The BMW R 1250 RS, is the manifestation of sport dominance and pure riding excitement. First introduced in 2018, the R 1250 RS has been making waves due to its power, performance, style, and practicality. The bike provides the perfect middle ground between sport and comfort. With a new model arriving on the showroom floor in the spring of 2023, BMW made plenty of updates and upgrades to the motorcycle that’ll have you ready to drop what you are doing, and take to the roads.

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BMW R 1250 RS Details And Specifications

A white and blue BMW R 1250 RS
BMW
An outdoor shot of a 2023 BMW R 1250 RS

Many of the core elements of the motorcycle have remained the same, with BMW focusing the majority of its upgrades on refining and perfecting the rider aid equipment, ensuring a smoother ride. The bodywork and chassis remain the same as in previous models, as does the engine. The air and liquid-cooled 1,254 cc boxer engine produces 136 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque.

BMW’s ShiftCam technology is also present in this model, allowing for better fuel economy as well as increased power generated from the engine by utilizing a softer throttle curve, along with some moderate limitations on torque.

Close-up shot of the 2023 BMW R 1250 RS Display
BMW
A zoomed in angle of the BMW R 1250 RS 6.5 inch TFT display

There are a couple of new standard features in the 2023 model; a new ride mode, eco has been incorporated, along with the existing road and rain modes of previous models. When riding in eco mode, the TFT display presents an efficiency rating, so that riders understand how efficiently they are driving.

This model will also include Dynamic Traction Control, BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, and Dynamic Brake Control as standard equipment as opposed to optional additional features. BMW has also redesigned the headlights and turn indicators, opting for a striking and aggressive LED approach.

BMW offers a wide range of optional extra features. The premium package allows riders to customize and configure their riding modes. Ride Modes Pro, an option included with the premium package allows riders to adapt to different riding situations and environments, ride modes pro alters the throttle response, dynamic traction control, and control characteristics.

The package also includes gear shift assist pro, which allows upshifting and downshifting without clutch control, dynamic engine brake control, saddlebag mounts, heated grips, TPMS system, a GPS mount, a center stand, and cruise control. Also available as additional features are tubular handlebars, allowing for a more relaxed and comfortable riding position, as well as a solo seat option.

For those who are craving even more personalization, BMW offers a few new add-on packages, which include optional alternate paint schemes. The R 1250 RS is available in the sport option, a combination of Light White, Racing Blue, and Metallic/Racing Red. This option, a clear homage to BMW’s history, also comes equipped with a white frame and gold brake calipers.

The next option, Triple Black, features the same gold brake calipers as the sport option, while also swapping out the passenger seat for a cosmetic cover, and removing the passenger pegs and grab handles. The Triple Black option also includes stainless steel engine spoiler set accents.

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Pricing And Availability

BMW
2023 BMW R 1250 RS in the "Triple Black" colorway.

Despite the new upgrades and additional features, the new model of the R 1250 RS will start at the same price as the previous iteration. The 2023 bike will start at $15,695, and you can expect to see this motorcycle in showrooms and dealerships near you in the spring of next year, 2023. If you are interested in the premium package, it comes at an additional cost of $2,900. The Sports style and triple black style options both also come at an additional cost of $475.00 and $625.00 respectively.

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Why Purchase An R 1250 RS?

Light White 2023 BMW R 1250 RS facing to the right
BMW
"Light White" colorway of the 2023 BMW R 1250 RS

With there being many different sports touring bikes from several companies on the market, what makes the R 1250 RS stand out? Why should you go with a BMW R 1250 RS over the competition? While there may be rival bikes that outclass the BMW in certain aspects, the R 1250 RS is an exceptional all-around bike. Featuring great power, performance, style, and handling, it is difficult to find a competitor that bests this bike.

The R 1250 RS provides exceptional power, for example when compared to a rival bike produced by Honda, the NT1100, the BMW far outclasses it in terms of speed, performance, and power. Competition from Kawasaki, specifically the Ninja 100sx and H2sx, do not excel at long-range rides the same way that the BMW motorcycle does. Competition from Suzuki and Yamaha do not match the torque and additional features offered by BMW.

While these rivals may offer bikes at a cheaper price point, none match the prowess of the BMW R 1250 RS; a beautiful machine capable of providing riders with exciting, jaw-dropping rides day after day. The higher price of the R 1250 RS is far worth it when considering the amount of joy that this beast of a machine will provide. So if you are in the market for sports touring bikes, I would highly recommend waiting until the spring of next year in order to purchase the BMW R 1250 RS, I'm certain that you’ll be disappointed.