BMW R 1250 RS revised for 2023
By Ben Purvis
Has written for dozens of magazines and websites, including most of the world’s biggest bike titles, as well as dabbling in car and technology journalism.
10.11.2022
As soon as we saw changes coming to the naked BMW R 1250 R for 2023 it was logical that its sister model – the R 1250 RS – would also get similar tweaks. Now that’s exactly what BMW has announced.
Where the R 1250 R’s revisions included a new headlight, giving next year’s machine a visual refresh, the R 1250 RS looks identical to the current model but gains updates under the skin. These include the same changes to the electronics that we’ve seen on the R, with standard Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) for 2023 and an additional ECO riding mode that’s intended to save fuel. It introduces a new throttle map that reduces torque and softens response, while the TFT dash shows an ‘efficiency’ display to indicate how moderately the bike is sipping fuel.
Other standard equipment includes BMW’s Integral ABS Pro cornering anti-lock system, while the optional Riding Modes Pro setup adds engine braking control and configurable riding modes, as well as Dynamic Brake Control that helps maximise stopping power in emergency braking, preventing accidental throttle application and cutting torque to the rear wheel to help shorten the braking distance.
Other tweaks to the 2023 R 1250 RS include new LED indicators, and a 5v USB-A socket joins the existing 12v accessory socket to make it easier to charge phones or other equipment. Putting out up to 2.4 amps, the USB is powerful enough to fast-charge many modern phones.
Elsewhere, if you tick the option box for the heated rider and pillion seats there’s a new control panel for them, with five levels of heat available for the rider and two for the passenger, and the heated grips also get five levels rather than the two of the old model, adjustable via an on-screen menu.
Like the R 1250 R, the 2023 R 1250 RS can be had with an optional pillion seat cover to give a sportier look at the back, including the removal of the pillion pegs and grab handles.
2023 BMW R1250RS - Price
Mechanically, the bike is unchanged, with the same 136hp ShiftCam boxer twin, and the 2023 bike’s price starts at £13,140 for the plain white model. The ‘sport’ style version, with blue, white and red paint and the single-seat tail, is £500 more at £13,640, while the Triple Black model features a stainless steel bellypan and centre tank section instead of plastic parts, and costs £13,790.
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