10 mph on every gear. Same quick shift as GS, it’s much smoother. Better release hill hold. Quick release paneer / luggage holders. Radar cruise. Matrix lights. Satnav full picture in TFT. Electric visor with 30% more movement.
I got mine in 2023 and I love it. That said, I fully agree with your comments but I'm not under pressure to move to a 1300 that soon. I'll sure wait 2 - 3 years. Thanks ✌
Hey man - thanks for posting your stuff. On the windshield: you're not riding fast enough. Get her up to 80+ mph and you're in the bubble. I wish the RS had a direct-to-battery DIN plug on the left side for the 'lectric jacket liner. I've got a Powerlet one on mine, mounted in between the left side passenger peg struts. Works like a champ. Garmin Nav VI is worth it. You can set up a custom, detailed ride in BaseCamp, then load it onto your Nav VI. Keep on rockin' in a free world, man.
Thanks for the tips! On the highway I’m always doing 80+ but there’s no clean air bubble on my bike. That’s why I had to buy the little wind spoiler that helps a lot. Thanks for tuning in and commenting.
I only use the quick shifter when I’m getting on the throttle which seems more often than not. The shifter is a bit smoother if you wind it out past 6k revs. When I’m going for a relaxed ride I use the clutch.
I ride a gen 3 fjr with the stock screen but have also added the mini screen on top . I’m always adjusting it depending on the weather and the speed I’m travelling and like most farkles if you’ve never had it you don’t miss it , I’d find it a real drag now not having that little convenience
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. Agree I used to take mine off when I wasn’t moto-vlogging, but I now leave it on full time. Also my blaze saddle bags were only on for a trip I had out to the twisted sisters. The plan was to remove them when I got home, but they’re so convenient and they look great I ended up leaving them on. Now I can pick stuff up at the store or bring things with me like all my camera gear.
I use the connected app with the map on my phone and the turns on the tft. Works well. Switch the auto dimming off on your phone and set to full brightness when riding in sun. As for bags, they don’t give them away, they get added to the price of the bike, and if you don’t like BMW bags, you’d be paying for something you don’t like. Will be interesting to see what they can do to make the new bike better, 1250RS is a massively under-rated bike imo.
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. I appreciate it. The auto dimming and full brightness doesn’t help here in the Texas summer. The phone overheats and shuts off.
I think you hit most of the points. I would add changing the forks to the same as the R would make it turn faster. The quickshift works better if you have high revs but keep the throttle stilll when changing (except 1-2). Shad have just released extensible panniers which look usefully thin.
thanks for checking out the video and sharing your insights appreciate it. In the past if I was going to use my quick shifter in the lower gears I would get the revs up to at least 7000. Now that I have tuned the bike with BTMoto, among many of the improvements is the fact that the quick shifter is now smoother. It’s still not in line for or in line 6 smooth after all it’s still a boxer but it has improved considerably.
Ah Ok, you mean the Garmin. According to the BMW Ambassador Shawn Thomas at his 1300 GS presentation I recorded, BMW is now working with Tom Tom not Garmin. Anyway, I don't have either. If you didn't see the presentation, here's the link: ruclips.net/video/-hOohWCOK-Q/видео.htmlsi=x3ul0iH26ClYA06m
I think the only disadvantage of the 1250 RS is that it is a bit oversized and therefore not so maneuverable in the curves. With the quickshifter I had no problems, I even find it better than on the Suzuki? The 1300 RS, which is due to follow in 2025, looks a bit taller according to the preliminary photos, it seems to be heading a bit towards the XR, which I think is absolutely the wrong way to go. BMW still needs a mid-range sports bike and not half a GS!
Thanks for checking out the video and including your comment and insights. I found the RS to be quite maneuverable. However if memory serves, I believe it’s wheelbase is a little longer than the RT which increases stability but sacrifices a bit of maneuverability
I had a test ride on the R1300GS and noticed the following in relation to my "old" R1200 RS: Some more power in the engine, it's fun to drive in 2 or 3 gears at 4,000 - 5,000 rpm. and then give full throttle and drive off on the rear wheel. 😊But it will probably be less pronounced when we are talking about an R1300 RS, where the center of gravity is further forward. The gearbox and thus the Quick-shift is quite a bit better to operate than on mine. It may be a deliberate choice by BMW, but I wonder if the engine should sound like a worn-out Ducati from 1950. A Honda boxer certainly doesn't! Well, it was nice and easy to ride and is probably just the thing for those who already have a "tuber jumper" 😊
glad to hear you enjoyed your test ride. Next month the 1300 GS will be stopping by my local dealer for us to look at, but unfortunately no opportunities to test ride.
I sold a '07 R1200s 3 years ago (owned for 7 years and racked up 69K miles) and a '98 R1100s (owned for 7 years and racked up 85K miles) before that. I find it strange that all the used R1250RS that I see have less than 15K. I am going to check out a used '23 RS tomorrow and it only has 1,356 miles. Why are people disappointed with this model in particular? I currently own a '13 R1200GS (owned for 3 years and have racked up 28K miles). I love it under speed, but it's 2" too tall and too heavy. What am I missing about the RS? I have test ridden a '22 and a '23 and would have to have the high seat, 31.2" makes the knee angle to acute for my 62 year old body.
It really is an underappreciated bike. As a result I don’t think BMW makes that many because my dealership only gets a handful per year. Mine is a 2020 and I have 30,000 miles on it I plan on putting at least another 30k on it. Thanks for checking out the channel and sharing your insights.
@@Texas2Tires yea, my dealer said they made less that 900 in 2024. I loved it and can't wait to buy one. I know the R1200S was only imported to the US in 2007 and the #'s I found were less then 430. It was a amazing bike. 125hp (ish) and less than 500 lbs wet.
I wish the RS would be fitted with the F900XR bracket for carrying the panniers instead of the GS bracket. The F900XR bracket is stylish in my opinion and suits the RS perfectly. The RS is not a rugged on and offroad bike to begin with so im wondering why the GS bracket. The panniers that i had are the same from the F900XR unless they provide the same size like the RT or K1600 then it makes sense to use the GS bracket.
I took my brackets off because I don’t use panniers. I like the SW Motech panniers for the RS. They look a lot better than those bulbous BMW panniers. Just my opinion though.
I think you need to do a video on how you keep it so clean...or maybe it's easier in Texas! The MRA vario Touring Screen resolved wind blast completely for me (I know, it depends on your height etc etc).
Thanks for checking out the video and your idea about sharing my cleaning regiment. It really isn’t much. I wash it. Top the bottom three times a year. In between, I spray it down with distilled water, and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.
