2019 BMW R 1250 RS | 1000 km Review | Nitpicks!
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2019
- I take the new RS on a 4 day adventure to the Eifel National Park with BMW Motorsport Burgdorf. After spending over 1200 km on this beautiful machine, one learns all the little things one might not pick up on a 1 day ride.
Thank you Becker-Tiemann for letting me take this out for 4 days and really getting to know this bike. Becker-Tiemann Motorrad Paderborn: www.becker-tiemann-motorrad.d...
Note: If you see any factual errors in my videos, please feel free to politely let me know in the comments. For any questions/inquiries please send an e-mail to nothingtoprovemoto@gmail.com, I'm not on any other social media platforms. - Авто та транспорт
At that price, nit picking is important. Two thumbs up Scott. Keep up the great work
Best reviews on UA-cam, clear, concise and to the point. You speak like a true rider, one who feels the motorcycle as I do. Keep up the good work.!😎👍
I have had the R1250RS for six weeks and absolutely love the bike, as a short rider of 5'5" and a 29" inside leg the bike is perfect, I opted for the 790mm seat height down from the 820mm. The bike is easy to handle with a very low center of gravity, it is confidence inspiring with terrific engine braking capacity. I have moved from a Triumph Tiger 800 low with no regrets, for me the BMW is so much better, yes there are a few nitpicks but these are easily outweighed by its performance and handling. I hope that we see a resurgence in good old sport touring motorbikes. Thanks again for a brilliant review.
This has just made my day reading this, I have just bought one and I'm 5ft 4inch
Thank you for your honest review. As you can tell with the rest of the comments, everyone appreciates this type of reviews. Good work and I would love to see more reviews like this when you get the chance.
The most valuable review I have ever seen. This should be template for motorbikes review. Congratulations :)
Another great, honest review. “2 thumbs up”
You're the ONLY motorbike reviewer of which I see the videos more than one time.
Great review. Very helpful:) So much more detailed than (most) other reviews I’ve seen. As someone else already mentioned here: two thumbs up for the review👍👍
I really enjoy this guys review. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺 mate. Keep up the great work
Totally agree about quick shifter and vibration. Awsome reviews. Keep up the same style of delivery
Regarding the windscreen height, in addition to the high/low adjustment, there are 2 mounting positions on the 1250 now.
Do not worry you are not the only one who complains about shifting and that's why i watch your reviews cause they are honest and precise ....keep doing what you're doing man !!!
I’ve got an XR which I bought in spite of some mixed reviews. I LOVE the XR BECAUSE of some of the things other folk don’t like. Honest opinions are the best. Fantastic review....!
Hi Scott. Fair review. I have the 2017 1200 RS. Best bike I have ever had. I do one long tour per year and day trips most weekends. On longer, multi day trips I have been close to empty if I don’t plan my fuel stops.
Buzzing on the handle bars between 4 and 5 thousand RPMs is the characteristic of the bike. So I ride below or above. At highway speeds on cruise control I have no problem finding a good RPM. Bike likes 120 to 140 kph
My bike has over 20K on the clock. No issues. It is deceptively quick, agile I am 6 foot 4 so I have the sport seat and HP adjustable foot pegs. I do feel a little cramped after more than 2 hours in the saddle.
Thanks again for fair review.
Hi Scott. Thank you for your awesome reviews. You know how I know you're being honest on your reviews? I was in the market for a BMW 1250 GS, not a single reviewers on UA-cam mentioned about that super obvious engine vibration between 4000 and 5000 RPM. I ended up buying the damn bike not knowing about this issue. Now everytime I'm on the highway the vibration comes on and it really bothers me.
Thank you for being honest on your reviews and keep up the good work.
Mohammad Oskuie same thing happened to me with the GS, I purchased bar end weights and that solved the vibration problems.
PistolPete63 yeah I’ve done that at grip puppies too but the mirrors still blur big time.
Great review! I hate bar vibrations too. My 1250 GSA is super smooth. Hardly feel any vibration in the bars or pegs. What is the difference? Do all RS have this issue?
