Menus
- The big gap
- Test over 2,000 kilometers from France to Germany via Luxembourg
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- Contact
- In the city
- Highway
- Departmental
- Braking
- Comfort / duo
- Consumption
- Convenient
- Mobile app
- Video test
- Conclusion
The big gap
Test over 2,000 kilometers from France to Germany via Luxembourg
R1250! This is the 2019 novelty, the 2019 novelties should we say since the new 1250 engine was available on the GS, RS and RT. It is therefore a 1250, 4 in 1, to use a famous product. And beyond a new engine, BMW has completely overhauled its models in terms of look compared to the first R 1200 R (but remains very close to the 2015 vintage of R 1200 R) and these are therefore 4 real novelties and not only evolutions … of a long line since the 1100 of 1994 passed then in 1150 then 1200. The R 1250 R constitutes the small version of the variations, a hairy roadster which itself is widely available since the basic version at 14.600 euros thanks in particular to the many options or even to the "exclusive" model of our test that we wanted to see equipped with suitcases, just to measure road capacities as much as roadster for a test in the form of a roadtrip between France, Luxembourg and Côte d ‘ Opal.
A colorful machine
Discovery
BMW design, we generally like it or not. But for the 2019 vintage visually close to the 2015 model, BMW released a more consensual and above all more modern model, able to please the greatest number, while having a real personality..
LED headlight with attractive light signature
A personality reinforced in particular by the 1254 cm3 shiftcam boxer. And it is not a small piece since it develops 136 horses and 143 Nm, to compare to the 110 horses of the first 1200 (of 1,170 cm3 to be precise) and to the 125 horses of the 2014 version, not to mention the 80 horses. from the 1100 of 1994. In fact, the engine gained 9% of power and especially 14% of torque. this is on paper, but it is above all data that we will check dynamically, with a much more homogeneous availability than in the past and at all levels.
Better, not only is the engine naturally Euro4 certified, but it already meets the Euro5 requirements which will be mandatory from 2020. Enough to be able to enter the city center for a few more years with a Crit’Air 1.
Two-cylinder flatbed boxer engine with variable valve timing BMW ShiftCam
Especially our model carries practically the maximum of options: we pass almost on the color TFT screen now in series, but on the other hand in option the pro mode, the ABS, the traction control, the suspensions esa, the shifter, the keyless and the ecall. And it is naturally the gimbal that commands attention, guaranteeing less maintenance. On the other hand, forgot the Telelever for a more conventional inverted telescopic fork.
BMW R 1250 R LED tail light
In the saddle
There are motorcycles at the exclusive position. The 1250 R is the opposite of that with an immediately natural, almost upright position, with hands falling perfectly on the handlebars and barely folded legs, which also leaves room for older children. Especially the knees perfectly enclose the rather large tank but without excess. With a saddle at 820 mm, up 30 mm compared to the previous 1200 but with a reduced crotch width, the rider of 1.70 will just put his feet on the ground. But the bike seems very light and weighs well under 200 kilos despite its 239 kilos, all full. In fact, it feels good instantly.
And for those who find it too high, there is an optional low saddle (-30 mm) but also a higher saddle (+30 mm).
2.165 mm long and 880 mm wide (without suitcases)
Before our eyes, we discover the new TFT screen, in which we navigate both via the menu button and the circular wheel around the handlebars. A much more readable screen from a distance compared to the old model. Between menu and dial, it’s a helping hand but you get used to it. On the other hand, generally simple options like resetting the partial trip to zero necessarily go through menus and submenus more than the dial, or how to make it complicated when you can keep it simple. For the rest, the screen allows you to have a complete on-board computer under the eyes with everything you need and more. We especially remember that it is super readable in all conditions, from strong sun to the darkest night. Better still, the numbers are big and therefore clearly visible for seniors.
6 "5 TFT screen as standard
And since today everything is connected, the 1250 R connects to your phone via a mobile application to download. Application which then makes it possible to download maps of the whole world to serve as a GPS.
Gimbal
Contact
With the keyless, no need to put the key in the Neiman; just push the big central button. And frankly, what may seem anecdotal comes in handy on a daily basis. The large 1254 cm3 twin comes to life with a deep and serious sound, rewarding. First, the bike leaves on a trickle of gas and confirms this impression of lightness from the first few centimeters … and we are already at the next traffic light, without even having passed a report !
