BMW R1250RS Review | Do You Really Need A GS? 

For me its nice to hear that there are other ppl fighting depression with bikes 😁

I have a R1250RS and it was my choice over a GS. I based my decision on being a dedicated road rider. If you ask me, the whole GS mania thing is based largely on visual and visceral appeal. The GS is really a compromise between on and off road. The RS as a purely on road bike gets my vote. Nice review, and your criticism of the clunky quick shifter is spot on.

Your comments addressing your mental health are superb. As a psychologist, the number of chats I’ve had on the side at rallies over the years is immeasurable. I think riding offers so much for people’s wellbeing that we naturally gravitate towards it when our bodies need it.

Spot on and why I went from an R1200RT to a GSA in 2008. One brief ride and it felt so “right”. At the time I was a mere 49!

Enjoyed the ride out with you here. It’s nice to jump on for a ride when things are a bit bleak, works for me every now and then

Great vid. Keeping them coming and keep riding. Always makes me feel better!

Thanks for this vid man! You are doing great! Keep going! Looking forward to the next review/adventure. Cheers!

G'day friend! Good luck with the meds fine tuning. I was happily surprised to see you on the RS! About two months ago I dropped into my dealership to get some oil to top up my R9T - and there on the showroom floor was a rare beast, the RS in Imperial Blue. One sit on it and I knew it was my spirit animal. I had a 750GS and never really liked going offroad, all the noise, dust in my eyes and slightly anxious about dropping - so a big GS really made little sense. On the RS I love the engine, looks, how I feel when I'm bombing around. It's rare here. Oh, apparently the Dynamic Pro is just a user configurable program - I'll have to play with it but don't expect any wheelies lol. Thanks for this finely edited upload!

Thanks for the great review! And I hope you’re feeling good!! 😊👍

Love the video dude ❤️ Sending positive vibes from Norway 🤠

The telescopic forks give a different feel than telelever. I have had the RS since 2015, both 1200 & 1250. Wonderful bike. I use a top box, use it for daily commute. It does all that is asked, with no serious issues. Upshift on the GASP to 2nd & 3rd usually crude, so I use the clutch.

Short but slick. Really like your reviews. Stay well

Mate loved the review, you came across really professional and informative.

I do need a 1250GS on my daily starbucks coffee run. Can you imagine suddenly having to traverse a gravel patch on tarmac with a 1250RT. 😂

I think the 'Adventure ' bike label could just be replaced with 'Confortable ' . The lack of scrunched up legs and weight on the wrists is the main reason I ride an adventure bike and a Harley........but then again I'm well old ! (59)

Thanks for the great video. If you hit a downer make sure you are as busy as possible and keep as fit as possible. Keeps your serotonin high. Take care

Good video, I had the same problem with the cylinders which was one of the reasons I ended up getting the Yamaha Super Tenere. Think I'd go with the RS, bit cheaper too I think. Keep up with the mental heath awareness, very important, and hope you'll reaclimat to life without pills soon. 🙂👍💕

My best friend, OMG! So wonderful! I really love this! Thank you so much!

Realy good vid, well done with your MH jurney

Nice review. Thanks

I Have recently bought the R1250 RT similar Bike but much more comfortable Try that one out, Great Review and Video and well done on highlighting and mentioning your mental health, we as Men should be talking about it a lot more, I hope you feel better soon with coming off your antidepressants, But don’t worry if you are not able to this time, what is important is keeping you Stable. Hope to see more of your videos soon, Take care and Ride Safe 👍👍👍🏍🏍🏍

Another great review Redang. Good for you in making this video whilst coming off some meds. I tried that once by very, very gradually reducing the dosage but didn’t work for me. But heyho everybody’s different and I wish you luck in this new faze of your treatment. Take care.

I went for the GSA myself suited my needs better .nice video buddy

Exellent review.👌🏻

Good video mate!!🔥 Thumbs up and much support from my side!

Thank you very much @RedAng for your video. I really like the RS but need to test it before I invest such an amount of money in a ride. Tested the GS and, despite the confort, I must say it didn’t inspire me… for that money you should be impressed about the feeling and the looks and I’m not quite there… Suzuki GT is also on my list for testing and comparing but, as you mentioned, shaft is definitively a plus! Quickshifter is another issue that should be addressed… In the meantime, I’ll keep enjoying my Tracer 700, a great bike for beginners. With regards to your situation, give it time and you’ll see brighter days 😉 Keep it up! Greetings from Madrid!

