2020 BMW R 1250 R | Road Test Review

2020 BMW R 1250 R Road Test Review
Photos by Kevin Wing.

With its competition hard on the gas and more stringent Euro 5 emissions, noise and durability regulations looming on the 2020 horizon, for the 2019 model year BMW revamped all five of its boxer motorcycle models powered by the liquid-cooled flat-opposed twin. Bumped from 1,170cc to 1,254cc with a larger bore and longer stroke, the DOHC, 4-valve-per-cylinder boxers also received a form of variable valve timing (VVT) that increases power, broadens the powerband, improves fuel economy and lowers emissions and the required fuel AKI from 89 to 87.

2020 BMW R 1250 R Road Test Review
Though all five liquid-cooled boxers were revamped for 2019, the R 1250 R and R 1250 RS have only recently arrived as 2020 models.

Cost and limited space on motorcycles make VVT more common in the automotive world, and to date it’s only been used in a few Japanese and Italian motorcycle models to open additional intake valves or increase intake valve lift and duration at higher engine speeds. BMW’s Shift Cam VVT is unique in that it slides or “shifts” the boxer engine’s intake cams left or right, engaging either a partial or full-load cam lobe under certain loads at low speeds, or at 5,000 rpm regardless. The shift happens in milliseconds so it’s undetectable, but the result is a noticeable improvement in smooth grunt at low rpm and more power on top. The last Shift Cam R 1250 we tested in 2019 — which has an identical engine to the R 1250 R reviewed here — made 121.5 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 92.5 lb-ft of torque at 6,600 at the rear wheel, a significant improvement of about 14% on both counts over the last R 1200 engine we ran on the Jett Tuning dyno.

2020 BMW R 1250 R Road Test Review
Relaxed seating with a moderate seat height make the R 1250 R a comfortable long-distance companion, though a windscreen would help at higher sustained speeds.

The R 1250 R is the lightest of the five R 1250 models (a claimed 527 pounds wet for the base model, or 545 pounds gussied up with $4,645 worth of optional equipment like our test bike), so the additional power and broader powerband of the Shift Cam engine make a noticeable difference in the bike’s fun factor. Acceleration is crisp right off idle, and power builds gradually and is easily modulated at low speeds in any gear or riding mode. Once the revs break about 5,250 rpm the urge comes on urgently, until the engine is ripping hard near its 9,000-rpm redline. Whether two-up touring or solo sport riding, solid, usable midrange or screaming top-end power is never more than a downshift away. There’s no detectable flat spot or surge from the Shift Cam doing its thing at 5,000 rpm or anywhere else, just loads of smooth drive and great sound from the single muffler that ranges from purring kitten to racing twin. Some vibration creeps into the grips at higher engine speeds, but it’s of the low-frequency, twin-cylinder variety that isn’t intrusive, especially since you’ll need to be shifting quite soon at that point.

2020 BMW R 1250 R Road Test Review
Shift Cam VVT tech in the 1,254cc opposed twin reduces emissions, increases fuel economy, broadens the powerband and bakes cookies. Hah, just seeing if you’re paying attention….

In addition to a special Option 719 seat and paint, our R 1250 R tester came equipped with the $2,950 Select package, which bundles hardware options like a centerstand, heated grips, TPMS, Keyless Ride, cruise control, saddlebag mounts, GPS prep and a chrome muffler. It also includes Gear Shift Assist Pro, an up/down quickshifter that works smoothly and easily between most gears except 1st and 2nd, where shifts are too abrupt to go without using the clutch lever. Power gets to the back via BMW’s Paralever shaft final drive, which reduces maintenance chores and keeps throttle changes from affecting the rear suspension.

2020 BMW R 1250 R Road Test Review
With my bulk aboard finding the footpeg feelers isn’t too difficult, but the R 1250 R handles the curves exceptionally well.

We like BMW’s largest Roadster model primarily for its simple versatility. The R 1250 R’s seat height is moderate and can be dropped further with a low seat option; the seating position is slightly sporty but comfortable for long rides, with just enough forward lean to fight the wind; and its somewhat wide handlebar and sport-standard running gear lend it to just about every type of riding, from sport-touring (perhaps adding a windscreen and saddlebags) to commuting to sport riding. Our test bike was shod with premium Metzeler Roadtec Z8 17-inch radial tires that grip well and enhance agility, and the bike returns quick, neutral handling to any sort of steering inputs. It helps a lot that the super strong triple disc brakes, USD front and single shock rear suspension are up to any task (in our experience even on the base bike, which has the same fork and adjustable spring preload and rebound damping in the rear only).

