I ride a 2020 BMW R 1250 RS and make videos around Austin Texas Hill Country, bike modifications, gear I buy, bike meet ups, interviews with interesting people / businesses and just overall love to promote bike culture. Like many others, I love the meditative effects of riding and absorbing the environment around me. “Wind Therapy Baby!” Hope you enjoy the videos and will consider subscribing and hitting the thumbs up when deserved. Comments and suggestions are always welcome. If you have a bike, I'm happy to hear about what you are riding. If you have a youtube channel, I'm happy to check it out, leave a link.
Having spent a lifetime on bikes , everything from my first moped at 16 … the 250cc two smoke years that followed … Honda GL1000 ( yes that was a sports bike back then 😂😂😂) then other stuff and the Kawasaki GPz900R , a myriad of GSX750R … Suzuki TL1000R , yammy R1… other stuff .. BMW K1200s and finally I bought a BMW R1200RS and out of all of them … this is my fave ‘forever bike’ … sure there are better bikes out there but as an all rounder I doubt you could find better
Well said! Thank you for checking out the video. Appreciate your insights and seal of approval for the RS. I couldn’t agree more. I’m interested in the new R1300RT. The latest leaked imagines look interesting. Word from my friends at BMW say it will be a smaller lighter sleeker design, which sounds good as many complain about the bulbous front end.
Oh great to hear and a good real world comparison. What do you like best about this bike that pulled you away from getting a new KTM? All the best with the new bike, thanks for checking out the video.
@@Texas2TiresI know it’s nothing original to hear, but reliability. My SD hasn’t been the best: faulty switchgear on left and right of the handlebar, faulty QS sensor, faulty rear brake pump, faulty hydraulic clutch pump, the headlight detached itself for no reason because a retention screw broke while I was riding to have the bike serviced, the electric immobilizer one morning refused to disengage and again I had the bike towed to the dealership. I guess those are not major mechanical problems but all in all didn’t leave me with a lot of trust in KTM. Spare parts and servicing are crazy expensive as soon as you’re out of warranty too. Add to all this that a new 1290 GT was at least a couple of grands more expensive than the GX and I preferred to give another brand a chance having liked the Suzuki’s ergos, mid range punch and electronic suspension. It is a bike with some stupid quirks (screen adjustable only with an allen key? Really Suzuki?) but for someone who wants something in between a sport naked and a touring bike is a really nice platform and more compact and cheaper than a S1000XR
@@Texas2Tiresalso, I fancied trying a new engine platform. I owned a few singles, 2 triples (675 and 1050 triumph), and a few vtwins. Never owned an in-line four but the k5 derived of the GX made a good impression and it’s WAY less tiring to ride than KTM’s 1300cc lc8. The GX feels derived from the GSX range, you feel that chassis underneath is from a smaller bike and when you’re riding it it almost feels like a naked bike, with a little bit of load on the handlebars and the pegs relatively high, coming from sporty naked bikes I liked the familiarity of it compared to something roomier like a s1000xr. Good front end feel too. Front brake master cylinder is subpar though and will have to go shortly for something like a brembo rcs…
@@valebliz Excellent insights, thanks for sharing. It is a good looking bike and that 150 hp out of the box is definitely intriguing. Again congratulations and all the best with the new ride. Are you planning to add a slip on to getting a louder inline 4 sporty note or just keep it stock? Wow your SD sounded like a nightmare. Thus far I've been very happy with my 2020 BMW RS. I take it in for its scheduled maintenance, check the oil and keep the tire pressure set each time I ride. Also keep the battery topped off when not riding it for days in a row. So far, no issues.
@@Texas2Tireshere in Europe we have 3 different specs: base bike, a touring specced one with center stand and bigger windshield, a sport one with Akra slip on and a tinted screen. Both sport and touring specs come with panniers, heated grips, comfort saddles and so on. I’m getting the sport one with the slip on but I don’t think I’ll upgrade to a full exhaust, I live in Italy near the French border and I ride quite a lot in the alps, full exhausts easily become a pain with the police here. Also I’m near 40 and really loud motorcycles are beginning to get on my nerves after a couple of hours of riding 😂
For me works fine to place the rc2 there. I turn the wireless charging off just in case. This reminds me I need to use the drone some more in videos. Thanks for checking out the video.
