BMW S 1000 R versus Yamaha MT-09 SP

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
Yamaha

Yamaha MT-09 SP

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2018 bis 2024~
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 13.199 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.440 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.190 mm
Seat :
825 mm
Weight :
190 kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: 3-cylinder, 4-stroke 3 Cylinder
Displacement: 890 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 78 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 261 km/h
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
Maximum speed: 225 km/h
Performance: 119 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 93 NM bei 7.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
254 km

Chassis

Frame type:
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
Frame type:
Bridge tube frame (aluminum)
Front suspension:
USD 41mm, fully adjustable (travel 130mm)
Rear suspension:
Coil spring/Gas-hydraulic damper (travel 122 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) (Tubeless)
Rear tyres: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) (Tubeless)

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Double disc ( 298 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 245 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!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Back to the exit question: Is the 1,800 Euro surcharge for the SP worthwhile? Jein, one might say. The SP is the slightly more noble and chassis-technically better machine, but if you don't have it so thick, we think you can also use the standard MT-09.
 
However, the competition for the naked bikes of the upper middle class is tough: KTM 890 Duke R, Kawasaki Z900, Ducati Monster, Aprilia Tuono 660, Triumph Speed Triple RS - these are all also great machines. In the end, many potential buyers will probably depend on the engine: it's just a character question whether you're on Twin, Triple or In-line fours.
 
In any case, the MT-09 SP does quite a lot of right and actually nothing wrong - except for the company operation, which is, however, similarly murky among the competitors. But as a couple you don't really want to ride these bikes, don't you?
 
The test bike was provided to us by Tecius & Reimers in Hamburg Eidelstedt - thank you.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 11,599
  • Used (3 years old): 10,000€
  • Years of construction: from 2018
  • Colours: blue-black