r/BMW_S1000RR • u/KendoB1080 • Jul 12 '26
Best bang for the buck brake/suspension upgrades for racing
I've recently got a lot faster, I have maybe 20-30 track days under my belt, I ride a 2015 s1000rr 'M" package bike. I wanted to turn it into a race bike over the summer before next season, which will be my first racing.
I've never had my suspension looked at or set to my weight as a baseline. I cranked my compression way up as the zip tie told me I'm bottoming out my suspension every session, didn't seem to help much, still bottoming out.
If money was only somewhat an issue, what do you feel is the best bang for the buck upgrade for brakes or suspension to lower lap times. I bought a brembo master/lever and put it on my last 2015bmw last season before I totalled it in the rain at the ridge last season, I'll be installing that on my new bike this week.
I've had ppl at the track recommend ABS delete kits, anything else you guys can recommend, looking for advice from someone fast (blowing through A group) any advice for a new racer would be greatly appreciated, I did the classes to get my license in Utah last year but got so busy with work (I traveled d do heavy industrial steel construction) that I never got to race.
For the first time in my life ppl are starting to refer to me as fast at tracks I go to and I really want to know what the quintessential upgrades are to my bike for racing, I definitely don't care to any more power, thanks in advance for any advice
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u/Klutzy-Pie6557 Jul 12 '26
Track days and racing are two very different things.
A properly set up race bike will set you back thousands, replacing your suspension with proper Ohlins kit ain't cheap, and that's where I would start. Your bike is also old compared to anyone who wants to do this seriously, most will be running more modern bikes.
But I'd recommend just enjoying your first season, with what you have.
Have an expert set your suspension as best they can the semi active kit is great for the road but it ain't track ready for serious players.
Hopefully you've already got forged rims with the full kit from BMW.
1
u/KendoB1080 Jul 13 '26
Thanks, I do have the forged rims, my last BMW did not and I can 100% tell the difference on the track. I've got decent rearsets, but the bikes .mostly stock. I don't ride street/canyons anymore, so anything I do at this point is only with track performance in mind. I have no delusions about why I want to race, I'd like to club race "Novice" just to try it, as the race licensing classes I did were unbelievably fun during the mock races we did.
I feel I'm honestly pushing the stock suspension past it's intended use as the bike getting extremely upset in every hard braking zone, though it could be user error, I do feel I'm pretty smooth on my inputs/bar loading. I know there is no magic bullet but I was hoping there was a few things that basically everyone did to the bmw when they planned on racing it that doesn't cost 10,000$, I feel like I might be better served spending that money on track days/race entries and tires
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u/Klutzy-Pie6557 Jul 13 '26
Look the bike is going to be a solid track bike - HP forged wheels are excellent, I've also got those on my 16 S1000rr, IMO dude - just have fun I know when I'm doing a track day the bike is a blast.
The traction control system is pretty good, helps protect against a highside when leaned over for sure gave me comfort when I could feel the rear squirm under acceleration seeing that light blink told me its OK I got this allows for full power acceleration out of courners.
But it ain't no equal modern race bike that's for sure! But plenty to have a great time with.
I run HP rearsets and levers, these have excellent ground clearance, nothing is touching but I've only been over as far as 58 deg so I guess once over 60 who knows.
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u/KendoB1080 Jul 16 '26
I got to 63 left and 64 right on my old BMW with stock rearsets, no hard part dragging, I felt the front start to "walk" away from me at 64 so I tend not to take it that far anymore
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u/Key-Peanut-4078 Jul 12 '26
There's a good series on YouTube by an Australian guy, same bike as yours, put full Bitubo to replace the DDC.
Been looking into cartridge kits, rear shocks and steering dampers for my s1000rr as well.
All the suspensions guys I know that used to be Ohlins moved toward K-Tech over the last few years. It's plenty available in North America and easy to get parts for.
In my opinion, on the top end stuff, Bitubo is better quality than K-Tech or Ohlins, but less dealers for it around where I live. Maybe it's different for you.
All in your talking about 7-8K for a full closed cartridge system at the forks, full adjustment through the rear shock and upgraded damper.
Anyone I know who's done the upgrades speaks highly of it.