2020 BMW R1250 R Review

In this review I take a 2020 BMW R1250 R naked bike for a ride. Thanks to Euro Cycles of Tampa for loaning me the use of this great motorcycle for the review, 8509 Gunn Highway, Odessa, FL 33556...813-926-9937
For more information on my training classes and locations, www.ridelikeapro.com
Don't forget to check out my son Tony's new KZbin Channel as he videos his rides through Northern Italy where he's stationed, it's called LEO RIDES. Give him a thumbs up and subscribe, thanks! • Video

[@zachw9128]

Motor man thank you so much for making You're videos I have been I religious watcher for maybe 6 months now and have gone back in your video catalog and your info which might seem common sense to some has made a difference in my Riding and my confidence. Have yourself an awesome day, until next time

[@Jmaninaz1]

Great review, Jerry--always great to get the thoughts of someone with the incredible amount of riding experience you have. I don't even have a bike yet, but love how you do your reviews. Thanks!

[@joekappes8648]

Hey Motorman, love your stuff. But you continue to make a mistake. The BMW motorcycles have an engine type called "boxer," not Boxster. A boxer is a generic name for a horizontally opposed engine. (Because on a twin the two cylinders go in and out like a boxer hitting his fists together.) Boxster is a Porsche model name

[@motorman857]

AH HA! You are right. The Boxster is a Porsche model. I was reading a road test on the Boxster and that name must have been on my mind. NOW I know why I kept screwing that up. Thanks.

[@bourbonlover2713]

It is great to see you give honest, fair and balanced reviews. Besides your “ride like a Pro” expertise, you have found your calling in reviewing bikes. If I owned a dealership, I would have you ride and review every model. People trust your expertise.

[@2hotFL]

Great video, thanks for posting. Love the ride reviews.

[@miketodd8640]

No BS, just a straight up, tell it like it is review. Nice job Jerry. Keep them coming.

[@vanislandsteve]

The turn signals do self cancel. Good review.

[@brinkwim]

indeed they do, I have the same Bike

[@mithrixx]

It is amazing to watch the perspective of a Harley rider trying newer bikes..

[@manuelrivera6873]

Jerry, you are very talented at giving a very good presentation of the motorcycle while you are riding. Luckily you are in an area where you have plenty of heads up on what's up ahead of you. Stay safe!

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks for the review Motorman!

[@14theroad1955]

That is a nice looking motorcycle, but just by looking at the riding position I think I would be in tears in no time....Hey Motorman, thanks for a perspective of a motorcycle that I probably will never own, but do enjoy looking at....

[@leftymike8730]

I just bought a r1200gs last month and have not ridden my Harley since the day I brought it home. I love Harley’s but unfortunately they just can’t compete, other than the sound and look of a Harley there is nothing that the BMW doesn’t do better. I would love to see you review either the R1250gs or the KTM 1290 Super Adventure

[@kalaga2k]

I hear you, but you'r talking about two different bikes... both have their ups & downs.

[@malcolmabram2957]

Thank you for doing this video. I have one of these. It is a lovely bike. I live in the UK and so it is right hand drive.

[@jpzwei3393]

Would love to see you do a review of the r1250rt

[@kevincraig8257]

I have the MT-10 and love it not as refined as that bike but just as fun that bike is worth every penny I'm waiting 2021 speed triple to come out

[@MoneyShotSolo]

I'd love to see you do a review for the R1250RT, police bike for the rest of the world.

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Only our “Motor Man” can hop on board one of the premiere naked bikes and deliver a “straight up monotone” review. And get it exactly right. 👍🏼 😎 🌎

[@qman1434]

In a forward canted position , hold your weight with your core and keep your hands light. That way you have no unwanted input into the handlebars. Total control!

[@surferdude642]

Nice review Jerry, I have the R1200R 2016 and your review is spot on even for the 1200. The tft display on this model has a lean angle degree indicator. I'm in California where mountain roads are abundant, so I can verify that it great in the mountains.

