2023 BMW R1250R SE - A brilliant modern naked

[@LiquidAudio]

I agree that these are super-capable and comfy machines, underrated by many. I have a 2023 Triple Black R1250R.

[@pbofan]

I picked up a 2020 R1250R Exclusive in early 2020, and 3.5 years later I’m every bit as pleased with it than I was on the day I bought it…better, even, since it’s now proven it’s reliability. Best bike I’ve owned in four decades of riding.

[@stephenfisher8636]

Same story here (other than the four decades part). Have put 23K on it, and still love it.

[@inked-96]

Do you tour on it? Looking at selling my 1200GSA to buy the R to use as a new fun tourer.

[@NJMike67]

I picked up my 2020 R1250S in July 2020, gently used with 1200 miles. This bike is incredible. After 25k I replaced the shock and redid the forks with Wilbers components, so I intend to keep it a long time. The PO fit a LeoVince exhaust, comfort saddle, 28 ltr top box and the vStream Sport Touring screen. It works perfectly from short scratches on twisty roads to long tours. I replaced the taller screen with the Sport plastics (also from National Cycle vStream). The lower screen puts more wind from my neck up, but it is smooth air and not turbulent. I can (and have) ride for days on end without fatigue. Brilliant bike.

[@georgemills2302]

I’ve had an R1250R for just over 2 years. Absolutely love it. A brilliant road bike with more than enough power for real world riding. Great review.

[@paulkiley4667]

I'm seriously considering one for my next bike. Current bike is a 2019 model (21 plate) Tracer 900 which is a great bike. I'm very much on the fence and won't do anything until next year but this one is definetely at the top of the list.

[@TeslasSecret]

@@paulkiley4667 You might want to wait for the GS1300’s release as well, just to see what the new engine is like.

[@richardcerritelli9657]

What happened to it did you sell it or you still have it

[@cliveshears1420]

Great review. I collected my 2023 model in the ice grey just last week, and have already clocked up 500 miles. Possibly the best bike I have owned, just brilliant.

[@mancavemoto]

Very nice!

[@lapinobel]

I own one since 2021 and it is an amazing bike. Have put it up for sale several times, thinking I wanted something else/cool/retro and then after a testride riding it home thinking ‘why in hell would I sell this?’. It might not be the coolest looking bike on the block (opinions differ) but it is a technical marvel

[@bonwana2275]

I ordered a 2023 r1250r triple black and should receive it in August. Super excited. Thanks for your video. Liked and subscribed.

[@mancavemoto]

Nice! enjoy the bike

[@andrewsmith3062]

I have just swapped my very capable BMWR1250rs for the "1250R". I am finding the "R" more engaging to ride, with a factory fitted fly screen it is comfortable enough to carry out a range of uses. No regrets it is very definitely the forgot naked. Long may it continue, at leats for a little longer........

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for the info, interesting to hear

[@blitzer109]

Great bike, I have a 2017 1200 Sport and I love it. It is exactly as you said, more than quick enough, great handling, comfortable, good tank range and lots of luggage options

[@motosnape]

I have the 2016 R1200R, so not quite as dynamic as the newer shiftcam (according to reports, as I haven't ridden the new one). Mine has all of the toys (of its time) and a useful flyscreen). I've had a few sportsbikes prior to this, and I have to conclude that the BM is my favourite bike to date. The R was a deliberate choice, I wanted that engine, but adventure bikes leave me a bit cold (just like SUVs), I didn't want a full dress tourer, and the RS on the face of it is appealing, but apparently the R chassis is a touch shorter and has quicker handling. You're right, it's definitely overlooked, but I'm very happy with my deliberate choice. Thanks for another excellent video.

[@pcarts232]

This has literally everything you can ask for on a bike , comfort heated grips seats cruise control quick shifter it’s fast or you can ride it at 15 mph no problem at all , passengers, luggage rider modes , shaft driven ect ect , it’s an amazing bike 👍🏾

[@250f5.6]

Absolutely! That's why I like mine so much. A great UGM (Universal German Motocycle) that does it all very well ! My 11th bike and I think this is the one.

