BMW R1250R (2019 - on) Review
Highlights
- Smooth ShiftCam boxer engine
- Comfortable roadster riding position
- Impressive chassis and brakes
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £270 |
| Power: | 134 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.3 in / 820 mm) |
| Weight: | High (527 lbs / 239 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesWith its dark, rumbling soundtrack, lavish reserves of lowdown power and a searing top end, BMW’s new R1250R is as classy as they come. Its new Shift Cam boxer engine offers just the right balance of quirky refinement, transforming even the shortest journey into a grin-fest.
Wind protection is non-existent, but it’s roomy, calm and easy to manage, with the poise and grace of a super naked in the corners with stonking brakes to match.
Build quality is Tonka Toy-tough and standard spec is generous, but it’s pricey, especially loaded with extras and isn’t a big step on from the old 1200.
2023 BMW R1250R
BMW unveiled an updated version of their R1250R roadster for 2023 with tweaked styling, new lighting and a frugal Eco riding mode to eke the most from each tank of fuel.
The throttle response is softened and your efficiency is displayed at the top of the TFT dash. The standard and SE models both now come with BMW’s lean-sensitive ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction as standard, too.
As-well-as the new headlight – with optimised high and low beams and optional cornering lights - the indicators have been redesigned and are now LED units.
The chassis and engine remain unchanged but there’s a sporty cosmetic makeover to the bodywork and optional pillion cancellation. You can also have the moody new triple black colour option with dark black and grey details.
The updated models will hit dealers in February next year. The standard bike will cost £12,330 while the higher spec SE version is £14,580.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThere are no major changes in the chassis department, but that’s no bad thing. With its semi-active damping (adjustable through the multiple riding modes on our test bike), the BMW can be as motorway-floaty, soaking up the bumps, or racer-tough and crisp steering, depending on your mood.
Like the old 1200, S1000RR-style 45mm upside forks replace the Telelever set-up of its sister boxers and give more feel tipping into corners. The way the R1200R rolls on to its side with the grace of an Öhlins-clad Tuono or Speed Triple RS is a testament to genius of BMW’s test riders, the grip of the Michelin Pilot 4 sports touring rubber and set-up of its shaft drive system.
In a move that had the internet buzzing with incredulity, BMW’s new generation Shift Cam boxers and even its new flagship S1000RR superbike have dumped their Brembos in favour of BMW branded calipers, made by American brake maker Hayes.
The reality is that BMW aren’t stupid and these new calipers are every bit as good as before, but the good news for purists is the R1250R still wears its golden (cornering ABS-equipped) Brembo jewellery with pride. They’re superbike-strong, reassuring and add to the roadster’s exotic feel. A special mention must go to Beemer’s brilliant rear brake, too.
In many ways this is the purist of all the BMW’s boxer twins. Stripped down to its bare essentials it might still be a very heavy machine by sports naked standards (239kg fully fuelled), but it’s uncluttered by the bulky adventure and touring clothes of its sister machines.
It’s the most agile of the family, the briskest accelerating, best braking, easiest to get your feet flat on the floor at a standstill and the most fun. A comfortable, spacious riding position makes all day riding a doddle, but with zero wind protection you’ll get the full force of the wind and weather at speed, but BMW offer an optional fly screen - a must for big trips.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityBMW has stretched power at both ends with an extra 84ccs and a clever new variable valve timing 'Shift Cam' system. Power is up 11bhp to a healthy 134bhp and torque is increased 14ftlb to an even more impressive 106ftlb.
At gentle throttle openings and below 5000rpm the boxer engine sits on its mild, low-lift cams and delivers flawless grunt from as low as 2000rpm. Ask for more power and the camshafts obey by snapping across the top of the engine, in just five milliseconds, delivering the kind of hairy cam acceleration that makes the roadster think it’s a mono-wheeling S1000R.
