPro TimeOut motorcycle expert it's great to hear about your insights on WSBK. Any more cool videos to share with the rest of us? That last one from the paddock was awesome! -MW
Nothing for a while..
...being on the other side of the earth to where most of the racing takes place makes it difficult. The two main international races I attend are the Australian SBK round at the start of the season and the GP at the end. In between, usually means late nig...
I'm jealous! :)
BDLJ, I'm jealous you get to attend the MotoGP race! You get to go to Sepang too? Make sure you get us some good pics and vids on the next trips!!!! Two stroke is music to my ears. BTW, what's your opinion on Ben Spies? I know he's down on points from Hag...
Spies
You won't like my opinion... Spies is immensely talented and in SBK has shown that he can really ride after being in the 2 horse race of AMA. (I think the Yoshimura team lost it's first race in 50-odd recently...) To be in a new team, on a new bike, on un...
I would not say their effort has been bad at all
for a company that has never built a true sport bike before. I would say this first year is a huge success for them with top 10 finishes. I'm not a BMW bike fan but I respect what they have done by going directly at the Japanese using their formula and su...
Yes and No....
As I wrote, I'd really like them to do well. The more competitive bikes in the field, the better. Nothing like a bit of corporate pride being at stake. The issue is that this bike has been around for a while in various forms, it began as their aborted eff...
Ben i must defend BMW
it is their first season so problems and lack of pace are to be expected. Corser is one of the best development riders on the circuit. Aprilia are doing better, but have years of experience with previous racing, this beemer is new and they've only partici...
Maybe I...
...worded that original post a little harshly. As I said, I do hope they do well, but they are definitely not getting the results they want nor expected. Corser is a good development rider (my personal opinion of him is another matter!) so hopefully they ...
Ben, your a racer so...
Ben, your a racer so probably get more info from inside the trade, i just see what i see on TV. Corser does seem to have Foggy 'blame the bike' disease, rather than just say 'i was crap and fell off' :) i'm very surprised BMW didnt bring out a nice 1200cc...
WAS...
...a racer. And only a clubbie at that. Still take out the little bike for track/open days to buzz the sportsbikes. Getting much harder as I have just started to rebuild the motor to run on unleaded (which sucks in a 2-stroke) and then will probably seize...