Motorcycle specifications BMWR 1250 R 2020 Rock'n Roll attitude

In BMW's range of big roadsters, you've got the S 1000 R, for big power and coffeemaker-boosting watts. Not quite below it, but rather alongside it, the R 1250 R plays in a more classic register, or a classier one, depending on your point of view. It leaves its younger sibling in charge. Young, yes, because while the hypersport-derived streetfighter was born in 2014, its twin-cylinder counterpart comes from a lineage dating back a quarter-century.

Succeeding the 1200, this R perpetuates a philosophy of the versatile roadster, muscular but not violent, and powered by the eternal Boxer engine. An idea born in 1994 with the R 1100 R and its 4 valves per cylinder block. Or even a little earlier, with the R 100 R, powered by a different-generation engine.

But that was before. After numerous upgrades, the latest of which is the ShiftCam variable valve timing system, the German engine has moved up a notch in power with no less than 136 hp. This figure has risen sharply since the 1200, and is respectable and dynamic for a roadster of this calibre, but still well below the firepower of the pure-bred fighters. Torque is far more impressive than watts, with 14.5 mkg, of which over 11.2 are available from 2000 to 8250 rpm. With ShiftCam, allowing the intake ACT to switch between two different cam profiles, the Boxer is more available, more flexible and faster than the previous-generation mill.

apart from the appearance of the cylinder head covers, which have evolved, it will be very difficult to visually differentiate this twin from yesterday's... Just like the rest of the bike. While all the models in the R range gain the 1254 cm3 at the same time, some take advantage of the opportunity to revise their face a little(GSA and RS), others not at all(GS, RT). The R 1250 R is one of these, evolving above all in technical terms. The powertrain, of course, but also the electronics.

The Riding Modes have been renewed, with an all-purpose "Road" as standard, and a "Rain" for softer riding. BMW being a specialist in optionality, it keeps two additional modes open to choice and temptation in a Dynamic pack. This add-on provides the "Pro Riding Modes" conditions, i.e. "Dynamic" and "Dynamic Pro", the latter being user-configurable. But that's not all. Electronic management is even more complete, with DTC traction control, DBC engine braking control, ABS Pro active in corners and Hill Start Control Pro. Finally, the package includes a sport bubble, a shifter, a daytime running light and LED indicators.
For the record, the standard electronics package is far from being abandoned. The naked R 1250 R comes with ASC traction control, Hill Start Control and ABS. The manufacturer offers you the cake on one side and the cream on the other.

Sitting in the saddle, only one judge and one source of pleasure passes before the rider: the road. What's in your field of vision? Not quite. Digital colors, a display wedged into a large 165 mm window - that's the new TFT instrument panel. Called "Connectivity", BM timidly offered it in mid-2017 on the GS... as an option. Now it's standard on all new models. Those allergic to digital technology will cough; technology and connectivity enthusiasts will appreciate it, especially as this little tablet allows much more interaction. Once paired with a smartphone, the bike offers you the pleasure of riding and the possibility of making phone calls, listening to and controlling your music repertoire, and enjoying a simplified navigator via a specific app. And let's not forget to savor its very modern display, offering multiple actions and packed with functions.

Extensively revised motor and electronics are housed in a chassis similar to that of theex-1200. The latter had already shaken up its front end during the 2015 redesign, with a 45 mm inverted fork to replace the Telelever present since....1994. The R 1250 R is built on a two-piece tubular steel structure supported by the engine, with the addition of a fork inspired by the S 1000 R, a gimbaled Paralever monobracket, 4-piston radial Brembo brake calipers biting 320 mm tracks, a rear brake with a 276 mm disc and 2-piston caliper, a wheelbase 15 mm shorter than that of the RS cousin, and the privilege of being the lightest of the R family at 239 kilos ready to ride. That's 8 kilos more than before.
In exchange for a price extension, the suspensions can be made semi-active with "Next Generation" ESA. Like ESA Dynamic, it adjusts settings in real time according to road conditions, driving style and selected Modes; the novelty lies in the automatic adaptation according to on-board load.

more powerful, even more technological, the R 1250 R manages to retain much of the bourgeois roadster spirit. Let's put that into perspective: a bourgeois who frequents trendy clubs more than tea rooms. And if you're not sure whether to go for the disco corner, the pop track or Techno fever, the BMW will offer you the same kind of choice with its multiple styles:
The Basic version, in addition to its Black Storm color scheme, is distinguished above all by its black brake calipers and dark frame.
The Exclusive version features metallic-finish radiator scoops, gold brake calipers and a gray frame.
The HP version has the sportiest look, with Motorsport colors for the trim, a white-painted frame, black wheels, gold calipers, metal scoops and a larger, stainless-steel engine block.
If you take a look at the "Option 719" catalog, a more precious color and a host of customization accessories can give this roadster a completely different image.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos