Ride Review: 2019 BMW R1250R Demo Ride

2019 BMW R1250R Demo Ride

I would have preferred a R1250RT, GS, GSA but the only sampling available for the Demo Ride of the new 1250 Shift Cam motor was a naked R1250R…which harkens me back to my 2003 R1150R…but that is where the similarities end!

This is a mature naked bike with sophistication up its ying yang with semi-active suspension, enough technology/electronics to put a “SEG” on a NASA engineer, 6.5” colour TFT display with so much info on the “bike display screen” that you might get a Distracted Driving charge if you get caught staring at it too long, cornering ABS + Brembos with 1 finger power, quick shifter, 45mm forks (no telelever here), Dynamic ESA, cruise control…but the German exclamation mark is BMW’s new 1250 shift cam boxer motor (136 hp, 106 ft lbs) which is a marvel of precise fueling & torque EVERYWHERE in the powerband….all the while instilled with the unique boxer character, but now flexing Swarzenegger brawn and a steroidal wet fart exhaust that becomes somewhat endearing in its own way...add on an Akro & the soundtrack becomes uniquely pleasant without ever becoming obnoxious.

She’s a little chunky at 239 kg (525 lbs) wet for a naked, but feels solid, well damped/planted…kinda Pit Bullish…no Fred Astair fleet of foot moves, but quick, powerful & deceptively fast like an All Blacks Rugby player with a linear deliver right thru the redline!

Ergos are a little cramped for my 6’ 1” frame, with a seat that remained comfortable for the 50 min Demo Ride, bars that don’t aggravate the wrists, functional mirrors & BMW wisely opted to only provide a windscreen large enough to protect the instrument display, ensuring clean air from your chest on up. If increased weather protection is needed BMW offers the R1250RS & RT.

It is interesting how each iteration of the Boxer motor has its own unique character & quirks...the 1200 oil/hex head felt generations improved vs the tractor-like 1100/1150 series….the waser boxer stepped up power deliver yet again, but imho traded some of its charm/feel for a more visceral, mechanical sound/feel with previously unknown high frequency vibration further up the rpm band vs the more traditional low frequency thrum of previous generations…enter Mr Shift Cam who is a cocktail best enjoyed in Dynamic or Dynamic Pro ride modes with a sense of immediacy & thrust no Boxer has known before!

The engineers managed a significant increase in power EVERYWHERE while ensuring almost electric motor tractability from idle on up AND ferreting out much of the mechanical business of the waser boxer while reinstating some of the traditional boxer thrum…just with stronger, more deliberate, brawny punctuation that is felt in the handgrips/bars.

The shift cam works seamlessly transitioning in milliseconds somewhere around 5k rpm with the only barely detectible trait being a slight exhaust tone change if you listen closely.

Rain & Road ride modes provide smooth, controllable throttle response while still supplying ample motivation…Dynamic & Dynamic Pro are the fun settings (the front wheel will lift with just right wrist motivation) without ever becoming choppy…nice job BMW!

Ride mode can be switched while riding & requires the throttle to be closed, but unlike the Super Tenere which will switch immediately after closing the throttle, the BMW requires a 1 to 2 sec delay before implementing the switch…which can be annoying.

Unlike some 1 litre+ bikes, you can doddle along all day never exceeding 4k rpm while keeping a decent/engaging pace & never give it another thought (just like the Super Tenere) while being spoiled by the exemplary slow speed fueling & torque knowing that supersonic is just a ride mode & wrist rotation away…this is a motor that may encourage long term relationships…just as well though, because the price of admission for any of the 1250 variations start in the mid $20ks & lands north of $30k in Canada! Even the new R850GS was priced >$20k!

And therein lies a motorcyclist new reality…what started as an affordable hobby & passion for many of us is becoming a well heeled privilege if you want the newer goodies…oh, what is that I hear…the sound of lease or loan payments…ugh!