The 5 Fastest BMW Motorcycles Only Experienced Riders Should Own

It's one thing to learn how to balance a beginner motorcycle, and another to get behind the handlebars of a full-fledged superbike in a closed track. On one bike, losing control means a few bruises and a pat on the back. On the other bike, it could end up in a nasty experience with a few fractured limbs — or worse. Ask any experienced rider. Riding a fast bike is much harder than driving a fast car. For starters, the rider is not seated snug in a metal cage with a seatbelt on, but rather splicing through air at neck-breaking speeds. A single miscalculation could change the rider's fate forever.

BMW is the epitome of performance when it comes to motoring, and it doesn't just stop with cars. They develop some of the fastest motorcycles on the planet. According to BMW, these bikes have been designed for the "ultimate driving experience" on two wheels, pushing the limits of what bikes can do on an open road. These are not cheap knock-off imports, and for that reason, BMW performance motorcycles cost an arm and a leg, but with it, you get value for your money in terms of quality, performance, and the latest in motorcycle technology.

If you've ever wondered what a lineup of the fastest BMW motorcycles looks like, we put together a list of some of the fastest BMW motorcycles on the planet. To determine their quickest, we analysed verified top speeds and performance specs of the highest-rated BMW sports bikes. Disclaimer: These are bikes only experienced riders should own — and for good reason.

The BMW M 1000 RR is not your conventional sports bike. It features BMW's M badge, which says a lot about its performance pedigree. This here, ladies and gentlemen, is the top dog when it comes to high-performance superbikes. The M 1000 RR is homologized for racing and packs a 999cc in-line four cylinder capable of pushing 205 hp (BMW India says the M 1000 RR makes 212 hp at 14,500 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm) with a top speed of 195 mph (314 km/h), which is more power from a two-wheeler than most entry-level performance cars.

Since it is designed for high speeds, it packs weight-reduction features including M-carbon parts and aerodynamic winglets. For top-end power, it features a racing-derived engine rev limiter. As such, this performance bike will be screaming way past 10,000 rpm, and still have a lot more to offer on the throttle.

The BMW M 1000 RR is not the type of motorcycle for a newbie. Its lightweight construction and hyper-fast acceleration make it extremely responsive, and even twitchy at high speeds. Its track-oriented ergonomics could feel a little unforgiving on the street, especially for riders who are not used to aggressive riding positions such as leaning at high speeds. With sophisticated electronics and supersports handling demands, it is clear that only a seasoned rider could tame the M 1000 RR.

The 2024 BMW S 1000 RR is a World Superbike homologation model – like the M 1000 RR, it runs on a four-stroke, in-line four-cylinder, water/oil cooled engine capable of making 205 hp at 13,000 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm. It'll bolt from zero-to-60 mph in 3.1 seconds thanks to a constant-mesh six-speed gearbox (with straight-cut gears). It's loaded with a ton of performance goodies, including refined ergonomics, chassis, and engine upgrades. The 2024 version also features cruise control, and if you opt for the premium package, it'll come with Ride Modes Pro (which features Wheelie Control), a titanium exhaust system, carbon or forged wheels, and a host of other cosmetic goodies. 

This homologation model superbike also comes loaded with advanced rider aids, including Dynamic Control Pro. But that doesn't make it beginner-friendly. If anything, the S1000 RR's razor-sharp throttle response demands a steady and experienced hand. The aggressive lean angles and relatively high center of gravity require skillful weaving or leaning. Note to caution: this bike rewards experienced riders — and will quickly overwhelm those who lack the skills to match its performance pedigree.

The BMW K 1300 S isn't the newest platform on the market. If anything, it was developed between 2008 and 2016. Still, you've got to give it credit for being ahead of its time. This sports-touring motorcycle features a 1,293 cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission capable of making 173 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque, bolting from zero-to-60 mph in 2.79 seconds, with a top speed of 174.5 mph – specs that to date still outclass many modern rivals.

The BMW K 1300 S is renowned among sport-touring enthusiasts for its silky power delivery and top-end thrust. To put things in perspective, this bike generates as much torque at 4,000 rpm as its younger sibling — the BMW S1000 RR does at 11,000 rpm. This dated tourer utilizes a shaft drive for its rear wheel (engine power sent to the rear wheel through a drive shaft), instead of a conventional chain.

Sport-touring bikes like the K1300 S aren't for everyone. It's a powerful bike, and its unexpected thrust at highway speeds can surprise inexperienced riders. The drive shaft and heavy chassis combo requires deliberate and refined riding habits compared to bikes with lighter, more nimble chassis. "I had this bike at 174 mph, scared me. I had plenty of throttle left! Just be careful!" a previous BMW K 1300 S confessed on Reddit.

The 2024 BMW S1000 XR is an enhanced version of the previous model that incorporates ergonomic, performance, and cosmetic upgrades– it comes updated with a 999 cc inline-four engine (same as the S1000 RR) capable of making 170 hp (5 hp more than the previous model) at 11,000 rpm and 84 lb-ft of torque at 9,250 rpm. It offers improved ergonomics thanks to a slightly lifted seat (0.4 inches). This sportsbike has a top speed of 155 mph.

The S1000 XR is a blend of sportbike speed and upright comfort, and for that reason, it might be a little tempting for beginners. While it features advanced electronic aids for rider stability, its increased torque output makes for sudden acceleration and strong pulling power. The 2024 S1000 XR can quickly get up to speed from a standstill and bolt powerfully on demand. Its exterior design, which includes a tall seat and stiff suspension, requires confident body control.

This sportsbike comes equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and an upgraded suspension, blending performance and touring comfort. Still, its capabilities demand a seasoned rider, as improper or miscalculated braking (underestimating stopping distances) at high speeds can lead to serious risks. "Take it slow. As a new rider, it's important to remember that most of the mistakes you will make, you haven't made yet. And that's not a very forgiving bike for mistakes, so you should be careful. Yes, the electronic aids help, but nothing will save you if you ride beyond your skill level," an owner gave a chilling disclaimer to a new S1000 XR on a popular BMW Motorrad forum.

Speed lovers who enjoy long-distance, comfortable riding from the BMW stable can always count on the BMW R 18 Transcontinental. This touring bike packs a large air-cooled 1,800 cc boxer twin engine (365 pounds dry weight), which, according to BMW, is the largest boxer engine ever used in a series-production motorcycle. The "Big Boxer" on the BMW R 18 Transcontinental is capable of making 91 hp at 4,750 rpm and 116 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm and has a top speed of 112 mph. Riders can enjoy more than 111 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm.

This is not the bike to get if you're looking for top raw speed. It's a proper touring bike after all, and at its best, it'll offer huge amounts of torque at highway speeds. Harley-Davidson and Indian aficionados might differ, but the BMW R 18 Transcontinental's heavyweight design and long rake combination offer a unique handling experience expected of a top-tier touring motorcycle. Based on accounts by first-time owners, it's the type of cruiser that'll get you hooked on your first ride.

While experienced riders will appreciate its unique power balance and stability at cruising speeds, the weight may be challenging during low-speed maneuvers for inexperienced riders. Additionally, its tube-like chassis requires finesse and long-distance control.