S1000RR - Regrets Already?

[dangermouse425]

I know, it seems like yesterday I was enthusiastically sharing pictures of my shiny new BMW, but 6 months on, and I've decided I haven't fallen in love with my S1000RR and I think I might sell it.

It's a fantastic bike, blisteringly fast, but I'm not sure it's for me. Don't get me wrong, it's amazing, it's just I'm not sure it suits my riding style or what I want from a second vehicle. My car is my commuting tool, my bike is something that gets used at weekends. I had thought I wanted to take the BMW out on the track, but to be honest, I'm not too fussed.

I know I've hardly used it, but part of the reason I haven't is because I'm not compelled to just jump on and go for a ride. Nothing against the bike, it's just I don't think I enjoy riding litre sportsbikes as much as I enjoyed naked or classic styled bikes.

Not only that, but when I had my Street Triple and my Bonnie, I had a fast-ish bike for me, and a chilled out weekend bike for my wife and I to enjoy country rides. The S1000RR is well and truly a "me" bike only, the other half wouldn't go anywhere near it! It seems a shame I can't share this hobby and passion.

I think I've ticked the "own a mental sportsbike" box now and am ready to have an early mid-life crisis and go back to owning bikes like a Thruxton or similar...

I feel really silly, because I know I doubt I'll get anything near what I paid for it (from a BMW main dealer) less than six months ago. But I think now that I've decided it's not for me, it's better to sell it on sooner rather than later. Or would you wait until the start of next biking season?

What are your thoughts? Have you ever regretted buying a bike and shifted it on so soon?

 

[dangermouse425]

What year/spec is it? Ive got a friend looking to buy a S1K.

2010 S1000RR Sport with 12.5k on the clocks, Akra exhaust and 7 months of BMW warranty left on it. Want to discuss details via email?

You could probably get a decent trade in on an R-Nine-T, as an alternative to the Bonne.

That's also an option! Though I suspect I'll get smashed with a cheap PX price, private may be a better option at this rate. Definitely an idea though. I've considered the R-Nine-T, or potentially the new Thruxton.

There's a reason so many people say Bonnevilles are awesome bikes!

I think try and sell it now. The weather is still good enough for there to be enough spontaneous buyers out there still.

It's true! Bonnies are fantastic, I do miss mine. My wife does too, I hadn't realised she enjoyed riding pillion so much, but my S1000RR purchase has put an end to that!

 

[dangermouse425]

Sorry, double post

 

[dangermouse425]

the S1000RR is a fantastic bike, I loved mine, it was a 2012 one. I did 10,000 miles on it.

The only thing that made me feel a little like how you feel, is how clinical it felt, it's mentally fast and does everything well, almost too well. Which is stupid I know, but give me some character any day nowadays. I think my roads bikes will always be V4/Twin now.

As a track bike though... yes please

Yeah, I think that sums it up for me. It's crazy fast, I just want something with a bit more character that's more in keeping with my style of riding.

I stuck the bike up on the S1000RR forum and the famous auction site last night. What are your thoughts on using AutoTrader? Worth it? Or just too many tyre-kickers? I've heard different things of different people, never sold a bike privately before.

 

[dangermouse425]

I've just booked in for a test ride on one at my local dealer.
Got it for an hour next Saturday, so will be interesting to see how it compares to my R1

You'll no doubt enjoy it, and since you own an R1, it's probably more your kind of bike! I'm just not sure sportsbikes are where it's at for me.

 

[dangermouse425]

So I rode the new Triumph Thruxton yesterday. What a bike! It reminded me of my Bonneville, but a much more modern bike (obviously) and more appropriate for what I need now.



It's definitely my sort of bike, a lot more accessible and enjoyable to ride. Doing 60 or 70 feels fast and fun, rather than precarious. I think on the S1000RR I never felt confident, on the Thruxton I feel a lot more "planted".



I also tested the Triumph Street Twin, just to try it out. It's definitely out of the running for me, it feels a lot smaller. It was an absolute blast to ride though. If I didn't need a bike with a bit more oomph for 2up and longer distances, the Street Twin would definitely be one to consider.



Just as I was about to depart, someone turned up on their Thruxton R. It's absolutely stunning. I know it's a lot more expensive than the standard Thruxton and has fancy brakes and suspension that I don't really need - but by golly is it good looking.

Just gotta sell the BMW and I'll chat numbers with the Triumph dudes. They made me an offer for PX, but it was significantly below the £8k I want for my S1000RR. I'm in no hurry though, so patience is the name of the game now.