BMW S1000RR (2015 - 2019) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £240 |
| Power: | 199 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.1 in / 815 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (450 lbs / 204 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesIt’s not so much how much more powerful, faster and better handling the 2015 BMW S1000RR is, it’s how easy it is to manage.
- Related: 2019 BMW S1000RR review on MCN
With its clever, multi-layered, fully adjustable electronic systems the new RR will amaze and reward, whether you’re stepping up to a 1000 for the first time or you’re a racer. It’s friendlier on the road, too, thanks to the engine’s extra flexibility, cruise control and heated grips. BMW have raised the superbike bar and produced a superbike even better than the HP4.
Want to see a different BMW S1000RR version? Read MCN's review of the models from 2009, 2012 or 2019.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineA 500g-lighter cast ali frame has a shaper rake and trail (23.5°/96.5mm) and an 8mm longer wheelbase (1425mm). A new triangular-shaped section around the swingarm pivot adds strength and flex. Forks and rear shock are revised, but you can opt for the semi-active (DDC) system, first seen on the now discontinued HP4. Handling was already superb, but now it’s sharper and more confidence-inspiring. With electronic suspension ride quality is even plusher.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityA new cylinder head, lighter valves, shorter air intakes, a larger airbox and a full ‘E-gas’ ride-by-wire system adds 6bhp, bringing power up to 199bhp and a wider spread of torque. Although 1bhp more than the 2014 BMW WSB Evo racer and savagely fast, the new S1000RR’s sophisticated electronics gives the rider lots of control and confidence. HP4-derived traction control and anti-wheelie are smoother and there’s an optional ‘user’ riding mode, for you to mix and match your preferred electronics settings.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueBuild-quality is superb and general reliability is excellent. You’ll find scare stories on forums, as well as occasional hiccups on previous model S1000RRs, but dealers are quick to react and rectify problems.
2015-2019 BMW S1000RR owners' reviews
We have 11 owners' reviews of the 2015 BMW S1000RR, and overall it scores an impressive 4.7 out of 5. The only issues include extra vibrations and some aloof dealer support.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentYou get an awful lot of mechanical and electronic sophistication, not to mention all that power and racetrack handling for the money.
Equipment
In its standard form the S1000RR is well-equipped with electronic rider aids, Brembo brakes, a new dash and of course a 199bhp engine. But tick the options boxes and you can have electronic suspension, a quickshifter, downshifter, a datalog dash display, lightweight wheels, launch control, pitlane speed limiter, heated grips, cruise control…the list goes on. You can go a step further and opt for the optional 2D datalogger, lap timer, race ECU, or carbon parts, rearsets or luggage.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 999cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 16v, inline four |
| Frame type | Aluminium twin spar |
| Fuel capacity | 17.5 litres |
| Seat height | 815mm |
| Bike weight | 204kg |
| Front suspension | 43mm fully adjustable Sachs forks (DDC option) |
| Rear suspension | Fully adjustable rear Sachs shock (DDC option) |
| Front brake | 2 x 320mm discs with four-piston radial calipers |
| Rear brake | 220mm single disc with single-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 R17 |
| Rear tyre size | 190/55 R17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 43 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £240 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £6,700 - £11,500 |
| Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | 2 years |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 199 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 83 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 186 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 150 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2010 - S1000RR launched
2012 - Minor upgrades including refined electronics, revised steering geometry and more midrange power.
2013 – Limited edition HP4 produced in standard and ‘Carbon’ versions. Feature lightweight wheels, Brembo monoblocs, more midrange, 15-way adjustable traction control, launch control and refined electronics.
2014 – First major upgrade since the original. More power, less weight, revised styling, clocks and geometry and more refined electronics.
Other versions
The UK also gets an S1000RR Sport edition, which adds BMW's Dynamic Damping Control (DDC), Gearshift Assistance Pro, heated grips, LED indicators, a colour-coded pillion seat cowl, and black/pinstriped wheels. The sport costs £14,760.