A good review, thanks Angus, and best wishes on changing your antidepressant. I am sure you provide insight to many people. I take delivery of my RS next week. Why did I choose the RS, and why not the GS? 1. I want it for touring, and like you I wanted a shaft drive. I am not taking it off road. 2. I love the Boxer engine. 3, The COG is low, and this bike is more manoeuvrable when being pushed around the garage than the GS, which I found quite top heavy. I will be shoving it around ferries etc. 4. I can 'flat foot' it - not an issue for many, but I feel more confident. 5. There are fewer of them than the GS - though that is of course because the GS is a great bike.6. I prefer the look of it compared to the adventure style....anyway, I will let you know - but I am keeping my Speedmaster.

Have had 2005GS then changed to RS as felt lighter to manhandle. Both 1200 and 1250 RS were superb as I found that they were much easier to get on and of than GS. Plus thet look so much nicer.

I've had an R1250RS for 7500 miles now. A few things... - Yes, you get used to not hitting your shins. - Yes, the GS is a bit more flickable. Just put some effort into the RS and it's fine. - You get used to the quickshifter and how it behaves. You need to be on the throttle to shift up and if you are, it's fine. I pretty much always use the quickshifter going up including from 1 to 2. I use it less going down. It also broke in a bit over the miles. - Over the course of a long day, the seating position of the GS is still more comfortable, but the RS is good. - I hope the medication situation comes out well

Great job and kudos for the mental health check in. We all need to increase our awareness

Looks nicer than the GS but Im thinking probably to me a poor second I'm thinking . interesting review tho RR and good luck with the drop off meds .I'v done it too but not sure it's been a good idea for me tho .Still like ya say keep on keeping on 😉👍

Interesting, not sure for me though. Congratulations on your progress, Keep on biking. 😎

Great review of the RS. To me it's odd that I have not yet seen a slobbering love-fest video on the RS. If I were a vlogger, you'd feel the need to wipe your computer screen from time to time! But I love hearing other's insight on this bike. I have had my RS for a year and a half. Bought it for in town commuting for my short ride to work and local errands, so not getting a lot of miles on it except for maintenance trips 125 miles away! Nonetheless, I love the nimble handling around town and the rush of that shift-cam engine when I get the opportunity to wind it out. Just got back from its first trip to the mountains, including Smokey Mountains National Park and Trail of the Dragon. It is a blast in the mountains. I can't compare flickability to the GS, but I had no complaints with handling, and I will not be doing off-road unless GPS gets me off course! I agree with comments on the clunky autoshifter 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd, but downshifts to 1st have smoothed out over time. My only complaint has been the windscreen, which I replaced with the V-Stream. This made an incredible difference at interstate speeds. Keep up the good work and best wishes on your MH journey.

Stick with it Angus. You are a good guy.

The RS is the one I got. Very happy with it

Nice video and review. Cool bike, never tried it. I went for S1000XR because of that beautiful engine and I love the bike. The quick shifter on XR is really good and better than on GS, probably its better with i4 engine than the boxer, not sure.

Good review sir. I have had two GSA’s over the last five years, excellent bikes handle brilliant. I have reached the age when the weight of the bike nearly got the better of me, didn’t put it down but very close to it. So I now have the RS Sport in the garage, it was a tough decision but the smaller and lighter size of the RS I have found better for me. Power wise as good as the GSA, handling ‘nearly’ the same as I am not going off road the bike suits me lovey. I tour somewhere every year and I am confident the RS will do the business, very pleased with it, its worth test riding one if you want to stay with the brand if the GS a bit to much. Good stuff 👍

Respect dude. Tuff it out with the medication.

my bike thanks for reviewng, didnt want an old guys GS

I have owned three GS's over the years and they are indeed a great bike, but there are not more flickable than an RS.The 19 inch front wheel, 60mm more travel through a telelever set up makes the front feel very remote with little feedback coming through. They handle well but not as well as the RS in the bends. That with the increased weight and higher ride height make the RS a much better machine for tarmac which is where most GS's spend the majority of the time.

I’ve the 1200 RS and will be upgrading this year. Agree with the turning on the RS. It’s so wide. I’m now between 1250 RS and GS. I was driving alongside the GS when last touring and it looked so huge on the road, it almost put me off 😂 I tour a lot and the RS has been so good to me I’ll probably stick with RS

Good vid.

