The 2023 BMW R1250R Offers “More Roadster Pleasure”

BMW’s R1250R is here again for 2023, but the changes are very limited. Does that mean this platform is on the way out, about to be replaced by the rumored R1300 series? Most likely, but don’t expect BMW to confirm that, at least not before next week’s EICMA show.

For 2023, the R1250R now has BMW’s proprietary Dynamic Traction Control (leaning-sensitive TC) as standard, along with a new ECO driving mode. ECO, as the name implies, is a gas-saving mode, which helps riders travel as fuel-efficiently as possible, with fuel efficiency displayed in real-time on the TFT screen. Hardly the sort of thing that hairy-chested hoons dream about, but the R1250R does somewhat sell on its practical features.

Credit: BMW

Leaning ABS (officially, “BMW Integral ABS Pro”) is also standard for 2023, and Dynamic Brake Control is offered. What does the latter system do? BMW says “As part of the “Riding Modes Pro” option, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) additionally supports the rider during emergency braking manoeuvres. DBC increases safety when braking, even in difficult situations, by avoiding unintentional throttle activation. By means of intervention in the engine control, drive torque is reduced during braking so as to make full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance.

Speaking of Riding Modes Pro—that’s an optional add-on, along with engine drag torque control (adjustable engine braking) and a cornering-sensitive headlight (the R1250R comes with all-round LED lighting as standard).

Credit: BMW

The TFT now includes the Sport Core screen, “which provides real-time information about the current and maximum lean angle as well as control interventions – such as ABS Pro or DTC.” You can see what that looks like in the image above. Is this a track day toy, or real-world tool? Depends on the rider, but if you’re regularly measuring traction control and ABS intervention on the street, you’re probably traveling fast enough to attract Johnny Law’s attention, and you might want to look up from your TFT and watch the road, in that case.

Credit: BMW

There’s a new heated seat option (BMW touts this bike as a potential sport tourer), a new option for spoked wheels (an odd choice on a modern naked bike), and of course, new paint choices for 2023. BMW added a USB-C power supply (the old 12V socket remains), and there’s also a new solo saddle setup for the rear, if you don’t carry a pillion or care to do so. Canadian pricing starts at $17,725. More details at BMW Motorrad’s Canadian website, and in the launch video above.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Just looked at the BMW website and saw that the 2023 S 1000 R costs less than the R1250R. So much for the argument of how many pistons an engine has. I guess bigger holes is the reason…..maybe?

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