Overall Rating
The R1200RS was already one of the most complete, complete and powerful sports road bikes that can be purchased. The new BMW R1250RS takes all the features of its predecessor – spacious driving position, adjustable screen, shaft drive – and adds extra power, modernity and refinement.
The dash is clearer and faster to read, the new headlights give a less surprising appearance and the enlarged engine means it devours miles, whether you want to go far or go fast, with even more ease . Its biggest problem is the price: we can not deny that it’s a lot of money with all the checkboxes checked. But the R1250RS is a true sports tourist supreme.
Motorcycle quality and brakes
The brakes are not modified and deserve to be underlined for this very reason. While the R1250GS and R1250RT passed through the front brake calipers manufactured by Hayes, the bare R1250RS and R stuck with Brembos. Hayes calipers do not lack braking power, but for most riders, the Italian brand is a well-known name, well established and proven.
The bike behaves well and, although it is a bit heavy, it can tip in turns without being too dramatic. Tack action would be a stretch and only for the brave.
Engine
The RS inherits BMW’s new 1254cc flat twin from 2019. With a larger bore and a longer stroke than the old 1200, there is much more power and torque at all speeds. Performance is identical to the last GS and RT, with 134 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of thunder (more grunt than the Super GT Duke of KTM or H2 Supercharged Kawasaki SX ).
Like its siblings, the engine is equipped with the ShiftCam, which moves its input cams seamlessly between two sets of lobes; one for low speed efficiency; the other complete performance. The end result is the absolute joy of a road engine, with mid-range mountains, a very powerful high end and impeccable low-end manners.
Quality and reliability of the Built
The R1250RS has quality parts and there are few problems reported with its predecessor, the R1200RS. You get the finish you expect from a high-end BMW.
Insurance, operating costs and value
While the base bike costs around £ 12,100, if you are a bit keen with additional options, you can quickly end up accumulating extra charges. The bike tested here costs £ 15,640. This is an exclusive navy blue paint, keyless ignition, semi-active suspension, GPS mount, cruise control and centrestand.
And it is also adorned with the comfort package (£ 465: chrome exhaust, heated grips, tire pressure monitors) and the Dynamic pack (£ 910: daytime running lights, fast two-way flashing, smarter aids, LED indicators). . The BMW SOS button costs an extra £ 305, bringing this test bike to £ 15,640.
The usual sports tourists are now rare and adventure bikes seem to be more appealing to cyclists wishing to travel long distances comfortably. But for those who want something a little sportier or to go on a track, the Kawasaki Z1000SX is extremely popular.
It is sportier than the RS, but costs only £ 10,000 and is suitable for those who want their sport-tourer to be more sporty.
Equipment
The RS can now be equipped with the latest version of BMW’s Dynamic ESA (the semi-active suspension in simplified English). The big difference from the R1200RS is that the last system automatically sets the back preload.
Where you previously had to tell the bike if you were solo, bi-position or if you were carrying luggage, the 1250 can calculate the load it carries and automatically compensate for maintaining the bike’s attitude.
The damping can be set to Route (softer) or Dynamic (firmer), with a noticeable difference between the two. Dynamic ESA is an additional £ 775, part of the Premium package or included as standard on the Exclusive model.
BMW R1250RS Specs
| specification | |
|---|---|
| The size of the engine | 1254cc |
| Type of engine | 8v flat, liquid cooled |
| Frame type | Double spar aluminum |
| Fuel capacity | 18 litres |
| Seat height | 820mm |
| Weight of the bike | 243 kg |
| Front suspension | 45mm USD not adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Paralever |
| Front brake | Two 320mm discs with four-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | 276 mm single disc with two-piston caliper |
| Front tire size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tire size | 190/55 x 17 |