The new 1250 engine by the numbers

[Grumpy Goat]

I do like the engine fairing on the R above. Makes the bottom of the bike look finished and adds to the aerodynamic aesthetic.

I don't mind the slim ones which came with my RS and which are no longer fitted since I installed the crash bars.

I suspect that the fairing on the R above will also have to come off if one wants to fit crash bars.

[Blackshirt]

Everybody I know who went for the R12R rave that it's a brilliant all-rounder. I sorta feel the same way about the RS. In either case, it sounds as though BMW is seeking to give the sportier "R/RS" models some Brembo panache to reinforce their mission to prospective buyers. This is fair, as the GS and the RT have a great deal more in common...that is, a sharper touring focus and the Telelever front ends.

I think BMW is trying to manage exhaust header heat with those various belly pans/wings/whatever's. The closer proximity of the exhaust ports/headers to the rider's feet may have been at least perceived as a potential weakness. They really seem to work hard on the details...my feet don't feel any significant heat with the belly fairings on my '16.

[sanemancured]

I wasn't particularly impressed by the 1250 engine in the GS I tried compared to my 2015 1200RS. I tried hard to be impressed and I'm not by nature a negative sort of guy. I'm not saying it was bad, just that it didn't 'light my fire'. I've not ridden a later 1200 RS but I've heard the opinion that the Euro 4 compliant engine is significantly detuned compared to the earlier motor. Detuned to the extent that the 1250 engine brings it up to the original 1200WC.

An interesting view and my comparison certainly doesn't stand against it......

Thoughts appreciated.

I've just had my bike ECU treated to the Hilltop treatment and it's now even better that the great it was before...

http://www.hilltopmotorcycles.co.uk

Peter