Brilliant bikes. Massively overlooked and under rated. Add bar risers and a better screen and you have a fab sports tourer which genuinely is sporty but comfortable enough to ride all day.
I've just fitted a lower Powerbronze on my RS. Not tried it yet, but I'm sure it'll be much better 👍 Didn't know there are two different mounting positions, until I removed the original screen 🙄
I got it in April and I’ve put 12000 km on her: so far I’m really pleased and I mostly agree with your feedback. Maybe a compromise but I really like the precision, the torque and the way power is delivered. I’d guess I’ll stay with her for a little while, waiting for the 1300 version to be more matured and refined. Thanks 👍✌️
that's some serious miles so far, you must be enjoying it :). Hopefully we won't have to wait too long to see the 1300 make its way into the RS,RT and R line up. Can't wait either.
After 3 GS' I ordered one of these in June as I no longer go touring or carry a pillion which sort of defeats the main reasons for having a GS. I tried the R too, but found riding a naked quite tiring compared to the other 2 and personally I just don't like the headlight on the R. The base model is good value if that's what you want but to get most of the bells and whistles the RS SE makes more sense. Yes it's still not cheap but they're around 3.5k less than a GS TE and are only missing heated grips, keyless and TPMS, all of which can be added for around £250 each. I've gone for the tubular bars which gives a similar riding position to the R sport rather than the clip ons as at 5'7" short the reach to the clip on bars is just a bit too much for me. I'd like to say how I'm getting on with it, but I haven't got it yet even though it was due over a month ago as all RS' are being held up at the factory with no explination being given by BMW in Germany which is poor. Anyhow, I'm sure I'll enjoy it when it finally arrives and plan to put the MRA Vario screen on to sort out the wind protection.
@@Pyrrho_ I honestly don't know why because BMW are remaining tight lipped about it. From what my dealer has been able to find out it's only RS' that were built from August onward that are effected. He said BMW have committed to getting the bikes to their customers but won't/can't give a date. There was an issue in the states where all BMWs were held back but that's over now so my guess is this is something different
I ordered one mid august, the delivery date is over and I still do not have any idea of when the bike will be delivered. I assume they wait for receiving enought orders before going into production. They are also busy with the new 1300 GS. Let's wait a litle bit and we will receive the new 1300 RS instead ! All in all, Germany has no lesson to give to the other european countries as they are late, they do not fullfill their contracts and they don't care about their custmers !
@@DSR1YT Thanks for asking, yes I finally got it just before Christmas but haven't had time to do anything with it yet apart from admire it 😅 The dealer has been excellent so far and I've no complaints there at all trying their best in what has been a very unusual circumstance (I've had a number of BMWs now and up until now all of them were built/delivered on or before they were due) BMW UK were prepared to let me have a better spec'd bike for the same money but there was nothing available in the UK that met my original order as no RS' were coming through from the mothership at all (still with no explination) so I've had a long wait. Plan is now Christmas is done and dusted and the relatives have all gone home is to fit the protection bits I have to it (mudsling, front engine protector, fender extender, X heads, rad cover), coat some of the bike with Lanoguard and xcp clear to protect it then add my hex ezecan and electrical accessories and then try and find some dry days when the gritters haven't been about. I'm biased I know but it does look good in the BMW Red,White &Blue colours with the black screen, white frame, black wheels and gold forks.
Rode it. A great bike in general. Rode also the R1250R and that was also great. Would pick the white one, I mean the 2024 model. :) A well done video. Basically the bike you rode has a lot of optional just like any BMW. :) You have to pay for those optional, otherwise a great machine. Can check my content when you can. Cheers.
Thanks for the review Matt, am I correct it has a conventional front fork set up rather than Telelever? The price you quoted is for the bog standard bike which few buy I believe most go for the SE variety with all the toys at around 18k + pleased you kept dry 😊
I am pretty sure, only the GS has telelever. The pure road bikes (RS, R - don't know about RT) have non-adjustable OR electronically adjustable suspension. I have an R with electronically adjustable, and it's definitely worthwhile.
Agreed Les, it's the same with the GS/GSA, most people go for the TE variant as it comes with most the goodies we want as snobbish ridders these days :). Dry is always good
@@DSR1YT just seeing if it would be mentioned as its bmw not ktm doing the pocket ferretting this time!least with demo mode you get to try before you buy,you still dont have to,just like bmw's sales trick.
