1250RS Software Version Thread

[TriangleRider]

I just looked and my 2020 RS software version is 001_019_180 so I'm wondering if I need/should get it updated. I'm not experiencing any issues that I'm aware of.

Does it have the sport screen?  My 2020 had BT issues that went away when the software got upgraded to the first version with the sport screen.

[Motorhead1977]

Nope no sport screen. I'm calling the dealer today to get input. Thanks.

[Pyrrho]

We never get software updates unless there's a problem.

I think I would do the same but only after reading the release notes to see what the software update is supposed to fix / improve / add. If the bike is not having any issues and the update for is something that is not important to me or the bike, then I'd skip it rather than risk introducing new bugs to the ECU.

Not patching firmware because you anecdotally aren't experiencing an observable issue seems foolish. While all patches can be assumed to be at least attempting to resolve existing issues, not all can be assumed to introduce new ones. It's not like BMW's firmware updates are a profit center; they're released because BMW engineering determined it was important enough.

If Windows hasn't blue screened on you last week does that mean you don't install updates this week? Do you look through the list of Windows updates and only select the ones you feel are important to you or your computer, or do you just let Microsoft install all available updates?

[Motorhead1977]

When I spoke with the service tech at the dealer he indicated that based on my VIN there are no updates for my bike but that when I bring it in next for a service they;ll plug it in an check to be sure.

[Pyrrho]

When I spoke with the service tech at the dealer he indicated that based on my VIN there are no updates for my bike but that when I bring it in next for a service they;ll plug it in an check to be sure.

Remember the dealers are disincentivized to upgrade firmware. They can't charge you for it and an upgrade can tie up one of their valuable service computers for more than an hour. There may be a newer firmware available but nothing specifically addressing a service bulletin for your bike. Does that mean there's no newer firmware available, or no updates for your bike? It's unclear -- and the dealer won't know for sure, because they don't get a full list of what the firmware patched either.

They'll do it during your next service because the firmware can be updated while other procedures are performed on your bike at the same time, which they _will_ be charging for, and thus don't mind as much tying up a computer to do it.

[MrVvrroomm]

023-011-060 was most recent software version as of 4/3/2023. Dealer pushed that into our '19 GSA and '20 GS.

[pej7445]

When I spoke with the service tech at the dealer he indicated that based on my VIN there are no updates for my bike but that when I bring it in next for a service they;ll plug it in an check to be sure.

Did you get your TFT software updated? I just bought a used 2020 RS and I don't have a sport display. I also have Bluetooth connectivity issues. I'm planning to bring it in for service at 12k and am curious about what to expect related to the software update.

[Motorhead1977]

I don't have the sport display either. I'm not certain if it is available for MY 2020 but I'll ask. Hasn't been an issue for me as the standard display is OK. However, I understand wanting the most recent upgrades available.

[TriangleRider]

I don't have the sport display either.  I'm not certain if it is available for MY 2020 but I'll ask. Hasn't been an issue for me as the standard display is OK.  However, I understand wanting the most recent upgrades available.

Definitely available for the 2020.  My 2020  had it installed at its 600 mile service.

[pej7445]

I don't have the sport display either.  I'm not certain if it is available for MY 2020 but I'll ask. Hasn't been an issue for me as the standard display is OK.  However, I understand wanting the most recent upgrades available.

Definitely available for the 2020.  My 2020  had it installed at its 600 mile service.

Do you happen to have the software version?

[Motorhead1977]

I don't have the sport display either.  I'm not certain if it is available for MY 2020 but I'll ask. Hasn't been an issue for me as the standard display is OK.  However, I understand wanting the most recent upgrades available.

Definitely available for the 2020.  My 2020  had it installed at its 600 mile service.

Do you happen to have the software version?

Very interesting.  How do I access it, if you can give me some pointers.  TIA

[Paughco]

Last September, while stopping in to Seattle BMW Motorcycles, I heard from the front desk service guy that the latest software update for the R1250RS deletes the option to have a 24-hr clock. I prefer the 24-hr clock. I asked him if there were any major improvements in this latest update that would make up for the loss of the 24-hr clock feature. He said no. OK, no software updates for my RS until something really significant comes along.

