My buddy picked up a new R1200GS today, and I met him at the BMW store. While waiting for paperwork to be signed, etc, the owner saw me looking over the S1000 on the showroom floor, and asked me if I wanted a ride. I said, "SURE!!", with no hesitation.
Here's my unbiased opinion of the S1000RR:
It's a rocket, especially above 7000 rpms. Easiest shifting bike I've ever driven - it had some sort of shift assist from the factory. Fantastic brakes. Really made my 'Busa brakes feel inadequate. Horrible seat. My test ride was only about 10 miles, but my butt felt like 100 miles. Then again, the S1000 isn't exactly a tourer now, is it? Performance above 7,000 rpm was really impressive, but in the typical urban setting of my test drive, the 'Busa is much easier to ride, and more impressive down low in the rpm band.
My conclusion: I don't see myself as a S1000RR owner. The 'Busa does so much more for me, is faaaaar more comfortable to ride, is more impressive performance-wise in your typical urban-traffic setting. I imagine if I were a week-end track warrior, the S1000 would be the way to go. But for my style of riding, and my typical highway experience, the 'Busa is still king of the hill!
The store owner told me to come back real soon...wanted me to test out a new Ducati...I'll keep y'all posted!!
BTW, props to the store: Pandora's Motorsports, in Chattanooga, TN. a real class operation!
CW
Here's my unbiased opinion of the S1000RR:
It's a rocket, especially above 7000 rpms. Easiest shifting bike I've ever driven - it had some sort of shift assist from the factory. Fantastic brakes. Really made my 'Busa brakes feel inadequate. Horrible seat. My test ride was only about 10 miles, but my butt felt like 100 miles. Then again, the S1000 isn't exactly a tourer now, is it? Performance above 7,000 rpm was really impressive, but in the typical urban setting of my test drive, the 'Busa is much easier to ride, and more impressive down low in the rpm band.
My conclusion: I don't see myself as a S1000RR owner. The 'Busa does so much more for me, is faaaaar more comfortable to ride, is more impressive performance-wise in your typical urban-traffic setting. I imagine if I were a week-end track warrior, the S1000 would be the way to go. But for my style of riding, and my typical highway experience, the 'Busa is still king of the hill!
The store owner told me to come back real soon...wanted me to test out a new Ducati...I'll keep y'all posted!!
BTW, props to the store: Pandora's Motorsports, in Chattanooga, TN. a real class operation!
CW
.... and if I ever do ride one...I GUARANTEE IT WON'T
