Can you tour on a modern superbike? I'm heading to Europe with the BMW S1000RR to find out

I love superbikes, and I’m keen to prove that they aren’t just one trick ponies – but are instead majestic works of mechanical art that can do just about anything that’s chucked their way. And that’s why, after taking the BMW S1000RR to its familiar surroundings of a sunny, warm race track last month, it’s time to push things further afield, with a nice big trip to Europe.

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• Update one: First impressions
• Update two: Carrying a pillion
• Update three: Hitting the track

The plan is simple: a long slog across France and Germany to visit BMW Motorrad Days, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen just outside of Munich. From there, I would head east across to Austria, where my wife is flying out to travel pillion for the long trip home, via Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and France.

But before embarking on a few thousand miles in the saddle, I decided to give the BMW some touring love. The OE Metzelers have served well for giving serious grip but aren’t built for longevity, which is why I’ve opted for sports-touring tyres in the form of a set of Bridgestone S23s, which aren’t quite as sharp in terms of handling but are already holding up nicely against the RR’s abuse, especially over a prolonged period of motorway blasting.

I’ve also given the RR a slightly taller screen to help keep things in check (and to enjoy that Autobahn a little more!) along with as much luggage as I can possibly fit on, while still allowing myself, and my fairly dainty partner enough perching space.

The problem is, fitting any form of motorcycle luggage has been an absolute nightmare! As the rear subframe/tail unit is so small, any reasonably sized set of luggage is too big because it impinges on the space needed for my pillion’s legs. Of course travelling solo, a tailpack would be fine, but that’s not very helpful if you’ve got a pillion.

So, we’re going fairly basic with a couple of backpacks and a small tankbag (magnetic bags won’t hold) and it’s going to be interesting to see how it all pans out – not just for me, but also for Daisy who will be spending a week sitting pretty on the pillion seat. You can find out next month how we got on…

No room for extras

Sorting storage space on the S1000RR hasn’t been an easy process – especially with a pillion to think about too. The tank isn’t steel so you need a properly secured option, and the rear seat unit is quite dainty, which is something to keep in mind when trying to secure bigger sized luggage to the rear end. The same goes for getting the Quadlock mobile phone mount on the ’bars without banging the fairing and tank!

The stats

• Miles this month: 389 miles
• MPG this month: 41mpg
• Costs this month: £761.09 (£59.11 fuel, £54.99 Quadlock mount, £257 BMW tank bag, £89.99 Puig screen, £300 Bridgestone S23 tyres)
• Miles to next service: 3599 miles (minor)