Nice bike!

Always preferred the look of the RS over the GS. Practicality wise, the RS, also ticks that box as well, considering most GS owners, don't take them off road. Hey mate.. Good luck with that head space. You're right about motorcycling being good for your stress. Just remember, riding is also a mental thing, much more than driving. For me, if " i'm out of sorts"..{ i have anxiety, and a nervous condition}, i stay away from riding. Good luck friend.

Top video.. thanks..

Reviewing an Aston Martin will help you also fighting a depression. Good review this one. All the best for you, mate.

The GS will always be first choice for the Ewan’s and Charlie’s going the longway round to Tescos at the weekend , but for the rest of us the RS is a far better bike , even more so with a set of handlebar risers …. All day comfortable 👍👍

don't use quick shifter until you are at 3000 revs or above on up shift .pretty smooth on down shift from higher revs. Not the best quick shifter but it works BMW 'S take some getting use too. love my R1250RT

Harika bir motor.güzel anlatmışsınız

Nice video.. and a lot of bike. I still say if they got rid of the sideways pistons they would sell a great deal more bikes. I see your following me now... I was at the Cliffton Suspension Bridge just a little while back, great view from the top and the cafe is nice too. As for the antidepressants.. they are not good news.. keep riding your bike Angus.. love the locations. Ride and stride Cheers

I love KTM and for the time being I'm more focused on roadsters, actually I'm on a SDR 1290 R EVo. Nevertheless, if I was on the market for a sport touring I'd probably pick up this bike rather than the GT sibling of my Superduke. A really nice package, we'll see if KTM is going to really improve the current bike (the GT I mean) for the next version ✌

Why oh why do tubers keep comparing the rs to a gs……………….other than the engine they are totally different, chalk and cheese? I have never ever been into bmw bikes but bought a RS 18 months ago after testing a gs (boring) but also have ridden hayabusas since gen 1 and also now ride a full spec gen 2 busa blah blah blah………..the RS totally makes me smile every time I sit on it without even riding it 😂

Nice vid, always liked this bike. Going to ask for one to demo when my GS is in for its service next. Can I ask what clamp you use for the gopro handle bar / yoke mount, and also the sticky mount you use for the HJC helmet?

Very nice! Maybe too many features for me but only still a beginner really. Saw my first Bonny up close today and some Hondas👍

What revs are you doing at 70mph in top please? Good of you to share your situation. We all suffer to a degree and finding joy is key. Best wishes.

Nice video and I hope your mental health improves. You mentioned “Traditional tourers” a couple times, but why no mention of the RT? The GS, RS, and RT all have the same engine. I would like to see you review the RT and give your impressions. My 2022 RT now has 5000 miles and it is fantastic. Cheers.

Props to you for doing a great review on the RS. Hope your mental health is doing well. When you said you wouldn't take this bike over other sport-touring bikes, which ones would you prefer?

Wonderful review and so very well done! Granted, I'm a bit older at 71, but I believe I've solved this dilemma once and for all...I purchased one each. :) :) :) '19 GSA, soon to be replaced by a '23 GS on order, along with a '20 RS. Love 'em both. Downsizing from the '19 GSA to a '23 GS, as I simply prefer the slightly smaller, look/feel of the GS vs. GSA. Nice to have the extra range of the GSA, but not at the expense of that humongous fuel tank. By the way,, I'm a Walter Mitty off-road rider. If I accidentally rode across your yard, I'd classify that as off-rode riding. I did install bar risers on my RS, and for me, that was a game changer. If I could only have one...I'd be lying to you if I picked one over the other. Save up your money, get the kids out of the house, become old/senile and buy 'em both. Can't go wrong with either one. Keep up the great work!

Always a Rocky road on the way down but then you go up again, been there just shout and say what you like.

Great work 👍the name of the dealership as got to be a joke !? I’m sure you’ll be feeling good very soon 👍

Had five of these since 2015, quick shifter has never been an issue, then again I’ve never rode another manufacture with it. I now have a brand new one, has any one noticed it now has white flashing shift lights? Also now has a Sport option on the TFT with DTC and Brake force and also lean angle on the display?

It's trump card over the competition is the shaft drive, very nice review, take of urself

Great video. You just gotta ask yourself: "What would Steve McQueen do?" Then go for it!

Did you see Mike tovey in the bmw dealer? I've got to get a service there soon.

