I own a 2014 CBR1000RR with a lot of modifications, which are primarily aesthetic but include a power commander, 44 tooth rear sprocket and quickshifter for performance improvements. Yesterday on a whim I decided to test a 2018 BMW S1000RR Sport. I wasn’t in the market to buy one - rather I was just curious to see how it compares. With all the electronics on this bike I fully expected it to eclipse my Fireblade in terms of power and handling, but I found it rather disappointing. I found the throttle response a little jerky and the handling a little too ‘clinical’, as to say it didn’t have any ‘quirks’ or personality. It also felt smaller than the Fireblade which made me feel a bit too large. The clutch lever was heavy and during the stop/start sections in traffic caused aching. The vibration through the handlebars was quite severe and the seat got very very hot by the end of the ride. Additionally, for a bike that has more power than the Fireblade there was no noticeable improvement in acceleration for me. Finally the stock exhaust was so quiet it didn’t sound like I was on a superbike....that said, I am used to a Racefit so this would probably happen with all stock cans! On the positive, the Brembo brakes were mind blowing! I have never felt such intense stopping power. Also, the cruise control function which doesn’t seem necessary on a sports bike was actually really useful on the motorway. To summarise, whilst I know everybody has their own opinions and preferences, I didn’t feel that on the road it had the beating of the old school Fireblade, and I gladly climbed back onto my own bike having quashed any temptation to buy the beemer. Martin
Interesting. Couple of S1000RR owners on here who swear by the Bee Em. Will love to hear their response. Quite correct about the size though; for me, any bike smaller than the Blade is just too small. I'd still rather sit 'in' a bike rather than 'on' it. Great that you got the opportunity to ride one though. It either opens your eyes to a prospective new bike, or as in your case, reinforces that what you have cannot be beaten (yet).
I test rode a fresh S1000RR before buying my 2018 Blade and I would have to echo Emy‘s sentiments. I understand why people like the BM but for me it was just too track focused and clinical. I also found the build quality to be disappointing.
There must have been a massive decline in quality standards. Didn't BMW once enjoy a reputation as a high quality manufacturer? Must admit that I am recalling its heydays of flat twins.
I had the same feeling after riding the S1000RR, it seemed quite boring. Initially I thought that could be a component of the level of electronics, but after riding the Ducati Panigale V4S, I am not so sure. Of all the bikes, my '16 Repsol is my favorite.
Not just Bmw Nigel! Honda are knowhere near what they used to be either! The more power, gadgets, and electronics the consumer asks for the worse they will get.
Of all the bike I tried before settling on a 2018 SP1 the GSXR has the worst build quality followed by the S1000RR. There wasn’t much between the Fireblade and the R1M which were both superb.
I am one of those who chucked in my blade which I absolutely loved one of the easiest to ride 1000cc but after a few bad ABS moment and Honda fantastic customer service ( hum) I lost confidence and when that happens time to part company , The s1000rr is miles away from previous blades ( can't comment on current blade) I don't know what bike you were riding . the brakes are the best I've tried makes me look good riding some nice touches I think quality is better than most , after half a year of ownership the only down point is it does get red hot riding but can live with that
Beemer as a road bike it’s not for me but it’s a weapon on track Also there’s no such thing as a SP1 ha ha
I agree that's why I went for a sp....my friend went for the BMW.....on a ride today he said his was getting red hot on the seat area ...although at 5c his heated grips came in handy.....also someone else I know traded in his old bar xr1000 for a new one he had agreed a px price but when he went to collect it they said as he only had 30% front pad life left and for them to move his one on as BMW approved it needed at least 50% pad life left.....they wanted £170 to supply and fit in the end he paid £70 for the pads...and they covered the fitting....I would not have been happy nor is he....
Unless, of course, you're referring to the VTR. I do not understand why so many misdesignate the 2017 -18 SP. Honda has never labelled it an SP1; I guess it's just come about from uneducated media correspondents.
Crap dealer. A price is a price. Dealer based their price on an inspection/appraisal. They should be no right to jack up the price by way of replacing parts. I would have abandoned the deal and gone to another dealer.
Ah yes that’s right. It’s the SP and the SP2. SP1 is more logical however and it’s fast becoming the unofficial moniker. Ford never made a ‘Pinto’ engine after all...
There is/was a Honda VTR SP1 Was a bit of a beast in it's day. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_RC51
think I would of said thanks anyway and started to walk away no dealer would let a sale fall through for that
Has Honda stopped making spares for the VTR SP ? The reason I ask is because I was in our local dealers (buying a new HJC lid) and I noticed they had a White VTR in the showroom. So walked over and had a look - immaculate condition, but not for sale. The story is that it was brought in to have some work done on it, and it needs a new fuel pump - but they are not available from Honda any more. So the dude is stuck with having to get something from e-bay which the dealer is not prepared to source for him. They will fit it for him, but they will not supply him with something from e-bay in case it all goes wrong ! I was a bit surprised by all that - just wondering if that about parts availability is true ?
I tried a friend's HP4 a couple of times... Didn't felt all that difference in power and handling. I think electronics really tame the bike, and that's why we don't feel that much of a difference.