No vibrations on my R1250GS.
Got tired of the vibration on my GSA and upgraded to the K1600GT. No more off roading, but my long trips are much more comfortable.
Great review, honest, clear, helpful. Thank you
I'm looking for a new bike next spring and honest down to the ground reviews like your's are very helpful thanx Scott
Great review, love your style, you deserve many more subscribers.
Dear Sir, first of all , thank you for the bike review.
It’s always important to know the cons of a so expensive machine in advance.
Although , I find all negative points you stand out pretty indifferent :
1. The Austin yellow is just a beautiful choice of paint job and I find it refreshing.
2. The vibrations are very welcome, I like to feel it!
3. The capacity tank, is not an issue to me, as I enjoy to stop for short periods, after riding not more than 200/ 250 Kms.
So, taking this three aspects in consideration I find the bike very near to my ideal concept for touring. I don’t need a higher wind shield, I don’t need a higher seat, and I don’t want less vibration. Because if I wanted that maybe I should start considering buying a car or travel by train, plain or any other way. Not riding a bike. The lack of some comforts is something that the biker wants to feel, always alive, always alert, because the first choice of a rider is not to find safety and comfort...at least that’s not a Pryor towards the machine you choose for touring. The safety thoughts are important in everything but mainly in terms of atitude of the rider, and that comes first than the purchase of a bike like this.
Thanks again for the review, and don’t think that I didn’t saw your difficulties in finding defects on the bike ;-)
Objective reviews by riders like you, are most important and welcome.Hopefully, BMW is listening too, and can use your nitpicks to make a really good bike even better.Thank you for sharing your experience.Well done!👍👍
Wait for it:)
Thanks for review!
Good luck and safe ride!
Many thanks, I own a KTM and am taking the RS for a test ride tomorrow and really appreciate your thoughts
You're right on the money for bar risers on the RS.I sat on one in the showroom,and within minutes I could feel the weight on my palms getting to my wrists.Everything else I could live with.Thanks Scott.
Liking your videos a lot!! Good work👍👍 btw if they planning a new series of the A-Team you will be “Face” 🤣🤣somehow you constantly remind me of him!! All the best! Regards Dennis
Nice review. I bought this bike and absolutely love it and your review(s) were a big part of my decision. I don’t feel the vibes you experienced or to the extent I do feel vibes they don’t seem at all noticeable or uncomfortable to me (Just a boxer thing maybe?). I agree about the tank range but I guess that’s one of those compromises - bigger tank = more weight high up. The boxer engine (love it as I do) is a heavy old lump so probably the smallish tank is part of just trying to keep the weight down as much as possible. The brake fade you mentioned hasn’t happened to me but I haven’t had an opportunity (nor do I have the skill) to ride it nearly as aggressively as you. I think I did notice in the owner’s manual a warning that using the brakes aggressively in high ambient temperatures can lead to brake fade and riders should be aware of the possible impact - I wonder if that’s something affecting all bikes or if there’s something particularly bad about the Brembos on this one. As a returning biker the brakes are *so* much better than my 2002 bike that they would have to fade to almost nonexistent before it became a problem though. Ride safe.
AGREE, AGREE, AGREE
It's nice to find honest reviews.
I have to agree with the quick-shifter performance. I have an '18 1200GS, and I always ride it using the clutch any time I'm in traffic. If I have an open stretch of road, I'll give it the beans and quick shift every time.
I had terrible vibrations in the grips until I installed some Evotech bar-end weights. They removed all of the lower frequency vibrations, but some higher frequency vibrations still come through. Grip Puppies mitigate some of those, and the remainder aren't terribly annoying.
Scott I’m surprised you chose the F900xr after living with this beauty for 1k km
That's why we like your videos, you give an honest review!
Please keep it that way.
Scott, your review is so very spot-on that I recognize most of the points you touch on from my own R1200R. Yes, the previous generation roadster. Most issues you highlight transcend both the R/RS and the 1200/1250 gap. Well done and thank you!
