In a world dazzled by hyper-nakeds, BMW's R 1250 R is undeservedly overlooked as a sporting naked.

[@Robsventures]

Can’t believe this fantastic legend of a presenter has so sadly passed away, a true professional and informative and funny with it. Great loss to motorcycle journalism thank you for everything Matt, ride on Sir , ride on 😥

[@scattmanscattman9816]

Your thoughts about the r1250r missing when you were riding the s1000r.... amazing!! The best focused and mature comment I have ever heard by a motor journalist. Great video!

[@AC-iy1ov]

I ride a 2020 1250R , before buying it, I tested literally all 1000-1300 nakeds, this is the best for the road (except for quick shifter’s up shift) This bike should really get more attention😇

[@peacequiet4883]

I bought one in March because I wanted a bike that is more manageable in the city than my Ducati XDiavel. I kind of came across it by accident, but when I read the 105 lb. torque number it really got my attention. It’s now my favorite bike ever. It does everything so well. It’s comfortable, safe, and fast AF on real world streets.

[@Porsche996driver]

That’s the key - real world - fast and confidence-inspiring right.

[@rexdaledave]

How has the reliability been? i've seen some comments that they are notorious for having issues

[@paulv22]

@@rexdaledave I have an R1250RS. I bought it a year ago and have put 4400 miles on it. No problems at all. Mine has Brembo calipers and the Hayes shown in this video are known to have issues. Other than that, I haven't heard of anyone having significant problems with the R, RS or GS.

[@rexdaledave]

@@paulv22 thanks for the input!!

[@michaelc9721]

@@rexdaledave 5400 on my 2020 and runs awesome. No issues whatsoever. Just start it up and ride. Come home and rest. Repeat.

[@sevenswordsx7]

Great review! I have a 2015 R1200R. You covered all the bases on this bike. They are smooth as butter and enough torque to climb a wall. Extremely comfortable. I'm 5'9" and can easily flat foot it. It's like it was custom made just for me. It can be equipped with all kinds of luggage for touring. Cruise control and heated grips. Yes, it does need a sport screen for wind blast.

[@bennytilkens8251]

Totally agree! I’ve mounted the madstad windshield ! It’s not really aesthetic but it does what it’s supposed to do!

[@GS-xg4nz]

@@bennytilkens8251 Interesting. I've got a 1200GS but had the 1250R as a loan bike and it blew me away. Only hesitation is wind blast, and wind noise on the helmet as I have tinnitus. The clean air was fine around town and up to 60/70mph but I only had it for an hour around town. A big screen doesn't look great but is worth it if it makes the ride quiet(er). How is the Madstad working out?

[@bennytilkens8251]

@@GS-xg4nz The Madstad screen is 👍 !

[@slopetechno]

@@GS-xg4nz Really interesting feedback from a GS owner ... how did the R blow you away? How would you compare it with your GS? I also have tinnitus so I would have to do a screen as well, but that's fine.

[@Coolamon]

If you're looking for a sport screen then there's the R1250RS. I have one, love it. Still get air to the helmet, but I want that ventilation. Others opt for a barn door replacement or go further to the R1250RT which is a much bigger touring lump in comparison.

[@MR-ms1jl]

Superb review - you have nailed the essence of that machine spot on. I bought one of these in April this year: it came with the touring package, driving modes pro and the quick shifter. It is an awesome crusing/touring bike and that engine is a torque monster - I do small roundabouts in third gear and it will effortlessly pull away. And with the shaft drive you get engine braking on an absurd level - you have to try it to understand. For a bike this size it is surprisingly agile and flickable - I use it also for city commuting with no problems at all. I could go on and on about this machine but suffice to say: take one for a spin for a couple of hours on country roads, highways and in towns. You will not regret it.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

It sure is. Perfect. I rode the RS version. Can check. Will go and try also this one before buying. :)

[@waynemurray5084]

I had an S1000R and a friend with one of these. On Victoria Road in Cape Town he could always just about keep up with me even if I was caning it. Good bike.

