View Full Version : BMW S1000RR Test Ride
Took a test ride on a BMW S1000RR over the weekend. Didn't mean to. It just happened. A friend of mine had a test ride booked on a GS1200, so I popped along with the intention of just following him round for a bit of a bimble. Purposely didn't take the paper part of my licence…but the dealer forced me out on their demonstrator. B’stards!
Bit of a walk around first. I had parked my current bike (2008 R1) next to it in the car park. The S1000RR is 600 small. Incredibly compact and very sharp. I think the R1 is a good looking bike, but the S1000RR makes it look dated and a bit blobby. It looks a good 10% bigger everywhere. The demo bike had an Akrapovic pipe, HP rearsets and levers (made by Gilles) and gear assist (quick shifter – more about this later). Very tasty. Sitting astride the bike it is small. Perfect for me at 5’8”. Feels very much like my CBR600RR I had previously. The view from the saddle is very nice too. The top yoke is beautifully machined and the clocks clear and concise. The clocks also display which gear you are in. I liked this.
Started the bike up and the dealer (Bahn Stormer – Alton) ran me through the controls. Pretty much the same as the R1 with the addition of some “electronics”. Button on the left clip on that controlled the DTC (traction control). Think I’ll leave that one alone…and a mode button on the right clip on toggling between rain, sport and race. Started off in sport mode. It also comes with heated grips!!!! There is a real quality feel to the look and construction of the bike. The parts that you interface with – handlebars, rearsets, saddle all seem perfectly judged for a rider of my size.
The dealer told me that the S1000RR would be a lot faster than my R1. I was thinking that was a slight exaggeration. I didn’t think it would be a LOT faster, but Christ on a bike…the engine is immense. But this bike isn’t all about the engine, epic as it is.
The connection of the throttle to the back wheel is direct and immediate. The R1 feels as though it is connected with elastic. Wind the throttle on and the engine takes time to spool up. Once up to 10k rpm and that’s when all hell breaks loose. It’s all alive then with everything working together. Before that the R1 is a bit flat. You could never call it slow, but it does feel cumbersome at low speed and low revs. With the Bee Em you feed in what you need on the throttle and the back wheel responds immediately. It’s not sharp or abrupt, just perfectly connected and easy to modulate the power. If you want to go slow, the Bee Em will do slow. Well fuelled and more than happy to cruise at low revs. No recalcitrance or fluffiness from a partial to fully open throttle…just glorious drive. That was in Sport mode. Half way through the ride I changed to race. Sharpens up the throttle and apparently backs off the DTC a bit…not that I was giving it anywhere near enough to tell.
The suspension is brilliant. Feels firm and absolutely planted, but despite the firmness it is supple and compliant on the bumps encountered on a “B” road blast. There’s no crashiness or harsh feedback like on the R1. It is completely planted in a corner. Speaking of which, getting it into a corner is just a gentle push on either clip on. My 600RR was like this. The R1 needs a real push to get it into a corner. The handling on the S1000RR flatters. You will feel like a better rider within a mile. I guarantee it.
Brakes. Never felt anything better. Awesome power and initial bite, but great feedback at the lever. Serious, SERIOUS stopping power and you need this. Got the bike onto a quiet stretch of dual carriage way and nailed it. First, second, third…..all with the use of the quick shifter. Throttle to the stop and bang up the ‘box. I think “bang” is the wrong word. The change of gear is imperceptible. Just continuous drive. Absolutely fantastic. On the brakes, dead stable with little dive on the front.
I love this bike. I have never ridden anything better. It is the best bike I have ever ridden by some margin. It is immensely powerful, but not scary or unmanageable. Despite the power, this bike is not defined by its engine or headline power figures. It’s the whole package. The suspension, handling, brakes, throttle. It is small and lithe, but also comfortable. Not just comfortable for a sportsbike, but comfortable full stop.
So…yes please Mr. BMW. Don’t mind what colour. Thanks.
ClunkintheUK
23-09-13, 08:55 AM
Took a test ride on a BMW S1000RR over the weekend. Didn't mean to. It just happened. A friend of mine had a test ride booked on a GS1200, so I popped along with the intention of just following him round for a bit of a bimble. Purposely didn't take the paper part of my licence…but the dealer forced me out on their demonstrator. B’stards!
