California Superbike to BMW

[Speedracer42]

Originally Posted by shmike

I agree.

The site claims it is the perfect learning bike.

Yes it has some whiz-bang electronics, but it is still a 180+hp bike.

Plus it is new and it is a BMW, I can't imagine the repair bill to rebuild one after a get off.

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.

[azoomm]

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.

[shmike]

Originally Posted by azoomm

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.

[azoomm]

Originally Posted by shmike

Would you put your daughters on one for a trackday?

No, but then - they need to master something small first. 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.