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BMW R1250 RS

Introduction

Late last year BMW launched the new R 1250 GS range with a bigger and better engine. Not long after that the same engine was used in the RS (sports tourer), RT (tourer) and R (naked) line. Of course, I was there to witness all of this. On launch, it is not always easy to decide which model suits me most. The last week of February I got to ride the RS the entire week, and I had lots of fun (and kilometres).

Exterior and styling

The front is clad in twin effective LED headlights that resemble a “Bad Boy” look. Integrated in these are a set of slanting day time running lights. Above the headlight is a manually adjustable wind visor, in only two height options. On the sides are two signature BMW indicators, tiny and unnoticeable, but effective. R 1250 RS decals on the tank and on the sides of the pillion seat announce the beast.

The RS is very pleasing to drool over, and our week with it mostly brought on stares, with unanswered questions. A silver silencer breaks the harmony and does not quiet blend in with the rest of the colours. And is a bit too bulky for my liking. The rear end is tidy and has a nicely constructed LED taillight.

 

What’s in the box?

Entry onto the bike is keyless and convenient. You basically only need the key to lock/unlock your GPS device in place. When you press the start button, the whole bike rumbles to life, an exciting note and feeling to signal the start of the trip. Once the flat twin boxer engine has found its rhythm, and the TFT display has switched on, those settings that require to be done stationery can be adjusted. These are Bluetooth connectivity and ride height adjustments.

Cool stuff

– At centre stage is a brilliant TFT Screen that displays all essentials about the bike, from the heated handlebars settings right up to tyre pressure on each wheel. And everything else in between.

– If you blink just once, you would have engaged cruise control by then. This comes in very handy on those long trips. It is really that quick and easy.

– A quick shifter gearbox both up and down, launches you forward like the thrill experienced by a professional racer.

– The damping of the shock absorbers can be adjusted electronically while the RS is stationery.

– I like the idea of a pneumatic clutch, there are no cable issues to worry about.

– Follow me home headlights that stay on for a while after switching off the ignition.

– Both wheels are hollow inside, which allow for the tyre valves to be mounted on the spoke. This is cool as one can inflate/deflate with ease.

– On cold start-ups, the electronic red display reminds you not to stress the cold engine. As the bike warms up the red line moves to its intended position (9000 rpm).

– Quick rear wheel mount/dismount (I first admired this in the Triumph Speed Triple)

– 4 ride modes namely: Road, Rain, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro

 

Performance

At the heart of the RS is a 1 254cc flat twin engine that pushes out 100 kW of power and 143 Nm of torque. A variable position cam, which BMW refers to as ShiftCam technology, allows for this power to be tapped almost in any gear, at any speed.

It might look bulky but let this not deter you from thinking that handling and cornering is poor. If anything, once on the bike I forgot about all that. The wind visor is functional enough to keep the wind at bay.

The RS is not a lazy bike and the advantage of the boxer engine is keeping the centre of gravity low. This in turn, helps the bike to hug the tarmac even more.

My impression

The BMW R 1250 RS is a premium bike and it is built good and solid. It handles well and makes for an excellent sports tourer. It is fun to ride. Even after riding for the whole day covering about 900 km, myself and my pillion felt we could go on further. The padding on the seats allowed us such comfort and the cruise control meant fewer stops to rest throttle wrist.

If you have short fingers you may battle navigating all those buttons especially on left hand side handlebar, but one can quickly overcome this issue.

The fuel consumption is decent having registered around 4.8l/100km.

Pricing ranges from R237 000.00 for the Full Spec, to R234 000.00 for the Style Elegance and lastly the Style HP costing R236 000.00, which I personally feel is a good package for the goodies that one gets in the lucky packet. Besides the brand has a proven track record and have a fair chunk of the cake when it comes to South African motorbike scene.

 

  • Tumelo Maketekete
  • 1:23 pm