Welcome aboard...

The S1000RR is certainly not the "perfect" tourer... but if you're looking for something that's a lot of fun and you plan to take it to the track and 2nd to all that you might do an occasional trip... I personally think you'll be fine. I did about 700 miles in 2.5 days. meaning I rode ~230-260 miles/day. Those were primarily twisties/canyons/mountains... That's about all I'd want on the bike in one day. Again, those weren't just open roads though either. So if you did that for a week, you'd be at ~1,750 miles in a week. If you were trying to do 3000 miles in a week, that's about 430 miles/day. Still doable, but personally I wouldn't be interested. I'm more in it for the sport riding (not really touring)... or the track.

Not sure what advice I just gave you, but there ya go....

Again, welcome aboard!

 

I've done 3000 miles in a week on a bike. On a sport tourer, it was some work.

I couldn't imagine doing it on the RR, but then again, I am thinking about a longer trip.

I can be done, but I would recommend a different seat, perhaps some different clip ons, some bags and it could be done. But if you were looking to do this regularly, I would consider a different bike.

 

Now that I have logged about 2400 miles I would have two concerns about touring on this bike. On can easily be fixed and the other may be subjective. The downward angle of the bars is a little more than other bikes, most people get hand cramps after about 30 minutes. This can be fixed with a set of heli-bars. The second issue may not be an issue for you and it's the vibration from the bars. That can be helped with some heavy bar-ends that move the vibration to a lower RPM which greatly helps. If the vibs don't bother you then you could probably log some serious miles. I don't find the bike uncomfortable at all, but after 250 miles and 6 to 7 hours in the canyons I'm tired and it's because I'm buzzing a little bit.

Good luck and hope you join the club.

 

This is actually one of the things I've been thinking about. I'd love to hear from anyone who has put in some serious miles touring on the S1.

 

Welcome to our Forum .

This bike is probaly as close to a Superbike as any bike currently made for under $75,000.

Therefore to tour on it for 3000 miles is to use it for something it was not intended for.

Can it be done ?....sure....at what cost ?

Mostly I think just a not so comforable trip.....other than that , I'm sure the bike can handle it !

6 hours of Twisties / 160 miles and I'm dog*ss beat.

That's w, 3 gas stops to top off and 3 / 10 minute rest / get a drink /stretch periods .

I am 61, so that has to be taken into account w, what I'm saying.

 

I agree with Rarebird, highway miles are obviously rougher than tearing it up in the twisties.

I'm only 33 and can probably double his estimate in terms of riding endurance to give you some perspective of age and how it relates to discomfort.

 

Last year,one of the journo's from one of the bike mags took the s1000rr from mid UK to North Africa virtually non-stop and back.He survived!
And that was without raised bars etc.
My advice,take a demo,if you like the bike and touring is not a regular thing then go for it.
A Touring bike on track is not as much fun as a Sportsbike but a s1000rr touring will still bring a smile to your aching body!!!

 

......A Touring bike on track is not as much fun as a Sportsbike but a s1000rr touring will still bring a smile to your aching body!!!

Speaking of aching body, yesterday was my first 135 mile trip of the the new year and I was a smarting bad afterward. Been off the bike for maybe 2-3 weeks due to weather and bad fog conditions. So with a break in the weather I took it out and had the joint stiffies the entire trip. Felt it the first time I threw a leg over the seat. Being off it so long sure tightens things up.

Anyone know of a good "Stretching for motorcyclists" video?

Mack

 

done 400 plus a few miles in one day fine im 22 tho................

 

When your ancient you must do your stretchies first!!!

 

it was funny i actully got up at 5 on a saturday morning has 150 miles on the bike and me first service booked in for 3 pm lol..........

went on a lil sat morning mission, i had to get that poxy limiter off........

thas devotion.........

 

No,that's anticipation-you knew what was coming!!!!!!!!!

I was determined to do it in the first week-no problems-then it pi**ed down and I wasn't prepared to get it wet so had to wait another 3 days!Mind you we've had a few soakings since.

