A review that's still relevant today and much of the observations you had apply to the 1250RS too, though the 1250 now has the TFT and you can get it with tubular bars which makes a huge difference especially if you're a shorter rider. I've recently changed from a 1250GS and the RS is more engaging to ride and far easier to manage at low speed and is very planted so gives the rider a lot of confidence and the traditional UD forks give far more feedback that the GS's telelever (but the GS has a plusher ride). The pillion experience isn't good if you're a short rider as they sit higher than you do as yiu reach for the bars, the screen is still rubbish but a Puig Ultimate touring screen or MRA Vario solves that and the mirrors are better on the GS. Overall if you're not touring 2 up the RS has a lot going for it and is significantly cheaper than the equivelently spec'd GS too now, especially when compared to the new 1300.
Appreciate the review is a few years old now but is good opportunity to pick up on a few points as I’m about to buy one of the 1200’s over the 1250’s. First is cost. Compared with any other sports tourer they are not that expensive unless fully loaded. Servicing is not that expensive and running costs are reasonable. My GSA was the best bike I ever owned and I regret selling it. 325mile range and supreme comfort for me were matched by peerless handling helped by dynamic esa and tele-lever front suspension and it is a shame this doesn’t have it. Torque is not 125ftlbs as you claim. It’s 92ftlbs but that’s still a lot. Yes, the 1250 is up on power from 125 to 136 bhp but don’t let that put anyone off the 1200 as imho it’s the more reliable and quieter engine and you really won’t feel disadvantaged by the 10bhp less. Acceleration 0-60 is still an eye opening sub 3 seconds which is sports bike territory. Secondly, front brake links rear but tear brake is not linked to the front. The other thing is on extras it is worth having the navigation prep and centre stand and heated grips. After market is strong on these and get the touring and comfort packs as pannier choice is good and heated grips a must. Screens are after thoughts and disappointing at this price point as is the fact buttons are not back lit like Triumphs. Uk made Aero blade screens are great and avoid tall ones as in hit countries for touring you want some airflow over you! Protect centre stand by fitting a touratech or rugged roads bash plate as this helps keep underside clean. A rear hugger is a must. Finally if buying used like me, go for 2017/18 model which adds option of led screen. Its worth it. Once run in, fuel economy is very good. I was averaging 55mpg without any trouble and that was spirited riding on the much heavier GSA. I would recommend the GSA if mainly touring or commuting long distance for extra height, legroom, tele-lever and full led plus spotlights plus tank range and the RS for shorter commutes and occasional touring. At 5’8” I had no problem with the GSA and seeing over traffic was a huge benefit as was touring comfort. No other bike dies it better. Bmw are still king when it cones to touring and reliability and build quality unlike their car division which isn’t so good. They hold used values well. Expect to pay £11K for a 2 to 3 yr old SE model, the most popular choice. Good review overall. You wont want any other bike after trying a boxer. Grunt makes life so much easier.
The Wunderlich screen takes all the noise and wind flow away and makes for an amazing ride. Highly recommended and was the first thing I fitted to my RS when I got it a couple of months ago.
Nice review, I have the same bike in the same colour. Agree with the not very effective windscreen, though I'll have to pick you up on the linked braking. Lined works with the front brake only - ie, applying the front brake adds a small degree of braking to the rear wheel also. But applying the back brake through the foot pedal applies rear braking only (no front brake at all). As for cost, yes, they're quite expensive, but not excessively so - and when you come to sell, you'll find they hold their value fantastically well. One thing maybe worthy of note is that it's quite a long wheelbase machine and the fork angle is relatively shallow. This gives the bike fantastic stability on the open road, but does make steering in cities a little heavy and slow - the steering lock isn't the sharpest either. Overall though, an absolutely fabulous bike :)
Glen, nice review. Thanks for the detail. A question: what are the little winglets just above the BMW badge on the front side? Is that an aftermarket wind deflector? Haven't seen those in the U.S. Curious if they make much of a difference in wind abatement. Thanks! PS: also curious if you still have the RS and whether you are still as pleased with it.
