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.
This story is from the October 2019 edition of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2019 edition of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Longest Day Teapot
Adventure, cheap motorcycles and a desire to do something good for the world. All combining in one very long day
Northern Spain and the Picos
We're all aware that the world, his wife and his motorbiking dog have been to Northern Spain and the Picos triangle, but Alastair is going to throw his tuppence in none-the-less, for all the right reasons!
Mossy’s Knowledge
Spec sheet terminology Engines
NORTON CEO ROBERT HENTSCHEL
There's been much talk about the rise, fall, and rise of Norton Motorcycles over the last few months, if not years, so who better to ask about the true, behind-the-scenes details than their new head honcho?
FULL CHAT - POWERED BY BIKESUR
Once limited to television chat shows, the world of celebrity interviews has now, in the 21st century, expanded to blogs, vlogs and podcasts that cover an expansive range of subjects and personalities, and it's only natural that the world of motorcycles is covered in that remit
TARMAC TWEAKS
Stepping ever further away from its Dakar Rally racing roots, Honda's overhauled its Africa Twin Adventure Sports to create a seriously capable big-mile tourer that can hold its own with the best of them
How to maintain your battery
Most riders won't notice that anything is amiss with their battery until they press the ignition switch and their motorcycle fails to start. With a little bit of luck, they might be able to recharge the battery, but that takes time. Should the battery have become deeply discharged, and beyond recovery, then it will need replacing, causing more time lost and unwelcome expense. Often overlooked, battery maintenance is simple and, apart from keeping your battery in top working condition, will also significantly extend its lifespan. What's not to like? MSL asked the battery saving experts at OptiMate to explain the theory behind the practice of battery maintenance.
All That Gear
I remember riding from Indianapolis to Tucson in 1962. 1800 miles, a new rider learning how to change the gears
Ready to take on THE WORLD
Ducati keep going from strength to strength, and have upped the adventure bike ante once again with the DesertX Rally, a high-spec and genuinely race-capable development of the excellent DesertX
The big bike that thinks it's small
This brand-new model in the Triumph range could be the perfect answer to many rider's needs. And for Triumph, it may just be the most important model in Hinckley's history