Great video and what a surprise! This is a very interesting question that you presented to your viewers today. I recently got a 2023 RS and really like the bike and think that it was of the best bikes on the market pound for pound. I thought about waiting to see if the 2024 RS was going to have the 1300 in it and upgrades but learned that the 2024 is pretty much the same as the 2023. I thought about the GS 1300 but felt that it was a lot of bike for the kind of riding that I am doing but I like the rugged look and the upgrades. The earlier model RS 1100, which I owned years ago had a Telelever which I wish this bike still had like the earlier model that I owned. Getting rid of the Telelever was one of the reasons it took me a while to decide to get this bike because that was a big deal to me. However, the current suspension is fine but I know that would be a huge upgrade to the bike and the suspension would be better. The GS and RT still have the Telelever so I know that it significant but they stop including it save costs, which I would be willing to pay for it. Also, my earlier RS 1100 had a knob to adjust the windscreen which I thought was better than pulling the windscreen up. And to your point, for a premium bike it should have these touches to it but I know that would push the bike up in price a bit but it would be worth it when paying this kind of money anyway. Also, when I purchased my RS 1100 it came with saddle bags and it was a great bike. The new GS 1300 is sleeker looking than the current bike and maybe had I known that I would have considered that as a bike instead of the RS to get those features. I will take a look at it when it arrives. If one comes to your area I would like to see you test ride it. So, the question is would you consider the GS 1300 now since it has the upgrades that you mentioned? Also, did the quick shifter change with the newer RS models? Or is it the same? Or are you sticking with the RS? You flirt with Ducati and Moto Guzzi folks now this. One day I am going to see you with a different bike. LOL
Thanks for all the insights and comments. I really like my RS even though it doesn’t have all the things I mentioned in the video. I will most likely get an RS again after the 1300 comes out. So probably 2025 or 2026.
@@Texas2Tires Thanks! I also wanted to ask you do you keep or put your bike on a battery charger to make sure the battery maintains power? And if so, do you have the BMW one? Thanks
I'm about to purchase one. Where did you read about the '24 RS??? I ❤ the idea of a blind spot indicator. I'm curious what upgrades the 24 had vs the 23.
The heat off the cylinder heads on my feet was too much. Connected Ride is a complete joke. I'm not a great fan of the quick shifter. Screen could be better. I've just experienced my first Exhaust Control Valve failure, that's a massive mess. However it's a great mile muncher
Thanks for checking out the video and sharing your insights. I’ve never experienced too much heat coming off the cylinder heads and I ride in 100 + degree summer weather here in Texas. I find that riding around the wind evenly cools those heads. My quick shifter smoothed out a lot after I tuned the bike with BrenTune. I don’t use the connected app at all other than to have it post the speed limits on the TFT. The rest of it is useless. The screen creates nasty head buffeting. Exhaust valve issue sounds problematic my friend got rid of his and went with open Akrapovic headers. Only downside is lack of back pressure which can cause the bike to stall. Definitely sounds a lot louder.
1 - dont use a QS from 1st to 2nd - 2 : start the bike in first and you don't get any clunk...but my 1200RS never clunks changing to into 1st when cold...
I know the anticipation of the 1300 is tempting. Biggest thing is a lot of people thing it should keep up true sport bikes, and the RS is more refined.. I am not sure I want to go that fast.
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. I’m only interested in the new tech not the more hp and torque. For example, I understand the quick shifter has been smoothed out. Blind spot warning lights and other tech improvements that are not included on my 2020 R1250RS. The increase in hp and torque isn’t very much, so it’s not like owning the RS then switching to M 1000 RR with over 200 hp.
Thanks for the video 👍. I’ve only got 800+ miles my 2023 RS. Changed out to lower & wider foot pegs. Added the extensions on the the mirror stalks, added the 12mm(?) bar just above the TFT screen & added the mount for my other MC ‘s Garmin Zumo 396 GPS. Easy to swap GPS from bike to bike. Still haven’t figured out how to use my IPhone on the BMW extra mount made to interface with the apple phone. I have to remove its phone cover, which sucks to get it to proximity charge. I suppose I could run a cable to the unit’s platform … . Not much power/torque at low rpm imo, but above 4K it really takes off. Not used to this horizontal twin I guess… . The BMW bags/panniers were expensive. Still, I had to have something, no room to store much of anything without the bags. They work. I want a rear tire mud/water guard like you have. Looks good & functional I’m thinking. I also want a rear trunk/upper hard case, but bmws top trunk seems small & … expensive like the side panniers. The new GPS mount/bar works great, fits just above the TFT, and since I like Garmin I have, (not bmw’s gps) I can use it easily. No bike is perfect for each one without a few mods. At least there are some options to choose from for a few items. I like the color of yours, mine is white… it’s ok. 👍😎
Thanks for your insights. You’ve done a lot to your bike already. You really made it your own. BMW really needs to open up CarPlay on the TFT so we can use our iPhones. Everything should be running through the TFT so people like me don’t need to place the iPhone out in the sun and heat. Thanks again for commenting. Safe journeys!
@@RF-dg4ib Hornig. They are a German company. Mirror Extensions for BMW R 1250 RS ~ A bit on the high side of pricey + Shipping cost isn’t cheap either 🤷♂️. I ordered all of what I wanted (and could afford at one time to save on shipping back to the states). What I wanted, they had, and I didn’t really find exactly the same things offered elsewhere. (Plus, some of what I might have considered as alternatives cost even more at other German businesses!) Look around (more than I might have, you might find what you are looking for cheaper, but I don’t honestly know). Good luck. No complains on the quality of what I got though!👍😎
A very interesting video assessing the advantages of the newer model; keep in mind there will be a newer model and a newer model so the merry-go-round is there for those who wish to keep jumping on. I didn't hear you mention the rear pod, any chance of letting me know who supplies this article?
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. The pod came from Sergeant seat. I bought a new sergeant seat and the pod together. I have a video about it. You can check it out here. ruclips.net/video/002r_-04nf4/видео.htmlsi=GFjwtwOSjyWuYEoo
I wish there were handlebar options. My arms and shoulders get tired after a couple hundred miles and that's with stops. I bought the helibar risers but I need just a little bit more.
@@susandavis5833 I was on a recent group ride in company with four RS’s and noticed only one had the standard handlebar setup. One of the bikes was fitted with GS bars which looked quite a relaxed setup as higher and wider than the RS bars.
When you suggest more horsepower you fail to acknowledge that for driving on American highways, even you exceed speed limit a bit, you have all the HP you need.
great discussion! I don’t think i would prefer a power operated windscreen, but they should definitely do what you’re saying! All great ideas! I’m hoping that with the extra punch from the 1300 boxer they change the geometry of the R and/or RS to make them handle a little more quickly. it seems crazy that the GS and the RT should handle better than the ones that are supposed to be sporty! I have a K1300S. It’s long and heavy. Because of its weight, it is super-planted through curves and it can do pretty much anything i ask of it (or force out of it) but it takes a little more work through tight curves than would be optimal for fun. I recognize that may be a compromise for long haul stability but - having ridden a Suzuki SV650 from Nashville to austin and back (including through the Ozarks), I would prefer a little more sport in sporty. Anyway, THANK YOU!
