I should say that every manufacturer are going to have some bikes roll off the assembly line with issues. And the majority of bikes are fine from anyone.
However...it seems to me at least (and I'm no expert, but I have seen other more qualified opinions on the matter that agree) that the s1000rr has some design flaws with the lubrication system that can cause premature wear inside the engine.
I still feel the s1000rr engine is more fragile than any other. I mean....they released it in 2010 and they start blowing engines. So then they implement a MANDATORY break in rev limiter. Can someone tell me why NONE of the other manufacturers produce and engine that requires a mandatory enforced rev limiter? I know our little instruction manuals give reccomendations....but they don't force you to.
I know when I had my s1000rr, when I would change the oil I would see huge ass pieces of metal on my oil drain plug magnet. Not the typical shavings I have seen from every other bike I have owned. But, huge pieces.
The S1000rr is a blast to ride, albeit a little boring compared to the pani, and overall it's a cool bike. If they would sort a few things like the headlights, the lubrication system, and the crappy gear box I would love to have another.
And as far as the Gen 4 kawi....they had a couple of recalls, but overall that engine seems to be pretty bulletproof. I have had zero issues with mine whatsoever. And no big ass metal shavings during oil changes!
And FWIW if anyone is looking for an awesome bike and by far the best bang for the buck the gen 4 zx10r is the ..... Far better all around bike than the beemer IMO. Not quite the character of the panigale, but a great machine.
