BMW R 1250 RS 2024 — Specifications

Who still remembers sport-tourers? In a market dominated by fully-loaded adventure bikes and razor-sharp hypersports, the 2024 BMW R 1250 RS continues to defend a vision of motorcycling that many have forgotten. That of fast touring, uncompromising road pleasure, somewhere between a punchy roadster and a comfortable tourer. A niche, certainly. But a niche with character.

The heart of this machine is its 1254 cc flat-twin equipped with ShiftCam variable valve timing. On the BMW R 1250 RS spec sheet, you'll read 136 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and, more importantly, 142 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm. The numbers speak, but they don't tell the whole story. This flat twin has two distinct mechanical personalities. At low and mid-range rpm, the partial-load cams prioritize flexibility and efficiency. Past a certain threshold, an electromechanical mechanism switches to more aggressive cam profiles to unleash the full cavalry. The result is an engine that's happy idling through a village or catapulting its 243 kg toward a top speed of 200 km/h on the motorway. This dual mechanical nature places the RS above what the 1200 offered, and far ahead of the direct competition in terms of engine responsiveness. The Honda VFR 800, long the segment benchmark, never offered this breadth of torque. All of it transmitted through a shaft drive and six-speed gearbox that make you forget any notion of a greasy chain.

On the equipment front, the 2024 model year marks a real step up. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), cornering ABS Integral ABS Pro, LED daytime running lights, and intelligent emergency call all come as standard. An Eco mode joins the base Road and Rain riding maps. The 6.5-inch TFT Connectivity display replaces the old instrument cluster and pairs with a smartphone via the BMW Motorrad Connected app for navigation, music, or calls. The BMW R 1250 RS accessories catalog remains extensive, from the quickshifter to keyless ignition, heated grips to next-generation Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension. The latter adjusts damping in milliseconds based on load, road profile, and the selected riding mode. Add a passenger and luggage, and the machine corrects its behavior on its own. The BMW R 1250 RS handlebar riser is also among the popular options for those wanting a more relaxed position on long rides.

Let's talk chassis. The Telelever has been gone from this model since 2015. The RS relies on a 45 mm inverted fork with 140 mm of travel, paired with the single-sided Paralever swingarm at the rear. The tubular steel frame handles the 243 kg wet weight with composure. Braking consists of twin 320 mm discs with four-piston radial calipers up front, and a 276 mm disc with a twin-piston caliper at the rear. Compared to the R 1250 R with which it shares its platform, the RS gains 15 mm of wheelbase for added stability. The 820 mm seat height remains accessible, and the 18-liter tank provides decent range between stops.

At a price of €14,800 new, the BMW R 1250 RS sits in a reasonable zone for a machine of this caliber and equipment level. The used market is brimming with 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 BMW R 1250 RS models at attractive prices, proof that the model sells and holds its value well. Reviews of the BMW R 1250 RS converge on the same conclusion: it's an unjustly overlooked machine in the Bavarian lineup, overshadowed by the GS and the S 1000 RR. Yet every BMW R 1250 RS test ride confirms it can do everything, from the daily commute to a spirited Alpine blast, with comfort and wind protection that neither a roadster nor a sportbike can offer. It's aimed at the experienced rider, a touring enthusiast at heart, who refuses to choose between riding pleasure and miles devoured. A breed thought to be endangered, and one that finds in this RS a formidable ally.