BMW R 1250 RS 2025 — Specifications

Not entirely intimidated by the imminent arrival of the R 1300 RS, the 1250 model decides to put its wheels on 2025. Particularly comfortable in the sport-GT exercise, the Teuton would be wrong to fade away, especially since it had benefited from an addition of equipment in 2023. Some options became standard, such as traction control, "IntegralABSPro" active ABS in curves, a USB socket, LED daytime running lights, and intelligent emergency call. BMW took the opportunity to introduce the ECO riding mode, mindful of preserving economical driving, and redesign the turn signals.

As there was more space on the options shelves, it made sense to add new elements. Such as the heated seats and tubular handlebars. Enjoyment with high-revving inline-fours is a well-established trend; but the essential thing is not that...

The road can be intense while being bathed in a certain voluptuousness. When you think sport, you easily fall into the category of a bloodthirsty roadster or a high-tension sportbike. By mixing a bit of both with a dose of touring, you arrive at the R 1250 RS. A subtle evolution of the 1200 of the same name, mindful of asserting itself and offering an alternative. Often compared to the iconic Honda VFR, the Reise Sport is trapped in a versatility that is its charm. It is time for it to be showcased more.

But how? It's not easy in a world where Sport-GTs have been out of favor for a long time, in a range where the GS, S 1000 RR, R NineT, RT, and K 1600 dominate, in an era where riding with joy is rewarded with fines or suspended sentences. It's annoying... The RS feels it, to the point of frowning and retracting its gaze into its orbits. Formerly symmetrical, wide open like curious about the world, the RS's eyes have narrowed with the 1250, insisting on their presence in a face of mandibles.

The rest of the bodywork, the shapes, the wheels, do not change from the 1200. The fork head is THE main styling evolution of this machine. And also inside. BMW got rid of the instrument cluster, with digital indications that are not always easily readable. Instead, the "Connectivity" TFT panel is embedded, appreciable in many ways. Imprisoned in 6.5 inches of diagonal, the pixels dynamize the colors, the display, the pulse of the RS. For owners of Smartphones, some time spent pairing it with the dashboard will not be wasted. Once paired, you put the gadget in your pocket and ride. Connectivity can pilot some of the functions of the phone, allowing you to listen to your music, answer calls, and arrive at your destination with a simplified navigator. To do this, just download the BMW Motorrad Connected App, program a destination, and let the devices work.

So, we ride. Let's do it at a good pace. It's designed for that, with a force that is noticeably more present since the manufacturer implanted the 1254 cm3 Boxer engine. With a slight smile, it is one of the lightest in the R series. Growling in anticipation, it can count on 136 horsepower at 7,750 rpm. Force and conviction, it claims via a significant torque of 14.5 mkg at 6,250 rpm, of which 11.2 are available from 2,000 to 8,250 rpm. This latest-generation Boxer is validated Euro5 to pass quietly in 2021, without altering the figures of the watts and Nm. Vitality is also on alert, as ShiftCam has taken up residence in the cylinder heads. With this variable valve timing technique, the flat-twin engine offers much more power in the low and mid ranges. In these operating zones, the intake camshaft pushes the valves according to a partial load diagram, improving the mixture gas efficiency and combustion. As it approaches the high revs, an electro-mechanical guide shifts the ACT via grooves. More aggressive cams, of full load, take over to ensure power in the revs. A Boxer with two mechanical faces, whose pleasantness and suppleness are announced as markedly increasing, with in bonus the character traits induced by electronics.

Which somewhat voracious motorcycle could do without riding modes today? Almost none, and certainly not the R 1250 RS. As standard, it receives the "Road", "Eco", and "Rain" modes, traction control DTC, and the Hill Start Control. A checkbox on the order form to obtain the Riding Mode Pro, optional, a dose of programming in addition and hop, here appears the mode "Dynamic" and its counterpart "Dynamic Pro". The latter has the specificity of being configurable. This Pro extension is very tempting for fans of riding aids. Because in addition to the two additional modes, it adds the engine braking torque regulation MSR and the Hill Start Control Pro. What is it? A +/- 5% slope and the hill start assistant activates automatically when the brakes are applied.

The chapter on options will be addressed little, unless you deal with four pages of listing. Let's quickly dismiss the oil reservoirs, the USB cable extension, and polishes to see the essentials. Shifter, keyless start, heated grips, cruise control, seats of various natures and many customized "Option 719" parts; without forgetting the latest generation of adaptive Dynamic ESA suspension. Now almost familiar with the motorcycle landscape, semi-active suspensions strive to offer the best possible damping by following their programming laws, road profiles, the pilot's dynamic actions, and the chosen electronic modes. Adjustments are made in milliseconds. The specificity of the "Next Generation" system is the compensation according to the load. You leave alone, cross a motorcycle-stoppeuse and his backpack, lose the backpack, lose the passenger, return with the backpack – the machine will feel it all alone and adapt.

Perhaps you have noticed that the R 1250 RS does not have Telelever for its front end. This element intimately linked to the technical evolution of BMW motorcycles has not been reintroduced on some models, including the RS since 2015. It trusts a 45 mm inverted fork, a distant cousin of the former S 1000 RR. The Paralever swingarm is still part of the party, while a tubular steel structure holds all the technical parts between them. How do you stop the 243 kilograms of the machine? With two 320 mm discs pinched by 4-piston radial calipers, which will not be afraid of the 7 kilos of additional weight compared to the 1200. The rear brake is ensured by a 276 mm disc and its double-piston caliper. Since 2020, ABS can no longer be deactivated. A small precision regarding the close kinship of this RS sport-GT with the R 1250 R – if the former is largely based on the roadster, it benefits from a wheelbase of 15 mm longer, a guarantee of better stability.

More toned, more supple, almost more aggressive, the BMW R 1250 RS takes over the leitmotiv of the 1200 with enough to ensure a good dose of pleasure for the years to come. A way of seeing touring at speed, as was done in days gone by and little today. We will all the more appreciate its presence.

The R 1250 RS is available in several configurations. With colors that change for the frame and brake calipers, a different engine guard, or the presence of a seat cover depending on the styles chosen.

M.B - Photos constructeur