2020 BMW R 1250 R Road Test Review
Option 719 Black/Dark Brown Seat is a $250 option.

Standard equipment also includes two ride modes, Rain and Road; ASC or basic traction control, Integral ABS (linked ABS brakes) and Hill Start Control, which holds the bike at a stop for you on inclines to ease starting out. Software upgrades in the Select package add ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control, which enable both at lean angles as well as straight up. Select also adds Ride Modes Pro, which brings Dynamic and Dynamic Pro riding modes (essentially sportier and customizable braking and traction intervention settings), Dynamic Brake Control, which prevents throttle application when the rear brake is applied, and automatic Hill Start Control Pro.

2020 BMW R 1250 R Road Test Review
The R 1250 R’s styling is an attractive blend of classic BMW and modern naked sport-touring machine, and it goes as good as it looks.

Suffice to say that I sampled most of this stuff and it all works quite well, especially ABS Pro, which keeps the bike from standing up while braking hard in corners. Perhaps the best aspect of the Select package is Dynamic ESA, or electronic suspension adjustment, which BMW has simplified on the 2020 boxer models to the choice of Road or Dynamic damping settings switchable on the fly, and Auto, Maximum or Minimum rear preload, which must be changed at a stop. Auto keeps the ride height correct in back regardless of the load and does its job well but firmly — when I wanted a softer ride and the lowest seat height I switched to Minimum. Dynamic damping mode keeps the bike well controlled in the corners with my 200 pounds and some gear aboard, but was too stiff for commuting, where I found Road mode was more comfortable. The damping changes accordingly when the riding mode is changed, but can be easily overridden with a switch on the left bar.

2020 BMW R 1250 R Road Test Review
Dual halogen headlight is bright and functional, and is flanked by LED daytime running lights.

This is also home to BMW’s slick Multi Controller wheel for the menus and selections on the R 1250 R’s large 6.5-inch TFT display, the optional GPS unit and the BMW Motorrad Connected navigation app. In addition to vehicle and maintenance monitoring and a robust trip computer, the multifunction display offers Bluetooth smartphone, headset and media connectivity. There’s definitely a learning curve involved, but the display is super bright and easy to read, and once you figure out the basic controls and selections the rest is pretty intuitive.

2020 BMW R 1250 R Road Test Review
Premium Metzeler Roadtec Z8 radial sport-touring tires were standard on our test bike, and they complement it well with smooth, predictable handling and grip.

Thoughtful details on the R 1250 R are easy to take for granted, but I came to appreciate them a lot living with the bike. Convenient right-angle metal valve stems are threaded into a spoke on each cast wheel, for example, where they’re easier to access. Both the clutch and brake lever are adjustable, and despite having halogen bulbs, the standard dual headlight is excellent night and day (as is, I presume, the LED taillight). I like having actual buttons versus electronic menu selections for the heated grips and riding modes, and the optional Keyless Ride system and its fob greatly simplify starting the bike, getting gas and locking the steering. Fuel economy is way up with the Shift Cam engine, too — though our average mpg is only 42.0 thanks to some spirited riding and lost receipts, we regularly saw upwards of 50 mpg on the trip computer, which would give the 4.8-gallon tank terrific range on regular gas.

No doubt many riders overlook the BMW R 1250 R roadster for its sexier, broader-based GS, RS and RT siblings, but even without all of the bells and whistles in the Select package (if you can find a bike without it), the R 1250 R is quite possibly the simpler, better choice for a lot of riders who don’t need more weight and complication in their lives. Isn’t that most of us?

2020 BMW R 1250 R Road Test Review

Mark’s Gear:
Helmet: Arai DT-X
Jacket, pants, gloves: Klim Baja s4
Boots: Sidi Performer Gore

2020 BMW R 1250 R Specs:

Base Price: $14,995
Price as Tested: $19,640 (Select package, Option 719 paint & Black/Dark Brown Seat)
Warranty: 3 yrs., 36,000 miles
Website: bmwmotorcycles.com

Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled, longitudinal flat opposed twin
Displacement: 1,254cc
Bore x Stroke: 102.5 x 76.0mm
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Valve Train: DOHC w/ VVT, 4 valves per cyl.
Valve Adj. Interval: 6,000 miles
Fuel Delivery: BMS-X EFI
Lubrication System: Wet sump, 4.2 qt. cap.
Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: Shaft, 2.75:1

