Potential new Owner with Questions

[Spartan]

Afternoon.

I'm moving to southern spain next year and about to deal on a nice R 1250 RS. But interested in a some information from you guys with experience of the bike.

Small bit of background. I raced bikes for years with some reasonable success in Thundersport GB. 13 Sponsors and contested various classes from Streetfighter on KTM Superduke finishing 3rd in Championship against Ohlins shod GSXR750's with Renthal bars etc. To 600 Supersport and finally Golder Era Pre Injection 600's. I retired due to accumulating injuries and haven't really looked at or sat on a bike since.

Last summer i went to Southern Spain and rented a bike for a week to simulate living there. I'll be using a bike as a car. It will be my transport for commuting, shopping, the lot.
Decided on an R1250 RS as it looked interesting, very different to anything i'd ever ridden before. And loved it! The electric suspension with mode changes actually worked and made noticeable changes to how the bike handles. When playing with it in the mountains and flicking quickly between modes in between corners it felt like it actually jacked up rear preload and the bike turned with mode precision (for what it is). Comfort mode was great and like riding a sofa. The nav was great and easy to read even being on the top yoke. The lean angle and TC rating gauges were a silly little fun gimmick. I handed it back and have spent a year actually missing it.

So.... something came over me and i searched Spanish for sale ads. Found the bike i had been building on the configurator for the past year! Its ridiculous. White, red frame, all options with the 3 packs added. Single official BMW top box only in white. 2022 model....but with 1600km and Full BMW history. 3 services from BMW with basically no riding in between. The trip screen has never been reset and shows the active time is only 55 hours from new. Its too much of a sign to ignore. So deal is being finalised.
I can buy it and arrange to have it stored in Malaga region. Meaning its there for when i go over to sort things with the move. And when i get there for good i'm all set with the bike i want.

I have a few questions for the experience of the forum.
The screen and wind. I found that in the search and will go for the MRA as suggested.

Tyres..... hmmmmm. The rental bike has Metzler Roadtec 01. Now i'm not sure if it was the bike or the tyre. But it has no feeling or feedback. I couldn't tell what the front tyre was doing if i tried to load it up in a turn or trail brake in. No feeling at all. The rear was strange. I tried to force it to spin on exit by goon riding and standing the bike up and cracking it and although it felt like it has low grip it actually didn't move much. When stopping after say 40-50 miles totally alone on deserted Spanish mountain roads riding like an idiot (but laughing out loud in my helmet all the way). Tyre looks likle its made from the same rubber as welly boots. Scalding hot to touch as expected but not balling or peeling up much meaning ti seemed like it has low silica or just a strange rubber i've never experienced before.
This lack of feeling and feedback. Is it the bike? Or could it be those tyres? As in- if i buy the bike and change the tyres can i have the absolute perfect allround bike i think it is, or is it just this style of bike, electric suspension, weight etc that is giving the vagueness and lack of feel and feedback?
The bike i'm buying has Metzler Roadtech Z8. Are these better? Much difference? Or would i be best to bin those and get Michelin road 6 as i have ridden on those on a UK test and they were soft and moved alot but felt good.

Shaft drive. can you advise on this as i'm reading that it has issues and needs stripped, then the next web page says its reliable and is good to go.

I'll add some photos from the trip

Thanks in advance for any info

 

[younger06]

The bike will not spin up....unless you completely disable the TC....and I don't even know if that's possible.

Don't worry about the shaft drive.


The 2 tyres you mention are both touring tyres.....you might get some of the "feel" and "balling" if you fit something a bit more sporty.

Also the Spanish road surface will be very abrasive compared to what we are used to.

You are picking a cracker of a bike.......don't over think it......it won't disappoint.


That's my 2 cents (or 1.5 pence)

 

[Spartan]

Yes i understand. What i meant was with the TC disabled trying to force the tyre to do something, anything, to feel if it gave anything back. And nothing really, no feel or warning. But i'd expect a road tyre to do that. But also i have no experience of what a road tyre should do or react like.
My thought were is it the type/style of bike and suspension that makes it feel vague and disconnected or the tyres.

Excellent. Do the deal, fit a screen and job done.

Many thanks

I wanted to upload photos but it appears to want them uploaded to a site then share the link? The insert image tab brings up an HTTP bar and wont upload from computer or drive?

 

[wessie]

The Metz Z8 is an earlier tyre than the Roadtec 01. It was the OE fitment on my 2016 R1200 bike and on some R1250. There is a Roadtec 02 now.
What mileage was on the hire bike? Front tyres do go an odd profile after about 5000 miles that really affects turn in, probably due to the longer wheelbase used on this model. I used the OE Z8, Avon Storm 3D and Bridgestone T31 tyres and they all did much the same so certainly something in the bike's geometry. The bike is more tourer than sport so I think you just need to adapt your riding style to suit the bike not the muscle memory from the track.
Shaft: there is a service bulletin that probably applies to the 2022 bike. If this has not been done then ask the dealer at the next service time. At the mileage, it is not urgent. The shaft will be replaced for free at 60,000km.
Screen: I fitted a Puig spoiler on top of the OE screen. Worked well.