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting with all your insights, great stuff. Since this video, I have recently done a complete titanium Akrapovic system and tuned the bike with a BrenTune from BT Moto. It’s like having a new bike now with more torque, hp and less weight. Really incredible!!! I’ve been told the new 1300 will be heading to the R, RS and RT platforms and that quick shifter has been smoothed out, which will be great.
@@Texas2Tires Oh, that’s awesome! I bet it does feel new. I just heard about BT Moto recently so it’s very cool to hear from someone who has experience with them. I bet your bike sounds awesome, too!
@@graylunsford I would say the bike sounds much better, but not awesome when compared to an inline 4 sportbike with a slip on or a HD with a cam and aftermarket slip ons.
@@Texas2Tiresi know what you mean but my taste lately has been for the Yamaha triple (ideally with pipe and end can) or Aprilia V4. A guy at Nashville Motos has an R1250R with Arrow exhaust and that thing sounds like a freaking helicopter (wup wup wup wup wup…) gives me goosebumps just thinking about it! By the way, I love Austin area.
I ran my 1250RS till earlier this year. I used to have Speed Triples up till then, the last being the last of the 1050's. The Speed Triples handled amazing, however I wanted shaft drive for euro trips. The RS was perfect, so I thought. Once I got the terrible stock tyres off for the Mich 6's. It was even better. Then the RS went in for its big service, I was given a 1250R. I thought this was the same bike, without the fairing. How wrong I was. The 1250R handles so much better, a lot better, no more forced dropping into corners, or reverse steering. The difference, the front axle on the RS is kicked out from under the forks, on the R, the axle is directly beneath the forks, transforming the handling, OK, its not as stable at high speed, but overall, much more fun. This is the main change they need to make. Oh yes, I now have the R1250R in my garage.... P.S. Get the Mudsling to protect the rear suspension!! Very clean look, still gets filthy in the rain, so the hugger is better overall, but if you don't like the look, the Mudsling is better.
Thank you for watching the video and sharing your insights. That’s really interesting information about the R version. Friend of mine has an R but I never wrote it before so I can’t share your experience. I found the stock tires on mine were OK. They were Metzlers, but like you, I swapped them out for the Michelin Road six, which, in my opinion are much better. Thanks again for watching and sharing your insights on the R1250R. Safe journeys!!!
I had the Speed Triple RS prior to the 1250. Agree that the Speed or the 1250R are much better handling and those stock Metzlers belong in a landfill. Last week I tried the Speed RR... it's amazing and the quick shifter is the star but it has clip ons a bit too low. Rode home on my RS and thought why am I tolerating this damn kachunk quick shifter. The hunt is on for something lighter, with a smooth quick shifter and ability to take some bags.
This is interesting to me. I have heard this before, that the R1250R "naked" bike is more fun to ride. The selling point in favor of the RS is that for touring you'd like to have more wind protection, but it sounds like the wind protection is not that great, or needs aftermarket windscreens to get just right. It seems to me, if you want wind protection you really want the RT and if you don't care as much you might as well go for the sportier R1250R.
Hi, Yep, I wanted to stay 'sporty', hence the RS, but now having ridden the 1250R more, this is definitely a more fun bike. I have a small screen fitted & to be honest, there ain't too much wind blast. As to the other shaft drives, I just don't like the Bulk of the RT & I don't want a GS. I appreciate the GS & the front under heavy braking is just a whole new standard with NO dive... @@bunshoft
There's some nice things coming with the new model. Have you talked to your dealer about the trade in value for the 1250? I did and I was shocked. Moving to the 1300 with the dealer fees, taxes and low trade in value may not be worth it. But as my dealer said take off all the aftermarket stuff like the seat, the exhaust, the Sargeant tail bag, Puig hugger and even the BMW panniers and eBay them because they are worth nothing on trade.
I haven’t talked to the dealer because I’m not in the market to trade my bike in. Trade-ins to the dealer you’re always gonna get a low price when it’s time for me to get rid of my RS I will sell it on my own you can get a lot more also I’m not under pressure to sell it quickly so if it doesn’t sell right away, that’s not a problem either. All the extras I would remove and see if some of them would transfer to the new bike. If not, I would just sell them on Facebook or eBay like you mentioned. However, if you sell the bike on your own, those extras could be selling points to a person looking at other RS that are stock. I still have all my stock parts like my stock seat, my stock exhaust my stock windscreen etc. Just in case I need them when I go to sell it otherwise I’ll sell them individually on Facebook or eBay when the time comes. The new engines, extra horsepower and torque is not that much so it doesn’t really excite me what I am more excited about is the new gearbox and a smooth quick shifter Thank you for checking out the video and sharing your thoughts, I appreciate it.
@Texas2Tires I just read this and your perspective is different and surprising. So you have a 2020 and I have a 2023. Did they change or improve the gear box? Mine seems smooth.
@@p-dub7422 not exactly sure, but the dealer told me they made small improvements. However, the new 1300 boxer has a new gearbox and is supposed to be much better. All my friends that have a boxer with a quick shifter as well as many commenters here agree the shifter is only smooth in the higher gear shifts like 4th - 6th, but 1st - 3rd is clunky. Glad to hear yours is smooth. I have a friend that has a 23 RS; I’m going to double check with him. Perhaps 23 is much better than the previous years.
@Texas2Tires I must confess that I was riding a 2010 police road king before my 2023 RS, so getting a new bike with upgraded technology I might realize that it's clunky. Lol. Also, I may have tried the quick shifter once when I brought the bike home from the dealer. I would be interested to know what your friend thinks.
It already has it if you have the bmw gos, just open the maps on your phone and it automatically sync to your gps, I use mine all the time and my phone stays in my packet
Sounds like you're almost ready for an RT 😂 like most I've been watching the videos on the 1300GS and to replace my current 1250GS TE with the 1300 it would cost over £20,000 here in the uk where as a new 1250RS with the same spec my current GS has is around £3500 cheaper. Although the extra power and torque would be nice the RS already feels more responsive than the outgoing 1250GS because of it's lower gearing. I have a machine art mudsling on my GS which I prefer as it protects all the shock and electronics and I think BMW will never fit a hugger to the RS because it a single sided swing arm so mounting one that won't fail because you can only mount it on the final drive hub would be difficult. Certainly things like a better QS would be nice, but I just accept the one on my GS for what it is and use the clutch where required instead so to me it's not a deal breaker. A electric screen would be nice and I agree the OE one is poor, but as I'm saving so much money compared to buying a new GS you can put a MRA Vario screen on to replace it. I also agree the blind spot indicator would be a great addition too, but once you start adding stuff to your bike on the configurator the price soon escalates and all those extras don't add value here in the uk when you trade it in so you're effectively adding them for your convenience at a financial cost to yourself which the dealers love as it makes your bike easier to sell and the subsequent owners effectively get all those goodies for free.