With its pokey-out cylinder heads BMW’s boxer engine sticks two fingers up convention. But don’t be fooled by its strange looks because the Bavarians have refined this flat twin to perfection and made something work well exceptionally that shouldn’t, like a Porsche 911.
We’re riding BMW’s new £11,215 R1250R today. The out-going 1200 model was a cracker – packed with easy speed, spritely handling and boxer-twin character. Now fitted with the same 1254cc 134bhp ‘Shift Cam’ motor you’ll find in the GS and RT it promises to be even better. pic.twitter.com/Eo3zm6Lj4i
— Motor Cycle News (@MCNnews) April 9, 2019
It has the seamless thrust of a blueprinted race engine and a growling, rhythmic chocolatey exhaust growl to match. Throttle pick-up is flawless, even at town speeds and there’s enough oomph from the motor to stick it top gear and leave it there all day. Or, you can slice through the gears and visit the motor’s dark and angry side.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueOur online Owner’s Reviews don’t reveal any major problems, but servicing costs are on the expensive side.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentEven in standard trim the R1250R is big money for a naked and pricier than a Yamaha MT-09SP and top spec Triumph Street Triple. Throw in some accessories and you could get yourself a supernaked for the same money.
But if you compare it to other roadsters like the Ducati Monster 1200 or the Indian FTR1200 it's just about priced in line.
BMW R1250R SE vs Ducati Monster 1200 S
We took the BMW around the UK’s toughest test route, the MCN 250, to find out how it compared to competition from the Ducati Monster 1200 S.
Built more for stability than agility, the R1250R is fun on the backroads but you can’t hide the near 30kg of extra mass it’s lugging around over the Monster, causing it to roll into bends rather than flick. It’s stable once lent over and can be hustled but it doesn’t feel like a sporty naked, more a relaxed roadster, albeit one with a storming motor.
I’m a huge fan of the ShiftCam boxer and on any road and in any situation it is hard to find fault with. Blessed with a beautiful throttle connection, bags of mid-range and a light clutch action matched to a faultless quickshifter for when you are out of town, it is just wonderful.
In comparison, the Ducati’s Testastretta V-twin is good but it still has the age-old V-twin lumpiness at low revs and heavy clutch, making it better suited to flowing roads than congested traffic and it wasn’t much fun in built-up areas.
Despite iffy conditions, the Monster lapped up the B-road route, feeling lighter and more responsive, not only in terms of its agility but also the speed with which it picks up revs. The Ducati is heaps of fun when the road ahead is twisty.
It may lack the BMW’s semi-active suspension but instead it has mechanical Öhlins, whose damping qualities deliver an equally plush ride over the roughest of undulations, making you wonder if all the fuss about flashy reactive suspension is justified. Adding tech isn’t always a good thing – as the Monster’s finicky and recalcitrant quickshifter proves.
Watch our Yamaha MT-09 SP video review here:
Equipment
A 6.5-inch colour screen, traction control, road/rain riding modes, LED daytime running lights and an automatic hill start control are standard on the base machine.
Using technology from the new S1000RR, the R1250R’s satin-fronted, colour dash is clear and easy to read at a glance, packed with information and even records lean angle, braking and acceleration force during your ride.
This R1250R Sport test bike has extra riding modes, an up/down quickshifter, engine spoiler, HP paint and accessories, including heated grips, electronic suspension, cruise control, centre stand, pannier brackets, chrome exhaust, alarm and emergency call service.
