So, I’ve been eyeing this BMW S1000RR, or as some folks call it, the S1K, for a while now. It’s a beast of a machine, and I finally decided to take the plunge and get some real experience with it. I mean, I’ve ridden a few bikes, but nothing quite like this. This thing is a whole different animal.
First off, I went down to Garcia Moto, the local BMW motorcycle dealership near me in Raleigh. They’ve got a whole bunch of these bikes, and the folks there were super helpful. They let me take a test ride, which was a good start. I’ll tell you what, from the moment you sit on it, the riding position just feels right. It’s a sportbike, so it’s not exactly built for cruising around town, but it’s surprisingly comfortable for what it is.
Now, I’ve heard some people say that you need a ton of experience to handle this bike, like 5000 kms or a few months of riding. But honestly, I think it’s more about being sensible. Sure, it’s got a lot of power—around 200HP, which is insane—but it’s also got ABS and traction control, which are great safety features. They say the “RR” stands for “Race Replica,” and it’s used in professional racing like WSBK. This bike’s got upgraded electronics for 2024, so it’s pretty advanced.
I did a bit of research before going in. Apparently, BMW had some flops in the past, but they really nailed it with this one. They kept their strong lineup of touring and adventure bikes, but they also made a mark with this superbike. Some say it’s not street-legal, but that’s not the case where I live. It’s a powerful bike, sure, but it’s manageable if you’re not reckless.
One thing I was worried about was handling it on steep hills. I mean, it’s a heavy bike, and I didn’t want to risk tipping it over. So, during the test ride, I made sure to find some hills to try it out. It handled them like a champ. I also tried out some other bikes, like the Aprilia and a few Japanese ones, just to compare. The BMW felt the most solid to me.
I’ve heard some folks say it’s not a good beginner bike, and I get that. It’s a lot of machine to handle. But for someone who’s got a bit of experience and a good head on their shoulders, it’s an incredible ride. I wouldn’t recommend it as your very first bike, but if you’ve been riding for a while and you’re looking for something more, this could be it.
After the test ride and some more thinking, I decided to go for it. I picked up my own S1000RR and have been riding it for a few weeks now. I’ve taken it on some longer rides, and while it’s not the most comfortable for long distances, it’s definitely doable. It’s more about the thrill of the ride with this one.
- Getting Started: Visited Garcia Moto, the local BMW dealership.
- Test Ride: Took the S1000RR for a spin.
- Research: Looked into the bike’s history and specs.
- Hill Test: Tried it out on some steep inclines.
- Comparison: Tested other bikes like Aprilia and Japanese models.
- Decision: Decided to buy the S1000RR.
- Riding Experience: Been riding it for a few weeks, including some longer trips.
Overall, I’m really happy with my decision. It’s an amazing bike, and it’s been a blast to ride. It’s not just about the speed; it’s about the whole experience. The way it handles, the sound of the engine, the feeling of power—it’s all just incredible. I’m excited to see where this bike takes me next. Maybe some track days are in my future.