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. You make a lot of great points and all these mods and extras are subjective to each rider. My thinking is BMW is already a high-end or luxury brand motorcycle, and should come with all the bells and whistles, because even a strip down version is still more expensive than most other motorcycles. I will probably wait one or two years after the new RS 1300 comes out before I consider buying one but having a smooth, quick shifter, adaptive, cruise control, blindside indicators, and all the stuff I talked about in the video would be really nice to have. Thanks again for tuning in and sharing your insights.
@@Texas2Tires I certainly agree there should be a "bells and whistles" version of all their bikes and to some extent there is here as they do a "SE" version of the RS which is the standard bike plus the dynamic and touring packs but without the comfort one so no keyless, heated grips or TPMS as standard. The 1300 GS has a TE version which I think includes the touring and dynamic packs but not the comfort pack (so no electric screen or centre stand) adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection or the ride height reduction which together add over £1700 to the cost pushing the price up to over £20,000 in the UK. It's getting rather silly!
@@Bazza47 oh and I’m not ready for an RT. Moving from an RS to an RT is rough because you lose power due to the heavier weight and also that huge fairing makes the front end heavy and not nearly as flickable.
I have the R naked model. So the screen criticism doesn't count. But, I agree with everything else you said. The clunk into 1st is pretty loud. But, it's nowhere near as bad as a Harley. What is the ball mount you are using to hold the QuadLoc on with? My bike has standard handlebars (not clipons), and there isn't much room to add a mounts. But, the one you have seems to click into the mirror mount. That would probably work for me too.. Cheers.
Hi, thanks for sharing. I got the 1250RT and it has a lot of the features you would like to have on the RS. I know, the design is not as sportive as in the RS, but the comfort, man, the comfort and wind/ weather protection are outstanding. Add the bags, the huge TFT with split screen and navigation via the BMW connected app and a case for the iphone with a vent. And once it rolls you will appreciate that it is a sports tourer as well. As for the 1300 I always recommend to wait at least 2-3 years as they usually have some flaws in the first model years. Ride on!
Thanks for checking out the video and for your excellent insights to the RT. I have a few friends that have them. I also test road one during a BMW demo day. Solid bike and yes much more comfortable. The only downsides are the price which is about $10k more than the RS and my friends complain about too much wind protection. During the hot summer months here in Texas, we need the wind to cool down. With all that said, it is in contention for my next bike. I love the boxer engine, it’s truly an amazing motor.
Well that’s the thing with bikes, there’s always something cool to buy and make it your own. Latest addition for me is a BrenTune from BT-Moto and a full titanium exhaust from Akrapovic. It now runs like a new bike. Thanks for stopping by the channel and commenting, appreciate it.
@@Texas2Tires i just bought a RS on friday, it will arrive in 3 weeks or so.. he told me thats not a full connected navi system, but a connectivity with google maps and small visuel advice in the screen like "turn left on A9" with an arrow... something like that... i will check it out then ! greetings from styria, austria!
@@prinzeugen1503 Congratulations on the new RS, very cool! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine. Through BMW's connected app, you can get turn signals on the TFT, but in my opinion they aren't ideal. I just use my phone with google maps connected to my SENA Mesh in my shoei helmet, so I can listen to music, take phone calls, send text messages using SIRI and get voice turn by turn directions from google. If you remember, let me know how you like the RS after a week or so of riding. I just used google maps on my computer to look up Styria. Then I used the little google guy to place on a random road to see what the environment looks like. Amazing, the random road I chose was not only amazing looking, but there were two motorcycle riders on the road in front of the google map car. The area I picked was on Route 77 near Kannesberg looks like really beautiful riding. Safe journeys.
I just posted some pictures of Route 77 on my facebook ( Jeff Texastwotires ) to my motorcycle friends and told them how I randomly found this road because of your comment. So amazing, small world. This is definitely the best part of social media and internet bringing people together.
@@Texas2Tires Okay ! My homtown is very near Arnold Schwarzenegger grew up. Here winter is coming now with temperatures between +5 and -25 C, i will write you a first review in april, it will be a hard winter to wait... Thanks for your answer and best greetings to Austin !
Yes it’s a Sargent seat, super comfortable. It lowered me down about an inch or so. I have a video all about that seat. Check it out: ruclips.net/video/002r_-04nf4/видео.htmlsi=H7rsKIH-Ff2_lHYV
Many great points. I love this bike. I use it primarily for commuting, so I like having the BMW bags to stop by the grocery store on my way home from work. Totally agree with your assessment of the quick shifter. I have resigned myself to just using the clutch on 1-2 and 2-3. Then when I hop on my GTL I find myself needlessly using the clutch out of habit. Regarding the windscreen, I quickly replaced it with a taller screen. The OEM looks cool but is useless. Electric would be nice, but if they could simply shape the screen to make it more useful it would be fine. Totally agree with backlit buttons. On a bike of this caliber there is no excuse. I am not a fan of adaptive cruise even on cars, but lane change indicators would be awesome. I ALWAYS do headchecks, but have on occasion failed to see upcoming traffic. Also appreciate your comments on Apple CarPlay and the like. That is currently a big hold up for updating my GTL. I don’t plan on touring with the RS, but there are many that do. I do have the Garmin Nav which comes in handy on the occasional jaunt to the mountains. Great video. I appreciate seeing a video on a bike from someone who actually rides the bike, rather than someone who is doing a 30 minute ride/review on a bike they have never ridden or seemingly never read about in advance.
Thanks for watching the video and commenting, really appreciate it. Well if I had a K1600 I wouldn’t bother touring on the RS either. The K1600 is an amazing bike. My friend just bought one and in the past I’ve test rode them. Like riding on a cloud powered by a Ferrari engine. So smooth and that quick shifter as you mentioned is butter! As I don’t tour long distances, I don’t actually need adaptive cruise, I just use the manual lever to increase or decrease speed. However, eating up many miles in traffic on the freeway, I would guess it must come in handy.
![Lethal Company Music Video 🎵 "Follow The Orders" [VERSION A]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QeooZB4Z7RA/mqdefault.jpg)
10 mph on every gear.
Same quick shift as GS, it’s much smoother.
Better release hill hold.
Quick release paneer / luggage holders.
Radar cruise.
Matrix lights.
Satnav full picture in TFT.
Electric visor with 30% more movement.
Nice wish list.
I got mine in 2023 and I love it. That said, I fully agree with your comments but I'm not under pressure to move to a 1300 that soon. I'll sure wait 2 - 3 years. Thanks ✌
I’m waiting as well until 2025 or 2026. Since you just got yours, I’d wait a while as well. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Hey man - thanks for posting your stuff. On the windshield: you're not riding fast enough. Get her up to 80+ mph and you're in the bubble. I wish the RS had a direct-to-battery DIN plug on the left side for the 'lectric jacket liner. I've got a Powerlet one on mine, mounted in between the left side passenger peg struts. Works like a champ. Garmin Nav VI is worth it. You can set up a custom, detailed ride in BaseCamp, then load it onto your Nav VI. Keep on rockin' in a free world, man.