Other BMW S1000RR reviews on MCN
MCN Long term test reports
MCN Fleet: 21 weeks, 9096 miles and one hell of a ride
419 miles Friday 31 May. Moments after grabbing the keys to my 2019 BMW S1000RR I’m heading to the Nürburgring, marvelling at my Beemer’s lightness and low-down torque. Cruise control, heated grips, quiet screen and neutral riding position make it the most comfortable superbike I’ve done big mi…
Owners' reviews for the BMW S1000RR (2015 - 2019)
22 owners have reviewed their BMW S1000RR (2015 - 2019) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW S1000RR (2015 - 2019)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £240 |
Version: SPORT
Year: 2018
Corker of an engine, had a GSX-R 1000R before this and the engine on the BMW is far stronger Handling with the electronic suspension feels sublime
Awesome
Not had any issues, but working for a Motoraad dealer helps
Heated grips and cruise control on a sports bike!!! why not
Version: M edition
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £180
Just love everything about this bike
Great on all roads , comfortable riding position for a superbike , confidence inspiring handling & great brakes , so easy to ride fast on your favorite rural roads or even just pottering around town , M seat is a pit on the firm side tho .
What an absolute peach of an engine , very mild mannered when you want it to be , but an absolute animal when you want to play ! Loads of grunt everywhere in the rev range , can potter about in sixth at 30mph no bother in town , but let the revs build up & prepare to hang on .
After 5500 miles it’s still as good as new , no issues at all ..
Servicing costs aren’t too bad at all , but beware the 18000 service , dealer quoting around £800.
Electronic wise the S1000rr has everything you need , four different rider modes , then you have extra race pro modes where you can set the bike up yourself , TFT dash is fantastic, big , clear & easy to use . I’m running Bridgestone S22’s can’t fault these tyres at all .
Buying experience: Payed £17500 in 2020 from my local BMW dealer , can’t fault them at all , very friendly & helpful people that also love their bikes & do their very best for the customer..
Year: 2015
A very forgiving easy to handle monster
Wants to be raced
Exceptional build and refinement quality
Expensive servicing although low miles
Love quick shifter up and down
Buying experience: Bought from a dealer
Version: Sports Pack
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £300
Performance is superb. I find myself tending to throttle back through a pure sense of mechanical sympathy when the revs get high. (Previous experience with lower rev machines)
No pillion seat. Luggage difficult but not impossible.
"Rev sounds" worrying if you are not used to it.
Had a full replacement of switchgear on left after only 5 yrs due to corrosion. Cost hundreds BMW met me half way as a gesture.🤗👍 Absolutely love the bike. Great dealerships Riders at Bridgewater. Also thanks BMW Ocean Plymouth and Bike Shed Newton Abbot for fantastic post purchase service and loads of extra care they were not obliged to provide. Super blokes to deal with.
Varies....a lot.
Titanium Radiator guard essential and engine protection plates studs etc..expensive repairs. Headlamps not great but very cool imho. Buy a good low range torque wrench. Some fairing cracks after 18 months with dealer service.
Buying experience: Dealer. Got a fabulous deal on my 955i Triumph. Riders of Bridgewater Gavin F. Thank you
Version: Sport pack
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £350
Fast fun thoroughbred machine.
Hard, race level suspension. High seat height.
Switchgear on left needed total replacement after 5 years.
Large services can be several times this cost.
Fabulous performance. The peak revs level is so high, it always sounds stressed and I worry about stuff breaking after about 8k revs...
Buying experience: Dealer. Bridge in Taunton were superb.
Version: Sports pack
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £300
Performance and looks are amazing. Luggage difficult. Parts and service expensive but superb overall service from BMW Ocean Newton Abbot and Plymouth.
No pillion facility. Difficult to fit luggage but can be done. A hard ride and high seat.
Screaming engine...Always makes me worry something will break at high speeds...
Corrosion after 5 years resulting in expensive replacement of left hand switchgear assembly. BMW PAID 50% of cost as goodwill. Customer service excellent at Ocean Newton Abbot.