Seeya
 ATB

[Toruk]

Newest update also changes suspension options available to MIN (1 up) & Auto. Max is not available!!

[Lee]

Newest update also changes suspension options available to MIN (1 up) & Auto. Max is not available!!

I'll probably avoid a software update unless it's need to fix a problem.
Both of us use Max so the bike has enough lean when using the side stand.

[TriangleRider]

Newest update also changes suspension options available to MIN (1 up) & Auto. Max is not available!!

This doesn't make sense.  The Min/Auto/Max settings have nothing to do with the number of people on the bike.

[Toruk]

Newest update also changes suspension options available to MIN (1 up) & Auto. Max is not available!!

This doesn't make sense.  The Min/Auto/Max settings have nothing to do with the number of people on the bike.

I have a 2023 RS and this is how it was delivered 7/20/2023 (Special order to my configuration built 5/16). BMW 2023 RS Owners Manual also updated. As said above, some used MAX as a way to raise the bike for cornering clearance. I was informed by dealer that BMW determined that this was an unsafe condition (suspension too stiff can bounce and loose control) , so they took away MAX and made AUTO regulate suspension with a new algorithm. If you like using MAX then do not get an update! BTW I love the Sport TFT screen!

[Duckbubbles]

I am really curious- my '23 RS (mfg. 12/22) leans over on the side stand a considerable amount more than either of my previous RS's ('16 and '17), even with the suspension set on MIN. Measuring the side stand length shows no difference between the different stands. The seat height seems to be the same also ("seat of the pants" feeling).

There is enough difference that it caused a minor panic attack each time I put it on the side stand for a while until I got used to it. Anyone else noticed this?

Frank

[Grumpy Goat]

I am really curious- my '23 RS (mfg. 12/22) leans over on the side stand a considerable amount more than either of my previous RS's ('16 and '17), even  with the suspension set on MIN.  Measuring the side stand length shows no difference between the different stands.  The seat height seems to be the same also ("seat of the pants" feeling).

They must have actually listened to the complaints from us early model adopters. Good to know that this issue was actually cured.

[MHN-RS]

I am really curious- my '23 RS (mfg. 12/22) leans over on the side stand a considerable amount more than either of my previous RS's ('16 and '17), even  with the suspension set on MIN.  Measuring the side stand length shows no difference between the different stands.  The seat height seems to be the same also ("seat of the pants" feeling).

There is enough difference that it caused a minor panic attack each time I put it on the side stand for a while until I got used to it.  Anyone else noticed this?

Frank

Interesting.  My 2023 RS (also 12/22) is the opposite -- not enough lean when set on MIN.  I wonder whether there is a difference in the side stand length (maybe one of us got a different bike's side stand ? e.g., an RT side stand), or a difference in tire profile.  I'm still on the OE Michelin Road Smart 5 GT's.

As I read your comment, I realized that I worry about it enough that the next time I ride the bike it I'm going back to AUTO to get more lean angle, despite my 29" inseam.  In truth, it's not a big deal to me because most times I use on the center stand.  

And to return to the original thread, my firmware version also is 023-011-060.

[Pyrrho]

When I brought my bike in for it's last in-warranty service at 24K I was told I received 14 software updates. There aren't that many controllers on the bike, I believe mine has nine w/the OEM alarm fitted, but BMW updates can't go from (example) v20 directly to v50, it'd have to be patched to v30, then v40, and then v50. This is one of the reasons they take so long to perform.

As of November, current firmware was 023_011_090. Dealer wasn't clear on what the updates did but said the latest ones were specifically to deal with syncing instability issues with phones. Prior to this update I would observe progressively longer times for the bike to sync with my phone the more times I shut it on/off during the day, sometimes taking up to five minutes or more. Since the update this issue hasn't returned (I'm using a Google Pixel 7 FWIW).