The New BMW R 1250 RS

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 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 two-cylinder boxer engine provides powerful propulsion. It still has an engine capacity of 1,254cc and, even in the current EU5 emissions version, generates 136 horsepower and 105 pound-feet 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.

The Highlights of the 2023 BMW R 1250 RS

Unchanged MSRP from 2022: $15,695.
Air/liquid-cooled boxer engine with BMW ShiftCam technology (variable intake valve timing and valve stroke), updated for new ECO ride mode
NOW STANDARD: Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
NOW STANDARD: BMW Motorrad ABS Pro (part integral)
NOW STANDARD: Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
NEW: LED turn indicators
Full LED headlamp
NEW: solo seat rear cover (optional)
NEW: Option 719 spoke wheels (optional)
Three riding modes with NEW “ECO” mode for economical riding (standard).
NEW: standard Light White paint and optional Style Triple Black and Style Sport Light White/Racing Blue/Racing Red.
TFT display with “Sport” Core Screen and connectivity (standard).
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 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 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 curve and moderate engine torque limitation. In ECO mode, the TFT color display additionally provides an efficiency display. If you want maximum performance — for example, for overtaking or riding uphill — the ride mode button can be used to switch to a different mode quickly and easily.

The new R 1250 RS can be equipped with the Riding Modes Pro, part of the optional premium package. Among other things, it provides additional individually configurable riding modes. By using the riding mode preselection function, the rider can individually set riding modes on the riding mode button. The Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR), included with the premium package, is another new component of the Pro riding mode. It can be used to safely avoid unstable riding conditions that can occur during coasting or downshifting due to excessive brake slip at the rear wheel.

Standard BMW Integral ABS Pro and 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 maneuvers by avoiding unintentional throttle inputs. By means of intervention in the engine control, drive torque is reduced during braking so as to make full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance.

Standard TFT Color Display with “Sport” Core Screen and Redesigned LED Indicators

As before, the 2023 R 1250 RS is equipped with a TFT color display featuring integrated arrow navigation and extensive connectivity, excellent readability, clear menu navigation and a highly integrated operating system. The rider can choose between customized 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 Tubular Handlebars

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

An optional seat heating system for both rider and passenger significantly increases comfort when temperatures are low. Heated seats are available in combination with heated grips. A new, convenient operating concept has been developed for the rider’s seat with five heating levels. The heated grips settings — in combination with the seat heating featuring five instead of two heating levels — are operated via a menu. The passenger seat heating has two heating levels and is operated by a toggle switch at the bottom right 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 also 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: Colors and Trim

The 2023 BMW R 1250 RS highlights its advanced sport touring capabilities with new standard Light White non-metallic paint in conjunction with a black frame. 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 calipers, 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 calipers, 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 two-cylinder boxer engine
BMW ShiftCam, updated for new ECO mode
Anti-hopping clutch
Shaft drive
Steering stabilizer
Adjustable windscreen
Front upside-down 45-millimeter 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
TFT screen with “Sport” Core screen, connectivity, and on-board computer
Rotary multi-controller
Rider and passenger seats
Adjustable brake and clutch levers
12-volt accessory socket
USB-A socket
Electronic immobilizer
Cast aluminum wheels