BMW R1200RS ES Test Ride thoughts
Discussion
I had arranged for the Demo bike to be ready for 10AM on the 5th Jan. I’m a fare weather rider now but have spent a few years commuting in all weather and temperature. But the minus 2 it was when I got to Bristol BMW Motorrad was interesting. I’ve ridden inline fours, triples, V twins from Super-duke to Harleys but never a boxer engine in a bike.
A few pics I hope you can see in the link >> https://photos.app.goo.gl/pivRX1oiNo9RyB3s8
My intended ride was over to Wales on some roads I know well. But as they are B roads and probably unsalted, So I decided to Ride past Weston on the M4 and come off the next Junction onto the A38 into Bristol then back to Patchway. I like to take in Motorways, A and A few B roads and town riding to see what this bike is like.
Firstly it’s comfy, very comfy, I’m over 6ft and not a small chap but the standard screen set to it’a top position was lovely. It did a great job of keeping my body out of the chilly wind blast very well. When set to the lower setting my head was more exposed and my Shoulders got more of a blast from the cold air. But both settings it was not a loud as my Current bike for wind hitting your helmet. I normally wear ear plugs but did not this time and it was much more bearable. The only thing that gold cold was my thumb as it’s hanging down in the wind and off the handlebars. I would probably look into a larger aftermarket screen when touring.
Being the ES model it had clutches up and down shifts (Very easy to use and the gearbox is lovely to use and Neutral is easy to find), Heated grips set to high setting was again very nice in the freezing weather I was riding. And they are hot, Quick to warm up. Simple to use, button on the right handlebars and shows you the setting you have it set to on the dash.
How the Dash was set out very nice and easy to read and use, not to over complicated and I got used to going through the settings very quickly. I’m not used to a fuel gauge but this had one, Gear indicator, trip settings, Outside Temp, MPG indicator the list is endless. And it’s nice that you can adjust the settings so you can have different styles on the dash. One showing you the basics, another setting showing the Speed in the centre etc.. The riding modes I left alone using just the road mode. But has rain, Dynamic and User settings. So again plenty to keep you busy.
The bike felt much lighter than the book says, Easy to ride and filter, Light and nimble. and the Engine had more than enough power to get it moving. Almost half the power of my current bike but felt just right on this bike and was very smooth.
The Mirrors are also very good, managing to see without much bending on the head around my broad shoulders.
I took the bike for arrow 100 miles over 2 hours. Stopped a few times, played with the GPS that the demo bike had. I returned 59MPG over the time I was riding. Managing over 65mpg at over motorway speeds. The RS was very stable over 70MPH and in the mile i ldid around 50 had been Motorway and the rest A roads and B roads.
I was really impressed with the bike have pretty made my mind up that I want the 1200RS. It felt like a bike that you can do many miles on touring, fun twisty weekend blast with friends or even take on track. Which i would like to do on the 1200RS. Very different from my Current H2 which while I love it is very focused. But another bike I love and don’t intend to get rid of. And feel the 1200RS would sit nicely next to my H2 at home.
A few pics I hope you can see in the link >> https://photos.app.goo.gl/pivRX1oiNo9RyB3s8
My intended ride was over to Wales on some roads I know well. But as they are B roads and probably unsalted, So I decided to Ride past Weston on the M4 and come off the next Junction onto the A38 into Bristol then back to Patchway. I like to take in Motorways, A and A few B roads and town riding to see what this bike is like.
Firstly it’s comfy, very comfy, I’m over 6ft and not a small chap but the standard screen set to it’a top position was lovely. It did a great job of keeping my body out of the chilly wind blast very well. When set to the lower setting my head was more exposed and my Shoulders got more of a blast from the cold air. But both settings it was not a loud as my Current bike for wind hitting your helmet. I normally wear ear plugs but did not this time and it was much more bearable. The only thing that gold cold was my thumb as it’s hanging down in the wind and off the handlebars. I would probably look into a larger aftermarket screen when touring.
