BMW S1000RR Bike Overview
The bike that changed the world’s expectations of a 1000cc production machine in 2010, the BMW S1000RR blew the opposition into the weeds. With around 20bhp more than anything else at the time, it set new standards and forced the Japanese to rethink their plans and move the game on.
Winning the National Superstock 1000 championship in its first year with Jon Kirkham followed by Richard Cooper in 2011, it took two years for its rivals to catch up with Kawasaki finally wresting the title back in 2013 with Keith Farmer and the ZX-10R.
If that isn’t testimony enough to the German superbike’s incredible performance, when it comes to racing on the roads, it has fared even better, with Peter Hickman setting the outright TT lap record in 2018 and winning just about every major road race on the planet aboard an S1000RR.
As a road bike, the S1000RR isn’t the beast its race results could have you think it is. While focused in its intent, the riding position isn’t overly extreme, the handling is quick-steering but stable and the sophisticated electronics that include traction control, anti-wheelie and ABS are all highly refined and all play a part in both making the S1000RR easy to ride, and keeping you safe. Turn those electronic aids off however…
Reliability is also on a par with its Japanese and Italian rivals, as you might expect from BMW, a company with a great reputation for quality and reliability.
The latest 2019 model continues the evolution of the mighty S1000RR with some innovative engine technology such as the ShiftCam system that not only alters the valve timing, it also effectively alters the cam lobe profile to give the perfect engine response in all situations.
While the latest model is a step forward, if your budget won’t stretch to the £15,290 base model (we’d all love the £19k M model…) then you’re still spoiled for choice with good early bikes starting at around £7,000 with two to three-year-old machines going for between £10k-£13k.
Find out more about the BMW S1000RR
BMW S1000RR Bike Spec
- Top speed186 mph
- Weight204 kg
- Average fuel consumption43 mpg
- Seat height815 mm
- Capacity999cc
- EngineWater cooled, in-line four-cylinder
BMW S1000RR Bike Insurance
BMW S1000RR Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
Joy to ride
Cons
Access to certain parts to change
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Not too comfy for pillion
Couple small problems when I first got it but then been fab
Very good brakes and grip from continental tyres
Smooth and very easy to ride
Performance is how I like it
Depends on how you ride it not too bad usually
Pros
I love the look of the older BMW bikes with the different lights and fairings
Cons
The side stand is quite upright and you need to be sure of the ground underneath or it could fall which mine has in the past. Other bikes have a greater lean angle whilst on the side stand making them more stable
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Long journeys require a few stops
My bike is 9 years old and never had any mechanical issues.
Brembo brakes are the best
Smooth ride, corners great with power through all the ranges
Very powerful bike. The electronics manage the power well without restricting it.
All depends on how it's ridden
Pros
I love it.
Cons
Can't think of a thing.
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I have no trouble riding it long distances . it has all the comfort I need.
Bike is still pretty new so no problems yet. the build quality is excellent it is so well made.
Great grip and feel. it uses bmw's own front callipers and a Brembo rear. nisin front master cylinder.
It does everything very well. the handling is superb. smooth and easy to ride.
vePowerful everything you could want in a sports bike. throughout the range it performs exceptionally well.
Not to bad on fuel but you expect that because of its performance levels it does use more fuel than some of its less powerful rivals. tyres are a little expensive it is a 200 section rear tyre and they need to be a quality tyre to cope with the performance of the bike.
Pros
Good performance
Cons
Nothing
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Superb quality due to having the electronic suspension
Power delivery is superb to the point that even though I do a fair few track days I will not touch the fuelling
Nothing
Outstanding build quality which was something I felt was poor on my 2012 model
Outstanding brakes and class leading
Pros
This is the most modern bike that I have owned. Coming from a Bimota SB7 with 120BHP on tap and no electronics, I thought 200BHP would be intimidating. Also, the bike, on paper, is a little heavier than I am used to, but I needn't have worried, the weight is carried well as to be unnoticeable, whilst the power is delivered in a smooth, predictable fashion… If you get in trouble, the electronics are there to help sort you out. So, in summary, shed loads of power, delivered in a user friendly form; impressive stopping power with a chassis that delivers sublime handling…. as I said, predictable…… Only thing they should fix is that rear brake, why would you put a single piston calliper on a hyper sports bike?
Cons
Only thing letting it down is the rear brake, why would you put a single piston calliper on a hyper sports bike?
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Now fitted Ohlins rear damper
Smooth power everywhere
Only thing letting it down is the rear brake, why would you put a single piston calliper on a hyper sports bike?
Only thing letting it down is the rear brake, why would you put a single piston calliper on a hyper sports bike?
