Power key factor in Hickman’s BMW switch

The power difference between the new BMW S1000RR and the Honda Fireblade they campaigned last season was the key difference for Lee Hardy’s RAF Reserves BMW team’s off-season manufacturer change, according to rider Peter Hickman.

Speaking to MCN at the team’s unveiling at the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show, Hickman said he was vocal about making the change after ‘banging his head against the wall’ for much of 2014.

“We’ve already dyno’ed the BMW and we got more power out of the stock bike with a race exhaust than we had last year with the fully tuned Honda superbike engine – which is a big thing! The motor is stock and it’ll last all year – they do 5500 miles before you have to touch them, and we don’t do anything near that in a BSB season.”

“I hope that we can push forward this season; I was able to break into the top 10 on the BMW in 2012, so I am feeling really positive about this move. My aim is definitely to be in the Showdown and that is something that should be achievable. I had my first win at Cadwell Park last year so I want to be pushing for podiums again and build on my achievements last season.”

For a exclusive interview with the Lincolnshire rider, see this Wednesday 18^th February’s Motorcycle News.