BMW's R1250R a bike that is often overlooked! So I took it out for a ride.

My local BMW dealer had several new demonstrators in, so I seized the opportunity and took the R1250R out. How did it compare to the R1250RS that I recently took out?
Thanks to Tony at my dealership for running about to get a trade plate on the back sorted out!
www.themansell...
Further information from:
www.bmw-motorr...
00:00 Intro
00:52 At the dealer
03:03 On the bike
04:49 Ergonomics
06:54 How much
08:34 Accessories
08:59 More info
13:10 The gearbox
14:13 TFT/Fuel range
15:27 Flexible engine, the wind!
16:00 sport display
16:46 Brakes
17:11 Potential owners
18:10 The competition
19:01 Walkaround
20:12 The exhaust sound
20:28 Returning to the dealer
21:06 Hooligan mode?
21:29 My thoughts
25:00 Back at the dealership
#bmwmotorrad #r1250r

[@pbofan]

I’ve had my 2020 R1250R since new, and it’s been the best bike I’ve ever owned. Great review.👍🏻

[@gsd32i]

Thanks , I did think it was a very nice machine . Interesting to see what it’ll be like with the 1300 and a new free and etc .

[@nikolaisemenoff9092]

I've got mine the same year and love it. Riding it more often than my Harley.

[@ColinDonald-u1e]

As always another great review , No nonsense factual and giving us the details we need to hear about the bike , There,s a few reviewers out in you tube land who should try that. Hope the health is holding up , stay strong mate .. Thanks for the review ..

[@bikramjitganguly]

Thanks for the ergonomics stationary shots - from different angles. Very useful.

[@gsd32i]

You're welcome! 😊

[@kruisr7449]

I have exactly this Triple Black R. A really great bike. Sound, ergonomics, agility, it really leaves nothing to be desired. I sold my 1300 GS because the R is much more fun. What I would recommend, however, is to raise the handlebars towards the rider. This makes such a difference in terms of fun riding and ergonomics.

[@Robbie-in9ci]

Great review...helped me make my mind up! Well done!

[@gsd32i]

Thanks Robbie. Ride safe 👍

[@davemuncer2659]

These bikes can be a real 2nd hand bargain with low mileage - bought my 2021 model 18 months ago, 3000 miles and all the extras fitted for just £10k. I love it - I'm 6'2" and 16 stone but I fit perfectly comfortably on this. As others have said - you need the suspension on dynamic to enjoy the handling, gets too soft in normal mode - but on some of our poorest roads the softness can be useful.!

[@gsd32i]

Couldn't agree more!

[@greywolf9292]

I'm glad someone agrees with me, on Road set at Auto the front end was all over the place turning at junctions and roundabouts was unsettling. Changing to Dynamic completely transformed the handling of the bike. I see a few owners of the 1300GS complain of soft suspension and BMW have been replacing the ES under warranty. When I took my wife as pillion the bike seemed to adjust to it OK, though she said it felt bouncy and I noticed front fork dive was worse under braking. The brakes are rather sharp, I'd rather they weren't linked front and back but I guess I'll get used to it.

[@stephenscott6570]

I own 2023 R1250 R. Changed out the chrome cannon exhaust to a black Arrow exhaust. And the silver “angle wing” lower spoilers and the silver spoiler at the radiator sides, I changed those out to OEM black plastic ones. So mostly all black.

[@aps-pictures9335]

Love the Arrow

[@aircooled-67]

2021 1250r Excellent bike, no problem to keep up with sports bikes, been biking for 30+ years, a bit soft on suspension but you get used to the way it handles, high seat, standard bar height, centre stand removed, tail tidy and sticky tyres, the only thing is the weight, you notice how heavy when trying to anchor up.

