BMW R1250RS First Ride - What's the verdict?
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- čas přidán 1. 04. 2022
- The 2021/2022 BMW R1250RS is labelled as a sport tourer which uses the same 1250 boxer engine of the much maligned, yet undeniably popular GS and GSA, and the R1250RT, R1250R, and R nineT models. I was given one as a courtesy bike whilst my GS was having some warranty work done, so took it for a first ride.
Hope you enjoy the vid folks, keep SUBSCRIBING, keep SHARING, keep LIKING, and keep letting me know what you think in the COMMENTS section below!
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After several ‘tractors’ I picked up my RS 3 weeks ago and have already put 1400 miles on it. I think it’s just as nimble as the GS, you just have to compensate for not having those wide bars and it’s a rapid, comfortable machine, particularly on my local Scottish roads. I don’t regret the change one bit, I’m absolutely loving the RS.
Yes you just need to grip the tank with your knees and tell the bike what you want it to do.
Exactly. Sporty bikes expect you to add a little body English to put them in place. I prefer a little stability. Flighty bikes move around too much heeled over for my liking.
I've owned two GSAs, as well as a K12 and K13s, and I bought an RS recently. Spend more time on it and you'll understand, after first test I felt the same as you, but after borrowing one for a day I changed my mind. It's so much lighter than the GS, the handling is sublime and it's just a joy to ride. For me it's a perfect combination of the superb boxer engine and the dynamics of the old K13 range, I loves it! It's a proper, real world, sports tourer, comfy, fun, capable of distance, but, like a GS, takes a while to get to know.
Always thought this would be one of the best do-it-all sports tourers. Grunty, balanced, comfy and enough tech. Nice vid as always 👌🏼 👍🏼
Nice review. There's one point it seems you missed. The RS is a lot cheaper than either the GS or RT.
That is for certain. $10,000 cheaper here in the US than a new RT. I know, I have both bikes n my garage, both 2023's
Bought a 1250RS a few months ago, totalled it, and am waiting for its replacement to be delivered. Yeah, another 1250RS. Is it a perfect bike? There is no such thing. Is it the perfect bike for me, all other things considered? Hell yes. Ride what makes you happy.
Great vid 👍 I like what you did when showing the snaps of different models in the range along with prices. All good content
I have the 1200rs and totally love it. I love it that much that when my first one got Qashqai’d in May 2021, once insurance got itself sorted I immediately went out and bought another one
Cheers Bruce, mega edit and first ride as usual! 🎥🎬🆒
When i was looking to buy a bike at bmw, i took both the 1250 GS and the RS out for test rides. i genuinely almost bought both because i couldn't make my mind up ! BUT the GS got it purely down to passenger comfort and luggage space, PLUS i decided i wanted off road ability for my mega Euro tours into the back of beyond ! i've owned my GSA now since sept 19 from new, and i definetley made the right choice, i liked it, now i love it.
Cheers Bruce, nice and practical vid of the RS. 👍👍
Thanks for the review! I'm in western Massachusetts and all through New England we have road conditions that look identical to what you've shown in the video. Lots of wet, freezing weather and the resultant potholes, frost heaves, dirt gravel and other unpredictable materials that make an ADV a much better sportbike than sportbikes. This bumped the RS to the top of my list.
I have a 2016 1200RS. There’s not much between the 1200 and 1250. The 1200s quick shifter is fine after 1st to 2nd, wind buffering is very noticeable. Other than that they are a very under rated bike. Plenty of low down grunt and quick enough to put a smile on your face. Admittedly not for everyone but a great bike nonetheless.
Love my 2017. It does everything very well.
Love the colour, and wish the GSs were a little more colourful! Thanks for bringing us along, Bruce.
Just goes to show there’s always a marketplace for the different bikes, test rode more than one GS myself and ultimately found it a tad boring although capable yet the RS felt more dynamic to me, I ultimately bought one and it really is a great bike covering a multitude of sins especially as I’m now used to the handling. For what it’s worth I do get that the GS copes with road surfaces better and that under braking feels a tad more controlled for turn in (wider bars perhaps adding to that feeling) but the RS has a bit more rock n roll to its character for me and ultimately that’s what swung it.
I had a demo on 2022 rt last year, stuck with the k1300s Motorsport edition.
