2023 BMW R 1250 RS - 30 Years Old - 1993 BMW R1100RS

[@povertyspec9651]

I don't even own a motorcycle, but I love Scott's videos!

[@JanWillemHelmers]

I'm 6'1" I use the high 'sport' seat, no raisers or changed screen and find the RS extremely comfortable, I did more than 200.000km on them (125.000km on an R1200RS, 80.000km on my first R1250RS and already 10.000km on my second R1250RS)

[@hb-yv2iu]

Bought the 1250RS after you reviewed it 3 years ago. Still loving it. Good to see you review it again.

[@desorch]

Part ex my S1000R with one of these 5 months ago and after 3 tours totalling over 6500 miles, absolutely enjoyed every mile of it. Started considering the R1250R basic 4K cheaper but ended up buying the full specs, no regrets at all. Like you said we don’t need all the options but second thought the resale value is much higher and easier to pass it on. Compare to S1000R I agree it’s less fun but only riding side but as a whole touring experience I am much much happier I have enjoyed the scenery and the luggages I managed to bring, the fuel economy was a big plus, the less stops I had to make and best of all I could still go out in the evening to do some sightseeing. Another happy owner here.

[@larryvanputten4048]

Thanks again Scott, for another good and honest review! Not many RS's are sold in Holland. You have to be a lover of this specific model and I am :-) I had a 1200RS for 2 years and the weight was never a problem in my opinion. First the boxer gives a good balance so it doesn't feel very heavy. Second when you ride over a 100 km's with a strong headwind you are glad with the weight. I think less weight is important to offroad bikes but not so much to roadbikes. I agree with you a 100% that the handling of the bike gets much better with the 2cm higher sportseat and a 2cm barriser. Ofcourse I mean for 175 cm and longer riders. Glad you are back! Did you have a motorholiday with your family?

[@andrewsmith3062]

I've had two RS and have enjoyed them both, converted to the new R version in March. I'm enjoying it even more, easy to handle and more engaging to ride. For me the additional wind blast was a price worth paying. Thanks for a great review.

[@MrBecksy2]

Bit surprised at the verdict, but glad it got 2 thumbs up. Doesn't need to have a screaming in-line 4 to be sporty. The torquiness make's it ideal in my opinion as a sport tourer, and is the right bike instead of a GS of you are not going off road. By the way, Germany always look immaculate.

[@ljj808]

I have the 1200 and do UK & EU tours with all the boxes. Best bike I’ve ever owned in 40 years of riding. I’ll only change it for the 1250RS in a year’s time. Maybe not an “only” bike (I have another), but awesome and I do 10k per year on it…….

[@farizshj]

Currently my ride is a 2021 street triple and my riding mostly consist of touring. I do not regret buying the street triple but this BMW is my dream bike for sure.

[@hb-yv2iu]

Further to my previous post- I bought the RS after your first review 3 years ago… have now sold it after watching this review!.

[@drbanana1930]

I have a 2017 1200RS - I’m 6’2” and put some 20mm lowered pegs on (cheaper than buying the higher sports seat). Scrapes a bit in corner’s sometimes but I now find it all day comfortable. And if I need to stretch my legs the cylinder heads are really handy for resting on

[@fearhand12]

Do the cylinder heads melt your boot rubber?

[@drbanana1930]

@@fearhand12 nope

[@dgomes265]

Still enjoying my R. Now that they have the tubular bar option on the RS, it would like to see the R forks on it too for more responsive steering.

[@KiwiMoto72]

I came so close to buying this, but went witb a v100 Mandello instead. Mainly becauaw i am 6ft and it felt better. Also becuase for me, it felt more engaging to ride. I am an avid track day guy and dint need to much "sport" on the road. Save that for my v2 Pani and RS660 track bikes 🤘

[@Bazza47]

In the UK BMW have the RS SE which is the base model plus the Dynamic and Touring packs and costs £15,225. Even if yiu add things like heated grips, the chrome exhaust, the rack and the tubular bars and the sports colour option it still only adds about another £1000 which is still thousands cheaper than a loaded GS. The GS is better if you're doing 2 up touring but if not the RS is a viable and considerably cheaper alternative.

[@DmagAdv]

You mentioned how heavy this bike is but that’s only when it’s at a standstill or you’re trying to move it around in your garage. It is the lightest and most balanced feeling Bike though in its category once you get moving.