Changes from August 2020
The Sport version is now a metallic yellow with a matt black frame, while a change to Euro5 sees the ABS on permanently. Pro mode now includes drag torque control and there’s even more of those opinion dividing ‘Option 719’ parts.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 1254cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 8v flat twin |
| Frame type | Tubular steel, engine stressed member |
| Fuel capacity | 18 litres |
| Seat height | 820mm |
| Bike weight | 239kg |
| Front suspension | 45mm non-adjustable upside down forks |
| Rear suspension | Paralever with single spring adjustable for preload and rebound damping (Dynamic ESA optional) |
| Front brake | 2 x 320mm front discs with four-piston Brembo radial calipers. ABS |
| Rear brake | 276mm rear disc with twin piston caliper. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | - |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £121 |
| Annual service cost | £270 |
| New price | £11,215 |
| Used price | £8,000 - £10,000 |
| Insurance group |
12 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Three years |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 134 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 106 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 145 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2006: BMW R1200R takes over from R1150R
- 2015: Uprated air/liquid cooled boxer engine, ride by wire and conventional upside down forks replace old Telelever front end. Enough optional extras and electronics available to turn it into the ultimate tourer and sportsbike, all rolled into one.
Other versions
There are no other versions.
Owners' reviews for the BMW R1250R (2019 - on)
13 owners have reviewed their BMW R1250R (2019 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW R1250R (2019 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £270 |
Year: 2023
Annual servicing cost: £300
Finally, the perfect bike does exist , well built, high quality , comfort and then, wow that torque
Has esa suspension which is just sublime, adjust on the fly, soaks up the bumps on back roads, and then superb and planted when pushing on and is by far the best handling bike i have carried a pillion on , the brake are Brembo with braided hoses as standard and are just about perfect for feel and stopping power
Oh WOW , the torque !! The way it comes out of corners or dispatches overtakes is incredible. Several time I have been out in a group ( with some very fast bikes) and have had to roll off early for fear of crashing into the back of them as it accelerates so quickly, yet with a pillion you can just cruise on a wave of torque like an automatic
Thick paint , quality fixtures 100 year old refined boxer engine
Only one downside to owning a bmw and that’s dealer servicing costs
Mine came with heated grips and seats , brembos and esa suspension
Buying experience: Bought privately
Version: TE
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £300
Fantastic torgue, easy to ride, crazy naked looks, loves twisties.
Very easy to ride fast, superb acceleration, rock solid handling, steers well in corners. Brakes well, though the engine brakes incredibly as well when off throttle.
I have ridden a fair number of bikes since 1979, but one thing that singles the BM out for me is the torque. A small turn of the wrist at low revs and it just pulls, which puts a smile on my face. Different riding style to a straight 4 sports bike (which I have ridden) where one has to rev to get the power, though of course some people like that.
Corrosion on pins and bolts, but not serious. Covering on rack is flaking off. Bike has never missed a beat, but a pain to start in cold weather (apparently an issue with the boxers, from talking with others, and admitted by a BM dealer).
Gives 65 mpg, and I am not joking, and this is with proper dynamic riding. On 3rd set of tyres after 15000 miles (Metzelers, which are grippy and do the job well, but told there are better lasting options).
Difficult to asses as it has a TFT screen with lots of this and thats, which I do not like. Miss the clocks. I am old fashioned.
Buying experience: Expensive to buy, but cheap to run (last insurance was £207, was quoted £1200 for a ZX10 (out of interest)),. Nearest dealer is 40 miles away, which is an issue as it does need to be serviced at a BMW dealer (tried closer dealers, but they were not happy to do a service). Is there a bike I would prefer? I like naked bikes, and a Street Triple might be an option, but I do love the torque. Cannot think of an alternative. There is a supposed R1300R coming out, but fearful it might just have a lot more crazy gadgets which I do not appreciate.
Version: SE triple black
Year: 2023
Annual servicing cost: £250
A superb naked all rounder. Comfortable, fast, economical with a decent range.
The ride is the best I have ever had. Honestly it leaves you feeling confident in every bend. Soaks up bumpy roads. The brakes are brembo and are excellent.
More than enough torque and power for me. No need for high revs , it takes off at 4000 and keeps pulling. You could leave it third all day.
The bike has been perfect. No issues whatever. No corrosion with no signs of any premature aging.