Electrical
Ignition: Digital electronic
Charging Output: 508 watts max
Battery: 12V 12AH

Chassis
Frame: Tubular-steel bridge frame w/ engine as stressed member & Paralever cast aluminum single-sided swingarm
Wheelbase: 59.6 in.
Rake/Trail: 27.7 degrees/4.9 in.
Seat Height: 32.3 in.
Suspension, Front: USD 45mm fork w/ Dynamic ESA & 5.5-in. travel (as tested)
Rear: Single shock w/ Dynamic ESA & 5.5-in. travel
(as tested)
Brakes, Front: Dual discs w/ 320mm floating rotors, opposed 4-piston calipers & Integral ABS
Rear: Single disc w/ 276mm rotor, 2-piston floating caliper & ABS
Wheels, Front: Cast, 3.5 x 17 in.
Rear: Cast, 5.5 x 17 in.
Tires, Front: 120/70-ZR17
Rear: 180/55-ZR17
Wet Weight: 545 lbs. (as tested)
Load Capacity: 469 lbs. (as tested)
GVWR: 1,014 lbs.

Performance
Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gals., last 1.0 gal. warning light on
MPG: 87 AKI Min (avg) 42.0
Estimated Range: 202 miles
Indicated RPM at 60 MPH: 3,250

The post 2020 BMW R 1250 R | Road Test Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2020: year of the ‘Sunday rider’

Then, at the San Marino and Emilia Romagna GPs, we saw Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Joan Mir come from P8 and P11 on the grid to claim two podiums. Qualifying has been Suzuki’s only real downfall in 2020, but their race pace certainly makes up for that. Mir demonstrated exactly this at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, so much so that no matter where the Spaniard qualifies, you know – more often than not – he’s going to be a podium challenger. In Barcelona, Mir again qualified P8 but crossed the line less than a second away from victor Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) in P2.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

MY MOTORHOME TOUR

I promised if I hit 10k subs on my YouTube chamberlain I would drop the Motorhome tour. Well here you go, hope you enjoy it and thanks for the support. Make sure and subscribe to channel for latest videos.


Ever wondered where I stay & what I do in between races. This is my home on wheels & my home “away from home”.. Enjoy my 2020 Motorhome tour!
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook

Peugeot Brings the Kisbee 50 to Scooter Riders

Updated and Ready to Go

The Peugeot Motorcycles’ scooters are fantastic little machines. The Kisbee 50 is one of the company’s offerings. It was recently upgraded for 2020. The company added some more power and some additional features for the little 50cc scooter. 

For 2020, the bike comes with electronic fuel injection, a new piston design, lighter con-rod, and three-chamber exhaust. All of these things help the little two-stroke make 4.6 hp and the best torque in its class of 4.6 Nm. The bike has a CVT, so it’s a twist-n-go affair.

Kisbee-Hero

The bike comes with a 6.8-liter fuel tank, a front disc brake, and a rear drum brake. The scooter also has 12-inch alloy wheels, a contoured seat that can ride two-up if needed, and a slew of new colors, including Rogue Cherry Red, Satin Flash Silver, Icy White, and Matte Black. 

Bikes from British golden era at auction

The bike is offered with a two-year unlimited kilometer warranty. It’s also learner-approved, which should help it attract more riders. Peugeot is selling the bike at $2,990. Click here to see it on Peugeot’s website.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

The Yamaha D’Elight 125 Is Here for Your Commuting Needs

Just What You Needed for Your Commute

Public transit in the days of COVID-19 might not seem like a great idea. That’s where small scooters can come into play and literally save the day. One that caught my eye recently is the 2020 Yamaha D’elight 125. The little scooter is an affordable bike, economical to own, and easy to ride (like most scooters, to be honest).

The bike has a slim body and compact body, making it easy to park just about anywhere. It has pretty classic scooter styling that’s neither polarizing nor too boring. Powering the little bike is a 125cc Blue Core engine with a CVT transmission. That means it’s a twist-n-go machine.

There’s under-seat storage big enough for some shopping, a full-face helmet, or a laptop. The bike also has a clamp-style hook on the leg shields so you can hook some small bags and sit them between your feet. The scooter gets a 12-inch front wheel and a 10-inch rear wheel. The bike also has Yamaha’s unified braking system.

