BMW R 1250 RS 2019 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW R 1250 RS 2019 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 are both sport touring motorcycles with similar technical specifications. They both have a Boxer engine with a bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm. The engine power and torque are also the same at 136 HP and 143 Nm respectively. They both have an electric starter and a prop shaft transmission.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 RS 2019 features an upside-down telescopic fork at the front with a travel of 140 mm, while the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a Telelever front suspension with a travel of 190 mm. Both motorcycles have a single swing arm rear suspension with a monoshock and a travel of 140 mm for the R 1250 RS and 200 mm for the R 1250 GS. The rear suspension on both models can be adjusted for preload and rebound. The material used for the rear suspension is aluminum.

Both motorcycles have a steel frame that is load-bearing for the engine. The rake and trail measurements are slightly different, with the R 1250 RS having a rake of 62.3 degrees and a trail of 110.8 mm, while the R 1250 GS has a rake of 62.9 degrees and a trail of 109 mm.

The braking systems on both motorcycles consist of double disk brakes at the front with a diameter of 320 mm for the R 1250 RS and 305 mm for the R 1250 GS. They both use radial technology for the brakes.

BMW R 1250 RS 2019

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles come with ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire.

The dimensions and weights of the two motorcycles are also similar. They both have a front tire width of 120 mm and a rear tire width of 180 mm for the R 1250 RS and 170 mm for the R 1250 GS. The front tire diameter is 17 inches for both models, while the rear tire diameter is 17 inches for the R 1250 RS and 19 inches for the R 1250 GS. The wheelbase is 1530 mm for the R 1250 RS and 1525 mm for the R 1250 GS. The seat height is 820 mm for the R 1250 RS and 850 mm for the R 1250 GS. The kerb weight with ABS is 243 kg for the R 1250 RS and 249 kg for the R 1250 GS. The fuel tank capacity is 18 liters for the R 1250 RS and 20 liters for the R 1250 GS.

Both motorcycles come with LED headlights as standard equipment. The R 1250 GS also has an adjustable windscreen.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

In terms of strengths, the R 1250 RS has precise and stable handling, an agile and high-revving boxer engine, a modern look, and a seating position suitable for touring. It also comes with ABS and traction control as standard, selectable riding modes, a color TFT display, LED headlights, and an extensive accessories list.

The R 1250 GS has an extremely high-torque boxer engine with a good sound. It offers a comfortable seating position suitable for long distances, stable braking performance, good weather protection, a color TFT display, and LED headlights.

As for weaknesses, the R 1250 RS could benefit from a higher windshield and many features come at an extra cost. The R 1250 GS has manageable standard equipment and a long surcharge list. It also has a jagged appearance with little elegance.

Overall, the BMW R 1250 RS 2019 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 are both impressive motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The R 1250 RS is more focused on sport touring with its precise handling and touring-friendly features, while the R 1250 GS is more of an enduro motorcycle with its high-torque engine and off-road capabilities.