Superbike ownership experiences in India: Sudhir Ingle talks about his BMW S1000RR

Owning a Superbike in this part of the world is a dream for literally every biker. For some it’s pure passion of riding these biggies to get that adrenalin rush through the veins, and to some just a sense of pride and satisfaction of owning one. But unfortunately passion doesn’t come cheap. If the cost of these machines was out of reach even when calculated at international prices, the local tax structure takes these two wheeled marvels even further to the whimsical orbit. But we do have a few blokes who have kindled their passion and gradually acquired their dream set of two wheels.

We at Motoroids would be featuring such proud owners of superbikes from around the country sharing their views and experiences of owning A BIG ONE.

We’re starting this feature with Sudhir Ingle from Navi Mumbai. Sudhir is pursuing his Engineering Degree in Instrumentation and loves big faired bikes (oh yeah, we love them too!) and café racers. Though his study routine doesn’t grant him too much luxury of time, he spends whatever time he could spare in reading about motorcycles, their technical aspects, accessories and aftermarket enhancements- and of course riding too.

Coming to the ownership part, Sudhir’s prized possession is something that can rightly be referred to as the best performing set of two wheels money could buy today- the mighty BMW S1000RR. Though our excitement lures us to ask no less than a million questions on the 193 bhp german rocket, we decided to control our emotions and put across a few queries on his ownership experiences with his BMW. So here we go- over to Sudhir.

Q) When did you buy the BMW S1000RR?
A) I bought my bike in January 2012.

Q) Which bike did you own prior to the S1000RR?
I never owned a super bike earlier. Few people had suggested to start from a 650cc and gradually upgrade to a litre class. But when I read about the S1000RR and went through its reviews on the internet, I realized that the S1000RR with reasonable precaution can be a great learner’s bike. A fabulous electronic setup and 4 different modes of riding with each having a distinctive power delivery pattern, the bike simplified my purchase decision. As mentioned earlier, though I never owned a superbike, I have been riding my friends’ superbikes and was pretty much acquainted with their power traits.

Q) Which other bikes do you own apart from the S1000RR?
I have a Yamaha Fazer 150 and a Honda Activa, which I use for routine chores like going to college, classes, gym etc.

Q) Why only the BMW S1000RR? Did you consider some other bike while making a purchase decision?
The first bike on my wish list was a Kawasaki ZX-10R- the Ninja simply makes me go crazy for some unknown reason. Second on the list was the Ducati 1199 Panigale which was nearing its launch- but since neither of these bikes were available at that moment (it still isn’t), the other superbikes on my wish list were the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, Aprilia RSV4 and the BMW S1000RR. After a detailed discussion between me and my dad, we decided to pick up the Beemer which I believe was an excellent decision primarily made by my dad. Though I was more inclined towards the RSV4, which no doubt is a great bike, but the S1000RR was no less than a dream come true.

Q) What is the best part you like about your bike?
Each and everything on the bike is no doubt the best, particularly the electronic quickshifter is something that I love to operate. Secondly the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and the ABS which impart a sense of assurance while riding in tricky conditions. Also the various modes that can be adjusted according to your needs- for eg. you may choose the RAIN mode for a sedate power delivery or SPORT mode if you wish to unleash all of the 193 horses packed into those 4 cylinders. You also have a RACE mode for track riding or open roads, but the best and craziest of all is the SLICK mode.

Q) And the worse part?
Frankly I don’t find anything bad in the bike- not because I own it. Couple of my friends didn’t like the asymmetrical headlamps , but to me that’s one of the things that makes it stand out from other bikes.

Q) What has been your longest ride?
Due to paucity of time, I do not have the luxury to do full day rides, but I do go out on short breakfast rides on Sunday mornings. My longest ride has been a distance of 300 kms when I rode to Talasari. Once am through with my studies, I should be scaling longer distances on my S1000RR.

Q) How has been the after sales experience?
The after sales experience has been a pleasant one. Mr. Ninad Mutadak and Mr. Anand handle the after sales support extremely well. I haven’t faced any problems in the bike yet (touchwood) so far, but they always been very cooperative and helpful to any of my queries and keep a regular track of my bike’s performance record.

Q) How much on average do you spend on service including consumables?
Till date I have only serviced my bike once on completion of 1000 kms. The servicing including labour and consumables was approximately Rs.9000/-.

Q) Any independent service centre/ mechanic you would recommend?
Definitely yes! I would love to inform you and everybody about 7th Gear Customs at Shivaji Park. Though they haven’t worked on my bike yet, but I have seen their work and it’s spectacular. These guys are extremely professional and thrive on perfection in whatever they do. Mr. Stuart Lima and his hardworking team are the real support behind 7th Gear Customs. I make it a point to go there in my spare time and am stunned by their system of working. With time they have become very good friends of mine.

Q) Where do you source the spares from?
My bike at present is completely stock and haven’t bought any spares as such. But yes, I have put on a pair of R&G branded crash protectors purchased from Performance Racing Store.

Q) What modifications have you done to the bike? What difference has it made?
No modifications yet- the bike is superstock!

Q) What makes up your riding gear?
My riding gear includes a BELL (Roland Sands Star Speed Freak LE) helmet, a jacket, KNOX Ageis Back Protector, KNOX Handroid gloves ), Knee guards and a pair of SIDI boots.

Q) Have you ever faced issues from cops since lot of bikes out there are grey imports and inappropriately documented?
I’ve been stopped many times at check points by the cops, but never faced any problems as such. Was fined just once for not putting up the registration number at the front. But I immediately fixed it on the windscreen to avoid repeating similar situations.

Q) What would be your next bike?
My next bike will definitely be a KAWASAKI ZX-10R- as said earlier I am a huge fan of that bike.

Q) Any pointers on parking in public places?
Can’t say much as I generally don’t take my bike to places where I have to park at a public locality. The Yamaha Fazer and the Activa are the saving grace to the BMW.

Q) What tips would you give to prospective superbike owners?
For a beginner I would suggest to get a bike that comes with an electronics package. The BMW S1000RR is a great superbike to start off with. The various modes, ABS, DTC, Wheelie Control and the lean angle sensor (lean angle preset for all 4 modes accordingly) would serve as a learning curve. The S1000RR offers so much to explore and you will never get bored of it.

Q) And finally the question that we Indians love so much.. ‘KITNA DETI HAI’? 😉
At the start when I bought the BMW, even I was slightly apprehensive about the fuel consumption. As I am a student, the obvious question to my mind was “Would I be able to afford the fuel expenses with my pocket money?” Though can’t recollect which ride, maybe it was my second or third outing, I calculated the figures and was happy to know that it returned me 14-15 kpl which is appreciable for the punch the BMW packs in. In the city it ends up with 10-11 kpl.

So that is it! We at Motoroids would wish Sudhir a million miles on his beloved S1000RR, and we hope you loved reading Sudhir’s experience as much as we loved bringing it to you.

Do let us know your feedback or any other questions you feel should be included.