[@doutcast1002]

I have the same bike , I get horrible wind buffeting at my head. I’ve tried 4 different types of windshields, no luck. Do you have this issue? Are you using a wind screen? Any ideas? Thanks

[@surferdude642]

@@doutcast1002 Yes, same issue. The only thing that worked for me and I continue to use is a Givi windscreen where the mounting arms attach to the screen in a way that can be pivoted. The more you tilt it with top towards you, the smoother the air flow becomes. Unfortunately, it blocks less wind. It's a compromise somewhat. There is kind of a sweet spot where there is some wind that I find acceptable, and no buffeting. I also added a small windscreen clip on extender. Givi makes the mounting brackets for this bike also.

[@bobbralee1019]

A few have mentioned the riding position, I jumped on an R from a K1300GT and straight away thought the legs were too high, but I rode and rode and rode waiting for my legs to complain and it never happened. First impressions suggest its uncomfortable but its not, great review.

[@specialed5098]

Love your reviews, I know you are a HD guy but give honest feedback on all bikes

[@nokoolaid]

Yeah, they do the hula when blipped at idle standing still. The older ones more so. You'd like the R1250RT better I'd bet. Try dynamic mode...And let it rev a bit.

[@oldninjarider]

MT10 owner here (as well as few others) but since they have Ducati there get them to let you demo a Streetfighter V4

[@WildOn2sVlog]

Be great to see the final product

[@chrisgraham9203]

That is without doubt, a very nice motorcycle.

[@nicholasjheinz7461]

You had to put your big boy pants on to ride a BMW...lol. Thanks for sharing! Good video.

[@RW-ix2to]

Loved my R1200RT, sport tourer. BTW, my 2012 had self cancelling turn signals.

[@leftymike8730]

Btw- the turn signals cancel they just take like 20secs

[@brinkwim]

They are self canceling, after the turn the BMW recognize it and cancel the turn signal. Or after 300 meters. Even if you change lanes at the highway they are self canceling.

[@2kanchoo]

I really like these reviews! I can’t recall if you’ve ever mentioned before. I was wondering with how long you’ve been riding have you ever had a motorcycle accident either as a mc cop or as a civilian? Just curious if so what happened?

[@motorman857]

I started riding in 1974 but was clueless until I went to motor school in 99. I was once hit in the back while at a stop light on duty. The car behind me had stopped, but then suddenly hit the gas and struck my bike.

[@2kanchoo]

Ride Like a Pro Jerry Palladino thanks for the reply. Wow that’s a remarkably low number of accidents for 40+ years of riding and especially when you were doing it for a living on top of recreationally for so many years.

[@Stephen-wc8fn]

Jerry, I enjoy these reviews (especially the snippets of history). If you’re scratching around for future vids I suggest: a custom Chopper, a Ducati Panigale, a small naked Honda Grom or a Husqvarna Supermoto etc. Have your wife follow so we can get some shots of you!

[@a.k1311]

Im fond of the R nine T... a lust for the eye😉

[@johnmoylan7202]

Jerry - nice review: one thing I often wonder about your test rides though is how come you don't give them a little workout doing your trademark exercises to give an idea of how nimble they are ? Or aren't. I think a twirl in the carpark would be a great addition to the reviews. These days that's the first thing I do on test rides: give it the Motorman test !

[@motorman857]

I don't push other peoples motorcycles to their limits.

[@johnmoylan7202]

@@motorman857 no I wouldn't either, but an idea of their basic balance even loosely might be interesting.

[@gfunk63901]

i test drove a r9t pure and did not like the riding position. I guess I like a standard or cruiser

[@davypig571]

Did you drive a car there? Way to let us down:( I rode a Yamaha Tracer that seems to have that similar upright but very slight forward lean and wondered if it will be comfortable after a few hours. It is funny that a premium motorcycle can’t turn its signals off:)

[@saddle8bag]

Almost bought the RS before I bought the Road King last fall, but I decided it was going to be more crouch than I want at this point. The deal was awful too. Really liked it though. Only thing aside from the mildly aggressive ergos that I didn't care for was the touchy brakes. Quite happy with my tractor now. I think I made the right decision.

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

Nice review ! Nice bike! Too pricey for me for a naked bike.