The bike is reasonable to service. The fuel economy is superb ( 65 mpg easily attained on a steady run ). My insurance was higher than normal but I came from an R18 which was dirt cheap to insure.
Mine came fully loaded. Cruise control, electronic suspension, heated seats and grips. TPM, navigation and even an SOS should you ever need it. The TFT shoe’s everything you want.
Buying experience: Bought from Williams BMW. I part exchanged my R18 and got a fair deal.
Version: R1250R SE
Year: 2023
Annual servicing cost: £200
Modern version of R9T. I have driven/owned most brands of motorcycles in 45 years. I had the R1200GS TE (2013), R1200RS SE (2015), R1200GSA TE (2018) before going back to the R1250R. Personally I find it the most enjoyable. Took a few days to get used to not having a fairing but now I'm delighted. Being naked, it is considerably lighter and nimble. If you want a bike for day to day driving in reasonable weather, this is a fabulous bike. Definitely a keeper.
Ride quality and brakes are perfect. No issues.
Superb engine. Loads of torque all through the revs.
Quality finish is typical BMW high standard
BMW bikes are expensive to buy so don't cry about the running costs.
Has all the electronics that the R9T doesn't. If you want a fairing and panniers, buy the RS
Buying experience: 4th bike from BMW. Never had any issues.
Version: SE Sport
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £250
A consummate all-rounder. A viable alternative to the GS, provided weather protection trail riding is not high on the agenda.
Very good handling and a delight to hustle down any road. Semi-active suspension is good, but to is a little too soft and a bit loose-feeling in Road mode and slightly too harsh in Dynamic; it needs something in between for the poorly-maintained roads here in UK. Calipers by Brembo and stopping power is pretty good, with good sensitivity.
The 1250 motor is a peach. Bags of power right off the bottom and plenty in hand right through the rpm range. It's so strong in the lower reaches that exploring the higher revs is seldom necessary in everyday use. The 1250 is much smoother than I remember the 1200 being and the Shift Cam technology is seamless. The quickshifter is not the greatest but using the clutch for the first three up-changes and down from second to first soon becomes part of muscle memory and works well enough.
Completely reliable with high build quality. Not the lightest roadster but it carries its weight well.
Good fuel economy (50+ mpg perfectly attainable)
Very comprehensively-equipped in SE guise. No weather protection but pretty good protection from the tank and bodywork and the optional fly screen takes a bit of the pressure off the rider's chest. I feel a little 'beaten-up' after a long day in the saddle, particularly if using dual-carriageways, but this is the only limitation as it is an excellent tourer otherwise. A GS or a RT will protect better but at the cost of weight and bulk. The seat height is pretty good for my 30" inside leg, feet are almost flat at standstill although my (old) knees feel it on a long trip and a little less bend would be appreciated when in the saddle. Tyres: Metzeler Roadtec Z8 (good); Roadtec 01 (better); Michelin Road 5 (best so far) BMW luggage works well, although top-loading would be preferred.
Buying experience: BMW Motorrad network is pretty much as good as it gets in UK. Depreciation is an issue on this model though, so a good low-mileage used buy.
Version: SE
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £380
Best features: TFT is class leading. Boxer engine is a masterpiece of engineering. Unique ability to be a doddle to ride in town, cruise all day long and then tear up the tarmac when you want to give it some. Don't let the 134hp fool you into thinking this bike isn't fast. Think of it like a tuned up TDI car engine. Grunt! It's also supremely comfortable to ride. Yes, it is a naked bike but a bolt on fly screen helps on the longer runs. Remove it again for the butch naked bike looks. I like to think of the bike as a connoisseurs bike. A gentleman who likes a bit of naughty every now and then. In terms of looks. Well...that's subjective. It's not a Superbike-in-a-pretty-skirt type of bike. Think of it like a muscular bouncer. Those cylinder heads are the huge biceps flexing! This bike can handle too. It feels planted and stable at all speeds. It corners predictively well too. Lovely.
