BMW R1250RS Test Ride | First Impressions | R1250RS vs Z1000SX?

[@tojj29]

Believe me, those RS's can tour fully loaded, and still go like the clappers. Plenty of my videos have Mike on his R1250RS. Watch the way he corners on it, it's like it's on rails. As you said, the torque is incredible and boy do they pull in any gear. I had a sit on one, but found the RT much more comfortable regards riding position being a fat, old bastard. BMW have had their problems, but their customer service is impeccable. I think my last BMW service, they charged something like £90 per hour +vat though. 😱 If you have a BMW, a warranty is a must. My new Versys has a lot of bells and whistles, and tbh the price of the top spec Versys is getting up into mid range BMW pricing now. I've not seen many road bikes lean so far over and look so comfortable doing it. Great bikes, but bloody expensive in every department.

[@NooBiker]

Hmmm the RT is very tempting but I'm not ready for the sofa yet! 🤣 Yes, service is very good but it does come at a price... I just bought some panniers for my Kawasaki 😁 I can tour fully loaded 👍 Thanks for watching and the insightful comments

[@tojj29]

@@NooBiker I said the same about an RT, then I ride one. What a machine, you can see why the police use them. I was so impressed, I bought one

[@jimsadler8704]

I think you made a better choice with the Zed, Noob. Beemers in recent years have not had a good reliability record and that coupled with the high purchase and servicing costs would put me right off. Great to hear your opinions on the bikes.

[@NooBiker]

I'm quite satisfied with my choice, Jim. Thanks for watching 😁

[@drewyager4020]

I have the 1250RS also and it can keep up and tour. No problem and I can go right to the bar or room and not worry about adjusting or cleaning a chain

[@NooBiker]

Yes indeed, my thoughts exactly 👍 I'd better go clean my chain this morning 🤣

[@Texas2Tires]

Nice review as a first experience. Thanks for sharing. I own a 2020 and absolutely love it. In fact, I have a KZbin channel devoted to it. Wish you could have played with the settings before leaving the dealership and put it in Dynamic Pro mode to get full access to the throttle. The torque on the RS is great fun coupled with the quick shifter, you can leave cars in the dust very quickly. I really like the keyless system. However if you lose the key fob, it will cost over $400. So a key would be much better in the case of losing one or the other. Thanks again for sharing your experience. 😎👍

[@NooBiker]

Hey, thanks for the feedback. I'll check out your channel 👍

[@p-dub7422]

HI the 2020 rs you have how is it around town given the weight of the bike. Many people complain about the weight? Have you had any issues with the bike electronically or other? Thanks

[@CuriousGoose]

I'd love a keyless bike. The amount of times I put my gloves on with the keys in my pocket is ridiculous 😅 just being able to jump on the bike and go sounds great.

[@NooBiker]

Really? I just have a routine where I put the key in first, before helmet then gloves 😁 I think that's the thing: routine is ... key! 🗝️🤣🤣

[@Wollestar]

I have the same issue with the gloves and even in my car I reguallarly forget to put the key in or take it out. Keyless is worth the additional cost to any bike alone XD. Just kidding of course, but it is still a life improvement in my opinion. Or maybe just comfort.

[@NooBiker]

@@Wollestar twice today my mate on his Triumph Scrambler had to take an extra few minutes to take his keyless fob out and click and point at various bits of the bike to get it to unlock the steering or turn the ignition on 🙄 I just waited patiently 😂

[@Wollestar]

@@NooBiker no offense, but you don't buy a British motorcycle/car and expect it to work properly 🤣. But I get the point. I have a good friend though who owns the RS and he has zero problems with the electronics or the keyless stuff. And it is around since 2015 with BMWs. So it seems to work 😉

[@NooBiker]

@@Wollestar I'm not British, no offense taken 😂

[@keweenawbee]

There is a key, it just remains in your pocket. I love it, one less thing to manage.

[@NooBiker]

Sure... except you still have to manage it?

[@keweenawbee]

@@NooBiker ok there is less management, even the gas cap unlocks for you when you shut the bike off with the center button, if the key is in your pocket. I’m not totally nuts about my new RS but glad it’s a feature going forward.