Very nice! Do you like this bike? I did not realize the price ticket was so high? Would you consider this bike? The riding position looks to bent over for me. Thanks
The bike is beautiful. I would only buy it if I was rich and could afford to hang it on my wall as a piece of art. It is too leaned over for my old back.
Thank you for checking out the video and thanks for the compliment. I really like the hugger. However, BMW should include one stock. Without it, all the electronics under the seat get blasted with road muck.
Great Interview with THE Motor Cop God! I love how he explained what the mindset of a motor officer has to be when they are on their bikes. Listening to the radio, watching for traffic violations while focusing on riding safely. Great input regarding street riding strategies as I do the same. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. I loved the Motogymkhana question. I always wondered what the difference was. Tire pressure was interesting. I agree, motors are able to respond to a call much faster than a car. They can split lanes, ride through barriers, and pretty much ride into a shopping mall if needed. Remember, Motors Always Lead The Way.
Thank you for checking out the video. I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview. Quinn is an awesome guy and was very generous with his time, which I really appreciated. I've been lucky to interview three different BMW Ambassadors. I also interviewed Shawn Thomas during the R 1300 GS launch and more recently Nate Kern BMW's sport bike Ambassador. All really cool dudes. If interested, check those videos out as well. Here's the links: Shawn Thomas interview ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-K0clue3yvRw.htmlsi=hUpIvOmWblRAn1mC Shawn Thomas presentation ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--hOohWCOK-Q.htmlsi=gR9Vl6tUnXV-_MPF Nate Kern ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9-vV6KYhLfU.htmlsi=wEERRdkog5li23XR Thanks again for tuning in, safe journeys!
I use a MRA screen that has a built in spoiler. That helps a lot. However using a sports helmet and leathers with a neck tube also helps compared to textiles and flip front helmet
Thank you kindly for stopping by and commenting. Yes most certainly, sounds like you're hermetically sealed and ready for space travel. Joking aside, modular helmets are definitely noisier. The new Shoei NeoTec 3 is supposed to be quieter. I'll have to give that a whirl when my NeoTec 2 is up for retirement. I really like the modular system especially here in the hot Texas Summer. It's so nice to be able to flip up the front and breath as well as be able to talk more clearly with riding buddies. Safe Journeys!
@@johnsparks211 I interviewed the US distributor of Shoei. He claims that it is quieter. The padding around the underside of the helmet where your head goes in, is definitely beefier and looks like it will close down more wind that's trying to enter under the chin guard. If you didn't see that video, check it out here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-itlxJKb8aVA.htmlsi=LMedxjrakWuhgRUw Thank you for the kudos, I'm glad to hear you like the channel.
I would recommend a Givi Screen It is high enough to eliminate almost all buffeting. If you added the screen you have it would probably completely eliminate the wind.
MRA and Givi seem to be the screens of choice when going for a taller screen. Excellent suggestion, thank you for checking out the video and sharing your insights.
@@Texas2Tires I would agree though that the standard size screen looks like cooler. That’s the one I use in the summer because I prefer the wind on as much as possible cause it’s so hot here in Japan.
If I didn't motovlogg, I wouldn't have the spoiler. I don't mind riding with my puig racing screen in the low position. However, in that configuration, there's just too much wind on my microphone and would make for crapping sound.
Yes, it is interesting! I raised my windscreen on my RS and it was worse with the wind buffeting so I keep in the lower position. The part that you have on the upper windscreen can also fit on a stock RS windscreen right? And yes, I do not like the look but it works. My RS has the tubular bars and they are more comfortable. I think the RS is also designed for longer tours too but maybe some adjustments need to be made. I think if I was riding regularly I could do it. Great video.
Thank you for your comments. Agree the RS can most certainly tour and gobble up big miles. However, it really depends on your height which will of course lace your head, hands and feet in very different positions. The tubular bars are definitely more comfortable and more upright. For the RS to be a real touring machine, riders need to change the stock seat, get taller wind screen and bar risers or tubular bars then you're ready to munch miles. My sargent seat was a big plus. The stock seat would dig into my butt and make it go numb after 60-90 minutes. Now I can ride for 2-3 hours without stopping...and guess what....no sore bum. Safe Journeys!