Amazing brembo brakes offer great feel and bite. I've had the ABS working on the rear wheel when a car driver suddenly decided to slam their brakes on and take a late turn. No dramas. Easily 2-3 hours of riding for me. The seat is excellent. I don't take pillions but the pillion seat is broad and well shaped/padded so should be equally good. This bike is such a good all rounder that it's hard to decide where it specifically excels. The engine allows you to easily adopt any riding style without complaint.
A masterpiece. Better than a non-shift-cam engine? I'd say yes. I had a R1200GS 2017 before. It was a great engine. The 1250 shift-cam just feels more smooth and there extra grunt is certainly more noticeable. The power delivery is creamy smooth. You just waft along on a wave of torque. I honestly can't think of any negative flaws with this engine.
Top drawer build quality. The rear wheel flicks up a lot of much so an aftermarket hugger or guard will help to prevent the intricate areas getting mucky. No corrosion anywhere. Bike is 4 years old now. It didn't start on one occasion but this was down to my battery charger not working properly. BMW Roadside Assist were very quick to respond and get me on the bike. No other issues.
Expect a service to cost around £320-£400 perhaps. Paralever arm need an oil change every other year. But at least there is no chain to fuss over. Fuel economy is good. This is a bike that can do 90% of everyday riding under 4,000rpm. That means 60+mpg is quite easily achieved. Much better than my old R1200GS. Insurance is on par with a GS although that is relevant to each individual.
SE spec with all the option boxes ticket with the exception of the rear top box rack. Pannier rails were included. Cruise control is good and surprisingly useful and helps on longer motorway rides. Especially as this is a naked bike. It helps to keep fatigue at bay. Fly screen is a must if you do lots of long haul riding. It can easily be removed when not needed. I bought an aftermarket slip on exhaust as I was not keen on the chrome silencer. It was just too big and attracted muck and sticky tarmac. My Fuel exhaust is much lighter, smaller and sounds much better. However, it is still whistle quiet when cruising which is ideal for me.
Buying experience: Bought used from Bahnstormer Maidenhead. I gave my bike a proper detailed clean top to bottom after gettign it home. Purchase experience was excellent though. Very helpful and welcoming. A seamless process throughout. PX's my R1200GS. I realised the R1250R was the bike I should have bought in the first place. £10,500 was the price. However, my px meant I literally paid pennies to change bikes.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £400
BMW have never taken into account that this motorbike should ever go out in wet weather.As a rider you are covered in road filth in wet weather. Also the head light is about as powerful as my bicycle.Other than that it’s a great bike.I would recommend it to a friend.
Being over 60 years of age about 200 miles. The bike is a decent all round bike which is forgotten as there are more sales for the GS.The R1250R is a quicker bike than the GS
It’s just perfect.
Built quality is not bad but I do have poor paint work on the swing arm and on the carburettor pipes as it’s peeling off. In its three years the petrol tank lock failed but was replaced under warranty and also the front wheel bearings also replaced under warranty.
Getting tyres through BMW have a premium price on them at least £60 over just because it’s BMW
Heated grips
Buying experience: From a BMW dealer. As it was the new model in 2019 I paid the price it was advertised at £13100
Version: Sport HP
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £170
I love the colour scheme on this HP model and the effortless engine, torque, power and economy. It's very easy to ride and the most comfortable bike seat for distance. The instrument panel is exceptional clear especially since fitting a small visor. You feel quite special riding it. A rear hugger should be fitted as standard. Would highly recommend to anyone.
I find the Road setting for the suspension too soft and the Dynamic to hard over rougher surfaces...the best option appears to be the Automatic Road setting but even this can feel strange at times, and I'm sure I can feel the electronics making some of the adjustments. Pillion comfort is excellent (So I'm told by my pillion) the seats have just the right density foam and the rear seat is shaped for passenger comfort. All day riding is easily achievable.
