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Bmw R 1250 R
8.5/10 Naked

Bmw R 1250 R Review

"The thinking rider's naked bike — brilliant, if slightly soulless."

Experienced riders wanting refined all-rounder capability $9,000-$14,500 used 2019-2024
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Used Buyer Review

The R 1250 R is BMW's naked roadster done properly — that 136hp ShiftCam boxer thumps with genuine personality and pulls hard from idle to redline without drama. Used examples from 2019 onwards represent solid value, but go in with your eyes open. Check the final drive for whine under load, inspect the TFT display for dead pixels, and make sure the previous owner didn't skip the 12,000-mile valve checks — they're not cheap if neglected. Test the heated grips and Dynamic ESA suspension; these electronics are brilliant when working, expensive when not. Riding one back-to-back with a Ducati Monster or Triumph Speed Triple, the BMW feels more composed than exciting — supremely capable rather than thrilling. That's not a criticism, it's a character statement. Long motorway stints won't punish you, canyon carving rewards smooth inputs, and the ergonomics suit a wide range of riders without complaint. It's the mature adult's naked bike, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Pros

+ShiftCam engine genuinely exceptional
+Bulletproof long-distance comfort
+Best-in-class electronics package
+Strong resale value retention
+Massive aftermarket support available

Cons

-Final drive maintenance costs bite
-Weight noticeable at low speed
-Dealer servicing eye-wateringly expensive
-Lacks emotional excitement factor
warning
Avoid if

You crave raw excitement over polished competence

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