BMW R1250RS (2019 - on) Review

Ride quality is a subjective thing. Personally I love a bit of feedback from the road. If that's not your thing but an RT and feel like you're in a Range Rover. Personally I prefer a bike. As for the brakes, their incredible. First bike I've had where I love pulling emergency stops just for the hell of it. Looking in the mirrors obviously! It stops so short it's honestly hard to believe.

Shift- Cam Boxer 'nuff said. Try one, there's no going back. Don't try to wring it, you'll be in prison. Pick up and take-off is frankly ridiculous - and addictive. Buy it for the engine, it's amazing.

Build quality is terrific, I can't give 5/5 simply because of the amount of plastic that BME seem to love but no complaints. And after-market parts fit really well too, often with pre-drilled mountings. Top quality, no worries so far (6 months / 1 winter) no furred screw ends.

It's a BMW. Don't buy one if you can't afford the servicing.

Goodness knows how much all those electronics cost and likewise how to make use of it all. It's all a mystery too me and a waste of money frankly. It's just the premium you have to pay to get your hands on the rest of the bike, which is fantastic. What's good from an equipment point of view? Hill hold. Who knew? Amazing, use it all the time, uphill but more usefully down hill as well.

For a heavy bike it’s surprisingly agile, the weight is low down so easy to paddle around, and slow feet up manoeuvring. I rarely carry pillion, but lots of room solo to move around, I have no problem with reach or height of handlebars, and footrests in the right place. 200 mile tank range is normal and I need a break in four hours in any case. The fairing keeps most of the wind off, screen has four adjustments and personally I have no issues. Front Brakes excellent, I find you have to press firmly on the rear, but adequate for control at slow speed.

It’s a five if you like the flat twin, very smooth (though not four cylinder smooth) and third gear is all you need on B roads. It sounds distinctive and IMHO wonderful without upsetting the locals as it’s a deep pleasant noise. As mentioned the gearbox is smooth with well spaced ratios, I only get into 6 on motorways.

Superb finish, provided you keep winter road salt away, the engine is painted so is not a problem here, fasteners and bits are stainless steel. The centre stand cross bar seems to get paint damage, then rusts but easy to resolve.

First service was a little steep but annual (6000) around £200. No oil used. OEM tyres are good, bulbs are LED so should last lifetime.

The TFT is very nice, and doubles up with connected phone as basic Sat Nav. All the info you could want. The control wheel manages Garmin BMW sat Nav and TFT functions on the move (I personally don’t) Heated grips are excellent, and lots of luggage options. The front mudguard is too short, and you have to fit a hugger or road crap goes everywhere.

Plush ride with a good range of adjustment

Oodles of torque and engine braking, good fuel economy. For a flat twin very refined

One engine warning message advising to proceed with caution when not much wrong remedied by a warranty upgrade to the firmware

Service costs are high but so are service and showroom standards.

You pay a lot for the extras but do it with your eyes open Favourites: ESA, Cruise control, TPS

Cornering ABS & dynamic electronic suspension - superb! Phone app tells you how many times the ABS & TC cut in & it's surprising how often they are activated (average twice per commute - it doesn't say to what extent)... but you'd never know it.

Torque, torque, torque. More than the K1300R I had. More than most bikes short of 1600cc & 2300cc monsters.

Only had it a month but the 1200 I had before had no real problems. Can't see this being much different. The engine is extremely unstressed in normal riding.

Fuel economy is similar to the 1200 with around 53mpg on daily half hour rural commutes. Servicing is BMW expensive but only not too much more than others.

Lots of aftermarket goodies becoming available. I got the EX so most everything OEM you can add has been added. Up/down quickshifter is a must. ABS pro is a nice to have as is the elec suspension. Mine came with a Datatool tracker, which is nice. The app is free & links up well recording everything to do with your ride (speed (optional), revs, lean angle, g-force, altitude(?), & throttle position).

Enter the “ Mode” and get the ride style you want for the road conditions. brembo brakes are great

Exceptional torque makes safe overtakes with no fuss.

Solid well put together, very well thought out. Hill start well worth the extra

Everything a rider could ever want

Superb braking power.

Great. The torque is truly exhilarating.

Hill start control, the TFT display and the seat are awesome. I don't have any problem with the windscreen as some do; it's just big enough and I find myself lowering it even in hot weather. The ride position is something that I've not gotten used to yet and I keep wondering if I should get a handlebar riser.

Good comfort for a sporty tourer.

New shift cam engine gives good spread of torque, right throughout the rev range.

Definitely opt for the optional Dynamic Suspension package.