[@NooBiker]

@@keweenawbee thanks for the feedback and glad you're happy with your bike. It's an excellent package. For my taste, keyless is a solution for a problem I've never had, but variety is the spice of life and it's an important feature for some.

[@Saddlebags73]

I’m with you on shaft drive and keyless. No doubt the boxer has more character than in line 4’s. Kawasakis in my experience are flawless when it comes to reliability. All the tech on the beemer would concern me if I was thinking long term ownership. I wouldn’t mind a blast on one though. Great video 👍🏼

[@NooBiker]

Yes, all the tech is just more stuff to go wrong... Thanks, Saddlebags 😊

[@giovanniricci4369]

I’m just back from a 3000 km roadtrip, among others in the German Black Forest, and I disagree with TeapotOne. She can tour quite nicely and, once you want to attack, she’s better handling, more enjoyable than an RT. So it all depends on your scale of priorities ✌️

[@NooBiker]

Indeed, I'm in your camp regarding this question 👍 Sounds like a great trip!

[@giovanniricci4369]

@@NooBiker yes indeed 😉✌️

[@flatcapcaferacer]

The Roadster and RS are right up here to me in their R9Ts for me in the BMW lineup. The styling of RS has been going up and down to me since 1996 in my opinion. The 1997 1100 RSL was lovely the latest one like your riding in the red, white and blue is great too. I've had several shaft drive bikes and I'm on the lonely island of preferring chain drive because I like dialing in my own final gearing. 😄😄

[@NooBiker]

Chain does have some pros, it's the maintenance faff that I could do without!

[@TAYM]

Great video😊 I really ought to see if I can get on some BMWs 😊 not keen on the GS but the rest of the range I find very interesting 😊

[@NooBiker]

Thanks, TAYM. I don't want to try a GS... in case I end up liking it!

[@TAYM]

@@NooBiker I know what you mean 😂😂😂😁😁 that would be terrible, lose friends and all sorts, a slippery slope 😂😂😂

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

I rode this bike. It was the 2020 model. It is a wonderful machine. A bit of a downside is that you are pretty much on your wrists, but that is all. Some say that the windscreen causes buffeting. For me it was fine, just a bit more effective on the lower position. Nice test ride mate. Enjoyed it. Take care. Got my like.

[@NooBiker]

Thank you! Was your ride on the 1200? This is the 1250 with Sift Cam, it has some extra kick. I also found the screen fine. I wasn't on my wrists, just use the knees and core muscles to keep the wrists unloaded. I haven't had much time to watch many videos because of work 😞

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@NooBiker The one I rode was 1250, so already with a shift cam engine. I think that they introduced it in 2019. :)

[@throttle_up]

I've had two RTs over the last five years. I only quickshift down when the throttle is fully closed, and up only with moderate or greater acceleration, and not first to second. At other times I use the clutch or go clutchless. You'll get the feel of it if you decide on the RS. Keyless is fine. Just keep a spare key battery, just in case. They don't run out quickly, but you never know when it'll happen. If you get the RS, buy a battery conditioner. The BMW one is pricey, but it does know how to talk to the bike. Both my RTs had battery issues fixed under warranty. I've loved both my RTs. I'll probably get another. Prior to the BMWs I rode Kawasakis. I have a huge soft spot for that brand. You have a real dilemma on your hands. 😟

[@NooBiker]

Very true! Thanks for the insightful comments. I wouldn't change for change's sake, but if I was in the market for a new bike it would be a tough decision indeed

[@greywolf9292]

I'm not a fanboy but I came into this review with an open mind. I was surprised you said it was a quiet bike because for me the deep throb of the exhaust shone through even above the wind noise, when you opened her up. Cost new and servicing costs would be a real dilemma, as well as worries about electronics further down the line. A good honest review all the same, unlike the gushing reviews we get from bigger channel reviewers.👍😊

[@NooBiker]

With my earplugs in, I could not hear much of that blurb. I can hear the induction noise from the Kwak much more clearly... Yes, servicing cost and reliability are big concerns. Thanks for watching, buddy 👍

[@michaellilley6725]