I’ve also test ridden the super sport s and a the new busa, still stuck the k.
Last Sunday I had a demo on an rt with every box ticked and two days later I’d paid my deposit.
A total hoon and real world very fast.
The torque is addictive, 8 days to collection and counting.
My fav. The one I test rode had an Akrapovic muffler and it was a lovely sound.
Arh .. good ride 👍 I looked at a BMW 750 gs last Yr, decided I wasn't old enough yet 😬 ... so I went orange!!! I like the grin and chuckle factor 😁🟠!! Good review Tp1 ✨️
I used to have a R1100RS many moons ago, this is a bit of leap from that but from what you say still in the same mould. Definitely get yourself out on the R18 again! I was very surprised that you didn't like it, lot of CZcams hype about it but a decent longer review would be great to see 👍
Good use of the word "Drum" to describe a house. "Romany drom" now that brings back a few memories!
Funny bike this, rode the RS and it was OK, rode the GS and had to buy it! Great vid Bruce
I have always loved the look of the RS, and was tempted when I was buying the 1200 rallye. They still look fab and I still need to ride one. I took an R18 out recently did a review on it. Loved the bike and the concept but found it very heavy at slow speed maneuvering. The Engine is beautiful but soo heavy! 👌
Good review, as always.
I've got the R1200R, love it! I use road mode on the suspension most of the time, and Dynamic, when i'm "making safe progress?!"
I'm only guessing, but from experience of other bikes, I'd suggest, the reason you don't find the RS, as chuckable, as the GS, is purely riding position.
More lent forward and lower, narrower bars, than the GS.
Cheers, Grumps.
Great "hit the nail on the head" vid.I bought one of these Sept 20 in "Exclusive" spec ie wallet spankingly expensive ......ouch!
After three VFR 800s on the bounce I found it a bit of a culture shock but have come to understand it.
My RS came on Michelin Road 4s and the bike felt a little bit "sleepy" in the handling department.as you describe.
After reading a few sports touring tyre tests in various mags (one of them using this actual model of bike) changed to Metzeler Roadtec 01 SEs.
Although I'm no expert by any means the change was immediately for the better,quicker turn in with a much more front end,finally the bike was awake and talking to me.
I now run it in Road mode with the damping set to Auto,comfortable ride with,thanks to the tyres,entertaining handling.Win win.
Totally happy now and,after a Spanish solo tour and some "progressive" riding in Wales,I'm boring anyone who will listen with how well this bike perfectly fills it's niche of Sports Tourer.
I enjoyed that always a good honest review from you , I’m of the same opinion the ergonomics of a (tractor ) adventure bike just work better for me on the road and unfortunately I think that has taken a lot of riders away from the sports tourer market but then they must still be selling a few to keep making them , as ever keep up the good work ps nice to see you wearing your vest 🙏
Cheers Lee 👍
Best motorbike CZcamsr out there
Have a Gs tried an Rs when mine was in for a service - r/s did seem smother and more refined but riding position a little prone and a little cramped.
Got back on my gs - more upright and comfortable but strangely felt more agricultural.😎
Nice loop around Madden cheers!
Just bought a GSA collect a week Tuesday…previously owned KTM 1290 SAS..I love the look of the GSA & big is always better (Mrs advise ) can’t wait👍
This is the bike GS riders would buy if Charlie and Ewan had never meet 😁😁
Love your honest review. During lockdown I convinced myself that I wanted this bike (Lamb Chops spoke highly of it too) and in that color scheme, which I found suited the bike very well. First day out of lockdown in 2020, and my pockets full of money I had a test ride. Meh, I thought, was that it? (also long reach to the grips) Two days later I tested the Ducati Multi 950S, too noisy, not good in the city, and the following day I tried the Ninja 1000SX Tourer and I was smitten. I never regretted buying the Ninja and saving some 5000 euro at the same time. PS: Looks like you got some of your beard caught in the brakes at 08:24 🤣🤣
When I was looking into my GS replacement, I test rode one of these. I absolutely loved it. I think because I have a VFR800 as well, the RS was like a VFR and GS combined. Seemed perfect. The only problem for me was because of the worldwide parts shortage, BMW didn't have any of the optional extras available that I wanted to add to bling it up a bit. Then I went to KTM just out of curiosity to look at the Superduke GT and my BMW days were done (for the time being).
