In April 2019 I moved from my 2012 Triumph 675R to a 2018 BMW S1000R sport. This being a Gen2 model. Basically the S1000RR model but naked and slightly reduced level of power at circa 160bhp. The sport model comes with plenty of features and tech although you could argue this is now outdated. The electronics allow you to select various power modes from rain to dynamic pro where all of the traction control and ABS is turned off and levels in between.
Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
The gen 2 model has an up and down quick-shifter, heated grips, Cruise Control and can return up to 50mpg if you are a little more conservative, but you still wont be hanging about. The looks of the bike are marmite – some people just don’t get the a-symmetrical front end, but personally I’m ok with it. This was replaced amongst other changes in the Gen 3 model.
I think it looks great
Additions/changes to the bike by myself or previous owner are the following:
- Comfort seat
- Bar risers
- GB Racing engine casing protection
- 12v USB port (connects direct to loom)
- Akraprovic end can
- Ventura Rail and Rack Luggage
- Rear sets
- Bar end weights
- HP Levers
- Radiator and Oil cooler guards
- Larger screen (Wunderlich)
Into Europe
Having owned this now for approaching 6 years, I’ve done some trips in the UK , over to Coimbre in Portugal and most recently a trip through France and across to Spain via Andorra.
The bike has plenty of power on tap that is useable through the range from tickling through towns at 30mph or pulling you through to higher speed road riding. These combine to ensure it is a fantastic bike for overtaking: There is no dancing on the gearbox, this will just pull and pull. Thankfully when it comes to stopping you will find the brakes are just fantastic.
As a naked sports bike the concern is always how the bike will be at higher speeds and the only time I found an issue was on the Autobahn in Germany but that was a particularly windy day. Sitting on the motorway at normal cruising speeds is most definitely not an issue and in fact this bike just does it all. My advice is if you go for a taller screen to get a less wide one as I believe that will contribute to head shake. The Wunderlich I have fitted is just brilliant.
The front end layout splits opinion
No Pillions Please
The bike isn’t a full touring machine that’s for sure. However, it does the job very well but as a chopped down sports bike. To be honest it’s not suitable for taking a pillion anywhere. The rear seat is just for emergencies and short trips only. Note that the storage underneath is pretty limited especially with the factory fitted tracker. If you want to go more tourer without full on adventure try the S1000XR. A bike that may which will probably be my next stop.
As well as being my road bike used mainly for touring I decided to use the bike on track at Circuito Monteblanco in Spain. You can have a lot of fun on it and really push the boundaries of yourself and the bike. Ways that you may not encounter on the public roads. This extends the bikes useability to this element, Indeed you could also be another factor if considering one of these bikes, assuming track riding is for you.
Reliable Too
I’ve not had any issues with the bike. It has run like a dream everywhere. Good servicing is key and I ensure the bike has its yearly oil change, and brake fluid change every 2 years. I’ve put a replacement set of Chain and sprockets on. I opted for the Supersprox on the rear and kept gearing standard. The big service is at 18000 miles and can be quite expensive. However its a must to do. Again if buying a secondhand model ensure this is done or is reflected in the price. Expect to pay £600 and upwards especially at a main dealer.
The tyres I’ve changed a couple of times now, initially using the Metzeler Roadtec 01’s. Now I have switched ti using the 02’s and would recommend either set as I opt for a set that will give good feedback in the dry aswell as the wet.
In summary for now this bike does everything I need it to do from local bike meets, to the mountain passes of the Pyrenees add some track fun to this and its definitely become an all-rounder.
Words and Pictures: Pete Fishwick
Editor: Tony Donnelly