Quick thoughts/1250 RS/

This year Phantom Rider attends 2023 Americade in Lake George NY. This video is one of a couple demo rides I was on during the event. I really can not say enough about the BMW 1250 RS. I was not really expecting to like it as much as I did. I do compare it to the 1250 GS in this video only because the GS was the only 1250 I ever rode to compare it to. Have I become a"BMW snob"?? I really enjoy the power and performance of the 1250 powertrain package and find myself again and again impressed. I can honestly say if I am able to scrape up enough money this very bike (with handlebar risers and a tour pack) would be one I would purchase today.

[@Hendrik-jn1pr]

Es ist der gleiche Motor wie in der GS. Das könnte man wissen...

[@ferrisnox]

Going 83mph in 6th gear at 4200 RPM. What are you doing??

[@chrisbarnes9260]

The steering is heavy , said when the bike wasn’t moving was the funniest part.

[@bertstokvis5386]

He had to tell you how to start the bike?!😂😂

[@phantomrider22]

🤣🤣 Yeah, and I can't remember what I was doing wrong.

[@p-dub7422]

Excellent video! I recently test rode the RS and was surprised just like you were. The bike that I test rode had tubular bars kind of like on the R. I think I would prefer the bars on the bike you had but with risers if I needed it. I think from a looks stand point it looks better but the tubular bars were not bad at all. I am wondering if the bars that you have make the bike more nimble since they are sport bars. However, riding with the tubular bars the bike was still responsive. So what happened next did you get the bike and what are you currently riding? Thanks

[@phantomrider22]

@p-dub7422 thank you for watching! I did not bought an RS yet! If I can scrape up enough money, I definitely will though! I can't explain It I just kinda fell in love with the 1250 line up. It all started when I rented a GS for content. Lol. As for the handlebars, I really only want risers to make it more upright. Now I did find aftermarket risers for the sport style (The handlebars in this video) but I couldn't find risers offered by BMW for the sport style. I know my BMW dealer have been ordering RS's with the tubular bars for the riser reasons. I currently ride a 2019 Honda Shadow Phantom, which is a stark contrast. I do not plan on trading my Phantom in or selling it, but as I grow as a rider I find myself having a different taste for more performance.

[@p-dub7422]

@phantomrider22 Thanks for responding! Would you go for the tubular bars? If you get the bike which color? Are there other similar bikes you would consider and if so which ones? What do you think of the moto guzzi mandello? I am leaning towards the RS. Many people think the RS is too heavy and they don't like the boxer look.

[@phantomrider22]

@p-dub7422 I would get the triple black with tubular bars and touring windshield.In my opinion the boxer engine is unique and time tested design. On this motorcycle i don't think the boxer looks bad, but on the R18, it is a bit much. I never rode the Mendello!! They did have some Mendello's at this event at the Aprilia tent. 🤔 That would be a good comparison or alternative to the RS.

[@Bazza47]

If you don't like the standard clip on handlebars you can opt for the sport tubular bars that are fitted to the 1250R in the same colour scheme which are not so extreme. If your dealer has a 1250R in the sports colours (the bars will be black, not silver which are the standard R bars) then that'll give you an idea what the seat to handlebar position is like. Many put bar riser and a lowering kit on the footpegs to give a more upright riding position

[@phantomrider22]

Thank you for commenting! The black bars would make sense!! My dealer has a RS with the silver tubular bars fitted as ordered from factory, and said a riser would be no problem.

[@Bazza47]

@@phantomrider22 Hi there, sorry I've not made things clear. On the RS you rode it came with the silver clip on handlebars. You can also get the RS here in the UK as a factory order with tubular bars instead which bring them back towards you and upward as well as being wider. The ones they use are the "sports" bar off the 1250 R and are black in colour. These are slightly lower than the standard 1250 R bars that are silver in colour which are fitted to the 1250R in the non sports colour options. I too tried the RS with the same bars as you did and found them a bit of a stretch as I'm only 5'7" tall, but the dealer also had a 1250R sport in stock which uses the same black bars as I could have on the RS so I was able to try the riding position for size before I placed my order. I also went for the low seat too but that because I was sitting "on" the bike rather than "in" it with the stock 820mm seat. Hope that clears things up a bit, though not sure if you can place a factory order in the States or not?

[@johnnygorena5318]

I never heard someone complain so about driving a beautiful comfortable bike., the whole video was complain complain complain