[@benkelly2190]

It’s a revelation! I know I don’t want another GS. And I want more fun! It’s this! Perfect! Nice one Tony.

[@barney3417]

Nice review well explained, Ive recently taken delivery of the RS SE and love it .

[@Robsventures]

Great review - love your no nonsense so factual and objective reviews - make a great change from a lot of the frothy entertainment and repeat of the same Old same old lines that some use

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Rob

[@bobbralee1019]

I've got a 2021 SE Sport and it's such a good road bike, it isn't pretending to be a race bike or a dirt bike just a really good all round road bike

[@grandazzo]

I'v got the R1200 R LC from 2015. A sublime bike with 125 ps and 125 Nm torque. Slightly less than the 1250 but more thann enough with great torque and always on point.

[@malcolmabram2957]

Thank you for this well presented detailed review. I have the same bike, but 2021. I ride it in dynamic mode all the time, even in the rain. The only thing I notice between the modes is the sensitivity of the throttle. On dynamic mode it is kinder on the wrist. People criticise naked bikes for the wind noise, which is understandable, but my trick is to wear ear plugs. One can still hear the engine, but it negates the wind noise in the helmet, and candidly, at road speeds one hardly notices the wind resistance. But then I am a retro fan, and to me a bike is not bike with a huge fairing up front. I do not appreciate the TFT, would be happy with just dials, and the keyless ignition is not a big deal. Also, you are right, the quick shiftier is clunky, except for me, it is smooth on hard acceleration,, which is when it is most needed. But the BM is excellent to ride, great on the twisties with its low centre of gravity, and has superb low down torque and acceleration (better I think than my Suzuki GSXR750 of late). However one does not rev the engine like a straight 4, it just pulls. Never go above 4000 rpm on the road, no need. Also it is cheap to service (accessible engine), and the fuel consumption is excellent, I typically get 61 to 64 mpg. My only complaint is it is a bugger to start in cold weather, but then my last boxer was the same, and I could even flatten the battery.

[@FxRiderST]

It is a bike which one has to get use to. Especially if coming from the smoother bikes like 4 cyls. The boxer is kicking side to side especially pronounced when standing still (like red light) or in slow speeds or u-turns. It has lots of torque down low especially in first gear,, yet you must to be in the right gear. It will bog down if you sift prematurely. In short, if you didn't ride boxers before it's not going to feel at-home from the start.

[@brucekendall52]

Certainly an overlooked bike.Gotta be one of the best Commuter bikes you could own.Thks.

[@ianchamberlain1631]

Nice review. Sold my Multistrada V2s last month & put a deposit down on a R1250R SE on Thursday. The additions I've specified are the comfort pack, sports screen & heated seats. Can't get to my cash to pay for it until late July/Early August so am being patient and will collect it on Sept 1st with a new plate.

[@henrypridgen7112]

What didn't you like about the multi V2s?

[@ianchamberlain1631]

@@henrypridgen7112 The V2s is a great bike but I found out I don't like touring & only like one day ride outs. It also felt a little under powered as I've been used to 150 + BHP bikes for the past few years. Very comfy to ride though but I wanted to go back to a naked as I feel more 'involved' on a naked if that makes sense

[@ujay888cc]

First time watching your channel. Sensible, nicely pitched video. I owned a 2018 R1200R exclusive in the lovely iced chocolate colour. I loved everything about the bike but didn't quite do everything for me. Touring was possible but not ideal as a naked, but ultimately I sold it because of the state of our roads. I'd have another if the roads were better. Too many potholes etc.

[@jjnewman65]

Nice one Tony. What a beauty. I liked but didn’t love my R9T, sold it as it wasn’t comfortable after an hours riding and not suitable for touring and I’m not ready to own a GS. This looks perfect as a my next bike. However I’m still in love with my 1200xe for my moment.

