PH2 Tested: 2012 BMW S1000RR
The best just got better, as Japan's Euro nightmare returns with a vengeance
What made the original S1000RR so revolutionary was its electronics package. While Ducati had unveiled the first 'proper' traction control system on two-wheels on the 1098R in 2007 (yes I know the Pan European had one, Ducati's system was far more advanced), and Honda had 'race' ABS on its CBR600RR in 2009, BMW put it all together in the most electronically advanced motorcycle on the market. The BMW came with variable ABS that switched sensitivity depending on which power mode you had the bike set in (Rain, Sport, Race or Slick) and this in turn also altered the traction control, throttle response and fuel maps.
These electronics made average riders feel like heroes and when combined with a stunning chassis and class-leading powerful motor made the BMW instantly the top of the 1000cc sportsbike food chain. The Japanese didn't know what had hit them.
So rather than a radical modification, the 2012 bike is a refresh and general iron-out of any teething issues. Not that there was much to sort out, since it was launched the S1000RR has ruled the track in 'production racing' Superstock form (but interestingly not World Superbikes) and generally emerged victorious in magazine group comparative tests against the Japanese competition. So what's the new model like? Unsurprisingly, still bloody fast and very, very good!
When riding the bike the biggest difference that you feel on the new model is in the engine's power delivery. The outgoing 2010/2011 S1000RR could prove a bit of a handful and when the power chimed in at around 8,000rpm it did it with such ferocity (in full power mode) that the front had a nasty habit of trying to go upwards rather than forwards, something the anti-wheelie wasn't overly good at dealing with. By fiddling with the fuel maps, BMW have altered the engine's power characteristics and made the 2012 bike far smoother and stronger in the midrange while still delivering the same peak power. Exiting corners the updated BMW has much more linear drive without the nasty powerband of the old model. It's still horrifically fast, and swallowed up Valencia's main straight at a frightening rate of knots, but it did it in a more controlled fashion and although it will still rear up in second gear on the throttle (when in Slick mode which de-activates the anti-wheelie feature) it is far less ferocious. However I'm glad BMW have added some adjustability to the steering damper, if you watch the video you can see the bars twitching on the start/finish straight well into third gear...
Despite already being the best sportsbike on the market, BMW have taken the S1000RR and improved it even further. It is still insanely fast, but the refined electronics and midrange performance reduce a bit of its wild edge and make it more manageable for the 'average' rider. To get the very best out of the BMW you need to be a British level racer, if not higher, but to go faster than you ever have on track with a huge safety net of electronics to shield you from disaster you just need the balls to push the S1000RR harder.
This is a track-focused machine and as such pretty extreme. It will wheelie on the throttle when you put the power down, it will shake its head a bit under hard acceleration and it is quite intimidating to ride. But what the hell do you expect from the best sportsbike on the market?
I soooo want one of these and whilst I think I am reasonably sensible and careful I just worry this will get me an invite from Her Majesties B&B.........or worse! (yea I know the throttle goes both ways yada yada)EPIC.
I never understand how people do this...there is now way you would drive a mid engined super car as your first car, what makes you think you can drive a 193bhp superbike?
There's a chap on here loves his S1000RR and praises it as the greatest thing on 2 wheels, but his S1k is back with BMW for the 2nd time getting it's second new camshaft... luckily it's under warranty, but what a ball ache.
There's a chap on here loves his S1000RR and praises it as the greatest thing on 2 wheels, but his S1k is back with BMW for the 2nd time getting it's second new camshaft... luckily it's under warranty, but what a ball ache.
EPIC.
I never understand how people do this...there is now way you would drive a mid engined super car as your first car, what makes you think you can drive a 193bhp superbike?
I take note and will have to undergo extensive training before buying one. The second thing that attracted me to the RR is the "safety" options, but I understand it is quite a powerful bike...
Its great having the electronics underneath you, but even with then its not a first bike. Even after nearly 18months of owning it the acceleration is a total assault on the senses. The electronics will help but they can't re write the laws of physics so best to work your way up to one of these.
I thought the video looked like a quick, but not a too quick lap or 2 & is Valencia bumpy between turns 2 & 3 or is there a lot of front chatter?
I'd have a go on one but doubt I'd want to buy (specially at that cost)
It's still strange that as powerful & capable BMW have made it it's still just not in the same ballpark at Superbike level as others. Maybe they need a factory backed independent team to make that last leap- like Crescent,HM Plant,GSE, Swan have done for Suzuki, Honda & Yamaha.
As for a first bike... Well, I would not go near one as yet, after 5 years and 50k miles of rideing. If nothing else you will not learn how to ride fast with too much power. I can keep up with allot of people on liter sports bikes on my 50bhp 600, because they slow down so much at every corner through fear.
Similarly, I wonder whether the power of the S1000RR is too much and too easy, in that to get a good track time you don't need to have high corner speed because you have all that to blast down the straights (and ABS to help out at the other end). And on the road, it must be difficult not to be permanently in the "straight to prison and do not pass go" zone...
Don't get me wrong, I think the S1000RR is a fabulous, technical achievement and the acceleration must be great to experience. But overall I think a sports 600 without electronic aids is fast enough and mastering it would likely make you a better rider.
EPIC.
I've ridden many different bikes over the last 15 years...been knocked off a couple of them. Fastest thing i've had was a Blackbird, but one of these BMWs would blow that away. The Blackbird was too fast. I've now settled for a Fazer 600, which is still quick enough to out-gun 99% of cars.
I had a new Fireblade on loan for a day and it was mind-bogglingly fast - F1 car levels of power-to-weight (well, almost). Very easy to get into trouble with though.
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