2023 BMW R 1250 RS First Look

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Two weeks ago, BMW announced updates to its R 1250 R roadster. It’s not a big surprise, then, that many of those same updates are coming to the R 1250 RS. And just like the roadster, the updated 2023 R 1250 RS remains at the same MSRP as 2022: $15,695.

Visually, the 2023 BMW R 1250 RS doesn’t look much different from last year’s model. Apart from the new color options, the most discernible difference is the 2023 model’s new LED turn indicators. The bodywork and the chassis are otherwise exactly the same.

The engine is also the same air and liquid-cooled 1,254 cc Boxer with ShiftCam variable intake timing and valve lift. BMW claims peak outputs of 136 hp at 7,750 rpm and 105 lb-ft. at 6,250 rpm for both the R and RS.

Just like the roadster, the faired RS will receive Dynamic Traction Control, BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, and Dynamic Brake Control as standard equipment instead of being optional add-ons.

The RS likewise gains a new ECO mode, joining the returning Ride and Rain modes. In ECO mode, the ShiftCam system optimizes fuel economy and range by adopting a soft throttle curve with moderate engine torque limitation.

The TFT display offers a “Sport” mode that provides real-time data about the R 1250 RS’ electronic interventions and lean angles.

BMW offers a number of accessories for the R 1250 RS. The optional heated seats and grips feature a new operating system that offers five levels of heating compared to the previous two. A heated passenger seat also offers two levels of heating, operated by a switch at the bottom right of the seat.

Also new is the optional tubular handlebar. Compared to the standard bars, the accessory positions the grips higher and wider, and with less of a sweeping angle, resulting in a more relaxed and upright riding posture. Other new accessories include a solo seat with color matched pillion seat cover and Option 719 spoke wheels.

The 2023 BMW R 1250 RS gains a new Light White non-metallic paint option with a black frame that replaces the previous Black Storm Metallic color. The 2023 range also sees the Style Sport Light White non-metallic with Racing Blue Metallic and Racing Red details, a Light White non-metallic frame shown in the pictures above, as well as a Triple Black option of Black Storm metallic paint and Agate Grey frame. It also conveniently says “Triple Black” across the bodywork so you can correct people who say it’s just “black”.

The 2023 BMW R 1250 RS arrives in U.S. showrooms in Spring 2023.

2023 BMW R 1250 RS Specifications

Engine TypeLiquid-cooled 2-cylinder, 4-stroke boxer engine with two overhead, spur-gear driven camshafts, counterbalance shaftCapacity1,254 ccBore x Stroke102.5 x 76.0 mmPower136 hp at 7,750 rpm (claimed)Torque105 lb-ft. at 6,250 rpm (claimed)Max. Engine Speed8,750 rpmCompression Ratio12.5:1Fuel TypePremiumValvetrainBMW ShiftCam variable intake camshaft control system, four valves per cylinderIntake / Exhaust Valve Diameter40 / 34 mmThrottle Body Diameter52 mmEngine ControlBMS-O, electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttleEmission ControlClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, EU-5AlternatorThree-phase 508 wattsBattery12 volts / 12 Amp-hoursHeadlampFull LED with daytime running lightStarter900 wattsClutchHydraulically operated, anti-hopping wet clutchGearboxConstant-mesh, 6-speed with helical-cut gearsPrimary Ratio1.65:1Gear RatiosI – 2.438:1
II – 1.714:1
III – 1.296:1
IV – 1.059:1
V – 0.943:1
VI – 0.848:1Secondary Ratio2.818:1Final DriveShaft-driveFrame Construction TypeTwo-section frame, main frame with bolt-on rear section and load-bearing engineFront Suspension45 mm upside-down telescopic forkRear SuspensionCast aluminum swingarm with BMW Paralever, WAD travel-dependent spring/shock, continuously adjustable spring preload by means of hand knob, adjustable rebound stages by hand knob, optional Dynamic ESA Next Generation; 5.5 inches of travel.Rake / Trail27.7° / 4.4 InchesFront BrakeTwin 320 mm floating disks, 4-piston radial calipersRear BrakeSingle 276 mm disk, 2-piston floating caliperABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS ProTraction ControlBMW Motorrad DTCFront Wheel3.5 x 17″ cast aluminumRear Wheel5.5 x 17″ cast aluminumFront Tire120/70 ZR17Rear Tire180/55 ZR17Length86.7 inchesWidth36.4 inches (with mirrors)Wheelbase59.6 inchesSeat Height32.3 standard, 29.9 – 33.1 possible inchesCurb Weight536 pounds (claimed)Fuel Tank Capacity4.8 gallons

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