Hipper than a hipster drinking an IPA
The humble Roadster is no more. Say hello to the all new R 1250 R from BMW Motorrad. The German motorcycle giant have taken the simple boxer engined concept and festooned it with the latest technology in both creature comforts as well as safety. Welcome to the Roadster 2024 style!
The single R has been around since before I was a child and it has always lived in the shadow of the GS and the RT. Those of us who’ve ridden one know that they have always been one of BMW Motorrads best kept secrets. A day out in the mountains, a two up touring holiday, even a trackday are all well within the models capabilities and they always have been.
Now the current engine is still a 1,254cc block. Its ShiftCam technology which manages its varying valve timing and valve lift allow it to put out 136 bhp and do so smoothly all across the rev range. This makes it a wonderfully predictable machine to ride.
Grab bars for your boyfriend to hold
The technology continues with the standard Dynamic Traction Control. This comes in addition to a new ECO mode. These can be added to with optional ride settings which the rider controls via a riding mode preselection. There is even an option to add engine drag torque control to the bike. These extras offer a substantial increase in traction and therefore, safety.
This safety is delivered without compromising to riders enjoyment of the new R.
Setting up the modes couldn’t be easier, as is moving from one mode to another. The TFT screen displays a host of information, including fuel efficiency, the gear and mode chosen as well as speed. If you, the rider, need to change to a ‘harder’ driving engine then simply press a button on the bars, pick the mode you want and get in that overtake.
Standard settings also let the rider choose which braking option to use. Cornering ABS is just one part of the deal. This is now upgraded to Dynamic Brake Control (DBC). This is a piece of wizardry can be set up to match the brakes to a reduced torque drive. This shortens the braking distance by matching the back wheels speed to the brake pressure applied. Very clever indeed.
Available in a choice of colours. Black is still the one...
An LED headlamp comes with adaptive turning as standard, so the bike now ‘looks into the corner’ for the rider. The indicators are also an LED affair. Overall these contribute to keeping the bikes weight lower than previous models while offering more illumination and allowing other road users to see the bike better.
BMWs latest take on the Roadster also features the aforementioned TFT colour display. This presents the rider with an enormous amount of information. It’s easy to read, it’s easy to scroll through the menu. The rider can set up the way it looks and there is even a turn by turn navigator built in to it. In the sport setting it will show details such as lean angle, ABS intervention and the power mode chosen.
The new BMW R 1250 R already offers two different sockets as standard. The previous 12-volt on-board power socket plus an additional USB-A socket with a 5-volt power supply. This most widely used type of USB socket with newly developed charging electronics allows you to charge a smartphone while riding by connecting a cable adapter. The Intelligent Emergency Call is also a standard
Heated seats are available in over two individual seats and are offered in combination with heated grips. A new, convenient operating concept has been developed for the rider's seat with five heating levels. The pillion seat has two levels and is operated by a toggle switch at the bottom left of the rear frame.
For pricing and availability talk to Jer or Dee on 0215003600.