[smallj]

As far as I'm concerned, there is only one pre-order that matters. Mine!!

Do I need an RR? Probably not. Do I have the skills to ride one? Absolutely not. But I figure if I can get an incredibly capable track bike that is a bit lighter than my R1200S, with only 150 HP in Rain Mode (I'm pretty sure I'm good enough to ride a 150 HP bike), ABS with a track focus, DTC to keep the shiny side up for a competitive price, why not. If I change my mind in Feb, I could probably sell it at a profit before it even left the dealership.

And it's true that Doc Curve can be a bit of a fanboy, but not forget that Corser did finish 5th in a race and ran times that would have won races last year. He led for a few laps at least once. If BMW can figure out the electrickery and how to keep tires on the bike, I think they have a real shot to fight for podiums next year. No it's not as good in WSB as the Aprilia, but I think they held their own. At very least they got the BMW name associated with a race bike.

Success of the RR will depend on BMW stepping up the pace of their development. This is not a bike that can go for 5 or 6 years between a major update like the GS can. In 2 or three years the 2010 bikes will seem slow and stale. BMW must shorten development cycles on this bike to stay competitive and continue to sell.