BMW S 1000 R versus Suzuki GS 500
BMW S 1000 R
Suzuki GS 500
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- Full of performance ...
- .. but still easy to control
- high-quality workmanship
- cool sound
- Handy
- Low seat height
- Suitable for everyday use
- Value for money
- Excellent spare parts situation
- Pillion operation only for emergencies
- Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
- No electronic helpers
- Susceptible to rust
- Weak rear damping
Dimensions & Weight
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight : 199 (max: 407 ) kg
Seat : 790 mm
Weight : 174 kg
Engine
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 487 ccm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kette
Performance
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 266 km
Performance: 45 HP Tank contents: 17 Litre
Chassis
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Brakes
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 220 mm)
Conclusion - what sticks
The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!
For beginners? Well, yes....
So what remains? In our case, the question of whether a motorcycle can work for only EUR 900 must clearly be answered in the affirmative. And more: Little Suzi is really fun. Of course, she is especially noticeable when it is brakes, but she has no real flaws. If you want or have to ride a motorcycle cheaply, you would have a long time with this Suzi for the narrow thaler.
Two things about it: It worked in our case, because the buyer had been informed exactly what to look for. It should not be concealed that a portion of luck can't hurt: If a previous owner often turned the Suzi out cold or driven it over the runway at full throttle, this conclusion would probably not be so positive.
The second is the concept of an entry-level machine, which is often attached to machines such as the Suzuki GS 500E. Of course, you don't want to spend a lot of money and gain experience first. But whether you should do this with a motorcycle that lacks any electronic safety feature?
Everyone has to make up that with themselves.