Totally agree with you there Sion, the KTM’s are the better bikes to ride for sure 👍
Cannie wait to get my leg over my “new to me” 1200 RS being delivered tomorrow. Coming from a gsa via a lovely hairy chested rsvr mille, I’m really looking forward to getting back on a boxer.
Good review Bruce
Oh how nice it is to hear “Nashnulls” again!
I think you nailed it. I’m looking for a bike that can comfortably tour two up yet still be nimble enough for commuting and single touring. Trying to find a bike that does all that is asking a lot. But this seems to be a great contender.
"I do like it nice and firm!"
That's what she said!
I got this one in the same color. I came from the GS and in the beginning I thought I maya mistake but its 5 months down and I’m keeping it
Spot on.
I had inlines my hole life this is my 1st tractor take some time getting use to it but fun well balanced I've added a few accessories to to make it more comfortable
Nice vid as always mate and very fair. I chopped in the GS for the RS earlier this year. Have to agree, it initially doesn't feel as flickable and this is probably due to being used to the big bars on the GS. Took me a little while but now feels much better. My GS had a few issues with starting and the left cylinder was really noisy. BMW said it was nothing to worry about but I lost a bit of faith in it after not starting for me a few times and it had to live on the trickle charger. The RS is a little easier to live with for those of us with shorter legs !
I’ve heard that issue with a few GS’s now, was that a 2019 reg bike?
@@teapotone Yes mate, Let me down a few times in the middle of nowhere so I ended up carrying one of those emergency battery starter packs. To be fair the dealer changed the battery under warranty for me but it would still be dead after about a week if it wasn't hooked up to the charger. The left cylinder rattle was a worry, BMW described it as a 'Comfort noise' but it was worrying me and I didn't want to own the GS out of warranty in case it let go. Keep up the good work mate.
It’s terrible that BMW still try and fob people off with excuses with these 19 plate bikes - there’s a definite and know issue with them 🤦♂️👍
Now I have had the rs a wee while Bruce I can update you. You need much longer on the RS to appreciate it Bruce. Imagine it with riser bars and a better screen like the mra. It runs rings around both the RT and GS.
Quicker, lighter and more nimble. Very tyre dependant on low speed feel. Mine is very flickable with Roadtech 01se’s fitted. Part of your impression is from the narrower bars but this helps with the planted and stable feeling at speed.
Suspension and geometry are ideal and have more feedback than tele-lever front end but still with very little dive.
Spend a week on the bike and you’ll not want to be handing it back. It will grow strongly on you especially with ergo tailored to your needs. Add luggage and it’s either a sporty RT or GS but with slightly less road presence. I’ve owned all three bikes but the RS is a definite keeper and my favourite.
Compromises though are it’s not quite as comfy as either of the other two but this is what you give up for sportier credentials. It’s easy to make all day comfortable. Bar conversion and either a Sergeant or Wunderlich aktiv comfort seat, a better tailored screen for individual preference and that’s it, nothing else needed.
Took me a month to settle and gel with it. I appreciate its strengths much more now. Very forgiving handling, easier to manoeuvre off the bike, quicker acceleration makes overtakes a breeze. A bit more fun than either of the other two and oddly it feels smoother and more refined bar the gearshift pro which I found better on my GSA. Led Lights are much better on the GSA though.
Overall, if I could have only one big boxer, the RS is it. It does everything the others do on road but just that bit better and more accomplished. Easier to get on with fully loaded too. One caveat to that is that it’s not really a good pillion option without lowered pillion footrests and adding a top box pushes pillion too far forward shortening the useable seat length. The RT is king if two up riding is needed.
One up touring, I’d be happy with the nimble RS. In the twisties it feels far more accomplished than the GS or RT and they’re pretty good to begin with. A good rider could keep with anything A to B on one of these in real world road conditions. It’s that good.
I have the 1250GS and it’s superb a worls apart from the 1200 but for my second bike I went for the s1000r just amazing
Great review and pretty well sums up my own views on the RS. I was looking for something a bit more suited to European tours than my S1000R and test rode the RS and the GS. Before trying them I was sure the RS would be the one and first impressions backed that up. It felt very familiar coming from a sports bike background whereas the GS felt totally alien. However the longer the rides went on the more the GS grew on me and the RS somehow failed to excite. GS was more comfortable, had less wind buffeting and most importantly was so much more flickable despite its size and weight. Only thing putting me off the GS was the seat height - until I discovered the low chassis version. Now the very happy owner of a low chassis GSA and looking forward to a trip to the Picos and Pyrenees in the summer.
