BMW R 1200 RS 2015 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1200 RS 2015

BMW R 1200 RS 2015

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Loading...

Overview - BMW R 1200 RS 2015 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The BMW R 1200 RS 2015 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 are both impressive motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the BMW R 1200 RS 2015, it is equipped with an agile and high-revving boxer engine, delivering 125 HP of power and 125 Nm of torque. The engine type is a Boxer, and it has a displacement of 1170 ccm. The transmission is a prop shaft, and it has a 4-Stroke, 2-cylinder configuration. The bike features a telescopic fork front suspension and a Paralever rear suspension. The frame is made of steel and is a load-bearing engine type. The front brakes are double disk with radial technology. The front tire has a width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 180 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1530 mm, and the seat height is 820 mm. The bike weighs 236 kg (with ABS) and has a fuel tank capacity of 18 liters. One of the weaknesses of this model is the poorly readable speedometer and rev counter, and many features come at an extra cost.

BMW R 1200 RS 2015

BMW R 1200 RS 2015

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 boasts great ride comfort and ergonomics. It is powered by a more powerful engine, delivering 136 HP of power and 143 Nm of torque. The engine type is also a Boxer, but it has a larger displacement of 1254 ccm. The transmission is a prop shaft, and it has a 4-Stroke, 2-cylinder configuration. The front suspension is a Telelever, while the rear suspension is a single swing arm. The frame is made of steel and is a load-bearing engine type. The front brakes are double disk with radial technology. The front tire has a width of 120 mm and a diameter of 19 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 170 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is slightly shorter than the R 1200 RS at 1525 mm, and the seat height is slightly higher at 850 mm. The bike weighs 249 kg (with ABS) and has a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. One weakness of this model is its rough overall appearance, and gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 RS 2015 offers an adjustable windshield and a comfortable seating position suitable for touring. It also has a stable chassis and comes with ABS and traction control as standard. The bike has selectable riding modes and a front-end look inspired by the S 1000 RR superbike. Additionally, it has an extensive list of accessories available.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 excels in ride comfort and ergonomics, providing a confident feel in the saddle. It also features a powerful engine and a great connectivity app. The display is easy to read, and the bike comes with practical riding aids. The versatile chassis of the R 1250 GS accommodates every route, making it easy to ride.

In conclusion, while both the BMW R 1200 RS 2015 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 are exceptional motorcycles, they have their own distinct features and strengths. The R 1200 RS offers a sportier touring experience with its agile engine and comfortable seating position, while the R 1250 GS provides great ride comfort and versatility for various routes.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 RS 2015 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1200 RS 2015
BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore101 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio12.5
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionProp shaft
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid-air
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionParaleverSuspensionSingle swing arm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeLoad-bearing engine

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,203 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth998 mmWidth952.5 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,530 mmWheelbase1,525 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height820 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)236 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)249 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 RS 2015

BMW R 1200 RS 2015

With the R 1200 RS, BMW has once again returned to the values expected of touring professionals in a highly professional manner. The RS is therefore not a light, compact motorbike, but it offers wonderful stability, comfort and excellent wind protection over long distances. Nevertheless, sportiness is not neglected; the enormously powerful boxer engine is extremely agile and its cool sound alone puts the rider in a good mood. As usual, the Bavarians are excellent at offering an attractive list of accessories, from which some features play a decisive role in the good performance: The ESA suspension should not be missing for frequently changing load conditions (passenger, luggage), the shift assistant Pro is part of the ultimate driving pleasure and the keyless keyless ride system increases prestige and comfort.

Agile, high-revving boxer engine

cool, muffled sound

good, adjustable windshield

comfortable seating position suitable for touring

stable chassis

ABS and traction control standard

selectable riding modes

front-end look in the style of the S 1000 RR superbike

extensive list of accessories.

Poorly readable speedometer and rev counter

many features at extra cost

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The GS also impressed us with its versatility during the test in November 2021. We rode the bike on a wide variety of terrain and were once again very satisfied. The motorbike convinces in every situation with its easy handling and practicality. On the other hand, it can also be ridden delightfully irrationally.

Great ride comfort and great ergonomics

Powerful engine

Great connectivity app

Easy-to-read display

Confident feel in the saddle

Practical riding aids

Versatile chassis accommodates every route

Easy to ride

Rough overall appearance

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1200 RS vs BMW R 1250 GS

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 RS 2015 and a BMW R 1250 GS 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is about 72% higher. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2021 there are less BMW R 1200 RS 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 12 compared to 66. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 55 days compared to 78 days for the BMW R 1200 RS. Since model year 2015 1000PS.de editors have written 13 reviews for the BMW R 1200 RS and 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS since model year 2019. The first review for the BMW R 1200 RS was published on 30/09/2014 and now has more than 28,300 views. This compares to more than 305,600 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS published on 19/09/2018.

Price BMW R 1200 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

LOUISContinental MotorradreifenSchuberthMotorex AGcalimoto GmbH