Being the ES model it had clutches up and down shifts (Very easy to use and the gearbox is lovely to use and Neutral is easy to find), Heated grips set to high setting was again very nice in the freezing weather I was riding. And they are hot, Quick to warm up. Simple to use, button on the right handlebars and shows you the setting you have it set to on the dash.
How the Dash was set out very nice and easy to read and use, not to over complicated and I got used to going through the settings very quickly. I’m not used to a fuel gauge but this had one, Gear indicator, trip settings, Outside Temp, MPG indicator the list is endless. And it’s nice that you can adjust the settings so you can have different styles on the dash. One showing you the basics, another setting showing the Speed in the centre etc.. The riding modes I left alone using just the road mode. But has rain, Dynamic and User settings. So again plenty to keep you busy.
The bike felt much lighter than the book says, Easy to ride and filter, Light and nimble. and the Engine had more than enough power to get it moving. Almost half the power of my current bike but felt just right on this bike and was very smooth.
The Mirrors are also very good, managing to see without much bending on the head around my broad shoulders.
I took the bike for arrow 100 miles over 2 hours. Stopped a few times, played with the GPS that the demo bike had. I returned 59MPG over the time I was riding. Managing over 65mpg at over motorway speeds. The RS was very stable over 70MPH and in the mile i ldid around 50 had been Motorway and the rest A roads and B roads.
I was really impressed with the bike have pretty made my mind up that I want the 1200RS. It felt like a bike that you can do many miles on touring, fun twisty weekend blast with friends or even take on track. Which i would like to do on the 1200RS. Very different from my Current H2 which while I love it is very focused. But another bike I love and don’t intend to get rid of. And feel the 1200RS would sit nicely next to my H2 at home.
Excellent choice sir. I love the civility and useability of my R1200RS Sport SE "Iconic".
I have done a few minor mods to tailor it to what I want. The latest being a set of Barkbusters from Australia to keep the front of my hands dry and warm.
11400 miles on mine so far and can't see it going anywhere soon.
I have done a few minor mods to tailor it to what I want. The latest being a set of Barkbusters from Australia to keep the front of my hands dry and warm.
11400 miles on mine so far and can't see it going anywhere soon.
Interesting thread and one written simply and honestly; thank you.
I have owned an RS for three years or so, am very happy with it and concur with most of your impressions.
One very irritating aspect though is the awful clang when engaging first gear from neutral. I have ridden newer bikes, including R1250 and they are still not acceptable in my view. I understand the dynamic and mechanical reasons, but there are transmissions out there that do that job better.
Comfort, performance, handling, brakes and fuel usage are all pretty much all one could ask - although the windshield could be better. I say this not from the buffeting point of view, but merely the noise. The OP and I would seem to be in the same size percentile, so perhaps it is my noisy Arai?
Going on from there, you may be interested in my comments after my test riding the new R1250GS; here https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17... I made some observations about the new generation engine and quite honestly could not see why I would want, or need to change. That said, the shift assist / transmission was better on the GS. Different bikes I know, but the hardware is common. Having said that, I will be first in line to try the R1250RS in the next month or so!
Motorcycling is rife with prejudices which are rarely backed up by experience or knowledge, so if you like the RS, go and buy one they are really very good.
I have owned an RS for three years or so, am very happy with it and concur with most of your impressions.
One very irritating aspect though is the awful clang when engaging first gear from neutral. I have ridden newer bikes, including R1250 and they are still not acceptable in my view. I understand the dynamic and mechanical reasons, but there are transmissions out there that do that job better.
Comfort, performance, handling, brakes and fuel usage are all pretty much all one could ask - although the windshield could be better. I say this not from the buffeting point of view, but merely the noise. The OP and I would seem to be in the same size percentile, so perhaps it is my noisy Arai?