The engine is a peach with great pulling power especially when the shift cam comes on although sometimes I feel there is a momentary lag but this maybe because it's a twin as opposed to the Japanese fours that I'm used to.
Everything appears to be top quality but early days to comment on possible rust problems. There are oil traces on the front forks after every ride, more than I would have expected, this is something I will monitor. I had a problem with the keyless fob not connecting with the bike, but a new battery in the fob resolved that.
The bikes only had a first service, but I understand running and service costs on BMW's tend to be higher than their Japanese rivals.
This R1250R Sport appears to have a fairly high spec level including things like a main stand (Very useful) heated grips etc. My favourite feature is just the shear look and presence of the bike. I disliked the original rubbers it came on, they just didn't give me confidence and I quickly swapped them out for Micheline Road 5's (This is probably more of `It's in your head thing`) than any problem with the actual tyres. Extras for me are: small screen. radiator guard, instrument panel visor and rear hugger.
Year: 2019
I think this is a brilliant all rounder, with lovely low speed balance and low center of gravity, massive aounts of thrust on hand if required for overtakes etc., yet also very rideable and eager to please. It will cope well with weekend spirited rides, but will also commute, and with the addition of a screen tour with luggage and/or a pillion just as well. I used to dismiss BMW boxers as old mens bikes, but not any more. Maybe old men know a thing or two after all.
Absolutely superb. It's perfectly happy to thrum along at a sedate pace if that's the mood, but with the suspension in sport mode will also just as happily properly attack the curves with a real confidence inspiring sure-footedness.
An abolute beauty. Seamless predictable linear thrust from slow walking pace and all the way up. Whooshes up to speed like a steam turbine powered, butterscotch sauce covered hovercraft.
So far have had no issues of any kind
It's just about to go in for it's 1 year service with my local BMW motorrad dealer, and I have been quoted 'around £200' for this, which seems little salty. May turn out to be more, though may also be less.
It's got, or can have from the accessories list, the lot.
Year: 2019
With a remap and a full system this bike will have well over 110ftllb of torque. This means I’m not sure there are many bikes, if any, that will beat it in the twisties......
Version: HP sport colours
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £270
Heavy bike otherwise a 5. Remap this bike and it turns it into a super naked killer on the road as it gives it over 115ftllb of torque. Stick a set of Bridgestone S22’s on and your uncatchable.....
Low down weight is good, brakes are fab.....
Fabulous but it gets a 6 when remapped...3rd gear pull is mental....
Annoying that you have to buy rear shock guard and front engine casing guard as extras....
Needs a remap to improve fuel consumption but it’s very good when you do!
All the extras cost a packet..... but you want em Deffo!
Buying experience: Great personally
Version: Basic version, black colour.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £165
Expensive if you want to have extras that are standard on most other motorcycles of the same type.
Riding position hurts knees after more than 1 or 2 hours.
Great engine and power delivery.
The bolt holding the rear frame to the engine came out after 800 miles. this was not noticed by BMW mechanic that serviced the bike. Very bad for a new BMW motorcycle..
First service cost.
Equipment supplied as standard is very good. Additional equipment also good but expensive. Sports screen not very effective as wind protection.
Buying experience: BMW agent did not contact me for test ride after I had left my contact details. I had to follow up with phone calls to get test ride.
Version: Sport
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £250
Superb machine. However, at £16k with toys & couple accessories, hand on heart I'd suggest saving £6k & buy a low mile 1200R. Its 19/20ths as good. A screen is a must if you intend long high speed journeys.
Quite simply superb.
1250 is the first boxer that likes to rev out. Typical boxer torque with a nice rush as the revs climb. Very smooth at low revs, vibes more akin to a 4cyl when its pressed hard. IMO I'd say BMW engineers have kept the power down from the original hype of 150hp for a reason.
All the toys in the shop and then some - at a price.
Buying experience: BMW dealer experience 2nd to none for the most part.
