The BMW R 1250 R is a motorcycle that has gone somewhat unnoticed. Being a classic naked bike with “simple” lines and having the best-selling R 1250 GS by its side in the range. But is it really true that the big naked roadsters have lost their charm among motorcyclists? I certainly hope not, because this R is truly a marvel!
The R 1250 R is exactly that, a motorcycle that doesn’t like to stand out. If it were a car, it wouldn’t have aerodynamic appendages, colored calipers, or large exhaust pipes, but it would be one of those luxurious touring cars that we would have confidence in to go around the world. This is a naked bike that doesn’t need botox or want any of that. It knows its worth and is built for motorcyclists who know what they want, even if sales aren’t huge in the end.
Ultimately, the R 1250 R is a motorcycle that has its place in the range, and we hope it stays that way, just like the excellent R 1250 RT or the more sporty R 1250 RS. It’s not that the R 1250 GS isn’t also a fantastic motorcycle, but for the use that many motorcyclists give it, sometimes they could be better served with the bike that is a few meters away in the dealership. But let’s leave this subject for other forums!
FEATURES AND CHANGES
This motorcycle comes equipped with the well-known 1,254 cc twin-cylinder boxer engine, air/liquid cooling, and delivers 136 hp of power, with a maximum torque of 143 Nm at 6,250 rpm. It features the latest Euro 5 updates and incorporates the ShiftCam variable camshaft control system, with final drive by shaft. In terms of chassis, around the tubular steel frame, we find an inverted fork, a beautiful single-sided swingarm, and a Paralever shock absorber, with the braking system consisting of generous 320 mm discs and 4-piston radial calipers from Brembo. In terms of numbers, it’s worth mentioning that the wheelbase is 1,512 mm, the seat is positioned 820 mm from the ground, and the fuel tank is larger than normal for a naked bike, with a capacity of 18 liters of gasoline. The weight of the whole assembly is 239 kg in running order.
This generation of the R 1250 R was improved last year, so it has several changes in standard and optional equipment. As standard, we have the fully LED headlight (optional adaptive cornering lights), TFT instrumentation with connectivity, traction control (DTC), as well as ABS Pro and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC). The driving modes are 3 as standard (Eco, Rain, and Road), and we also find Hill Start Control (HSC), as well as a USB charging socket and the intelligent emergency call.
In terms of what is optional, we naturally have Dynamic ESA (electronically adjustable suspension with load compensation and automatic damping), heated seats, Option 719 machined parts pack, and the sport exhaust. We can also opt for the Pro driving modes and of course, the Dynamic, Tour, and Comfort packages, with a lot of additional equipment that customers usually don’t give up. This was also the case with this test unit, so the price (starting from) €16,441 quickly rose to €21,011, also because it had the adaptive cornering lights and some other luxuries. And there are still many extras available, designed to enhance the set, offer cargo space, other seats, windshields, etc. Everything to be discovered on the brand’s website or at the dealership.
THE BEST Engine response; dynamic behavior; overall quality of the set TO IMPROVE Price with the optional extras
Oh, and do you remember when I mentioned that this R 1250 R doesn’t like to stand out? Well, it’s not quite like that, as proven by the new Sport decoration or the fact that we can choose a single-seat version, ideal for those who like to enjoy some curves without constantly hitting the back of the helmet!
EVERYTHING EASY
It is obvious that this R has a “downside” that is not a defect, it is a characteristic. The complete lack of aerodynamic protection will be missed by drivers who frequently travel on highways. On the other hand, on short trips and in the city, it is nice not to have anything in front of us. It’s just us, the bike beneath us, and the road, along with a very pleasant and correct riding position for all types of heights, as we can easily move on the comfortable seat. Everything is easy and enjoyable, in a very robust and high-quality package. And of course, we have a strong and emotional engine that many already know, with good low revs and an exciting sound, complemented by an excellent gearbox and a matching bi-directional quickshifter, which is not always easy to find together on the same bike.
We had a few good days riding this roadster, mostly in Dynamic mode but with the ESA suspension usually set to Road, as in Dynamic mode they become quite stiff and seem to have very little travel, although personal preference always rules in this field. The braking is strong and has excellent feel, as is tradition with BMW, and overall, with the various installed packs, we have all the equipment we need and then some. And in this “then some,” we find the Sport information from the excellent TFT instrumentation, which gives us information about lean angles, DTC, braking pressure, etc. The onboard computer also recorded an average fuel consumption of around 5.4 l/100 km (while riding fast but not abusing on highways), and in terms of dynamics, we also liked the Metzeler Roadtec 01 tires, which pair very well with this model, both in dry grip and probably in wet conditions as well as longevity. We also confirmed the excellent front lighting and the good seat for the passenger, with respective handles. In truth, there was nothing that we did not like about this R 1250 R. An excellent high-displacement roadster, of great quality, that can offer both easy daily commutes and more emotional weekend rides.
BMW R 1250 R
ENGINE twin-cylinder boxer, air/liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT 1,254 cc
POWER 100 kW (136 hp) @7,750 rpm
BINARY 143 Nm at 6,250 rpm
6-speed GEARBOX
STEEL tubular FRAME
18-liter TANK
FRONT SUSPENSION inverted telescopic fork, 140 mm travel
REAR SUSPENSION Paralever mono-shock, 140 mm travel
FRONT BRAKE two 320 mm discs, 4-piston radial calipers
REAR BRAKE 276 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
FRONT TIRE 120/70 ZR17
REAR TIRE 180/55 ZR17
WHEELBASE 1,512 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 820 mm
WEIGHT 239 kg
MSRP from €16,441 (test unit €21,011)