I think you'll find the actual price of the rs with all the goodies is substantially more. Try getting a standard model, the garages wont sell them....
I demoed that supercharged bike you mentioned, my god sooooo uncomfortable, there’s no way on earth you could tour on that , the riding position is ridiculous. The R1250r and the Rs when you consider the price and the spec it’s one of the best bikes out there !
Agreed mate, the R is a very underrated naked bike, something most people forget i recon when looking for a naked bike, but really good, id go R over the RS, I’m just a big fan of the naked bikes.
The BMW RS series over the decades have always in my eyes been the best compromise with regards balance of sport and touring. But with the release of the new GS 1300 it would seem just a matter of time when the platform cascades down to the R1300RS? Hmmmm,,,🤔🤔
I had a '21 and now daily a '20 RS, in Black Storm Metallic. BMW's new graphic design idea of writing out the words "triple black" on the bike are IMO idiotic -- I'd get it in that color and then peel the vinyl stickers off. :) The hill hold comes in two versions; premium-spec'd RSes have Hill Assist Pro, which can auto engage if road grade is above a set %. Everyone I know with an RS has replaced the windscreen. Interested in seeing if there's going to be a R1300RS, or even M1300RS? Ha I can dream.
We can only dream :). For sure there will be a R1300RS, I couldn't see them keeping the 1250 in it for much longer. Such a let down with its windscreen being the type of bike it is. That's why there is aftermarket companies out there though I suppose.
Had my 2019 RS now for 3 months and I still haven’t had solved the wind noise and/or buffeting. A taller Givi screen gets me out of the wind (I’m 5’ 10”) but there’s still buffeting, and for the pillion too. If you look at the additional protection on the new GS either side of the TFT, I’m wondering whether that could be the issue. Does anyone have any good suggestions? Otherwise I might be eyeing up a 1250 GS or even a 1300 in a few year’s time…
@@Pyrrho_ - Update. Saw the new 1300 GS in the flesh yesterday which left me a little underwhelmed. But I was able to get a side by side comparison between my 1250 RS and a 1250 GS as I was parked next to one. Not such a huge difference in seat height but the standard screen on the GS was definitely taller than my MRA VarioTouring screen. So my latest thinking is that the buffeting either comes from around the bottom of the screen or up through the fork funnels. All so annoying as the RS is a tremendous machine otherwise. So easy to live with and on the way back from the dealer I went on the autobahn (I live in Germany) and had to accelerate out in front of traffic. Even in Road mode I was doing 100+ mph before I realised it!
I owned 6 BMWs over my 40+ years of riding. I lost all respect for BMW when they replaced their history of pragmatic engineering with trendy electronic gimmickry. Replacing the 1200/1250 R and RS's front suspension with common telescopic suspension(Inverted or not) rather than the clearly superior Tele-Lever enjoyed on the GS and 1200/1250 RT vindicated they had lost the faith(along with my longtime patronage).
It’s so strange when people question the engineering of a bike, seriously leave it to the experts, the bikes are amazing, they ride amazing, your opinion doesn’t really matter tbh
Brilliant bikes. Massively overlooked and under rated. Add bar risers and a better screen and you have a fab sports tourer which genuinely is sporty but comfortable enough to ride all day.
Someone had asked about touring on this or the 1250 R, i went with this as the better one out of the two.
Nice review. I've put 12,000 miles on an R1250RS. The lower Puig screen is definitely an improvement in terms of wind noise and still looks good.
Thanks Paul, glad you liked the video. The RS sure is a happy medium between the GS and the RT
I've just fitted a lower Powerbronze on my RS. Not tried it yet, but I'm sure it'll be much better 👍 Didn't know there are two different mounting positions, until I removed the original screen 🙄
I got it in April and I’ve put 12000 km on her: so far I’m really pleased and I mostly agree with your feedback. Maybe a compromise but I really like the precision, the torque and the way power is delivered. I’d guess I’ll stay with her for a little while, waiting for the 1300 version to be more matured and refined. Thanks 👍✌️
that's some serious miles so far, you must be enjoying it :). Hopefully we won't have to wait too long to see the 1300 make its way into the RS,RT and R line up. Can't wait either.
Best review so far on the RS. Intimate and enough that I wanted to know.
