OT: S1000RR Riding Impressions

GotRoad? · 05-19-2010, 07:33 AM

I spent yesterday at Virginia International Raceway riding the S100RR with the Cali Superbike School. I’ll cut to the chase: this bike is everything (good) that has been said or written about it. The ergos were really comfortable & I began to feel right at home very quickly. We spent the beginning of the day in “rain” mode, but the last couple of sessions were ridden in “sport” mode. The acceleration of this bike is something you have to experience for yourself. Pulling out of pit lane I just pinned the throttle and used the shift assist to bang up through the gears. The fancy electronics kept the bike from turning into a unicycle. Going the other way; the slipper clutch was so good that I was able to downshift to any gear at any speed and just go; the rear tire never twitched. Speaking of “any gear” the motor was so good that I could drive out of corners even if I was a couple of gears away from optimum and because the DTC is so good I was able to get on the gas sooner. In some corners I just pinned the throttle when at maximum lean and let the bike sort it all out. It’s not perfect though; one of the riding coaches managed to lowside his bike which apart from the wheels and engine cases was destroyed , but that’s another story. I also tested the ABS, when I got into a “situation”. I passed a slow group of riders on a straight while preparing to go into a sharp right hand uphill turn when the last slow guy who was riding the left of the middle of the track suddenly pulled into the raceline. My front tire chattered like crazy, but the bike stayed composed and disaster was avoided. I never got to sample the top speed in 6th gear. I looked down once at the end of the front straight when I sat up for the braking zone; the tach was +12.5K rpm in 5th gear. The wind blast was fierce. I was glad I wasn’t going faster. Will I buy a S100RR. Probably not…I can’t see how to put hard bags on the beast, and that, for me, is the sine qua non.

zx9rmal · 05-19-2010, 12:51 PM

Did you get into "race" mode or only "sport" and "rain". If not, a shame. Glad you enjoyed it. I doubt the low side by the coach was due to a deficiency of the bike. DTC isn't doing anything for the front.

shreddr · shreddr's Garage

The newest issue of Motorcyclist had kind of a shootout between the S1000RR, the RSV4, the KTM RC8R, Ducati 1198 Corse Special Edition and the newest Augusta F4. Although they liked the awesome power of the BMW, and thought the electronics were very good, they said it handled like it was 100 pounds more than it really is. the whole shootout was subjective, and they liked bits of all of them, but this was the first test i saw that seemed more reasonable than the mega praise in the other mags. They did mention that while the BMW waxed all the Japanese liter bikes in their last shootout, they said it wasn't nearly impressive when compared to the phenomenal European offerings. the winner? Aprilia RSV4 but they did say the ergos were tight, and they raved about the comfort and adjustability of the KTM.

turboflyer · turboflyer's Garage

Will let you know after tomorrow. Going to do a test ride a local dealer. No track time just streets and freeway.

GotRoad? · 06-09-2010, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zx9rmal

Did you get into "race" mode or only "sport" and "rain".
I doubt the low side by the coach was due to a deficiency of the bike. DTC isn't doing anything for the front.

As I said: started in rain mode and finished in sport. Didn't do race or slick, but I did ride it at a track. If possible ride this bike at a track; it's the only place to sample what this bike is capable of doing. As for deficiencies, those are almost always found in the riders, before they show up in the machines.

I haven't ridden an RSV4, KTM RC8R, Ducati 1198 or an Augusta F4, so I can't say, anything other than I found the S1000RR, to be a very confidence inspiring and fun motorcycle to ride. I though that the bike was very stable under hard braking and tip in, as well as side to side transitions were without drama. The ergos were very comfortable for me (6' tall ; 33" inseam).

Bob Hancock · 06-09-2010, 06:16 PM

Interesting report, Craig. Now I really know since I know you. Thanks.

turboflyer · turboflyer's Garage

Went with a friend so we traded off on the 1000RR and a new RT. Have to say both were impressive in the own right. And the the new RT did get the HP2 twin OHC heads, wow. That boy has some grunt. The RR is sweeeeeeeeet! Linear power to test the size of your balls for sure. It eats up the curves and gets you to the next one in about two heart beats. Put her in the race mode. Hit the freeway and was going to fast to see how fast I was going and that didnt take long at all. Very well balanced and feels light but not flimsy. Great feel, great brakes, Oh and the slipper clutch. Unbelievable. Drop it down and dont worry. The shift assist is like the sound of an indy car up or down, bag bang bang bang bang bang. I dont know how to spell the indy car sound, but it is sweet. The stock exhaust note is satisfactory and would not require any immediate adjustment. And finally even though it looks and even sits like a super bike some how the ride was not bad. Maybe I was going to fast, you think? No do not want to get rid of the 999S or the R1100S but what a third bike. Cant imagine the HP2 Sport holding its own against the RR.

Dr. Curve · 06:48 PM

Craig, I am so happy for you and I know you let it out some because, like Bob, I have ridden with you and have seen your skills. I have not had the chance to ride one yet but my friend who owns the Aprilla dealership wants me to try the new V4, and I may well do that. Do you honestly think I can ride the new BMW RR at my age? I am a bit cautious and timid to it, even though I like it very much. Do you think I could handle it if I was really careful? We sure had a nice run at the GMR but this big new four would be a handful on those curvey roads we were snakein' on. Your thoughts please as to us "older riders" trying one of these new wonders.