[@Samenotter]

On road conditions a Bike with much horsepower can not use its full potential like these 160hp of the s1000r but the high torque of the r1250 is awesome out of the corners

[@BIKECHANNELKENYA]

Nice bike, lived with a 2017 model for a month and loved every minute of it. Enough torque and the quickshifter, heated grips and cruise control were the very nice. Despite the weight, the low hanging boxer engine makes it feel agile for it's weight.

[@johnturner6677]

Thanks for that great review Mat. It's good to know someone with a lot more experience than me thinks it's a good bike. Glad I bought one now - I love it!

[@trailingarm63]

Great series of bikes. My daily ride is one of its predecessors, the R1200R from 2012. I have a nice screen on it made by MadStad engineering of Florida. I also have the BMW rack and rails and recently bought the hard panniers (secondhand for 300 quid) to go on them. Thinking these bikes are heavy is ridiculous, mine weighs 237 kgs. If the ultimate 1000 cc sports bikes are about 200kgs, mine is 37kg heavier and for that I get shaft drive, a centre-stand and Telelever suspension. All of these I greatly appreciate. I've bought so many chains and sprockets over the last 40-years I never want to buy another - and if I stick with this series I'll never have to. No fork dive is a pleasure and the centre stand is ace for maintenance jobs or parking the bike on poor surfaces. The flat engine design means the weight is really low, the bike feels like a 250 to me and produces a gyroscopic sensation when going through twisties fast. The pillion seat is comfortable and the bike can be toured quite easily or just used for going to the shops, it's equally happy whatever. Mine "only" produces 110 bhp but - a bit like diesel - it's got massive torque: 88.5 lbs/ft, in fact. So you can enjoy riding the torque wave rather than trying to rev the balls off it like an embarrassing teenage hero. Why is this series overlooked? Because of two celebrity wankers who rode GSs around the world for television (supported by uncle Tom Cobley and all). Subsequently, everyone wanted to look like them so they bought a GS and pretended they were about to cross Africa or South America on it. The vast majority of them would have more fun on the R series (but don't tell anybody it'll keep secondhand prices down for me).

[@GS-xg4nz]

Great comment. I have a GS 1200, but had this as a loan bike and fell in love. I agree, it feels small and agile due to the boxer, the actual KG's can be forgotten about. Very easy bike to get on with.

[@alanbriggs7177]

No telelever suspension on these which, I think, is a shame.Wish I could find a pair of panniers for £300!

[@trailingarm63]

@@alanbriggs7177 Rumour has it that the move to water cooling meant there was no longer room for the telelever - the radiator was in the way. Don't know if this is true. I know how you feel about the panniers though, I was looking at £600 for a new pair before I found a secondhand set on E-bay. The seller showed me how to recode the tumblers to fit my ignition key.

[@floriankroeber4673]

Finally a program has covered this bike. I think the R is overlooked because this bike has no real competitor and therefore it never features in comparative tests.

[@FaisalM91]

SDGT?

[@lovelessissimo]

Monster?

[@kalel33]

Honda CB1000R, Yamaha MT10, Suzuki GSX-S1000, Ducati Streetfighter, and KTM 1290 Super Duke,

[@MotoM1234]

Competitors Ducati scrambler 1100 & moto guzzi griso…. It’s more of a standard bike than a super naked…. Big heavy, comfortable, predictable, yes plenty of power but you would never care to ride it like a tuono anyway….

[@painsrides3616]

I test rode a 1200R some years ago and was impressed, its been on my mind ever since 😉 If I ever buy another road bike the 1250R would be in serious contention. One of its most attractive features, at least for me, is the the shaft drive.

[@nickrider5220]

Motorcycles can't be bought from a spec sheet, cars often can, but bikes are about the feel they give and where the weight and power are. I guess the empty tank weight would be 224 kg, less oil and water 218 ish - a bit heavy, but not that bad.....the big old shaft drive must weigh a bit. Good review Matt 👍

[@roadrash76]

I've often said the same about bikes and spec sheets. The visceral is a huge part of the equation with motorcycles

[@dgomes265]

Great all round bike. Add the side cases and you have a touring bike. The Bike most GS riders should be riding.

