I liked the look of the red, white, and black R1S and was going to pre order one late in 2015. The dealer had a '15 on the showroom floor and after seeing it
(this was before I found out that the '15's were going to be recalled), I was like you. It was there, I didn't have to wait, so I got it. 24k miles later, I'm glad that I have the R1 and not the R1S. But I am sure I'd liked the S just the same. The dealer actually said if I'd go with the '15, he'd let me have it for the same price as the S.

 

No, really you’re just getting to technical. See what Josh Herrin did with an R1S on track during a MotoA race, and you’ll quickly see why you don’t “need” the “upper” model.

 

My track bike is an R1S. It’s fast and a solid bike, even on the track. It’s little things like some additional weight, no QS, aluminum vs mag, and no TI. I added a QS (soon to be replaced by FTEcu auto blipper) and I took that savings and bought some additional wheels (still aluminum) for track day swaps.

People may call it the poor mans R1, or say it’s slower, but I’ve be passed plenty of R1M at the track. At highest levels of racing, where rider skill is level set, bike performance does come more into play but...

 

Unless you are at the pointy end of the groups on track days, its really going to be about personal preference. I run neck and neck with my standard versus an r1s.. its really about rider most of the time. Saying that, if I could trade for an r1m.. well... the r1m IMO is more attractive due to its polished swingarm and body work. The M suspension for a track day guy that doesn't want to "take all that crap off" is better and easily changed for situation. The GPS to get lap times is also a bonus. S vs standard.. I dont think most street riders could capitalize on the differences... and really other than the shorter redline, probably wouldn't even notice.

 

Yea I agree, the M is attractive but for me it’s the auto suspension and the GPS mainly. I guess new ones have the auto blipper too. Again, for the price diff, it was much cheaper for me to add the gps/lap timer, get my suspension dialed in manually, and I’ll be adding to auto blipper this winter. My R1S is track only so plastics don’t much matter, they were the first replacement.

I had those initial thoughts after I bought my S. “Should I have bought the normal R1?” After a couple of upgrades and several track days I realized it was unnecessary and this is in the advanced group. Rev limit is a little annoying still but this is because of steel vs titanium connecting rods.In my head at least, I feel the engine may be a little more reliable with the steel and lower rev. I’ve heard of blown engines though I don’t know anyone personally.

 

I was in the same exact position. I sold the R1s and bought an R1m of the same year. Could totally be in my head, but I am significantly happier now. The bike feels completely different. Significant improvement imho. I don't bounce off the rev limited anymore (actually never hit it at all now) and the bikes suspension feels smoother, wheels are lighter (I can feel the diff). Also, I don't have the "budget" cloud hanging over me.

 

I’m very compulsive I saw my 2016 matte gray R1S on Facebook marketplace and I wit now there’s another one on there a month or so later same bike/year/color but it’s not an S model. I could sell mine and buy this one (pain in the ass) it’s not a money issue for me. I kind of wanted the regular model but then when I did all the research every article basically said that these bikes run neck and neck unless you’re on the track they’re so freaking close so I bought the S anyways. I understand it’s 9 pounds difference and some different metals, few horsepower Less, and lower rev. so maybe I’m over thinking it should I just keep my freaking bike ? I will never be on the track btw and as of now I am not a very advanced rider as I don’t even ride a lot or near as much as most bikers I know. I would think the rev limiter would make a pretty big diff but not from what I have read. My bike came flashed from Sportbike unlimited with a 3/4 comp werkes pipe I have a bunch of aftermarket shit to add still in boxes including an OHLINS damper and an Austin Racing Full inconel exhaust (ordered anyways lol)

i really think I am an amateur rider even at 51 yrs old on my first liter bike ever and my ego is telling me I own the “lesser” or “budget” R1 😡😡😡 **** I should maybe waited but I am COMPULSIVE and had it have it right then and there !

many input besides the obvious I’m a dumbass would be greatly appreciated 😇

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I’m very compulsive I saw my 2016 matte gray R1S on Facebook marketplace and I wit now there’s another one on there a month or so later same bike/year/color but it’s not an S model. I could sell mine and buy this one (pain in the ass) it’s not a money issue for me. I kind of wanted the regular model but then when I did all the research every article basically said that these bikes run neck and neck unless you’re on the track they’re so freaking close so I bought the S anyways. I understand it’s 9 pounds difference and some different metals, few horsepower Less, and lower rev. so maybe I’m over thinking it should I just keep my freaking bike ? I will never be on the track btw and as of now I am not a very advanced rider as I don’t even ride a lot or near as much as most bikers I know. I would think the rev limiter would make a pretty big diff but not from what I have read. My bike came flashed from Sportbike unlimited with a 3/4 comp werkes pipe I have a bunch of aftermarket shit to add still in boxes including an OHLINS damper and an Austin Racing Full inconel exhaust (ordered anyways lol)

i really think I am an amateur rider even at 51 yrs old on my first liter bike ever and my ego is telling me I own the “lesser” or “budget” R1 😡😡😡 **** I should maybe waited but I am COMPULSIVE and had it have it right then and there !

many input besides the obvious I’m a dumbass would be greatly appreciated 😇

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ill buy that competition werkes if you still got it sit-in around!

 

I am selling it with the bike I think sounds like a V-8 engine man it is incredible

 

If money is not an issue, like you said, of course you should buy another bike. The correct number of bikes to own in n+1.

 

Well....I fit it I pulled the trigger on a brand new 2020 with 1 mile on it and now my 2016 is for sale 😇

 

Congratulations 🎊🍾🎉
Nice color, I have the same year & color