I'm returning to this a year later having bitten the bullet on a 2023 R1250R after selling my beloved ZZR1400, which I now find too cramped ergonomically. The R supposedly handles a little better than the RS and is a little more relaxed in it's riding position. The quick shifter like them all, is best not used from 1st to 2nd and should be used up with an open throttle and down with closed throttle then it's reasonably smooth. I'm not keen on the looks of the OEM exhaust ( a chimney Fred Dibnah would have been proud to scale) but it does sound deep and throaty when making progress. The shaft drive means no chain maintenance which is a boon as the OEM Kawasaki chain was prone to rust even well oiled. Mrs Wolf ( Edna) of coarse had to give her approval as the ZZR was her favourite. I needn't have worried she says the BMW is more comfortable, smoother and easier for her to get on and off, " This is my new favourite" she declared 👍😊

[@carlosalonso9866]

Thanks for your video. I own a '21 Ninja 1000sx I bought October 21 and have done 26 000 km since. I have no first hand experience with the RS which is a bike I'm interested in. I have owned a R1250GS (I did over 36 000 km on it, no problems with reliability). I switched to the Ninja because I, for one, prefer the smooth inline-four to the boxer engine. Yes it has a lot of torque but so does the four cylinder engine of the Ninja and with it's short gearing I have no problem keeping up with my mates on their GSs even powering out of hairpins. Character has been mentioned in some comments and it's a very subjective concept. The Ninja's inline-four is torquey, can be revved, is very smooth, extremely elastic (50 km/h in sixth gear, no problem), I get the same range I had on the GS and -important to me- it's very quiet (even with the Akrapovic slip-on). The boxer on the GS was too loud for me on the highway. So it ticks a lot of boxes for me, I like the way it sounds... I found the boxer engine generated a lot of mechanical buzz, again it comes down to preference, I guess. On the other hand there's no contest when it comes to the quick-shifter, BMW's quick-shifters don't seem to go very well with the boxer/cardan layout. As far as the electronics and infotainment compartment is concerned, there BMW is in a league of its own. The thing I like about both the SX and the RS is that they're sport-tourers and for me cover a lot of ground, practicality when it comes down to travelling and engaging when you want to attack the bends. Kind regards

[@NooBiker]

Hi Carlos. Thank you for your very thorough comment, I really appreciate it. I totally agree with you on all points. In fact, my most recent video, published on Sunday, is about my 3 years, 15,000 miles of owning my 2018 Z1000SX (I bought it second hand in 2020). Being an older model, I don't have a quick shifter, but I don't feel the need for one. I have had one issue since filming the video: the bolts that hold my subframe sheared. I think it's related to use of the top box. I'd highly recommend you give yours a periodic inspection to make sure they are not loose or cracked, especially if you carry any luggage.

[@carlosalonso9866]

@@NooBiker Thanks for your heads-up. I don’t have a top box but I’ll check the bolts

[@Bazza47]

I test rode both the RS and SX in 2016 and I thought the RS was the better all round bike, the fuelling on the SX at the time was quite jerky in urban areas and my hands went numb after 40 minutes and it didn't really come to life until you were at licence threatening speeds, but I thought the quality of the paintwork was stunning. The downside to the RS was the poor colour choices, upside more usable power at legal speeds plus the shaft drive so no chain faff. 7 years on and 3 GS's later the 1250 RS is now a serious option for me, especially in the sports colours with the tubulat bars. It's a bit of a gentleman's sports tourer and unless you ride 2 up for long distances actually makes more sense that the GS and like for like specs wise is considerably cheaper than a GS too. Try one for yourself and then decide.

[@NooBiker]

Thanks for the insightful comments. I decided to go with the SX in 2019/2020 and have owned one since. Didn't really have any issues with numbness other than seat numbness at the end of 170+ miles days, and I find it fun at the speed limit in A/B twisties. From my test ride, I concluded the RS would fit the bill in a very similar way.

[@Bazza47]

@@NooBiker I think they solved the jerky throttle with the later euro 5? engine so it's now smooth throughout the rev range. I think the deciders boil down to marque preference, whether you like the torque of the twin or rush of the 4 and if chains bother you. The Kawasaki is cheaper too especially if you get all of BMW's bells and whistles, it just boils down to personal choice doesn't it.