[@barryweaver8833]

Yeah this bike would suit most GS riders, (edited) the only thing I could think of is the extra leg room and the additional versatility of jumping a curb or something. I do like the sport bike front end.

[@jordanshaffer9002]

Actually been thinking this or the XR instead of the GS.

[@NYCZ31]

@@jordanshaffer9002 I bought the 1250RS instead of the XR. Why? The insurance was MUCH cheaper.

[@davidmead731]

Great bike - I went from a 2010 1200R with a screen and panniers for touring to a 2015 GSA for more room, more protection and a screen. The GSA is a better tourer but the R a really fun day to day bike. Lot cheaper and lighter than a GSA too!

[@doolar]

I’d say the RS instead of the R actually!

[@paulpartridge2674]

I really miss Matt, rest in peace buddy 🙏

[@Malyjurek]

Matt I can't agree with you more my K1300GT was in for service and due to covid some parts would take a few days to arrive so I had the pleasure of riding the R1250R for a couple of weeks I liked the bike so much I sold the K1300GT and like you thought I missed the screen so opted for the R1250RS a litle more sporty position but a bike for the alpine switchbacks two up the engine is ample for more than legal speeds and it offers more comfort than most naked bikes for the wife, and we all know how important it is to have a happy wife on a road trip.... thanks for sharing and love the show

[@andrewd7586]

Having owned 6 boxer engined BM’s, 3 which I still own, I’ve always found them to be underrated & under the radar. Yet they all do the job I want & have surprised many mates on their European sports bikes. I still have a 1980 R100s fully restored, a 2003 R1150R Rockster & the First Edition R18. In between I had the S1000RR, absolutely manic, then the S1000R, mad, but not quite insane. A mate of mine currently has the R1250R shift cam model & loves it! Having ridden it, I 100% agree it’s a bloody terrific bike! Cheers from “Down Under”. 🇦🇺🍻😎👍🏼

[@pedrodeabreufreire1920]

Had the previous model, R1200R one of the best bikes that I've owned

[@geraldduncan1808]

Bought one thanks to this fantastic review by Matt...(I bought a R Nine T thanks to his review) The R1250r is a fantastic B road weapon, the fuelling, the suspension, the torque, This bike replaced my GSX-S1000F and r-Nine T....The only miss is the beauty of the R-Nine T. What a machine, the ultimate fast and comfortable road bike. Matt's review as usual was spot on. So sad he is gone.

[@anthonykeel1058]

I really love this bike! Waited 2 years for it to come to the US, was advertised as $14k and went to a dealer to find out they start at around $18k. Too much for me. I’m 6’5” tall, find them very comfortable and one day will pull the trigger to get one.

[@paulomoreira3147]

You should drive it in the wet...amazing .The best alrounder motorcycle in my opinion.

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

Like the frequently overlooked R1250RS, the R has legit sporty characteristics and provides an awesome platform for two up shenanigans. 😁

[@Pyrrho_]

R1250RS is the best BMW nobody buys (or knows about) IMO.

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

@@Pyrrho_ Very true! It doesn't deserve to be overlooked.

[@Pyrrho_]

@@LonelyTreeSunset Someone at BMW thinks so, because damned if you can find them even marketing it.

[@paulv22]

@@Pyrrho_ I bought one. It's excellent.

[@alanbriggs7177]

@@Pyrrho_ I found the R more comfortable than the RS.

[@davidwiggins8886]

Just got a 2022 R1250R, thanks for a great review, helped me choose, after one day, what a bike❤❤❤

[@TheWrittleRider]

So Glad to see this positive review. You have echoed so many of my points I’ve made whilst getting to know the 1200 and now the 1250. Great review and to my mind, this is the best naked bike out there still, that can do almost everything you would ever need it to. Definitely not a track day bike but I’ve done everything else on mine and it’s been the perfect travel companion. Cheers and all the best….

