2015 BMW S1000RR review - Telegraph On a dry track it's clear that the S1000RR is subtly but significantly faster and easier to ride - at least when, like the launch bikes, it's fitted with most of its options and accessories. I was surprised to find one of the most useful was its new quick-shifter, whose "auto-blipper" function allowed clutchless gear-changes when going down, as well as up, through the six-speed gearbox. This minimised distractions when braking for a bend, facilitating hard use of the powerful Brembo front brake. Its ABS system worked superbly even on track, though one HP4 feature that even this BMW doesn't share is a cornering ABS function. The RR does, however, inherit the option of Dynamic Damping Control, the semi-active suspension system that adjusts automatically to suit the riding mode (for example by softening damping in Rain mode) and the bike's situation. Its key advantage is its ability to make the suspension stiff when required, for example firming the forks under hard braking or the rear shock under acceleration, and supple the rest of the time. The superbly agile BMW remained remarkably controllable even at the extreme cornering angles encouraged by slick tyres in the test's final two sessions. The BMW S1000RR feels very controlled, even at extreme cornering angles You can check your cornering angles, too, as a new instrument panel records actual and maximum lean as well as acceleration and braking force, throttle position and more (my bike reached 58 degrees in one turn, though the German lead rider beat that with 60 degrees). The BMW's electronic sophistication will help make it an outstanding, if often frustratingly reined-in, streetbike. Those super-sports rivals massing on the horizon are going to have to be mighty good to dethrone the S1000RR. Tested: 999cc four-cylinder four-stroke, six-speed transmission Price/on sale: TBC (approx £12,000 standard, £14,000-16,000 with accessories) /February Power/torque: 199bhp @ 13,500rpm/83lb ft @ 10,500rpm Top speed: 185mph (estimated) Range: 140 miles @ 40mpg (estimated) Verdict: Thrillingly fast, breathtakingly agile, sophisticated and well equipped four-cylinder rocket that raises the superbike bar once again Telegraph rating: Five stars out of five Aprilia RSV4 R, £14,134 Stylish, compact and with a new World Superbike title to its name, the agile Italian V4 also features refined electronics and will be further fine-tuned for 2015 Ducati 1199 Panigale, £16,250 Ducati's sleek V-twin has its rev-happy 195bhp engine in an ultra-light aluminium frame, and is about to be replaced by an even more powerful 1299 Panigale Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R ABS, £13,199 Blends 197bhp performance with agile handling and World Superbike credibility, but is likely to be overshadowed by the firm's 1,000cc supercharged four, the Ninja H2