...
Started the bike up and the dealer (Bahn Stormer – Alton)
They have a history of this. Did the same to Baron Von Grumble. Who is also now riding a shiny new s1000.
They have a history of this. Did the same to Baron Von Grumble. Who is also now riding a shiny new s1000.
Easiest job in the world - Bahn Stormer salesman.
Bike sells itself.
ClunkintheUK
23-09-13, 09:10 AM
I wander if they'd hire a jaded city boy.
I like your review. Good job. A lot of other pro reviews are similar but its good to hear what a real biker thinks on a forum. However, I wonder if that compactness wouldn't be suited to a taller rider - say 6' 2"+.
Also, with a bike that good you can afford to be hypercritical because any little niggles are unlikely to change a buyer's mind. But you MUST have found 1 or 2 things that weren't excellent?
But you MUST have found 1 or 2 things that weren't excellent?
The indicator switch. It doesn't slide left and right. It is like a micro switch so you can't properly tell if you have activated it or not without looking at the dash.
The side stand hasn't got a peg on it to hook down with your boot meaning you have to bend down and flick it down with your hand.
I guess with more time there may be other stuff, but in the time I had it that was the only things that I can think of. Minor niggles only. I didn't ever think if I was spending £14k on a bike then you would have thought BWM would have done "X" or "Y". It was totally worth the cash.
Roberrrrt
23-09-13, 10:57 AM
Really interesting read, thanks.
Just can't imagine spending £14k on a bike, that's mental money eh!
Fallout
23-09-13, 02:16 PM
Interesting thoughts Scoobs. The power and handling definitely seems to give this sensible chap enough confidence to hunt down a 'Busa.
gcwf8Y5koL4
Yeah thanks Scoobs, it's not like I wanted one enough without that sublimely written review!!
They could use that as a sales script! Suggest it to them and ask for a commission!
And Fallout...
JEEEEEEEEEZUS!
Darwin Award nominees all round in that one! I can't say for sure as the quality was somewhat lessened by the Mach 1 speeds but I think not a single one of those was wearing decent leathers! That being said if any one of them crashed it wouldn't have made a difference!
Wildkid
23-09-13, 10:14 PM
Seriously considering picking one of these up second hand next year!
suzukigt380paul
23-09-13, 10:54 PM
Seriously considering picking one of these up second hand next year!
the only thing to remember with any of the 4 cylinder bmw's is never buy one with out a full bmw warranty,doing a track day or fitting non standard parts can invalidate the warranty(evan if the bmw shop fits them for you)there are well documented problems with these engines/bikes,mostly gearbox, clutch, electrical and camchain problems,do a google search before buying,you wont have to look very hard
Paul. Are there any bikes that don't have faults? In nearly every thread I read about a different bike, you are always there as the harbinger of doom to **** on their fire.
Scoops. Great write up, but...
5'8"
As if... ;-)
Not sure if the revised model has been launched yet but, there were rumours they were going to install a 'half' ESA suspension system to it. The Boss has this on his HP4 and says its a world of improvement over the S1000RR standard suspension.
5'8"
As if... ;-)
Don't forget it was the weekend Matt. I was in my heels.
Amadeus
24-09-13, 11:43 AM
Interesting thoughts Scoobs. The power and handling definitely seems to give this sensible chap enough confidence to hunt down a 'Busa.
gcwf8Y5koL4
FFS. How fast through that tollbooth???
(and when you get to the end and YT offers some other similar vids, I see an interesting looking one of a chap giving a lift to a model...)
Red Herring
24-09-13, 01:05 PM
FFS. How fast through that tollbooth???
That bit did make me smile, I'm guessing they didn't have a barrier on that one.....
That bit did make me smile, I'm guessing they didn't have a barrier on that one.....
That's the automatic charging lane, for cars with special gadgets in the windscreen. Looks like Portugal. Not sure how fast you have to go through to avoid getting charged
Red Herring
24-09-13, 04:02 PM
Somehow I don't think getting stopped for "toll evasion" was bothering him much.... and if I had got my hands on him it would definitely have been the least of his worries.
suzukigt380paul
24-09-13, 04:09 PM
Paul. Are there any bikes that don't have faults? In nearly every thread I read about a different bike, you are always there as the harbinger of doom to **** on their fire.
