Hot on the heels of my most recent post about using artificial intelligence as a motorsports coach, I wanted to take a step back and look at how to lap faster using a tried-and-true tool: a simple GPS speed graph. Specifically, my own speed graph.
Situation
I recently picked up a 2026 BMW S 1000 R, the detuned, more upright sibling of the S 1000 RR. Given my affection for unfaired, higher-handlebar bikes and familiarity with the platform, I was excited to learn if the single-R model could earn a place among my favorites.
I shook down the S 1000 R during a few “Riders Club” days at New Jersey Motorsports Park, hopping on it for a few sessions whenever I could. At the end of the last day, I finally had time for a proper time attack.
Despite the fact that I was still getting familiar with the bike, I met my goal of a sub-1:30 lap: 1:29.63, slightly less than 10 seconds off the overall motorcycle track record. Promising, but I felt more was available. I needed to figure out where the next improvement would come from.
I downloaded the data collected by my AIM Solo DL and started going through it at home in preparation for riding again the following week. Let’s pause here, because this is where “I think I can go even quicker” needs to become more focused and specific.