Varies...
The sheer power is amazing.
Buying experience: Dealer Riders of Bridgewater. Very good deal offered on my 1999 Triumph T955i.
Year: 2015
Great bike for speed comfort handling Safety . Not forgetting gorgeous looks
Can do a full tank before a test
Bike would prefer track but forgiving on the road
Although low mileage always serviced to keep in top condition and reliable
Fairly pricey service but keeps in top condition
Great heated grips and riding mode change fir winter months
Buying experience: Bought new from dealer Around £16,000 + grand
Version: Sport
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £259
Cruise control and heated grips
Cruise control and heated grips amazing
Buying experience: Private, straight forward
Version: M
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £230
This bike is the best RR I’ve owned, from its low down torque and pull right up through the Rev range, the engine is so smooth and the gearbox seems almost seamless. I have found the clutch to be slightly odd, it’s difficult to fine the point of bite, it’s odd. The screen is just amazing, with full connectivity to a headset and phone, with a nice sat Nav prompting screen when using bmw connect app, it’s a great addition to a bike. I have found the screen a bit annoying, I like to use the third screen in the sport area, but when you turn the bike off it reverts back to the standard road screen, you should just be able to select a screen as default. My only other issue is the M seat, it feels like a block of granite, after 5 miles I’m not sure if I have any jewels left and if I have, will they work, I’m going to look at some options from a sport model seat to a gel cover. I have fitted all the M carbon and that takes away the cheap looking plastic and really finished the bike, also a full Akra carbon system, however, no one makes a fuel module yet and ECU flashing is currently limited, it still runs well but lumpy down low, I will fit one as soon as they are available.
It’s no touring machine, the seat is too hard but I will sort this.
It just pulls like a train!! I think far better than the GEN 2&3 that I had before it
It’s BMW so reliable but the black plastics just seemed to look cheap for a £20k bike
Usual High BMW costs, it’s more than a service on my car???? However, £20k for a bike of this capability and full carbon wheels as standard, I think good value.
Amazing standard features on the M model
Buying experience: This was dreadful, I ordered the bike and it took over 14 months to arrive, BMW were just dreadful with information and didn’t seam to care less about the customer, I tried to buy a Norton RR as I got that fed up but obviously we all know how that ended up. IMO a really poor show from BMW
Version: Sport
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £185
Brilliant bike but they need to sort out hand numbing vibration through the handlebars. Lightening quick but easy to rode fast brilliant electronics Attention to detail gets a thumbs up too.
Surprisingly comfy for a sports bike Brakes are excellent Handling is out of this world
Goes like **** a real missle. Vibration as mentioned above
Heated grips and cruise control on a sports bike what more is there to say
Buying experience: Bought new from dealer Booked a test ride that was it sold !!!! Great dealer BMW Cheshire Oaks
Version: 2019
Year: 2019
Proper machine with loads of extras at A good price
Will be touring Scotland this year hopefully so will see what the outcome is
It’s actually not necessary to have so much power!.....is it??
Loads of extras like heated grips etc
Buying experience: Bend over backwards to make sure your happy
Version: Sport
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £270
This is my first S1000RR, and after trying out the competition it was a "no brainer" in my view. It may be older than the rest but on the road I found it easier to ride, smooth and comfortable for 200+ days in the saddle.
DDC and ABS pro makes this bikes suspension and brakes better than the rest in the real world, in my view
6000 or annual service cost
Only missing a heated seat!
Buying experience: I found the staff at the BMW in Essex help full and patient considering I want to ride most of their range!
Version: Gen3
Year: 2017
Quick and practical. Makes the rest feel like clunkers.
The quick shifter is the best go faster item I’ve ever used. Useful on both road and track.
Buying experience: The only issue is there so good the dealers don’t have to make offers to sell.
