There are levels to performance. While we all love speed and want the most performance out of our bikes, everything changes when we are looking for our next street motorcycle. Instead of seeking raw power, we start attempting to strike a balance between road-friendliness and performance. BMW has been able to capture this balance perfectly with many of their motorcycles, and the BMW S 1000 XR we recently reviewed is their witness. However, every now and then, this perfect balance is completely thrown out of the window, and the focus becomes about creating a performance monster with no regards to the streets. This was our experience with the 2022 BMW S 1000 RR. After riding it for two weeks, we finally know what this bike is good at, and we definitely know what it’s not.

2022 BMW S 1000 RR

9.00 / 10
Key Features
  • High Revving 4-Cylinder Engine
  • ABS And ABS Pro Brake System
  • Adjustable Suspension Damping
Specifications
  • Engine/Motor: Water/Oil-Cooled 4-Cylinder 4-Stroke In-line 999cc
  • Horsepower: 205 @13,000 RPM
  • Torque: 83 lb-ft @11,000 RPM
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • Transmission: Constant-Mesh 6-speed
Pros
  • Heart-Dropping Acceleration Above 8K RPM
  • Adjustable Rider Settings
  • Quick-Shifting Gearbox With Or Without Clutch
  • Advanced Performance Technology
  • Extremely Aggressive Design
Cons
  • Seat Lacks Cushion
  • Aggressive Riding Position

The 2022 BMW S 1000 RR

2022 BMW S 1000 RR Front
Photo by Bassem Girgis

At the top of the list of BMW’s motorcycle lineup, there are two bikes that hold the keys to heart-dropping performance: the M 1000 RR and the S 1000 RR. The M 1000 RR is very close to the S-version, but with more power, more torque, less weight, and better brakes.

It may sound like we set the stage to knock the S 1000 RR down a few notches, but this is hardly the case. If the S 1000 RR is Godzilla, then the M 1000 RR is Mechagodzilla. They are both monsters, but one is just the stronger monster. Given we are trying to review a sports bike worthy of the streets, we chose the S 1000 RR to see what it can do, and how it has evolved over the years.

The 2022 BMW S 1000 RR pushes the limits of performance beyond most rider’s abilities, yet it offers enough technology to make anyone able to push their very own limits. With a starting MSRP of $16,995, the S 1000 RR offers more performance than you will ever need, yet immense fun that you will desperately desire.

2022 BMW S 1000 RR Design

2022 BMW S 1000 RR Rear
Photo by Bassem Girgis

The 2022 S 1000 RR brings a truly athletic design with nothing but performance characteristics all around. BMW modified the frame and fairing design to create an ergonomically-focused seating position.

The front is aggressively-smooth, with sharp LED headlights that not only enhance the design, but tremendously increase visibility as well. The rear features LED turn signals, taillights, and brake light all packaged together beautifully. The entire design is simply a combination of refined material mixed with raw aspects, like the clean exhaust that starts with raw metal on the bottom and ends with a gorgeous piece.

The 2022 S 1000 RR comes in three color options: Mineral Gray metallic, Black Storm Metallic, and the iconic white, red, and blue color scheme. Each color seems to completely change the attitude of the motorcycle, and while the white, red, and blue scream BMW, the all black just bring an attitude to this bike that is undeniably mysterious. All in all, this is an aggressive sports bike design if there’s ever been one.

2022 BMW S 1000 RR Technology

2022 BMW S 1000 RR Screen
Photo by Bassem Girgis

While the S 1000 RR feel like a track-bred machine, it still has all the technology useful on the road. Most of the convenient features lie within the 6.5-inch TFT Display. The BMW control wheel on the left side of the handlebar easily navigates through the system, allowing you to check your tire pressure, engine temps, fuel consumption, fuel range, as well as other important engine data.

Through the same system, you can toggle between different suspension damping control, which makes for a noticeable difference on various road surfaces. Race mode gives you full control of the bike and stiffens the suspension, allowing it to adapt to road characteristics withing 10-ms, while Road or Dynamic make for a tad softer ride and adds all the road safety features, such as Wheelie Control. Rain mode is the safest and most conservative tune all around.

Riders can also choose between RACE Pro 1, RACE Pro 2, and RACE Pro 3 modes, which are customizable in terms of throttle response, engine brake, traction control, wheelie control, ABS, and ABS Pro to give you the exact ride you need.

Related: Superbike Showdown: 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 Vs BMW M 1000 RR

2022 BMW S 1000 RR Engine And Performance

2022 BMW S 1000 RR Engine Closeup
Photo by Bassem Girgis

The 2022 BMW S 1000 RR gets its monstrous reputation from the water/oil-cooled 4-cylinder 4-stroke in-line engine. This engine features four titanium valves per cylinder and measures 999cc in displacement, while sporting a number of very advanced components.The 4-cylinder engine works collaboratively with a constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox with a multi-disc clutch.

