The USD forks work a
treat making for accurate,
predictable and confidence
inspiring steering
The small screen above the headlight looks a
bit average too and its largely ineffective for
the tall rider, although shorter riders should
be happy. This is the only ergonomic weak
spot on the whole machine, but I’m sure there
are taller screens available. I just can’t help
thinking the front looks a little too old school
MV Agusta Brutale… which doesn’t seem
to quite fit on a BMW to my mind. Maybe
I’m just being picky? Otherwise I’m sold.
Back to that motor… it sure as hell goes great!
You didn’t see that coming did you…? This is
the third BMW we’ve tested with the all-new
1254cc ShiftCam engine. It’s fair to say that
everyone in the KR team loves this engine.
Frankly it’s a stunning bit of kit. In today’s world
an engine being fast and powerful is simply
54 KIWI RIDER
not enough – most 1000cc-plus machines are
that anyway. No, to make a storming motor
that stands out requires a lot more than that.
Firstly, it needs to really engage the senses, to
deliver on the somewhat intangible aspects
that really make an engine great. It’s a blend
of responsiveness, torque and excitement.
It needs a power delivery that ignites the
rider’s passion, gets the blood pumping and,
yes, gives the adrenal gland a workout. In
essence, it needs to give you the horn!
And this is exactly what this BMW boxer engine
does. While it doesn’t have the eye watering,
sphincter tightening top-end of a superbike,
it makes up for it in good old-fashioned grunt.
Power that lofts the front wheel with ease from
the turns, lets you whoosh along effortlessly