BMW R 1250 R 2019: how it goes, features and price [TEST RIDE]

Years pass but she is like good wine, as she gets older she gets better. The new BMW R 1250 R 2019 is completely renewed but not distorted from an aesthetic point of view.
The Bavarian Roadster has always been a best seller in its segment, one of those bikes that last over time and that only need small "tweaks" every now and then to always keep up with the times.

The development of the new R 1250 R part in 2014 when BMW Motorrad decided to present, to Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, Concept Roadster a “naked” with engine boxer, outside the box, not bound by marketing laws and made with the best components available on the market. The result was simply spectacular!
That prototype changed something in BMW Motorrad and served as the starting point for the development of R 1250 R.
Even if it appears aesthetically very similar to the previous model, the design is renewed, dynamic, muscular and slim.
This is not a restyling but a truly new model given that it has undergone a truly substantial upgrade in the engine, electronics and chassis, it also features new graphics, harmonious air conveyors, a renewed instrument panel support and a exclusive and innovative TFT coloured.

Aesthetics

The renewed lines, more angular than in the past, and the new colors of the BMW R 1250 R they give the bike a more modern and sporty look.
This Roadster has a unique and timeless style, it is a road bike in the purest meaning of the term and embodies this essence perfectly.
Beautiful, eye-catching and with its design that emphasizes every little detail it exudes a refined elegance.
Each component is made with great care and studied down to the smallest detail to guarantee maximum driving pleasure and the best ergonomics.
Despite having the large cylinders of the boxer engine that protrude from the sides, the bike feels slim between the legs thanks to a tank that is not very bulky and well shaped.
The renewed design of the engine spoiler and radiator grilles contribute to enhancing the sporty soul of the R 1250 R.
The halogen front headlight, with a classic but bold style, has the LED daylight (optional) which turns on automatically via a brightness sensor when darkness falls or when entering a tunnel.
BMW Motorrad has developed a series of aesthetic options to make it even more exclusive and special R 1250 R.
This is a named package Option 719 which includes various accessories, in classic or sporty style, machined from solid and characterized by an almost obsessive attention to detail.
Particular emphasis is placed on the harmonious integration with the vehicle, on the finest materials, on the precious hand-made workmanship.
Particularly worth mentioning are the gear lever, the rear brake lever, the cylinder heads and the front clutch cover, which are truly splendid.

Motor

The absolute protagonist of the new one BMW R 1250 R is its renewed boxer engine and the innovative Shiftcam variable distribution system.
The displacement grows to 1.254 cm3, the power reaches i 136 CV (+11 HP), the torque reaches i 143 Nm (+18 Nm), truly impressive values ​​that guarantee absolute reference performance.
The new system shiftcam It acts by varying the valve lift on the intake side based on the rotation speed of the engine.
The camshafts, for the intake phase, have also been configured in such a way as to have an asynchronous opening of the two valves which produces an enhanced vortex of the fresh mixture entering the cylinder and therefore more efficient combustion (declared consumption lower than 4%).
Further changes to the engine concern the introduction of the toothed chain for distribution (in the past it used a roller chain), the optimization of the lubrication system, the use of dual jet injectors and a renewed exhaust system.
All these changes ensure a truly impressive level of power and torque, a fuller and smoother delivery across the entire rev range and a reduction in emissions.
This new unit is also ready for future regulations Euro 5 anti-pollution measures foreseen by 2020Precisely for this reason the sound coming from the exhaust is always pleasant but characterized by greater silence.
Don't despair, for the more sporty geeks, BMW Motorrad has made available, among the options, the inevitable signed exhaust terminal Akrapovich (890 euro).

cycling

The solid and proven chassis of BMW Motorrad, which has always been a reference in road driving, boasts a steel trellis frame that uses the engine as a stressed element.
This solution gives the motorbike optimal riding comfort, high precision in following the trajectory and great stability.
The single-sided swingarm is a splendid cast aluminum structure that incorporates the universal joint of the transmission, as per tradition BMW.
The braking system, equipped with ABS, boasts a pair of calipers on the front end Brembo with radial attachment which “they bite” two discs of 320 mm in diameter while at the rear there is a single floating caliper.
The real icing on the cake, however, is the new electronic suspension system ESA “Next Generation” (optional) equipped with automatic ride compensation.
The suspensions automatically adapt to the circumstances of the moment, depending on the conditions and driving manoeuvres, compensating the set-up autonomously. This allows precise adaptation of the motorcycle to riding conditions, achieving optimal comfort and impeccable driving behavior.
The tank has a capacity of 18 liters, Of which 4 as a reserve, the saddle is available in three different heights, from a minimum of 760 mm to a maximum of 840 mm from the ground.