Front brembo brakes are perfect, little or no fade, enormous feel. Only thing letting it down is the rear brake, why would you put a single piston calliper on a hyper sports bike?
Pros
If you're looking for a day-to-day bike or one for trips this isn't the best choice, but if it's power, agility and many smiles on your face then this is the bike! I love the engine, the power and the looks of the bike
Cons
The only con is I don't have the latest version
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Coming from a 600cc I was surprised how well I adapted. Sharp in corners.
This is a performance bike. It's natural habitat is a race track.
The only con is I don't have the latest version
So far so good. Never had any mechanical issues.
The bike is powerful and has great brake to stop it. The ABS works great
Pros
It's so easy too ride. Great machines.
Cons
All good.
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All good.
Pros
Design and speed
Cons
Reliability!
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Reliability!
Ive had the cams changed.ive had the rectifier replaced and new wiring loom replaced all in the space of 3 months!!only 15000 miles from new.
Pros
Wanted a sportsbike that has the power but also needs to be very comfortable for long trips. Having tried others it delivers very well.
Cons
Fairing/body panels could be improved mostly at fixing points.
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Fairing/body panels could be improved mostly at fixing points.
Mechnically build quality is excellent, but have had some minor issues with fairing panels. Affected parts replaced under warranty
Pros
Great all round package, has rider aids and the blipper clutch is unreal. Ride ability and performance pack.
Cons
Think it would be better if indicators were in the mirrors and tail unit like Honda and Suzuki
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Think it would be better if indicators were in the mirrors and tail unit like Honda and Suzuki
Pros
Fantastic sports bike, super quick, effortless handling – all with amazing build quality and looks.
Cons
Louder exhaust
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Super planted
More than enough for me
Louder exhaust
German engineering and great BMW customer service even out of warranty (steering damper failure replaced free)
Always first class stopping power
Pros
It looks the part and quick… i cannot fault it as i have had many bike's in the past
Cons
Let it come out of the showroom with a small plate
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EPIC handling nice and smooth into the corners thx to technology
You are asking how powerful the S1k WOW it's unbelievable
Perfectly reliable
No problems at all
Superb and sharp
Pros
Power, speed, brakes, handling, extras (heated grips etc)
Cons
The Matt black bellyban should be gloss in my opinion. The headlights are really poor that is one thing that does really let the bike down!
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The ride is supreme, this bike corners like a 600cc super sport yet packs all the punches that a super bike should. The bike takes all the bumps on roads which are in need of some tlc more like a adventure bike rather than a super bike.
Never ever in my life have I experienced power like this in my life!! It is like nothing else on earth! Every gear, it pulls like a train. Trust me this is the definition of German engineering, it screams pops bangs all the right notes when you are giving it the berry’s too, it turns heads wherever you are and will eat up your Italian supercars for breakfast!
Fuel wise the bike is a bit thirsty, but then again what do you expect from a machine Packing 200 horses and can reach almost the magic 200mph as standard! As the bike is still under warranty I have not had to shell out any costs for repairs, servicing etc so wouldn’t be able to comment. It does go through tyres rather quick, but trust me you are having fun going through them so that equals the cost out!
I have had no problems what so ever, the Japanese bikes seem to rattle components on the dash etc but this well built German machince shows none of this. The fairing bolts are really secure, and it all fits back in together again when you’ve taken it all apart for a good wash! The swing arm is a thing of beauty and really shows the build quality of the bike, it reminds me of a moto gp swing arm.
Read up any magazine review and they all say the same thing regarding this machines breaks! They are the best in the business! And the magazines aren’t lying! The stop like you’ve thrown an anchor off the side. The ABS is not intrusive when you are in race mode and still allows you to go heavy on the breaking before the abs brings in the rear.
Pros
It's German. Overall I love the bike, still little bits and pieces I want such as dymag wheels and ohilins shock but I'm sure it will get there
Cons
More carbon
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Loving the quickshifter, the bike feels alot more responsive out of the corners
Spot on
It cost me too much as the insurance is £1200 for the year
No problems as of yet touch wood
Couldn't be any better in my opinion
Pros
Power and looks
Cons
Luggage
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Smooth, direct powerful, if heavy...
Great power, engine scream a little worrying for the mechanically sympathetic.
Thirsty and with relatively expensive servicing costs..
Some of plastic a bit flimsy. Awkward and time consuming to remove.
Powerful and effective...
Pros
Performance, handling build quality reliability
Cons
nil
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rides very well handling is excellent
Have had R1,S and fireblades however the S1000rr is a different league
overall very good on a run 50 plus Mpg
first class build quality
Brembo as standard