[Panzermann]

Australia still has two new Sports and three Triple Blacks in stock.

 

[RC65]

Not that it comes as any particular surprise, but at least now we have positive confirmation for a R1300R and R1300RS for 2026:

https://www.motorcycle.com/bikes/new-model-preview/bmw-r-1300-r-r-1300-rs-r-1300-rt-confirmed-for-2026-44618959

 

[Panzermann]

I was expecting later this year, but when I was at the dealership the other day the head sales guy expected RT late this year and R/RS sometime in the new year. Specific dates haven’t been announced.
He’s getting no interest in the R1250R - potential customers are waiting for the 1300.

 

[TrackRider54]

He’s getting no interest in the R1250R - potential customers are waiting for the 1300.

I test rode a 1250R and it felt too small to me. My 1200R is the perfect size. Big and comfortable enough to ride all day, but small enough to hustle it in the twisties. I truly love my old 2013 and unless it just falls apart, I will have a tough time ever replacing it. The valve covers started to get some bubbling and peeling paint so I had a buddy cerekote them and they look great. At 12yo the bike still almost looks like a new bike. You can still see some of the scratches on them from years in the wind, but otherwise they look fantastic.

 

[RC65]

I test rode a 1250R and it felt too small to me. My 1200R is the perfect size. Big and comfortable enough to ride all day, but small enough to hustle it in the twisties.

First time I’ve heard of a size difference between the 1200R and 1250R. I’ve only owned the 1250 (and only rode a 1200 once), so can’t speak knowledgeably to any size difference, but am surprised to hear it, if true.

 

[TrackRider54]

First time I’ve heard of a size difference between the 1200R and 1250R. I’ve only owned the 1250 (and only rode a 1200 once), so can’t speak knowledgeably to any size difference, but am surprised to hear it, if true.

I’m a big galoot of a man, so I don’t fit easily on many bikes thanks to my long legs.

 

[Panzermann]

First time I’ve heard of a size difference between the 1200R and 1250R. I’ve only owned the 1250 (and only rode a 1200 once), so can’t speak knowledgeably to any size difference, but am surprised to hear it, if true.

The LC 1200 and 1250 models are identical, although the standard 1200 seat is a lower version than the 1250.

TrackRider54 is talking about a camhead vs 1250.

 

[Mick]

There seems to be a trend amongst bike manufacturers to make bikes small enough for hobbits, it makes it really difficult to find a bike built for a full grown adult.

 

[TrackRider54]

TrackRider54 is talking about a camhead vs 1250.

Correct. And I have a custom seat 2” taller and lowered pegs.

 

[robertm]

Unless the powers at BMW North America bring back ESA on the forth coming R1300 R in 2026, I would stick with my '22 with ESA. For my use, I would rather have fully adjustable Ohlins front and back, but I will take ESA as a 2nd best setup. Soon as my warranty expires, I will be grabbing a BT Tune as well.

 

[JP_in_SD]

Unless the powers at BMW North America bring back ESA on the forth coming R1300 R in 2026, I would stick with my '22 with ESA. For my use, I would rather have fully adjustable Ohlins front and back, but I will take ESA as a 2nd best setup. Soon as my warranty expires, I will be grabbing a BT Tune as well.

Yep. And further, it better have fine tunable ESA, a la S1000R and the like, and also individually manageable wheelie control, because why the hell not.

 

[colroubaix]

Unless the powers at BMW North America bring back ESA on the forth coming R1300 R in 2026....

Question 1: ESA?
Question 2: Which headlight? a) current R's techno-pentagon stack, b) GS's X, c) R20's amazing O
Question 3: Which tail/brake light? Single red running-brake with independent turns, or R+L combo running-turn-brake

Question for each individual's preference: auto or manual clutch?

We know mostly everything else.

And what the press materials won't reveal: can it do a bit of GS'ing?

Anyone GS'n their R ?

Besides "Lost", has anyone else been doing any off road adventures with their "R" ? It would be interesting to hear how the R works off road and on what type of terrain. Also what tires and protection were used.

www.r1200rforum.com

 

[Gareth]

Question 1: ESA?

The USA seems to be one of the few markets that doesn’t offer ESA.

However, the availability of ESA might just be about to be eclipsed by other issues.

The EU is introducing a 50% tariff on US manufactured motorcycles from the 1st of April 2025. This is in retaliation to US steel and aluminium tariffs imposed on the EU.

But what it does do is bring motorcycles into the frame. We’ll need to wait and see.

In the longer term there are questions over the exchange rate. If these trade wars continue exchange rates may become volatile, potentially further increasing the price of your BMW on top of any import tariff you may need to pay.

For me, I’ll be interested to see what the bike looks like, and perhaps how it goes if I like the look and the specification. Presumably it will loose some bulk which will be interesting.

 

[Panzermann]

The EU is introducing a 50% tariff on US manufactured motorcycles from the 1st of April 2025.

Which will substantially increase the cost of Harleys in Europe. Will anyone care (other than HD)?

 

[Gareth]

Which will substantially increase the cost of Harleys in Europe. Will anyone care (other than HD)?

Strangely many will. There’s no end of them round here, with a big fancy gold plated dealership just up the road from me in Glasgow.

I think the bikes are fucking horrible, and not helped by their owner’s tendency to fit anti-social slash pipes. I wouldn’t want to be seen dead on one.

But then maybe I’m just getting old – I do own a boxer after all 😬 .

Sadly no UK Harley tariff as yet – but here’s hoping.

 

[Lee F]

or R+L combo running-turn-brake

I'm not a fan of that setup. There should be three lights in the back.

 

[Panzermann]

But then maybe I’m just getting old – I do own a boxer after all 😬

I happened to spot a Harley today that actually impressed me. It seemed like an older model (how do you tell for certain?) with older rider and pillion, and panniers covered in destination stickers. I can see the appeal of pootling along, chug a chug, in no hurry and taking in the scenery when you have no urgency to get to your destination. Not that I’m ready for that yet.

 

[Katshark]

I used to have a Buell XB12SS. A heavily modified HD Sportster engine in a twin beam chassis. The feel of the 45 degree V twin is great.

 

[Gareth]

It seemed like an older model (how do you tell for certain?) with older rider and pillion, and panniers covered in destination stickers. I can see the appeal of pootling along, chug a chug, in no hurry and taking in the scenery when you have no urgency to get to your destination. Not that I’m ready for that yet.

At first I thought you were describing a BMW Roadster. What’s the average age round here again?

 

[Katshark]

I'm a young 60 in July!