Nice review. Thanks for posting. Thinking of getting the 1250. Not sure what wind screen to get since everyone comments that it isn't up to par with the rest of the bike
Try the MRA Vario Touring screen. Unlike Puig and other tall screens it allows sone cooling air flow, a must in hot weather and you still look over it, whilst it substantially reduces turbulence. Had one on my gsa and it was fantastic.
Cheers for the video even 4yrs later this is pretty helpful as a good walkround. I'm looking at trading in against a top spec 2016 Iconic special edition model and its up for £9k. After 4yrs would you have any other advice or pointers? Did you find a good alternative screen? Thanks
The only thing about the bike that struck me as bad is the windscreen. Needs a lot more airflow, have to find the smallest screen I can that has smooth flow.
Torrey C i believe 2017 for the led lights. Not sure on the folks. I believe thats 2017 model but the top spec. In europe we have 3 specs. Top one had thr folks. Cruise control etc. This one is middle of range known as sports model.
Excellent Review! Have you had a chance to raise the windscreen to the higher bolt on position? Could you do a quick review of your findings does it remove the head buffeting? Thanks Mark
Pete Probert hey pete. i havent changed it yet. leaving it for another week until i borrow the s1000rr for a day and bmw are going to change it for me. 2nd june thats happening so ill upload a video over that weekend.stay tuned ;)
Nice review. As an RS owner as well I'd agree with all you said. If you asked me for cons I'd struggle after commenting on the awful screen as well. I'd recommend the MRA Vario screen which I have fitted after searching. It's transformed the airflow for me, @ 5'10, and pillion. It also comes in grey tint. As you appear to ride in all weather's do your bike a favour and get it a nice present of suspension and engine protection. machineartmoto.com/r1200r/2015-r-rs-liquid-cooled/avms-bundle/ . They look stock and will really help your steed keep looking its best.
CulchieCommuting Ouch. First, I hope you're ok. If it was just at low speed I hope you managed to fit some cylinder head protection before the incident. The BMW ones are the best imho. The boxer engine is fantastic but, unfortunately, very vulnerable in those situations.
CulchieCommuting So just your pride & wallet took some pain. You might need those cylinder head covers to hide the scratches then. www.bmw-motorrad-bohling.com/uk/bmw-cylinder-guard-set-r1200gs-2013-k50-r1200rt-2014-k52-r1200r-2015-k53.html
A review that's still relevant today and much of the observations you had apply to the 1250RS too, though the 1250 now has the TFT and you can get it with tubular bars which makes a huge difference especially if you're a shorter rider. I've recently changed from a 1250GS and the RS is more engaging to ride and far easier to manage at low speed and is very planted so gives the rider a lot of confidence and the traditional UD forks give far more feedback that the GS's telelever (but the GS has a plusher ride). The pillion experience isn't good if you're a short rider as they sit higher than you do as yiu reach for the bars, the screen is still rubbish but a Puig Ultimate touring screen or MRA Vario solves that and the mirrors are better on the GS. Overall if you're not touring 2 up the RS has a lot going for it and is significantly cheaper than the equivelently spec'd GS too now, especially when compared to the new 1300.
Thanks and enjoy
Appreciate the review is a few years old now but is good opportunity to pick up on a few points as I’m about to buy one of the 1200’s over the 1250’s. First is cost. Compared with any other sports tourer they are not that expensive unless fully loaded. Servicing is not that expensive and running costs are reasonable. My GSA was the best bike I ever owned and I regret selling it. 325mile range and supreme comfort for me were matched by peerless handling helped by dynamic esa and tele-lever front suspension and it is a shame this doesn’t have it.
Torque is not 125ftlbs as you claim. It’s 92ftlbs but that’s still a lot. Yes, the 1250 is up on power from 125 to 136 bhp but don’t let that put anyone off the 1200 as imho it’s the more reliable and quieter engine and you really won’t feel disadvantaged by the 10bhp less. Acceleration 0-60 is still an eye opening sub 3 seconds which is sports bike territory.