[@NooBiker]

@@Bazza47 indeed it is about personal preferences 👍

[@wsmv]

ive never ridden a BMW or anything with a boxer engine so i cant comment on whether i like the power delivery or not, but he latest crop of BMWs are beautiful looking bikes and i dont think there's any doubt on the build quality. they seem to have the class leader in most areas, GS, S1000RR, etc, the price puts me out the equation sadly but if i had the money 😁👍 great video review, and i agree i dont see the need for a quick shifter unless you're trying to take a 10th of a second off a lap time

[@NooBiker]

Thanks, buddy. They really are very nice looking, but from the stories I'm hearing you'd become good friends with the service manager and help them put their kids through private school... The boxer power delivery is very nice, you should try one out, very torquey

[@wsmv]

@@NooBiker yeah not cheap, and I could barely afford to put my own kids through state school 🤣🤣

[@pinnacle_moto]

A few people have asked why I don't I get a quick shifter. That's almost like saying why don't you just get an auto car rather than manual. My car is a tesla which drives itself. I want to still drive / ride something that I control and therefore I agree I'd stick to manual shifting :)

[@NooBiker]

Indeed, although with a quickshifter you still control the gears unlike with Honda's DCT system. I must admit it can be fun to use the auto blipper for down shifts, but I think the novelty would soon wear off

[@Stefan_trekkie]

Interesting question.. My brother had the GS 1200, now he have the RT and the R version 1200 again.. Brutally ugly and heavy bikes. I don't like the riding position .. But I have bad back and anything different from a cruiser is no go. On the keyless question. It is good for delivery scooters. Just hope on and go, it is easier. The only good point for keyless on a big bike is maybe if it raining and you rush to hop on and go.

[@NooBiker]

Thanks for watching and the comment. Good point about keyless, but I'm not sure that scooters used by delivery riders have keyless. It seems to be a feature for more expensive bikes. A mate of mine has a K1600 with keyless, he says the good point is that it has central locking, so all the top box and panniers get locked together with the immobilizer. So there's that!

[@Stefan_trekkie]

@@NooBiker On the contrary, more then 50% of the new scooters are keyless, even the small ones. The the number is growing. Even semi scooter bikes like the Honda Cub. On the more cheap brands like Kymco too

[@NooBiker]

@@Stefan_trekkie hah! Thanks for that correction 👍

[@exeterrider]

Nice one Noob. I like the RS and they look lovely. I don't like the keyless, the only advantage is they make the bike much harder to take and difficult to hot wire so it makes sense in paper but no sense in a practical sense. Nice to look at those bikes.

[@NooBiker]

Thank you very much, ER. They're a lot of fun to ride 😁

[@vzmax]

I agree with you, "keyless" is plain stupid, I much prefer having my key on the bike ! And what is the advantage of switching on or off rather than turning a key ?

[@NooBiker]

Yeah I guess we're in the same camp when it comes to keyless. The only pro argument that makes sense is that it stops you getting all the kit on to discover that the key is in your pocket. But that seldom happens to me, whereas I've seen plenty of people ride with the keys hanging from the top box 😂

[@vzmax]

@@NooBiker "with the keys hanging from the top box" 😱What ?? This is frightening ! My motorbike key is either on the bike when the engine is running or either in my pocket when I'm no more on the bike. And nowhere else. And not any pocket, only my trousers right pocket. I never wonder where my key is, I pick it up in my pocket without even thinking of it.

[@NooBiker]

@@vzmax I use a lanyard around my neck with a carabiner clip for my keys. 👍 But I've definitely seen it 😂😂😂

[@stuipooey1]

I love keyless, only issue for me is when I get on a non keyless bike I am prone to leaving the key in the ignition.😅

[@vzmax]

@@stuipooey1 I don't like anything which needs a battery without a VERY good reason 🙂

[@jjnewman65]

I like these machines Angelo 👍🏻

[@NooBiker]

They're very nice 👍

[@p-dub7422]

Interesting points made in the video! If the distance of the dealer was not an issue what would you have selected and why? I read many comments about this bike that it is too heavy of a bike for the horsepower that it has. Many people believe that it is too heavy and they complain about the cost of it. I like to know your thoughts on this bike. For some reason it keeps coming up on my radar but I have never pulled the trigger on it. I think about this bike or going mid-size Adv bike like a Triumph 900 or something but I thin this bike looks better and I am leaning towards a shaft drive. But I like to know your thoughts about this bike on those issues. Thanks