Perfect to hear, glad it had everything you wanted to see.
After 3 GS' I ordered one of these in June as I no longer go touring or carry a pillion which sort of defeats the main reasons for having a GS. I tried the R too, but found riding a naked quite tiring compared to the other 2 and personally I just don't like the headlight on the R. The base model is good value if that's what you want but to get most of the bells and whistles the RS SE makes more sense. Yes it's still not cheap but they're around 3.5k less than a GS TE and are only missing heated grips, keyless and TPMS, all of which can be added for around £250 each. I've gone for the tubular bars which gives a similar riding position to the R sport rather than the clip ons as at 5'7" short the reach to the clip on bars is just a bit too much for me. I'd like to say how I'm getting on with it, but I haven't got it yet even though it was due over a month ago as all RS' are being held up at the factory with no explination being given by BMW in Germany which is poor. Anyhow, I'm sure I'll enjoy it when it finally arrives and plan to put the MRA Vario screen on to sort out the wind protection.
Bikes were supposedly held up due to some emissions regulations the bikes didn't pass. Wasn't that cleared and they can proceed again?
@@Pyrrho_ I honestly don't know why because BMW are remaining tight lipped about it. From what my dealer has been able to find out it's only RS' that were built from August onward that are effected. He said BMW have committed to getting the bikes to their customers but won't/can't give a date. There was an issue in the states where all BMWs were held back but that's over now so my guess is this is something different
I ordered one mid august, the delivery date is over and I still do not have any idea of when the bike will be delivered. I assume they wait for receiving enought orders before going into production. They are also busy with the new 1300 GS. Let's wait a litle bit and we will receive the new 1300 RS instead ! All in all, Germany has no lesson to give to the other european countries as they are late, they do not fullfill their contracts and they don't care about their custmers !
Any luck with your order yet? Hopefully you’re on two wheels by now mate. Ready for the 2024 riding season 😁🤙🤙
@@DSR1YT Thanks for asking, yes I finally got it just before Christmas but haven't had time to do anything with it yet apart from admire it 😅 The dealer has been excellent so far and I've no complaints there at all trying their best in what has been a very unusual circumstance (I've had a number of BMWs now and up until now all of them were built/delivered on or before they were due) BMW UK were prepared to let me have a better spec'd bike for the same money but there was nothing available in the UK that met my original order as no RS' were coming through from the mothership at all (still with no explination) so I've had a long wait. Plan is now Christmas is done and dusted and the relatives have all gone home is to fit the protection bits I have to it (mudsling, front engine protector, fender extender, X heads, rad cover), coat some of the bike with Lanoguard and xcp clear to protect it then add my hex ezecan and electrical accessories and then try and find some dry days when the gritters haven't been about. I'm biased I know but it does look good in the BMW Red,White &Blue colours with the black screen, white frame, black wheels and gold forks.
Good review mate.looks like a good all rounder.just cant get excited about it though tbh.
You ride a KTM, think that says enough about your decision making :)
@@DSR1YT thats abit harsh!
Rode it. A great bike in general. Rode also the R1250R and that was also great. Would pick the white one, I mean the 2024 model. :) A well done video. Basically the bike you rode has a lot of optional just like any BMW. :) You have to pay for those optional, otherwise a great machine. Can check my content when you can. Cheers.
i currently own 2023 GS, R and nineT Scramblers. The R just feels smoother and more powerful than the GS.
It’s an understated naked bike for the market.
Excellent review.
Thanks mate. 🤙
Did I correctly see the frames surface finish above the left foot peg. Looked a bit rough and shabby. 10:19
Fkn wild, bmw putting the name of the color of the bike in bold ass letters. 😆
Another great video, bro.
Dont forget, BMW's clientele is a little over the hill :). Need it in big bold letters so we can see what colour it is :) Thanks again mate.
😂, thats also why they switched to the TFT, old blokes couldn't read the speedo. @@DSR1YT
@@stuipooey1 haha so true 🤣
Thanks for the review Matt, am I correct it has a conventional front fork set up rather than Telelever? The price you quoted is for the bog standard bike which few buy I believe most go for the SE variety with all the toys at around 18k + pleased you kept dry 😊
I am pretty sure, only the GS has telelever.
The pure road bikes (RS, R - don't know about RT) have non-adjustable OR electronically adjustable suspension.