Going on from there, you may be interested in my comments after my test riding the new R1250GS; here https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17... I made some observations about the new generation engine and quite honestly could not see why I would want, or need to change. That said, the shift assist / transmission was better on the GS. Different bikes I know, but the hardware is common. Having said that, I will be first in line to try the R1250RS in the next month or so!
Motorcycling is rife with prejudices which are rarely backed up by experience or knowledge, so if you like the RS, go and buy one they are really very good.
Edited by sjwb on Saturday 5th January 20:51
Edited by sjwb on Saturday 5th January 20:52
Good write-up!
I’ve been thinking about taking the new R1250RS for a test ride when available with a view to replacing the VFR800 that I use mainly for commuting in London but occasionally for longer motorway trips etc.
I suppose I will have to see for myself, but it would seem to me to be a perfect replacement.
My reservations at this stage relate to the massive cylinders sticking out - I know they’re no wider than the handlebars but will they get caught on car bumpers, high kerbs etc when carrying out manoeuvres in very tight traffic situations (which I often have to do when commuting right into central London).
My other issue is that I’ve never had a bike with a shaft drive before and am not sure how this will compare to chain drive for spirited riding. What effect do the extra weight and characteristics of the shaft drive have on handling when pushing on, cornering hard etc?
I’ve been thinking about taking the new R1250RS for a test ride when available with a view to replacing the VFR800 that I use mainly for commuting in London but occasionally for longer motorway trips etc.
I suppose I will have to see for myself, but it would seem to me to be a perfect replacement.
My reservations at this stage relate to the massive cylinders sticking out - I know they’re no wider than the handlebars but will they get caught on car bumpers, high kerbs etc when carrying out manoeuvres in very tight traffic situations (which I often have to do when commuting right into central London).
My other issue is that I’ve never had a bike with a shaft drive before and am not sure how this will compare to chain drive for spirited riding. What effect do the extra weight and characteristics of the shaft drive have on handling when pushing on, cornering hard etc?
FB, how ironic that you mention VFR800.
One of my all time favourites and I bitterly regret selling mine.
Cylinders? No problem and I have never experienced any of your fears other than the times when gravity has won over me. In which case the cylinders make it easy to pick the bike up! I used to clout the valve covers on my R100S during exuberant cornering back in the day but never yet on the RS or GS.
The current shaft system is completely different and much better than the previous generation. Differences in handling etc? None on the road and I am sure that once experienced, the shaft makes perfect practical sense.
One of my all time favourites and I bitterly regret selling mine.
Cylinders? No problem and I have never experienced any of your fears other than the times when gravity has won over me. In which case the cylinders make it easy to pick the bike up! I used to clout the valve covers on my R100S during exuberant cornering back in the day but never yet on the RS or GS.
The current shaft system is completely different and much better than the previous generation. Differences in handling etc? None on the road and I am sure that once experienced, the shaft makes perfect practical sense.
sjwb said:
FB, how ironic that you mention VFR800.
One of my all time favourites and I bitterly regret selling mine.
Cylinders? No problem and I have never experienced any of your fears other than the times when gravity has won over me. In which case the cylinders make it easy to pick the bike up! I used to clout the valve covers on my R100S during exuberant cornering back in the day but never yet on the RS or GS.
The current shaft system is completely different and much better than the previous generation. Differences in handling etc? None on the road and I am sure that once experienced, the shaft makes perfect practical sense.
So you’ve had both? Are you happy overall with the change then..?One of my all time favourites and I bitterly regret selling mine.
Cylinders? No problem and I have never experienced any of your fears other than the times when gravity has won over me. In which case the cylinders make it easy to pick the bike up! I used to clout the valve covers on my R100S during exuberant cornering back in the day but never yet on the RS or GS.
The current shaft system is completely different and much better than the previous generation. Differences in handling etc? None on the road and I am sure that once experienced, the shaft makes perfect practical sense.
