All those who are in their second or third motorcycling youth most likely remember the first-ever BMW model identified by the RS suffix as one of the absolute icons in motorcycling history. The R 100 RS, the perfect synthesis of high-speed comfort and weather protection, total stability and great agility, punctuated spirited handling. In short: the ultimate compromise between real grand touring and sport riding.
The R 100 RS was fully dressed in a breathtaking fairing that was sharp and innovative in its lines, but also highly protective and aerodynamically sound in that enhanced high-speed stability. The R 100 RS looked like it was doing 200 mph while standing, but in reality the venerable 70 hp 980cc boxer twin of yore would sweat hard to propel it past 110 mph. To stand up to its sleek look, the old R 100 RS would just need the latest edition of the immortal BMW boxer twin, the biggest and strongest BMW boxer twin ever, at 1,254cc and 136 hp at 7,750 rpm.
This new unit represents an impressive evolution over the previous 1,170cc unit that we already acclaimed as the ultimate BMW boxer twin for its innovative distribution and induction configuration and for its selective air-/liquid-cooling system. The new 1,254cc unit inherits all that and much more, starting from variable timing and lift intake valve cam system that BMW Motorrad calls ShiftCam. In addition, the intake valves follow an asymmetrical opening timing in order to create a strong swirl turbulence that further enhances the perfect combustion of the inhaled charge, in combination with the tumble turbulence induced by the downdraft inlet ports. The final result is an impressive peak torque number of 105.5 pound-feet at 6,250 rpm that ensures supremely strong and very smooth throttle response at any rpm, in addition to a smoother ride thanks to its improved balancing shaft. The unit powers both the 2020 R 1250 RS and the R 1250 R.
The two bikes share the same basic chassis with the only difference represented by 0.6 of an inch in wheelbase—the R 1250 R spanning 59.6 inches while the R 1250 RS goes to 60.2 inches. The difference comes from the 0.6 inch less tri-clamp offset at the R 1250 R steering geometry. In fact, given the same 27.7-degree steering axis rake, the R 1250 R front end geometry features a 4.98-inch trail while the R 1250 RS is happy with a 4.36-inch trail. Possibly the BMW chassis specialists moved the front wheel back on the R 1250 R to increase the amount of weight biased to the front to compensate for the lack of the downforce the fairing generates to keep the R 1250 RS nose down at speed and that does not assist the naked R 1250 R.
The 2020 edition of R 1250 RS features LED technology headlight and taillights, while R 1250 R uses regular halogen lights. The standard electronics suite is very capable and includes ABS, Automatic Stability Control, and Hill Start Control for easy and smooth takeoffs even on steep grades. Among the most notable options are Dynamic Traction Control and Electronic Suspension Adjustment.
Both models have strong connectivity access thanks to the powerful 6.5-inch full-color TFT display included in the instrument cluster that works in association with BMW Motorrad Multi Controller to grant prompt connectivity. The 2020 BMW R 1250 R will have an MSRP of $14,995 (excluding tax and destination fee). The 2020 BMW R 1250 RS will be offered at an $15,695 (excluding tax and destination fee).