Extreme maneuverability
In the city
The 1200 was easy. The 1250 is still very easy to use. It looks like a beginner’s bike because it’s almost easier to handle than some 600s. The engine is just smooth, with a lot of torque available at the bottom, while being flexible enough to be able to roll around town without knocking on the ground. the sixth and last report under 45 km / h at 1500 rpm and all without vibrations. Impressive ! Because if the maximum torque seems high at 6,250 rpm, there is already more than enough from 2,000 rpm to tow with pleasure.
And even staying in first gear, we are very fast, too fast, with a first capable of going up to 90 km / h! And while on many models, the engine prompts to pass the second almost immediately, the 1250 R readily accepts the first at high revs without being unpleasant. And the box is then just a treat of softness and precision. Maneuverability is finally also there, with an excellent lever arm that allows you to squeeze everywhere, except with the suitcases mounted on it. Because these suitcases are particularly large and the passenger is constantly saying that it does not go … but if it goes often but a few millimeters. The retro vision is finally excellent, including a duet. There is still a not extraordinary turning radius.
On the 6th and last gear at 1,700 rpm in town
Highway
Some voluntarily engage on the motorway, the 1250 R literally soars, purring only at 4,000 rpm at 120 km / h. When I took the motorcycle the first time, I thought that the motorcycle would not be able to do the highway because the lack of protection was obvious at 130 km / h. But it was quite windy that day. In fact, when leaving French territory, we find ourselves cruising quietly at 145 km / h at 5,000 rpm … then finally driving quietly at 170 km / h at 6,000 rpm. And so far all is well. You can feel the pressure on the top of the bust, but if you have a good helmet, your head does not move. It thickens noticeably then but it remains tenable up to 195 km / h, with a slight improvement by leaning noticeably so that the pressure on the top of the bust decreases, slightly protected by the TFT screen. It is then that we have to hang on to the handlebars but we are only at 7,000 rpm, the bike still has a lot on hand to climb even more briskly if necessary. It is indeed below its speed of its maximum power located at 7,750 rpm and we feel that there is still some under the handle until the red zone at 9,000 rpm.
And at this speed, she behaves in an exemplary manner, in line as on a rail, without shimmy, including duet and loaded suitcases. This is far from the case with all motorcycles. So, yes, the 1250 R can do the highway and for a long time, at shameful speeds. What make you want to engage the cruise control, optional, but equipping our model.
136 hp at 7,750 rpm
Departmental
Exemplary on the motorway with flawless heading, one could say that stability was obtained at the expense of handling. But it is not. If the departmental roads are more or less rectilinear, the sixth is sufficient in itself, allowing to stay on this last report including passing in the villages at 50 km / h then a slight rotation of the handle to start again regularly. And if the road goes through the mountains, we will gladly go down two gears, or even three if the number of hairpins increases. Because the second is pushed to 130 km / h! And the motorbike is available everywhere! Can’t even say it’s soft at the bottom, except maybe in Rain mode.
BMW R 1250 R test
Because there are several modes, the road being the most common and can be transformed into dynamic or even pro dynamic (optional), to give even more potato to the times. The R 1250 R is placed on the finger and the eye with disconcerting ease. It must be said that the very low center of gravity makes angle changes particularly easy. In fact, it quickly gives the driver confidence to pick up the pace and always pass a little faster. If the pace picks up a little further, the suspensions show a little too much flexibility, without this hindering driving at any time. At most we can sometimes find that the front lacks a bit of precision, a behavior that improves in duet, by seating the bike more on its trajectory..
Ride by wire and shifter for virolos
But the bike is particularly neutral, with a very progressive focus, helped by the mounting of Michelin Power 2CT. The ground clearance is very correct and even more if we have avoided taking the optional center stand; anyway there is a universal joint and therefore no need to lubricate the chain. Shifting is always just as easy, but avoid going down several gears too quickly, which could cause a slight dribble from the rear. Over the kilometers, it turns out to be particularly easy, allowing you to drive very hard without getting tired. And this is its very big strong point, due to its versatility and homogeneity. It really never explodes compared to larger, more violent roadsters but is surprisingly easy which results in impressive efficiency. You never fight with it, but on the contrary it accompanies the driver perfectly in all situations and in the end you find yourself driving too fast all the time without realizing it. It’s not me, agent, it’s the bike !