Yeah, I like the VFR overall but there are a couple of issues with it that I’m not happy with - the riding position is a little too aggressive despite having fitted handlebar risers, wind noise is bad despite trying a few different screens, don’t like the indicator cancelling or the horn/indicator reversed positions, seat becomes uncomfortable after about an hour...so I’m wondering whether the R1250RS would be better for me...
There's many a bike between my VFR800 and the RS, so I didn't change per se.
I thought the VFR one of the most accomplished motorcycles ever produced and considering its age, that is still appropriate.
Yes, the switch-gear was iffy and the screen poor, but the performance and reliability were nothing short of superb. Oddly from your comment, I thought the VFR very comfortable. I loved the V4 sound and feel, which is why I like twins; there's something a bit off kilter with both. I think they call it character?????
Don't get too hung up on the 1250RS, the 1200 is a class act and I suspect there will be some deals around come March - ish.
I thought the VFR one of the most accomplished motorcycles ever produced and considering its age, that is still appropriate.
Yes, the switch-gear was iffy and the screen poor, but the performance and reliability were nothing short of superb. Oddly from your comment, I thought the VFR very comfortable. I loved the V4 sound and feel, which is why I like twins; there's something a bit off kilter with both. I think they call it character?????
Don't get too hung up on the 1250RS, the 1200 is a class act and I suspect there will be some deals around come March - ish.
sjwb said:
There's many a bike between my VFR800 and the RS, so I didn't change per se.
I thought the VFR one of the most accomplished motorcycles ever produced and considering its age, that is still appropriate.
Yes, the switch-gear was iffy and the screen poor, but the performance and reliability were nothing short of superb. Oddly from your comment, I thought the VFR very comfortable. I loved the V4 sound and feel, which is why I like twins; there's something a bit off kilter with both. I think they call it character?????
Don't get too hung up on the 1250RS, the 1200 is a class act and I suspect there will be some deals around come March - ish.
Thanks for that.I thought the VFR one of the most accomplished motorcycles ever produced and considering its age, that is still appropriate.
Yes, the switch-gear was iffy and the screen poor, but the performance and reliability were nothing short of superb. Oddly from your comment, I thought the VFR very comfortable. I loved the V4 sound and feel, which is why I like twins; there's something a bit off kilter with both. I think they call it character?????
Don't get too hung up on the 1250RS, the 1200 is a class act and I suspect there will be some deals around come March - ish.
You’re not wrong - of course there’s a lot to like about the VFR, and the engine is indeed amazing.
I think I’ll get a test ride on an R1200/1250RS and see how I feel.
sjwb said:
Interesting thread and one written simply and honestly; thank you.
I have owned an RS for three years or so, am very happy with it and concur with most of your impressions.
One very irritating aspect though is the awful clang when engaging first gear from neutral. I have ridden newer bikes, including R1250 and they are still not acceptable in my view. I understand the dynamic and mechanical reasons, but there are transmissions out there that do that job better.
Funny you should say that. I had an RS as a courtesy bike when my GS was in for service and I thought the gear change was much smoother. When I took it back the service guy asked me what I thought of the gearchange compared with the GS, apparently it's generally recognised as smoother and attributed to the lower engine position resulting in a simpler connection to the shaft.I have owned an RS for three years or so, am very happy with it and concur with most of your impressions.
One very irritating aspect though is the awful clang when engaging first gear from neutral. I have ridden newer bikes, including R1250 and they are still not acceptable in my view. I understand the dynamic and mechanical reasons, but there are transmissions out there that do that job better.
I wouldn't buy one because of the head down riding position but that's just me.
Good write-up and great to hear that you have found a bike that meets your needs. The R1200RS is a good bike and very good at doing what it was designed to do. It'll eat miles and still be fun on real roads. The SE extras are very worth having.
Do you have any other test rides planned?
