2023 BMW 1250 RS | Our First Look and Review

This bike is the one to watch this year we recon! Is it a GS killer? We took out the 2023 BMW R1250RS and its awesome!
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[@Pyrrho_]

Over 20 years of owning BMWs and on my 4th RS. The best damn BMW nobody has heard of.

[@leonardotaggio6995]

Best bike I’ve ever owned. Full stop!

[@leonardotaggio6995]

I have a R1250RS. And my pillion loves it. Also I don’t even feel she is on the bike. So well balanced

[@jonathantrice7614]

Save money and get an R1250R instead. It's similar to the RS/GS but without the excess bloat. With a small aftermarket screen, the weather protection is superb. I believe that the R1250R is the best bike BMW make.

[@escanor9920]

Buying a 1250r to make it look like a 1250rs with an aftermarket windshield doesn’t make any sense.

[@jonathantrice7614]

A small windscreen to aid comfort, does not make an R look like an RS. Apart from the fairing, the ergonomics are different and I find the taller, wider bars of the R more comfortable.

[@jonathantrice7614]

@@escanor9920 You put a comment on here (now withdrawn), about my youth, inexperience and lack understanding of boxer engines. I would however point out that I have been riding boxers since 1975 ( R90/6 & R90S) and have ridden many boxer models since, up to the 1250 motor. I am however, an old fart now and consider the 1200's of 2009/13 to be the sweet spot. When I needed power, a succession of Kawasaki ZZR's filled the roll, but nothing has given as much pleasure as my R1200R.

[@NJLinSpain]

I really enjoy your videos and your very informative reviews in particular. I very much appreciate your low-key approach, great humour and warmth. I have just bought a S1000RR which i love, but I think when I get to 70 in three years time, I will switch to the RS. Perfect for where I live in the south of Spain. Keep up the great work. You deserve many more subscribers.

[@IanTed]

After three GSs including a 1250 GSA I wanted something lighter so I moved ‘down’ to a Multistrada V2S (950). Great bike but not as refined an engine as the boxer and harder to ride at lower speed. After a Euro trip and having spoke to several RS riders I’m going back to BMW next time and the RS is top of the list with the new higher bars option. Seems to be a great bike completely overlooked by a lot of riders and well suited to riders like me 60+ with short fat hairy legs.

[@dannydaley7673]

were running these as replacements to our outgoing FJR fleet of blood bikes, no complaints so far from the troops

[@majordelays4909]

Cool, I thought blood bikes were all volunteers ? (Self supplied)

[@andrewtofts7884]

Great video as always guys! I really like this bike, especially in the sports colours (blue, white and red) that incorporates a single seat.

[@S.p.a.c.e.C.o.w.b.o.y]

I'm a believer BMW are so popular due in part to the shaftdrive on their larger touring bikes. Making bikes to a budget stops most manufacturers from using one and that's a shame.

[@chrispack3131]

I’d love a BMW RS/RT & wanted a shaft drive tourer but my finances won’t allow it ( oh & the wife ) but I’ve found the next best alternative a Kawasaki GTR1400! It may not have all the bells & whistles but it is a shaft drive & very reliable. Ride safe

[@andrewdyson4255]

Good sensible review, enjoyed it

[@justmejohn773]

Interesting video gents. Hadn't considered the RS (thinking of changing shortly) but will definitely test one now. Ride safe.

[@GTWoodshop]

Your review is totally on the button, rode one today and completely agree with everything you said. You're so wonderful 😁😁

[@danie6202]

Really really good review of the bike and as you said, very underrated. Thank you for a very enjoyable watch. I love this bike and still believe there is nothing out there that I can replace it with.