I love my RS too but I think the issue comes from the lower part of the screen, especially when it’s in its upright position. If you compare it to the new GS, you’ll see it has transparent wind deflectors lower down and that’s what the RS needs but can you find them for sale? Heck no, only some small ‘ears’ from Wunderlich at a ridiculous price. So come on 3rd party suppliers, help us RS lovers out here!
Great point. I've been looking at the pics of the new R 1300 RT that are going around the internet. Seems this new RT has mechanical spoilers on the front to redirect wind to the benefit of cooling, aerodynamics. Obviously don't have to worry about wind with the RT as everyone I know that has one loves them and says they ride in a nice protected bubble. I'm not sold on the ASA (automatic shifter without a clutch), but hopefully the new R 1300 RS has some adjustments for wind protection. Thanks for your insights.
@@Texas2Tires - I prefer the looks and size of the RS over both the RT and GS. I just wish it had the wind protection of my old 1200 GS, hence the plea for someone to provide lower screen wind deflectors!
@@markmottershead646 Agree. However, I'm keeping my eye on the new R 1300 RT. Those leaked testing images appears the RT might be a bit smaller in terms of its typical ginormous front fairing. I really like sport bikes, but as an older rider not really practical, so that's what attracted me to the RS. It's a great compromise of sporty look with a more comfortable ergonomic stance. I'll most likely end up with a 1300 RS two years after release, so that they get the bugs out.
@@jussilindgren4670 What do you have that's the same, the wind spoiler, color of the bike? Anyway, thanks for stopping by and commenting. Safe Journeys!
Thanks for this video! Interviewing dealers about different bikes is great! The motorcycle show does not come in my area any longer so this helps keep me informed. Overall, it is probably a good bike but it's not me but I like the thought of it. What about you? Is this a bike you could see yourself riding and in your garage? Thanks
Yep same thing happening with mine on both bikes, and I like how they lay the cause on the battery as if it’s the one that has the issue. Like Quadlock is the company that decided to make accessories that attach to motorcycle batteries, so maybe make them so they work….$80 P.O.S. Thanks for sharing the solution with us! Solved my issue quicker than the victim blaming conversation I had w QuadLock
Glad all worked out. What they really need to create is a phone holder that has a fan built-in to draw the heat off the iPhone. With the wireless charging adapter combined with the very thick non-vented phone case my iPhone 13 overheats in the summer and shuts off on me on a regular basis. It’s very annoying. I have sent emails to quad lock in the past with little feedback from them. I’m thinking about drilling holes in the case avoiding the connection point to see if that will allow the phone to breathe a little bit better. With that said the Texas heat is a bit much for iPhones to handle.
Ok I’ve had mine for about a thousand miles. Coming from a 98RT, when the RS was basically the same bike with less wind protection, I can’t get over how much smaller this bike is. I will probably go with a 1300RT, after it’s introduced and they work the bugs, if any, out of it. This RS is fine for touring if you take breaks to recover every few hours. I don’t remember having to do that with my RT. Oh and btw, rounding up I’m only 5’8”.
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. I typically will pull over and rest everyone to one and a half hours on my RS. A few things you can do to make the RS much more comfortable and tour worthy is to get bar risers a touring screen and if need be dropping the foot pegs a little lower. Since we are both 5’8” tall lowering the pegs is unnecessary. I do not want barriers or a tall touring screen. If I was going to do that I would just spend the extra money and buy an RT as you mentioned. RT has a much more upright seating position and is more comfortable for long-haul riding than the RS.
I like the sound it has now. However from the sound of your message, I’m thinking you’d probably be happier by taking out the baffles in the Akrapovic slip on to get more sound.
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Very nice! This group that organized this do they allow all kinds of bikes or just cruisers or what? The GS you were sitting was nice how did it feel? Have you test rode it yet? Also what were you pointing at while sitting on the bike? It looks like you were there all day? And was the food good? Excellent video as usual!