 

[younger06]

With regards to the screen.....

I fit a Puig Touring Smoked screen to my R1200RS...... I think it suits it very well and gives much more protection than the BMW screen.

Xiaomi M14U

 

[Spartan]

Excellent responses guys. This is exactly what i was looking for

The hire bike had around 30,000 KM

Again i cant seem to get the site to like the link for photos. I can add them as a link
https://photos.app.goo.gl/yD8sr6mjmMHfj9v99
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dsPeucmb1AfjV2ko8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/5YuV7Yib4aFz3NDa8

 

[Morety]

Must admit, I thought that the RoadTec 01se were cracking tyres on my RS. No issue at all with feedback and even extreme lean angles gave total confidence. The front does wear faster than the back and can develop ridges at the shoulder between compound changes due to effects of braking over time. It seemed particularly sensitive to tyre pressures. Anything 1psi either side of 36psi made it feel rather vague, especially in the wet, for me as a 12stn rider. It may vary depending on rider but I wouldn't write them off. Great grip and outstanding rear tyre mileage (you can get 6K easily from the rear).

 

[Spartan]

Interesting info. It was more so the front. Trailing it in a bit on the brakes to get some feedback ans get the bike turning in well just felt vague. The pressures on the screen were bang on factory. I can't remember what that is. I took 0.3 bar put the rear and it did give a bit more feeling driving out.

What I mean is. I know the bike isn't about that. But I did want some feel. Maybe it was some wear on the front tyre. Combined with 30 deg heat. It being a hire bike that's ridden by many different riders. Maybe tyre compound off due to sun and heat?

Unsure. I do understand though the bike is a connection to the tyre. So if a race bike is like a wooden brush shaft touching the ground. You'd feel the road. Where as the RS will be less direct and the machine in between the rider and the contact patch is designed for a different purpose. But this felt vague. Really vague.

It does seem from the replies here the tyres are rated. So I'll have a try with the ones the bike comes with. (Which will be poor being 4 years old with only 1000miles) and swap them for the 01 or maybe 02.

 

[wessie]

Another difference you may need to get used to is the linked brakes. This will affect turn in but reduces fork dive which most like, especially with a pillion

 

[younger06]

Maybe go for something from the Metzeler/Pirelli range....or Dunlop range that are a bit more sport focused....but won't last as long.

It's a road bike and it isn't a supersport.....you won't get the feedback you are used to from your race bikes......

You will adapt.


I push on with my RS.......it can do it.

 

[littleade]

Like @younger06 I have the Puig touring plus screen on my 1250 though mine's the light smoke version. I have it in the upper fixing mounts with the screen in the low setting and the wind is then deflected from my body though I do get some on my helmet. If I was to buy it again I'd consider getting the wind deflector that fits to the top of the screen at the same time so I could try it with and without. I have the 790mm seat with the tubular bars and am 5'7" tall. I did consider the MRA vario screen, but just don't like the look of it.

Don't forget although BMW put this in their sport section at over 240kg wet it is more a sports tourer and towards the touring end too IMO so you're unlikely to get the same feedback as you would with a full on sports bike. It's still a great bike though and very underrated and you don't see many about which I quite like after having 3 GS's

 

[younger06]

Like @younger06 I have the Puig touring plus screen on my 1250 though mine's the light smoke version. I have it in the upper fixing mounts with the screen in the low setting and the wind is then deflected from my body though I do get some on my helmet. If I was to buy it again I'd consider getting the wind deflector that fits to the top of the screen at the same time so I could try it with and without. I have the 790mm seat with the tubular bars and am 5'7" tall. I did consider the MRA vario screen, but just don't like the look of it.

Don't forget although BMW put this in their sport section at over 240kg wet it is more a sports tourer and towards the touring end too IMO so you're unlikely to get the same feedback as you would with a full on sports bike. It's still a great bike though and very underrated and you don't see many about which I quite like after having 3 GS's
View attachment 404455

Has yours got the straight bar conversion??

Xiaomi M14U

 

[wessie]

Maybe go for something from the Metzeler/Pirelli range....or Dunlop range that are a bit more sport focused....but won't last as long.

I put a set of Bridgestone Hypersport S21 on my S1000XR after the OE Sport Touring T31 wore out. They were great on a trip to Alsace but were shot by 3000 miles. Seems they are up to the S23 now. I went back to sport touring tyres with the no longer available Avon Storm 3D. I didn't try the hypersport on my RS I had at the same time as I used that for winter commuting as well as touring. If I was resident in Spain, I might consider the hypersport tyre on the RS if it was just a leisure bike but the OP speaks of using the RS as everyday transport so inevitably there has to be a trade off between durability and ultimate grip, as I had using the bike for commuting.