Secondly, front brake links rear but tear brake is not linked to the front. The other thing is on extras it is worth having the navigation prep and centre stand and heated grips. After market is strong on these and get the touring and comfort packs as pannier choice is good and heated grips a must.
Screens are after thoughts and disappointing at this price point as is the fact buttons are not back lit like Triumphs. Uk made Aero blade screens are great and avoid tall ones as in hit countries for touring you want some airflow over you!
Protect centre stand by fitting a touratech or rugged roads bash plate as this helps keep underside clean. A rear hugger is a must.
Finally if buying used like me, go for 2017/18 model which adds option of led screen. Its worth it. Once run in, fuel economy is very good. I was averaging 55mpg without any trouble and that was spirited riding on the much heavier GSA.
I would recommend the GSA if mainly touring or commuting long distance for extra height, legroom, tele-lever and full led plus spotlights plus tank range and the RS for shorter commutes and occasional touring. At 5’8” I had no problem with the GSA and seeing over traffic was a huge benefit as was touring comfort. No other bike dies it better. Bmw are still king when it cones to touring and reliability and build quality unlike their car division which isn’t so good.
They hold used values well. Expect to pay £11K for a 2 to 3 yr old SE model, the most popular choice.
Good review overall. You wont want any other bike after trying a boxer. Grunt makes life so much easier.
What a really good, honest review. 👍
Thanks mate. Buying one tomorrow and reaffirmed the decision by watching a decent honest review.
The Wunderlich screen takes all the noise and wind flow away and makes for an amazing ride. Highly recommended and was the first thing I fitted to my RS when I got it a couple of months ago.
Thanks for the input. I will def give that a try. How much does the screen cost?
CulchieCommuting 43956-111 £198 from wunderlich.sportouring.net
great review Glen thanks for spending the time to do so
Nice review, I have the same bike in the same colour. Agree with the not very effective windscreen, though I'll have to pick you up on the linked braking. Lined works with the front brake only - ie, applying the front brake adds a small degree of braking to the rear wheel also. But applying the back brake through the foot pedal applies rear braking only (no front brake at all).
As for cost, yes, they're quite expensive, but not excessively so - and when you come to sell, you'll find they hold their value fantastically well.
One thing maybe worthy of note is that it's quite a long wheelbase machine and the fork angle is relatively shallow. This gives the bike fantastic stability on the open road, but does make steering in cities a little heavy and slow - the steering lock isn't the sharpest either.
Overall though, an absolutely fabulous bike :)
Fantastic, real world review. Wish there were more like this!
Thanks John
Thanks for taking the time. Very informative!
Nice review and love the colour combo. I ride an 850GS but wouldn't mind this model
Thank you for the great review, it was very helpful and certainly was detailed. Hope you're still enjoying the BMW, it's a beautiful bike.
Wish we could get the red frame in the states. I don't understand BMWs color choices sometimes.
Perfect review. Answered my questions. What riser do you have installed?
Nice, in-depth review with a personal touch, much thanks!
LookattheBiggerPic welcome
Excellent review, will look out for more of your content. To mention, 125 nm torque, not lb ft.
Glen, nice review. Thanks for the detail. A question: what are the little winglets just above the BMW badge on the front side? Is that an aftermarket wind deflector? Haven't seen those in the U.S. Curious if they make much of a difference in wind abatement. Thanks! PS: also curious if you still have the RS and whether you are still as pleased with it.
Thanks for a great insight, I am a newbie and looking at moving up to a bigger bike, this model on list and your review most appreciated.
great work
Nice review. Thanks for posting. Thinking of getting the 1250. Not sure what wind screen to get since everyone comments that it isn't up to par with the rest of the bike
Try the MRA Vario Touring screen. Unlike Puig and other tall screens it allows sone cooling air flow, a must in hot weather and you still look over it, whilst it substantially reduces turbulence. Had one on my gsa and it was fantastic.
Great review honest and to the point planning a visit to CH this morning.