;-)you should go into buying a new bike eyes wide open,and most bikes do have there faults,most aren't major,unlike those reported on the bmw,and i only tell them as i see them,i will even find and tell the faults that my bikes have,im not normally one to say just because i own something that it the best most reliable fault free bike or car you could ever buy,i can quite easily tell you the faults and short comings of my honda's and suzuki's,mind you none of them eat gearboxs or camchains,well not under 100k
Nobbylad
24-09-13, 05:05 PM
the only thing to remember with any of the 4 cylinder bmw's is never buy one with out a full bmw warranty,doing a track day or fitting non standard parts can invalidate the warranty(evan if the bmw shop fits them for you)there are well documented problems with these engines/bikes,mostly gearbox, clutch, electrical and camchain problems,do a google search before buying,you wont have to look very hard
How would they know you've tracked it?
suzukigt380paul
24-09-13, 05:16 PM
How would they know you've tracked it?
there are some indication that a bike is used on a track,slick tyres are but one,rearsets,and i believe the computer will tell you the speed the bike has done,so if it says top achieved speed was 150mph then that may be a indication what the bike has been used for,anycase you may find as many owner have, that bmw try to aviod warranty work when possible
Sir Trev
24-09-13, 05:22 PM
Seriously considering picking one of these up second hand next year!
Why would anyone want a second hand Fallout?
Why would anyone want a second hand Fallout?
Why would anyone want a first hand Fallout?
the only thing to remember with any of the 4 cylinder bmw's is never buy one with out a full bmw warranty,doing a track day or fitting non standard parts can invalidate the warranty(even if the bmw shop fits them for you
Yes, that's right taking it on a track will invalidate the warranty. That's why BMW dealerships run BMW track days to fool customers into voiding their warranty. That's also why they sell aftermarket parts factory fitted, to once again trick the customer.
Keeping the bike serviced to their standards and schedules keeps it in warranty. The on board computer does record data-things like time to next valve clearance check. It's only service based not top speed/max revs/etc
Red Herring
24-09-13, 05:51 PM
Are you sure about using it on a track day cancelling the warranty? I don't have a new BMW, or any of their paperwork in front of me, but I'd be quite surprised if they can sell a 180mph+ bike and then object to it being ridden quickly. They can hardly argue it isn't designed for it (you would only have to show them their own advertising) and I think they would have a hard time convincing it was "fit for purpose" if you did track it and something failed. Now I do understand that "Racing" will invalidate a warranty, but that is something different altogether.
suzukigt380paul
24-09-13, 06:00 PM
Are you sure about using it on a track day cancelling the warranty? I don't have a new BMW, or any of their paperwork in front of me, but I'd be quite surprised if they can sell a 180mph+ bike and then object to it being ridden quickly. They can hardly argue it isn't designed for it (you would only have to show them their own advertising) and I think they would have a hard time convincing it was "fit for purpose" if you did track it and something failed. Now I do understand that "Racing" will invalidate a warranty, but that is something different altogether.i think you will find that bmw and the bike dealers who get less money for warranty work then there normal hourly rate,will play hard ball and try to pass the buck,and blame the owner for the damage,but if pressed and threatened with legal action will do the work,but like every thing else you get good and bad bike dealers,
Nobbylad
24-09-13, 06:26 PM
i think you will find that bmw and the bike dealers who get less money for warranty work then there normal hourly rate,will play hard ball and try to pass the buck,and blame the owner for the damage,but if pressed and threatened with legal action will do the work,but like every thing else you get good and bad bike dealers,
OK, so in other words you made it up.
Thanks for clarifying. Dealers playing hard ball and track days invalidating the warranty are worlds apart in my book.
suzukigt380paul
24-09-13, 06:47 PM
OK, so in other words you made it up.