Hi. Please could you tell me what the make of the handlebar bag is. I could really use one of those. Thanks.

First off I'm a GS man and now on my 3rd, but looked at the RS each time before buying the GS. I really liked the Lupin Blue RS when I bought my 1st GS but ultimately because I was going to be touring 2 up the GS was the better option for my pillion as she felt exposed on the RS with me leaning forward to the bars. The other things that put me off subsequent models were the drab colour options and laterally when I test rode the 1250 I didn't like the more sporty rider position as that restricted my view to the rear and having the higher viewpoint on the GS was a plus too. Yes you quickly get used to the sticky out cylinders! They're useful too if you drop it as the bike doesn't fall over so far as a traditional bike. Compared to the Kawasaki and Suzuli IL4s at real road speeds in the uk the RS with it's torgue definitely has the edge. Personally I don't have a problem with the QS, it's a trade off because of the shaft drive and all that torque which I'd rather have. It does learn your riding style so dors smooth out and when you need it 3rd-6th it's a real advantage. Now then.... the new RS for 2023 has the wider bar option plus better colour options so it could tempt me. I feel another test ride coming on. Oh and you don't save a few thousands as the RS SE isn't as well spec'd in standard form as a GS TE. To get the same you need to add the 3 packs which then gets it a lot closer price wise to the GS. Still a great bike though and for the road riding solo it's probably a better option.

I am 5’10 and wondering if it will be suitable for long rides in terms of leg position and seating. Great video. Thanks.

2017 GS owner. Other than cosmetics, I can't think of a reason to choose the RS over a GS. The GS is better for "touring"(more comfortable ergos) and is more "flickable" in the twisties and easier to turn in tight spots. Perhaps, if you're not tall(lower handgrips and shorter foot peg distance on the RS) and all you're going to do is ride pavement, the RS saves you some $$.

Which one would you pick for comfort and performance specially for torque?The multistrada v2s or this rt?

I really love your perspective on Motos. I am an old-school rider and have been riding 30 years. I have moved to ADV-style sport tourers over the years, but as an avid track day rider, I really appreciate the sport more than the tourer in "sport tourers" I like how much more involved I feel with a sport tourer. My sense is the sport tourer segment is going to make a comeback. Thinking about trading my Multi in on an RS! Curious how you think this RS stacks up against the Guzzi V100?

Have one for a year now. At 71 Y.O. I can ride it all day

Excellent review! Congratulations on getting off of the antidepressants...my advice; take a tea spoonful of Lion Mane Mushroom powder daily. It has helped my "forever" depression and made me a generally happy person. God Speed👍

I think the clunky quick shifter is a characteristic of bigger twins. My previous KTM Super Duke GT had a "clunky" QS especially at lower revs/lower gears. They'll never be as smooth as the I4 quick shifters.

im currently waiting on the Tracer update for next year, but would you choose the RS over the Tracer GT?

I have both. The GS is a better long distance on-road tourer given much more legroom and more upright riding position and more luggage capacity. By comparison, the RS is a (brilliant) sport tourer and while both are fantastic handlers on road, the RS gets the nod there. I disagree that the RS is a better road bike - it just depends on what you like and what you use it for.

Great review and thanks for keeping it real re mental health. #permissiontotorque

The obvious sibling for the RS is the RT, not the GS. Still, nice review!

I almost pulled the trigger on the RS before I'd even tried one as I wanted a sports tourer for a change from a GS and adventure bikes. However the day before I sat on a stranger's bike at a cafe stop and have never been so disappointed. Don't ask me why, but I found it heavy and uncomfortable. The cylinders were horrible too. A few months later I bought a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 sx which is fantastic so far. If only it had a shaft drive though!

Nice review on the MBW 1250 RS! Thanks for it. This is a very road capable bike, and specially for fast touring distances in proper conditions asphalted roads, of course. The driveshaft is always a big feature to have on a bike. The bike as a sporty body position and gives you immediately that kind of feeling but with that engine it is really different from every other market proposals of this segment and makes it unique in that sense. Never had one, maybe I will try one this coming year. I’ve had too GS’s the 1200cc and the 1250 cc, very capable but I always took note of the absence of passion when riding those two bikes, and I think that there weren’t issues, just a matter of personal taste or preferences. Although I think that for bigger bikers the bike looks maybe not so spacious for a rider, pillion and luggage… Concerning the mental health subject, for me I had my share of that. Episodic situations, related to the loss of dear persons, which is a cause of depression that never went away for good, but it’s manageable. There are other “ropes” of depression more difficult to address, the kind that manifest it self without a certain cause or origin, that is a big trap. The meds alone, don’t work for me and riding a lovely bike helps a lot to fight this illness state, at least it works to prevent or to avoid things getting deeper or harder to deal with. Very nice review on this fine BMW motorcycle, it motivated me to test ride it. I think I will do it, for sure. Thanks once more for pleasant and well done video 💪💪