[@mottad_cz]

I had an F900R and was very happy with it, but for longer journeys it wasn't it. I just bought a R1250R and did the first ride while the weather allowed. I am absolutely thrilled. That engine runs completely from the bottom and pulls beautifully. I found the handling in slow motion even easier than on the F900R. That bike is really great and you won't come across it right away 👌

[@jimboulter3615]

I’ve tried most of the middleweight bikes. I wanted to like the f900r I bought. But found it soulless. Performance wise it was ok. But did nothing for me. I’ve got a speed twin 1200 at the moment. But tempted by the 1250r 👍

[@jondiaz3475]

I just did 3000km around the Alps in September on one of these. Got a little cold and wet at times, but otherwise really enjoyed its nimbleness, light weight, and fantastic brakes. They barely sell at all here in the US, however, so used examples are pretty thin on the ground.

[@markb3180]

Thanks for the review, enjoyed it 👍👍

[@marcusrichardson3472]

Just had a long test ride on one and am smitten. I currently have an R NineT and previously had 2 GS - love the R9T for its simplicity and character but the R1250R is clearly much faster and more practical. Kind of feel this is the bike I should have always had. Having some serious head scratching now about whether to flip and get one or wait a bit longer for the new 1300r. I imagine the cost on that will be huge though

[@gsd32i]

Hi, that is a very good question, wait or get the current generation rs. I did find it a very good machine. Good luck!👍

[@AlanBell-n9g]

Cracking bike 🏍

[@valerianogialli7691]

Grazie. Sei bravissimo. Hai fatto la recensione su strada della R1250R più bella di tutte.

[@smartdub]

I'm riding the 2012 model with 59,000 km on the odometer, equiped with the ZTechnik VStream+ (Z2443) windshield and BMW's side and top cases. It is a "jack of all trades" when it comes to riding style. When naked it is a perfect cummuter and confident inspiring twisty riding. And on weekends I dress it up for grand touring rides with my lovely pillion rider. Can't wait to see what that R1300-R will look like.

[@gsd32i]

That 1300 will be very interesting.🤔

[@andyml1]

Great to see a centre stand fitted! 😮😮

[@enr1l]

In august I got a used r1250r 2019 exclusive (pretolium green) with 9000 km, i am always astonished at how this bike pulls, i was able to buy my bike for 12k euros instead of new for 20k because it's is a bike that no one cares so if you are interested check websites for used bikes and you'll find some good deals for this bike.

[@milabaigar]

I replaced my 1200 R for 1250 gs , the R was to cramped a riding position but a fantastic bike tho 👍

[@neilcole3406]

I have never overlooked the R1200R, only the price!

[@malcolmabram2957]

21:53, 'Out and out power of a KTM." KTM Super duke 0-60 mph = 3.6s, BMW R1250R = 3.1 s (acceleration times, and other sites on You Tube). I have ridden an R1250R for 4 years, and it is the best bike I have ever had (riding since 1979, and had quite a few bikes including a Suzuki GSXR750R). On the road, this bike lives with the best. This bike has incredible torque and just pulls, which puts a smile on the face. It does not need to be revved like a straight 4.

[@gsd32i]

That engine is very good. 👍

[@masten77]

Thoughts of a screen? I have the standard screen fitted (not the silly tiny one) but the wind noise and buffeting is really strong. This is my first naked bike for many years.

[@gsd32i]

Interesting what the forums reckon regarding screens 👍

[@masten77]

@@gsd32i I haven't seen any comments ref a screen would love to know what people think.

[@ybliga]

I’m generally pleased with my 2024 R1250R - would make the following comments 1. Quick shifter is unnecessary and jerky in low gears - it works but I always use the clutch anyway which is super smooth and light. 2. Excellent fuel economy - I’m getting 64mpg 3. Despite what you might think, boxer engine lacks flexibility and the engine is not happy at anything under 40mph in top. It will pull from 2000rpm but definitely not in its comfort zone. 4. It is a heavy bike and the low c of g is a myth. C of G of boxer engine is actually higher than most bike engines due to the height of the crank and gear train. Not a problem on the move but it is a slow steering bike compared to my way more nimble Triumph Tiger 1050. 5. Accessories such as luggage are stupidly expensive and not particularly good quality 6. Official service manual from BMW is not available - they don’t want you working on it. This is what bike ownership for me is all about and for this reason alone, I will never buy another BMW, regardless of how much I like the bike. 7. The R bikes have an annoying software glitch where the trip meter randomly loses some of its data, mainly the cumulative MPG but sometimes journey distance and average speed gets randomly wiped. Trying to get the dealer to sort it is harder than teaching advanced quantum mechanics to Katie Price. Once they’ve sold you the bike, they seem to lose interest. I had the same experience with my BMW M140 car. . . . . .

