Posts: 2,995
Threads: 196
Joined: Feb 2014
Reputation:
332
Location: Houston, Texas, USA
Just saw this video in which Scott Warner goes over his nitpicks for the new R1250RS.
I left the following comment:
Fair nitpicks on this bike, and I have to agree with some of them - quickshifter behaves as you describe (although that is not a nitpick for me); the ergos - fair nitpick; fuel tank size - could be bigger but not a nitpick for me and I travel long distance in North America; weight - not a nitpick when travelling long distance amongst semi trailers doing 75 mph, and with that weight handles quite well in the twisties. I had no issues with vibrations. Decent balanced review though. BTW - I own the R1200RS and also test rode the R1250RS (same colour too, and same opinion on that) on my YT channel.
He does have a valid nitpick on the seat height-handlebars-windscreen - several owners have commented on / changed / adjusted same. I wished that they had the same seat height adjustability as with the GS. This is a dumb omission in my book. Screen is a bit more subjective so while the stock might not be perfect, we are all built differently.
I still have no issues with vibrations on this bike. It is a twin and not a 4-cylinder. I never had the thrumming with my 1200 and I did not notice it on the 1250 I test rode. If one has handlebar vibes then get different bar-end weights.
Weight is not always a disadvantage, especially when you travel through long open expanses as we have here in the US. It is all a matter of perspective and what the bike is made for.
Have a look at his video and let us know what you think.
Maybe I will do nitpick review as well, one of these days. 
Regards,
Grumpy Goat
2016 BMW R1200RS
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro
Posts: 492
Threads: 42
Joined: Jun 2018
Reputation:
57
Location: NC, USA
I like the straight forward nature of this review. No pandering to manufactures here. I think my opinion is much like yours, GG. I've not experienced excessive vibrations on my '16, especially not through the floppy foot peg rubber ( Aw crap! I inserted my own nit pick). I think the weight is a decent compromise. Never had an issue with fuel range. Sounds like the brake system may have needed bleeding? I've not experienced that. I think reviews like his are very helpful. Like he mentioned, some things don't show up on a brief test ride. A good way to give you a heads up on how you're going to fund the aftermarket after the initial purchase. And let's face it, if you're determined to own a particular bike, you're probably going to get it anyway. That's certainly my story 
Posts: 2,102
Threads: 60
Joined: Jun 2018
Reputation:
240
Location: Iowa, US
I think the guy gave a good honest report. One of the better ones I've seen so far, but I have to admit to only watching a few reviews.
I'm happy with the weight and the range, but if the bike suddenly lost 25 to 50 pounds and the tank grew by 1 to 1.5 gallons I would not complain
Lee
Iowa, USA
2022 R1250RS White Sport
Past BMWs: 2016 R1200RS x 2, 2011 K1300S x 2, 2003 K1200RS x 2, 1991 K75S x 2, 1987 K75T x 2, 1984 R100RT
Posts: 4
Threads: 1
Joined: Aug 2019
Reputation:
0
Location: CT, USA
09-11-2019, 07:28 AM
(This post was last modified: 09-11-2019, 07:41 AM by Immersion_Suit.)
The weight feels like a plus on the highway and a minus when doing slow speeds through traffic. The weight, plus the narrower bars, means more oomph is needed to swerve at slow speeds. I've been meaning to take my new RS to a parking lot and do some practice.
I don't find the handle bar reach that big a deal if I'm sitting like it's a sport bike, i.e. butt back, knees gripping the tank, elbows bent.
Posts: 337
Threads: 16
Joined: Jun 2018
Reputation:
101
I put 6k miles on a KTM SuperDuke R, the naked bike, it had a simple TFT display and it used 4-arrows to go through the display and select settings, the KTM GT also uses this system. The new 1250 RS uses some version of this (which I have not explored). But I love the handlebar buttons on my 1200 RS, I can select all I want without going through a menu. I hope BMW didn't screw this up on the 1250 RS with the TFT display. Just one example: heated grips: dedicated button on the 1200 RS vs several push button of the arrow to select on the KTM. How is the new 1250RS on this?
The QS on my KTM worked smoother than on my RS.
The engine vibrations on my KTM were different than on my RS, and maybe just a tiny bit better.
This guy must ride more aggressively than I do if he dragged the center stand on the RS, I cannot think of another reason for his handling and braking performance comments on the RS.
He doesn't value the shaft drive on the RS, I guess, if he didn't "nitpick" the chain on the KTM. This also accounts for some of the weight.
Bottom line, nitpicks and only nitpicks. the BMW RS and the KTM GT are both great bikes.
2020 R1250 RS
2022 K1600 GT
2024 S1000 XR
Niwot CO USA
Posts: 2,995
Threads: 196
Joined: Feb 2014
Reputation:
332
Location: Houston, Texas, USA
(09-11-2019, 08:34 PM)runnerhiker Wrote: ...But I love the handlebar buttons on my 1200 RS, I can select all I want without going through a menu. I hope BMW didn't screw this up on the 1250 RS with the TFT display. Just one example: heated grips: dedicated button on the 1200 RS vs several push button of the arrow to select on the KTM. How is the new 1250RS on this?
It is unchanged. See my review video. 