Cheers for the video even 4yrs later this is pretty helpful as a good walkround. I'm looking at trading in against a top spec 2016 Iconic special edition model and its up for £9k. After 4yrs would you have any other advice or pointers? Did you find a good alternative screen? Thanks
I don’t think I ever changed the screen but it’s still one of the best bikes I ever owned.
fabulous bike, great review, bavarian motor works.
darrell wheeler cheers darrell!
beautiful bike, ride safe.
Great video. I agree about the windscreen, gets noisy when cruising. Is that black square thing a tank sticker? i dont have that on my blue /white RS
No its just part of the fairing. Come as standard on my bike.
The only thing about the bike that struck me as bad is the windscreen. Needs a lot more airflow, have to find the smallest screen I can that has smooth flow.
Have they fixed the shaft drive problems on the BMW yet?
Joseph Howard u mean the quickshifter
Good review, agree with you on the screen, if you remove it and adjust to the high setting would be interesting to hear if it improves air flow!
I'll let you know soon.
It doesn't. Its awful raised.
Couple questions... which years/models of the R1200 RS include the LED running light? Also, which years/models have the copper forks vs your silver?
Torrey C i believe 2017 for the led lights. Not sure on the folks. I believe thats 2017 model but the top spec. In europe we have 3 specs. Top one had thr folks. Cruise control etc. This one is middle of range known as sports model.
Great review, enjoy and ride safe.
Linked brakes are only front to rear on BMWs... rear does not touch the front... ;)
Excellent Review!
Have you had a chance to raise the windscreen to the higher bolt on position? Could you do a quick review of your findings does it remove the head buffeting?
Thanks
Mark
im hoping to leave the bike in one friday to fit the sat nav so ill get them to adjust it then and ill let u know. thanks
Great Thanks!
booked in for the 16th. it was the earliest date i could get
CulchieCommuting
And how is the screen in the higher position?
Pete Probert hey pete. i havent changed it yet. leaving it for another week until i borrow the s1000rr for a day and bmw are going to change it for me. 2nd june thats happening so ill upload a video over that weekend.stay tuned ;)
Sad. For that price in 2017 Instrument Cluster should have been TFT as standard. Is there an OEM TFT retrofit for this?
Nhoy Barangay not that i am aware. Believe unchanged for 2018 also
Thanks guys. Sorry about the delay but new video coming tomorrow
wow detailed review thanks , I want one
gazzertrn is there room for a tool kit and puncture repair kit?
Great review thank you 👍
I think bake comes from the bakery
96 ft/lb torque
As german guy I cannot follow your comments even as I speak english. But the end of your story: no mile driven.
Have you done a follow up video, can;t find anything else on your channel. Thinking of getting exact same bike.
Duncan Blanchard watch this space im planning a one year review very soon
Rev-o meter and Mile-ometer? One people separated by a common language ha.
Nice review. As an RS owner as well I'd agree with all you said. If you asked me for cons I'd struggle after commenting on the awful screen as well. I'd recommend the MRA Vario screen which I have fitted after searching. It's transformed the airflow for me, @ 5'10, and pillion. It also comes in grey tint. As you appear to ride in all weather's do your bike a favour and get it a nice present of suspension and engine protection. machineartmoto.com/r1200r/2015-r-rs-liquid-cooled/avms-bundle/ . They look stock and will really help your steed keep looking its best.
Steve Cade thanks steve. And thanks also for watching. Yeah ive dropped the bike since so agree about the protection
CulchieCommuting Ouch. First, I hope you're ok. If it was just at low speed I hope you managed to fit some cylinder head protection before the incident. The BMW ones are the best imho. The boxer engine is fantastic but, unfortunately, very vulnerable in those situations.
Steve Cade yes very low speed. Forgot to remove the disc lock lol
CulchieCommuting So just your pride & wallet took some pain. You might need those cylinder head covers to hide the scratches then. www.bmw-motorrad-bohling.com/uk/bmw-cylinder-guard-set-r1200gs-2013-k50-r1200rt-2014-k52-r1200r-2015-k53.html
No quick Shifter?....baaaaa...... It makes the bike.
At hte bake.
Dash looks 10 years old. Ridiculous.
Bike comes from the bikery.
Oh, here is another screw.