[@gsd32i]

Katie Price.... quantum car mechanics ....😂

[@malcolmabram2957]

@@gsd32i Not necessary, she has a PhD in the subject.

[@David-jv9gk]

I have the larger BMW screen fitted with a clip on screen it takes turbulent air above my head. Had it for 18 months love it.

[@masten77]

Which clip on screen do you use? I have the larger R screen but still lots of turbulence

[@David-jv9gk]

I bought a small MRA style screen from Amazon (£19), I am 6ft and it was enough to lift the turbulence over my helmet

[@masten77]

@@David-jv9gk I'll try that - is it the one which clips to the standard screen?

[@David-jv9gk]

There are a load on there they are generally universal fittings

[@michaellilley6725]

I've just bought a 2023 R1250R SE having sold my Kawasaki ZZR1400 Performance Sport. Although it's a bit of a step down in power the BMW still offers enough to be fun plus it's lighter and more comfortable. What shocked me though test riding the R1250R SE was how it handled initially, the salesman set the suspension to Auto and mode to Road. The front end felt dreadful very wallowy, as soon as I changed to Dynamic it was a different bike entirely. Another rider who tested the RS just before me said the same, that it felt as though the front tyre pressure was too low and the front end was all over the place. When I mentioned this to the salesman he said " you've probably not ridden a bike with a steering damper before, that's the way they work. Soft when you're going slow tightening up when you pick up speed" " B.S." I replied I've got three bikes with steering dampers and none of them ever behaved like that" I've seen reports of the ES being too soft on the GS 1300 and BMW are replacing the ES. I haven't had mine back in Road and when I took my wife as pillion the suspension adjusted for the extra weight ( she's only 55k ) but I did find front end dive increased but then if anything the brakes are overly sharp. I'd love to hear from other owners what their experience is,

[@Dennzio1]

Nah the road mode is just fine. Maybe it’s you.

[@michaellilley6725]

@@Dennzio1 I currently own four bikes and have owned many more over the years, none of them have ever behaved like that apart from when I had a puncture. Another rider who tested the RS just before I took the R out said exactly the same thing. Perhaps it was down to when the salesman put the bike in Auto suspension mode. There are reported issues of the new GS1300 having ES issues. I haven’t had a chance to play around with settings since, I just keep it in Dynamic and it’s fine until I add a pillion. Then it has front dive possibly partially due the brakes being overly sharp, they bite far too easily. One of the first things my wife said when she rode pillion was “the brakes are very sharp, I can feel them pushing me forwards.”

[@waynedilworth5706]

Want one, but got to wait 2 years

[@stephenscott6570]

I lost count of how many times you mentioned Boxer engine 😂

[@gsd32i]

Ooooops! Wii try not to say it when I try the new automatic one!!!

[@aps-pictures9335]

Had my 22’ SE for over a year, 17K miles (got it with 43 demo model). Love it. Only complaint is the weight at low speed and low speeds manoeuvres compared to others. I’ve ridden other bikes since, and always miss the torque/power from 0. Sports screen is all I have and done 16 hour days, very comfortable. Highly recommend! But I don’t think I’d call it ‘pretty’ 😅. Dynamic Pro everywhere and dynamic for suspension! Nobody in the UK twisties needs more hooligan power than the 1250 😅. Higher revs really pulls - I’ve my light set to shift at 6500 and often go higher. If you don’t test ride it in that range you’ve missed the point!