I have an R with electronically adjustable, and it's definitely worthwhile.
Agreed Les, it's the same with the GS/GSA, most people go for the TE variant as it comes with most the goodies we want as snobbish ridders these days :). Dry is always good
so you have to pay extra for all the extras?🤔
@@mart7798 You're right, KTM never does that. Oh wait, don't KTM have DEMO Mode? :)
@@DSR1YT just seeing if it would be mentioned as its bmw not ktm doing the pocket ferretting this time!least with demo mode you get to try before you buy,you still dont have to,just like bmw's sales trick.
the Triple Black decal is tottaly botched...great review mate
Haha. Thanks mate 🤙
I think you'll find the actual price of the rs with all the goodies is substantially more. Try getting a standard model, the garages wont sell them....
I demoed that supercharged bike you mentioned, my god sooooo uncomfortable, there’s no way on earth you could tour on that , the riding position is ridiculous. The R1250r and the Rs when you consider the price and the spec it’s one of the best bikes out there !
Agreed mate, the R is a very underrated naked bike, something most people forget i recon when looking for a naked bike, but really good, id go R over the RS, I’m just a big fan of the naked bikes.
The BMW RS series over the decades have always in my eyes been the best compromise with regards balance of sport and touring. But with the release of the new GS 1300 it would seem just a matter of time when the platform cascades down to the R1300RS? Hmmmm,,,🤔🤔
Hopefully they won't make us wait too long for it.
@@DSR1YT I just agree. Sooner or later there will be the R1300rs out. :)
I had a '21 and now daily a '20 RS, in Black Storm Metallic. BMW's new graphic design idea of writing out the words "triple black" on the bike are IMO idiotic -- I'd get it in that color and then peel the vinyl stickers off. :) The hill hold comes in two versions; premium-spec'd RSes have Hill Assist Pro, which can auto engage if road grade is above a set %. Everyone I know with an RS has replaced the windscreen.
Interested in seeing if there's going to be a R1300RS, or even M1300RS? Ha I can dream.
We can only dream :). For sure there will be a R1300RS, I couldn't see them keeping the 1250 in it for much longer. Such a let down with its windscreen being the type of bike it is. That's why there is aftermarket companies out there though I suppose.
Had my 2019 RS now for 3 months and I still haven’t had solved the wind noise and/or buffeting.
A taller Givi screen gets me out of the wind (I’m 5’ 10”) but there’s still buffeting, and for the pillion too.
If you look at the additional protection on the new GS either side of the TFT, I’m wondering whether that could be the issue.
Does anyone have any good suggestions? Otherwise I might be eyeing up a 1250 GS or even a 1300 in a few year’s time…
@@markmottershead646 I first tried a Givi screen but then swapped that for a MRA VarioTouring. Still have buffeting but not nearly as much.
@@Pyrrho_ - I tried it the other way round! MRA looks better but the Givi means I can ride at speed with my helmet open and/or listen to a podcast etc
@@Pyrrho_ - Update. Saw the new 1300 GS in the flesh yesterday which left me a little underwhelmed. But I was able to get a side by side comparison between my 1250 RS and a 1250 GS as I was parked next to one.
Not such a huge difference in seat height but the standard screen on the GS was definitely taller than my MRA VarioTouring screen. So my latest thinking is that the buffeting either comes from around the bottom of the screen or up through the fork funnels.
All so annoying as the RS is a tremendous machine otherwise. So easy to live with and on the way back from the dealer I went on the autobahn (I live in Germany) and had to accelerate out in front of traffic. Even in Road mode I was doing 100+ mph before I realised it!
What a strane name for a dealership Dick love itt
I know, but he really does 😁
I owned 6 BMWs over my 40+ years of riding. I lost all respect for BMW when they replaced their history of pragmatic engineering with trendy electronic gimmickry. Replacing the 1200/1250 R and RS's front suspension with common telescopic suspension(Inverted or not) rather than the clearly superior Tele-Lever enjoyed on the GS and 1200/1250 RT vindicated they had lost the faith(along with my longtime patronage).
It’s so strange when people question the engineering of a bike, seriously leave it to the experts, the bikes are amazing, they ride amazing, your opinion doesn’t really matter tbh
My opinion seemed to matter to you.😆@@Cartsp70