I've ridden every generation of BMW S1000RR, and now I get to live with one long-term in 2025
Motorcycling is something that conjures up different feelings for different people – but a quick twist of that (even sharper) quick action throttle on the new BMW S1000RR for the first time sums it up for me; exhilarating.
As a little bit of background, I’ve always been a sportsbike nut, with a bike history that includes a Kawasaki Ninja 250, Ducati Panigale 899, Suzuki GSX-R1000R and a Ducati Panigale V2 – all of which were built as race bikes.
Sticky tyres and scrubbing ‘sliders is basically in my DNA, which is why I’ve been itching to swing a leg over the sales king of big-capacity sportsbikes in the UK. Although I’ve ridden near enough every S1000RR over the years, I’ve never had the chance to live with one; but it’s something I’ve always yearned for. Comfort, style and substance rolled into a sportsbike? Count me in.
And it delivers, too. It’s hard to put into words just how exciting a litre, road-going superbike is, and the S1000RR’s punch is addictive beyond all reason. Yet, it has an electronics package that allows for everything to be kept in touch with ease, or when switched off (which is easily done with a simple button on the left switchgear) it turns into a wild beast.
This feeling alone is the reason riding motorcycles still leaves me with a monstrous grin and a sense of happiness that’s rare to find elsewhere. We may have only had a few hundred miles together so far, but my god they’ve been good.
But, there are a few buts, and the first frustration comes as a surprise with the Hill Start Control. It acts as an electronic assistant to hold the bike when setting off, and it works like a dream when I’ve used it on the big boxers.
However, because S1000RR’s throttle is quite sharp, it’s not the smoothest system to trust in, and I’ve found that it’s actually more dangerous than relying on feathering the brakes, even on an incline. For slow speed manoeuvring, it’s almost caught me out a couple of times, but thankfully, it’s easy to switch off – and it stays off too.
And even though I’ve managed to bag a few miles so far, the big BMW still doesn’t quite feel like it’s ‘mine’ just yet. Thanks to the host of goodies that it comes equipped with, I’m going to try a slightly taller screen to help with longer journeys, alter the footpegs slightly (there are six positions on offer) and if needed, go for a slightly lower seat, so I’m sitting in the bike, not on it. Plus then, I’ll be able to touch the ground for our first track outing next month!
The stats
- Miles this month: 468 miles
- MPG this month: 38mpg
- Costs this month: £1,012.17 (fuel – £77.17, three year service Inclusive schedule – £935)
- Miles to next service: 5,232 miles (minor)