[@andrewedmond7738]

Great review Matt, thanks mate. I will take a serious look at this bike as my last one. Shaft drive, comfort, and the ability to go play every now and then should suit me just fine.

[@pjakpjak7000]

Lovely review! One of few that talk about the bikes soul and rider experience instead of reading spec sheets. I have a 2015 r1200r and ride it on track, its very much at home there too. :)

[@jvl4832]

So happy to see and hear the r1250r getting its proper due. I have been a fan of this solid road companion since 1994, having the 850, the 1200 and lastly the 1250. It is a capable touring maschine with wind screen and pillions,but also fun on on the weekend twisty jaunts. Yes , there are prettier, faster bikes but hardly one so well-rounded like the roadster. The gentlemanˋs beast! 🧐. Thank you for a fresh look upon an old friend..great review….

[@Porsche996driver]

I’m handing down my old 2002 R1150R to my son! Still runs great! I’d love to have the new one - so much improved. Great tourer, fire road capable, and the twisties!

[@bloodhoug82]

the performance curve of the 1150R isn't great. My dad had one and got a new exhaust system plus chip tuning and now it runs how it should be. He was struggling in the mountains due to a power dip in the mid RPMs

[@mtscott]

I had a R1100R (black and silver) for many years and it was one of the best and most useful bikes I have ever owned. Did everything - commute, tour, weekend fang. Mega reliable and shaft drive 🥰 Moved to GS so I can do even more 😁

[@michaelk2987]

I love riding this Machine, I needed to get used to the weight and the side stand is harder to reach for my short legs , but it’s the best bike I’ve ever had. It is simply superb in every respect, the arm wrenching torque really does try and pull my arms out of the sockets ! Ride it easy and it’s a great commuter or dial it up and it delivers awesome performance and handling, it always feels like it’s glued to the bitumen. I will disagree with the reviewers opinion on the looks of the bike.... it has PRESENCE ...looks muscular and solid, I never had a boxer before but i simply love the look of this machine from all angles. Great review.... may we have more please !

[@GS-xg4nz]

I agree, I think it's gorgeous.

[@Mik01ist]

I bought this one to move away from the Adventures (GS, Caponord) and I don't regret it for 1sec. With a fly-screen it's great, the blipper is a butter, comfort is really really good, and that boxer is a jewel that makes you go easy as well as push hard. I got an old one in white/electric blue and it makes me smile every time I look at it

[@munawir5302]

I am also letting go of my Caponord 04! I am seriously thinking of getting a used 2015 model. Glad to hear you are happy with the bike.

[@Mik01ist]

@@munawir5302 man I loved my 2015 Capo Rally to bits! But the R is a little jewel. Look for the series before the 1250 and with luck with some extras too. Hope you will enjoy it. Ride safe

[@edysinsimon8646]

Perhaps my favorite motorcycle overall. The ideal bike to build upon one's desired ideal of what's the intent of the man/machine interaction. Yep...Making this my ideal motorcycle! A red frame, the white tank and fenders. Just about right. The R1250R fills the bill quite nicely.

[@lapinobel]

Nice video, I have one since about 2 weeks and really like it. Thanks for reviewing it since it seems pretty unpopular (or unknown) to most.

[@michaelc9721]

Two comments from my tens of thousands of miles with the R12xxRs (a 2011 and now a 2020): 1) factor in the shaft drive and no messing with a chain every few hundred miles and I'm loving life on this bike; and 2) in my humble opinion no wind screen is necessary. I once rode 11,000 mile trip without one and loved the open-road feel - no issues with wind. Like another commenter below, fits like a glove (with risers and slight setback for me :)

[@michaelc9721]

One more thing. I picked it up on a Friday afternoon in New Jersey, rode it through 30's-50's F and rain and got home to Florida (1300 miles) on Sunday eve. No sore rear or anything else for that matter. Great ride despite the weather. Gearing up for another longish trip around Lake Michigan, with some loops in Alabama on the way up and probably some North Carolina/Tennessee loops on the way back.

