Mega mileage on the new BMW S1000RR
9096 miles in eight months reveals Beemer’s secret road skill shock
419 miles
Friday, May 31. Moments after the grabbing the keys I’m heading to the Nürburgring, marvelling at the Beemer’s lightness and low-down torque. Cruise control, heated grips, quiet screen and neutral riding position make it the most comfortable superbike I’ve done big miles on. I’m loving the bold colour display, built-in satnav and dazzling LED lights. ‘Rain’ mode, with its softer suspension and throttle is perfect for comfy cruising. With 205bhp at the back wheel it’s a missile around the Nordschleife. Its crisp chassis, carbon wheels and allround svelteness let it carve around the 12.9-mile super-circuit like a racer. New BMW calipers are more than a match for the old Brembos and rider aids complement a hot lap, unlike the old RR’s. The bike returns an average 47mpg (the light comes on around 120-miles) on the road and 80 around the Ring. During one stint I discover it’ll do over 10 miles with zero range showing.
2456 miles
MSV Trackday at Brands Hatch. It flies through noise testing (at just 98dB). I’ve fitted Pirelli slicks and SBS Dual Carbon brake pads. The suspension is slightly too soft to handle extra tyre grip and stopping power, but nothing can get near it today.
2931 miles
The standard Metzeler Racetec RR K3s have lasted well. The rear has begun to squareoff, although there’s still plenty of tread. With some big trips coming up, I fit a set of Metzeler Diablo Rosso Corsa IIs.
3005 miles
Time to fit a BMW Motorrad tail pack (£137) and tank bag (£92) and ride to Spa Francorchamps to race in a six-hour race on Team Edge/RST’s 2018 S1000RR.
4397 miles
We ride the North Coast 500 to discover breath-taking terrain the Pyrenees or Tasmania would be proud of. The suspension handles everything from broken singletrack roads to smooth Scottish curves. Below 9000rpm (all you need for road riding) the ShiftCam grunt continues to impress.
6298 miles
6000-mile oil and filter service (£225) at BMW. Valve check isn’t until 18,000 miles. An engine warning light comes on the next day. Our local dealer plug the bike into their diagnostics but find nothing amiss.
6363 miles
Try the seat from a standard S1000RR for a trip to France. It’s kinder to your bum than the hard M pack perch, but slightly lower, reducing knee room.
7839 miles
Replace rear Rosso Corsa II after 5000 miles (the front looks untouched). They’ve handled everything I’ve thrown at them the perfect tyre for a superbike on the road.
9096 Miles
Monday, October 28. Hand keys back to BMW. The S1000RR hasn’t missed a beat and still looks fresh. There’s wear from ‘jacketrub’ on the back of the tank and scratches on the tail from the luggage and the right fork seal is weeping slightly.
Would I buy one? It’s wasted on the road, but surprisingly practical, nonetheless. But for the track, it’s a no-brainer.