GotRoad? · 06-10-2010, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Curve

Your thoughts please as to us "older riders" trying one of these new wonders.

You know, Jim, I am one of those older riders. The electronics on this new bike made me a better rider than I am. Once I got used to the idea...and it took me some time...I could whack the throttle wide open while at a full lean and not worry about traction management ( though you still have to keep the bike pointed in the right direction!). The acceleration, especially with the shift assistant is amazing. If I bought one, it would be for use as a track bike: I would just be too crazy with the throttle riding the streets. I still love my old 1100S, but sometimes I think I need a girlfriend on the side.

shreddr · shreddr's Garage

It's great to hear a few more positive "real world" reviews on this bike, but not to beat the dead horse, turbo, would you have said the same thing about a 3 year old CBR with a roundel on it? I am sure this thing has s ****load of power, but are you really sensing the difference between 180 and 193? As far as the TC goes, if you want less chance of the tire spinning get a nice high power twin. I truly believe the hype associated with this bike is because it's a BMW, I think the Honda VFR is much more innovative in general.

Dr Curve, no doubt you can handle it, I have seen your credentials!

back to our regular scheduled program.

Guest24 · 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GotRoad?

You know, Jim, I am one of those older riders. The electronics on this new bike made me a better rider than I am. Once I got used to the idea...and it took me some time...I could whack the throttle wide open while at a full lean and not worry about traction management ( though you still have to keep the bike pointed in the right direction!). The acceleration, especially with the shift assistant is amazing. If I bought one, it would be for use as a track bike: I would just be too crazy with the throttle riding the streets. I still love my old 1100S, but sometimes I think I need a girlfriend on the side.

Craig, I think the electronics make the young riders better than they are, also.

Sounds like you enjoyed the day at VIR. I guess being familiar with the track helped you explore the S1000RR a little more comfortably, huh. Glad you had a safe day. Thanks for the ride report.

Turboflyer, the HP2S and S1000RR are not in the same sphere. I think you'd be much more impressed with the HP2S than you might think. The new RT engine is nothing like the HP2S engine which has more power and a ton less weight to move across the ground.

squall_line · 06-11-2010, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shreddr

The newest issue of Motorcyclist had kind of a shootout between the S1000RR, the RSV4, the KTM RC8R, Ducati 1198 Corse Special Edition and the newest Augusta F4. Although they liked the awesome power of the BMW, and thought the electronics were very good, they said it handled like it was 100 pounds more than it really is. the whole shootout was subjective, and they liked bits of all of them, but this was the first test i saw that seemed more reasonable than the mega praise in the other mags. They did mention that while the BMW waxed all the Japanese liter bikes in their last shootout, they said it wasn't nearly impressive when compared to the phenomenal European offerings. the winner? Aprilia RSV4 but they did say the ergos were tight, and they raved about the comfort and adjustability of the KTM.

I would imagine that has as much to do with the relative prices between the Euro-uber-litre-bikes ($20k +/- range) as much as anything else. That makes it a false comparison, IMHO. Test the S1KRR against japanese litre-bikes in its price range, and it probably IS worthy of its praise. The Euro offerings are more in line with the price of the HP2S, not the S1KRR.

zx9rmal · 06-11-2010, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Curve

Craig, I am so happy for you and I know you let it out some because, like Bob, I have ridden with you and have seen your skills. I have not had the chance to ride one yet but my friend who owns the Aprilla dealership wants me to try the new V4, and I may well do that. Do you honestly think I can ride the new BMW RR at my age? I am a bit cautious and timid to it, even though I like it very much. Do you think I could handle it if I was really careful? We sure had a nice run at the GMR but this big new four would be a handful on those curvey roads we were snakein' on. Your thoughts please as to us "older riders" trying one of these new wonders.

Jim -

If I may butt in here, you're not too old. I'll be 63 in 2 months and I'm loving the S1000RR! I'm no expert, but I hold my own as a sport rider. With your years of riding, you know that the bike only does what you instruct it to do. It is very docile, but gets scary fast at big throttle in the upper rpm's. The bike would not be a handful on the curvy roads because it feels very light and turns in easily and quickly. Just what you'd want in that situation.

Get a meaningful ride on one.

BTW, if you fall in love with the RSV4, one of my riding buddies is selling his. He's a big guy and the bike's just too small for him. It has a full Akra, has very few miles, and he'd probably let it go cheap. Let me know if you're interested.

turboflyer · turboflyer's Garage

I see in the above post you have both the CBR and the 1000RR. So reference to what Shreder said what is your take on the difference. I really was impressed on many levels with the BMW 1000RR. I have always been a twin fan. But that baby does exactly what you said. Eats the twisties and more than enough power line to line. Now will I actually get one. Dont know. I still want to give the RSV4 a spin first. Looks like a 4 cylinder twin.