Version: Sport
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £100
I have been after an RR for around 3 years now and finally took the plunge by buying a 2015 S1000RR Sport, The bike is beautifully built with lots of straight lines and a very aggressive look overall. It is so manageable considering the power that it has, around the streets its smooth power delivery and light steering makes it as easy to ride as a smaller more upright bike, but its when you hit the open road and the twisty's that the bike really comes into life. The power delivery is superb, it sticks to the road like glue, the TC can be as intrusive (Rain Mode) or as little as you want (User Mode). The brakes are better than anything else Ive ever ridden and the ABS again is top notch, Ive only had to engage the ABS on a few occasions and it really bring you to an abrupt hauls as soon as you grab hold of the lever. In general I would recommend this bike to anyone who is looking for a litre sports bike, you dont have to be Valentino Rossi or John McGuinness to ride it either as its so manageable and easy to ride.
The DDC that comes with the Sport edition is a ridiculously good suspension set up. The suspension changes with each mode, being softer in rain mode and stiffening up as you go into race mode. The base setting for the suspension can be adjusted to suit the rider by anyone (preferably a specialist) who knows how to set the bike up for the rider. The Brakes on this machine like I said above are the best I have ever used on board a bike. The bite the have is unbeatable, again the ABS is excellent and has got me out a few sticky situations.
The grunt of the BMW is very powerful. The power delivery is smooth and manageable at low speeds whilst it can be an animal when you want to push it. It has good mid range which a lot of bikes in this class seem to forget about (ZX10-R) and at high revs its in a class of its own. The bike can also sit at more steadier speeds for commuting with ease and the cruise control is another added benefit to this.
Build quality is excellent as you would expect from a German manufacturer, The only issue I have had since owning it was a loose battery terminal, in turn this was interfering with the electronics and cutting out the ignition to the bike. However I took the bike to my Local BMW Dealer (Douglas Park BMW Motorad - East Kilbride) and they looked into the issue straight away, no questions asked they had the bike stripped and found the faulty terminal (Excellent Dealer Service)!
I came from a Ducati to the BMW so for me the servicing costs are minimal compared to what I have been used to. The bike does seem to be thirsty on the fuel when you are riding aggressively. The bike doesn't seem to overly use any fluids or oils.
The Sports model comes standard with, Heated grips & Cruise control, these are the type of added extra comforts you would expect on a cruiser/adventure bike. I didn't think I would use them at first but I find I am using them every ride I go out on now. The Heated grips are great for when the temperature isn't quite there yet first thing on a Scottish summer morning and are a godsend on long motorway journeys. The cruise control is very easy to use and can be adjusted on the move with the click of a button. The traction control on this bike really does install confidence in the rider, I feel I can turn in a little bit more on the throttle each time I ride. It isn't overly intrusive and is very effective in the wet when you accidentally ask for too much power.
Buying experience: I bought mine from a BMW Motorad dealer, My local dealer is Douglas Park BMW Motorad in East Kilbride, just outside Glasgow. The buying experience I had from them was second to none, I always felt right at home and never felt pressured into taking the bike. They went through all the details of the bike and explained clearly how everything worked. The tyres that where on the bike when I got it where not upto standard of the dealers, so they told me to take the bike if I wanted to and they would fit a new pair free of charge when the tyres that came with it where worn. This was an unexpected piece of news as most dealers would be happy with you leaving with whatever shoes where on the bike at the time, and it also meant I had a brand new set of sticky tyres for the TT! Ive only had to revisit with one issue which turned out to be a loose battery terminal, however there was no fuss by the dealer and they promptly seen to the issue. Overall my experience with this dealer has been excellent and I would absolutely use them again when purchasing another bike.
Year: 2016
I've had 3 bikes so far and have ridden a few others in between. The S1000rr for me is the best bike I've had and I believe the 2015/2016 models are the best year to buy and have already gone up in price ! This bike has everything you could need even the stock exhaust sounds amazing it maybe a bit big but I can live with it. Also it set the tone it's cheaper than the new Honda fire blade ,Suzuki and the kawasaki and still has more rider aids. I shan't be selling this one always guaranteed to put a smile on your face absolutely brilliant bike and so dam Fast your brain needs to keep up!