Electronics

The spectacular and scenographic multifunction instrumentation with display TFT in color from 6,5 inches offers a lot of information.
The rider has the possibility of accessing the motorcycle's functions in a practical and intuitive way and using, through a connection with a smartphone app, additional services such as navigation, music and telephony.
Two driving modes, automatic stability control, are available as standard ASC, which improves traction, and the starting assistant Hill Start Control which allows for a completely safe start when you are uphill or downhill.
The “Pro Riding Mode” which includes the methods Dynamic, DynamicPro,Hill Start Control Pro, the braking assistant DBC,ABS-Pro and traction control DTC.
Il DTC allows maximum control of the motorbike when exiting corners and on the slipperiest roads while theABS-Pro offers even more safety when braking even in full lean.
The dynamic braking assistant DBC (Dynamic Brake Control) guarantees greater safety when braking, even in the most delicate situations, preventing involuntary activation of the throttle control.
The intelligent emergency call is also available as an option which, when activated by the pilot, allows the required assistance to arrive in the shortest possible time.

Road test

The Tuscan hills between Chianti and Crete Senesi, almost enchanting locations characterized by truly evocative itineraries, were the stage for the press presentation of the BMW R 1250 R.
Unfortunately the weather conditions were not the best, during the entire test we had to live with rain, wet roads and slippery asphalt.
From the first meters of the route we are impressed by the excellent balance of the bike and the riding feeling that the chassis gives us, a breath of fresh air considering the terrible weather.
The riding position is excellent, neither too seated nor too loaded on the front, and the saddle-footpegs-handlebar triangulation allows good control of the vehicle without compromising comfort.
The tank tapered at the sides and the good distance of the footrests from the saddle allow you to feel well inserted in the vehicle and allow you to keep your legs in a position that is not sacrificed.
The wide handlebar, characterized by a setting more suited to touring, can be gripped easily, keeping the wrists and forearms in an ideal, non-tiring situation. For sports enthusiasts, however, a lower handlebar is available as an option which allows for more load on the front end.
The new BMW R 1250 R It should not be driven physically but it is preferable to support its stable chassis by favoring a more rounded and gentler ride.
The weight is felt (239 kg in running order) but the low center of gravity and the excellent balance allow the bike to run gracefully and with a certain ease among the Tuscan hills, showing off truly surprising agility in changes of direction.
If necessary, this Roadster can satisfy even the most sporty souls thanks to the exceptional performance of the engine and a healthy and very communicative chassis.
The engine is the real highlight of the BMW R 1250 R thanks to qualities of power, torque, elasticity and ease of use almost unknown to its direct competitors.
It's a real one “bomber” with an inexhaustible drive right from the start 2.000 laps which "slingshots" the bike from one curve to another at an impressive speed for a vehicle that is not strictly sporting.
With this latest evolution of BMW Motorrad boxer twin he found the circle squared, full-bodied, rich in torque at the bottom and exuberant at the top but never nervous; what more could you want?
The Shiftcam system is exemplary in its operation as the transition to the most performing timing is not perceptible by the rider.
The engine is so generous that when driving you can either use low gears taking advantage of the exceptional reach of the boxer or anticipate the gear change by going around curves with a gear higher than usual and enjoy the impressive back of the 1.250.

If I had to make a comparison with the animal kingdom I would compare it to a horse Appaloosa, he may not be the fastest or the most athletic but over the distance he is the one who crosses the finish line first.
The electronic suspensions ESA of the new generation have exemplary behavior. Very smooth, fluid in absorbing the roughness of the road and tremendously effective in their operation.
Just choose a driving mode and then they do everything automatically, adapting in real time to the conditions of the chosen route and the driver's style.
The gearbox, equipped with a quickshifter which is active both when downshifting and when engaging gear, is very precise and fluid when shifting when traveling at medium speeds and lightning-fast when shifting at high speeds.
The Brembo braking system was powerful, modular and progressive in its operation, characteristics that we particularly appreciated when driving in conditions of precarious grip.
Considering that we have always driven with attitude “sporty” and without sparing us, consumption turned out to be excellent and the on-board computer indicated an average of 5,3 l / 100 km at the end of the test.
The new R 1250 R it is already available at dealerships BMW Motorrad in the colors Black Storm Metallic, HP, Style Exclusive e Option 719 Stardust Metallic at a starting price by 14.950 euro.

PRO

Effective and balanced chassis
Very advanced electronics
Excellent engine

AGAINST

High weight
Too many paid options