Phillip Island Ride Days customers were treated to a special experience earlier this week when Australian dual Supersport World Champion Andrew Pitt tried his new Reitwagen BMW Team S 1000 RR for size in the A group over two days.

With electronic components failing to arrive in time for the team to take part in their official test at Eastern Creek in early January, the decision was made to allow 33-year-old Pitt to spend a few days lapping Phillip Island to make a start on bike preparations in the lead up to official testing this coming weekend.

“Although this was not at all what I would call a test, the laps were very valuable in setting up riding position for footpegs, levers, handlebars and so forth, plus allowed us to scrub brake discs and find a starting point for geometry,” Pitt explained. “We also learned a small amount about tyre wear and we have helpful data to take to the official tests this weekend.

“With the amount of traffic and the speed of the superbike compared to road bikes, obviously safety of other riders and myself was a priority over the two days and although no timing equipment is allowed I would estimate that I was a good few seconds off normal testing pace.

However, this still allowed us to play with geometry and riding position and allowed me to become familiar with the bike. There is no doubt the bike is very fast and the power curve is nice so I’m looking forward to really pushing the bike this weekend.”

Pitt and the Reitwagen team will again test this weekend on Sunday and also on Monday during the official WSBK tests at the Island.