Alright, so this 2024 BMW S1000RR thing. Been seeing it everywhere, you know? Online, magazines, guys at the local spot yapping about it. My old machine, she’s still got guts, but curiosity, man, it’s a thing. So, I thought, fine, let’s see what this new kid on the block is all about. Been doing this for years, checking out the new metal. It’s sort of a ritual, I guess.
Getting My Hands On It
First, I had to actually get a ride. That meant calling around. You know the drill. “Yeah, got any demo units?” “When can I come by?” Played that game for a bit. Finally, locked in a time. Dealerships, always a bit of a song and dance, but hey, part of the process.
Showed up on the day. And there it was. Parked up, looking all… aggressive. These things have more winglets than a fighter jet squadron these days. Can’t deny it looks the part, all sharp angles and that typical BMW stare. Walked around it a few times. Lots of plastic, but it feels solid enough. You tap it here and there, get a feel for the build.
Then, the moment of truth, swinging a leg over. Okay, first impressions on the perch. It’s tall. And the seat? Well, let’s just say it’s not built for long-distance comfort. But you don’t buy these for touring the countryside, do ya? Fired her up. That four-cylinder howl, yeah, unmistakable. Gave it a few revs. Sounds eager.
The Actual Ride – What It Felt Like
Pulled out of the dealership lot. Kept it tame through the town traffic. Always gotta get the feel of the clutch, the throttle response at low speeds. Smooth. Almost too smooth, if you ask me. These modern bikes, they’re so refined.
Then I found some open road. And that’s where I let it stretch its legs a bit. And man, oh man. This thing just wants to launch into orbit. The acceleration is just… brutal. You twist that grip and the world blurs. Seriously quick. No doubt about that. The engine just keeps pulling.
Handling-wise, it’s sharp. Tips into corners like it’s reading your mind. Super light, super agile. You just think about turning, and it’s already there. The brakes? Strong. Very strong. Gotta be, with that kind of power.
But here’s the thing. The electronics. So. Many. Options.
- Riding modes
- Traction control settings
- Wheelie control this, slide control that.
It’s like operating a damn computer. I just found a mode that felt decent and stuck with it. I come from a time when it was just you, the throttle, and the brakes. Maybe I’m old-fashioned.
Rode it for about an hour, maybe a bit more. Got a good sense of it. Pushed it where I could, safely. It’s incredibly capable. Way more capable than I am, that’s for sure.
So, What’s The Verdict?
Handed the keys back. My wrists were a bit sore, my backside definitely knew it had been on a sportsbike seat. Walked away with a lot to think about. It’s an amazing piece of engineering, no question. Insanely fast, handles like it’s on rails, packed with tech.
But, is it for me? Still mulling that over. It’s almost too perfect, if that makes any sense. Like all the rough edges have been smoothed off. Maybe I miss a bit of that rawness from the older superbikes. Or maybe I’m just getting too old for this aggressive riding position. Who knows. It was an experience, that’s for damn sure. Gave me something to chew on, anyway.
