New to bmw - model and buying advice please

[firecat]

The rs I sat on was a 1250 and was finitely described as a low chassis, 73 plate I believe.
I did say at the beginning of my post I was new to bmw but there is much to learn! I am looking forward a 1250, I have been given to believe the 1300 rs is more aggressive which suggests to me uncomfortable!
Is esa now replaced by dsa?

 

[littleade]

Mine is a my 2023 73 plate, but a June 2023 build and the low option for mine was the 760mm seat, but if the 1 you looked at was a my 2024 bike who knows! I've looked on their website but can't find it.

The problem with BMW is they tend to change what's on a specific model every year, so trying to keep up is nigh on impossible.

The 1300 is different to the 1250, I've not ridden one so can't say how they compare. They do have an optional sports pack that wasn't available on the 1250 that makes it more sporty than the stock 1300.

 

[firecat]

Mine is a my 2023 73 plate, but a June 2023 build and the low option for mine was the 760mm seat, but if the 1 you looked at was a my 2024 bike who knows! I've looked on their website but can't find it.

The problem with BMW is they tend to change what's on a specific model every year, so trying to keep up is nigh on impossible.

The 1300 is different to the 1250, I've not ridden one so can't say how they compare. They do have an optional sports pack that wasn't available on the 1250 that makes it more sporty than the stock 1300.

The bike I sat on sold the same day and was removed from the website when the deposit was taken. The churn in bikes is extraordinary, people are buying blind (presumably they know what they want) and relying on the description and dealer warranty. It is definitely the wrong time of year to buy as the used bikes are flying out of the door faster than the dealer can get them in and prepare them. All the bikes I have seen look to be very high quality. It’s not so much selling as people throwing money at them and the bikes flying out of the dealership. The two year full dealer warranty helps! I have had two prior viewings cancelled as a deposit has been taken before I can get to view.

 

[littleade]

If you see one you fancy maybe an idea to ask if you can put a refundable deposit on a bike, subject to you liking it after a test ride?

 

[Larry Langford]

Thanks for sharing, the rs certainly felt more manageable than the gs it was the handlebar ergonomics that threw me. I have a 29” inseam so I am at a bit of a loss to understand how I could sit on the standard seat in the low position (standard chassis) and get my feet at least partially flat. Shame the battery was flat and the esa could not be put in the low setting. I am wondering if the bike was a standard chassis now! I was not aware of adjustable foot pegs either - what is a 719 kit? Your poat is very helpful indeed, thanks you.

Well the best way to see what the 719 kit is to go into the BMW website and go thru the configulator, building up a phantom bike. The 719 kit is a bunch of machined AL parts. When I ordered it, there were two kits. one for the fancy valve covers and front of engine cover and the other is for like the brake reservoir lid and many other things on the bars. It costs, but it sure does make the bike nice. I ordered mine in 22" when things were scarce for some reason, after covid. When it finally came in, everyone wanted it ..... There were at least a dozen people in line for it, if I didn't buy it, some were from the shop even lol ... So the pegs with the 719 kit are adjustable, and many folks have installed the aftermarket versions on bikes. I have mine in the highest position, even with a 30 inch inseam. This allows me to effortlessly rise off the seat going into corners. I tried all the positions with the pegs, any lower and I couldn't get up off the seat without major effort. and it just felt really strange. This mod is the most popular with tall folks as their legs are very cramped on the RS. The shorter folks get the handlebar up and back risers, usually.
Another bike for the shorter folks is the R9T. This bike doesn't have a lot of luggage options I think, but it sits very low and still runs a version of the double-over cam head 1200 oil and aircooled.

 

[firecat]

I found it after posting! Typical.
I am looking at two 1250 rs bikes tomorrow both with risers and tubular bars. Both have the following spec, it seems like a lot but is there anything major missing from it?! Cheers

 

[littleade]

I found it after posting! Typical.
I am looking at two 1250 rs bikes tomorrow both with risers and tubular bars. Both have the following spec, it seems like a lot but is there anything major missing from it?! Cheers

They've got the 3 packs, touring, comfort and dynamic so prity much every useful option there is.

 

[Larry Langford]

I found it after posting! Typical.
I am looking at two 1250 rs bikes tomorrow both with risers and tubular bars. Both have the following spec, it seems like a lot but is there anything major missing from it?! Cheers

and make sure you have the set up parts for the factory bags and top box. I couldn't really see that there but it prolly is .... It's never bad to have room for tools, water, extra coats and the like .... The awesome thing about the 1250 or better is the outstanding torque and overall performance, with the shift-cam as compared to the 1200, which is no slouch either truly ..... oh I just seen it, the touring package is prolly it .... ride safe and be sure to check out some bikes, it's really your choice ....

 

[firecat]

Went to Cheltenham and sat on a 1250 gs with tubular bars, it was certainly an improvement but sadly my buggered shoulders still complained so I did not ride it. On the other hand the r1300gs I tried was really good on the shoulders front but it’s a big bike. I was given to understand the r1300gs does not have a low chassis option but relies instead on electronic suspension adjustment. I am going to have to have a rethink and perhaps go to a 1200/1250 gs with a low chassis. The seat is wider than my multi at the front.
Thanks for the suggests re rs tubular bars it was worth checking out.