[@wandering_armadillo]

"Very underestimated" is indeed the best way to describe it lads! I'm a bit "undertall", and bought last years model loaded (only missing the heated seat but don't fancy the "seared angus" buttock effect haha).....ticks all my boxes, including thrills, giggles and NO PILLION! The mirrors even work for me, perhaps specced for the petite.....btw really enjoy your reviews! 😄👌🏻

[@MrHugawa]

I have a 2010 RT with the electronic windshield. To be honest, I thought it was a gimmicky extra when I bought the bike but I absolutely luv it. In the city, I put it down for air, on the freeway, I easily adjust for air movement. If it rains, I can move it again. Even changes in the road speed limits, I adjust it. On a typical day's ride, I must adjust that thing 20 to 30 times..lol. I actually can't imagine not having it. But, I guess, I can get used to adjusting it manually like the rest of the peasants if need be...lol.

[@mikedignum1868]

I had the 1200 version. I had to get bar risers and move the satnav cradle. That made it just right for me. I was just getting used to it when it got stolen. Not too keen on the 1250 TFT screen. I think my F800GT is a baby RS.

[@RF-dg4ib]

I bought the RS in October 22. I swapped the bars for wider, more upright bars and put a new screen on it. I love it, and prefer it to the GS (obviously - I bought it).

[@andrewrowley5463]

Good afternoon, can you tell me what bars and screen you decided on? Did you need to lengthen the clutch cable with the new bars? Thanks in advance, Andrew.

[@RF-dg4ib]

@Andrew Rowley Hi, I fitted the Wunderlich bars. I didn't need line extenders, though some others on the RS forum have. The screen is the MRA vario, and it's perfect for me. I'm 5ft 9.

[@andrewrowley5463]

@@RF-dg4ib Thanks for your reply. I've had various screens on other bikes and they work well. Will see if there is much difference between Wunderlich bars and the bmw ones. Thanks again.

[@kevin9sc]

Great review. Being a little ‘vertically challenged’ myself, I changed from a 1200 GSA to a 1250RS and I absolutely love the machine. AND my wife finds the pillion just as comfy as on the GSA, even on multi long day tours. I wouldn’t change the RS, it’s just a fabulous machine.

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks so much for the kind words buddy. Ride safe

[@barney3417]

Nice review again boys !! Ive had 6 GS/GSA's and 3 RT's since 2006, picking up an RS in Triple Black next Friday !! fully loaded with seat heating, rear rack etc etc £16983!! my wife loved the pillion seating position as we have had the demo bike for a week while waiting for my bike to be delivered.she is 5ft 4. she rides her own bikes and likes to see where we are going !!!!!!! you can get a 20mm higher seat if you want one. as for luggage, Ive opted for the Givi luggage ,nicer and bigger for a lot less! and proper lighting at the rear !!!! well done again.

[@Chalky29]

We are so ripped off in Ireland. I’m waiting delivery for same but no heated seat or rear rack and it’s €21,500

[@barney3417]

@@Chalky29 Crikey, thats not good !!

[@Chalky29]

It’s not often you’ll get a review where they point at the windscreen and ask “what’s this called.” 😂😂

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Had a GSA and have now bought an immaculate 2018 1200RS. Will fit bar risers but keep it standard otherwise. Can’t wait to try it although I don’t know if I want my borrocks cupped😂 Bought on spec and reputation as with a bad back, the big GSA was just getting a bit much.

[@Jonte_Goldwing]

Nice video, drive Safe

[@cubatime72]

Good review, I'm going to view one tomorrow. And couldn't agree more about orange running lights, madness, so dangerous. UPDATE, bought it, love it. You were right, what an overlooked bike, deserves far more credit than it gets.

[@ThegardenerRob]

Very useful video…..would be interested to know what jacket etc you’re wearing and if you’d recommend ?

[@markholroyd5365]

Hiya! I’m wearing a BMW EnduroGuard jacket and trousers with a Helite turtle back vest. I think Toby is wearing his Klim jacket. Ride safe.

[@p-dub7422]

Great video! Does this bike have the bar risers on it or is that the stock height of the bars? Also, do you recommend bar risers to sit more upright or do you think the bike is good as is? Also, a bike this size and weight did it feel heavy on the road in the twisties? And how do you think this bike would do in city/urban around the town kind of spaces where you are stopping at lights and needing to get into parking spaces etc?