The GS is definitely a comfy bike and with less wind noise than the RS. The size and weight though ... I've heard some people put the R1250R bars on the RS which helps with ergos (comfort wise) and an aftermarket screen for the wind
Can I ask how you find the low chassis GSA on the road? I tried one a few years ago, quite liked it but decided to stick with my RT. Wind protection was a big factor, although the larger tank was surprisingly protective.
The only thing I wasn’t keen on was the front end felt too ‘over powering’ with the bigger front wheel. Just felt it didn’t want to turn, especially with the preload initially slacked right off for me. Putting the preload up made it a little better, but still wasn’t ‘right’. I think if it had the ‘normal’ GS front wheel with the bigger tank, I may have bought it.
Mark Williams I'm really enjoying it on the road. I find it very quick steering and flickable, though a bit short of ground clearance. Wind protection is good (I'm coming from a naked S1000R) though I do get a bit of buffeting at speed. Only other negative is I don't find the seat all that comfy so am planning on replacing it with an aftermarket one.
Love from DeKalb Mississippi USA 🇺🇸
Love the back to basics vids. 👌 Harley
Thanks bud 👍
I love flicking my 1250 GSA around . quick shift on mine is smooth from 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 to 6 ...1 to 2 clunky as .. 6 to 1 lovely..perfect bike for 2 up touring.. nav 6 is poo i have zumo xt .. nice review MR T ..
Thanks for the review; am dithering over the R1250RS or Ninja 1000SX as an upgrade from my Triumph Sprint GT.
I have this spec and color RS. I sold my GS for this bike. Im not going back to the GS. I enjoy the little more wind on me especially in summer riding from Cape Town to Johannesburg and back. So about 5000km in 2 weeks. But I enjoy your options on this
Good video as always Bruce. Can I ask something unrelate though - what's your current vlogging set up? Looking to update some bits and, seeing as you do an awesome job, thought I'd ask!
Cheers Ollie,
I’ve got a GoPro Hero 10 with media mod, use the enduro batteries, and then a simple wiring setup that lets me record both the lavalier mic audio and Cardo Pactalk Comms chat onto the camera.
I’ll be doing a vid soon on it all 👍
@@teapotone thanks mate. I'll look forward to it.
I rode one, but I find the seating position to sporty for my commute (i ride 2x 120kms a day, 3 days a week, all year/all weather) and the quickshifter to agricultural, so I will stay with my "adventure" S1000XR.
On my list to buy. Test rode in 2019. Just need the money now
Agree 100%! I rode an R1200RS a few years ago, best part of the ride was getting back on my VFR.
Nice new camera angle Bruce is that a 360 camera? :) Nice ride on the 1250RS but how about a review of the Royal Enfield Himalayan, I bet you won't be singing "Nationals" then as you clatter along. I've got one and love it:)
Sandy
Cheers Sandy,
Aye that’s the Insta360 OneX2 camera - very good but of kit, and so far 100% reliable.
I’d love to try the Himalayan but have no contacts with Enfield sadly 🤷♂️👍
Hearing that your gs has gone into be fixed and with a full breakdown on one of your other videos really does concern me with modern bikes. My 17 year old Honda VARADERO is more reliable and a fraction of the price lol however if I could afford I would still have a gsa haha
Great video Bruce. I did laugh at the IAM and Rospa comment 🤣. How did you find the service at Arden? I live in Tonbridge and take my GS to Chandlers in Brighton. I would like to use Arden but I think I’m still scared by the old Coopers BMW 🤣. Will you use Arden to service the Tractor?
Cheers Curno,
Aye I get by bike serviced at Arden and so far no issues. They’re busy so there’s sometimes a wait to get booked in etc, but I’ve no complaints personally so far.
I used Chandlers too when Coopers went downhill, very good service and experience with Chandlers 👏👍
You never have to like or dislike a motorcycle, or anything for that matter, just because someone else does. For instance I don't like the GS or the RS. I had an RT instead of a GS and an RR instead of an RS. Get what you like.
