BMW S1000 RR Sport buying advice

[Gee68]

Hi all
As the title suggests I’m off to look at the above bike this weekend(if not sold) as a replacement for my Ducati Hypermotard,
reason being is I’m moving towards a more track orientated bike rather than road as I’m a little concerned about my license after a few near misses.

Now I know it’s the thing too buy a 600cc and ring it’s neck to learn track riding but I’ll hold my hands up and admit to not being a riding God and liking the safety systems offered by the BMW.

So with the above in mind is there anything I need to look out for regarding the bike or are they pretty bulletproof.
It’s only got around 4000 miles and looks pretty standard.

Edited by Gee68 on Thursday 21st October 19:02

[Gee68]

Forgot to add it’s a 2018

[R1 Dave]

If you want track focussed and bulletproof I'd suggest a 2015 onwards R1 instead of the S1000RR. My R1 did 15k fairly tough miles with no issue. My mates 2015 S1k went bang twice (output shaft snapped off and then 3rd gear grenaded itself). The R1 was also more track focussed. I now own a 2020 S1000RR and the number of reliability scare stories are, well, a bit scary. Ive not had any issues with mine but then I've only don't 1200 miles, I'd certainly feel less comfortable running it without the peace of mind of a warranty whereas the R1 I tuned and thrashed without a second thought.

[Bob_Defly]

I still think a 600 would be a much better choice when learning to track ride. On a litre bike you will be forever slow in the corners, and then hammering it on the straight.

[trickywoo]

Everyone has their own opinion but in mine they are a long way from bulletproof.

From niggles to engine failures anything is possible.

If you are worried about needing an electronic safety net after a few trackday red flag fests due to crashing you won't want to be riding round on such an expensive bike.

This won't be a popular opinion but you need a van to get into track riding and also a bike you don't mind crashing.

[Gee68]

Thanks for taking the time to answer.
The reason I was looking at the BMW was I still wanted to use the bike on the road now and again and it’s supposed to be the comfiest in class.
Anyway I’ve talked myself out of it and it seems pointless buying a new bike to sit in the garage for six months before I can use it.

Regarding buying a van,been looking for months,even bought one unseen which turned out to be a shed.
Decent vans at a fair price are like rocking horse poo at the moment.

[blade7]

trickywoo said:

Everyone has their own opinion but in mine they are a long way from bulletproof.

From niggles to engine failures anything is possible.

Ultimately why I sold mine after 6 years and 11k miles. Nothing went wrong with it, and it was fine when I sold it. But stories about expensive problems at higher mileages, were enough for it to go. The BMW is a nicer bike, but I'd probably buy a GSX-R1000R instead today.

[R1 Dave]

Gee68 said:

Thanks for taking the time to answer.
The reason I was looking at the BMW was I still wanted to use the bike on the road now and again and it’s supposed to be the comfiest in class.
Anyway I’ve talked myself out of it and it seems pointless buying a new bike to sit in the garage for six months before I can use it.

Regarding buying a van,been looking for months,even bought one unseen which turned out to be a shed.
Decent vans at a fair price are like rocking horse poo at the moment.

If you also want a comfy road bike then the BMW is a good bet.

[Gee68]

Taking this conversation into the 600cc market what are peoples thoughts on the Aprillia RS660. Has all the electronics you could ever need,enough power for the street and great reviews.
Downsides,suspension a bit budget and could of done with a few more HP maybe???

Thoughts anyone??

[Mortgage_tom]

Gee68 said:

Taking this conversation into the 600cc market what are peoples thoughts on the Aprillia RS660. Has all the electronics you could ever need,enough power for the street and great reviews.
Downsides,suspension a bit budget and could of done with a few more HP maybe???

Thoughts anyone??

There was a brand new Aprillia RS660 at Anglesey track day a few weeks ago.

Im new to track days myself and have hired from https://www.smallboytrackbikes.co.uk/ and https://www.yamaha-track-experience.co.uk/ Being new I did like that both bikes had traction control, the Yamaha still has the ABS but I think tis turned off on the smallboys bike. I set off the traction control on them in the wet on corner exit. It was very wet when I rode the R6 so was nice to know the ABS was there. But as I understand it ABS or traction control wont save you if your lean angle is high. I think you need a R1M or something for that.

Maybe do a few with the hire bikes? Unless you do quite a lot of track day then hiring is a good option. It is for me, the ZX6R from smallboys has all the toys and must of been a few £ to build.

I think two bikes is the ultimate answer! One for the road and one for the track. The Kawasaki ZX6R started having ABS and traction control as an option back in 2013 I think. That I think is the cheapest "track bike" with ABS and traction control.

Im very new to track so someone else with more experince may be able to expand on what Ive written.

[snagzie]

What about the last of-the-line ZX6Rs? There might be a few left

[Gee68]

I only did two track days this year both of which were a wash out,that’s a very expensive day if you’re hiring a bike.

If I was buying a 600 for track only I would probably look at the Honda but I want something that I can use on the road occasionally and is relatively comfortable.

[Triaguar]

I had one for a while it had 16000 miles on when it went..no real issues other than a microswitch failure on quickshifter...really comfortable and very very capable on the road....which brings me to the bit I don't understand ..swapping your hypermotard for a 1000rr to 'save your licence' even though you want to use it on the road...they are not renowned for their lack of speed... what about another road bike of a more sedate nature and a track bike...either way enjoy

[Gee68]

Triaguar said:

I had one for a while it had 16000 miles on when it went..no real issues other than a microswitch failure on quickshifter...really comfortable and very very capable on the road....which brings me to the bit I don't understand ..swapping your hypermotard for a 1000rr to 'save your licence' even though you want to use it on the road...they are not renowned for their lack of speed... what about another road bike of a more sedate nature and a track bike...either way enjoy

I wondered when someone would pull me up on the speed bit and the choice of bike I was after,it does'nt make sense I know.
All I can say is the new bike would be predominately track based with occasional road use.
I have tracked the Ducati and it's way more competent than I am I just fancy something that's more suited to the job,plus,i've never owned a sports bike.