BMW R 1250 RS

Test: BMW R 1250 RS (Baujahr 2019)

Extinct species

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Yes, they still exist, the sports tourers. Despite the GS-ification of Germany, the popular adventure bikes have not been able to drive all tourers off the market. BMW recently revised its RS version of the GS – and we tested it.

Heavy chunk

The share of RS sports tourers sold is less than ten percent compared to the Adventure-GS. Is this really so much better? The undisputed market leader BMW GS 1250is definitely really good, as we have experienced for ourselves.

BMW converted all 1250 models to this fantastic 136 hp engine with variable cam adjustment, most recently the RS alongside GS, RT and R. But the new engine did not stop there, the cladding and the color TFT screen were also reworked in the course of the model change. It is available at the dealership for 14,500 euros, but everyone knows that bmw is not doing that. Our test bike carries three additional equipment packages, which increases the price by 33 percent to just over 19,000 euros.

Although of course lower than the GS, the RS is by no means a small motorcycle. Such an RS extends over 2.2 meters, when manoeuvring it is rather unwieldy. Heavy moreover: A whopping 243 kilos must be accelerated.

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Easy to read: TFT screen

The lower design means that even smaller people can enter the BMW and keep them upright safely. Our test bike had the standard bench with a seat height of 820 millimeters, which is enough with my slightly short legs for a safe stand. Seat heights of 760 or 840 millimetres are available.

A word about the very easy-to-read TFT screen: it shows the whole variety of all possible electronic assistance systems, including of course traction control and curve ABS (subject to surcharge!). For a further surcharge, of course, you can safely navigate the display with your smartphone. Before the first trip, you should plan a longer study of the user manual.

We don't want to navigate, we want to drive, so let's go.

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Feels lighter

The BMW is currently standing, so we don't have to resort to the mountain start aid (no joke, there really is). BMW thought this was probably necessary because of its stately dimensions and high weight. I am overweight and stately, but there is a big difference between me and the RS: Once started, you don't notice the BMW's weight anymore, but I stay as I am. Big compliment to the BMWler: It's really a great achievement how handy this big chunk is once it's in motion. I noticed this at the GS, but there I pushed it to the upright sitting position. The RS shows that this is also possible with the sport tourer.

What can the BMW do as a "sport tourer" if you disassemble the word?

Part 1, Sport: Dieter Bohlen would probably call what the new boxer delivers. Nominally 136 hp strong (and 143 newton meters at 6,250 revolutions powerful), it always feels stronger. That hasn't changed since the GS test - respect for how it runs from below and doesn't subside at the top. Along with the astonishing handiness of the RS, serpentines lose their terror. Following the RS is a task for powerful motorcycles to overtake them in the area on this side of the super sportscars almost impossible.

Part 2, Tourer: With really good driving comfort of the electronically adjustable chassis, part of this exercise has already been completed. The aerodynamically shaped suitcase set does not bring the BMW out of its composure even fully loaded at higher speeds. Low-switching driving is also possible, as in the range between 2,000 and 8,000 there are always at least 110 Nm, which more than compensates for the high weight. And the windscreen of the windshield, which can be adjusted in two stages? Also good, unfortunately it produces noises. Not annoying, but audible.

Lens good

Both disciplines can therefore be ticked off as passed, but there is still something. The BMW has what it takes to be the best in class, but the best boys or girls in the schoolyard never get the model students (m / w / d) who are always under suspicion. The HP sport silencer from Akra stands for this symbolically: it overshadows the typical boxer sounds with bass and a sports sound that is supposed to trigger more emotions. If he does, I would do without it.

Lens is not to blame the engine or the whole bike. If you can afford it, you get the most exclusive member of the new 1250 boxer machines.

Extras included in the test bike: Comfort package 510 €: heating handles / RDC; Touring package 1,650 €: Dynamic ESA / Keyless Go / Cruise control / Main stand / Suitcase holder / Navigator holder; Dynamic package 990 €: two more driving modes / QS / daytime running light LED / flasher in white / curve ABS.

The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Neumünster.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: from 14.400 €
  • Used (3 years old): from 10.000 €
  • Years of construction: R 1200 RS since 2015
  • Availability: very good
  • Colours: black, yellow, blue, brown
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Zubehör für die
R 1250 RS

  • Moneta
  • Polo
  • Amazon

Pro & Kontra

  • beefy, sprint and powerful engine with a lot of character
  • Intercity-like road holding
  • very comfortable and suitable for touring
  • Plenty of space for driver and front passenger
  • high-quality workmanship and quality impression
  • Hard
  • QuickShifter jerky
  • Windshield creates turbulence

New registrations of the R 1250 RS

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New registrations of the R 1250 RS

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Von unserem Team geprüft:

General

Type
Sport tourers
Eia
€15,990

Dimensions

Length
2,202 mm
Height
1,255 mm
Weight
243 kg
Ab. Weight
460 kg
Seat
820 mm
Wheelbase
1,530 mm

Driving Performance & Range

Tank contents
18 l
Consumption
4.7 l
Range
380 km
Highest-speed
200 km/h

Motor & Power Transmission

Engine design
Boxer engines
Number of cylinders
2
Cooling
Air/liquid cooled
Displacement
1,254 cc
Hole
102.5 mm
Hub
76 mm
Performance
136 HP
Torque
143 NM
Number of gears
6
Drive
Cvd

Suspension & Brakes

Frame
Two-piece frame concept consisting of the main and screwed-on rear frame, supporting motor
Suspension front
Upside-down telescopic fork
Travel:
140 mm
Strut rear
WAD strut
Travel:
140 mm
Suspension rear
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm
Brakes in front
Double disc brake
320 mm
Tyres at the front
120/70 ZR 17
Brakes rear
Single-disc brake
276
Rear tyres
180/55 ZR 17
Abs
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral), switchable