 

[younger06]

I put a set of Bridgestone Hypersport S21 on my S1000XR after the OE Sport Touring T31 wore out. They were great on a trip to Alsace but were shot by 3000 miles. Seems they are up to the S23 now. I went back to sport touring tyres with the no longer available Avon Storm 3D. I didn't try the hypersport on my RS I had at the same time as I used that for winter commuting as well as touring. If I was resident in Spain, I might consider the hypersport tyre on the RS if it was just a leisure bike but the OP speaks of using the RS as everyday transport so inevitably there has to be a trade off between durability and ultimate grip, as I had using the bike for commuting.

Avon Spirit are the successor to the Storm 3D....

If they where more readily available over here.....I'd give them a go on my RS when my Angel GT2 are gone.

Avon make great tyres IMHO.

Xiaomi M14U

 

[younger06]

Farewell to Avon Tyres: factory closes its doors after 112 years | Classic Racer Magazine

It’s a sad thing, but the last tyres came off the production line at ‘Cooper Tires’ in Melksham at the end of 2023; we’d know them better as Avon Tyres.

www.classicracer.com

Shite!!

Xiaomi M14U

 

[Spartan]

Good info. Yes the main query was... is it a trait of the bike.... or the tyres.
Its most probably a bit of both.

This is an interesting point about the Bridgestone. Yes i'll be using the bike as a car. But i briefly road a handfull of laps on track last year instructing 1 group on a road bike fitted with S22 and they were good enough. It was a big naked Suzuki. Think it was a GSX1000? Obviously not suited to a track but for the 2-3 laps before the went over temp they were actually very good. Especially the front. The front felt similar to an SC3 Pirelli.

What was impressive was the changes in the suspension modes. I mean it actually made a difference. Comfort was good fun, but could get you in trouble if a sweeper tightened etc as it really didn't turn. But Dynamic Pro pulled the bike in a bit tighter overall and did feel like it jacked the back up a bit. So it was real good fun flicking side to side, it made it nimble. Like i say, it entered with a decent bit of purpose, but once there was load on the front and you're trying to feel it what its doing it felt vague. Hence riding forcing the rear to do something to try and get a feel of whats happening and it was again strange.

The Auto mode? Does this work well? Do you guys ride in that mode alot? Or is that more for it you have luggage and panniers and it kinda sorts itself out to deal with the weight?

Agree with adapting riding style to the bike. But in all honesty, i think there's not a whole lot to change. As with those big heads sticking out the side there is no way i want to be adding lean angle. I was trying to get it turned and back upright asap, like how you'd ride a 1000. So it is a bit strange seeing it had lean angle figures etc. It seems out of place on this bike.

Bottom line is. It is miles from the bikes what i'd spend 10 years riding. Expected it to be transit van on 2 wheels. But left spain and keep thinking about it looking back at photos.

 

[littleade]

Has yours got the straight bar conversion??

Xiaomi M14U

It's got the optional factory build one which I think uses the bars off the R1250R sport. The 790mm seat I got off ebay as at the time the only factory choices were the 760mm low, 820mm standard or the higher 840mm sport ones, the 1st is a bit low for me, the standard 820mm too high for my stumpy ageing legs ans the sport seat a non starter

 

[Spartan]

Avon Spirit are the successor to the Storm 3D....

If they where more readily available over here.....I'd give them a go on my RS when my Angel GT2 are gone.

Avon make great tyres IMHO.

Xiaomi M14U

We got them for free at Thundersport back in 2016 so if you finished top 3 you got tyres as prizes. They were ok actually. Front was excellent. Much like a Pirelli SC2. The rear just didnt have the time in it. Lacked the drive of a Pirelli. Cant remember what model they were. But the guy who won the Championship that year raced on Avons.

 

[Spartan]

Like @younger06 I have the Puig touring plus screen on my 1250 though mine's the light smoke version. I have it in the upper fixing mounts with the screen in the low setting and the wind is then deflected from my body though I do get some on my helmet. If I was to buy it again I'd consider getting the wind deflector that fits to the top of the screen at the same time so I could try it with and without. I have the 790mm seat with the tubular bars and am 5'7" tall. I did consider the MRA vario screen, but just don't like the look of it.

Don't forget although BMW put this in their sport section at over 240kg wet it is more a sports tourer and towards the touring end too IMO so you're unlikely to get the same feedback as you would with a full on sports bike. It's still a great bike though and very underrated and you don't see many about which I quite like after having 3 GS's
View attachment 404455

This is beautiful!!
Very nice bike.

The screen suits it.
I think id like the addition to the top as i want to have as little buffeting or wind as possible on my helmet.

 

[littleade]

This is beautiful!!
Very nice bike.

The screen suits it.
I think id like the addition to the top as i want to have as little buffeting or wind as possible on my helmet.

Thank you. I nearly bought the Lupin Blue one back in 2018 after buying a GS instead in 2015 after taking SWMBO's " advice" as she was going to ride pillion at the time and didn't like the RS's pillion, but they'd discontinued that colour by then. The original screen (mine's a dark tint) looks even better, but the wind hits me in the chest so that's no good for me either after having a GS.