[@marciofilho3222]

Can't believe Mat's gone... this is one of my fav videos of him.

[@leebrewer7394]

First I have seen him researching this bike, he die?

[@marciofilho3222]

@@leebrewer7394 yes mate. Mat's gone.

[@leebrewer7394]

@@marciofilho3222 thanks for the reply, sorry for his family for losing him. RIP

[@georgemills2302]

Great review. Traded my R9T in for one in April. Love it for all the reasons you mention, for me 136hp is enough for the road and it’s the massive torque figure that makes it so easy to ride. The low centre of gravity means it never feels as heavy as it is either. I also thought the hill hold was a gimmick but use it all the time now 😊

[@GS-xg4nz]

How much do you prefer the R1250 over the R9T? I've had short test rides on both and am a bit torn. 9 looks sexier but the R1250 is more versatile and loaded.

[@georgemills2302]

@@GS-xg4nz you’re right, The R9T is a much cooler looking bike and definitely has more character, but the R1250R is just a flawless road bike. I always said the Honda Blackbird was the best bike I’d ever had, but the R1250R beats it hands down.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Very nice bike. Rode the RS and R9T. The RS was a lot bettter than the R9T. Just my opinion. Can check my content.

[@Ole.Schultz]

Great review. I have a 2020 GS with all the options, best bike i owned until now.

[@OzBloke]

I’ll never understand the incessant chase for more horsepower over the last 52 years of driving/riding…….but anyway, I’ve learned that ‘torque’ is the holy grail for me for all riding/driving conditions. I guess some people get their kicks out of max HP - good luck to them. But for all day, all conditions riding, this type of machine is still fun and makes sense. 😎👍

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Great bike and very in detail review- Rode the RS and was impressed. Can check.

[@scott257]

Went to the 1250r from a CB650 (detuned to 47hp here in Australia for learners) when I got my full licence 2 years ago. Didn't appreciate how serious an upgrade it was until I got back on the Honda today.

[@tudorcotoi7011]

You know what ? The R1250R is not just for old men! It’s a very fun bike and it’s power is just amazing. Only too much if you ask for much. Coming from an F800R and the extra power definitely makes it awesome. Pops wheelies whenever and the weight is not a problem as long as you won’t push or try to manhandle it. An awesome bike I’ll be getting cuz the testride left me waiting more of it.

[@lsx_moe]

I demo rode a few bikes last month and the first one I rode was the new R1250R. As far as rider experience, there is nothing that comes close to it. It’s comfortable, extremely torquey, and very refined. It is a superb machine. I ended up going with a 23’ S1000R even though it is not as comfortable, mainly for looks preference. But the 1250R would put a smile on any riders face

[@davidbrann3581]

Thanks for a great review. As a 1250GS owner of 5 years, with an aging body (me, not the bike), I’m after something a bit shorter, slightly less heavy, fun, for frequently riding twisties and occasional short tours. The lack of wind protection on the R is a concern. I found the RS riding position hard on my neck. I also had a 1200 Speed Twin, which with risers was comfortable enough for half a day, but no wind/rain protection. Do you have any advice on making the R more of a tourer? Would the RS with risers be a better solution?

[@CraigShawCraigShaw]

Good review. I'd consider buying one. I moved from an S1000R to a GS to slow down. I've come to quite like the boxer engine. When I get tired of the Adventure thing I'll look at the R1250R. The GS had reminded me how fun it is to ride an understated bike fast... and surprise the sports bikes! 😎

[@nielsmeer]

I had a 2007 R1200R and most of these characteristics were there as well. The new model has more power and lost the Telelever, so it should be a bit sportier. I traded my R1200R for a S1000R. The S1000R is much sportier, but the R1200R is probably one of the best all-around bikes. Good for touring, sportier than a GS and even good for commuting.