Braking
Braking is great with a real rear brake and a front brake offering an excellent mix of feeling and bite, with power at the rendezvous, at the height of the bike. The rear brake despite its simple 276mm disc is perhaps one of the best in current production, offering real braking, sufficient in most cases. As for the front brake, with its double 320 mm disc, its efficiency is formidable, especially on the attack. It is above all that the whole is both powerful but dosable and progressive so as not to be surprised especially in the rain..
Double floating disc brake, Ш 320 mm, four-piston brake calipers
Comfort / duo
Who said that only the coaches are comfortable? R 1250 R confirms DNA not that far from RT. The saddle is as comfortable for the rider as the passenger, despite a thickness that can be doubtful at first. The comfort is especially reinforced by the rather flexible suspensions which absorb particularly well all the defects of the road. 500 kilometers in one go are therefore rather naturally carried out. And for having completed 2,000 kilometers in less than a week, the passenger did not complain once: a feat for a "roadster".
Saddle and comfort at 820 mm but low weight
Consumption
We had some doubts about the on-board computer at the start, as fuel consumption did not tend to change much depending on driving, but we had mostly alternated between the German motorway and small fast roads. Consumption then rises to 5.8 liters per hundred but can drop below 5 liters with a smooth ride and in the last report. In fact, the ten-stick gauge is accurate, with one stick falling every 30 kilometers. We go into reserve around 240 km and there is still 60 km of autonomy at a good pace, more while being lighter on the handle. Suddenly, with the 18-liter tank, we have at least 300 kilometers of autonomy. And again, when we refueled while the computer indicated 5km of remaining autonomy, we only have 16 liters; there were therefore 2 liters left and nearly 40 km. Consumption verified very stable throughout the 2,000 kilometers of our test.
Convenient
The optional 32-liter suitcases are very wide and therefore deep. In fact, they are almost the same size as the suitcases of a Goldwing. So, we put it in. And they are easily removed if you want to gain finesse.
32 liter suitcase
As much as you don’t feel the 239 kilos at all when you ride, you can feel them very well when pushing the bike into the garage. This is the only clue that allowed me to know that she was doing more than her perceived weight..
Mobile app
Who says TFT screen, says mobile application and connectivity. You can therefore connect your phone to the motorcycle, to retrieve all the information from the motorcycle but also a GPS, with maps of the whole world to download.
Vianden Castle in Luxembourg
Video test
Conclusion
The R 1250 R is in line with the previous models, and better because it is full everywhere with no hollows anywhere and constitutes a sort of squaring of the circle of the ideal motorcycle, capable of being a real big roadster packed with dynamics and an almost road to go for 2,000 kilometers in duo in less than a week by small roads; what we did with it. Easy to handle, comfortable, dynamic, pleasant, versatile, it is a set of assets in itself. It remains its price at 14,600 euros, minimum price, or 1,200 euros more than the old model and amounting to 18,815 euros for our test model, or almost the price of an RT without options. And again, if you take the HP version with all the options, the price then soars to 23,000 euros! There is indeed to choose between Dynamic Pack, DTC, Daytime running lights, Gear shift assistant Pro, ABS Pro, Dynamic ESA, Sport saddle or Keyless Ride … The addition is salty, even if it can – almost – justify yourself when you add each item provided. The fact remains that the offer is wide in terms of large roadsters, much more temperamental for some and much less expensive for others. Younger people will often prefer a more character and / or less young motorcycle. Those who want power but no longer want to rodeo to also have a bike that can be used on a daily basis will fall for this one. But what remains incredible with this bike is that even when a flat tire after a long journey, it makes you want to get back on the handlebars immediately to get back on the road and have fun. And an addicting motorcycle, that is priceless.
Strong points
- Ease of driving
- Homogeneous motor
- Comfort
- Box
- Braking
- Versatility
- Practical (with suitcases)
- Duo
Weak points
- Price
- Indispensable options
The technical sheet of the BMW R 1250 R
Test conditions
- Itinerary: small varied roads + German highways + city
- Motorcycle mileage: 2,000 km
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