[@NoShadowOfDoubt1]

Hi Jerry: for bikes that have 16k redline, or bikes that rev high, should I keep the throttle higher than a cruiser that revs to only 6k (for slow speed control ) Also will we see you ride test a super sport one day ?

[@motorman857]

Yes you can keep the revs higher on those types of bikes.

[@Baste_Bastesen]

Flott video, har samme sykkel, en 2020 modell. Utrolig fornøyd med den. En råsterk motor, cruisecontrol og quichshift opp og ned, dette er kvalitet ! Har monter vindskjerm, siden jeg kjører i alt slags vær. Blitt mange ferier i egent land, grunnet korona. Men for ett vakkert land Norge er å feriere i, på motorsykkel. Eneste minus er at det er litt dyrt, og kanskje litt kald av og til. Men det må man tåle. Hilsen fra Nord Norge 🇳🇴😎

[@craigm5349]

Hey Motorman. The Police BMW is the R1200RT-P. If you can't get your hands on one of those, try the civilian version, the R1200RT. I think we'd all like to hear your review of Harley's Police competition! 👍

[@motorman857]

I asked for the RT but they didn't have one. Since the covid shut down all over the world, bike supply's are way down.

[@spencerb8609]

Seriously killed is not good. Good vlog Jerry.

[@robertforesman8414]

I think you would enjoy the Kawasaki Z1 900 ( old school ) naked bike. Smoother, more fun, and not anywhere near as expensive. I would bet you Lunch you would like it more than the Beemer!

[@hoihoihoi1951]

Is the engine ruined when the motorcycle is tipped over?

[@patw9175]

Nah they're fine. BMW still uses the boxer in the GS and people throw those things off of cliffs and go right back to riding. BMW know what they're doing I figure

[@danielweatherford3243]

Could you please wrest ride me review. Yamaha FJR13-A

[@mr.solitude3352]

Boxer motor, sir; not boxter. And my knees stopped me from further riding my old R1100GS on long hauls. Have to have my feet in front of me now for my knees not to complain on long runs. When you reach the age of a young geezer like me, the bike's ergonomics play a big role in enjoying your bike. Arthritis also has a say in how your legs are positioned. :)

[@makemyday1477]

Mr. Solitude , I think they call them bricks because they’re shaped like a brick. Or just plain box, not boxer or boxter one is a dog and the other a Porsche.

[@mr.solitude3352]

@@makemyday1477 www.thebikeinsurer.co.uk/motorbike-news/industry/a-history-of-bmw-four-valve-boxer-engines/

[@RT-wl6tq]

You might not admit it but you sounded like you enjoyed it more than you'll admit too!

[@motorman857]

Why wouldn't I admit I liked this bike? It's a great motorcycle. To really enjoy a bike like this you need to be up in the mountains.

You did the K1600 and now the R1250R. All you're missing now the the big daddy of them all, the GSA. ;)

[@oldninjarider]

He'd be on tip toes.

[@augie7844]

With his skills he can ride anything with 2 wheels.

@@oldninjarider Not really. The GSA now comes with normal or lowered suspension, 3 different seat types and two seat positions. You can get the seat as low as 28 inches if I'm not mistaken.

[@oldninjarider]

@ that would kind of defeat the purpose of an adventure bike in terms of ground clearance but I doubt most of the adv bikes see off road conditions anyway. Thanks for that info.

[@oldninjarider]

@@augie7844 it's not a question of skill it's a question of reach

[@johnmacdonald1878]

Ha Ha, Avoiding loosing my licence, going to jail or getting seriously killed, All part of the reason I chose an naked standard, Nice bike, be interesting to see a review of a GS.

[@normankujawski543]

Seriously killed? How about any other kind of killed?

[@yousefsayed6092]

How much is it

[@motorman857]

I have the price up on the video at the 58 second mark, 14, 994.00 base price.

[@douglassmith5018]

Jerry, any motorcycle will up shift without the clutch, just preload the shift lever and back off the throttle slightly and it will up shift. Downshifting clutch use is still recommended.

[@motorman857]

Yes I'm aware of that. You do it in a car as well. However if you screw it up you can have serious damage to the bike. This bike is designed for clutch less shift.