Thanks for the tips! On the highway I’m always doing 80+ but there’s no clean air bubble on my bike. That’s why I had to buy the little wind spoiler that helps a lot. Thanks for tuning in and commenting.
BMW recommend the quick shifter is used after 3 rd gear for smoothness , I prefer clutch anyway so not really bothered.
I only use the quick shifter when I’m getting on the throttle which seems more often than not. The shifter is a bit smoother if you wind it out past 6k revs. When I’m going for a relaxed ride I use the clutch.
I ride a gen 3 fjr with the stock screen but have also added the mini screen on top . I’m always adjusting it depending on the weather and the speed I’m travelling and like most farkles if you’ve never had it you don’t miss it , I’d find it a real drag now not having that little convenience
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. Agree I used to take mine off when I wasn’t moto-vlogging, but I now leave it on full time. Also my blaze saddle bags were only on for a trip I had out to the twisted sisters. The plan was to remove them when I got home, but they’re so convenient and they look great I ended up leaving them on. Now I can pick stuff up at the store or bring things with me like all my camera gear.
I use the connected app with the map on my phone and the turns on the tft. Works well. Switch the auto dimming off on your phone and set to full brightness when riding in sun. As for bags, they don’t give them away, they get added to the price of the bike, and if you don’t like BMW bags, you’d be paying for something you don’t like.
Will be interesting to see what they can do to make the new bike better, 1250RS is a massively under-rated bike imo.
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. I appreciate it. The auto dimming and full brightness doesn’t help here in the Texas summer. The phone overheats and shuts off.
I think you hit most of the points. I would add changing the forks to the same as the R would make it turn faster. The quickshift works better if you have high revs but keep the throttle stilll when changing (except 1-2). Shad have just released extensible panniers which look usefully thin.
thanks for checking out the video and sharing your insights appreciate it. In the past if I was going to use my quick shifter in the lower gears I would get the revs up to at least 7000. Now that I have tuned the bike with BTMoto, among many of the improvements is the fact that the quick shifter is now smoother. It’s still not in line for or in line 6 smooth after all it’s still a boxer but it has improved considerably.
No, you have to have the BMW gps navigator, once connected your maps transfer Bluetooth to it
Ah Ok, you mean the Garmin. According to the BMW Ambassador Shawn Thomas at his 1300 GS presentation I recorded, BMW is now working with Tom Tom not Garmin. Anyway, I don't have either. If you didn't see the presentation, here's the link: ruclips.net/video/-hOohWCOK-Q/видео.htmlsi=x3ul0iH26ClYA06m
I think the only disadvantage of the 1250 RS is that it is a bit oversized and therefore not so maneuverable in the curves.
With the quickshifter I had no problems, I even find it better than on the Suzuki?
The 1300 RS, which is due to follow in 2025, looks a bit taller according to the preliminary photos,
it seems to be heading a bit towards the XR, which I think is absolutely the wrong way to go.
BMW still needs a mid-range sports bike and not half a GS!
Thanks for checking out the video and including your comment and insights. I found the RS to be quite maneuverable. However if memory serves, I believe it’s wheelbase is a little longer than the RT which increases stability but sacrifices a bit of maneuverability
I had a test ride on the R1300GS and noticed the following in relation to my "old" R1200 RS: Some more power in the engine, it's fun to drive in 2 or 3 gears at 4,000 - 5,000 rpm. and then give full throttle and drive off on the rear wheel. 😊But it will probably be less pronounced when we are talking about an R1300 RS, where the center of gravity is further forward. The gearbox and thus the Quick-shift is quite a bit better to operate than on mine.
It may be a deliberate choice by BMW, but I wonder if the engine should sound like a worn-out Ducati from 1950. A Honda boxer certainly doesn't! Well, it was nice and easy to ride and is probably just the thing for those who already have a "tuber jumper" 😊
glad to hear you enjoyed your test ride. Next month the 1300 GS will be stopping by my local dealer for us to look at, but unfortunately no opportunities to test ride.
I sold a '07 R1200s 3 years ago (owned for 7 years and racked up 69K miles) and a '98 R1100s (owned for 7 years and racked up 85K miles) before that. I find it strange that all the used R1250RS that I see have less than 15K. I am going to check out a used '23 RS tomorrow and it only has 1,356 miles. Why are people disappointed with this model in particular? I currently own a '13 R1200GS (owned for 3 years and have racked up 28K miles). I love it under speed, but it's 2" too tall and too heavy. What am I missing about the RS? I have test ridden a '22 and a '23 and would have to have the high seat, 31.2" makes the knee angle to acute for my 62 year old body.
It really is an underappreciated bike. As a result I don’t think BMW makes that many because my dealership only gets a handful per year. Mine is a 2020 and I have 30,000 miles on it I plan on putting at least another 30k on it. Thanks for checking out the channel and sharing your insights.
@@Texas2Tires yea, my dealer said they made less that 900 in 2024. I loved it and can't wait to buy one. I know the R1200S was only imported to the US in 2007 and the #'s I found were less then 430. It was a amazing bike. 125hp (ish) and less than 500 lbs wet.
I wish the RS would be fitted with the F900XR bracket for carrying the panniers instead of the GS bracket. The F900XR bracket is stylish in my opinion and suits the RS perfectly. The RS is not a rugged on and offroad bike to begin with so im wondering why the GS bracket. The panniers that i had are the same from the F900XR unless they provide the same size like the RT or K1600 then it makes sense to use the GS bracket.
I took my brackets off because I don’t use panniers. I like the SW Motech panniers for the RS. They look a lot better than those bulbous BMW panniers. Just my opinion though.
I think you need to do a video on how you keep it so clean...or maybe it's easier in Texas! The MRA vario Touring Screen resolved wind blast completely for me (I know, it depends on your height etc etc).
Thanks for checking out the video and your idea about sharing my cleaning regiment. It really isn’t much. I wash it. Top the bottom three times a year. In between, I spray it down with distilled water, and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.
Great video and what a surprise! This is a very interesting question that you presented to your viewers today. I recently got a 2023 RS and really like the bike and think that it was of the best bikes on the market pound for pound. I thought about waiting to see if the 2024 RS was going to have the 1300 in it and upgrades but learned that the 2024 is pretty much the same as the 2023. I thought about the GS 1300 but felt that it was a lot of bike for the kind of riding that I am doing but I like the rugged look and the upgrades. The earlier model RS 1100, which I owned years ago had a Telelever which I wish this bike still had like the earlier model that I owned. Getting rid of the Telelever was one of the reasons it took me a while to decide to get this bike because that was a big deal to me. However, the current suspension is fine but I know that would be a huge upgrade to the bike and the suspension would be better. The GS and RT still have the Telelever so I know that it significant but they stop including it save costs, which I would be willing to pay for it. Also, my earlier RS 1100 had a knob to adjust the windscreen which I thought was better than pulling the windscreen up. And to your point, for a premium bike it should have these touches to it but I know that would push the bike up in price a bit but it would be worth it when paying this kind of money anyway. Also, when I purchased my RS 1100 it came with saddle bags and it was a great bike. The new GS 1300 is sleeker looking than the current bike and maybe had I known that I would have considered that as a bike instead of the RS to get those features. I will take a look at it when it arrives. If one comes to your area I would like to see you test ride it. So, the question is would you consider the GS 1300 now since it has the upgrades that you mentioned? Also, did the quick shifter change with the newer RS models? Or is it the same? Or are you sticking with the RS? You flirt with Ducati and Moto Guzzi folks now this. One day I am going to see you with a different bike. LOL
Thanks for all the insights and comments. I really like my RS even though it doesn’t have all the things I mentioned in the video. I will most likely get an RS again after the 1300 comes out. So probably 2025 or 2026.