[@ingoweisspfennig680]

Thank you for your review. You told me everything I want to hear 🤪. I always loved this bike. Would love to own one soon

[@michaelc9721]

Agree on the Quickshift Pro being clunky from 1-2 and 2-3, but smooths out after that. However, when you are revving up through the gears it is superb in all gears. Also, I like the suspension in Road mode, as the Dynamic mode is too stiff and small bumps are too sharp. I do really like the throttle response in Dynamic better than Road though. So, you can have it your way and set the throttle to Dynamic and their suspension to Road in the custom setting. Perfect! I rode from Florida to Michigan and back on my 2021 R1250R SE (only a tank bag and small tail bag) and the bike was awesome. Took four days of backroads up and 4 days back. Rode it home from New Jersey too (bought it up there) in four days of cold and rain. Rain mode on a new bike in those conditions was welcomed.

[@bonwana2275]

@michael9721 did you ride with a windscreen or completely naked? I ordered this bike with 'sport windscreen' so I am curious. I don't get my bike for another few weeks.

[@garethcoombs1622]

@@bonwana2275 I’ve had my R1250R for a couple of weeks now and it’s overdue for it’s first service; had the sports screen factory fitted as OE and it looks good, but I don’t think it alleviates wind buffeting at all, in fact I’ve been told makes it worse. But never mind, it still looks good. I “upgraded” to the beemer from a Triumph Street RS which I thought was fast, but never came close to pulling my arms out of their sockets! Enjoy the pain!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Great video, just like all yours. It is hard to find anything wrong with this bike. I test rode the RS and the R and both are great. Would pick the R, because it is quite a bit more comfortable. :) Got my like here. Take care. Cheers.

[@antonoat]

I had the previous model (r1200r) a seriously capable bike, fast enough for the road with really tidy handling, the engine is sublime!

[@daniilrusanau5849]

1. Is the fuel cap also keyless? 2. Is that the phone holder on it instead of their typical gps prep? Is it wirelessly charging the phone? Cheers!

[@mancavemoto]

Hi, yes it is. Once the ignition is on it will open, but its locked when off. The phone holder is an optional extra and yes it wirelessly charges the phone

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

That's agreat engine and BMW use it well putting it(or a very close version) into a whole range bikes and yet loads of BMW riders walk right past all the other options and buy a GS. Yes the GS is a great bike but I wonder how many GS riders would actually be better suited to an RT,RS,R or even an RnineT

[@pcarts232]

It’s only the wind blast that is a bit rough but otherwise this bike is almost perfect 👍🏾

[@mototrips1]

Great review..I have the 2016 1200R and it’s the best bike I’ve ridden so far. Thanks!!! 👍

[@marklengal9990]

Would you feel comfortable with bags and wind screen for a long trip?

[@mancavemoto]

Yea definitely

[@jjnewman65]

Just revisited this review. It’s a beauty Tony. Silencer is to big a shiny for me though. I’d have to change that out. Maybe I should have bought one of these for touring on this year rather than ordering a GS1300🤔 and saved myself ££££s

[@paulneedham3608]

The quick shifter is best used from 3rd gear up then it is quite good but its not the best. Have an RT

[@johnterry804]

Nice review as a all rounder looks great 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks 👍

[@davidwiggins8886]

Just bought one, get it later this week, can’t wait🤪

[@bonwana2275]

@davidwiggins8886 How is your r1250r going? What color and specs did you go with? I ordered the Triple Black with the lot and should receive it this week. I am so excited. I also bought it with the Akrapovic exhaust 😊 so excited!!

[@davidwiggins8886]

@@bonwana2275 Mine is a 2022 Exclusive, had 2,000 miles on it

[@davidwiggins8886]

Metallic grey

[@1990-t1j]

It's Peter Fonda! I remember back in the mid/late '90s, BMW giving me an R1100RS for the day when I took my R1100GS in for service. I rode it home a decided it was bettr than the GS. If I was to get a BMW, it would still be the Urban G/S.

[@mancavemoto]

lol

[@1990-t1j]

@@mancavemoto And by the way, this is 1990. Annoying that YT have messed with everyone's usernames. I'll type 1990 at the end of every comment from now one, then you'll know. Regards, Nick 1990.

[@78Outlaw]

They are nice bikes, they go and handle great, I think the looks are just a but meh when compared to RS or R1200-9T, I just wish the R9 had the shift cam motor.

