[Kevin_Duke]

The target number for this will probably be in the $25,000 range- putting it in direct competition with the MV f4, Ducati 1098s, Benelli and a few others. Is it possible the total production is supposed to be in the 2000 bikes a year range? Maybe- but the intro of the bike and press release made it seem as if they were trying to produce more motorcycles than that.

BMW claims to intend on selling the S1000 at a price fairly competitive with the Asian bikes. Considering the value of the Euro, that number might be pushing the $15K mark. They'll definitely be trying to sell more than 1000 or 2000 of them. The deal is they have to have at least 1000 produced by Dec 2009 in order to meet homologation criteria. They'll build way more than that.

 

[Kevin_Duke]

I'll believe in competitive BMW-USA pricing when I see it. 'Cause it'll be the first time. 650 singles... $9K+, 800 twins... $10K+, 1200 Boxers.... $13.5K+.

Everyone who believes you'll see 190hp, 420 pound, I-4 Beemers for $10.5K raise your hand. Excellent. Come to my Brooklyn Bridge Toll Management Seminar.. onry $500 registration fee. You come, bring famiry. Klazy Ken guest speaker, you bet.

I spoke to BMW USA's VP at the IMS show. The goal is to have the S1000RR come in around $1000 above the Jap bikes. With a new R1 retailing for around $12K, let's imagine the Beemer retailing for $14K. With the bike's traction control and some tricky intake and cylinder-head systems, it might convert some sales.

I'm writing an article based around my convo with the BMW dude this week, in which I'll share more info about the bike and BMW's evolving corporate philosophy.