The gearbox comes with the quick shift technology, allowing you to shift lightning fast and without a clutch if you desire. The S 1000 RR delivers 205 horsepower at 13,000 RPM and 83 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 RPM, with an RPM redline of 14,600 RPM. Combine that with the fact that the motorcycle weighs just 427-pounds when equipped with the M Package, and you can only imagine with this thing can do.

On paper, the S 1000 RR seems like it does everything right, but how does it do on the road?

2022 BMW S 1000 RR First Ride Review

2022 BMW S 1000 RR Side
Photo by Bassem Girgis

Before even sitting on the S 1000 RR, you will notice this intensely-aggressive vibe coming out of it. This is only intensified once you ride on it. The seating position is extremely aggressive, with a well-supportive seat. The only issue is, this seat is tremendously hard it almost feels like you’re sitting on the body itself. There is barely any cushion in it. Despite the aggressive riding position, the placement of the foot pegs and the high tank give you the freedom of being relatively comfortable at low-speeds given your behind provides its own cushion. If you lock your elbows, you’ll soon feel the stress on your wrists. It’s best to just relax and possibly even rest your chest on the tank.

Related: Check Out The BMW S 1000 RR Isle Of Man Limited Edition

2022 BMW S 1000 RR Riding Shot
Photo by Bassem Girgis

At low-speeds the S 1000 RR is tremendously nimble and playful. Although you will be riding a 205-horsepower bike, it’s truly easy to ride. Splitting lanes at red lights has never been easy, and even when it gets tight, you can fold the side mirrors and go through the narrowest of spots. Acceleration is impressive at low RPM, but it’s clear this motorcycle lives above 8,000 RPM. Rest assured, below this RPM mark, not a lot of vehicles can catch up to you, and you can easily get yourself out of any and all trouble on the road. However, the real “RR” character comes to life beyond that 8,000 RPM. As soon as you hit 8K RPM, the bike almost feels like it’s forced-induced as it completely changes characters. The only thing you can do at this point is hang on, stay low, and think fast. 8,000 RPM to 13,000 RPM is definitely not for the faint of heart. With so many sports bike options on the market, this one stands out.

Related: 5 Best Yamaha Bikes (5 Hondas We'd Rather Ride)

2022 BMW S 1000 RR Suspension
Photo by Bassem Girgis

Our loner bike came with the DDC suspension, which comes in the M-Package. They adapt to various road conditions quicker than you can think. On the twisty roads, the S 1000 RR gives you confidence. Every time you try and push the limits, you can almost hear it saying, “is that all you got?” Suspension just feels like it gets it right at every turn. Although in Race mode, it can get a bit bumpy for cruising. The 2022 model comes with a new brake system that truly stop this bike on a dime. We tested the brakes and it’s almost impossible to lock the rear tires. The ABS and ABS Pro systems work absolutely flawlessly in the different driving modes. The balance of braking, suspension, and tuning of the chassis truly makes this bike one of the most capable sport bikes out there.

Don’t get too comfortable, however, as the S 1000 RR will keep pushing you, and as long as you continue feeling confident, you will keep pushing it back. This is when problems can happen. While this bike has enough technology to make any rider feel like a pro, when mistakes happen, sometimes they’re too tough to fix, which is why we must not recommend this motorcycle to beginner riders. If you're a beginner, there are tons of options for you; just not this one. Overall, the 2022 S 1000 RR is an animal on the road; it just wants to go fast all of the time.

The Bottom Line

2022 BMW S 1000 RR Front Shot
Photo by Bassem Girgis

We can’t explain the amount of smiles this motorcycle provides. The S 1000 RR has the power to make you feel uncomfortable and frustrated, yet completely change your mind the second you start hitting the corners. The seat is uncomfortable and the ride position is too aggressive, but who cares when you can ride a bike that can truly scare you? The mind usually wants something different than the heart, and this is no different. Our minds are saying, “this is a track bike and has no business being on the road,” while our hearts are screaming, “let’s go!” In all reality, this motorcycle offers much more than the average street rider needs, can use on public roads, or is even capable of. I rode this bike hard, but I felt like I didn’t even begin to scratch the surface on the road. The S 1000 RR belongs on track.

So, should you buy the 2022 BMW S 1000 RR? Yes, a million times yes if you plan on taking it to the track. If you think you want the latest and greatest motorcycle to take to work every day, you will soon hate your life and overpay for features you won't use. You can find a more comfortable and cheaper sports bike for this purpose. It’s uncomfortable and frankly, it’s a complete overkill for the streets (there actually are comfortable sports bikes out there). Not to mention the S 1000 RR will surely lure you into pushing your limits more and more, which is a recipe for disaster on the road and for your driving record. If you are an experienced rider and you know how to control yourself, as well as handle some of the quickest motorcycles in the world, then this bike will give you a lot more smiles per gallons than miles.