[@davidhurwitz6385]

Motor Man... Test drive the K1600B Grand America. It will give you a great comparison to your fully dressed Harley. Would love to see that video

[@motorman857]

I did that a few weeks ago.

[@InspectorGadget2014]

Self-cancelling turn-signals has been possible ever since on the BMW 1200-series. But has to be set (& be enabled) by the dealer. Where it can be set for distance, time or both. The 1250 engine has been a great improvement as the 1200 (and 1150, and 1100) engines had some issues (way too lean, noticeable by the famous blue exhaust pipes) next to the fact they would no longer meet emission-standards. Plus the 1250 engine delivers way smoother the power, torque and no longer has the noticeable on-off in the high-end rpm's. As for the dip/jump during stand-stil is indeed typical boxer-engine, I call it is wagging its tail. :-)

[@motorman857]

Leave it to the Germans to complicate such a simple thing with the freaken turn signals.

[@InspectorGadget2014]

​@@motorman857 It is turned off by default as some riders may find it an inconvenience. I was referencing to what I know about my (older) BMW, but it might have been changed with the 2020 year models, I do not know. But any BMW dealer can inform you what is possible and how it operates. And if you have the GS911 diagnostic tool, on some BMW models you can set such parameters (10, 15, 20 seconds and 230, 380 or 550 yards) yourself. As you are bashing the Germans, how about the tons of issues I read about HD owners and their self-cancelling turn-signal sensors? But I guess ignorance is bliss.

[@motorman857]

@@InspectorGadget2014 Bashing Germans? H.D. problems with turn signal sensors, uhhh, sure, and the world will end in 9 years. No, seriously.

[@InspectorGadget2014]

@@motorman857 Yeah, and Trump will be president, Americans will become more sensible to a multicultural & coloured world, and we all should wear thin foil hats ..

[@michaelflanagan7006]

being a Harley Davidson rider I would find 9,000 RPM strange - nice bike though Thx

[@272flashlites]

I ride a sport tourer with a 10.5K RPM redline. Moving to a VTwin badger was a huge adjustment. I was used to winding my bike out to 70 MPH in second gear and only doing 7K RPM. Now I have to upshift to be in fourth just to get there. But I enjoy the relaxed cruising I can do now, and when I want speed I hop on the Kawasaki.

[@nokoolaid]

You have to ride a bike where the engine likes to make torque. With the BMW boxer it's 4-6k. That's a mistake cruiser riders make riding other bikes that make power in a higher range. They ride it at 2k rpm and say it's slow. In the same token, one shouldn't ride around on a HD at redline all the time.

[@GadgetMart]

You won’t gain much revving a boxer engine out to 9000 rpm. You need a 4 cylinder bike for that. As others have said the boxer engine is about mid range torque and power very relaxing to ride tbh.

[@nokoolaid]

@@GadgetMart The 1250 with the shift cam makes good power everywhere. I agree that mid range works best though.

[@louisbattle219]

Jerry is seriously killed worse than kinda killed?!?! 😂🤣😭

[@Steve-ec6ed]

It's a nice looking bike but that motor sticking out the sides looks pretty ridiculous. Other than that it's a great bike. I like HD because they have a lot more dealerships around than BMW, at least near me.

[@jetdoctn]

It’s not getting killed that bothers me, now seriously killed that sounds bad😂

[@motorman857]

Seriously killed is when the last thing you see is your own bike tumbling towards you at a high rate of speed in a high side crash.

[@jetdoctn]

Well then will do my best to avoid that experience 😀

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Great bike overall. Rode one. Can check my video. Keep up mate.

[@kennetheroh4052]

S1000R with the in-line 4 might be a better naked than the boxer although gas mileage is poorer.

[@your_royal_highness]

Mpg sucks on my S1k. I’m getting a 2016 R1200RS with 14k mikes and lots of add ons because it was over half the out the door price of new. I do understand the 1250 engine is a worthwhile upgrade however. But it’s too new to see heavily discounted used

[@moph7July06]

You’d be surprised. The R1250R is a blast to ride. It makes over 100lb-ft torque, while the S1000R make under 90lb-ft torque. It’s all about torque!