@@Texas2Tires Thanks! I also wanted to ask you do you keep or put your bike on a battery charger to make sure the battery maintains power? And if so, do you have the BMW one? Thanks
@@p-dub7422 yes I use the Optimate canbus that plugs into the DIN.
@@Texas2Tires I'm about to purchase one. What's the value of the battery hook up? I'm not familiar with them.
I'm about to purchase one. Where did you read about the '24 RS??? I ❤ the idea of a blind spot indicator. I'm curious what upgrades the 24 had vs the 23.
The heat off the cylinder heads on my feet was too much.
Connected Ride is a complete joke.
I'm not a great fan of the quick shifter.
Screen could be better.
I've just experienced my first Exhaust Control Valve failure, that's a massive mess.
However it's a great mile muncher
Thanks for checking out the video and sharing your insights. I’ve never experienced too much heat coming off the cylinder heads and I ride in 100 + degree summer weather here in Texas. I find that riding around the wind evenly cools those heads. My quick shifter smoothed out a lot after I tuned the bike with BrenTune. I don’t use the connected app at all other than to have it post the speed limits on the TFT. The rest of it is useless. The screen creates nasty head buffeting. Exhaust valve issue sounds problematic my friend got rid of his and went with open Akrapovic headers. Only downside is lack of back pressure which can cause the bike to stall. Definitely sounds a lot louder.
1 - dont use a QS from 1st to 2nd - 2 : start the bike in first and you don't get any clunk...but my 1200RS never clunks changing to into 1st when cold...
Nice to hear you don’t have issues with your QS.
I know the anticipation of the 1300 is tempting. Biggest thing is a lot of people thing it should keep up true sport bikes, and the RS is more refined.. I am not sure I want to go that fast.
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. I’m only interested in the new tech not the more hp and torque. For example, I understand the quick shifter has been smoothed out. Blind spot warning lights and other tech improvements that are not included on my 2020 R1250RS. The increase in hp and torque isn’t very much, so it’s not like owning the RS then switching to M 1000 RR with over 200 hp.
Thanks for the video 👍. I’ve only got 800+ miles my 2023 RS. Changed out to lower & wider foot pegs. Added the extensions on the the mirror stalks, added the 12mm(?) bar just above the TFT screen & added the mount for my other MC ‘s Garmin Zumo 396 GPS. Easy to swap GPS from bike to bike. Still haven’t figured out how to use my IPhone on the BMW extra mount made to interface with the apple phone. I have to remove its phone cover, which sucks to get it to proximity charge. I suppose I could run a cable to the unit’s platform … . Not much power/torque at low rpm imo, but above 4K it really takes off. Not used to this horizontal twin I guess… . The BMW bags/panniers were expensive. Still, I had to have something, no room to store much of anything without the bags. They work. I want a rear tire mud/water guard like you have. Looks good & functional I’m thinking. I also want a rear trunk/upper hard case, but bmws top trunk seems small & … expensive like the side panniers. The new GPS mount/bar works great, fits just above the TFT, and since I like Garmin I have, (not bmw’s gps) I can use it easily. No bike is perfect for each one without a few mods. At least there are some options to choose from for a few items. I like the color of yours, mine is white… it’s ok. 👍😎
Thanks for your insights. You’ve done a lot to your bike already. You really made it your own. BMW really needs to open up CarPlay on the TFT so we can use our iPhones. Everything should be running through the TFT so people like me don’t need to place the iPhone out in the sun and heat. Thanks again for commenting. Safe journeys!
Where did you get the mirror extensions, and what are they called?
@@RF-dg4ib Hornig. They are a German company. Mirror Extensions for BMW R 1250 RS ~ A bit on the high side of pricey + Shipping cost isn’t cheap either 🤷♂️. I ordered all of what I wanted (and could afford at one time to save on shipping back to the states). What I wanted, they had, and I didn’t really find exactly the same things offered elsewhere. (Plus, some of what I might have considered as alternatives cost even more at other German businesses!)
Look around (more than I might have, you might find what you are looking for cheaper, but I don’t honestly know). Good luck. No complains on the quality of what I got though!👍😎
A very interesting video assessing the advantages of the newer model; keep in mind there will be a newer model and a newer model so the merry-go-round is there for those who wish to keep jumping on. I didn't hear you mention the rear pod, any chance of letting me know who supplies this article?
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. The pod came from Sergeant seat. I bought a new sergeant seat and the pod together. I have a video about it. You can check it out here. ruclips.net/video/002r_-04nf4/видео.htmlsi=GFjwtwOSjyWuYEoo
I wish there were handlebar options. My arms and shoulders get tired after a couple hundred miles and that's with stops. I bought the helibar risers but I need just a little bit more.
Thanks for checking out the video. I hear you I get tired after a while too but I love the bike still
@@susandavis5833 I was on a recent group ride in company with four RS’s and noticed only one had the standard handlebar setup. One of the bikes was fitted with GS bars which looked quite a relaxed setup as higher and wider than the RS bars.
I’m more interested in upgrading my 2020 RS then my 2022 GSA
Might have to wait until 2025 for the new R 1300 RS. But hopefully it’s worth the wait
When you suggest more horsepower you fail to acknowledge that for driving on American highways, even you exceed speed limit a bit, you have all the HP you need.
I’m a proponent of more torque. In my opinion torque is more important and more fun than high hp when it comes to real world street riding.
great discussion!
I don’t think i would prefer a power operated windscreen, but they should definitely do what you’re saying! All great ideas!
I’m hoping that with the extra punch from the 1300 boxer they change the geometry of the R and/or RS to make them handle a little more quickly. it seems crazy that the GS and the RT should handle better than the ones that are supposed to be sporty! I have a K1300S. It’s long and heavy. Because of its weight, it is super-planted through curves and it can do pretty much anything i ask of it (or force out of it) but it takes a little more work through tight curves than would be optimal for fun. I recognize that may be a compromise for long haul stability but - having ridden a Suzuki SV650 from Nashville to austin and back (including through the Ozarks), I would prefer a little more sport in sporty. Anyway, THANK YOU!