[@markholroyd5365]

The bars are as they are supplied. I don’t think you need risers. It’s a great bike for commuting. Ride safe

[@paulv22]

I'm not saying the mirrors are great, but you have them adjusted incorrectly. You have the outer point of the mirror angled up too much. They need to be adjusted so that point is more horizontal (angled down from where they are in the video). For me, I do have to shift myself a bit to use them but not much, and they don't vibrate at all.

[@M1000XR.Unicorn]

Thanks a lot! There's not a lot of tests of this motorbike, and it's a model in my personal top 3 candidates for the coming season. Thanks a lot for this video!

[@ToddWilhelm]

Looks like a very nice bike, although I would have to change out the exhaust.

[@Malyjurek]

Thanks for another great video, I have had my RS 1250 since 2020 and use it two up for touring, admittedly I do have the BMW "Soft" bag on the rear rack as my wife was scared she would blow away :) this solved the problem and does not look at all ugly. all of the electronics except heated seat and eco mode were on my version of the bike (may be this is because it was a European version rather than a UK version). I moved from a 2010 K1300 RT which was a rocked and had more electronics and more space for the pillion we did 140k km on this without issue before that I had a R1200GS which was like a tractor compared to the other two and we did do 130K km in the 3 years before buying the K1300. I would add that the final drive gearing is different on the RS to the GS so this makes it more of a sports bike, I live in the Czech Republic and tour mainly the Alps and find the Boxer motor perfect for the hairpins in the mountains and as I live 30km from the German motorway the RS sits at 160kph fully loaded for hours with a fuel consumption of around 4 l/100km to add I'm 5'8" (175cm) inside leg (32") Modification I made were to add rear hugger and tale tidy to stop the spray on the wet roads, and a raised the bars slightly, I also have relocated the GPS and to have it above the display, the main reason for me taking this as opposed to the GS at the time was the cost I had on paper the same but pain 3K Euro less... (the 3K Euro I bought a smaller BMW G300baggage. I have not found the same issue as you with the mirrors made be I have it set up differently

[@MillfieldWheels]

I downsized from 1250GS to 1250R. Better riding position than RS, better bars and relaxed foot placement. Tried RS and found it cramped. Heard a rumor that it can be ordered with tubular bars from R model.

[@Pyrrho_]

It can now be ordered with them and have them factory installed. The 1200 and 1250RS accept the 1200 and 1250R's flat bars and could be ordered and installed by you or your dealer previously.

[@p-dub7422]

@@Pyrrho_ What about the bar risers wouldn't that work as well? And how is it with the flat bars? I did not know about that?

[@Pyrrho_]

@@p-dub7422 I'm 6’4” w/37” inseam, have a ’20 RS w/stock clip-on style bars and Heli bar risers, with the OEM sport (tallest) seat. Have all the room I need.

[@karlbratby4349]

tested the 1250rs twice now, just to decide on a colour that is available as in short supply new, ideally, i want the M colours with single seat... looks the dogs doodaa's

[@miteor]

Under tall, what a charming turn of phrase 😂

[@Bazza47]

At last...a review of the RS ridden in the uk rather than in Spain! I do like this bike and after 3 GS' I could be tempted as SWMBO doesn't want to ride pillion anymore. BUT.... at 5'7" last time I tried one the reach to the bars was just a tad too far as I'm only 5'7" so I was leant more forward than I am on the GS and like you didn't like the mirrors but I did test it in January so maybe I need to give one another go preferably with the tubular bars which are now an option. It would have to be in the R, W& B sport colours though.....

