Hey William,
I have both the S1000RR and a Gen 1 (’06) Busa. I’m not going to compare and contrast as that will surely lead us down a “my bike is better†path that won’t do anyone any good. The only thing I will say on that front is they are two very different bikes and both are great!
Here are my thoughts on the S1000RR after 2 track days…
This is a remarkable bike. BMW did a heck of a job. The fit and finish are what you would expect from BMW. It has an amazing electronics package, good power (especially above 7000 rpms), shifts easy, turns easy, stays planted in the turns and will stop on a dime. The bike is very fast. I wish I was a good enough rider to take advantage of it.
The biggest drawback to me is it's not comfortable for long periods of time.
Depending on the packages you get, it will come with Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) Combined and a Gear Shift Assistant that allows for WOT clutchless upshifts. I got to use the Gear Shift Assist at Hallett and it’s pretty cool. The ABS rocks! On the street the will stop you. I was not prepared the first time I used them, grabbed a hand full of brakes and almost went over the bars. I went wide in a turn on Sunday and left the track. I pulled in the clutch and applied brakes and came to a nice safe stop. I was able to use the front brake because the bike applies front and back and with the ABS I was not worried about washing out the front end.
Here is more on the electronics:
1. Power Mode: Rain: Power is cut to 150 bhp, reduced torque, and the
throttle response is gentler.
* The braking force is applied to both front and rear wheels (partially
integral brakes)
* Rear wheel ABS operates even when only the rear foot brake is used
* The system detects if the rear wheel is lifting
* Wheelie protection operates
* Reduces rear wheel spin
* Increased traction and stability even when the frictional coefficient
spikes suddenly
2. Power Mode: Sport (which is the default setting): Full power (193 at the \
crank, approx 183 rwhp) with a fast but smooth throttle response.
* The braking force is applied to both front and rear wheels (partially
integral brakes)
* Rear wheel ABS operates even when only the rear foot brake is used
* The system detects if the rear wheel is lifting
* Wheelie protection operates
* DTC is slower to intervene than in Rain Mode, so slight drifts are
possible when exiting corners
3. Power Mode: Race: Full power but instant throttle response.
* The braking force is applied to both front and rear wheels (partially
integral brakes)
* Rear wheel ABS operates even when only the rear foot brake is used
* No rear wheel lift detection
* Wheelie protection operates
* DTC even slower to intervene so longer drifts and brief wheelies are
possible when exiting corners
4. Power Mode: Slick (coding plug required to be inserted): Full power with
an aggressive and instant throttle response.
* The braking force is applied to both front and rear wheels (partially
integral brakes)
* ABS does not operate when only foot brake is used
* No rear wheel lift detection
* Wheelies allowed up to a lean angle of 23 degrees and for up to 5
seconds