2010 BMW S1000RR

The long awaited BMW S1000RR makes its debut to the world's press at Portimao circuit in Portugal. According to BMW the S1000RR makes 193bhp, 83lb/ft of torque and features four-stage ABS among other electronics systems. It is the most powerful 1000cc production motorbike on the market. It is weighing 183kg dry and 204kg fully fueled, it also has the best power-to-weight ratio. The bike will go on sale in most markets, including the US, in January.

The S1000RR is largely conventional mechanically. It creates great march in electronics, with standard ride-by-wire throttle and variable-length intake tracts, plus optional anti-lock brakes and traction control. The 4-mode variable engine mapping and a very clever traction control system that's integrated into the mind-boggling fly-by-wire engine management system. The bike is packed with some of the most sophisticated and complex technology in the motorbike world and kept out of the rider's way in the name of huge, controllable power, safety and cute handling on wet or dry roads.

The S1000RR features traction control, fly-by-wire throttle management, variable engine mapping or linked ABS braking seems woefully inadequate - BMW have integrated all these systems in a clever and rider-focused way. The Rain mode gives the rider access to a 150 horsepower, but puts grip manage and ABS on a hair-trigger.

The slick mode gives the full balance of horsepower, with the most direct and aggressive throttle response, changing the traction control to allow restricted sliding and power wheel lies for up to 5 seconds on a bend under 20 degrees before the computer starts retarding the spark and altering the fuelling to get things under control. Snatching the front brake in slick mode sends a fraction of braking power to rear wheel as well to maximise braking stability, if the rider apply the rear brake, the rear wheel circuit is switched off so a skilled biker can lock up the rear wheel and back the bike in to a corner on the racetrack.

The BMW's wonderful electronics are just a part of an overall package that seems set to deliver big-time on control, safety and giggle factor when it hits the showrooms before the end of 2009.