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting with all your insights, great stuff. Since this video, I have recently done a complete titanium Akrapovic system and tuned the bike with a BrenTune from BT Moto. It’s like having a new bike now with more torque, hp and less weight. Really incredible!!! I’ve been told the new 1300 will be heading to the R, RS and RT platforms and that quick shifter has been smoothed out, which will be great.
@@Texas2Tires Oh, that’s awesome! I bet it does feel new. I just heard about BT Moto recently so it’s very cool to hear from someone who has experience with them. I bet your bike sounds awesome, too!
@@graylunsford I would say the bike sounds much better, but not awesome when compared to an inline 4 sportbike with a slip on or a HD with a cam and aftermarket slip ons.
@@Texas2Tiresi know what you mean but my taste lately has been for the Yamaha triple (ideally with pipe and end can) or Aprilia V4. A guy at Nashville Motos has an R1250R with Arrow exhaust and that thing sounds like a freaking helicopter (wup wup wup wup wup…) gives me goosebumps just thinking about it! By the way, I love Austin area.
I ran my 1250RS till earlier this year. I used to have Speed Triples up till then, the last being the last of the 1050's. The Speed Triples handled amazing, however I wanted shaft drive for euro trips. The RS was perfect, so I thought. Once I got the terrible stock tyres off for the Mich 6's. It was even better.
Then the RS went in for its big service, I was given a 1250R. I thought this was the same bike, without the fairing. How wrong I was. The 1250R handles so much better, a lot better, no more forced dropping into corners, or reverse steering.
The difference, the front axle on the RS is kicked out from under the forks, on the R, the axle is directly beneath the forks, transforming the handling, OK, its not as stable at high speed, but overall, much more fun.
This is the main change they need to make.
Oh yes, I now have the R1250R in my garage....
P.S. Get the Mudsling to protect the rear suspension!! Very clean look, still gets filthy in the rain, so the hugger is better overall, but if you don't like the look, the Mudsling is better.
Thank you for watching the video and sharing your insights. That’s really interesting information about the R version. Friend of mine has an R but I never wrote it before so I can’t share your experience. I found the stock tires on mine were OK. They were Metzlers, but like you, I swapped them out for the Michelin Road six, which, in my opinion are much better. Thanks again for watching and sharing your insights on the R1250R. Safe journeys!!!
I had the Speed Triple RS prior to the 1250. Agree that the Speed or the 1250R are much better handling and those stock Metzlers belong in a landfill. Last week I tried the Speed RR... it's amazing and the quick shifter is the star but it has clip ons a bit too low. Rode home on my RS and thought why am I tolerating this damn kachunk quick shifter. The hunt is on for something lighter, with a smooth quick shifter and ability to take some bags.
This is interesting to me. I have heard this before, that the R1250R "naked" bike is more fun to ride. The selling point in favor of the RS is that for touring you'd like to have more wind protection, but it sounds like the wind protection is not that great, or needs aftermarket windscreens to get just right. It seems to me, if you want wind protection you really want the RT and if you don't care as much you might as well go for the sportier R1250R.
Hi,
Yep, I wanted to stay 'sporty', hence the RS, but now having ridden the 1250R more, this is definitely a more fun bike. I have a small screen fitted & to be honest, there ain't too much wind blast.
As to the other shaft drives, I just don't like the Bulk of the RT & I don't want a GS. I appreciate the GS & the front under heavy braking is just a whole new standard with NO dive... @@bunshoft
There's some nice things coming with the new model. Have you talked to your dealer about the trade in value for the 1250? I did and I was shocked. Moving to the 1300 with the dealer fees, taxes and low trade in value may not be worth it. But as my dealer said take off all the aftermarket stuff like the seat, the exhaust, the Sargeant tail bag, Puig hugger and even the BMW panniers and eBay them because they are worth nothing on trade.
I haven’t talked to the dealer because I’m not in the market to trade my bike in. Trade-ins to the dealer you’re always gonna get a low price when it’s time for me to get rid of my RS I will sell it on my own you can get a lot more also I’m not under pressure to sell it quickly so if it doesn’t sell right away, that’s not a problem either. All the extras I would remove and see if some of them would transfer to the new bike. If not, I would just sell them on Facebook or eBay like you mentioned. However, if you sell the bike on your own, those extras could be selling points to a person looking at other RS that are stock. I still have all my stock parts like my stock seat, my stock exhaust my stock windscreen etc. Just in case I need them when I go to sell it otherwise I’ll sell them individually on Facebook or eBay when the time comes. The new engines, extra horsepower and torque is not that much so it doesn’t really excite me what I am more excited about is the new gearbox and a smooth quick shifter Thank you for checking out the video and sharing your thoughts, I appreciate it.
@Texas2Tires I just read this and your perspective is different and surprising. So you have a 2020 and I have a 2023. Did they change or improve the gear box? Mine seems smooth.
@@p-dub7422 not exactly sure, but the dealer told me they made small improvements. However, the new 1300 boxer has a new gearbox and is supposed to be much better. All my friends that have a boxer with a quick shifter as well as many commenters here agree the shifter is only smooth in the higher gear shifts like 4th - 6th, but 1st - 3rd is clunky. Glad to hear yours is smooth. I have a friend that has a 23 RS; I’m going to double check with him. Perhaps 23 is much better than the previous years.
@Texas2Tires I must confess that I was riding a 2010 police road king before my 2023 RS, so getting a new bike with upgraded technology I might realize that it's clunky. Lol. Also, I may have tried the quick shifter once when I brought the bike home from the dealer. I would be interested to know what your friend thinks.
question - did they move the navigation mount? I thought it was in a tough spot on the 1250RS pointing right up into the sun so I moved it.
It already has it if you have the bmw gos, just open the maps on your phone and it automatically sync to your gps, I use mine all the time and my phone stays in my packet
Are you talking about the BMW connected app on the phone that displays turn arrows on your TFT?
Sounds like you're almost ready for an RT 😂 like most I've been watching the videos on the 1300GS and to replace my current 1250GS TE with the 1300 it would cost over £20,000 here in the uk where as a new 1250RS with the same spec my current GS has is around £3500 cheaper. Although the extra power and torque would be nice the RS already feels more responsive than the outgoing 1250GS because of it's lower gearing. I have a machine art mudsling on my GS which I prefer as it protects all the shock and electronics and I think BMW will never fit a hugger to the RS because it a single sided swing arm so mounting one that won't fail because you can only mount it on the final drive hub would be difficult. Certainly things like a better QS would be nice, but I just accept the one on my GS for what it is and use the clutch where required instead so to me it's not a deal breaker. A electric screen would be nice and I agree the OE one is poor, but as I'm saving so much money compared to buying a new GS you can put a MRA Vario screen on to replace it. I also agree the blind spot indicator would be a great addition too, but once you start adding stuff to your bike on the configurator the price soon escalates and all those extras don't add value here in the uk when you trade it in so you're effectively adding them for your convenience at a financial cost to yourself which the dealers love as it makes your bike easier to sell and the subsequent owners effectively get all those goodies for free.