Do you have any other test rides planned?
braddersm3 said:
I fancy one of these at some point as they do tick a lot of boxes, but has anyone got any real world feedback on pillion comfort as to me they look a bit cramped 2 up...I'm 6'2", 14.5 st and wife is 5'4" and post Christmas @9 st I'm guessing!...thanks
If you want the drivetrain and dynamic of the RS, but want space and all day comfort 2-up and benefit of greater stability in corners, get the GS. spareparts said:
If you want the drivetrain and dynamic of the RS, but want space and all day comfort 2-up and benefit of greater stability in corners, get the GS.
+1I still wish BMW would produce a bike with the seat/bars/footrest relationship of the GS, but without the off road ability I'll never use.
Whilst the GS is a good suggestion and I know how well they do everything after riding a mates a few years ago I just don't have any desire to have one. Best thing I can do is get an extended rest ride on the RS and go from there...my current Street triple is so much fun around where I live (West Wales), and I'm hoping the RS will be close to as good but wil tour better when 2 up.
Dr J,
They do and it is the one bike in the BMW range that seems to be a best kept secret; the R1200R!
Lighter on the road than a GS, easier to ride, quicker and probably more comfortable and so much fun.
Ok the protection from the elements is poor by comparison, but given the right weather conditions, I will take one in preference to a GS.
With respect to two up comfort on the RS, have no fear. My wife would seem to fall into the mentioned category, has been riding with me for years and loves the RS accommodation.
They do and it is the one bike in the BMW range that seems to be a best kept secret; the R1200R!
Lighter on the road than a GS, easier to ride, quicker and probably more comfortable and so much fun.
Ok the protection from the elements is poor by comparison, but given the right weather conditions, I will take one in preference to a GS.
With respect to two up comfort on the RS, have no fear. My wife would seem to fall into the mentioned category, has been riding with me for years and loves the RS accommodation.
Thanks for the positive feedback on my little write up. I did my best to ensure it was written so people can understand it 
I'm not looking at new and have seen a few 1-3 years old. It's over my initial budget but the only bike out of many that I feel I would want to own rather than bikes that I feel I may be not ticking all the boxes and compromising.
With regards to overtaking and the 1200RS vs my H2. The 1200RS felt it had more than enough for any overtakes and filters. The H2 is just something else indeed, and with all it's power makes you want to go faster everywhere.
where as the 1200RS i'm in no rush taking in more of the scenery taking my time. Hope that makes sense.
I have a few mates (acquaintances ) some on this thread (you know who you are) that talk less Internet pub talk and more about looking for what meets my needs. Again hope that makes sense. And 1 mate not on PH that run's the UK iron Butt rally and has done 142,000 miles on his 4 year old Triumph 800. Who again has lots of experience with riding and touring. So they give me help and advice on what would suit me best, what to look for and so on.
Most of my riding the past 13+ years has been fast road, track and a little touring. And touring and comfort is something i want after my US tour last Oct
I'm not looking at new and have seen a few 1-3 years old. It's over my initial budget but the only bike out of many that I feel I would want to own rather than bikes that I feel I may be not ticking all the boxes and compromising.
With regards to overtaking and the 1200RS vs my H2. The 1200RS felt it had more than enough for any overtakes and filters. The H2 is just something else indeed, and with all it's power makes you want to go faster everywhere.
where as the 1200RS i'm in no rush taking in more of the scenery taking my time. Hope that makes sense.
I have a few mates (acquaintances ) some on this thread (you know who you are) that talk less Internet pub talk and more about looking for what meets my needs. Again hope that makes sense. And 1 mate not on PH that run's the UK iron Butt rally and has done 142,000 miles on his 4 year old Triumph 800. Who again has lots of experience with riding and touring. So they give me help and advice on what would suit me best, what to look for and so on.
Most of my riding the past 13+ years has been fast road, track and a little touring. And touring and comfort is something i want after my US tour last Oct
Edited by RemaL on Monday 7th January 09:24
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