2009-2011 BMW S1000RR | SMART MONEY

The S1000RR superbike’s emergence in 2009 filled a longstanding gap in BMW’s lineup. The weapons-grade literbike catapulted BMW into World Superbike competition with an inline-four that followed the proven Japanese model. Quirky BMW traditions such as uncommon engine configurations, unconventional suspension arrangements and shaft final drive all vaporized.

The S1000RR’s oversquare (80.0 x 49.7mm), 16-valve powerplant produced a claimed 180 bhp at 14,200 rpm. Suspension consisted of an inverted Sachs fork and single shock. Front brakes were radial-mount Brembos. Final drive was via a #530 chain. Wet weight was a competitive 460 lbs. ABS, traction control and electronic shift-assist were options.

The best part: MSRP for the base model was just $13,800—on par with its Japanese rivals, even if precious few base-models actually made it stateside. Only 1000 S1000RRs were produced for racing homologation requirements in 2009. Full-scale production followed in 2010. So good was this first effort that Motorcyclist crowned the S1000RR its 2010 Motorcycle of the Year.

Jeremy Toye, owner of Lee’s Cycles in San Diego, California, has ridden an S1000RR to club roadrace wins as well as a podium finish in the Macau Grand Prix. According to him, the Beemer’s motor is extremely reliable. “You might see some crud on the magnetic drainplug during oil changes, but it’s nothing to worry about. Under racing conditions, the cam-chain can wear and kink from bending over the small-radius sprocket. Rod main bearings can wear after extended high-rpm use. Most well-kept street engines won’t have these problems, though.”

Toye advises that the suspension can be improved for racetrack use with less progressive springs coupled with fork internals from Ohlins or Traxxion and his shop’s updated shock linkage. Because the bike uses a CAN bus electronics system, haphazard subsystems mods such as removal of the ABS sensors can activate “limp mode.”

Early S1000RRs have held their value well, as recent sale prices have been close to the original MSRP. The recent recall of the revised 2012 model for connecting rod issues perhaps makes purchasing an earlier version especially appealing.

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