The MCN Test: The great electronics debate - Panigale V4S vs S1000RR

Published: 17 August 2023

We first tested BMW’s updated S1000RR at its Almeria track launch at the end of last year and it felt like a computer game. It was so safe on the throttle and gave such a delicious feeling of front and rear grip, it was just a case of pointing it where you wanted and off it went, at a rapid rate of knots.

It was all thanks to upgrades designed not only to make the German superbike faster and crisper handling, but also to make it easier to ride.

It succeeded on all counts. Based on the 2019 model, the latest Beemer has sprouted wings to keep the front end nailed to the floor and uses the top end from the M1000RR, boosting the inline four’s power from 204bhp to 207bhp.

It gets the Nissin calipers from the M, has tweaked steering geometry and cut-outs in the cast aluminium frame for flex and feel at full lean, like a Panigale V4 R…

By Michael Neeves

MCN Chief Road Tester - Neevesy’s been an MCN Road Tester since 2002. He’s reviewed everything from mopeds to Rossi’s Yamaha M1, and plenty in between He covers tens of thousands of miles a year on the world’s roads and racetracks in his role with MCN, and when he’s not working he’s still on two wheels, racing both modern and classic superbikes for a variety of teams. To cement his position as one of the most influential motorcycling journalists on the planet, Neevesy spent many years as an Elite Instructor at the Ron Haslam Race School, based at the famous Donington Park race circuit. He regularly presents videos on riding tips and road safety, working alongside the likes of Highways England to deliver a strong and consistent message.