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. You make a lot of great points and all these mods and extras are subjective to each rider. My thinking is BMW is already a high-end or luxury brand motorcycle, and should come with all the bells and whistles, because even a strip down version is still more expensive than most other motorcycles. I will probably wait one or two years after the new RS 1300 comes out before I consider buying one but having a smooth, quick shifter, adaptive, cruise control, blindside indicators, and all the stuff I talked about in the video would be really nice to have. Thanks again for tuning in and sharing your insights.
@@Texas2Tires I certainly agree there should be a "bells and whistles" version of all their bikes and to some extent there is here as they do a "SE" version of the RS which is the standard bike plus the dynamic and touring packs but without the comfort one so no keyless, heated grips or TPMS as standard. The 1300 GS has a TE version which I think includes the touring and dynamic packs but not the comfort pack (so no electric screen or centre stand) adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection or the ride height reduction which together add over £1700 to the cost pushing the price up to over £20,000 in the UK. It's getting rather silly!
@@Bazza47 oh and I’m not ready for an RT. Moving from an RS to an RT is rough because you lose power due to the heavier weight and also that huge fairing makes the front end heavy and not nearly as flickable.
I have the R naked model. So the screen criticism doesn't count.
But, I agree with everything else you said.
The clunk into 1st is pretty loud. But, it's nowhere near as bad as a Harley.
What is the ball mount you are using to hold the QuadLoc on with?
My bike has standard handlebars (not clipons), and there isn't much room to add a mounts.
But, the one you have seems to click into the mirror mount.
That would probably work for me too..
Cheers.
RAM Mounts RAM-B-309-1U Motorcycle Brake/Clutch Reservoir Ball Base with B Size 1" Ball a.co/d/bdxOPkt
Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@Texas2Tires Thanks for the info.. Those mounts seem readily available here in New Zealand. I will check them out tomorrow.
Hi, thanks for sharing. I got the 1250RT and it has a lot of the features you would like to have on the RS. I know, the design is not as sportive as in the RS, but the comfort, man, the comfort and wind/ weather protection are outstanding. Add the bags, the huge TFT with split screen and navigation via the BMW connected app and a case for the iphone with a vent. And once it rolls you will appreciate that it is a sports tourer as well. As for the 1300 I always recommend to wait at least 2-3 years as they usually have some flaws in the first model years. Ride on!
Thanks for checking out the video and for your excellent insights to the RT. I have a few friends that have them. I also test road one during a BMW demo day. Solid bike and yes much more comfortable. The only downsides are the price which is about $10k more than the RS and my friends complain about too much wind protection. During the hot summer months here in Texas, we need the wind to cool down. With all that said, it is in contention for my next bike. I love the boxer engine, it’s truly an amazing motor.
Funny, yes, sometimes there may be too much wind protection. Here, most of the time I literally crave for protection from rain and/or cold wind.
Is it worth spending another $10,000 for some gadgets? You can upgrade your bars for cheap
Well that’s the thing with bikes, there’s always something cool to buy and make it your own. Latest addition for me is a BrenTune from BT-Moto and a full titanium exhaust from Akrapovic. It now runs like a new bike. Thanks for stopping by the channel and commenting, appreciate it.
Agree about the quickshifter
Every time I ride another bike that has a smooth quicker shifter, I wish the RS had that.
@@Texas2Tires same here
@@Texas2Tires but almost every time I ride another bike I’m glad I got the RS
there is a poosibility to connect phone-google maps on display, my dealer told me that...
Thanks for checking out the video. I hope your dealer is correct. That would be amazing. If you find out how to do that please share the information.
@@Texas2Tires i just bought a RS on friday, it will arrive in 3 weeks or so.. he told me thats not a full connected navi system, but a connectivity with google maps and small visuel advice in the screen like "turn left on A9" with an arrow... something like that...
i will check it out then !
greetings from styria, austria!
@@prinzeugen1503 Congratulations on the new RS, very cool! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine. Through BMW's connected app, you can get turn signals on the TFT, but in my opinion they aren't ideal. I just use my phone with google maps connected to my SENA Mesh in my shoei helmet, so I can listen to music, take phone calls, send text messages using SIRI and get voice turn by turn directions from google. If you remember, let me know how you like the RS after a week or so of riding. I just used google maps on my computer to look up Styria. Then I used the little google guy to place on a random road to see what the environment looks like. Amazing, the random road I chose was not only amazing looking, but there were two motorcycle riders on the road in front of the google map car. The area I picked was on Route 77 near Kannesberg looks like really beautiful riding. Safe journeys.
I just posted some pictures of Route 77 on my facebook ( Jeff Texastwotires ) to my motorcycle friends and told them how I randomly found this road because of your comment. So amazing, small world. This is definitely the best part of social media and internet bringing people together.
@@Texas2Tires Okay !
My homtown is very near Arnold Schwarzenegger grew up.
Here winter is coming now with temperatures between +5 and -25 C, i will write you a first review in april, it will be a hard winter to wait...
Thanks for your answer and best greetings to Austin !
Is that a lowered seat? It looks way lower than mine
Yes it’s a Sargent seat, super comfortable. It lowered me down about an inch or so. I have a video all about that seat. Check it out: ruclips.net/video/002r_-04nf4/видео.htmlsi=H7rsKIH-Ff2_lHYV
Many great points. I love this bike. I use it primarily for commuting, so I like having the BMW bags to stop by the grocery store on my way home from work. Totally agree with your assessment of the quick shifter. I have resigned myself to just using the clutch on 1-2 and 2-3. Then when I hop on my GTL I find myself needlessly using the clutch out of habit. Regarding the windscreen, I quickly replaced it with a taller screen. The OEM looks cool but is useless. Electric would be nice, but if they could simply shape the screen to make it more useful it would be fine. Totally agree with backlit buttons. On a bike of this caliber there is no excuse. I am not a fan of adaptive cruise even on cars, but lane change indicators would be awesome. I ALWAYS do headchecks, but have on occasion failed to see upcoming traffic.
Also appreciate your comments on Apple CarPlay and the like. That is currently a big hold up for updating my GTL. I don’t plan on touring with the RS, but there are many that do. I do have the Garmin Nav which comes in handy on the occasional jaunt to the mountains.
Great video. I appreciate seeing a video on a bike from someone who actually rides the bike, rather than someone who is doing a 30 minute ride/review on a bike they have never ridden or seemingly never read about in advance.
Thanks for watching the video and commenting, really appreciate it. Well if I had a K1600 I wouldn’t bother touring on the RS either. The K1600 is an amazing bike. My friend just bought one and in the past I’ve test rode them. Like riding on a cloud powered by a Ferrari engine. So smooth and that quick shifter as you mentioned is butter! As I don’t tour long distances, I don’t actually need adaptive cruise, I just use the manual lever to increase or decrease speed. However, eating up many miles in traffic on the freeway, I would guess it must come in handy.
JFC man, go get an RT.
And lose the sporty looks of the RS, no way.