Version: Fully equipped
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £350
Superb handling, seamless power delivery, ferocious brakes, electronic suspension is unbelievable and a perfect clutchless transmission. My only gripe so far is the tiny base on the side stand (it plows through warm asphalt) so be carefull where you park it.
For this type of bike, it's remarkably roomy and comfortable. The electronic suspension can be changed in seconds within the display menu. Easily run a tank of fuel without needing to stretch. Brakes are the finest I've encountered.
Seamless linear power delivery. Would give it a 5 but for some vibration below 4000 rpm (typical in-line 4).
No problems to report. Full 3 year warranty as well.
Long service intervals (10,000 kms).
The electronic riding aids make the bike like nothing I've experienced before. It's incredibly composed wet or dry. Heated grips and cruise control seemed over the top but now I wouldnt go without them. Tire selection is somewhat limited with the forged wheels option (200mm) but growing all the time. That being said, I don't think a bike with this much torque is suited to milage tires anyway.
Buying experience: Dealer - Very pleased so far.
Year: 2015
Having owned this bike from new for just over a year its managed to put me off BMWs for the foreseeable future.
Terrible vibrations through the handlebars make long rides difficult
Fairing spontaneously cracked following a Sunday morning ride. Chain went rusty within 3 months despite regular cleaning and lubrication. Screws that hold the filler cap to tank have gone rusty.
BMW dealership unhelpful in trying to claim through the warranty for manufacturing faults
Buying experience: Felt like the dealer was in a rush to sell me the bike to get my money as quick as possible. Service centre is only interested in getting money out of you by trying to sell you extras
Version: Sport
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £250
Awesome at everything
Who cares about the service cost Nothing compared to the smile it puts on your face
Buying experience: Roy Pidcock Long Eaton top dealer
Year: 2015
The worst thing about the bike is getting off it, the best is...work it out, it's not hard!!! But seriously, at my age, and I would say you need to be fit to ride any sport bike on long runs, I am as comfortable on this bike, as a Blackbird, had five, ZX12R, had four, still have one, and a busa, never have again..
Iv'e being riding it al winter on the wettest ever recorded in these here parts and never once felt any level of lack of braking or power control, bembo are brilliant, my first experience after 33 years of riding, and the best yet, they have licked Irish roads!
one problem was the fuel line twisted and knocked the fuel off, good job I wasn't thrashing it on an outside lane on the Autobahn!!
It doesn't do 150 miles on a full tank though, but maybe they meant that if you were a constant 50mph on this laddie!!
For two and half hours of riding every weekend each way, the cruise control and heated grips are better than sex, then again, at 53, the latter is under pressure anyway!!
Version: Sport
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £160
Makes me feel like i could ride the thing in BSB. Unbeliveable...
The best engine ever.
Can't believe how poorly its put together tbh. Wiring loom fouling the steering lock. Very poor paint quality but all pale into insignificance with the quality of ride and engine performance.
Every conceivable toy.
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £180
This is my third s1000rr and just gets better. So easy to ride and the electronics are brilliant, I thought the 10 plate was good, then upgraded to 14 plate, which I thought was even better to ride, but 15 plate blew me away. Cruise control thought would never use, use most of time.
Easy to ride on motorways just use cruise control, decent enough brakes brembo always good anyway. Good all round.
Engine spot on.
Never had a problem, touch wood?
BMW servicing not the cheapest around, but need the service stamp for full BMW service history. Added a few extras eg motorrad rearsets and levers pricey. Insurance is more expensive.
Quick shifter up and down just awesome every sports bike needs it. Change the exhaust I've put a yoshmuri on weighs less and looks good.
Buying experience: Brought from Williams BMW Manchester brand new. With the sports package, red and white paint scheme, rearsets levers tailtidy about £16000
Year: 2015
Great bike!
