2023 BMW R 1250 R – First Look
Full LED lighting and lean-sensitive electronics now standard equipment
BMW announced minor updates to its R 1250 R, giving the Boxer-engined roadster a full LED headlight, and making some previously optional electronics standard, all while keeping the price unchanged at $14,995.
Visually, the 2023 BMW R 1250 R looks similar to the previous model. The most noticeable change is the new LED headlight, which can be upgraded to an optional adaptive turning light. The turn signals are now also LEDs, and come with an updated version of BMW’s Comfort Turn self-cancelling function.
The 1,254cc Boxer with liquid-cooled heads and ShiftCam variable intake timing and lift remains unchanged, claiming 136 hp at 7,750 rpm and 105 lb-ft. at 6,250 rpm. For 2023, the R 1250 R gains a third ride mode, with the new ECO mode joining the returning Road and Rain modes. In ECO mode, the ShiftCam system adopts a soft throttle curve and moderate engine torque limitation to maximize fuel economy and range.
The 2023 R 1250 R also gains the lean sensitive Dynamic Traction Control and Integral ABS Pro as standard equipment (they were previously offered as an option). Also standard is Dynamic Braking Control which works to reduce drive torque during braking to improve stability and reduce the braking distance.
The TFT full-color digital display gains a new “Sport” screen which provides lean angle information in real time, as well as data on the lean-sensitive control interventions.
The 2023 R 1250 R comes standard in an Ice Grey paint, but BMW does offer a premium Style Sport variant in Racing Blue Metallic with a white frame, gold-colored brake calipers, a blue chin spoiler, as well as a Triple Black version in Black Storm Metallic with an Agate Grey frame, gold-colored calipers, stainless steel radiator grille, and stainless steel chin spoiler.
For 2023, BMW offers the R 1250 R with a Premium Package which adds keyless ride, chrome-plated exhaust manifold, heated grips, tire pressure monitor and cruise control. BMW also offers a number of accessories from its Option 719 program including new wire-spoke wheels.
Expect the 2023 R 1250 R to arrive in U.S. dealerships in Spring 2023.
2023 BMW R 1250 R Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 2-cylinder, 4-stroke boxer engine with two overhead, spur-gear driven camshafts, counterbalance shaft |
| Capacity | 1,254 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 102.5 x 76.0 mm |
| Power | 136 hp at 7,750 rpm (claimed) |
| Torque | 105 lb-ft. at 6,250 rpm (claimed) |
| Max. Engine Speed | 8,750 rpm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| Valvetrain | BMW ShiftCam variable intake camshaft control system, four valves per cylinder |
| Intake / Exhaust Valve Diameter | 40 / 34 mm |
| Throttle Body Diameter | 52 mm |
| Engine Control | BMS-O, electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle |
| Emission Control | Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, EU-5 |
| Alternator | Three-phase 508 watts |
| Battery | 12 volts / 12 Amp-hours Volta / Ah |
| Headlamp | Full LED with daytime running light |
| Starter | 900 watts |
| Clutch | Hydraulically operated, anti-hopping wet clutch |
| Gearbox | Constant-mesh, 6-speed with helical-cut gears |
| Primary Ratio | 1.65:1 |
| Gear Ratios | I – 2.438:1 II – 1.714:1 III – 1.296:1 IV – 1.059:1 V – 0.943:1 VI – 0.848:1 |
| Secondary Ratio | 2.818:1 |
| Final Drive | Shaft-drive |
| Frame Construction Type | Two-section frame, main frame with bolt-on rear section and load-bearing engine |
| Front Suspension | 45 mm upside-down telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Cast aluminum swingarm with BMW Paralever, WAD travel-dependent spring/shock, continuously adjustable spring preload by means of hand knob, adjustable rebound stages by hand knob, Optional Dynamic ESA Next Generation; 5.5 inches of travel. |
| Rake / Trail | 27.7° / 4.9 Inches |
| Front Brake | Twin 320 mm floating disks, 4-piston radial calipers |
| Rear Brake | Single 276 mm disk, 2-piston floating caliper |
| ABS | BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro |
| Traction Control | BMW Motorrad DTC |
| Front Wheel | 3.5 x 17″ cast aluminum |
| Rear Wheel | 5.5 x 17″ cast aluminum |
| Front Tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tire | 180/55 ZR17 |
| Length | 85.2 inches |
| Width | 34.6 inches (with mirrors) |
| Wheelbase | 59.6 inches |
| Seat Height | 32.3 standard, 29.9 – 33.1 possible inches |
| Curb Weight | 527 pounds (claimed) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.8 gallons |
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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Still sounds and looks like an old lady’s bike with those cylinders sticking out like that. An old ladies bike with 136hp, that is.
I had a 2007 R1200R and the only real knock I had against it was that the engine sounded like an extended fart. The rumble of a V-twin; the howl of a V4; the shriek of an I4; the wail of a triple. They all have some character in their sound alone. The boxer engine always sounded the worst... Is the ShiftCam 1250 any better in that regard?