 

I did 3 days in a row of 235 to 250 miles in North Carolina. By the last day I had enough. Could have stayed another day but I was done. The twisties made it fun I do not want to try that many miles on the highway. It is a high perfomance bike not designed for the long haul try a K 1600GTL and S1000RR for fun!

 

Done a 2500 mile trip last June from uk to Austria and back. Sure the bikes not designed for touring but with some little tweeks and some decent luggage (strapped on tight!) its a blast!! Wouldn't have wanted to be on any other bike through the twisties and maxed out on the Autobahn. Roll on the summer cuz i wanna do it again

 

Sounds great! What little tweaks? BMW luggage or did you go with something like Ventura?

 

as soon as my legs fixed i fancy a trip out there

 

Well worth a trip when your legs better. Amazing roads, stunning scenery and the beer is half decent aswell

 

Sacriligous to most, but I'm figuring the S1000RR can work fine for Sport Touring with a little work such as modified seat and handlebars, GIVI top box, and tank bag. I've done several 350 mile days with no problem late this summer as setup in the attached photo's, and am planning a two week trip with a friend next summer, probably to the left coast and back the long way around.
.

 

I am about your size and used to own a ducati 1098s, compared to the ducati the S1000 is a touring bike, just take the rear seat bag and after day one you will be ok.

 

Boddington:

I use Ventura, i 've used it on my last few bikes as you can just chuck it on the back and forget about it without worrying about it falling off or moving. I also have a small clip on tank bag just to carry my phone, cigarettes etc. For the mile munching parts of the trip i fit a air hawk inflatable seat cover which makes it a lot easier going on the backside!

What do you think to the ventura system? Im about to buy one for a trip to the MotoGP at Le Mans in May. Also, what tank bag do you have fitted?

Cheers,
John

Ps. Im also near basingstoke and we will be running track days at RAF Odiham this year - have a look at The Proud Home of Odiham Motorcycle Club

 

Boddington:

What do you think to the ventura system? Im about to buy one for a trip to the MotoGP at Le Mans in May. Also, what tank bag do you have fitted?

Cheers,
John

Ps. Im also near basingstoke and we will be running track days at RAF Odiham this year - have a look at The Proud Home of Odiham Motorcycle Club

I am really impressed with the ventura system, it mounts on a frame using the rear foot peg hanger bolt holes and underneath the seat unit through the numberplate bracket into the subframe. Its really sturdy but quick to fit and easy to remove after your trip. It sits clear of the bikes plastics so no chance of damaging the paint. Well worth the dosh if your planning a few trips.

The tankbag i use is made by 'SW-Motech / Bags Connection' and attaches to the tank by means of a quick release tankring. The tankring is a plastic horseshoe shaped piece that bolts onto the bezel of the filler cap and the bag clicks on top. Ive got the smallest tankbag they make but there are several different tankbags in their range that use the same fitting system.

P.S. Definitely interested in a track day at RAF Odiham. I see your running one on May 2 bank holiday, my birthday

 

I've put several 300+ mile days on this bike with no prob's. Me and a buddy on a 2011 RSV4 F have planned a trip to Miller to catch WSBK in May. It'll be 1876 miles one way for us. I'm anticipating an awsome trip.

 

I've put several 300+ mile days on this bike with no probs. Me and a buddy on a 2011 RSV4 F have planned a trip to Miller to catch WSBK in May. It'll be 1876 miles one way for us. I'm anticipating an awesome trip.

That's nice, i just got this from Europe Vinxx Grip

 

Touring on an S1000rr?

First, you won't "tour" as much as you imagine you will.
Second, this is not the right bike to tour, it is a fast, demanding riding sport bike with great handling and amazing power.
Third, if touring is the 75% usage if the bike, get a BMW K1300S, not a comfort tourer, not an all-out sport bike, but with 175 hp., you can still have fun paying racer and "touring", especially with an after-market seat.
Finally, one bike CANNOT do it all.
Been there, done that.