Thanks Ruben, yea, they are little things that would not stop me from buying it, I'd just fix the handle bar/windscreen/higher seat and be done with it, the rest I can live with.
Ride safe, Scott
Fair review. I love it. The showroom people never tell you this and a 2h ride test is never enough.
Great review Scott, from a Beemer guy 😉 And by the way, I like the colour. Cheers.
Thank you for your great reviews
These nitpicks realy help me alot choosing the bike. Vibrations is one of those. Thanks for great review.
Hola, Scott. I am a crazy beemer. You're always clear like the water. Honest. I like your videos, explanations & analysis. Keep on this way.
Nice review Scott. I actually wouldn't call those nit-picks, I'd call them genuine important issues and I'm glad you brought them to my attention - especially the fuel range. The vibration is also critical in a sport-tourer.
Except there’s nothing wrong with the fuel range, it’s more than adequate at legal speeds. Keep it below 80mph and expect up to 60mpg. Vibes are simply not a problem. They sorted that with revised final drive damping. I disagree with the reviewer here, I’m sensitive to bar vibes and my RS has none I notice at all.
Great review Scott.
Awesome review and many thanks for doing this. In the Covid lockdown I am unable to test ride this bike but was seriously considering buying this. The ergonomics challenges that you called out would have been a massive issue for me as I was planning to take this bike on a European tour and the vibrations, seat and the handlebars would have caused me major issues... so thanks again.
I bought my 1250 gs based in part from your review (and test ride). Trust your honest, straight forward reviews, opinions.
Many thumbs up for doing you're thang. Nothing to prove lives up to his name & on the side, you're our newest NFT material.
Scot, wonderful review. I like this bike and these little issues not a big concern for me. I knew about the handle bar stretch, but didn't' know about others, good to know them before purchasing. Thank you.
Great review. Thanks again
Smooth as butter and smooth as silk. Striking colours including the bike. Hearing 'kilometre' pronounced the way it should be was a joy.
Wow, terrific review! Just great. Awesome bike.
Agreed. A lot of guys think that I don't like this bike because I "nitpicked" it but I will do that for every bike for a 1k review and every bike can be nitpicked, it's just a matter of finding a bike that you can live with those nitpicks. This is one of those bikes that I can fix all nitpicks but one the tank size. So this bike I can live with.
Please do the same with the BMW S 1000 XR love the honesty....!
I always love your video! Thank you.
Keep it real and keep 'em coming. Two Thumbs up for Scott @ Nothing to Prove!!!
Thanks Scott, keep watchin' and I'll keep makin'em. :)
As an American living in France I like your vids (I’m half French too) keep up the good work
Vibrations in the feet and hands to the point where you want to let go fo the bars is beyond nit picking. Great feedback.
Fantastic review, and reviews ! 👍👍
AS an RT owner (I appreciate this is more of a touring bike) I've looked somewhat enviously at the lesser weight on the RS. None of us are getting any younger after all!
But, it's easy to be seduced by this slimmer model and if long distances are your main thing consider these remaining advantages for the RT:
1) No vibrations on the RT of the type or magnitude mentioned on the RS on bars or foot pegs
2) A sensible sized fuel tank (25 l) and range
3) Centre stand does not scrape the ground at high lean angles on soft suspension.
4) A decent height and incrementally and electrically adjustable windscreen
5) A more upright position so less weight on the wrists.
6) More weather proofing due to substantial fairing and arguably more road presence
7) Satnav is set further in line with the dash so not distracting compared to the cradle on the RS
8) For those on a tight budget, insurance group is typically two levels down on the RT compared to the RS
Other criticisms such as the shifter are valid on both these boxers though the seat height range is wider than suggested for the RS going from 760mm to 840mm (4 seat types available). 760-850mm on the RT on 3 seat options.
.
One thing you missed was the waaay superior pillion comfort on the RT. It's why I had to reluctantly move from my RS to an RT. It used to make my ears hurt.
