BMW S1000 RR
With the commercial success of adventure bikes, crossovers and naked bikes, the supersport segment has become rather quiet in recent years. And yet, manufacturers such as Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, MV Agusta, Kawasaki and Honda continue to offer motorcycles of this kind. Whether for homologation in racing, for use on track days, or for riders who want to fulfill their dream of owning a superbike for the road, the market still exists.
That these one-liter machines are extremely fast on the racetrack with a skilled rider is beyond question. But how accessible is a supersport bike with 210 hp and a fighting weight of 198 kg for the everyday rider on public roads? We set out to answer this question by testing the BMW S1000 RR.
Technological innovations on the 2025 model
A new 6.5-inch TFT display improves the readability of the many available data points. With the different riding modes – “Rain,” “Road,” “Dynamic,” “Race,” and the customizable “Race Pro” – the rider can configure the bike according to individual needs, such as engine braking effect or ABS settings for slick tires. For track enthusiasts, perfect launches are possible via “Launch Control” and controlled drifts with “Slide Control.”
A short-stroke throttle now reduces the twist angle by 14 degrees compared to the previous model, resulting in more precise throttle response.
Further improvements relate to aerodynamics: new winglets on the front fairing increase downforce at 300 km/h from 17 kg to 23 kg. At 150 km/h, the downforce amounts to 5.9 kg, reducing the tendency to wheelie. On straights and in fast corners, the added downforce provides greater stability. BMW engineers also reduced drag through redesigned front and side fairings. The new front mudguard integrates brake cooling ducts, ensuring consistent braking performance even under prolonged load. At the front, 320 mm discs with radially mounted four-piston calipers are fitted, while a 220 mm disc at the rear ensures optimal deceleration.
On the road in daily use
Of course, every rider knows there are better options than a supersport for commuting or touring. Still, the S1000 RR can be ridden surprisingly casually in traffic. The seat, footpeg, and handlebar positions are on the sporty side but not extreme enough to feel uncomfortable in daily use. Our test bike was equipped with the optional sport seat at 858 mm seat height, which really only suits taller riders. For the road, we recommend the standard seat height of 832 mm. Hill start assist and cruise control add real comfort in practice, and the optional taller windscreen offers pleasant wind protection.
The engine – typical of an inline-four – feels smooth at low revs, with no jerkiness in throttle response. Thanks to the ShiftCam system, the 1000 cc engine provides plenty of torque from low rpm. From 6000 rpm, the BMW surges forward, and between 10,000 and 13,750 rpm the acceleration feels brutal. The quickshifter for the six-speed gearbox works flawlessly in both directions. In “Road” mode, the electronic suspension responds comfortably.
As for handling: the lightweight, low-inertia carbon wheels make it easy to tip the S1000 RR into lean without the bike feeling unstable. With body weight shifted forward, the rider gets excellent feedback from the front wheel, allowing the bike to be steered with millimetric precision. The brake lever delivers a reassuring feel, and braking performance matches the bike’s potential perfectly.
Conclusion
In summary, this superbike, equipped with comfort features, can indeed be used in everyday life with a few compromises. However, it should be emphasized that the 210 hp at 13,750 rpm can never be exploited on public roads – not even in first gear, which already takes you past 160 km/h. On twisty country roads, however, the S1000 RR delivers pure riding pleasure even at legal speeds. The many assistance systems help keep the bike under control, and the immense potential of the chassis and brakes inspires confidence even in “non-racers.”
The base price is a fair €20,972.98, but our test bike was fitted with an additional €13,382.37 worth of options. The decision is yours: will you make the superbike dream come true?
Technical Data
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Engine: Inline-four with variable intake camshaft control
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Displacement: 999 cc (bore x stroke 80 mm x 49.7 mm)
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Power: 210 hp at 13,750 rpm
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Torque: 113 Nm at 11,000 rpm
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Emission standard: Euro 5+
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Transmission: 6-speed with quickshifter
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Top speed: 303 km/h
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0–100 km/h: 3.21 seconds
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Weight: 198 kg
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Seat height: 832 mm (sport seat 858 mm)
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Fuel tank: 16.5 liters
Strengths and Weaknesses
+ Handling
+ Engine performance
+ Quickshifter
+ Aerodynamics
+ Braking system
– Expensive options
– Seat height (sport seat)