Can the BMW S1000RR be more than just a single-minded speed freak? I carried a pillion to find out!

I am still absolutely loving the BMW S1000RR. The shine has not worn off having a big capacity superbike in the garage, and unlike smaller, less powerful machinery where it doesn’t take too long to find your limits on the road, the RR’s just seem absolutely endless. It’s an astoundingly exciting machine.

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• Update one: First impressions of the S1000RR

But this month, I’ve been doing a little more than just thrashing it when the sun shines for a few miles. I’ve been out on some longer days in the saddle, covering a few journeys over the 200 mile mark with a lot of motorway work thrown in to see how it copes.

Although the RR has an aggressive riding position that’s built for the track, it’s not wrist-breaking in its stance – especially as the cruise control function allows for a break on both hands, and the old sportsbike wrist rest on the tank helps a bundle.

In fact, for my 5’7 frame it’s surprisingly spacious, and even after a few hours in the saddle, my arms and legs are perfectly fine – although I have been conditioned with riding sportsbikes for over ten years now.

The only gripe really comes in the form of the M Endurance seat, which is chunky, but still on the stiffer side and I’m thinking that a slightly softer seat will go a long way for summer. I’m also opting for a slightly taller screen, as although the standard one offers a good level of wind protection with a sleek flow of air, it will be nice just to have a little more protection on those longer journeys.

I’m no TT racer, but anything that gives the neck a bit of a rest after a day in the saddle goes a long way, and should also allow me to hear through my intercom a little better, when the music is rolling.

And it’s not just me that’s been ‘enjoying’ the RR, as I’ve taken my wife Daisy out on the back who’s no stranger to going pillion with me – although the results aren’t exactly positive, nor surprising.

“It’s not the most comfortable thing to be on, as you’re very cramped and you sit very far back to be comfortable. It’s quite harsh too!” isn’t exactly the words I wanted to hear after a quick spin, especially as she’s on the smaller end of the spectrum in terms of height and weight. I’m planning on a longer, two-up trip in summer so this might need a bit of work before then.

But for the sportsbike fans out there, you’ll want to catch my next update, where the BMW has a date with Brands Hatch. Exactly what the S1000RR has been crafted for…

Not a good choice for pillions

Although the RR is a reasonably pleasant roadbike, it’s not a decent pillion machine by any stretch of the imagination. The rear seat is tiny, the ‘pegs are high and the pillion sits incredibly high up. Short journeys are fine, but longer ones will be a slog…

The stats

• Miles this month: 636 miles
• MPG this month: 41mpg
• Costs this month: £90.96 (fuel)
• Miles to next service: 4596 miles (minor)