[@dragoclarke9497]

I test rode one of these a month or so ago. Lovely engine (I have previously owned the 1150 RS and 1200RT) but like you I found the leg position too cramped and the seating position put too much weight on my wrists. I also found the wind protection poor. I ride about 12000 miles per year, tours in Europe and days out so wanted something more comfortable. In the end I bought a Honda NT1100. I've done 700 miles on it now and still think I made the right choice. And it was a lot cheaper than the BMW. Keep on making these reviews Scott, I really enjoy watching them and your real world input.

[@bobwampler3387]

When it comes to BMW for me, it has to be a boxer. I love that engine. Any other type of engine I would look elsewhere.

[@goldie6579]

I got the MRA screen with spoiler. It made a big difference with wind noise and buffeting

[@daviddellit8344]

Thank you.

[@alexmorgan3435]

Still liking the table format Scott. Many thanks.

[@Pyrrho_]

Would like to see HP and torque values as a ratio vs weight added as columns.

[@TheHkluivert]

I was hoping to see a R1100 RS in your video as well 😢

[@davidcoleman4941]

Just as I commented on the FJR1300, you advised the viewer of Euro 5, I'm from Australia and thougthly enjoy your reviews

[@mcasanchez]

I just made 7,5K on it (Pirineos and Alps). Before it I have four R1250GS Adventure. I decided to try before the new generation arrive. For the use I make of this motorcycle (Daily driving and travel) I think that I will stay whit this model and don't return to GS Adventure.

[@stefan_munchner]

Hi Scott as always a well thought out and communicated review. As in the review of the R 1250 R, here too there remains in my mind a great pending. How do these bikes handle with standard suspensions? Yes I know, it's almost impossible to come across them with simple conventional suspensions, usually they are equipped with these semi-active electronic ones... but since these are not really sports bikes it would be interesting to know how they are with conventional suspensions.

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you, I have no idea how they'd handle with USD forks or standard suspension. Interesting idea though. The front would have more feel and easier to pick a line in a corner with the USD forks. 👍

[@kevinroberts2395]

Nice job as always Scott. 2 things I can't believe BMW haven't changed since my old 2015 model, is the screen and the placement of the Sat Nav cradle. 🙁

[@NothingToProve]

Yea, agree with you on both counts, and it's time for BMW to rethink how they are doing navigation, now with the RT/K1600/R18 Transcontinental they have the 10.25" TFT with the BMW Motorrad app for turn-by-turn navi and all the other still the Garmin Nav6, soooooo out dated. Come on BMW! take care, Scott

[@jjo1984]

Hello from Spain! Thanks Scott for your very detailed and entertaining videos. I'm thinking about buying a new bike and I'm hesitating between the Ninja 1000sx, the R1250RS and the R1250RT.... The RT is my dream bike, but my concern is that it might be "too much" bike for my 180km weekly commute and weekend tourning occasionally. I know you haven't tried the Ninja, but I wanted to get your opinion as an RT owner. Thanks again and I hope you keep up the quality of the channel.

[@rdavidsen7344]

If I'm reading correctly, assuming a 5 day commute, that's 36km daily / 18 km each way. You haven't shared the types of roads, degree of traffic filtering / lane splitting, how much you need to carry, etc. but I can't see any of the three bikes you are considering being a good fit for such a short commute / the traffic you (might) encounter [FYI I've ridden in Madrid and Barcelona and throughout España]. Perhaps you can provide more detail so the community can be more helpful? All are good bikes, regardless. ..the best in your search.

[@jjo1984]

​@@rdavidsen7344 thanks for your interest, the truth is that I have explained myself very badly, hahaha. I live on the outskirts of Barcelona and work mainly remotely, but I'm looking for a bike that gives me comfort and good sensations both on the highway and on twisty roads. In the past I've been riding a Kawasaki Z750 and for sure I'm looking for a bike with logadge capacity since I miss it a lot.

[@bobbralee1019]

Much preferred the R1250R than the RS. Just seemed far more fun

[@jetrex1986]

I have one great bike;-) R1250R Sport.

[@bobbralee1019]

@@jetrex1986 that’s what I bought too, a really underrated bike

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

I wish the RS was more fun, but it's certainly more practical. RS deserves a more sporty and fun orientation like the R. If you don't want that, then get the RT. I think many RS riders buy the RS over the RT purely for the aesthetics, then load the RS with boatloads of touring options. It has numerous target audiences with a wide range of requirements that are in conflict. Some want more sport, and others want more touring. I personally tend towards more sport and fun, but wouldn't buy a naked.

