Hello everyone, glad to be here. I would like to give a bit of background about my self as a rider and hopefully some of you could advice me and help make the decision.
I have been riding for 10 years, started with a Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide. I really like Harleys for what they were, however I was always curious to try something else. In 2014, I test rode a Ducati Monster 1200, I loved the medium size, the lightness, agility and rawness of the bike. I made it a target to be able to get one, two years later in 2016, I bought an almost new Monster 1200S in white and I didn't know what I was missing until I owned one. I am blessed to be able to own two bikes, but the Harley was sold and I bought a used Multistrada 1260S in 2020, for my two-up, long distances riding that I occasionally do. Both bikes are near and dear to my heart, as there is so little that they can't do.
I am turning 40 next year, and what is a better gift than a new bike! It so happens that a BMW dealership finally opened in my town. I always wanted a sport bike, for the sake of variety perhaps, or before its too late age-wise to be able to own and enjoy one. I was able to extensively use a Panigale 1299 that I co-owned with a friend and to be honest, it was horrible! thigh- burning, bum-numbing, wrist-torturing angry machine. I suspect that there was something wrong with it heat wise, as the rear plastic mud-guard melted and because it was a base model, suspensions wasn't set up right and no matter how much I fiddled with it based on factory-comfort settings, was still too rough! Sold it and no love lost there.
I never considered the S1000RR previously despite the high-praises about it, until the current gen was release in 2019 that is. I was awe-struck by the design aesthetics, what a beautiful design! Every review I have read and watched just praises the comfort factor, the smoothness of the engine and how easy it is to ride.
I dropped by the dealership three weeks ago and they had one s1000RR on display with the following specs
Unfortunately they didn't have a demo ride available, but the sales executive allowed me take a short spin on this specific one around the dealership. Considering that I wouldn't be able to take it on a long one-hour ride at least I was reluctant to accept but didn't miss the opportunity to at least get a feel of the ergonomics. Well, I was pleasantly surprised, slow speed maneuvering is impressive, engine is very smooth, riding position is comfortable on both the knees and wrists, but seat was a bit hard. Obviously this was a 5 minutes spin and hence I am here for couple of queries.
Typically I ride on city and suburban roads, with plenty of smooth asphalt, some interesting twisties between the mountains for an hour and half to two hours per ride with some highways thrown in between. Non-typically are one hour long commutes out of town for work (twice a month maybe) and long trips out of town on highways. My plan is to replace the Monster with an S1000RR keeping the Multistrada for it's sportiness, touring capability and two-up comfort...and the glorious engine note!
The questions I have are the following:
-Is the S1000RR good for my intended use and riding style? keeping the Panigale experience in mind!
-Carbon wheels Vs Cast wheels. there is one available that is specified without the carbon package, billet package and carbon wheels. It comes with cast wheels, Will I feel significant difference in handling and agility? Are the carbon wheels reliable?
-From a value perspective shall I opt for the base model with the cast wheels or go for the fully loaded one I test rode? I know that the add-ons are at bargain price compared to fitting them afterwards!
-As a owner, of a current gen s1000RR, is there anything that you don't like? or wish it was better?
Thanks and sorry there is no TL;DR version otherwise you will miss the point!
I have been riding for 10 years, started with a Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide. I really like Harleys for what they were, however I was always curious to try something else. In 2014, I test rode a Ducati Monster 1200, I loved the medium size, the lightness, agility and rawness of the bike. I made it a target to be able to get one, two years later in 2016, I bought an almost new Monster 1200S in white and I didn't know what I was missing until I owned one. I am blessed to be able to own two bikes, but the Harley was sold and I bought a used Multistrada 1260S in 2020, for my two-up, long distances riding that I occasionally do. Both bikes are near and dear to my heart, as there is so little that they can't do.
I am turning 40 next year, and what is a better gift than a new bike! It so happens that a BMW dealership finally opened in my town. I always wanted a sport bike, for the sake of variety perhaps, or before its too late age-wise to be able to own and enjoy one. I was able to extensively use a Panigale 1299 that I co-owned with a friend and to be honest, it was horrible! thigh- burning, bum-numbing, wrist-torturing angry machine. I suspect that there was something wrong with it heat wise, as the rear plastic mud-guard melted and because it was a base model, suspensions wasn't set up right and no matter how much I fiddled with it based on factory-comfort settings, was still too rough! Sold it and no love lost there.
I never considered the S1000RR previously despite the high-praises about it, until the current gen was release in 2019 that is. I was awe-struck by the design aesthetics, what a beautiful design! Every review I have read and watched just praises the comfort factor, the smoothness of the engine and how easy it is to ride.
I dropped by the dealership three weeks ago and they had one s1000RR on display with the following specs
- Mineral Gray color
- Carbon wheels, carbon package
- M Billet package
- Race package (endurance chain, pro riding modes and Sport silencer)
- Comfort package (heated grips, cruise, DDC, USB)
Unfortunately they didn't have a demo ride available, but the sales executive allowed me take a short spin on this specific one around the dealership. Considering that I wouldn't be able to take it on a long one-hour ride at least I was reluctant to accept but didn't miss the opportunity to at least get a feel of the ergonomics. Well, I was pleasantly surprised, slow speed maneuvering is impressive, engine is very smooth, riding position is comfortable on both the knees and wrists, but seat was a bit hard. Obviously this was a 5 minutes spin and hence I am here for couple of queries.
Typically I ride on city and suburban roads, with plenty of smooth asphalt, some interesting twisties between the mountains for an hour and half to two hours per ride with some highways thrown in between. Non-typically are one hour long commutes out of town for work (twice a month maybe) and long trips out of town on highways. My plan is to replace the Monster with an S1000RR keeping the Multistrada for it's sportiness, touring capability and two-up comfort...and the glorious engine note!
The questions I have are the following:
-Is the S1000RR good for my intended use and riding style? keeping the Panigale experience in mind!
-Carbon wheels Vs Cast wheels. there is one available that is specified without the carbon package, billet package and carbon wheels. It comes with cast wheels, Will I feel significant difference in handling and agility? Are the carbon wheels reliable?
-From a value perspective shall I opt for the base model with the cast wheels or go for the fully loaded one I test rode? I know that the add-ons are at bargain price compared to fitting them afterwards!
-As a owner, of a current gen s1000RR, is there anything that you don't like? or wish it was better?
Thanks and sorry there is no TL;DR version otherwise you will miss the point!