Regards,
Grumpy Goat
2016 BMW R1200RS
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro
Posts: 492
Threads: 42
Joined: Jun 2018
Reputation:
57
Location: NC, USA
(09-11-2019, 08:34 PM)runnerhiker Wrote: I put 6k miles on a KTM SuperDuke R, the naked bike, it had a simple TFT display and it used 4-arrows to go through the display and select settings, the KTM GT also uses this system. The new 1250 RS uses some version of this (which I have not explored). But I love the handlebar buttons on my 1200 RS, I can select all I want without going through a menu. I hope BMW didn't screw this up on the 1250 RS with the TFT display. Just one example: heated grips: dedicated button on the 1200 RS vs several push button of the arrow to select on the KTM. How is the new 1250RS on this?
The QS on my KTM worked smoother than on my RS.
The engine vibrations on my KTM were different than on my RS, and maybe just a tiny bit better.
This guy must ride more aggressively than I do if he dragged the center stand on the RS, I cannot think of another reason for his handling and braking performance comments on the RS.
He doesn't value the shaft drive on the RS, I guess, if he didn't "nitpick" the chain on the KTM. This also accounts for some of the weight.
Bottom line, nitpicks and only nitpicks. the BMW RS and the KTM GT are both great bikes. Strangely enough, it's center stand on the right. foot peg feeler on the left.
Posts: 14
Threads: 1
Joined: Dec 2018
Reputation:
5
Location: Norway
Did look over Grumpy's test-ride of the R1250RS, had my R1200RS on 40.000km service and the dealer had a R1250RS demobike he "pushed" me to take for a drive. When back, the salesman was already started to make an offer for the new RS, and now it is ordered for delivery next spring. Living in Norway, it will be some months without riding, and the just wait for the new one in the spring . . . So Grumpy, I decided otherwise and made the change.
Posts: 2,995
Threads: 196
Joined: Feb 2014
Reputation:
332
Location: Houston, Texas, USA
(10-07-2019, 05:32 AM)RS_Lars Wrote: Did look over Grumpy's test-ride of the R1250RS, had my R1200RS on 40.000km service and the dealer had a R1250RS demobike he "pushed" me to take for a drive. When back, the salesman was already started to make an offer for the new RS, and now it is ordered for delivery next spring. Living in Norway, it will be some months without riding, and the just wait for the new one in the spring . . . So Grumpy, I decided otherwise and made the change.
Lars - Congratulations on the new bike and on the engine upgrade. Hey as long as it's an RS you made a great choice.
What convinced you to make the change?
What colour did you get? Maybe you differed with me on that too and got the Austin Yellow ...
Regards,
Grumpy Goat
2016 BMW R1200RS
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro
Posts: 271
Threads: 9
Joined: Jun 2019
Reputation:
83
Location: Minnesota USA
(10-07-2019, 05:45 AM)Grumpy Goat Wrote: What colour did you get? Maybe you differed with me on that too and got the Austin Yellow ... pshaw! What other color is there?
I ride '19 R1250GSA, '23 KTM Duke 890 R, '23 Yamaha Xmax 300
My wife rides '20 R1250GS, '22 KTM Duke 890 GP, '19 Yamaha Xmax 300
Formerly proud Granite Gray '16 R1200RS x2 owners
Posts: 14
Threads: 1
Joined: Dec 2018
Reputation:
5
Location: Norway
(10-07-2019, 05:45 AM)Grumpy Goat Wrote: (10-07-2019, 05:32 AM)RS_Lars Wrote: Did look over Grumpy's test-ride of the R1250RS, had my R1200RS on 40.000km service and the dealer had a R1250RS demobike he "pushed" me to take for a drive. When back, the salesman was already started to make an offer for the new RS, and now it is ordered for delivery next spring. Living in Norway, it will be some months without riding, and the just wait for the new one in the spring . . . So Grumpy, I decided otherwise and made the change.
Lars - Congratulations on the new bike and on the engine upgrade. Hey as long as it's an RS you made a great choice.
What convinced you to make the change?
What colour did you get? Maybe you differed with me on that too and got the Austin Yellow ...
I chose the Black Storm as the others in my eyes does look a bit odd. My current RS1200 is the Grey/Black from 2015. In addition I deliver the "old" RS1200 with 3x Grey/Black boxes and have the new RS1250 delivered with 3x Black boxes as this now is an option.
Posts: 14
Threads: 1
Joined: Dec 2018
Reputation:
5
Location: Norway
(10-11-2019, 04:13 AM)RS_Lars Wrote: (10-07-2019, 05:45 AM)Grumpy Goat Wrote: (10-07-2019, 05:32 AM)RS_Lars Wrote: Did look over Grumpy's test-ride of the R1250RS, had my R1200RS on 40.000km service and the dealer had a R1250RS demobike he "pushed" me to take for a drive. When back, the salesman was already started to make an offer for the new RS, and now it is ordered for delivery next spring. Living in Norway, it will be some months without riding, and the just wait for the new one in the spring . . . So Grumpy, I decided otherwise and made the change.
Lars - Congratulations on the new bike and on the engine upgrade. Hey as long as it's an RS you made a great choice.
What convinced you to make the change?
What colour did you get? Maybe you differed with me on that too and got the Austin Yellow ...
I chose the Black Storm as the others in my eyes does look a bit odd. My current RS1200 is the Grey/Black from 2015. In addition I deliver the "old" RS1200 with 3x Grey/Black boxes and have the new RS1250 delivered with 3x Black boxes as this now is an option.
And the simple reason for changing is the fact that I have a bike which will be 5 years in the spring 2020, so it makes sense to change to new bike for warranty-reasons. In addition I like the new engine, the improved DRL as it is more visible than the single strip of my current RS , and the new TFT-disply is a real improvement both visually and for a number of technical reasons of the possibilities you have.
And I got an offer better than I thought I would get . . .
|