[@paulv22]

@@LonelyTreeSunset The RT is also about 50% more expensive than the RS, at least in the US.

[@giovanniricci2869]

@@LonelyTreeSunseti dont know, I just stopped after a 2 days roadtrip with a lot of twistiest and I really enjoyed my Triple Black RS. 😉✌️

[@erdincsevencan6314]

I would love to see a review of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX compared to this one about long touring days, luggage, comfort, windprotection legs and body, powertrain and smartphone connectivity. By the way loving your videos, keep up the good work 👏 Greets from Belgium

[@barney3417]

Bought a new RS SE Triple Black here in the UK 2 months ago, wanted a lower 1250 from the 1250 Gs I had. It's going!! the suspension is far too sport focused, hard!! no matter what I set it at. my wife will not travel on it as pillion for more than an hr! changed tyres from Gt 5's to Road tech 01 se not better!! great bike but NOT for me!! going Kawasaki Verseys 1000SE I did try their demo bike which they let me have for a week while I was waiting for the new one, that seemed fine but the one I bought, not the same!

[@servomekanism8505]

Great review Scott. Always the best ones. What pants are you wearing?

[@NothingToProve]

Those are Trilobite Parado jeans. 👍

[@TerraMagnus]

You can go even further back if you get an old timer to part with a beloved R100RS airhead, which probably still runs like a top. The RS line was already a couple decades old by the time the R1100RS came out.

[@1956colinb]

Scott, have you tested the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX 🤔? Would like to see your take on that bike, it’s a lot of bike for the money, no where near the price of BMW’s 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@NothingToProve]

I've been trying to ride one for the last 3 summers but due to supply chain shortage issues (corona...etc.), it's just not meant to be...sigh 😢

[@enricohagn]

​@@NothingToProveYou might get in touch with the German YTer called ZLime whether he's interested in a colab. He owns such a Kwaki.

[@marnic4448]

SX? best bike I've ever had! I would prefer the 1250R over the RS..more fun

[@IanTed]

I’d argue my Multistrada V2S is a sports tourer but having owned three GSs with the boxer engine I’m looking at the RS Triple Black next time with the optional tubular bars and a better screen from Puig or similar. I like your RT but I don’t do enough touring to justify the price or bulk…

[@grezallen]

Had my1200RS since 2018 and 60,000 miles - great torquey engine which does an easy 55mpg even when pushing on - totally reliable and vibe free. Spoke to a BMW engine designer who stated the ‘shift cam’ motor was a step backwards for BMW!

[@arnofrom9350]

Why a step back?

[@grezallen]

@@arnofrom9350 - complication of the ‘shift cam’ design reliability wise.

[@silv3rArrow]

​@@arnofrom9350 It's also highly unrefined. Crudely spealing it's in essence a variable valve timming and lift control available in the late 90s with "on/off states". In the R1250GS you feel a surge of torque from 3 to 7k rpm. From then onwards it's useless, you loose all the torque. Suzuki's ball bearing solution is much better IMO, providing a linear adjustment to valves and lift timmings. Hopefully the new 1300 will fix this.

[@arnofrom9350]

@@silv3rArrow thanks for clarifying. Never heard this before, but good to know and have some patience for the 1300 to arrive

[@JanWillemHelmers]

@@silv3rArrow have ridden an R1250? 'technically' it might be an 'on/off' system, but in reality, that switch is completely unnoticeable, it just an extremely smooth and verry powerful engine.

[@pilyomotoride7781]

If I'm gonna buy this bike my first upgrade would be bar riser with wunderlich conversion bar and a touring windshield to make it better touring bike.

[@arnofrom9350]

Thanks for another great video. Currently own a KTM superduke GT (2nd gen). Due to some neck issues looking for an alternative. I’m 1,92 m, will this fit me?

[@NothingToProve]

The GT has more leg room and a more upright sitting position and more wind protection. So in all 3 aspects, the GT is better for you...imho. I"m 1,78 m and I'd choose the GT over this just for those 3 reasons. You can get a foot peg lowering kit, high seat, tube handle bar and taller touring windshield but that is 4 after market things you'd have to do just to make it fit you. Although, I do know guys that are taller than me owning this bike and they accept it for what it is and just ride it (but they are younger than me). So it's really up to what you are willing to put up with or not put up with... 🤷‍♂️ take care, Scott

[@arnofrom9350]

@@NothingToProve thanks for your comments on this, appreciated!