@@stevecade857 Yup, that's true and perhaps that's to be expected from a model that has continuously evolved and incrementally improved over many years. For 2020, I'm hoping the cubby box might be enlarged enough to get my iPhone 7+ inside with perhaps a USB charging port!
Very interesting comments and points of difference between the RS & RT. Arguably there are more compromises in the RS as it attempts to straddle the needs of touring and the desires of sport. Here in Australia, the No.1 selling model is the R1250 GSA followed closely by the R1250GS, with the R1250RT coming up in third place - but at about half the sales numbers of the GS/GSA. Interestingly, few GS/GSA owners I've spoken to take them off road - in part it's the "long way around" image that attracts, and the knowledge that IF you needed to go off road you could do it, but few do given the cost of them, and the ease of dropping one in off road conditions unless you're a very experienced rider off road. Beyond that, given our vast differences on indifferent roads, the GSA scores with that huge fuel range, plus good all round ability for both touring and sport - albeit not as good as the RS for sport, or the RT for touring.
Good points Kevin, Steve and John. I bought the R1250 RT (2019) so I can offer my wife a comfortable touring experience . . . she doesn't abide going anywhere with me on my S100RR.
It would have been easy to "conform to the peer group" and buy the R1250 GSA, but I don't ride off-road, and as Scott says, I've got 'nothing to prove'.
Wonder if the leanangle when the centerstand scrapes on road is the same on the RS with RT in same modes. The criticism also hits the r1200/1250R with Center stand.
Maybe pegs on the RT are lower?
Loved this review and finally, I’ve found someone that have compared this bike with the ktm gt! That’s the bikes that I’ve doubt of witch one to get !
Great review, you are correct on the money. Not all people would worry too much if they have cash to spend to upgrade or modify. I wander if tires would make a difference with the vibration. For shorter riders the lean forward might not be a concern. I think many bikes are made for people about 5 foot 9 inches tall.
Good review. A bike that is premium priced such as this, Nit picking is important. The more you pay, the less flaw's I'd expect. Keep doing these reviews!
Thank you Paul!
I like you review style sir. Subscribed! I own a R1200RS 40K km 3 years in. Excellent bike but not perfect; you were spot on about the upgrades required. I have the sport seat, and wunderlich higher wind screen. The handlebars are a little on the sporty side, I am sticking to stock for now but may get a new handlebar due to the sore wrist issue.
I appreciate the review because I just looked at one of these. It's on the top of my list for a new bike in 2020. I haven't seriously considered a KTM, but your comments have piqued my curiosity. Especially the ergonomic and fuel range comparisons.
Thank you. Yes, take both out for a test ride and see what fits you, that is basically what it comes down to, does it speak to you on an emotional level or not. If it does then the cons (of either bike) won't bother you at all.
Ride safe, Scott
I love this color and this bike I can’t wait to own one one day
Vibes in handlebars and footpegs- uh, no. That's not a niggle, that's a NO, especially for a bike designed to be an ST. Thanks for your honesty! This was a bike I was considering but not any more.
Great review, great detail!!!! You just saved me thousands on this bike which I nearly bought. Ill go with the 1250GS instead. Thanks!
Hi Scott, congrats for the thorough and honest review. And for being brave to mention the issues you haven't noticed during your first short test-ride.
Just a couple of questions pls if I may:
Which octane rating petrol did you use to test the range? 95 or 98? I have an FJR and I can tell it makes a lot of difference...
Secondly, in which speed range are you with the RS from 5 to 6k rpm with 6th and with 5th gear? I just wonder how notable these vibrations will be while riding in the highways and the secondary or twisty roads?
Thanks again!
Excellent review thanks
I have the 1250gs and it has hand numbing vibrations too. At around 5250rpm the mirrors are completely blurred out. I think to bike is more comfortable at higher revs which is not where most seasoned BMW riders like to be. It’s going back to the deal for investigations soon. As regards the ergonomics most people will change screens and bar positions to suit themselves. Great review, I like it that you can change your mind from the initial ride. Most would just want to justify it. Nothing to prove - as it says on the tin 👍👍👍.