Overall, it looks like a nice little scooter. The bike is offered with a $3,599 AUD, including 12 months registration. If you want to learn more, check out the Yamaha Australian website.

kiplex electric motorcycle

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Mastering the Island: The year’s most spectacular setting

The brilliant Australian track is a rider favourite. It has long been considered one of the jewels on the current calendar. Its series of long, flowing curves, taken in third and fourth gear are spread across 2.7 miles of glorious, undulating tarmac. Its proximity to the Bass Straight means it gives Mugello a run for its money in terms of the most spectacular setting of the year.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Valencia the stage for final round of FIM CEV Repsol Cup

In the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship, Xavier Artigas (Leopard Impala Junior Team) is the man in the lead heading in, but his gap has been cut significantly in recent races – not least of all thanks to a stunner of a triple threat from Izan Guevara (Openbank Aspar Team) in Aragon last time out. The rider now second overall won all three races at MotorLand and from way back on the grid, bringing him to within just 10 points of Artigas’ lead. Can he continue that form in Valencia? There are 75 points on the table in three remaining races for the FIM Moto3™ JWCh, so it’s not the tall order it once was for a late charge at the crown. Artigas has good form at the track though, not least of all a Grand Prix podium in Moto3™ as a wildcard, so it won’t be easy.  

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

GasGas confirms 2021 MX2 World Championship line-up

News 28 Oct 2020

GasGas confirms 2021 MX2 World Championship line-up

Gifting and Langenfelder to ride MC 250F throughout next season.

Image: Supplied.

GasGas has signed Isak Gifting alongside Simon Langenfelder in its Diga Procross GasGas Factory Racing team for the 2021 MX2 World Championship.

After beginning the year in EMX250, Gifting has been a fill-in rider at GasGas and turned heads with a fifth-place result overall at Lommel 3 on Sunday.

“It’s an amazing feeling to continue with the Diga Procross GasGas team in 2021 as a full factory rider,” 19-year-old Gifting said. “Riding grands prix has been a dream of mine since I was a little boy and now I’ve made it. Racing for a factory team, it’s just unbelievable.

“The bike is fantastic and having a solid team around me with a great manager, mechanics and a trainer gives me a lot of confidence. I have a great feeling going into 2021 – I can’t wait to have a full winter of testing with the team and I’m sure that together we can achieve some great results.”

Meanwhile, Langenfelder will return to the team for 2021, his second term of MX2 World Championship action. Having shown flashes of speed throughout this season before an untimely leg injury, the young German is fully focused on his recovery and looking ahead to prepare for the new season.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

The Rumi four-stroke prototypes and Felice Rolla

Felice Rolla concept ‘Rumi’ motorcycle

With Phil Aynsley


While Rumi is best known for its 125cc horizontal parallel twin 2-strokes (Check out – 1954 Rumi Formichino), the company did dabble with several 4-stroke prototypes.

Felice Rolla 'Rumi'
Felice Rolla ‘Rumi’
Felice Rolla 'Rumi'
Felice Rolla ‘Rumi’

The first was designed in 1952 by Giuseppe Salmaggi and featured a DOHC 250 cc parallel twin with the cylinders inclined at 27º from the vertical and a shaft final drive. This was followed by a second Salmaggi design, a 125 cc single with a shaft bevel drive to the DOHC head.

Felice Rolla 'Rumi'
Felice Rolla ‘Rumi’
Felice Rolla 'Rumi'
Felice Rolla ‘Rumi’

Finally, in late 1954, Felice Rolla (a well known race mechanic/tuner) revealed a 125 cc DOHC design based on the familiar 2-stroke race motor. A cascade of gears drove the camshafts and the motor was fitted into a Series 2 Compitizione chassis.

Felice Rolla 'Rumi'
Felice Rolla ‘Rumi’
Felice Rolla 'Rumi'
Felice Rolla ‘Rumi’

The bike was displayed on the Rumi stand at the Cycle and Motorcycle Exhibition and while an “outside” project, it is probable that Rumi had some input into its development.

Felice Rolla 'Rumi'
Felice Rolla ‘Rumi’
Felice Rolla 'Rumi'
Felice Rolla ‘Rumi’

The bike seen here is number 2 of several prototypes made. Some had a dry sump design (as this bike has), others were wet sump.

Felice Rolla 'Rumi'
Felice Rolla ‘Rumi’
Felice Rolla 'Rumi'
Felice Rolla ‘Rumi’
Felice Rolla 'Rumi'
Felice Rolla ‘Rumi’
Felice Rolla 'Rumi'
Felice Rolla ‘Rumi’

Source: MCNews.com.au

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