[@vriendelijkegroet]

That black screen, I notice that it's not nice if you make video's. And driving big GS's for so long, I noticed that knee angle on many non GS boxers is quite tight indeed.

[@troppo4872]

Have they changed the ergos from the 1200.? You didn’t like that….. I had 2 days on the 1200 and hated it. Reach to the bars was too long, and the raked out front end meant it steered like a truck. My RT was much, much better, as I am sure yours is….

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

No change to the ergos, but bars are an option now. They are higher and closer to the rider.

[@NothingToProve]

Yep, what he said above 😁 But you could also get the "tube" bar even on the old 1200RS. Just steal if off your friends 1200R...LOL!

[@MKC337]

Triumph Speed triple 1200 rs ? Don't see it on the list .

[@NothingToProve]

That's because it's a super naked not a sport touring bike.

[@zootszabo2415]

GREAT CROSS COUNTRY BIKE I KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@irasilver]

I have a 2020 RS and thought it was just me that did not like the feel > 75 mph. Was it just vibration, wind or something else that made you not want to ride faster? Engine SOUNDS horrible to my ears at speed.

[@jorgemsoto]

Hey - This is a comment from the Adventure Bikes heavy-weight video you made a few years ago. I posted it here with the hope you see it. Hey! I appreciate the spreadsheet, but the weights seem off. The Revzilla Daily Rider - Zack - Actually weighs them. He says the Multi V4 is 570 pounds wet, the GS is 565 pounds wet, and you say GS 549 and MS V4 429 ???. What's interesting is that the Multi V4 is actually 5 pounds heavier than the GS!!! What is going on? I Imagine that you don't weigh them. I would like you to weigh them, add accuracy to this problem, and reveal the deception I think is happening. Especially with Ducati? These differences are NOT trivial.

[@Pyrrho_]

Ducati lies about weight AND HP.

[@davidcoleman4941]

No Yamaha FJR1300

[@alexmorgan3435]

I really want to like and love BMW motorcycles but they all seem to suffer to varying degrees from vibes through their handle bars and footpegs. I rode an S1000R about 3 years ago, a bike I loved the look of in white, red and blue, but I had to get off after 10-15 minutes as the vibes were so intrusive. I took it straight back to the dealer. I have never ridden a bike that suffered so badly from vibes through the bars and pegs. Such a shame BMW cannot get their act together and eliminate this problem. And this 1250RS bike doesn't seem to be any different. Poor show for a premium bike manufacturer. Their bikes are not for me because of this.

[@larryvanputten4048]

Any 2-cylinder bike vibrates, whether it's a boxer, a V-twin or an inline twin... It's absolutely not a specific BMW problem!

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@larryvanputten4048 How then do you explain then why BMW's in-line fours also have significant buzz/vibes through their bars and pegs eg S1000R and the XR is infamous for them? Their R90 also has them, nightmare. It definitely seems to be a problem with BMW bikes and not just limited to their boxer engines. As regards other makes of bikes, maybe, but it hasn't been my experience with KTMs or Triumph twins. Character yes, but not tingling vibes like you get with BMWs. The Honda in-line and V4 bikes I have owned have been totally buzz and vibe free. You must be a BMW fan boy. wouldn't buy one now I've experienced it. Shame as I really like the look of their bikes. There are plenty of other buzz/vibe free bikes to choose from.

[@larryvanputten4048]

@@alexmorgan3435 I just don't agree. I had 19 bikes of which 4 BMW boxers, beside that several singles, a triple (800 Tiger) and a four in line (FZ1) of different brands. All of them vibrate, just one a little more than another. For me it was never a dealbreaker. I now ride a F850GS and indeed, it vibrates a little. No sweat!

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@larryvanputten4048 What did I say? BMW fanboy. You obviously like the buzz the vibes which is great for you or maybe you are so thick skinned you cannot feel them? Don't know, but for me BMW bikes suffer with vibes. They are not for me. Get over it. If you like them then fine, I can live with that. LoL.

[@Greggspies]

I run a GS 1200 don't suffer vibes just the usual arse ache every third week in the month

[@monkeyCmonkeyDoo]

Too much of a crossover between the RS and RT, for me. I just purchased a 2017 RT and got rid of my FZ1, because of the overlap. I'm 6'4", 235# so the 600# RT doesn't really affect me and I can ride it just like the FZ1 with bags.

[@larryvanputten4048]

You meant between the R and the RT?