Could be interested in this as my next bike, looking at Sports Tourers at the moment. Great looking bike. Good review
My advice: try the NInja 1000SX before you decide.
@@nickthequick I got a new ninja with touring pack for less than the price of a used RS without luggage.
@@markharrison2484 and they are much cheaper to service too; from parts to hourly costs at the dealer
@@nickthequick . The GSXs1000GT and Ninja 1000SX are probably at the top of list tbh. My friend had a new Ninja 1000SX last year but only kept it a few months, he couldn't get on with it. I'll definitely give one a go though 👍
@@MGman100 Check out the direct comparison between the two bikes on MCN .. You actually pay more and get less with the Suzuki
Well, here we're used to call the BMW bikes the perfect bore (I hope this translation makes sense). It means these bikes can do it all really well, just not in a spectacular way, so I think I can understand what you mean about not getting instantly hooked. Don't get me wrong I know, as you too, how good they are and how well they handle with whatever condition you throw them in. They smooth out everything which makes the handling easy and keep their overall reputition so good for such a long time. For me it's just not as exciting as I like it. Yeah, maybe I have to grow up a bit more ;) but beside that I know if I would do long rides as you do I would definetly ride a GS. I think there is no better bike out there for doing this.
It must have been a hell of a stoppie to get some beard fluff stuck in that Brembo caliper. Impressive!😃
I got myself this bike just over a year ago. Brilliant bike, but with drawbacks. Not flickable, they stretched the wheel base by extending the front axle out an inch from the bottom of the forks to give stability, but the R ain't unstable, but the R is flickable with the axle centre to the forks.
Next the tyres fitted are the devil's work. The front tyre went out of shape so quick due to uneven wear on the long tread pattern, it was awful when throwing it about a bit. Ripped them off and fitted the M-6. These have transformed the whole bike, still not flickable thanks to the forks, but a great ride! Next one I would order with the R forks....
Great vids, keep um coming, cheers...
I was about to post the same, but your post says it all. I testrode the ‘20 RS and the ‘20 R a couple years ago, and it was immediately apparent that the longer rake/wheelbase of the RS makes it significantly less flickable…one of the reasons a R now sits in my garage.
Jon - you can order an RS w/the R front forks?
@@atastefortheroad4475 No, but with a bit of time and $$ you switch the clip-on style grips for the R’s standard handlebars, which can help a bit with handling, though still not enough to make it as flickable/nimble as the R.
Very informative review. For me this is one of those bikes that reminds me of a 'different' woman. You think you want to ride it all day, but ultimately the expectation is greater than the reality....just too many small issues to deal with.
So you stick instead with the one you've been riding all along.....
My ZZR1400 breathes a huge sigh of relief......
lol, i have both the gsa and a zzr 1400 ! why not have the best of both worlds ! 🤣
I thought you would have made at least one reference to the R1250r you rode a couple of years ago, lol.
I found I can improve the flickability on my R/S by setting the pre load to max, this raises the back of the bike and improves steering. As far as I can workout DynamicPro is a bit of a misnomer, it should be called “User configurable” as it only allows you to choose the same Throttle response and traction control settings preset in Rain, Road and Dynamic modes.
If you wanted to try an R18 with a very different vibe come down to my local, Ocean BMW here in Plymouth. Their demo (one of them) has a set of short, slash-cut turned out pipes on it like an AC Cobra and it is ridiculous. A bit of a trek for you I'm sure but if you could get your mitts on that one, maybe take it down into Cornwall for a few days, that would definitely show you a new side to that model.
I took out a RS,Wasn't for me like you I prefer my Tractor........!!
I had the 1200RS, but is it work changing back from my GS1250. I'd have to move the satnav as that would be blocked by a tank bag and id have to get bar risers. I love my GS.
Nice bike nice video
BMW do great coffee,you will enjoy it while the latest warranty problem is sorted!
I get what you mean about the RS. I had one when my GSA was in for service and just couldn't get in with it. I didn't like how it steered and felt cramped.
Hi teapot, regarding the dynamic pro setting. BMW have now stopped using the red plug under the seat to access dynamic pro, my 2021 gs doesn't have it anymore. you have to select which modes you want to select on the button from the settings. I also had a ride on the RS and straight away I could tell it wasn't for me. On another note I've been waiting for your video from paint nation on your new lid, can't wait to see what he's done with it...is the video coming any time soon.