There all types of bikes there even sling shots and spyders. I was pointing at my foot showing that it could touch the ground. The older GS was too high for me. This new one has auto suspension lowering when it stops. That’s awesome for shorter riders. I was there about two hours.
@@p-dub7422 No I would not buy a GS. It's a great bike, but not my style. I don't like Adventure bikes because I have no desire to go off road. How about you, do you like the GS platform?
@Texas2Tires I like the rugged look and the riding position. I would not take it off road but the travel and comfort ability. I probably would not use the bile to its full potential. The RS I like the looks and it is good for short or longer distances. I think the RS is a good looking bike.
You should DEFINITELY get the new one: more power, more torque, less weight, more comprehensive electronics, snappier quickshifter, better mass centralization (gearbox position), better traction (swingarm length), the list goes on.
Not at this point. I still like the RS a lot. The RT would be a good choice for me if I did more long haul rides, but I don't. Also the RT outweighs the RS, so I'll stick with the lighter bike for now.
Most likely. At this point, I’m content to wait. I still really love my bike. Especially after installing the new headers and tuning it with Bren Tune. It’s like having a new bike.
I also have a 2020 RS. Mine is at the top end of the price range over $21,000 with all the 719 packages, 719 wheels. I too have made it my own with GPS relocate XT2 wired. bar risers SW Motech Aero bags etc. The RS does not hold its value like the GS. My dealer would only offer about $10,000 for trade in for a Ducati Rally. Thats' despite the fact that they have no new/used RS;s in the showroom. I have it on Cycle Trader for $14,500 only 14,000 miles or so The new RS would have to come with adaptive cruise and blind spot monitoring for me to spend and additional $15,000 to get the new bike set up like my old one. The cost of labor to put accesories on a bike these days is considerable. The RS may be the first bike I just keep for ever given how nice of a tourer it is when all set up to my liking Just a thought given your bike is also a 2020
Thanks for checking out the video and including some comments of wisdom. I was also thinking about that. Dealers don't care how much customization money you've dumped into the bike, so you lose all that. Plus the new RS engine and setup might not allow to simply swap over the parts you bought and love. I have close to 28,000 miles on mine, so I'm looking at even a greater loss. I'll really have to consider my move once the 1300 RS comes out.
@@peternishan1009 $10,000 trade in is just sad considering the bike and all the stuff you have on it. Seems like the option 719 parts should actually raise the value since they are genuine BMW parts. I understand most aftermarket parts not raising the value for various reasons. But 719 wheels should make a difference.
@@peternishan1009 Had some Option 719 stuff on a previous 1250RS. Got side-swiped by a truck and the 719 stuff cost so much to replace it pushed my bike's repair over my insurance company's limit and they said it was totalled. 719 head covers mean you can't use aftermarket protectors like X Heads, either. The parts look cool but reduce functionality and cost so much more that I don't see them as worthwhile.
@peternishan1009 That's a good point and I noticed that as well about used RS's. I see used ones low miles and a lot of extras going for prices that don't match the value. Even BMW dealers are low balling their own bikes, which is a contradicting to what they say about value. Have you tried a BMW dealer to see what they would offer you? I have a 2023 and it is stock and I do not plan to put anything extra on it other than phone mount, another tank bag maybe cylinder guards. I have done that too many times now when I buy bikes I wanted it to be good to go out the box. An RS is really a good bike, as is and the boxer engine can stack up a lot of miles on it.
Would be a tough call for me. They would have to do some pretty impressive stuff to the styling and tech of the 1300 to make me want to switch from my 1250. Partially because I've done a lot of things to make my 1250 MINE. I wouldn't want to start over unless the new one was REALLY special.
Excellent points. The new RS will most likely not be compatible with simply swapping over your mods / add ons from your older RS. However, if that is possible that's what I'll do as I have all the original parts, which I'd put back on before selling it.
@@Texas2Tires I'm in the same boat. I have things that would most likely swap over like my Clearwater lights and other things that might not like option719 footrests from a gs, clutch and brake levers, shift and brake pedals, all 719 stuff. Plus, I really like my bike!
