And you would have a hard time convincing me it will handle as well as a ZX-6 on most of the tight courses they ride on, hp aside. It just comes across to me as a business decision only. Without proper regard to students. But I am way out of the loop on this.

All I know, that bike has incredible handling for a bike with that much power. I mean, with traction control engaged... first gear, front tire leaned WAAAAAYY over is absolutely planted. It's light, it's easy. By far, the best handling bike I've ever been on. Couple that with quality instruction and it's a powerful combination.

Would you put your daughters on one for a trackday?

I'm sure it is a great bike. I look forward to riding one.

I'm just not sure it is the best tool for the trackday newbie or the aspiring amateur racer to learn on.

I also wonder is the move will eliminate the braking bike and the slide bike. :scratch:

No, but then - they need to master something small first. :lol: They are 15 and 12. That said, I have a 13 year old racer that I would put on one... certainly.

You have to understand the different modes on the BMW don't just change the horsepower. It also controls the throttle delivery. So, in RAIN mode it's 150hp with a slow delivery throttle... compare that to the RACE mode that has 193hp with a quarter turn throttle and it's a different bike.

let me know the dates - I'm in!

i wonder if bmw cut them a deal. Code's school is recognised worldwide and it would do much to bolster bmw's lack of cred in this segment

Kind of my thoughts, plus the cost of one of these bikes new is kind of expensive, IMO.
MSRP*: $13,800.00
OPTIONS:
Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) Combined: $1,480.00
Gear Shift Assistant: $450.00
Anti Theft Alarm: $395.00
Motorsports Paint Scheme: $750.00

TOTAL = $16,875 guess that isn't as bad as I thought, but still a lot of money.

Brake Rig, Onboard Camera Bike, No B.S. Bike, the Braking Trainer and the Lean/Slide Machine

The school recently added the Control Trainer, teaching riders to operate and correctly time their control operations.

Cost of the bike probably isnt a consideration given that they will depreciate them as business expense, BMW will love the press and get rid of a few bikes that wouldnt leave the dealerships this year anyway given the economy...