Steve.
My 2019 is the same. No underseat red jobby.
There's a more road biased final Drive on the road boxers, hence why they feel different to the GS which is more geared up for both road and off road...so the R, RS and RT are different to the GS and GSA
There is also the tele lever on the GS that the RS does not have. The RS also has the extended trail which adds stability but takes away flick ability
@@windyrun7979 yes that's correct, but the RT has the same set up as the GS , albeit shorter.
I have a 2020 r1250rs and love it! If you don’t go off road, no point to buy the GS.
I don’t agree. The Gs is way more manoeuvrable and agile than the RS, plus it’s more comfortable and gives better vision to the rider due to the sitting position.
The RT is a good road substitute to the GS, but not the RS - that is just an attempt at a sportsbike with a boxer engine
@@teapotonethe more upright seating position of the GS is definitely more comfortable and if you like that seating position than an RT would be a better option again with the caveat that you’re not planning on going off-road, which many GS owners don’t do. If a rider plans to do some touring, fun twisties and go off road then the GS is king. The RS serves us folks that like the sporty seating position but still allows for longer rides if so desired. I really like the RR, but I wouldn’t last more than an hour on that with my aging back. I’ve done many hours on my RS without much complaints fro my back. Anyway I love them all and would buy one of each if I could.
I like it, but the ergonomics don’t work for me.However,that could probably be sorted out with some proper bar risers.
had a friend own one of these, and sold it within a couple of months said it was just completely souless, then he bought the F900XR and absolutely loves it, anyway great vid bruce take care
Cheers Ollie 👍
I had one of these, and this i what old men like me buy when their back can't handle their S 1000 RR anymore. it is really Fast
Love the colour 🤓😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦
If it wasn’t for the cost of ownership over time and BDH (BMW Dealership Hubris) this would be a bike I’d consider buying.
I've got an R1250RS, I had a 1200 - I can't ride a GS, it's just too tall and I don't go off road... I like it but I agree it's very much a half way house. An RT is waaayyyy too big for me!
Just watched your review of the R1250R which you raved about and wondered why this bike didn't float your boat as much?
And amazing bike but you still love the tractor a dreams with the gixxer
I felt the same, great bike but not as agile as the GSA. Maybe it's the wide bars on the GS?
GS watch. I made it 34 mentions of the gs…Unfortunately I am only 54 and am not old enough for the r or gs.
Ha Ha - I was going to put in a ‘GS counter’ actually 🤣👍
I’m so tempted to buy one of these but that would be a third bike in my garage😳 I can’t sell my beloved triumphs Bruce.
Good enough for the SEG!
That’s obviously got nothing to do with the deal they got with BMW for supplying the fleet…?
No. Won’t have anything to do with it surely… 😉👍
@@teapotone hahah that’s true!!
I feel as a fellow GS owner to point you make Bruce is the RS is a less comfortable and less flickable and less practical GS, and I would agree. I feel to make the RS worthwhile it needs some extra performance over the GS, or what’s the point?
Lighter, better looking, and cheaper. GS is definitely more comfy though
You suggested it would not matter if in softer mode for road riding? While i do not have this bike (I have T9gt) I did notice if I leave in in the more aggressive sport mode then my bum starts huring after 100miles but not so on the softer mode (Yamaha version of semi active suspension)....other than that it is hard to notice much other than some extra wallowing whten I start towards the stupid speeds in the twisties
14:50 I think the BMW Boxer engine has been around for 99 years, considering I have a 90th anniversary edition from 2013.
I found the same thing with the screen buffeting and I am a little chap. Tried in all positions, still same. Also had pretty bad pain in my lower palm after only a few minutes of riding but then I am not used to a more sporty position. Otherwise a nice bike but did lack a sense of excitement!
You should try Tourstart to plan your tours.
I am a bit surprised you did not like the RS, I have just sold my RT and 2021 KTM SAS to get a new RS and totally love it, The RT while a great bike was just a bit heavy and blunt if you know what i mean, And the KTM had horrible euro 5 fuelling so it stuttered and sputtered all the time ( 1700 miles in a year ) to the point i just did not want to drive it, Hence the RT and now the RS! Loving it so far! Btw all the other u tube guys seem to love the RS...Perhaps not your cup of tea?