[@Bazza47]

Well, I did test ride one and should have mine in a week or so. As Toby said they're miles cheaper than a GS or GSA so what's not to like. Wife's not riding pillion anymore so no longer need a GS and as I'm undertall it's easier to nanage than the GS. One thing I'll miss is the protection levels the GS screen gives but £140 for a MRA Vario screen will sort that and if I need to go away on it as you say Mark a 35L dry bag will be more than I need and far cheaper than a set if panniers that based on how many times I've used the GS ones will spend most of their time off the bike in storage. Can't wait 😊😊😊

[@stevedavies-pp7dp]

Coming from sports bikes I bought a K1200s … anyway , time to change so considered the XR but that’s losing shaft and do I really need the 170bhp? I didn’t want the GS and going the long way round to Tescos with the Charlie’s … so I went for the RS with high rise bars ….. awesome bike

[@milabaigar]

I just traded my R1200r for triple black gs , the R is a better ride to the Rs more sporty but bit cramped riding position BUT ! Love my gs incredible ride just need change tyres to mich 6

[@digger8180]

So what you are saying, it's like a GS but without the W⚓.

[@johnbarker9448]

Hahaha.

[@davidcox8961]

You're supposed to grip the tank with your thighs. It'll keep you from busting your balls and help balance the bike. So I have been taught. Light grip on the handle bars. Thanks for the review.

[@davidoram3423]

Unfaired version of the RT? No, it is a faired version of the R.

[@MickBla]

Exactly 😊

[@RiderCamTV]

🙄

[@DEXTERSONEMANBAND]

Concours is a Concorde for that thing.

[@beverleynorth4914]

How’s the screen? Noisy, buffeting?

[@markholroyd5365]

Great! No buffeting even with a peaked helmet. Ride safe

[@goldie6579]

I changed the screen to a MRA. Much improved

[@simonhousam1989]

Have BMW sorted out the bar vibes?

[@markholroyd5365]

They have on this bike. Ride safe

[@johnwelbers4248]

🤓😎🏍💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦 great review

[@jackwallter2361]

Is this bike good for two people?

[@RiderCamTV]

Yes very good

[@jackwallter2361]

@@RiderCamTV Thank you for replying. I'm looking for bike like this because I am beginner so it's probably better to go with this until I get some experience! I like R1250 RT and K1600s so maybe next bike will be one of those bigger bike's

[@GTWoodshop]

Under tall?? UNDER TALL????? How dare you sir!

[@sp1pilot]

The boxer motor is rock solid, but if you ever do get into a warranty problem, BMW will screw you at every corner. Look no further than the poor guys at Motomillion who were left with a $15k bill after 400 miles on then odometer.

[@JW-cq4ez]

Would be more touring with a larger fuel tank. Why not 23L ??? So after only 12L, you are already on your fuel reserv. What a juke.

[@goldie6579]

I get 230 miles out of a tank. 17L tank

[@rlw85]

I’ve got one of these while my XR is being fixed and it’s ok to ride for about an hour anymore and it’s uncomfortable. Drivers and riders In front can not see the lights. The gearing in the first 3 gears seems to wrong All in all it’s a nice bike but the s1xr is much better in every way

[@Pyrrho_]

Depends on your size and what you're used to. Wanted to love the XR before buying my first 1250RS but couldn't deal with the seat -- there's only one position. RS has what I'm used to and allows multiple riding styles. That alone killed the XR for me.

[@rlw85]

@@Pyrrho_ that XR seat is abit of a love it or hate it design works for me but I can see how it wouldn’t for others

[@Pyrrho_]

@@rlw85 Same for the Ducati Multistrada.

[@rlw85]

@@Pyrrho_ I’m starting to think that with some bar risers and do something with the seat it’d be awesome I’d buy one

[@Pyrrho_]

@@rlw85 I have Heli bar risers and the BMW sport (tall) seat. There are OEM and aftermarket rearsets for this bike with adjustable foot pegs, but I've found so far I don't need them.

[@crustyzimmerman3324]

Scaffoldier was on the island before you. That makes it your bad.

[@RiderCamTV]

Not a clue what you mean

[@Boxer1250RT]

It is like a Mutt, not a sports bike, not a touring bike. Total lack of personality. Not a good riding position for touring. It is on the sporty side. If you're 6' plus windshield is worthless. Too much break dive. I got rid of it within 6 months back in 2015 for a GS.

[@wwfww]

Very uninspired design, it could well be a 2005 bike and not look futuristic back then