Fair review, love my RS.
Thank-you....Thank-you.... Thank-you.... Currently a S1000R owner and was seriously considering the R1250RS. Previous bike was a FJR1300ES and didn’t like the top heavy feel and weight. Will definitely test the RS in the coming week and will look for those little niggles. Thanks for the honesty and enjoy the ride!!
Hi Bruce, it is a great bike and if you are aware of the niggles and they don't bother you, then you will love the bike. Enjoy the test ride and if you like it, get it! It is an awesome bike.
Nice review!!!! U gotta be honest,that what review is all about. Also could be valuable feedback for BMW to improve.
GREAT job. Thank you 🙂
Yeah , appreciate the honesty always, 100 percent.
Excellent review.
Hi Scott, thanks for the German Translation :D
I hope i can buy this Bike next Month.
Greetings from Bavaria,
Christian
I really like the slightly used 1250RS I just got so far. I rode a 1200RS for a thousand miles and it was pretty nice. This is a real step up, I think. No brake issues so far; in fact, the rear brake is the best I’ve ever had that I can recall on any bike. The extra 15 lbs on the 1250 are very noticeable vs the 1200. Feels like more than that. But, given that all bikes have some compromises to them I’ll accept. This bike is not a sport bike and doesn’t handle like one. For a boxer with some degree of heft it still handles sharp turns well. I like it because of the partial fairing and the tall AeroFlow screen and deflectors provide excellent wind protection (which is extremely important to me), the suspension is terrific and the acceleration actually approaches that of my old inline four ‘09 K1300GT (the closest thing to perfection I’ve ever ridden, except it weighed 625lbs and was taller). The new technologies and seating position are better for my desires with the 1250. Very pleased and yes some bikes are pricey. But, you only live once!
That cheered me as he was putting me off this bike a bit with the 'vibrations' chat. I can live with fule range as at 58 and I need to stop for a piss every hour or so anyway! ;) Test ride on Friday hopefully. Some 2019 models for about £12K now so I can live with that. Cheers
The handlebar vibration is almost nonexistent with the heavy weight bar ends I put on mine. Slight to begin with, too. I’d like to test the F and the new S1000XR, just for kicks. But, the 1250 is great.
Thank you. Thumbs up!
Hi Scott!
Thanks a lot for your review!
Honesty always pays.... And get credibility on the way!
About KTM 1290 GT any intense heat from the engine during commuting or driving in urban areas? All the best?
Hi Alberto, no, I did not experience any but the day that I was on the GT was a cool day, not hot at all. I've heard some guys complain about it but they are usually in warmer climates. I have a 1290 Super Duke R now for 3 years and yes you can feel the heat coming off of it (when it's hot out) but it didn't feel like any more than normal from any other bike. So I cannot complain about the 1290 Super Duke R as far as heat is concerned and they have the same motor...just tuned differently.
Ride safe, Scott
excellent review Scott...I’m intrigued by the R1250RS, but the fuel range you mention is a non-starter. I’m sticking with my FJR!
I like your details regarding nit picks. Nice thing regarding nit picks is they may or may not be important to some folks. It seems that the same engine is available in several different bikes. The GS, GSA, RT and RS all share the same engine and can be had with many of the same upgrades. A couple that you did not mention were the spacing of the shift lever and the small size of the grips. I had to add something to make the grips bigger and it is a bit of a challenge to get my big feet positioned to work well with the shifted. As to effort to control the bike I have found no issue but suspect it might be a size issue as I am considerably larger. The other mitigating factor in my case I found bikes with clipons very comfortable as I can carry weight on my shoulders and arms leaning forward. It is nice to know how you felt regarding these things and others can look at them and decide if they will be an issue for them or not. I do like your reports and thanks for sharing them.
awesome review, stark contrast to some youtubers who insist on every bike being great!
Good honest review.