Your SAS doesn’t sound right at all, I loved that bike, had beautiful fuelling and was a joy to ride? 🤷♂️
I just don’t think the RS suits that engine personally, don’t see the point in the bike as the GS and RT will go equally as fast but have way more comfort and handle better. It’s really just a looks thing between the GS, RT and RS as they all utilise the same engine.
@@teapotone Cheers for that, it was your review that persuaded me to buy the ktm! But if you go online there are more and more popping up with the same fuelling / stuttering / misfiring at low throttle inputs problem, I take yours was a press bike? Tbh i am just sick of the sight of it now and come the spring 23 it will be gone, Also i dont see how i GS or RT will handle better but to each his own as they say!
Nice weather. I’m thinking of upgrading my F800R to a R1250R. I guess it’s the same as this but naked? I remember you loved it a few years ago,- how about on?
Test ride one yourself. For me it's the perfect bike, with the addition of a screen, but it is not going to suit everyone, particularly taller people.
I love the R1250R - great bike 👍
How did you attach your ultimate addon case to the nav cradle - thinking of getting one with the helix strap but unsure where to mount
Aye I use the Helix strap too - I just wrapped it around the Nav cradle 🤷♂️👍
@@teapotone ah didn’t know it was long enough
Aye there’s enough space over to one of the sides
Maybe the narrower handlebars and the big old back pack is affecting the turn in?? With all your gadgets about all that was visible of the TFT was the speed.😁 Either those roads were bumpy or the suspension in the road was waay too soft for you.
I was surprised how much wind noise it had, but that being said I'd rather have the RS than either the RT or GS.
Handlebars definitely have an effect on the handling, backpack no, unless I’m doing very illegal speeds - which won’t be on video 😉
Did I not show some B-roll of the screen? Apologies if I didn’t, I did film it but maybe forgot to add it in post 🤦♂️
The roads are bumpy in places yes, suspension didn’t feel too soft for road riding. You’d certainly want it firmer if you were using it as a proper track bike, but I’d suggest you wouldn’t have an RS as a track bike anyway 🤷♂️
The wind noise is ridiculous, I’ve had a lot of RS owners comment saying the screen is the first thing they change due to it 👍
@@teapotone Cheers👍👍
I love these tall dwarves, what an accent
pro has 3 letters, not all of them are Rs :D
Must test ride a boxer engine one day. As your GS is being repaired under warranty, do you classify it as a breakdown? 🤔
Its a lovely bike and test rode one last week along with others in the BMW range and its the front end is so vague, the bike does not know what it wants to be either a tourer or a sports and for me and this is totally my opinion it is neither unfortunately.
With regard to it not feeling as agile, for some reason the RS has more offset on the fork than the R1250R, giving it a longer wheelbase and slower steering. Not sure why they did this, I’ve got the R and it feels very agile to me 🤷♂️
It's stable when passing the bow wave of a truck at speed on a motorway. So I guess it was designed for long high speed trips on the autobahn.
Haven't tried the R but a mate who had the 1200R said it was somehow 'more fun' to ride than the RS. That would explain it. As I say, I'm not in a position to compare but don't find my RS to be TOO lazy. Have no problem hustling when the mood takes. If it takes more effort to turn then it's something I manage OK, so no complaints. It's certainly rock solid at any speed and tracks beautifully just like the R1200S before it.
If it's designed for the autobahn then that's a shame cos I avoid motorways like the plague 😂. 'B's and' A's for me, ta very much (in that order of preference tbh).
My previous bike was a K1200RS which had an even longer wheelbase than the latest RRS, and weighed nearly 100 lbs more. While it took more effort to move around at low speeds, the extra track and heft contributed to a supremely stable bike at speed and in nearly any weather.
Liked the video as normal. Preferre the GS to this mind and the bike looked a bit small for you mate 🤔
I've got one, Bruce. Apology accepted 😂
I think that BMW will have lots of R18s available for long term review.
Yep, I don't think they're selling that well even here in the US, based on my local dealer's inventory, which is chock full of them. I might be interested in a BMW cruiser, but not the R18, it's much too big and heavy. I wish they made a smaller, lighter one with either the 1250 motor, or even the previous gen 1200 if they want "character" and lower costs.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