Video review of the new ‘23 R and RS…

This video review is headed "the overlooked BMW...". "Overlooked?" - I wish I had a dollar for every similar unflattering term that's been used through the many years of the model's various iterations- "under-appreciated", "unsung", "unknown", and many others.

I was a rusted-on Boxer twin afficionado since my first new R1100R back in 1997, a quarter of a century ago. That was followed by my R1150R, then a series of R1200Rs up to and including the LC version. Over these years I have read numerous appraisals of these bikes, almost all using similar unfortunate words. But the model survives, even if often overlooked Why is it so?

The demise of Motorrad's Boxer twin-engined Roadsters - not the bestselling GSs obviously - has often been predicted, but happily for us such predictions have been proved wrong, and BMW has stuck with it, as this latest version proves.

I must say that I cringed a little when the video mentioned the new bike's weight at 239kg, but delving into specs for the 1997 bike that I owned I see that it weighed-in at 235kg, so clearly it has gained many new features over the years but only a handful of kilograms. No need to call in Weight Watchers just yet!

Gareth said:

Because it is too cheap? It is very good value compared to many other large capacity naked bikes.

Click to expand...

Value is in the eye of the beholder, Gareth. With no options ticked, an R is $24k ride away in Oz. Bikes on the showroom floor are always optioned up to some extent (and that’s the way most R buyers like it) so ticket prices are usually at least $2.5k higher.

Compare that to:
S1000R $22k
Streetfighter V2 $23.2k
Z1000 $17k
GSX-S1000 $18k
MT10 $23.7k

Of course the super/hyper nakeds are comparable or higher in price, and in some cases much, much higher. But for that you generally get heaps more power and greater cool factor.

Performance per dollar, and exoticness tend to drive the value equation in the motorcycle market, I reckon.

The R occupies different ground that is good value for money for the likes of us, but not the majority it seems.

Value is in the eye of the beholder, Gareth.

Click to expand...

Pounds are pounds – check the price lists.

I just googled best naked bikes and took the first result. Visordown – The top ten best super and hyper naked bikes.

1 Ducati Streetfighter V2 £15,995
2 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS £15,795
3 Ducati Streetfighter V4 £21,095
4 Yamaha MT-10 £14,250
5 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 £14,750
6 Kawasaki Z H2 £17,299
7 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR £16,995
8 Honda CB1000R £11,649
9 Suzuki GSX-S1000 £11,499
10 BMW S 1000 R £13,100

Ah, the R1250R doesn’t make the list, but hey that’s because it is always overlooked – right? But get this the R1250R comes in at £12,330. Only the Honda and Suzuki are cheaper.

Let me repeat that, you can get a brand new R1250R in the UK for £12,330. OK, so you want heated grips, cruise control and a centre stand (cos the side too long) – it is still only £13,100. Again, only the Honda and Suzuki are cheaper.

Maybe pricing is different in other markets. For example, the S1000R is more expensive than the R1250R in the UK. But in the UK the BMW offers excellent value for money, almost cheap compared to the opposition. It is not, comparatively at least, an expensive bike.

Gareth said:

Ah, the R1250R doesn’t make the list, but hey that’s because it is always overlooked – right? But get this the R1250R comes in at £12,330. Only the Honda and Suzuki are cheaper.

Let me repeat that, you can get a brand new R1250R in the UK for £12,330. OK, so you want heated grips, cruise control and a centre stand (cos the side too long) – it is still only £13,100. Again, only the Honda and Suzuki are cheaper.

Maybe pricing is different in other markets. For example, the S1000R is more expensive than the R1250R in the UK. But in the UK the BMW offers excellent value for money, almost cheap compared to the opposition. It is not, comparatively at least, an expensive bike.

Click to expand...

In the United States, a new loaded R1250R will set you back around $20,000 before any type of negotiation and manufacture incentives (which only sporadically occur). Like this '23 Ice Gray for $19,345 at my local dealer...with state sales tax, freight and setup, document fees, etc., the OTD price will be in excess of $22,000:


That is, comparatively, an expensive bike, and probably accounts for a not-insignificant portion of the reason why it doesn't share the popularity of the cheaper Japanese larger-cc nakeds. And it's not sexy enough to compete with a Ducati of similar expense, if eye-appeal is the main driver. Every owner here who bought new presumably understands why, taken in total with eye toward things both objective and subjective, it's worth the expense, but if budget is the priority and decision-driver as it is for many, the R1250R is quickly and too often disregarded. When so many buyers disregard it and thus few are visible on the road, marketing themselves through visibility, then it does inherently become "overlooked" and "forgotten" because it has progressively lost its place in the marketplace conversation. I love my R1250R and now can't imagine myself not owning one, but I can't pretend that my choice to buy one is a decision that few people choose or, at $20,000+ USD, are financially able to choose, which is a shame.

RC65 said:

Indeed. This positive review from a year or so ago claimed it is the "ultimate forgotten naked" "flying under the radar" and "undeservedly overlooked"...damning with faint praise, so to speak:

Click to expand...

I really enjoyed this review by Mat Durrans, a motorcycling writer I hadn't come across before, and who had clearly slipped under my radar (!). I think he dealt with the R1250 R in a very even-handed manner while acknowledging the 'hidden gem' nature of the bike.

I also support Panzermann's reference to the old 'pipe and slippers' image, which probably, if unconsciously, plays a part in many potential buyers' selection criteria. As would the often-held belief that all BMWs are expensive to buy and maintain, which in today's dodgy financial times means a lot.

I always felt that my various BMW Boxer K27 twins made me feel like better rider than I was, which interestingly was another point that Mat Durrans made - oi loike 'im!
And I'd really like to take a current R1250R for a ride some time - but probably won't... 😢