Hey, nice test and a real honest opinion. I own the 2016 R1200RS - I can confirm the footpeg vibrations, but not the handlebar. But to be honest, when I ride on the autobahn, I always use the cruise control, so I do not have to keep my hands tight on the bars. One thing to consider when comparing it with the KTM - the KTM‘s got a chain, the RS the Kardan, which is much more comfortable when it comes to cleaning and maintaining the machine - I do not want to miss the Kardan anymore, especially when it is so sporty as on the RS...
My 1984 BMW R100RS has 24 litres of fuel. I usually get 320-350 kilometres before switching to reserve. Which gives me at least another 40 kilometres distance.
I have had my bike since April 1985. And have ridden 493,000 kilometres in that time frame. The bike is still powering along great.
Being born in Munich Germany. But growing up in Australia.
I have always had a passion for BMW bikes and cars.
Thank for your unbiased review of this motorcycle.
350 km is a big difference with the 280 km when I go to reserve. I have a R100R from 1995. Although I must say that I always have to do a lot of city kilometers. So probably the difference has to do with the much better aerodinamics of your RS? I’m sitting straight up on my naked bike.
Thank you for YOUR onesty.....thank's very much.....i'm looking you from France.....have a good luck....buy
Great review
Danke, für die Fakten!!👍😊
BMW guys, let's be gentle~! I love the honest review!! lol
First time someone has been able to understand the little things , I also share some of your concerns excellent you do know and in touch with motorcycles to pick those items out just after 1200kilometers .
Scott I've got one of these on loan at the moment and I totally agree with everything you've nit picked especially the bad vibes .With spirited mixed riding I've been getting 38 mpg uk which is imho poor ,even my old vfr averaged 44mpg when it was getting ragged . Yes the BMW is a nice bike but there are better for the money .Great vid m8
Hi Scott, Good review concentrating on perceived negatives. I recently acquired my 1250RS in Storm Black, complete with Akrapovic exhaust, decat and remap. The choice made after testing others in the BMW 1250 range and considering others such as the KTM. All good bikes but I guess the choice becomes personal. I do also have a Honda ST1300 A9 version and an older but mint CBR 1000F. As a must for the RS is a quality aftermarket touring screen with an adjustable top visor makes it almost as good as the ST1300 at speed. Also, I would recommend Grip Puppies, more to increase the diameter of grips as I have not experienced concerns relating to vibration. The more you ride the RS the better it gets and to me it is light compared with the ST1300. I intend to keep all my bikes for a long time but guess that the RS with it’s heritage and features like shaft drive make a good choice long term.
The configurator nowadays let's you choose between clip on handles or a tube style, more upright handlebar. Also the seat height can be changed before ordering, free of cost.
Hey Scott - as you do reviews about things YOU came across with, there is no need for excuses. i rather have a honest opinion from someone spending over 1k km on a bike then just a "first look" where every bike shines. you have to test 'em for at least mid-term to find those things you mentioned. thank you for this! every bike may find it's fans and place so no worries.
Very good review. I have the bike you tested and agree with all the nit picks except seat height which suits my height. Tank capacity is an issue that has to be managed especially out country way. One thing BMW tells us this is a road sport as compared to a road tourer but hey whose nit picking now. Keep the reviews coming.
Good solid honest review, not many are completely honest:), I had a 1200 RS nothing wrong with it, until I purchased the KTM 2019 SD GT, agree with your "woulk be" decision, the KTM is a more exciting (better) bike. However, I never rode the new 1250 RS, had also a 1250 GS (sold it; no soul, to perfect), hence, I have some experience with the 1250 power train; they all have vibs at 4000 to 5000 rpm. The KTM 1290 SD GT is an animal, with a exciting grunty mid range and a space shuttle top end. Once again good video!
Hello Scott, thanks much for this particular video and the important nit-picks you pointed out to. Wondering of there were any improvements to those nit-pics wit models newer than the 2019 one.
There have been no updates to this bike as of yet. 😒😢
@@NothingToProve Thanks. I was going to ask this same question.
Good review. We all know that it is a very good bike. And it is difficult to find out what is not so good in a roadtest of 1 hour. Now we all know.