[@ericmartinez4084]

Beautiful bike, Ive loved it since I was a 10 year old kid, whatching bmw website very excited, I hope I'll buy it someday.

[@rafalsz1272]

R.I.P Brother, amazing Soul! 👏

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

The BMW Boxer is one of the best engines in motorcycling. I did 92,000 miles on an R1100GS. Excellent review. Nice jacket. What is it, please?

[@HowToGetMoreMetal]

Absolutely fantastic review. Love your style!

[@ryanmalone2681]

The thing about all BMW’s is that you know they’re gonna have good features, be familiar and easy to use, fueling will always be exquisite, and will just be easy to ride and always have strong performance. When faced with a car park full of bikes, you know you can hop on any of the BMWs and you’re not gonna go wrong.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

I have a 2007 r1200r still love riding it to this day.

[@Villani_AV]

Love the looks of this bike, if I was looking for an everyday bike still and had 20k usd this would always be high on the list

[@njohnson3331]

I would like to own one, or even the R 1250 RS. I don't see many where I live, but they seem to have all the features I want, plus more. I like the subtle looks.

[@badger4361]

I had a 1200r LC it was a great place to be. Bit short on ground clearance if you really start scratching, but its such a good bike, its hard to say why, it just is.

[@fruityMangoExperience]

The pro mode isn't more firm or direct than the dynamic mode. The only advantage the pro mode offers is that you can set the throttle response and traction control independently. So you could for example go with dynamic throttle response but with road traction control. Other than that there isn't anything the pro mode does. (At least to my knowledge and what a bmw overview of the modes states)

[@len1250]

You’re correct. I noticed that he mis-stated that too.

[@rjsalameh]

Thank you for this great review Mat and I hope you are doing well. Based on your enthusiasm for this bike. I just agreed to buy 2020 model with less than 4k miles on the ODO! I am super excited to pick it up later this month. Thanks again and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

[@josgraha]

Currently have this bike and I love it, disagree think it's gorgeous 😆

[@malcolmabram2957]

I bought a 2021 R1250R this year. No regrets. Superb bike to ride. Designed for the road, total torque at low revs. Into track speed, don't buy, but for the road, hard too beat. The boxer is agricultural, but it talks to you, and you have dialogue with he road.l, and you are right, no need to over EV it. Excellent handling. I ride in dynamic all the time. Dynamic pro is for set up mode, but dynamic is fine. I am getting 64 mpg, and that is not because I do not use it.

[@regislacomme5238]

thank you Matt, much appreciated your review on the r 1250 r....I had a s1000 r last year, now riding a S 1000 xr 2021, but yes probably next will be the r 1250 r....thank you so much for this current review, as one gets 'younger" one has to appreciate the finer bikes outside all the main stream media commercial hype, cheers from Still Bay, SA😁

[@Ryzza5]

I'd greatly appreciate a follow-up in-depth comparison of the new S1000R and this bike.

[@user-jf2nb8yj5q]

Thanks to You and this video I'm now a proud owner of new BMW R1250R :)

[@markchurchward482]

Great review

[@brucekendall52]

A top honest and accurate review.Good to hear.Thanks.

[@LiquidAudio]

Great review, your reasoning is exactly why I've just ordered my new R1250R with all the options!

[@love4boost]

A few years ago I really wanted the R1200RS. Really cool bike.

[@alan36753]

Owned the 1200 LC since 2015. Longest I’ve ever owned one bike and I still can’t find anything to replace it with that ticks so many boxes. Maybe this is the only option even though I’d like something different they are so damned good!

[@jorgethompson286]

So would you rather go for this R1250R or a NineT? I've been pondering on a new bike to take the Mrs out on longer rides with more comfort than my MV Agusta can provide. I am torn between a NineT (with the upside down forks) or this R1250R. Visually, she prefers the NineT, but I suspect this has better passenger accomodations? Unfortunately, not able to test ride either where I live. And then there's the KTM Super Duke GT you recently reviewed, but it is way too tall for me... or a Tracer 9...

