manxie49

Subjective and personal opinion of this bike, formulated after taking it for a test ride on Friday. I didn't have it for that long and only covered around 70 miles. The weather was warm, dry and sunny, with light winds. Roads and traffic conditions ranged between urban and open countryside. A mix of both "A" and "B' roads. 2023 BMW R1250RS THE GOOD I’ve always been a fan of the Boxer engine so I may be a little biased here. The engine is solid, loads of torque with plenty of grunt. The shift cam technology is brilliant, and although being a big bike, it makes riding at slower speeds much easier. It’s a very manoeuvrable bike, due, IMHO, to its low centre of gravity. It actually felt more like a 600cc bike as oppose to a 1250. I would say that the bike is more tourer than sports, it certainly isn’t the sort of bike you could go scratching on. At 6’2” I didn’t feel cramped on the bike, and that was with stock seat and handlebars, and I felt that I could quite happily tour some distance on this machine in relative comfort. Wind noise, with the screen in its upper position was acceptable, there was no major buffeting, and if I dropped my head down an inch or so I found that I was pretty much in clean air. The electronics are comprehensive, and fairly intuitive, with the TFT screen being very clear and easy to read. I loved the electronic suspension, put it in auto mode and just forget about suspension settings, although that maybe just me being lazy …. Or rather not an expert when it comes to suspension. The quick shifter was efficient, but not as smooth as I’ve experienced on other bikes. I felt that everything on it was where is should be and was easy to use. The brakes are excellent, and there’s also a lot of BMW electrickery on this machine to help keep you shiny side up. THE BAD There isn’t a great deal that I could say is actually bad about this bike. If I was being critical, I would say that the riding position, for me anyway, put a lot of pressure on my wrists. This may become a comfort issue on longer rides or tours. I only had it for a 70mile test ride, so difficult to say. Wind noise with the screen in its lower, sports position, was on par with the Tracer, in other words not good. I would also argue the stated 50mpg fuel range. I personally don’t think I was getting anywhere near that, and I wasn’t pushing the bike. Engine protection bars are a must have, especially with those big cylinder heads sticking out, very prominently, either side of the bike. Drop the bike and it’s going to be expensive, and I don’t know why BMW don’t put these on as standard. I never took my wife for a run, but she did have a sit on the back. IMHO, for two up touring, it isn’t going to be ideal. We felt a little cramped on it and I think it would start to become uncomfortable after a while. I found the engine quite noisy / mechanical, but in fairness that always seems to have been a thing with the Boxer engine and doesn’t detract from its reliability. The seat is ok, but I think it would become uncomfortable on longer journeys. I was starting to get a numb backside after about 50 miles. Finally, I would say that the quick shifter could be improved. For a premium priced motorcycle, the QS isn’t as smooth as some cheaper bikes that I’ve ridden, it works, but that was all I could say. THE UGLY This again is subjective, but the first thing would have to be the price. The machine I test rode was over 17k, and that’s a big outlay. The second issue for me is luggage. BMW market it as a sports tourer, fit luggage carrying brackets to it, but don’t even give you a back box. These are all aftermarket accessories. If you go for the BMW luggage, you’re looking at the best part of 1.5k. I would also argue that engine protection bars are a necessity, not just a nice to have and should, IMHO, be installed as standard, not as an aftermarket accessory. If that bike goes over it’s easy to see what’s going to take the brunt of even a low-speed slide. CONCLUSION This is a very capable sports tourer, shaft driven as well, which in my opinion is always a bonus when touring. I would argue that this bike would be suited to all experience levels of rider. It’s very easy to ride and very forgiving. It would definitely be suited more to the touring range of its spec, but I feel it would also be a bike you could live comfortably with on a day-to-day basis, even commuting would be fine. It comes in different specs, all with different levels of refinement, but bear in mind, as with most things BMW, it will cost! Overall, lovely bike, relatively comfortable and smooth, good solid mechanics with the time proven Boxer engine. If looking for a sports tourer I would definitely add it to your list. Sadly, not for me, the PX value on my bike just didn’t cover the shortfall I’d be left with when bying the bike, and wanting to add things such as luggage ….. I need to win the lotto, or sell the wife! 