[@NooBiker]

Hi there, and thanks for the very good questions! I think I'd probably still have gone for the Kawasaki Z1000SX because it is a simpler, more reliable machine and I think it has better overall performance and value for money. In terms of weight and power, for me personally it has all the power that you could want on the road, even to have some good fun. But this will be very subjective to you as the rider, how you like to ride and what you consider "fun" on the roads. Ultimately, I think you should try to find a dealer and have a test ride yourself, see how you get on with it, how you like to torque and ride, vibrations and technology. Have you considered the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandelo? I also did a video from a test ride on that bike. It is a twin engine. It has shaft drive. It has a lot of technology toys and it rides super nice, similar position to the BMW RS and the Kawasaki Z-SX. I think for me it is the best looking bike of the trio! I hope this has helped you. Feel free to ask more questions. I hope you can get some good test rides to help find a bike that satisfies you.

[@mikedignum1868]

Picking my 2020 version next week from Sycamores... I'm having the satnav cradle moved above the TFT. Bought new Givi panniers for it as it doesn't come with any, and I'm not prepared to pay out nearly £800 for BMW panniers. Dont like the integrated brake/indicators on the new version hence I got the earlier version with standard L.E.Ds

[@NooBiker]

Very nice bike, I'm sure it will take you on many happy rides.

[@mikedignum1868]

Spain next year along with Iron Butt and Tank Museum @@NooBiker

[@SOLOMOTOUK]

Hi NB I like the new Kawasaki ninja 1000 SX but the seating position done me in I think has you know I had the earlier version of it to that was ok but with my age creeping up I like the sit up and beg position now the RS is a fantastic bike by all means I’ve test rode one at Wollaston bmw if I had better access to my rear garden I’d would settle with R1250 GS adventure any day 👍👍

[@NooBiker]

Yes buddy we each have to find the bike that suits us. It doesn't matter what you ride so long as you ride 👍

[@EpicAdamMotovlogs]

It looks like it goes like a rocket. Im guessing its a tad faster than the Himalayan.

[@NooBiker]

Just a smidge. It does the speed limit 😉

[@murraylove3632]

Yes you do need a quickshifter...once you have had one you won,t go back...

[@NooBiker]

I don't do much track riding or chase lap times, though. Although I'm sure you're right and I'd get very used to it if I had a bike with one Thanks for watching 😁

[@hachewie]

I love my shaft drive.

[@NooBiker]

It's what keeps the species going 🤭🤭🤭

[@hachewie]

@@NooBiker touché

[@raygregoryride]

Nice bike my friend

[@NooBiker]

Thanks ✌️

[@quinnpeaksbiker]

Interesting video, always had an eye out on these bikes but the prices are eyewatering, having seen how bmw charge so much for extras and that i dont really need that much bike! I get out a day or two a month and so is the investment worth it?? Im finding i prefer a lighter bike, high mpg and low insurance and road tax over the power that will probably get me into trouble! 50hp of yhe alp does all i ask of it! Bmw looks brilliant but rather get a cheaper bike and travel! Not the end of the world if something happens to it 😇

[@NooBiker]

Yes, interesting to see how different people's attitudes influence their approach to bikes. Indeed, get a cheaper simpler bike and use the money saved on superfluous gizmos and gadgets on what really matters: traveling! Whereas for others the enjoyment comes from the sophisticated and technologically advanced features.

[@quinnpeaksbiker]

@@NooBiker or I can't afford it and I'm justifying myself 😂😂😂

[@NooBiker]

@@quinnpeaksbiker 🤫🤫🤫

[@GapBahnDirk]

Don't need no steenking quick shifter....... 😂😂

[@NooBiker]

🤣🤣👍

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

I'll tell you what problem keyless solves. Thieves can't pull up alongside and snatch your key out of the ignition at traffic lights.

[@NooBiker]

That seems like quite a niche issue 😅

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

@@NooBiker happens a lot in Manchester

[@NooBiker]

@@Nickbaldeagle02 😱

[@martinhughes9769]

I'll stick with the kawasaki

[@NooBiker]

I'm doing the same. Currently in France having a great time 👍

[@catonehere]

Shaft

[@NooBiker]

Right on