Last Update: 4 March 2023

For more than 40 years, the legendary BMW Motorrad abbreviation “RS” has been synonymous with BMW Boxer-powered sport touring, whether on windy country roads or on long-distance tours. The BMW RS is a master of sporty riding, leaning into turns as well as long distance riding for two with luggage. To ensure that this remains the case in the future, BMW Motorrad has given the 2023 BMW R 1250 RS some new standard features and optional extras – to make the sports-touring Boxer not only a better value but more dynamic and more comfortable as well.

As before, the legendary 2-cylinder boxer engine provides powerful propulsion. It still has an engine capacity of 1,254 cc and, even in the current EU5 emissions version, generates 136 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to BMW ShiftCam technology for varying valve timing and valve lift on the intake side, it delivers power across the entire engine speed range, is extremely smooth and quiet running and features outstanding fuel economy and emissions.

Unadulterated riding pleasure with that classic boxer punch: The BMW R 1250 R. The only thing as exceptional as its drive system using BMW ShiftCam technology is its versatility: Whether sporty and dynamic, pure and classic, or effortless and relaxed: This roadster delivers an incomparable riding experience. Make a clear statement with its power train and maximum torque of 143 Nm – whenever you want. And with its handling, you are the master of every kilometre – however you want. 

BMW R 1250 RS Highlights

• Air/liquid-cooled boxer engine with BMW ShiftCam technology (variable intake valve timing and valve stroke), updated for new ECO ride mode.
• Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
• BMW Motorrad ABS Pro (part integral)
• Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
• New LED turn indicators.
• Full LED headlamp.
• New solo seat with rear cover – optional.
• New Option 719 spoke wheels – optional.
• Three riding modes with New “ECO” mode for economical riding
• New standard Ice Grey paint and optional Style Triple Black and Style Sport Light White / Racing Blue metallic/ Racing Red metallic.
• TFT display with “Sport” Core Screen and connectivity.
• On-board power socket and USB socket – standard.
• Seat heating for rider and passenger to make touring even more comfortable – optional.
• Standard Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and new standard “ECO” ride mode

Dynamic Traction Control DTC ensures a high level of riding safety due to excellent traction while the new standard “ECO” riding mode helps the rider to travel as fuel-efficiently as possible.

The R 1250 RS is now even more innovative and sophisticated and delivers the ultimate sporty, dynamic touring experience.

The new ECO riding mode joins RAIN and ROAD modes and allows the rider to use the innovative BMW Motorrad ShiftCam engine technology (updated for the new ECO mode, same as in the 2023 R 1250 R) to achieve maximum fuel economy and riding range. In ECO mode, the rider is encouraged to ride as fuel-efficiently as possible with a soft throttle map and moderate engine torque limitation. In ECO mode, the TFT colour display provides an efficiency display in the upper part of the screen. If you want maximum performance – for example for overtaking or riding uphill – the ride mode button can be used to switch from ECO quickly and easily to a different ride mode.

BMW Integral ABS Pro (part integral) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

As a popular sports tourer, the R 1250 RS features standard BMW Integral ABS Pro. This braking system offers even more safety while leaning in corners. Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) supports the rider during emergency braking manoeuvres by avoiding unintentional throttle inputs. By means of intervention in the engine control, drive torque is reduced during braking to make full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance.

Standard TFT colour display with “Sport” Core Screen and redesigned LED indicators

As before, the 2023 R 1250 RS is equipped with a TFT colour display featuring integrated arrow navigation and extensive connectivity. Excellent readability, excellent readability,

clear menu navigation and a highly integrated operating system. The rider can choose between customised screen displays for various purposes. This also includes the “Sport” Core Screen, which provides real-time information about the current and maximum lean angle as well as control interventions – such as ABS Pro or DTC. New standard features also include redesigned LED turn signals.

USB socket, seat heating and tube handlebars

The 2023 BMW R 1250 RS offers two different power sockets as standard. The previous 12-volt on-board power socket plus an additional USB-A socket with a 5-volt power supply. This most widely used type of USB socket with newly developed charging electronics allows you to charge a smartphone while riding by connecting a cable adaptor. Up to 2,400 mA charging current is available.

An optional seat heating system for rider and passenger significantly increases comfort when temperatures are low. Heated seats are available in combination with two individual seats and are offered exclusively in combination with heated grips. A new, convenient operating system has been developed for the rider’s seat with five heating levels. The heated grips settings – in combination with the seat heating, feature five instead of two heating levels. The passenger seat heating has two heating levels and is operated by a toggle switch at the bottom left of the seat.

Tubular handlebars are now available as a new option as well as an original BMW Motorrad accessory. The tubular handlebars are slightly wider and higher than the standard handlebar and less swept. This means that in addition to the various optional seats, the handlebar ergonomics of the R 1250 RS can now also be individually adapted to achieve an even more relaxed and upright seating position.

Sport Touring In Style: Colours and trim

The 2023 BMW R 1250 RS highlights its advanced sport touring capabilities with new standard Light White paint. This replaces the previous model’s standard Black Storm Metallic paint. Two optional Style designs are available.

Style Sport

Light White non-metallic / Racing Blue metallic / Racing Red body finish, Light White non-metallic frame, gold front and rear brake callipers, blue front spoiler, and solo seat – or alternative passenger kit.

Style Triple Black

Black Storm metallic paint, Agate Grey frame, gold front and rear brake callipers, stainless steel engine spoiler, Pure tank trim and solo seat – or alternative passenger kit.

The new optional solo seat underlines the sporty style of the new R 1250 RS and makes it look particularly light and dynamic. The passenger seat is replaced with a painted plastic cover and the passenger footrests and grab handles are removed.

If you want to keep the R 1250 RS fully suitable for passenger use, the passenger kit is available as an alternative package within the Style variants. It contains all the components that are eliminated by the solo rear.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT:

• 1,254 cc air/liquid-cooled 2-cylinder boxer engine
• BMW ShiftCam, updated for new ECO mode
• Anti-hopping clutch
• Shaft drive
• Steering stabiliser
• Adjustable windscreen
• Front upside-down 45mm fork
• Rear BMW Paralever, rear spring/shock with pre-load and rebound adjustment and travel-dependent damping (WAD)
• Riding modes with RAIN, ROAD, and ECO modes
• Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
• BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro (part integral)
• Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
• Hill Start Control
• LED headlight, taillight and Comfort turn signals
• Colour TFT screen with “Sport” Core screen, connectivity, and on-board computer
• Rotary multi-controller
• Rider and passenger seats
• Adjustable handbrake and clutch levers
• 12-volt accessory socket
• USB-A socket
• Electronic immobiliser
• Cast aluminium wheels

For more information visit your local BMW dealership.

*Source BMW Press Release