Would like that you get every bike a similar review. Well done with this one. I say it’s a waste of money paying for bar raisers and general changes on the ergonomics. That defies the purpose of the bike and changes the feel of it, with the amount of bikes available now it is way easier to find the one that suits you in another model or brand.
Hi Scott, great honest review. You mentioned vibrations between 4000 and 5000 t/pm, but if you would compare those vibrations to the KTM Super Duke 1290 GT, what is your opinion about it? I found the KTM under 4000 t/pm quite vibrating during my testride, it was difficult to do 100kph in 6th gear because of the vibrations, and that is no problem with a 1200/1250 boxer engine.
Hi Fred, yes of course, never ride the 1290 motor in 6th gear below 100kpm. (I'm usually 1 to 2 gears lower (so higher RPM) than any GS at the same speed on my SDR) And my SDR still gets better fuel economy than the RS or GS, even though it's a super naked. In fact I ride with some 1200GSA guys (30L tank capacity) on Sunday mornings (doing 300/400km in just 4-5 hours on country roads no highways) and they often comment to me on just how many km I can get out of the 18 L gas tank on the SDR. (usually over 300km before stopping at a gas station) And that is from a super naked bike and not a bike from the sport/touring category and I guess that is why I mention the range on the RS, it is in the sport/touring group. If BMW would put this into the sport bike group, then I would not say a word about the range...the lack of range is expected then.
Ride safe, Scott
Good review and honesty is the best policy. I recently bought one of these bikes and I am really enjoying it. That said, I think some of Scott's nitpicks have merit. The ones I agree with are handlebar reach, working it through technical twisties, and fuel tank size. Less than 200 miles (~320km) range on a sport tourer is a drawback. I live in the Northeastern USA where gas stations are plentiful, so it’s not a big deal where I am, but if I lived in the Western USA, I think it might be a problem. One slight bit of criticism for Scott’s review is range is going to be reduced on any machine when running over 100mph (160kph). The USA (and UK, and France, etc.) doesn’t have the autobahn and I think range when riding at USA highway speeds (70-90mph / 120-150kph), one can get close to the 200 mile mark. I think BMW’s stated fuel consumption numbers are optimistic, but, so far, I’m averaging 45 miles per gallon, which puts me at a 200 mile to empty range.
I also agree with Scott’s opinion of having to work the bike through technical twisties. It takes more effort on the RS than something with wider handlebars or less weight. The heavier handling also evident when commuting and doing slow speed maneuvers, especially on uneven pavement. But this drawback is contrasted by the glorious lines this bike carves in high speed sweepers. The rock steady lines are a big plus. Last point of agreement is the handlebar reach, but I think it’s because the RS is more traditional sport-tourer and less upright hooligan machine like the S1000XR or SD GT. I don’t plan on making ergonomic mods until I have more miles on it. With respect to the quickshifter, I found upshifts clunky when holding steady throttle and smooth when opening the throttle (even if it’s not full open.) I did not (yet?) experience the handlebar or foot peg vibrations. I haven't had brake fade either, but I don't have the skill to keep up with any truly competent sport bike rider. Edit: Took it out today and kept it at 4500 rpm and definitely noticed the buzzing. At 4000, it was so slight, it was not noticeable. At 4500, definitely noticeable.
The RS still puts a stupid teenager grin on my face and I’m glad I bought it. I love the looks, torque, steady handling, TFT screen, and it being deceptively fast. Good job and thanks for your reviews Scott. Keep them coming.
so what are the speeds you running at those rpms.
@NothingToProve, Hi. Good Test, I'm driving it since one week, some of your "nitpicks" for me not comprehensible. No noticeable vibrations on handlebar or footrests, average consumption around 4.5 L during Austrian cruising modus (130 speed limit on Autobahn). I took aftermarket windshield and handlebar improvement as recommended 👍 and additionally rear wheel cover. Now I'm happy with my "little GS".
Thanks your the best !
