With the announcement of the 2019 R 1250 RS and R 1250 R, BMW has finalized its update to the entire boxer range, including a displacement bump, new ShiftCam technology and more.
Read our 2019 BMW R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT first look review
Both the R 1250 RS and R 1250 R get the new 1,254cc opposed twin (up from 1,170cc) with ShiftCam variable valve timing and valve stroke, resulting in more power, better fuel economy, reduced emissions and smoother operation.
Two riding modes, Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Hill Start Control are all standard. Riding Modes Pro, which adds Dynamic and Dynamic Pro modes, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), ABS Pro (cornering ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and “Next Generation” Dynamic ESA (electronic suspension) are all available as options.
Both models also get a new 6.5-inch full-color TFT display that is controlled with the left switchgear-mounted Multi-Controller wheel.
The RS received a style refresh that drops the asymmetrical, winking look of the S 1000 RR in favor of a sporty twin-LED headlight assembly. LED DRL (daytime running lights) are an option. The R, which has a halogen headlight, also gets the DRL option.
Color and customization options abound, including a Sports Handlebar for the R for a more aggressive riding position.
The 2019 BMW R 1250 RS and BMW R 1250 R are each available in one standard color, two style variants and Option 719 Spezial finishes. Pricing and U.S. availability are TBD.
EDITOR’S NOTE (8/1/19): Although announced as 2019 models, the R 1250 R and R 1250 RS didn’t make it to the U.S. in time. BMW says both will be available as 2020 models with an MSRP starting at $14,995 for the R 1250 R and $15,695 for the R 1250 RS.
Check out Rider’s Guide to New/Updated Street Motorcycles for 2019
Was there any tangible change in performance?
No full tests have been published as of yet, but a couple of YouTube videos (Missenden Flyer and DriveMag) have done some seat-of-the -pants testing and have noted improved overall performance and a smooth transition in valve timing in the midrange. You wouldn’t expect an earth-shaking change and, indeed, you don’t get one. It’s just “better”. That’s good news for buyers of leftover 2018s, as they needn’t feel cc envy.
Superb bike, but horrible colours, as usual in BMW.
Responsible of choosing colours at Motorrad, specially these white/blue combinations! or this one for the RS in mustard! should attend some psychological session.
I’m sorry but Europe’s North people are excellent for other things, for instance engineering, but about choosing colours I am afraid there is a gap
BMW is not new to make bad color choices. Look up some /5 models.
True but love those airheads !
Beautiful bikes, for sure. As a ’16 BMW r1200RT owner, I am eager to see the latest updated version of that model, as well.
That Mustard Yellow is quite aweful looking.
I think it is the better looking of the whole range a matter of taste!
That’s not just any typical mustard color, that’s Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard ;). I kinda like it.
Right off I was thinking “now that’s a great looking bike EXCEPT for the color.” Maybe it’s one of those shades that looks better in person than photographs. I had a Kawasaki that looked sort of a lipstick red in photos when in person it was a nice looking burgundy shade.
Black with red RS lettering looks best.
Suppose it will be a year or two before the S1000RR Shift-cam tech will make its way to the S1000R and S1000XR, as well something besides the ‘winky’ headlights there, and the analogue/LCD instruments.
Nice updates to the R1200RS and R models!
LED DRL (daytime running lights) will effect on battery?
I guess I should say at the start, that I have never liked twins. When I traded my venerable Kawasaki Concours 14 for this little guy, of a sport tourer, I was afraid that I would miss the turbine smooth, rocket sled power of the big Kaw. The first 10 minutes on the new RS, and I became a believer. The pleasure grows, with every ride since. It makes great gobs of torque from way down to red line. The engine is smooth. The smoothest big twin I have ever ridden. Amazingly good handling for a 530 something pound sport tourer. The diminutive windshield, allows plenty of breeze when down, but amazingly protective in the up position. The seat is trans-continental comfortable as is the riding position.
As a sport rider who takes 7500 mile tours every year, it would be hardtop imagine a nicer way to travel thousands of miles, and have a genuinely fun ride, carving the twisties, with a mountain of torque always on tap.
I have stopped counting the miles I have ridden in all 48 of our contiguous states, and the equivalent of the distance to the moon and back. I have never loved a motorcycle more than I do this Beemer.
Bought a R1250RS in 2020 .
Been riding now for 50 years .
Forget the rest ….. go with one of these . No greasy chain , bags of torque , great brakes , great handling .