[@jeffreyscott4564]

I've owned my 2020 R1250R for two years and have to say, I'm glad not everyone finds it appealing. I personally think it's a brilliant moto. It's a bike that's happy just poking along or ripping up the canyon curves. True, the wind blast can get annoying at speeds exceeding 80mph,..I prefer to think of this machine as a roadster more so than a naked. Give the R1250R a test ride,, decide for yourself,,, Cheers

[@777geeman]

It's not so much the BHP, it's the NM's of torque. I have the 1200r and at 125nm's and 3.3 sec to 100kms it still very rapid but taps out at approx 230kmh. I'm forever scrapping the center stand. One can have a lot fun on this and with it's low center of gravity it's fairly easy to throw around.

[@shmac96]

I have always admired the 'Roadster' with my all time fav being the R1150R. This line of model has like you said have now gone under the radar but I am so glad BMW still continues the line. Thanks for giving this bike its due! Lovely review! Cheers! Also, I think its a great looking, handsome, bike!

[@michaelarchangel1163]

That's an amazingly chunky cow in the thumbnail. Please, no mother-in-law comments. What's the difference between in-laws and outlaws anyway ? Outlaws are WANTED.

[@NYCZ31]

I bought the sport-tourer version of this (the 1250RS) after trading in my 2017 1200GS. I rode that GS 20,000 miles in two years and never went off road with it, so why mess around with a physically large ADV bike when the boxer can be had in a much more compact package with the R or RS? Only thing I don't like about nakeds is the wind blast on the highway which is why I got the RS. The gargantuan torque and linear power from the boxer makes the bike super easy to ride... almost too easy, lol.

[@Pyrrho_]

Overwhelming majority of GS owners never ride offroad. Not knock on the GS which is a brilliant bike on its own but IMO a great portion of these riders would have been happier with an RS. Not marketed by BMW and only rarely seen at dealerships, I don't blame them. I feel BMW would rather they be pushed to an XR or RT if they don't want a GS.

[@pw9150]

And again: it’s definitely one of my favourite bikes, if not t h e most favourite in that “roadster”-section, even hasn’t got a real competitor - maybe the better looking Moto Guzzi 🥰 … drove two 1200Rs, then this wonderful shiftcam 1250R, fantastic feeling all over beside the little too soft suspension (even in dynamic mode), but honestly for most drivers no reason, to resist - forgotten 2-Zylinder naked with style (the more you look at it in the garage, the more you see the beautiful design). Ok: the exhaust isn’t a beauty, but sounds good - especially while driving bit more sporty. The 143 nm (feels different to the same torque of the SD1290R 🤣), but is so relaxed in every situation. Gives you plenty of confidence ! Love it ❤️ Thx for your perfect view on the real interesting bikes 🙏🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@rs2841]

Love the 1250R but own the 1250RS. Both excellent bikes. Couldn’t be happier with the RS.

[@바보Queen]

finally a naked bike with a shaft drive! i love the boxer engine, this bike is perfect for me

[@petewebb6952]

Excellent review thank you. Mature insight into motorcycling.

[@grantbradley5084]

I had a 2007 R1200 R. At 5’9” this bike felt like I was riding a mini bike. I usually had my feet on the rear foot rests, just way to small. I ended up putting a larger windscreen, and added saddle bags for touring. I finally came to my senses and bought an RT. Fortunately the bike found a new home with a 5’ female.

[@javier6d2]

I've got the R1250RS. Love it.

[@BigRick50]

I went on a tour of Tasmania with my KTM 1290 SDR. There was a bunch of blokes with those BMW's on the tour. I was quite impressed with how capable they are and versatile. Cheaper than a KTM also.

[@Alex_Maslov]

Hi dear,and thanks for very useful movie! How do you thing - 1250r worth +40-50% cost to 1200R ? Or even without shiftcam and +10% HP r1200r give the same drive and emotions from ride? I see many suggests, thats isn't smart overpay for 1250, its only "brand new marketing" ... ?

