Despite the bike's incredible ability, I was unable to break away from my BMW companions on the 113hp Megamoto, nor the 105hp R 1200 GS. These bikes were expertly ridden, highlighting the machines' ability and my inadequacy.
A day with the HP2 Sport leaves one important question unanswered: Just how good is BMW's first in-line four cylinder S 1000 RR superbike going to be? They plan to tackle the Japanese head-on in the World Superbike Championship, and I'll definitely be on the edge of my seat when the first race takes place on 1 March.
BMW will join European WSB teams from Ducati and Aprilia, with KTM looking to get involved in the future. But as the only European car and bike manufacturer in the series, it will be compared more directly to the factory teams from Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha. Let battle commence!
Greg Emmerson, Editor
eurotuner@sourceinterlink.com