BMW has taken the wraps of its S1000RR World Superbike in race livery ahead of the first round of official testing at Australia's Phillip Island circuit.

In traditional BMW colours, the bike looks to be a straight-forward inline four configuration but there are rumours that BMW has copied Ducati's Desmodromic valve system.

Instead of using either its own fuel injection system or one from the likes of Marelli, the German firm has opted to use electronics from Italian-based Dell'Orto.

Lead rider Troy Corser is enthusiastic about the coming season but is more than aware of how much work he, team-mate Ruben Xaus and the team will have to do.

“The bike has a good base and we are all working hard to be competitive as soon as we can. This is BMW’s first time in World Superbikes and none of us underestimate the challenge," said Corser.

"But the challenge is part of the excitement and we are determined to do the very best we can. As the season progresses I’m sure we’ll improve a lot, but we are at a bit of a disadvantage because every time we go to a track we will be starting from scratch, whereas the others will have info and data from previous years.

"Even so, as the year goes on, I’m sure we’ll get better and better and maybe even surprise a few people along the way.”

BMW's Motorsport Director Berti Hauser added: "This great adventure began not so long ago, but now we are about to take part in our very first World Superbike Championship race and it is an exciting moment for us all.

"I firmly believe we have two great riders – Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus – and a very committed and enthusiastic team. Troy is the most experienced rider in WSBK and brings a lot of knowledge and information to the team. Although Ruben is not as experienced as Troy, he has so much enthusiasm for this project and I feel that he and Troy are a perfect combination.

"I am very pleased with the amount of progress we have all made in the past few months and now, like the whole team, I am really looking forward to this great challenge."

BMW S1000RR SBK TECH SPEC

Capacity: 999 cc, 4-stroke, 4 cylinder, liquid-cooled
Gearbox: 6 speed
Power: 200 + hp @ 14,000 + rpm
Bore & Stroke: 80 x 49.7 mm
Compression ratio: 14:1
Fuel system: 48 mm Dell´ Orto injection system
Fuel tank capacity: 23 litres
Lubrication: Wet sump
Dry weight: 162 kg
Wheelbase: 1,428 mm
Length: 2,056 mm
Width: 532 mm
Front suspension: Öhlins upside down telescopic forks, 43 mm diamete
Rear suspension: Öhlins TTX
Front brakes: Twin disc 320 mm, Brembo, 4 piston calliper
Rear brake: Single disc 220 mm, Brembo, 4 piston calliper
Wheels: Front 16.5 inch x 3.5 inch, Rear 16 inch x 6.25 inch
Tyres: Pirelli