I'm in a same boat, 1250RS with many mods. Rumors so far, automatic shifting - no thank I'm fine with manual, quickshifter - works great if you learn how to use it properly, frame - maybe it's stiffer, but i prefer the look of existing one more, adaptive cruise control which is "nice to have", golden forks/brakes have been removed which is a downgrade, but overall, it's a mediocre upgrade, so I'll probably pass. 2024 model is still up to date in terms of technology, power, look etc. I'd say there isn't too much space for improvement, add new EU regulations and restrictions I would say 1250RS is a pinnacle in this line and 1300 will be nothing more than a subtle upgrade. But yes, let's wait for an official release 🙂.
Ideally, if the new 1300 RS comes out in 2025, it would be smart to wait at least one year before buying one as I'm sure they'll be gremlins in the new engine / transmission that need to be worked out.
Thank you kindly, I'm glad you liked it. Funny story, my friend in the video traded in his RS shortly after this video for a BMW K 1600. He wanted something bigger that his wife could ride on more comfortably. But knowing him, he'll probably sell the K 1600 in the coming months for something different. He gets bored with the same bike.
I would think the new rs 1300 will come with more than just horsepower but new technology as well. If I did not have one I might wait. I have a 2023 and did not want to wait for a 2025. Also, are we sure that the 2025 RS will be a 1300?
Thanks for watching. I believe the only tech difference maybe an offer of clutchless transmission, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning lights in the side mirrors, not sure there'll be any other difference. Also you are correct in saying "are we sure about a new RS in 2025". BMW has not announced it yet, it might be 2026. I think BMW usually reveals their new line up late Summer. Have to wait and see. By the way, I made a video yesterday with my bicycle riding the downtown loop around the river. First time, I've ridden that, it was really a nice ride. Thanks for encouraging me to make a bicycle video. However, I highly doubt it will be viewed many times. Don't let your Specialized bike collect dust, get out there and explore.
@Texas2Tires Thanks! I think your interview skills and content is excellent so I think the bike ride will be interesting as well! It will be well received! And thanks I will get on that bike. Your wind therapy got me riding my motorcycle more.
Very true. I believe the major difference will be the slight boost in hp and torque, which in my opinion isn't enough of a boost and quite frankly the current RS is already a torquey bike especially after doing the BT Moto tune I did on the bike. The transmission is supposed to be smoother, which would be a welcome gift. It might have the option of a clutchless transmission like the new 1300 GSA is offering, but I'm not interested in that. Also adaptive cruise control and blind spot indicators in the side mirrors. Realistically, I'll probably wait a couple more years before I consider making a switch. Thanks for checking out the video, appreciate it.
More power, more torque, less weight, more comprehensive electronics, snappier quickshifter, better mass centralization (gearbox position), better traction (swingarm length)... Should I go on?
@@ricardolourizela5961 Mostly incremental increases. If I didn't already have a 1250RS then yes, I'd want a 1300 (maybe, as the 1300 adv is ugly AF, so who knows how bad they could screw up a new RS). I do, though, so there's not enough in the 1300 platform - for me - that make it worth upgrading.
I just bought my 2024 1250RS. It’s already on discount now preparing for the 1300RS I guess. Either order the new 1300 now so you’ll be one of the first to get it, or just wait a while until they have a jubilee or something
Thanks for stopping by the channel and commenting. With a 2024, I would certainly not part with it for the new one. I'd wait at least a couple years. I don't feel the new engine configuration would be that amazing to make me switch from a 2024. My BMW dealer sells through their RS models really quickly. However, they rarely get them. I had to buy my out of state.
Excellent video! I also ride a Specialized Fitness bike. I have not rode it much this year but planned to do so. If possible video one of your bike rides. You mentioned that it was 93 degrees many people ride without jackets in that kind of heat. I always use one and your thoughts about that? I was nervous watching you ride in the rain like that because I know how it can go. I guess packing rain gear in case, right? Did you put your bike in rain mode for this ride when it started raining? The RS is really a good bike for situations like that. Excellent video! Thanks
Thank you for watching. You should get on your bike and ride it. I don’t think many people want to see me ride my bicycle. Perhaps I can do one video along the Colorado River downtown. That would be interesting for me as I’ve never ride down there before. There’s quite a few trails along the river. I always wear gear when I ride my motorcycle regardless how hot it is. I did put the bike in rain mode. The bike and tires ran great in the rain. Just steady inputs, no problems.