Thanks for clarifying. Dealers playing hard ball and track days invalidating the warranty are worlds apart in my book.no havent made anything up,true or not the internet is full of stories about broken engines on the s1000rr,on just about every bike forum,with many people claiming it is very difficult to get problems resolved,and bmw claiming the problems are not covered by there warranty,and many problems reacurring,with reported problems on just about every part of the engine,maybe all these hundreds of stories are all made and the s1000rr is more reliable then the lesser powered fireblade and r1!!!! or not
no havent made anything up,true or not the internet is full of stories about broken engines on the s1000rr,on just about every bike forum,with many people claiming it is very difficult to get problems resolved,and bmw claiming the problems are not covered by there warranty,and many problems reacurring,with reported problems on just about every part of the engine,maybe all these hundreds of stories are all made and the s1000rr is more reliable then the lesser powered fireblade and r1!!!! or not
i'm guessing you've never heard of the saying 'if you get good customer service, you'll tell 5 people. If you get bad customer service you tell 20 people'.
Few people rave about how good their bike is and how well it runs, because that's how it should be. Simply because a few have had trouble, it doesn't mean they are all like it.
I get the same on the F800 forum, people post up asking should I buy one due to all the 'bad' things they read/hear about them. The thread then turns into an appraisal for the bike and what to watch out/check for.
The Idle Biker
24-09-13, 07:22 PM
Good write up Scoobs, very nice indeed. What year should I expect them to get down to about £5k, just so I can be realistic about when I might get one :-(.
As an aside the tests I've seen the ZX10R ****es all over it.
Red Herring
24-09-13, 09:58 PM
As an aside the tests I've seen the ZX10R ****es all over it.
British Superstock Championship should be a good guide. Six of the top nine are Kawasakis, plus one Honda, one Ducati, and one BMW currently in 6th. But anybody who thinks that makes the slightest bit of difference to road riding clearly lives in Portugal!
SvNewbie
25-09-13, 12:06 AM
if it says top achieved speed was 150mph then that may be a indication what the bike has been used foe
Ah yes, there Zee Germans, famous for their strict adherence to speed-limits those lot.
Littlepeahead
25-09-13, 08:22 AM
I'm sure they cannot dictate how fast you choose to ride - otherwise you could go to Germany, hoon it down the autobahn and then have your dealer claim you'd done a track day as you'd ridden at 150mph+ and invalidated your warranty.
Although maybe my BMW dealer giving me free coffee and donuts is a scam - if the suspension fails on my GS they can claim that it is because I've got fat eating donuts and the extra weight I have gained has invalidated my warranty.
ClunkintheUK
25-09-13, 08:39 AM
Mmmmm doughnuts.
ChrisCurvyS
25-09-13, 12:21 PM
British Superstock Championship should be a good guide. Six of the top nine are Kawasakis, plus one Honda, one Ducati, and one BMW currently in 6th. But anybody who thinks that makes the slightest bit of difference to road riding clearly lives in Portugal!
My neighbour's son has been racing blades for Padgetts in the superstock championship for years and always kept coming mid-table.
He switched to the ZX-10R for a smaller team this year and instantly led the championship from the start, but has stayed with the blade for his road bike.
Red Herring
25-09-13, 08:07 PM
He switched to the ZX-10R for a smaller team this year and instantly led the championship from the start, but has stayed with the blade for his road bike.
I'm lucky enough to get to ride all sorts of bikes, including the latest Superbikes. In my view the Honda has always been one of my favorite road bikes, mainly down to a slightly softer feel that means you can access more of the performance without feeling as if it's continually trying to kill you. The ZX10 always seems to feel faster, but in reality I'd always pick the Blade if I wanted to get from A to B quickly and smoothly.
hardhat_harry
25-09-13, 08:13 PM
I took one out when they first came out, loved it but the gear selection took some getting used too
Just read the review and it's inspired me to do more test rides, hadn't done one in over a year. Took a busa out yesterday and booked a bee em this afternoon. Will put a full write up shortly :)
Will put a full write up shortly :)
Look forward to it mate.
Look forward to it mate.
Seconded. I'd be very interested to read a Busa vs BMW first hand comparison.
Seconded. I'd be very interested to read a Busa vs BMW first hand comparison.
The Busa came second lol
The Busa came second lol
Ha.
What did you think of the Bee Em. It's a bit special ain't it.
Ha.
What did you think of the Bee Em. It's a bit special ain't it.
It was absolutely amazing, I wish I could afford one
Have a look here
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=165165&page=8
It was absolutely amazing, I wish I could afford one
Have a look here
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=165165&page=8
Schweet!
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