The new 2019 BMW R1250RS

[Grumpy Goat]

Agree. I couldn't handle the white frame. If it ain't red, it's wrong

The colours of your bike do work very nicely, I must agree.

   

[sanemancured]

Test rides can be dangerous to your bank account!

Quite true, but the greatest danger for me is if a late model Aprilia Tuono were to present itself with a really attractive price and low mileage. A slight upgrade to my bike would not likely crack open my wallet.

I do think that the Tuono is an awesome road bike. Very different to the RS though. Not sure how easy it is to secure luggage and that chain is more hassle but for a different role it's perhaps unbeatable.

[sanemancured]

Had a chance to ride the blue colored one which is called the Exclusive. Yellow color was also on the floor and is called the Sport. Difference other than color appears to be stainless steel spoiler and 719 special rims on the yellow one. Otherwise looked the same and dealer said were the same.

If I wanted, needed or had to have a particular colored offered I'd buy one. But other than a few more horses I did not find any difference riding my 2016 vs the 2020 on the same 25 mile route today. To me new bikes always feel better with the new suspension components, new tires, everything feels a bit tighter, and the excitement of something new just makes me feel good.

I could not feel the shift cam change, did not find the shifting up or down any smoother using the gear shift assist, and even found my aging suspension not a lot different than the new bike. I set the ride modes and suspension the same on both the aging and new bike.

The TFT screen did absolutely nothing for me but then I did not play around with it a lot. I never use the tach to shift and the main screen appears to feature the tach more than anything else it displays. Maybe some experience with it and it would be an absolute can't live without.

So at least for the next 6 months I have no plans to add a R1250RS to the garage.

I was underwhelmed by the 1250 motor I tried in GS form. That's compared to a 2015 pre Euro 4 RS which now has the 'Hilltop' ECU treatment (different to a straight 'tune').

On an aside, I have discovered that I do just fit a GSA with a low seat in the low position........ I feel strangely drawn. I've owned a GS and I've no wish to repeat the experience but a GSA? Maybe.

[Grumpy Goat]

I do think that the Tuono is an awesome road bike. Very different to the RS though. Not sure how easy it is to secure luggage and that chain is more hassle but for a different role it's perhaps unbeatable.

And that is exactly how I approach buying multiple bikes. I will not have 2 bikes with the same use profile - makes no sense to me. The Aprilia Tuono / BMW S1000R / Honda CB1000R are all 4 cylinder roadsters that are best in the sort of urban / suburban settings in which I do 90% of my riding. I would not want to do long distance on them.

As for luggage - that is a great point since I do not like using backpacks, especially in my warmer climate.

[Grumpy Goat]

On an aside, I have discovered that I do just fit a GSA with a low seat in the low position........ I feel strangely drawn. I've owned a GS and I've no wish to repeat the experience but a GSA? Maybe.

I too feel strangely drawn to a GS / GSA, but for its "go anywhere" character. For me, riding a motorcycle has a lot to do with the sights and the destinations, and that includes motocamping and light off-roading to the really nice spots. Perfect for an adventure bike.

[sanemancured]

I've owned a CB1000R and ridden a friends a fair bit. Sanitised Honda in a good way. Underrated bikes.

My first track day had me leaving a pair of Repsol Fireblades and a GSXR750 behind. But that may not just be down to the bike. My lack of sense may have helped.