Absolutely a wonderful review. I am a BMW GUY. I owned a 2016 RS for almost 20,000 miles. I loved every bit of that bike. It was equipped with the "Tall" sport seat and I did install Illiam risers. Those two items totally changed the touring aspects of the R1200RS. It was fantastic on twisty Colorado roads. I regret selling that bike more than any other bike I've owned.
I'm contemplating the new 1250RS and will specifically look for these "NitPicks" as I think they are far more important than minor idiosyncrasies. Your review is superb. I appreciate the honesty. But as a guy who is not totally brand loyal, when you mentioned the KTM,,,,,,(Yes, I've owned 3 of them as well a 690r, a 990r, and the 1150r) Give me the reliability of the BMW anyday.
Thank you Jeffrey,
Oh, don't get me wrong, I love this bike, it is the best as far as fit finish and quality and it is the most solid, stabil bike in the sport/touring class. I was actually considering buying this bike even after doing this review. Simply because every bike comes with nitpicks, there are always little things on every bike that a person changes to accommodate their size, preferences...etc. That is why I wanted to change to the higher seat, taller windscreen, and put the 1250R handle bar on it to push the riding position back a little & fix the bar vibration at the same time. The things I couldn't change was the weight and tank size and the boxer sound. And over here in Germany boxers are every where! Every time you go out for a ride, any time you see a group of riders there is always 1, 2 or 3 boxers in the group, a GS or RS or R or RT or RnineT or...etc.
So yes, get another RS and put 100k miles on it, they go forever, I personally know and ride with two GS guys that always put over 100k on them before they upgrade to a new GS.
Ride safe,
Scott
@@NothingToProve Thanks Brother
I own a 2018 GSA and I'm struggling with trying to decide the purchase of the RS or S1000XR as my second bike. The garage was full of bikes three years ago, KTM1190R, GSA, RS, K1600. Then I got rid of everything but the GSA. I miss going out and trying to decide the ride of the day!!! First world problems of being a motorbike rider!!
Great channel. Great reviews
Jeff
I just purchased that exact bike and I´m 100% with you. The only problem I hate and I see very difficult to fix are the vibrations, but even with that I can´t find a better bike than this at this moment in time. Let´s hope BMW release a bike like this but with an electric motor... Great review thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Hello, bar end weights will help to reduce the vibration. I've had several guys say that they've done this to their RS & R and it did reduce the vibration to an "acceptable" level. Just google "bar end weights for BMW R1250RS" and there are lots to choose from. BTW, you can replace the RS bar with the R handle bar, they are inter-changeable. The R bar gives you a more up-right riding position. In fact my local BMW dealer offered to switch to the R bar on the RS for free, if I was to buy an RS.
Ride safe,
Scott
With a bar riser fitted (which is a must for me & High seat (which mine came with)) I have no vibe problems. Fuel is a bit small, but more fuel = more weight. Yes, needs a diff screen or spoiler, but loads of options out there. Best bike I’ve had in 8,000 miles so far. And Scott has an RT, so a lot of his own critiques he’s swallowed to buy that bike. Esp after his hassles with the XR900. If you buy a KTM = IT WILL FAIL
Thanks for your test. I have also recently driven the R1200RS, but only for one day. The 18 litre tank is also too small for me, 2o litres would be the minimum, better 23 litres. Other points of criticism made me smile: steering wheel and windscreen too low, acute knee angle. I think you want to turn the RS into a GS. This should be a sports bike, not a replacement for a Harley :-)
I have to agree with you on the nitpicks. I owned the 1200RS and i had the majority of those problems. I also had the bar risers and bought Grip Puppies due to the vibration (which i thought they would have sorted out) I think ill stick with my GS1250.
How do you find the wind protection? I have just tested the R 1200 Rs and felt no vibrations. Thank you. Great review
The wind screen has two positions, in the up position I would like a little more protection for a sport touring bike but it's ok.
The 1200RS has the vibrations too. I did not notice the vibrations in my First ride review but only noticed them after doing several hours on it, for the weekend trip where I did over 1200km in 4 days, then you start to notice those kind of things.