2021 BMW S 1000 RR Review | MC Commute

BMW gives superbike riders the best of both worlds with its tech-heavy S 1000 RR superbike ($22,195 as tested). Designed for competition but outfitted with street-friendly accoutrement, this Berlin-built streetbike makes a good argument for a sportbike that can do it all

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Taking your seat at the controls reveals a flat riding position with a thinly padded seat and high-mounted rider foot controls. The clip-on bars are nice and wide and don’t have an overly aggressive stance. The 427-pound BMW feels both slim and light between the rider’s legs. One knock: We wish the windscreen was taller when in a tucked riding position.

Insert the mechanical ignition key and push the starter button and the engine fires to life with a healthy high-tech growl that’s signature in the literbike-and-above class. Ride-by-wire throttle response is smooth and accurate, plus it can be modified based on global vehicle mode setting (Road, Rain, Race).

The optional Ride Modes Pro package (part of the $3,750 M package, also includes carbon fiber rims, a lithium-ion battery, and M-badged rider seat) allows the rider to customize three maps (Race 1, 2, 3) and tweak combined engine power/throttle response, engine-brake, traction, and wheelie and ABS control, as well as modify the Dynamic Damping Control— Motorrad-speak for semi-active suspension, which is included in the no-charge Dynamic package. There is a caveat: You have to purchase both the M and Select package to get it.

This lets the S 1000 RR go from mild to wild with a few pushes of a button. Keeping tabs on vehicle settings is a bright and legible 6.5-inch color TFT display. The screen offers crisp fonts and fast processing power. It’s easy to read day and night, and has a variety of detailed trip settings. Speaking of which, we averaged 37.5 mpg during the course of our street rides.

We also love the ability to pair the vehicle with our iOS-enabled smartphone using the free and easy-to-use BMW Motorrad Connected app. This allows you to record trips and integrates turn-by-turn navigation on the display. It also can pair with Bluetooth-enabled headsets for a more immersive experience. Additional creature comforts include cruise control and heated grips (included in the Dynamic package).

Hard on the throttle the S 1000 RR delights with its hard-hitting and exhilarating overall engine performance. A slick-shifting bidirectional electronic quickshifter is another plus. However, in stock form, the engine is electronically restricted between 6,000 and 8,000 rpm in second and third gears due to US noise and emissions regulations. The engine also vibrates excessively—especially at high rpm.

Thankfully there is a solution: BMWHP.com out of Texas can eliminate the restriction and boost engine power output to right around 200 hp at the 200-series Michelin Power RS (stock is right around 183 hp). To this, you have to send them the ECU, ignition module, and key, as well as the instrument display. This modification also voids the three-year, 36,000-mile warranty. The cost for this service is $850.

Chassis agility is mesmerizing—especially with the bespoke carbon fiber rims. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more maneuverable bike in the superbike class. While we appreciate the DDC’s suspension’s wide range of settings, it doesn’t deliver the same level of compliance and overall chassis stability as other manufacturer’s modern top-level semi-active suspension packages. Another strike: It doesn’t allow for fixed damping adjustment.

Suspension woes aside, the S 1000 RR’s braking package is excellent. Feel and overall response from the front and rear brakes is exemplary and we like the wide range of adjustability afforded by the ABS control.

Aside from the annoying engine restriction and questionable damping response, we’re big fans of BMW’s liter-class superbike. Although it has a racy overall design, its versatile electronics package allows for the best of both worlds. From a relatively tame road-going superbike to a rip-roaring knife-edge trackbike, this up-spec S 1000 RR is a sportbike that can do it all.

Full story here: https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/reviews/2021-bmw-s-1000-rr-mc-commute/

Photography: Joseph Agustin

Video/edit: @Adam Waheed

Motorcycle riding gear worn:

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR
Jacket: Rev’It Tornado 3
Gloves: Rev’It Sand 3
Pant: Rev’It Austin
Boots: TCX X-Cube Evo Air

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