Excellent advice from everyone on here - thanks!
QB1 - Hopefully I'll be able to have a couple of test rides before actually buying one. I'm in no rush to get one, I've already waited 4 years and waiting a few more months / years will make the cost of the bike come down as well as my insurance.
Brizzer - Good tips, I daresay I'll be terrified of the bike and will be driving it around at 5% of its actual power, so no fear of over riding it! I'm hoping on taking my GoPro camera with me to record the test ride so will link you to the video, though it will probably just be me screaming in terror and laughing from pure enjoyment!
Scotty - Your response was brilliant. Unfortunately I'm based in Swindon and the dealer is in Oxford. I've looked it up on Google Maps, the area looks pretty decent for a test ride but will be unfamiliar to me nonetheless. I'll be taking it slow and carefully. I actually hadn't considered test riding other litre bikes for comparison, I've always had my heart set on the S1000RR. I've always like the Japanese litre bikes, I might have to give them a go...? And don't worry, I'll be sure to have traction control on its highest setting!
Wiltshire Builders - A lot of advice that I greatly appreciate. I realise that the performance of the bike is going to be unlike anything I have ever experienced. I'll be taking it very easy and don't I'll have the balls to go anywhere near 9000 revs!
Dabz - I understand completely what you are saying. The S1000RR is definitely my dream bike, I have it set as the desktop background on my PC to remind me to work and save hard to get one. Like QB1 said - I feel like if I didn't get one I'd always regret it! So I'm really hoping the test ride goes well and I feel comfortable with the bike.
Snowy - Insurance quotes are a little ridiculous, but I was expecting this. Its affordable, but only just! I've sat on a few S1000RRs and was tall enough to fit comfortably on, but I've never actually ridden one.
Some of my friends and family think I'm insane for buying this bike, but to me it makes sense. I feel like I should buy one whilst I am still young enough to fully enjoy and appreciate it, and while I don't have the responsibilities of a family to worry about, something I'm sure many of you will appreciate.
I recently went to the MCN London Motorcycle Show and sat on a few of the different bikes there, but I kept going back to the BMW. The asymmetrical looks of it, the pure brutal power and the reviews I have read just tell me that it is the right bike to buy.
I appreciate any more advice or tips that anyone has to give, or even share some of your test ride experiences?
Here's a quick photo from the MCN show:
