http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9sZq3zrK_8

LOVE this machine. THe gray looks especially sharp. And the asymetrical design is so unique, and the power this thing apparently generates for being a mere literbike must be incredible.

I know at least one of our members has one of these. I'd love to at least test ride one, but selling at almost $20,000 its way outta my range. The 14R with exhaust was pricey enough for my income.

The looks of this bike I used to not like, but its growing on me the more I look at it. The cockeyed headlights are even growing on me, and the side fairings being different on each side, I now think looks cool as hell.

How does this thing handle and accelerate? Is it worth $19,000 plus?

* Last updated by: ZX14MAN64 on 12/18/2012 @ 6:07 PM *

Naw, they cost around 17k out the door. The fact that Kawasaki has bumped its price (the ZX-10 is almost 15k) forces my hand. I'm saving for one. Probably next fall. The mid-range the hypers make is hard to get unused to and the first time I hopped on one I wasn't all that impressed but those babies are pure racing machines they come alive high in the rpm.

If you get one you need one of these:

And then you should have this, which is as the English say: BONKERS!!!!

* Last updated by: dragking on 12/23/2012 @ 1:30 PM *

Embrace the alien:)

Sorry, but I do love this bike, so another pic.

How does it handle and accelerate? It accelerates very fast if you are prepared to spin it past 6K, and if not, what's the point of a liter bike IMO. There is a smooth rush of power that is incredible. Nice, smooth and linear. Now keep going and push past 9K on the way to 13K and get in serious race mode because you need to be in full control of the rush approaching!
Handling? It handles great, if a little bit heavier at tip in than some bikes. It's not heavy mind you just a bit heavier which translate to a bit more assertive action required to get a nice smooth tip in. The reward is that if done properly it will wrap itself around a curve like nothing I've ever ridden. Honestly. This professional track bike does require, IMO, no matter how it's marketed, better than average riding skills to really get the best out it. Once you do that, it surpasses most Jap bikes. If you don't have those skills at first, you'll find that Jap bikes are easier to ride but offer less feedback and reward. I know that sounds like so much malarky but it is very true. This bike ridden properly is something that has to be experienced.

This is a very nice bike, that has really started to grow on me. The funny thing is that with all the photos and such that I have looked at, I never noticed that the fairings were different on each side. Guess I should pay more attention. As much as I like it, I will never have the skills or nerve to enjoy one of these the way they should be ridden. I have thoughts of getting another 600cc replica racer to hit the curves with, but then I come to my senses and decide to hold onto my cruiser and big bore sport bike for more spirited rides. I guess it is what old age does to you.

I with ya on that Black...I never saw that either!And it DOES have a strong appeal...especially that grey one...I like it!

" I know that sounds like so much malarky but it is very true. This bike ridden properly is something that has to be experienced"...I think I can understand what you're sayin...some things can only be 'explained' by doing..she's badass Jag...very nice machine!Too much for me....performance wise that is.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 1/15/2013 @ 10:27 AM *

I guess the *normal* S1000RR was not fast or powerful enough for some, so BMW has come out with the HP 4, which is apparently a high performance version. Comes with all sorts of race ready components.

Thanks for the input, Jagman.

These bikes are *profound* in many ways.

* Last updated by: ZX14MAN64 on 1/15/2013 @ 6:30 PM *

Going up to see the Supercross race in St Louis a a few weeks and I plan to stop by the BWW dealer when I am up there to see a S1000RR in person. They said they don't have any HP 4s, as I think those are limited production numbers. And about another $5,000 more than the S1000RR, from what I can see.

Test rode a demo 2012 today. Pretty impressive, to say the least. Very different in every way from the 14R, obviously.

The BMW has obvious strong points that the 14R does not have.

Since I am outta the dirt riding mindset (no time or desire to haul a motocross bike to the track, and pay the $$$ to maintain one) and I just today sold my 2012 KX450F, I am contemplating getting a second street bike. And the BMW seems to cover the bases my 14R does not. I think they'd make a great combination.

If you can handle a 2011 model call California superbike school, they sell their bikes after two years of riding them. They had one this weekend at the track and were asking 11K for it.

Still mulling it over, and rethinking the idea of getting a second bike, and if it'll still be theasible down the road or not.

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it.

I took a 2012 out for a spin, what a beautiful machine (BMV), can't imagine the HP 4. That said, dropping 20 plus k for an ice-cream bike, is out of the question. The pain and suffering I would endure while riding her, would relgate duties to short track days. Beyond that, my back, grain, wrists and neck would collapse.
And to think, the Germans have a nac for catering to taller riders, bummer. One and only time, my frame is a big problem.

If you get this as a second bike, I am sure it will be a sheer joy and will reward!

I rode the 2016 BMS s1000RR on the track for two full days and I have to say that I was 100% thoroughly impressed especially with the quick shifter. Nice and smooth throughout.

How did it handle compared to the competition?

Haven't any other newer liter bikes but compared to my 14R, of course much more nimble especially hitting and exiting the apexes.

Too bad they don't rent these out. When I rented a bike over at BMW in NV sometime ago, they only allowed renters to choose from the sport touring bikes, not any of the sportbikes. Although he did allow me to take it for a quick spin.