I’m riding bicycle to and from work almost every day. Why is that you might wonder, well I live in a fairly big city in Sweden and I am able to have my 1250RS locked inside my work. If I keep it at home it has to be parked on the street and I don’t trust other people with leaving my stuff alone. Friday this week me and my wife are going on the 1250RS to the north of Sweden for a week of riding, going to be around 3000km. Ride safe
Wow that’s troublesome but same situation for many living in US cities. Typically people will rent storage units to keep their bikes in. However in your case seems work is a secure and free place to keep your bike, so that’s cool. Thanks for checking out the video and sharing your thoughts. All the best on your trip up north safe journeys.
Thanks for watching the video and commenting. The route out to Marble Falls from Cedar Park area is called 1431. It is an awesome road. It’s not as good as the sisters, but considering it is 20 minutes from my house and not 3.5 hours, I’ll take a nice ride on 1431 any day. There’s another fun ride close by Cedar Park area which forms a loop. It’s Lime Creek Road and 2769. That ride is quite technical with lots of twisties.
There is a difference. Just hard to hear with my audio. It isn’t a big difference because I left the baffles in the exhaust. I mainly bought the exhaust for aesthetic reasons. Since that video I have bought new headers and removed the catalytic converter. It sounds louder now. Thanks for watching. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YfjxGFE-9xQ.htmlsi=cv-UhlIwmPw8NoTv Thanks for watching and commenting.
... Thanks for the video. I just washed my cheek pads on my Bell MX9. Squeezed the water out and let them air dry for a couple of days. I'm going to have to check the forehead and back pads now that I have watched this. Thank you again. Jeff
Thanks for watching and sharing your insights. I’m glad the video was useful for you. The middle piece including forehead top and back of your head is where a lot of sweat and dirt dust from the road gets captured. In the past I wasn’t aware that that could be pulled out. Like most dudes, I never read the user manual. 😂🤣😂🤣
Below a viewer commented on washing the pads with one of those washing machine bags. I should have mentioned that during the video. Thanks @DalsDad for the suggestion. Actually the helmet manual does mention both manual and machine washing. For this video I was more focused on showing that removing the pads and putting them back isn't too difficult. Wish you all safe journeys and clean helmets. 😊👍
Pretty basic stuff, but I know there are some people that don't know how or really want to remove their pads. Just thought I'd show it isn't that difficult. Also it's the only way to really clean the stink out of the helmet. Thanks for watching and commenting, appreciate it.
Here’s what I do… 1. Have a white Neotec2, instead of black. Black absorbs heat, white does not. And white is much more visible. 2. Get a mesh bag with a zipper closure; they are used to keep things from getting “lost” in the wash machine. Put the helmet pieces in the mesh bag and throw them in the washer with a load of clothes. If you want to get really fancy, throw some of those fragrance beads in, and it’ll smell great. No need to do any hand washing, and when the load is spun dry, just let them air dry for an hour or so, there won’t be much water left. I’ve been doing this method for years, no issues.
@@DalsDad Thanks for checking the video and sharing your insights. I have one of those washing machine bags and plan on giving that a try next time. I should have mentioned the bag method in the video. However, the important part about this video was the taking the pads out and putting them back part. I've talked with a few people that are timid about doing that and feel it is too troublesome. For example, those same people paid the dealership to put their SENA systems in the helmet because they were afraid to mess with the pads. Thanks again for your input and helping to keep the moto world clear of stinky helmets. Safe Journeys!
i'll care about it when they make a scooter hybrid. i want an old burgman 650 but they don't sell it anymore and they don't sell any other maxi scoots anymore. kymko one is kinda weak and tmax is expensive and weak too!
Nice that burgmann is like the Goldwing of scooters. I was just thinking about BMW’s electric scooter the CE 04. It has a top speed of 75 mph and an 80 mile range depending on riding factors, but it costs over $12k.