[@IanTed]

Having had several GSs, still think this is one of the best for pure road riders, especially if you have shorter legs like me, sadly it still has the flawed gearbox and that strange sound. I think it should sell better than it does but those who own it seem to love its comfort and practicality. I’d fit a fly screen for longer trips…

[@phantombigballs8165]

Flawed gearbox? Had two 1250rs 90k between the two not a single issue with one gearbox!

[@IanTed]

@@phantombigballs8165I had three GSs and the only thing I hated was the gearbox, still so clunky compared to previous bikes even on a 2019 1250 GSA with a quick shifter. Moved to Ducati and reminded myself how good they can be, the GS1300 gearbox has been redesigned and improved but it’s apparently still poor according to my friend who sells them.

[@cpuuk]

RS or SE?

[@mr.b3895]

Really like the gear you’re riding in. Perhaps a little run down when you have a moment please…? 👊

[@mancavemoto]

It’s a Goldtop Easy Rider jacket, kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2nMiGybaNd3abs Goldtop Flat Tracker gloves which are now discontinued, same with the Maple jeans. Boots are TCX Blend 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKPRdIyMgpaBrsk

[@christopheradby3669]

I've got a 2020 with shift cam and love it. Brilliant alrounder with same torque as ktm 1290 superduke R. A real wolf in sheep's clothing 😂😂😂 The quick shifter does get better over time but between 1st and 2nd can be clunky.

[@cristiantamas]

From what I know and experienced, it is expected from 1st to 2nd gear to be like that. It's too much torque and too low speed for most quickshifters to work well in that range, so I only use it from 2nd gear onwards.

[@seauryakumar]

Nice review, I like your gloves.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, the gloves are from a UK company called Goldtop.

[@DucatiDale]

I think certain nakeds are worse than others for wind I went on a cb1000r black edition and that was terrible but now own a 2023 mt09 sp with a fly screen on and at motorway speed it isn’t that bad at all my previous tiger 800 xca was probably worse due to buffeting and that’s meant for the long haul

[@Pyrrho_]

When you listed boxer-equipped BMW bikes you forgot the RS. Only commenting because I have an RS. :)

[@mancavemoto]

yep i did, although it wasnt meant to be a exhaustive list. I do like the look of the RS, hoping to ride one soon

[@motozest7856]

There's a new R1300R coming later next year with the upcoming R1300GS's engine and reduced weight, otherwise I'd be all over this one.

[@mancavemoto]

It'll be interesting to see the new models for sure

[@razorwired130]

This bike weighs the same as a GS. Why go with naked bike? Not near the utility as the GS.

[@250f5.6]

I do more with this bike than I did with my 2 previous GSs. But I don't do trails, only gravel and decent dirt roads. I prefer the handling, low height, body-based wind management instead of the fairing transferring the wind energy. And I like the sportiness. It's just as comfy and my pillion prefers if to my old GS. I've always gravitated towards nakeds.

[@thepub245]

If only they put a proper round headlight on it and not the terrible looking thing it has.

[@pippipster6767]

How can such a large bike have no screen at all … just daft.

[@mancavemoto]

because its a naked roadster?

[@pixelmixture3067]

The look is horrendous … with a neo retro treatment this bike would sell like hot cakes … removing this horrendous front light for a classic round one … removing this stupid TFT for a 2 classical counters …

[@mancavemoto]

Looks are subjective, not everyone is a fan of neo retro either

[@pixelmixture3067]

@@mancavemoto no hot sales for this bike ... because of the look

[@markdennis930]

'in seam'. How very American of you.

[@mancavemoto]

Just trying to make myself understood. As a brit you understood what i meant, if it had been the other way around, maybe it would cause confusion

[@wezcarnell]

You MANCAVE15 discount code does not work at SW-Motech fella ?

[@mancavemoto]

The MANCAVE15 discount code is for Ultimate Ears, I don’t have a discount code for SW-Motech

[@wezcarnell]

@mancavemoto ah its at the bottom of a list so I thought it was all of em, sorry.

[@mancavemoto]

No worries, I probably need to change the layout to clarify 👍