KIWI RIDER DECEMBER 2021 VOL1 | Page 51

too . No worries here . The S1000RR has fantastic front brakes . Huge twin discs with BMW-branded calipers do the business up front . The action is light at the lever and the progression is very strong . It is easy to feel the tyre being hauled to a stop and the feel was such that knowing when it was about to lose traction and lock up appeared clear . There was certainly no early intervention from the ABS . Simply excellent front stoppers . The rear brake I found less impressive . I guess at this level , the rear brake is for low-speed work and setting the rear / front balance in and out of turns . Because , the rear tyre is not really in contact with the road under hard braking and is therefore only for light duties ... hence its somewhat weak feel ? As I mentioned earlier , the S1000RR has electronic suspension that controls the 45mm USD front forks and linkage-mounted rear shock absorber . Each mode selection has a corresponding , automatically adjusted to , default fork and shock setting . It works logically in respect of conditions and rider speeds , meaning in Rain mode the power and suspension is softened . As you select up through Road , Dynamic and Race , it progressively gets stiffer . For each new mode the action is clearly altered , there is real , noticeable change and for good surfaces , the action is great across all modes . However , I believe the response is not completely polished , it still lacks the sophisticated action of the very best conventional suspension units . But there is no doubt , conventional suspension cannot match this instant on-the-fly adjustment that offers a wonderful range of versatility .
BAHN-STORMER So , there you have it , the S1000RR is one of the fastest , most competent production bikes on the planet around a racetrack that still managers to be a decent everyday bike . Completely remarkable really . Ride it to work , tour the country ( the 16.5 litre fuel tank range matches comfort tolerance well ), idle along lane splitting and then go racing in the weekend with a genuine chance of winning if you can twist the throttle well enough . The S1000RR is a bahn-storming , racetrack refugee that defies convention with its road manners and civility . Ride one and be amazed .
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