[@c.g.c2067]

Don't know if I'd go for the r1250r or the V100 Mandello. The latter is lighter and better looking in my opinion.

[@gsd32i]

Hoping to ride the Guzzi soon

[@c.g.c2067]

@@gsd32i looking forward to your review then

[@gb6003]

I have the 2020 SE and love it, but I cannot stop thinking of the Mandello. Wife vs Girlfriend situation in my mind.. :)

[@c.g.c2067]

@@gb6003 well, reliability wise I don't think the Guzzi is any worst. From the dynamics and handling point of view I can assure you that the V100 is second to none.

[@RodeoRides]

If I had the money that’s my bike as a older gentleman

[@JeroenvKL]

Curious as to why you like this one more for you than the RS.

[@gsd32i]

It just felt better dialled in for me , every rider is different . RS is still a v.good machine.

[@JeroenvKL]

@@gsd32i yeah, everyone has different things they like, so when you told that you liked this more than the RS, I hoped you’d elaborate a bit more on the differences :) but of course this is not a comparison video. I guess handling is one of them, and maybe a bit more ‘motorcycle’ feel due to the wind on your whole body. I test drove the RS and liked it a lot (apart from the flapping wind screen at certain lower speeds).

[@JLo1960]

The Bentley Bentayga starts atound £170,000 before options.

[@gsd32i]

🙈

[@chrislecouteur2360]

NOOOO .... Sports mode only .... Dynamic mode .... This is my current bmw .... i love this bike ... KZbin S1000R vs. BMW R1250R she will do 0 to 60 in 3 secondscan take on any sportsbike ... to see its real true potential ... have a tiny screen, which is brilliant up to 90 plus can get bmw R panniers and i have a gs top box Mine is a triple black lol i get 210 before the fuel light comes on Front looks like cylon front eye lol

[@michaellilley6725]

Hi Chris, how do you find the bike handles in Road mode with the suspension set to Auto, when I test rode mine it was horribly loose on the front end. Another biker who test rode the RS just before me said the same thing. Sure in Dynamic I can't fault it everything is tight and predictable. When I took my wife as pillion I found the brakes too sharp, causing front end dive and her to slide into me at junctions. Considering the front brake is linked to the rear I was surprised by this unsettled behaviour 🤔🙄

[@chrislecouteur2360]

​@@michaellilley6725can adjust that by dynamic pro mode

[@michaellilley6725]

@@chrislecouteur2360 Thanks for that I'm not yet fully familiar with the dash and all it can do, I'll have a play around the next time we get some dry weather.

[@BikerandBits]

I had one of these bikes as a service loaner & definitely NOT the bike for me, how any one could like that riding position, i needed to go on a rack to straighten myself out….. my knees were almost touching my arms & couldn’t turn my head properly as my shoulders were in the way due to the reach forwards

[@aunoates6617]

Which bike did you try? Did it have the standard riding position or the sport setup with low bars?

[@gsd32i]

Standard one, I believe.

[@BikerandBits]

@@aunoates6617 Don't know, my legs were pretty much 90 degrees straight down it had the same frame & peg position as a GS but the bars were lower than the fuel filler

[@neilcole3406]

@@BikerandBits?

[@Boxer1250RT]

Naked bikes lost their appeal as Riders discovered the comfort of the thing called "Wind Protection". Why should I get wind blasted, eat all kinds of bugs and get my expensive gear smashed with all kinds of creatures?

[@gsd32i]

Hi, I guess some folks like the wind effect. 😁

[@zoltancsorba7499]

Plexi?

[@malcolmabram2957]

Most wind is via the helmet. Wear ear-plus and you might be surprised at how little wind there is at public road speeds. Moreover, the design of the R1250R, from experience, blasts light rain and wind over the legs and to the sides of the body. I find a small screen can make the wind noise seem worse. Otherwise get a full faired bike. I like naked bikes, otherwise I use my car.

[@gb6003]

eating bugs and getting wind is connecting with nature as intended. That said, in the winter I do like my windscreen..