In BMW nomenclature, the “RS” in “R 1250 RS” stands for “Boxer-powered sport touring.” For 2023, the BMW R 1250 RS gets several new standard features and optional extras to spice up both the “sport” and “touring” goals of the RS model.
As before, the R 1250 RS runs on a 2-cylinder Boxer engine with 1,254cc of displacement, reported to generate 136 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. Also returning is BMW’s ShiftCam technology for varying valve timing, allowing the engine to be more powerful across its operating range along with better fuel economy.
Related Story: 2021 BMW R 1250 GS | Road Test Review
2023 BMW R 1250 RS Standard Features
The 2023 R 1250 RS will add a new standard ride mode: Eco. Also available on the 2023 R 1250 R, the Eco ride mode joins existing Rain and Road modes. With a soft throttle map and moderate engine torque limitation, Eco mode encourages riders to ride as fuel-efficiently as possible. While in Eco mode, the TFT display provides an efficiency rating so riders know just how much fuel they’re using at a given moment.
Related Story: 2023 BMW R 1250 R | First Look Review
Dynamic Traction Control, ABS Pro, and Dynamic Brake Control are now standard. Additional new standard features include the redesigned LED turnsignals and a second USB socket with a 5-volt power supply.
The model also gets a new colorway with two optional style designs. Light White with a black frame is standard. Optional Sport Style gets you the Light White with Racing Blue and Racing Red paint, a Light White frame, gold front and rear brake calipers, and a blue front spoiler. The Triple Black Style option comes with Black Storm paint, an Agate Grey frame, gold front and rear brake calipers, and a stainless-steel engine spoiler.
Optional Features
BMW is also offering a number of optional extras for those wanting a little more than standard.
The Premium package comes with Riding Modes Pro, which provides additional, individually configurable riding modes. The Engine Drag Torque Control, included with the Premium package, can be used to safely avoid unstable riding conditions that can occur while coasting or downshifting due to excessive slip at the rear tire.
Related Story: 2019 BMW R 1250 GS/GSA/RT | First Ride Review
Tubular handlebars are also now available as an option. They are slightly wider and higher than standard for a more relaxed and upright seating position.
If you’re wanting to lean into the sporty look of the R 1250 RS, a new optional solo seat is now available. The passenger seat is replaced with a painted plastic cover while the passenger footpegs and grab handles are removed.
2023 BMW R 1250 RS Availability Price
Even with several new updates, BMW hasn’t increased the price from model year 2022. The 2023 BMW R 1250 RS still sits at $15,695 and is expected to arrive in America in the spring of 2023. Prices for optional features and styles were not available at press time.
For more information, visit BMW’s website.
150 ft lbs is incorrect
Alan, thank you for bringing this to our attention. Indeed the numbers got transposed. Should be 105 lb-ft of torque. It has been remedied.
Nice-looking bike! But a sport TOURING bike should really include color-matched sidecases at the very least (see Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GT+).
I agree, like it’s bigger brother R1250RT.
As a long time rider and ex-Beemer owner I love this bike. However, I wish BMW would put out an OF model (Ol’farts) with a package that includes lower adjustable pegs, higher adjustable bars and ridiculously comfortable adjustable seat. In my mind, BMW owes this to those of us who, over the years, suffered exactly the opposite.
I agree with W. Wilkins. I too am an avid Beemer fan (currently a ’15 r1200RT). I’d like to see a COMPLETE front fender that extends far enough down to prevent grime from coating the front of the engine cases. Secondly: How about more fully adjustable bars ? Many BMW RT riders I’ve seen nearly always have added bar extenders, as have I. But, the bars still are not quite back far enough to allow me a comfortable upright riding position. Also, is there some innovative way to allow swapping an air filter without having to spend 3 hours stripping the cladding off the bike (risking broken clips), then reinstalling it ? Otherwise, and nearly perfect bike for me, other than the weight (i.e. I am 70 years old, and weigh in @ 143 pounds !)
As with so many bikes, BMWs have gotten more powerful over the years. I think this one has approximately twice that of the 1977 R100RS. And as power increases, parts need to be made stronger to withstand the power, which increases weight. That this bike weighs only fifty pounds more than an R90S is pretty amazing. Honestly, I’d be happy with a boxer whose numbers are similar to the BMWs I rode forty years ago. Yeah, I know, it’s not going to happen.
As the possessor of a 1250 RT, I’m amazed that BMW don’t produce a lighter and less powerful version of both the RS and RT. 136 hp is way more than is necessary, 100hp and significantly less weight would be a huge winner. They are both lardy in extreme
Less powerful alternative? RNineT
Looking forward to a road test of the R1250 RT
Here you go:
https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/23/2023-bmw-r-1250-rt-review-road-test/