[@Manfromnantucket653]

👉 Boxer

[@motorman857]

Yes. I don't know why I kept saying boxster.

[@Manfromnantucket653]

@@motorman857 I couldn't resist. I know you can take it as well as dish it out. Love all of your videos. Keep em coming. Thanks again.

[@byever1]

Thought you just rode Harleys. Glad that's not true.

[@talkingrock7011]

Nice bike but it’s not a U

[@talkingrock7011]

HD

[@russellhorn6372]

From what consumers say,beemers service is expensive. Honda's service is terribly expensive, as are the parts' The only thing keeping me from BMW is the relatively high seat height, and dealer availability. They don't have the torque low in the RPM's like a Harley, or a Gold Wing.

[@moph7July06]

All premium motorcycles are expensive to maintain. Unlike popular opinion, there are no hidden costs to a premium motorcycle. The boxer motor is stupid easy to self maintain. The GS911 is a diagnostic tool that you can use and don’t need a dealership to reset common issues. Ride any BMW boxer and you’ll be surprised at the handling and power. These bikes have more HP than torque compared to a cruiser. Seat heights can be reduced with a low suspension or basic seat adjustments from the factory. I just blew up your entire argument. Go buy one already. 👍

[@5280Roadrunner]

And it’s less than a Harley. I know what I would be buying.

[@motorman857]

Harley doesn't make a sport standard. Unless you know something I don't.

[@splodge5714]

That boxer engine doesn't do it for me nor do the looks. Great review tho.

[@manardh7387]

Like taking two of the early Gold Wing cylinders away, 4 minus 2. Except the Gold Wing would probably be more comfortable.

Funnily enough, the boxer engine and the GS has been the only bike where I always did a double take when I saw one ride by... Since I was a kid it has been my dream bike.

[@vvevvevvvv]

Too much of unnecessary stuff. I'll take RnineT.

[@vvevvevvvv]

@@ron_grimes Man, I have done a 1000 miles trip in 4 days on my Bonneville SE and I'm absolutely okay.

[@Steverinomeister]

So much money for what I consider to be a boring bike. Sounds like an old outboard. What is this bikes purpose?

[@Boeing767DriverAA]

over engineered a maintenance nightmare

[@leftymike8730]

Ron Grimes you guys will find that most manufacturers have all the same features, and have had them for a while. Things like quick shift, rider modes, electronic suspension, etc. They have this stuff dialed in so it’s not more likely to fail then any other part of the bike. As H-D riders a lot of us are out of touch with the rest of the motorcycle industry.

[@ggusta1]

I had an old boxer Nice bike but it was old and slooooowww. Maintenance bills were insane. A friend has a newer one and it still is expensive unless you do your own work which I don't. Nice bikes....high cost of ownership. Sticking with Honda and Yamaha

[@leftymike8730]

Gregg Gusta I cant argue there. Luckily I have an excellent shop near me for the basic stuff but when it comes to the tougher stuff like valve adjustments I will definitely have to fork over some bucks to BMW

[@ggusta1]

@@leftymike8730 friends BMW is 1200 boxer tourer. I rode it once. Fabulous bike with a big fat powerband and huge balls. A little tall for me and short legs. High center of gravity for me but when I rode it I hadn't been on a bike in like 20 years. Taller bikes just need some getting used to at low speeds for us inseam challenged. My taller bike is 07 royal star venture still getting used to low speed maneuvering with the help of this channel and practice. My vstar 950 feels like a toy compared to it. Channels like this are a godsend for those who want to improve.

[@motorman857]

@@leftymike8730 My Harley has ABS, cornering ABS, traction control hill hold and riding modes, heated grips. And, no extra charge for it on the police bikes. Standard equipment. On a full bagger touring bike for thousands less than this naked bike. It's a bargain. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apLVlWmnmd-ghJY

[@kalaga2k]

Can't ride a bike with a iPhone...I need to see real gauges.Sorry I'll pass.

[@moph7July06]

It’s your loss then. 🤣🤦‍♂️