[@steve5825]

Cracking, objective review. I will give it a look as I was a 2018 S1000XR owner which I loved and now have a '2022 S1000XR which I don't love

[@marcofava84]

Great video!

[@pcarts232]

I just picked up this bike and it’s absolutely brilliant, it’s torque is incredible it’s comfortable fast smooth, you can ride at 30 mph in 4th gear at 2000 rpm and it just purrs along no problem at all, I absolutely love it, what a bike 🎉

[@BB-gc4wf]

My had the predecessor to the predecessor to the predecessor of this bike. He had a r1150r rockster. He sold it a few years ago but that bike was a blast.

[@majidalborz8993]

Brilliant review Matt. One to consider next. Keep up the great work. 👍

[@peterkoning21]

I have NEVER been a Boxer fan ! You are correct with HP....most people, most people, cannot handle more than 120-130hp....I have proven this over and over again.

[@bigred8438]

Great review and quite a revelation to. The mirrors on my 2000 model R1150GS are really bloody good, still. I don't know how they make the mirrors so unaffected by a big twin donk.

[@Johnny3514]

This is such a nice and great review! I have (since a couple of years back when testing a 2012-model) decided to get a R1200R, so thanks for making me even more secure of this choice! Very interested if you (or someone else) has done a comparison between the 2011-14 and this? (Tried the 2015 and didn’t like it as much as the elder one, but haven’t tested the 2019-22 yet…) Also interested in 2019 vs 2021 models, if there’s any differences. Great if you/anyone could help! Also love the looks of the opt. 719 and color…:)) Great vid once again!!

[@AprendizDeLoQueToca]

The R is a fabulous bike. Nice vid.

[@mtscott]

Good video..what microphone do you use. The sound was really good.

[@perryburns6515]

Really have a chubbs for this bike! Can't find one locally to go for a test ride. Neighbour has V4S street fighter, doesn't interest me in the least. That ducati has way too many electronics to tame it down low and can't use it's potential on the road! My MT-10 is more fun, if not as fast. Great review!

[@Josh-hh3vz]

I miss my R1250R 😢 Next year... i hope come back to me🙏👍

[@p-dub7422]

Great video and review! Everyone says that like this bike and it has been on my radar for a while. I am surprised you did not comment on the looks of the canister, as everyone says that they do not like the look of it. Do you think the BMW breaks are better, not as good or the same? I notice you refer to the bike as a sport bike is that how it feels. I would like to know your thoughts on some other bikes it seems like you are a good reviewer. Like the new Moto guzzi Mandello coming out. What other bikes similar to the BMW R 1250 R do you think is a good bike? Thanks!

[@abudhabidel1]

Interesting: I recently purchased a new GS TE. If I'd have know about the R I would have bought one - a nice basic one - without all the 'bells and whistles' that annoy me daily (most deactivated - what a waste) on the GS. I'm almost tempted to sell the GS and get a new R with the two options I like - heated grips and the 'sports' seat - maybe even put some cash in the bank! Nice vid. Good reporting.

[@PabloCruise1]

Can you change out the headlight for a round one?

[@pramukh108]

If you had the 2018 gen 2 sdr 1290 would you trade that for this bike ?

[@kuhndj67]

I think the S1000R is also a decent option from BMW that also often gets overlooked because it doesn't have eye watering Streetfighter v4 hp or arm stretching Super Duke torque.

[@rolandsmith2141]

Its such a shame it dosent have the great looks of most of BMs other bikes

[@hanscaspersz4900]

Matt. Would you have this bike or a Suzuki GSX1000?

[@gertjanvanbeselaere7624]

Look at this bike as a torque monster cruiser and it changes the story. Cardan, torque based twin, seating ergonomics, weight distribution low down,… This is what a modern cruiser should be. If Harley would’ve come out with this bike, but differently styled ofcourse, 45 plus blokes would be on it like a fly on shit. Great bike