BMW S1000RR Owners - Tell me what you know!

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Mina

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I've been going back and forth on selling/trading my '06 GSX-R 750 for something newer and exciting. After looking at all options, I narrowed it down to the S1KRR.

To be quite honest, the electronic gadgets/gizmos scare me a little. I'm looking at buying used so warranty might not be an option.

What year model should I avoid?
What common issues/problems are these bikes known for?
Recalls?
How are the electronics/gadgets holding up after frequent use?
Service? Parts availability/cost? (Compared to the big 4)

Please share your experience/knowledge with this particular bike, any additional information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
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Mina said:
Nobody owns an S1K out there?
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I'm surprised at how little response there is in this thread, I see more S1000RRs than any other liter bike at KC and L&L.
 
I've seen three blown up just last year. :)

Depends on what you like in a sportbike. If you don't intend to do track, buy a GSXR or CBR. If you do, buy a ZX10R. Want something cool for reasonable money, RSV4-R. The S1000RR was the original new generation bike but frankly it's become the underdog for superstock racing with the new ZX10R and for everything else it's just another bike unless you think having 20hp more than your buddies (that you'll never use) is worth teh maintenance and parts costs from BMW (but again, the ZX10R with unlocked ECU will match it and out-handle it).
 
I don't have one but I looked into them a while ago and based on the S1000RR forums, the biggest problems I noted were:

- Front brake failure
- Failure of right-side combo switch when bike left out in the sun, meaning that you can't start the bike until you park it in the shade for a while
- Failure of kickstand switch
 
WeatherB said:
I don't have one but I looked into them a while ago and based on the S1000RR forums, the biggest problems I noted were:

- Front brake failure
- Failure of right-side combo switch when bike left out in the sun, meaning that you can't start the bike until you park it in the shade for a while
- Failure of kickstand switch
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I have two friends with them. Never heard of any of these issues. It's like anything, I guess. You just hear about the complaints, everyone else who owns one is out enjoying the ride.
 
daught said:
Wouldn't the electronics be helpful for the street? Less chance to f up?
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After a few weeks with my RSV4, I'd say........ ABS definitely.

Traction control? More of a race track item.
 
Shaman said:
I've seen three blown up just last year. :)

Depends on what you like in a sportbike. If you don't intend to do track, buy a GSXR or CBR. If you do, buy a ZX10R. Want something cool for reasonable money, RSV4-R. The S1000RR was the original new generation bike but frankly it's become the underdog for superstock racing with the new ZX10R and for everything else it's just another bike unless you think having 20hp more than your buddies (that you'll never use) is worth teh maintenance and parts costs from BMW (but again, the ZX10R with unlocked ECU will match it and out-handle it).
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That's it OP, listen to the guy who doesn't have one.
Review after review puts the BMW ahead of the other litre bikes:
Class of 2013 Shootout! Panigale R vs HP4 vs F4RR vs RSV4 vs ZX-10R vs RC8R - On Two Wheels Ep 35 - YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2toWydSqqCg

Are you a 16 year old who is buying his first bike, or someone who can afford top of the line machines (this is definately not a bike for amateurs). DCT/ABS when designed and applied properly certainly do increase the safety levels. You cannot overpower a corner or loop the bike back via clutch/power wheelie unless you change the automatic settings to disregard bike feedback.
Amazing bike, ultra smooth power delivery. No issues with mine so far.

I was in a rush when I put the top part of the post together. To elaborate further, here is my personal review of the '13 model:

Like's:
- Multi mode functions (Rain/Sport/Race/Slick) and each mode actually changes the feel of your bike
- Very smooth power curve
- Built in heated grips
- #1 bike for aftermarket mods available
- Relatively comfortable riding position and seat
- Extremely fast
- Stock brakes are amazing
- Very easy to adjust suspension, sag, preload, etc
- Many built in features on electronic dash
- FTP trigger (flash to pass)
- Slipper clutch
- Great overall driveability, even city driving
- Factory steering damper is decent

Dislikes:
- OTD Cost
- Stock windshield does not provide much wind relief
- Frame gets uncomfortably hot (quickly) when in stop and go traffic
- Stock seat pushes your junk against the tank
- 1st gear is too long. 145 kph before bouncing the rev limiter! Never any real need to move past 2nd...
- Huge, ugly Cat that is very visible
- Mirror vibrations - cannot make out brand of cars you have left behind

Hope this provides you with the insight you were/are seeking
 
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I heard from a guy that has one that they have to be ridden hard and high revs in order to have good handling, otherwise they feel like crap.

