All big and clever manufacturers are using one engine to power a whole platform of bikes– from adventure tractors to supersport missiles. Take the tried and tested Honda CB/CBR/ CBX combo, for instance. Or the brand new Ducati V4 dynasty: a superbike, a naked and (if the rumours are true) the upcoming Multistrada. Hugely different bikes can use the same powerplant with small – or sometimes no – changes. It makes much more sense than building separate engines for each one. But sometimes the rest of the packaging of one or two models becomes so alluring that they steal the limelight, leaving the others behind – no matter how good they are.
I feel that's the case with the R1250RS. BMW has a great engine in the new 1250cc boxer, and a deliciously sporty, yet comfortable chassis to create a sports tourer for big miles and rapid fun. On paper, the new RS should be flying out of the dealerships. But – and it's a big but – BMW also has the adventure riders' dream, the GS, and the heavy-duty touring machine, the RT, which are going to lure a lot of riders away from the charms of the RS.
And that's a real shame, because as we found on our test ride, it's a brilliant bike for sporty touring – or even just a blast to the coast for some ice cream!
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT?
The RS is a traditional sports tourer in its looks, handling and power delivery. If you're being overly critical you might say that it looks a little dated, but it's certainly true to its sports touring roots. The big visible update for 2019 is the new LED headlights, which provide a better and longer beam of light in the dark. Other than that, the overall appearance of the bike has not changed much from the previous incarnation that had the 1200cc engine.
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