BMW S1000RR styling

I've been chatting with people I've met riding or those involved in the industry in some way, and getting an idea of what people think of the new BMW's styling. One thing keeps popping up - the asymmetric headlights and side panels. The designer David Robb has been at pains in almost every interview to defend the asymmetric details of the bike, indicating that people will enjoy it.

Rather than share what I've already heard; if you have a chance, I'd like to hear from the forum readers what they think of the S1000RR's styling in general and what they think of the asymmetric headlights and panels.  

I've spoken with David Robb at length about the S 1000 RR, and I'm not so sure that he's of the opinion that people will "enjoy it". I think it's more that he intended for the S 1000 RR to have its own styling personality, because he felt that all of the other sportbikes have been following the same theme, and wanted to keep BMW's history of being distinctive. The styling has certainly generated interest in the bike (good or bad), and I'm sure that was part of the intent.

Personally, I think much of the hubbub surrounding the asymmetrical styling of the S 1000 RR is overblown. It doesn't seem that unorthodox to me, and certainly wouldn't give me pause if I were in the market for a literbike. Plus the bike flat out hauls the mail; if it puts the hurt on all the current literbikes (which I think it probably will, with the possible exception of the Aprilia RSV4), I think the controversy surrounding the styling will quickly fade away. Much like how the talk surrounding the Suzuki Hayabusa was mostly negative...until they found out it was capable of 191-mph-plus in stock form.  

I'm not crazy about the looks, I do like the grey and black, but if it performs as good as they say, I dont think the looks would matter much. Personally, I would buy it because you're getting a lot of bang for the buck; Traction control, ABS brakes, Quick shifter. Wish this bike or the Aprilia was available when I bought my 848. Could have gotten more performance for less than what I paid for the Ducati. Don't get me wrong, I love the 848. but I spent money adding mods (slipper clutch, steering damper) that both these bikes come with.  

California Superbike School has gone to these bikes, and the coaches are doing nothing but praising this bike. They especially comment on traction control, and the settings it can be put on. The bikes handling is also supposedly top notch. I'll do a school with them probably in the fall, and can't wait to get on one of these.

Guess I digressed from the topic, but it probably speaks of what I look for in a bike. Not one person has mentioned the look, and that probably speaks of them as riders also. I could honestly care less what it looks like. As long as it handles like they say it does, I'm down. If someone wants a "pretty" bike, get a Duc or MV.  
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Snoogans.

I have complained about the styling on the BMW S1000RR since it first appeared. The fact that the strange designs were not made to improve the performance of the motorcycle, but rather only to be different is very telling. BMW’s annoyingly elitist marketing strategy in general rubs me the wrong way . The asymmetrical front headlights look ridiculous and serve no purpose whatsoever. Additionally, the decision to omit integrated turn signals makes no sense to me at all . Most people are now looking past the bizarre design, and focusing more and more on the performance, quality and electronic gadgetry which appears to be amazing. Which begs the question, if all the attention is now being focused on the performance, did they really need to be so “different” with the appearance?  

Not a big fan of the S1000RR looks but then again I didn't initially like the look of the CBR1000RR with its redesign in '08. However, the 1KRR's look grew on me especially after hearing all the positive news on it's abilities and how good of a litre bike it was. If the BMW continues getting good reviews on the performance end and especially in upcoming shoot-outs then the design issues will likely fade.