I've often seen people asking questions about which bike would be right for them, due to their size, height etc. Well, I came across this which may be of use to some. It isn't the be all and end all but it would give a bit of an idea when your wondering if your feet will touch the floor, or whether you'd be cramped up with your knees around your shoulders. http://cycle-ergo.com

Pretty much what has already been said, but the best thing you can do is ride it. If you do ride it though make sure it's ready for the winter, and looked after during the winter months. Prepped with ACF50, washed off regularly, especially after being ridden when road salts are down, I use something called salt away, used for the marine industry but it can be pretty much used on anything. Pay particular attention to your chain and make sure it's cleaned and lubed properly. Don't forget yourself as well, decent quality waterproof, warm gear, makes all the difference when riding in the crappy weather. If you do store it, preferably under cover of a garage or shed. Clean the bike thoroughly first then apply a liberal coating of ACF50, I usually use a rag if applying anywhere near the brakes or discs, don't be afraid to get it on the plastic parts of your bike. Top the fuel of with E5 as Mississippi said, or use a fuel stabiliser. Plug it in to a battery optimiser, optimate is a good choice, or remove the battery altogether (it'll still need maintaining though). Pump tyres to correct pressures and keep the bike on it centre stand (Rotate the front wheel occasionally) or use front and rear paddock stands (help prevent flat spots). Last but not least, cover the bike with a breathable cover. The only bike I ever really stored was a Fireblade I had some years ago, I used to also change the oil and filter prior to storage. If you do store it in a garage or shed, a low wattage (cheap to run), garage heater also helps keep the condensation away.

Have a good one

Happy Birthday

Have a good one

Consensus does seem that the 30 will become permanent. We got stuck behind a line of traffic, all doing about 20-25mph, all the way over in 1st, occasionally 2nd gear. I'll definitely be avoiding that road in the future if that's the new speed restriction. I aint no speed fiend anymore but 30 is just taking the piss.

It wasn't too bad when we were up there. Wet and misty so I supposed that kept a few of them away. The road is pretty rough in places, the cafe / bar at the other end made the journey worthwhile though. One dick head up there in a camper van, I think he obviously thought we could somehow miraculously levitate over the top of his vehicle .... He left us with nowhere to go and then sat in the driver seat cursing, demonstrating his inability to reverse back down to a passing spot that he should have stopped at in the first place.

Just had a few days in the Lakes with a couple of mates and my wife. Did three of the passes on one day, (see the map, blagged this of someone before I went in GPX format). mixed bag of weather, and the first time I've done Hardknott and Wrynose two up. Roads around the Lake District, in some areas, have totally gone to crap. Massive pot holes and loose surfaces. Kirkstone Pass is 30mph for its entirety, no one seems to know if this is permanent or not, and there's apparently talk among locals, that the council are wanting to close Hardknott and wrynose pass to all vehicles, not sure how true this is. That said, we all had a good few days away, bit of a pre TT trip which isn't that far away now.

Enjoy the day

This may be of interest to the Beamer riders within the group. What really annoys me about this, is that, apparently, and according to ADV Pulse website, BMW have known about, and been investigating this issue since 2020. https://www.advpulse.com/adv-news/bmw-issues-recall-on-r1250gs-gsa-for-gearbox-input-shaft-failure/. I may be totally off tack here, but it almost feels like BMW are using it's customers as live crash test dummies! I was discussing this with a couple of mates last night, apparently, the bikes mainly affected, are those used off road, especially where they have gone over jumps, where landing will cause the rear wheel to lock, which may cause damage to the input shaft?

All the best

I use the Biker Tidy on the wall in my garage. Good bit of kit, keeps things organised, off the floor, and aired out. https://www.get-tidy.com/the-big-one

Here's another one to throw into the mix .... Although really, I can't see the fun in this

Happy Birthday, have a good un ....

I like it, no ambiguity that I could see and very little left to personal interpretation.

Is this the same technology that was reportedly killing motorcyclists in the States, because the forward facing radar, or whatever it is, didn't recognise their presence till it was too late?

I think they come here from Scotland on their holidays ....

Nominating myself for this today! .... Fob for my keyless ignition, "which TBF I'm not a big fan of", but it is what it is, needed a new battery. So I bought a twin pack, Duracell batteries, replaced the battery and it didn't work! A few minutes, and some swearing later, I got the other battery and replaced it again .... FFS still not working. I assumed it was either a faulty batch of batteries or my fob had gone tits up. I went into town with the wife and called in at the BMW dealer with my fob, regaled him with my story of woe, and got him to have a look at the fob. Fifteen seconds later he had the problem fixed. I hadn't realised that there was a small sticker on the back of the Duracell batteries that needed to be removed for the battery to function! .... Left the shop feeling like a right dick head along with my wife who took pleasure in rubbing salt into the wounds.

Summer is when the rain gets warmer

You’re right there, you can have four seasons in one day depending on which part of the rock you travel to

Well, wasn't expecting all this crap on the mountain road today!

1981 just started my Army training as a junior leader ….. only feels like yesterday