BMW continues to dominate the highly-competitive sportbike class with its top shelf S1000RR (starting at $15,050). In its third year of production, the German superbike keeps on impressing with the visceral yet well-metered performance of its one-liter Inline Four engine and versatile and highly-adaptable chassis.
An advanced, straight forward, and easy-to-use electronics suite helps make the bike’s massive performance more readily achievable in virtually all riding conditions—both on the street and track. Plus the motorcycle features exquisite craftsmanship and design detail that we’ve come to expect from the European motorsport powerhouse.
Although it didn’t walk away with the win in stock form, in the modified version of this year’s Motorcycle USA 2012 Superbike Smackdown IX Shootout (try saying that fast) —it was certainly close. On the street, however, it was another story, with it once again handily beating the competition for the third consecutive year. Despite being a few years old now, the BMW has what it takes to retain the No. 1 spot and Motorcycle USA's undisputed choice for Sportbike of the Year. And with a new, up-spec HP4 variation due next year, it doesn’t look like the BMW is going to be knocked off its pedestal anytime soon.––Paul Duchene