if you think shaft drive is better because of maintenance, you should check that specifically the one of the bmw is rusting frequently and maintenance for it is as anoying as the chain otherwise its an expensive fix.

The review was fine, it's not my sort of bike. BMWs are expensive and thief magnets but each to their own. I got to sit on a Triumph Scrambler 900 the other day and I was grinning like an idiot. Such a beautiful bike. I know it may sound obvious but make sure you eat properly and get enough sleep when you come off meds. The bike will give you the fresh air and daylight which also helps. I take high dose Vit C and B Complex which helps for me. Look after yourself and ride safe. ML&R.

Do you think that is a good choice for a 1,93 cm tall rider?

How about legroom. Is the knee angle sharp?

Thanks

I wonder if BMW is going to continue the RS, just got a list of what will be improved on all BMW motorcycle models for 2023 and the RS wasn't even on the list. This list was officially released by BMW so as an RS fan it kind of scares me! :O :'(

praying for you brother keep your focus on the lord he loves y

Those Metzler Z8s ruin the character of the RS. Sportier rubber is a must.

I like the ride position of a GS

That’s not really a review now is it? First impressions after a quick ride. The RS needs more than that to get to anything like grips with it. I owned a GSA and now have an RS and to say it’s not smooth is ludicrous. For a twin it’s buttery smooth without any really intrusive vibes. I find mine with very few faults and have little criticism. That’s the only time in 35 years I’ve been able to say that. Screen is the one thing I’ll change because of the buffeting. MRA XFlow Vario is on my shopping list. Satnav cradle is too low and bars a little too forward. It could have done with twin usb power sockets in the cockpit but that’s easily remedied. Other than that? Faultless. GS is more flickable but not as planted nor has it as much feedback. The. RS has that classic planted spirts tourer feel which is reassuring. It’s safe handling, in fact it handles far better than you’d expect and with decent tyres like Roadtech 01 se’s or Roadsmart 4’s. Turning circle is not at all bad and no worse than many spirts bikes. Nothing whatsoever wring with quick shifter. You, like a lot of vloggers, simply use it wrongly! It should be used from second gear upwards with wide open throttle. Downshifts need full closed throttle. Then it works perfectly. River is the Avon, not the Severn, so more homework needed on geography😂 The RS imho is a far better road bike than the GS. It’s a better tourer too and feet flat is reassuring. All day comfortable and can keep up with most spirts bikes A to B over long distances without criplling the rider. Midrange is huge, overtakes a breeze and that boxer lump has charm and character. I miss the more upright position and armchair comfort on my GSA, also the superb full led lights and the talker riding position enabling you to see over traffic. I don’t miss it’s bulk nor it’s tip toe tall seat when at a standstill where you sometimes need to be wary if adverse cambers or you’ll drop it. Handling is good on both but the RS is better overall. Lighter weight and different gearing = more rapid acceleration. It’s a superb motorcycle and deserves to be more popular than it is.

I take mine on forest service roads just fine

Love the rs , gs are to tall and feel really heavy

use quickshifter for upper gears above 5k rpm .

I bought one last August, because I didn’t want to follow the GS herd😅

I would suggest the better solution: the comfort of the gs riding position, with 17 inch front wheels, all the goodies and a perfect quickshifter: the S1000XR. I ride mine for over 25k kms a year in all year all weather. The rs has to much weicht on the wrist for me (, 56 years old, 1m90 and 120kg.)

Same screen but different ;-) graphics.I have a R1250R with a screen.

£13,125.00 !!!!!!!!!! Tell me what shop that is at and I'm ordering one now.

Would the RS make a nice motorway muncher?

1250RS or ninja 1000 SX?

RS's seating position is not good for long distance riding. Screen is way too small. Pegs are way too back. Also, the break dive is unlike any other BMW. NOT a long distance tourer for sure.

Glad you pushed yourself and did the video. Great review - and keep your pecker/chin up 😂