Oh and did I mention the BMW come in the right color, Red white and blue, BAM!

hawkeyejohn14 · hawkeyejohn14's Garage

I have been doing a lot of reading about the S1000R as well, no chance to ride it yet, nothing in it's range to really compare it against anyway.

I was amazed that motorcyclist had problems with it, but then read that they didn't have the set up right until after the test was over. Whoever was helping from BMW slipped up and forgot to show them they could raise the rear shock for a steeper turn in. BTW of the Europeans the BMW with all it's goodies was the cheapest of the bunch.

The Master Bike Test in Cycle World had the fastest time by far with the BMW and the fastest racers did the best on the BMW. Although I read many felt the chassis was just not right.

Then I read about the guys racing the bike around the country in mostly stock form in BMWRA and BMWOL and these guys are not just riding well, they are winning races against machines that have more prepped for racing than being closer to stock like the S1000RR.

If you have read my post I am no fan boy or kool aid drinker although I do like for the most part what BMW builds, I think for a first year bike BMW did a great job. While the Ducati is beautiful and had electronics it was the most expensive in the test and the least comfortable. The Aprilia had no electronics is made for jockeys. Both the Aprilia and Duc would be great Track bikes, but didn't seem to have what it takes for the real world street riding that most of these bikes are going to see (unless your a jockey or have an unusual frame with super long arm and short legs). I didn't read much except ergos that flattered the KTM, the throttle was abrupt and fueling spotty.

Again these are just reading impressions as I don't have the luxury that these testers or a few of you have.

zx9rmal · 06-11-2010, 08:18 AM

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Engine - The BMW has scary top end power and is stronger at 4k rpm where the Honda has a flat spot (which clears up at 4.5k). The Honda has more midrange, which is what I LOVE about that bike. From 5k-9k rpm, no literbike is better.

Ergos - For me, at 5'5" with a 29" inseam, the Honda is more comfy. I'd travel on the Honda, not on the BMW.

Brakes - The BMW's are great, a bit better than the Honda. But if previous experience holds true, the BMW's will warp.

Suspension - Both are very good. The BMW may be a bit better in compliance.

Most tests claim the CBR is more agile and flickable. To me, they're close, even though the BMW is about 20lbs. heavier.

The S1000RR is not intimidating in general, because it's not until the upper midrange that it gets "crazy", and only if you want it to.

It's a VERY impressive bike.

hawkeyejohn14 · hawkeyejohn14's Garage

Mal you are a lucky man to be able to compare them back to back as much as you like, definitely an opinion I can respect. How do you think a 6"1", 33" inseam and 200lbs would fair on either bike? The Honda just looks to small for me, standing next to one it looks like even smaller than the old 600's. Is the BMW big enough for us bigger guys?

zx9rmal · 06-11-2010, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawkeyejohn14

Mal you are a lucky man to be able to compare them back to back as much as you like, definitely an opinion I can respect. How do you think a 6"1", 33" inseam and 200lbs would fair on either bike? The Honda just looks to small for me, standing next to one it looks like even smaller than the old 600's. Is the BMW big enough for us bigger guys?

Yeah, it's a tough job, but someone has to do it. Both bikes are small, the CBR more so. If you ride enough, you get used to it unless there's some physical problem. I haven't heard any long term feedback yet on the S1000RR's comfort, but nobody seems to be uncomfortable on the late model CBR, journalists included. The CBR is a real pleasure to ride. I recently did a 800+ mile overnighter on the CBR and was very comfortable. That's why I traded my K13S for the S1000RR. The CBR is now my touring bike! Go figure.

squall_line · 06-11-2010, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawkeyejohn14

Mal you are a lucky man to be able to compare them back to back as much as you like, definitely an opinion I can respect. How do you think a 6"1", 33" inseam and 200lbs would fair on either bike? The Honda just looks to small for me, standing next to one it looks like even smaller than the old 600's. Is the BMW big enough for us bigger guys?

I'm 5'10", 32-33 inseam, ~200 lbs. I resisted the temptation to take the S1000RR out for a ride this morning, especially since I was leading a guy that was riding a GS-A. Figured I'd stick with the F800ST to keep from getting in trouble.

That said, I'd be happy to ride it tomorrow morning to see how it feels.

Granted, I'll only get 15-ish miles in on it, but even that's long enough to start to notice bad ergos, etc.

Jeff Williams · 06-11-2010, 10:35 PM

well heck i guess I'll just jump in on this par tay,
I'm getting used to the RR and am riding it in race and slick mode all the time.
When in these modes it feels like a real perky sports bike.
In the other two modes, for me, it felt to intrusive on my riding style.
Now, below 9k its like any other top of the line sports bike but if you keep it above 9k, and have the advantage of engine braking, the front wheel dances on the bumps and the world is as it should be, intense, fun, a conformation of life as it should be.
Doc remember its not the bike its the rider. On this bike it doesn't matter if you just past your msrp safety riding course or you have been riding for 50 years, anyone can ride it safely. just put it into the proper mode and away you go.
the only issue this bike seems to have is a tendency to low side if the front end isn't adjusted correctly for the riding style. but isn't that an issue with most of these bikes of this type.
have fun,
cya
Jeff