General topics » Test road R1250R - very surprised!

Last year, due to significant medical issues, I had to sell my wonderful 2020 R1250RS. Finally getting my strength up again (BTW, incase you haven't heard - cancer sucks!), and tested out a 2022 R1250R. I was surprised about a couple issues. First at 75mph, wind blast and buffeting was waaaaay more tolerable on the R1250R vs the R1250RS. I wonder if the the tubular bar, plus its placement on the R just makes for a less windy cockpit. 2. I dont know if it's my imagination, but the R seems to be geared slightly lower on the R than on the RS. It just seemed to have more low end grunt, where as the RS powerband seems to come on later in the rev range. 3. The R seemed to have much lighter steering, maybe because it doesn't have all the nose weight from a fairing.

So I would appreciate input and opinions. I think I am ready to pull the trigger on either a new 2023 R1250RS ( I can get it for a very fair price from a dealer I have bought several BMWs from ) or I would buy a 2022 R1250R. I would buy a 2022 R instead of 2023/24, because I want the ESA suspension and it is no longer available from 2023/24 as far as I can see.

Anyone here switch from an RS to an R? or at least ridden both? Any thoughts on this first world problem of needing to choose between the two?

Thanks, all input appreciated.

I haven't ridden an R, but I did put 10k plus on a RS with regular bars and have put 1k on the same with tubular bars. I do think the more upright position reduced buffeting some. Also, the tubular bars definitely lightened the steering.

Anyway, not a direct answer, but mostly I wanted to say it's good to hear you're getting your strength back. I've ridden 15 Pan Mass Challenges mostly because of too many friends and family with cancer.

@paul911

Thanks for the feedback on your personal experience with tubular bars on your RS! Just the type of input I was hoping for. And thank you for your commitment to helping others with this miserable disease!!!

You mention the wind situation with the RS vs R. If it were me, I'd get the RS. Once I solved the issue of wind noise with the RS, the bike became a fantastic motorcycle. Truly relaxing and fun, whether at high speed on the straights, or carving the twisties. As for handlebars, I tried the Heli bar risers on the RS and went back and forth with them and the stock clip-ons several times, until I realized the stock clip-ons gave me a much better "feel" for the bike. The risers neutered the RS somehow. I could be wrong, but I don't think tubular bars would suit the RS...but I come from a decade of riding RR's, so there is that.

I'm sure the R is a nice bike, but the fairing on the RS...I wouldn't want to live without it.

So glad you're in a better place now...best wishes for more of the same.

Sorry to hear about your health and I hope you are on the mend.

Couple of technical points. You are right the R is geared lower than the RS. Apparently the GS and R are geared lower than the RS and RT because the faired bikes are meant to be faster with higher top speeds. And the steering geometry is different on the R. If you look at the fork lowers you can see the difference, the RS has more offset which gives a more stable but less flickable steering response. The RS is definitely the fastest R1250 bike.

I test rode a new 1250R on Monday. This one had the sport bars and full ESA etc. There is significant wind blast above 70mph as expected but you can get screens for it. Seems you can get some balance between weight on wrists and the wind lifting your torso. It's easier to handle on the driveway. Riding is more engaging and feels more involved. It won't eat distance like the RS does. But I liked it and put a deposit down.

I don't think there is any significant improvement of the 23 model over the 22 unless you want a heated seat

Thanks so much for your thoughts on this!

@Ali-Bear

I thought I was feeling quicker steering on the R than the RS. And at speeds above 70, I would agree that the RS is easier to tame. But for my height, helmet combination, wind buffet/noise is much more noticeable on the RS. Given the miles of comments here on wind noise while riding the RS, you would think BMW might want to look into the design of a new shield, but what do I know.

You must be on the other side of the pond, unfortunately BMW US has killed the ESA suspension on the R bike latest year (2023) and it won't be available on the 2024. Why BMW US made that decision is beyond me, yet they are offering heated seats for 2024!

Thanks for your input and hope you have a blast with your new R, no pun intended ;)

Ah ok no worries.

Also it occurred to me maybe the 23 onward got the LED headlight?

Possibly it is because of a supply shortage with the ESA suspension units. the company that makes them ZF had serious problems caused by flooding last year and also the chip shortage.

I owned a lovely R1200R Anniversary just before the RS was launched.

I liked it after 6 years on GS.

Was going to keep it, but was going to need a much higher seat to give my medium length legs some stretching space. It had ESA that I wasn’t keen on as I ride solo.

I never toured on it either so hadn’t progressed to full panniers and box.

Having run the RS for 8 years I reckon the RS wins for me, especially as this one is fully “sorted”.

Zitat von Ali-bear im Beitrag #8

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Also it occurred to me maybe the 23 onward got the LED headlight?

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