I don't know if it is true, people talk a lot of ****.
 
California superbike uses them for their track school with the bikes circling non stop all day long pretty much as you share it with 2 other riders. A few weeks ago in Alabama I beat the **** out of one in 95 degree heat on the track at barber all day and it and the other 30 BMW S1000's didn't miss a beat. Ugly bike but very fun to ride
 
Shaman said:
gsxrjon: In virtually all reviews where the BMW wins, it wins on value and on its street character. Not performance. There is no doubt it's a great bike and I don't think I said it was...

...but the ZX10R has an even bigger aftermarket and has won many tests versus the S1000RR in its de-restricted mode (you need a slip-on and a ECU reflash to get 190whp). More to the point, it performs better once that has been done.

The Panigale and RSV4 frequently beat even the HP4 around a race track. That's also well documented.

So don't say "review after review puts it ahead of other bikes" because it a) depends on what you are looking for and b) certainly hasn't happened in every single review.

As for having seen three BMWs go boom: I guess I don't like being called a liar much. They can, have, and may grenade either engine or gearbox and there is plenty of documented cases of it happening.
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Im not sure about the ZX10 winning any dick measuring contests

Someone I know has a 2011 ZX10R, Akro slipon, European ECU flash, tuning, etc etc...He went to a day dyno day and pulled 180, his friend with a brand new BMW S1000RR stock pulled 185.....The stock BMW layed more HP stock then a mildy modified ZX10 with a few thousand in upgrades...
 
JohnnyP636 said:
A friend of mine has a 2011 ZX10R, Akro slipon, European ECU flash, tuning, etc etc...He went to a day dyno day and pulled 180, his friend with a brand new BMW S1000RR stock pulled 185.....The stock BMW layed more HP stock then a mildy modified ZX10 with a few thousand in upgrades...
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And I've seen the opposite, too. Take a look at how many ZX10Rs are in Superstock grids in the AMA right now...

...and BTW if you think you will use 185whp on the street, take it from me, you won't. My GSX-R had around 180whp for the past three years and I sold it partially because it was only interesting if you were willing to go warp speed on the street. My Tuono proved to me that less can be more.
 
Shaman said:
And I've seen the opposite, too. Take a look at how many ZX10Rs are in Superstock grids in the AMA right now...
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Ok and even if you do manage to pull more HP with a 10, the ZX10 has to be modified to pull that. The BMW pulls it right off the showroom floor, that was my point

At the least you have to flash your ECU, Im a huge kawi fan but in this case Id choose the BMW personally...

Mina isnt going to race AMA I know that, he just bought a 600RR track bike....And I just cant see him buying a ZX10 either way...
 
Im not a fan of Electronics,

i bought the 2013 CBR1000rr. i believe to be the best litre bike FOR ME (certainly not for everyone).
I like Honda's philosophy, it is the rider's responsibility to operate in a safe manner.

relying on traction control or 4 riding modes to save you is just asking for trouble. if you plan on relying on the bike to help keep you safe i wouldn't recommend a Litre bike.

however
i will say the S1000 is VERY comfortable. I've always been a BMW fan, and would've picked one up myself...deal breaker for me was the electronic aids, just don't want them.
 
North America is the only place getting neutered 10s. But even so its cheaper to buy and mod...

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk 2
 
Apollo95 said:
Im not a fan of Electronics,

i bought the 2013 CBR1000rr. i believe to be the best litre bike FOR ME (certainly not for everyone).
I like Honda's philosophy, it is the rider's responsibility to operate in a safe manner.

relying on traction control or 4 riding modes to save you is just asking for trouble. if you plan on relying on the bike to help keep you safe i wouldn't recommend a Litre bike.

however
i will say the S1000 is VERY comfortable. I've always been a BMW fan, and would've picked one up myself...deal breaker for me was the electronic aids, just don't want them.
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if you only ride it on the street then you don't need traction control, if you ride it on the track then you will need it big time.

Ability and skill is great and the most important thing, but it gets to a moment where technology surpasses the ability of the human body to manage a machine, at that point is when you need traction control or put a lot of bubble wrap around you!

Forks of credit and the 507 don't need traction control, I think it actually gets in the way to having some fun on the street, but move the same bike to a technical track and traction control is a necessity.
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