 

[Martin GSA UK]

Went to Cheltenham and sat on a 1250 gs with tubular bars, it was certainly an improvement but sadly my buggered shoulders still complained so I did not ride it. On the other hand the r1300gs I tried was really good on the shoulders front but it’s a big bike. I was given to understand the r1300gs does not have a low chassis option but relies instead on electronic suspension adjustment. I am going to have to have a rethink and perhaps go to a 1200/1250 gs with a low chassis. The seat is wider than my multi at the front.
Thanks for the suggests re rs tubular bars it was worth checking out.

One of my riding mates is over 70yo, 5'7" and is very comfortable on his 1250GS with factory low suspension. In the last 3 years, we've done well over 10,000 miles on tours together. He loves it.

I'm 5'11", 31" leg, in my early 60s. I had a standard 1250GS. Easy flat foot, with a bend in my knees. Initially the standard seat was uncomfortable, but was spot on if I put the front of the seat on the high setting, the rear on low. After many years of Japanese and Italian bikes, I was and remain, smitten with the BMW build quality and boxer motor. In 2024 I went to a 1250RT and regretted it, the knee bend was uncomfortable after 100 miles. I'm now (since April) on a standard suspension GSA 1300, with adaptive height. The moment I took out a demo 1300GSA, I felt I was home.

That said, for the mix of touring ability, torquey performance, light handling, comfort and character, I think the 1250GS was peak BMW. If you can, try the lowered 1250GS, it may seduce you! However, you may be nearer £10k, than £7k for an earlier 1250. From a main dealer, it comes with a comprehensive and extendable warranty, which includes repatriation / breakdown assistance, for peace of mind.

Good hunting!

 

[firecat]

If you see one you fancy maybe an idea to ask if you can put a refundable deposit on a bike, subject to you liking it after a test ride?

I had do do just that - seems people just buy online. Ok if you know what you want and have experience of the bike. It put one down on a 1250rs and went to see it, too much of a lean forward for me but the refund went through easy enough.

 

[firecat]

One of my riding mates is over 70yo, 5'7" and is very comfortable on his 1250GS with factory low suspension. In the last 3 years, we've done well over 10,000 miles on tours together. He loves it.

I'm 5'11", 31" leg, in my early 60s. I had a standard 1250GS. Easy flat foot, with a bend in my knees. Initially the standard seat was uncomfortable, but was spot on if I put the front of the seat on the high setting, the rear on low. After many years of Japanese and Italian bikes, I was and remain, smitten with the BMW build quality and boxer motor. In 2024 I went to a 1250RT and regretted it, the knee bend was uncomfortable after 100 miles. I'm now (since April) on a standard suspension GSA 1300, with adaptive height. The moment I took out a demo 1300GSA, I felt I was home.

That said, for the mix of touring ability, torquey performance, light handling, comfort and character, I think the 1250GS was peak BMW. If you can, try the lowered 1250GS, it may seduce you! However, you may be nearer £10k, than £7k for an earlier 1250. From a main dealer, it comes with a comprehensive and extendable warranty, which includes repatriation / breakdown assistance, for peace of mind.

Good hunting!

I have just got back from test riding a r1300gs. I was very pleasantly surprised, it is a very civilised bike, not at all intimidating. With the low seat on and the ride height assist I could easily flat foot it, the slow speed handling was quite a revelation - it carries its weight very well and is confidence inspiring. Not what I was expecting at all.

Dynamic pro really brings it to life! Very easy to see why it makes a great commuter and big miles bike and sells so well. I did not get a chance to look at the sub menus in each of the riding modes and have assumed, rightly or wrongly, they are in factory settings. Easy to change modes compared to some.

The gearbox was better than I thought it would be based on what has been written, I thought the engine was rattly but nothing to worry about. The quick shift was ok if a bit clunky and I missed a few changes but that may well have been me. The front end is very different to the feel I am used to, seemed very sure footed but behaved in different a way I would struggle to describe. Overall, a great deal to think about, ideal for town work as well. It’s a sensible bike that is capable of going quick if you want to. As opposed to a sport bike masquerading as an adventure bike. I am more confused than ever! Unless I keep my multi and add another bike to the stable…….dont think my financial controller would agree though

 

[beemerboy9]

I have just got back from test riding a r1300gs. I was very pleasantly surprised, it is a very civilised bike, not at all intimidating. With the low seat on and the ride height assist I could easily flat foot it, the slow speed handling was quite a revelation - it carries its weight very well and is confidence inspiring. Not what I was expecting at all.

Dynamic pro really brings it to life! Very easy to see why it makes a great commuter and big miles bike and sells so well. I did not get a chance to look at the sub menus in each of the riding modes and have assumed, rightly or wrongly, they are in factory settings. Easy to change modes compared to some.

The gearbox was better than I thought it would be based on what has been written, I thought the engine was rattly but nothing to worry about. The quick shift was ok if a bit clunky and I missed a few changes but that may well have been me. The front end is very different to the feel I am used to, seemed very sure footed but behaved in different a way I would struggle to describe. Overall, a great deal to think about, ideal for town work as well. It’s a sensible bike that is capable of going quick if you want to. As opposed to a sport bike masquerading as an adventure bike. I am more confused than ever! Unless I keep my multi and add another bike to the stable…….dont think my financial controller would agree though

From post #13 "Budget up to 7.5k possibly more depending on the bike." we have certainly graduated up the scale . Ah, bikes ..............

Since you appear to be returning to biking after major medical issues, you could take it easy with a low-chassis R1200/1250 and if all goes according to plan - and you're unhappy with your choice of bike- upgrade to a 1300.

I am on a R1250R with a screen, bar-backs and lowered pegs and I'm almost in a GS/RT riding position. I'm surprised so few folk on here rate them.