 

First, you won't "tour" as much as you imagine you will.
Second, this is not the right bike to tour, it is a fast, demanding riding sport bike with great handling and amazing power.
Third, if touring is the 75% usage if the bike, get a BMW K1300S, not a comfort tourer, not an all-out sport bike, but with 175 hp., you can still have fun paying racer and "touring", especially with an after-market seat.
Finally, one bike CANNOT do it all.
Been there, done that.

that's crap. The S1000RR isn't ideal ergonomically for touring, but 500 mile days can be done no sweat, and at least for me, no serious body aches that didn't go away in 15-20min.

and why I'd prefer the S1000RR over a K1300S: the K1300S is very "car-like", at least that was my impression. Good, but hard to hustle quickly. I have never ridden a bike where I felt as SAFE as I do on the S1000RR. It's nimble and gets me out of tight spots (like a cluster of semis) in a blink of an eye. It's planted, and the traction control is far superior to the system on the K-bikes. I would have preferred larger fairings when I had to ride 200 miles through cold rain at night, but it was my fault that I didn't bring a rainsuit. I found I didn't have to slow down as much as I thought I would have had to.

The K1300S has panniers, electronic suspension to set it up for two-up touring, so it's better. But the S1000RR gets the job done, it's actually a great commuter bike, and the K1300S won't do what the S1000RR when "sport" comes into the equation. With infinite money, I'd have both, but since I don't have an extra $18K to blow on top of the $17K my S1000RR cost, making the S1000RR tour-worthy is not a waste of time by any means.

 

Hi I'm new to this board and I'm thinking of getting S1000RR as my primary bike for the road. I currently have Kawasaki Concours 14 and Husky 610TE. I want to replace C14 since my girl will be getting her own bike. Also I have a trip coming up to do about 3K miles in one week. Is this trip doable on RR? I'm 6ft 200LBS. My previous bikes were Ducati 1098, Ducati HM, Kawasaki ZX14, KTM 950, ZX10, Ninja 600.

Since your girl will be getting her own bike, imho, I think you have plenty of time between stops keeping your girlfriend fresh from fatigue and to overcome any fatigue generated from the s1000rr.

If she would rather ride behind you, keep the C 14. The s1000rr sucks for touring. I have a Honda XX that will out distance my s1000rr two fold in a day.

 

I picked up S1000RR today and decided to keep my C14 for now.

 

Congrats! Welcome to the club. Do you like your C14? Or do you wish it was more like the K1300S?

 

ElDiablo,

I have a 2012, with Helibars, and heavy barends. I also have a gel pad which I can simply lay over the seat. I am 70yrs and 5'10"@165. I recently did back to back 400 mile days. I may could have done another 400 miles (third day) but then probably would have had to rest. Most of the ride was in Arkansas on two lane roads, so I had something to occupy my mind. I find that it is more a question of hours in the saddle as opposed to actual miles covered. I'm able to sustain about seven (7) hours, stopping only for fuel and one lunch break.

Didn't buy it for this purpose, and probably will only use it for long distances sporadically.

Cheers,

Curtis

 

I do a 200 mile ride on this bike every Sunday morning with 0 ill affects but this thread is still weird. It seems because it has a BMW badge folks want to make it something other than what it is. ANY bike can be toured on by but this bike wouldn't be my first choice. If this were your only bike, and that isn't unusual of course, then go for it.

 

I think a single bike SHOULD be able to do everything you want it to. Before my S1K, I had a Buell 1125CR and aside from all the electrical/mechanical gremlins that was the best bike I've ever had; I did everything I wanted on that bike. I did my first couple of track days and races, later I got the off-road bug so I took her off roading. Not the most practical but she did fine. Then I really wanted to tour so I progressively did more and more miles.

Now that I have the S1k, I think this bike really can do it all, I took her to the track and I've done a couple of light touring days on it, which led me to a light off road trail which she did more than ok (just a little dirty). Anyways the point of this is that you can make your bike work for you and not the other way around, to be honest if it wasn't for the incredible power and the electronics (it helps that she looks so good too) I would have stayed with the Buell.

 

I just did a round trip of about 1100 miles, my limit is around 7 hrs, then my arse starts hurting and wrist. But it was fun and def worth it
Pic was from skyline drive

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