RE: 1250RS v 1250GS Dilemma - 2

Can't speak directly to the bike with the 1250 motor but I have an '18 RS & '18 GS. I'm shorter at 5'8" so the wind blast on the RS is at the bottom of my helmet and up. I too faced the same dilemma on whether I should buy the RS (mainly because of the handlebar reach) but a good price on a new bike convinced me to take the plunge and also keep the GS. Now after being able to ride both on the same roads the result is pretty much what you would expect - the RS has a firmer suspension ride than the GS but not so bad as to kick you out of the seat or move you offline in a corner. Handling is a mixed bag. Both bikes are not quick handlers with the RS seeming more cumbersome at really low speeds than the GS but that may be due to the difference in the width of the handlebars. Once you get up to speed in the twisties the RS comes into its own probably due to the more street oriented tires and sizes as well as being overall lower to the ground. I've got the GS set up with a Puig windscreen which sends the wind over my helmet but there still is a fair amount of clean wind hitting my arms. The RS has better wind protection for my torso and arms but a lot more wind across my helmet. I'll be trying a taller screen to keep the bugs from hitting my helmet visor. The RS shifts smoother than the GS but all the rest of the controls are similar between the bikes. The RS is revving slightly lower at the same vehicle speed due to the driveshaft ratio so it seems a little more "relaxed" than the GS at higher vehicle speeds. After my limited time on the RS (2 months) vs a full year on the GS I'm still on the fence on which bike I would keep if I had to choose. At this point I think it would be the GS but I think I need to make a few mods to the RS (handlebar setback and windscreen) to really make a fair judgement. I don't have a problem with the leaned forward riding position on the RS vs the upright position of the GS - both have their advantages and it seems more "correct" to be leaned forward especially when it is windy or gusts from other vehicles. It also seems easier for me to lift my butt off the seat on the RS vs the GS when I see a large bump in the road to smooth out the ride but that must have something to do with leg angle/footpeg position.

It always seems when I first buy a bike I have some regrets, but as I ride it more and more I enjoy its capability even more than I thought I would. At the end of the day the decision depends on if you want a more sport focused bike vs a more standard riding position and how you comfortably fit on the bike. If it doesn't fit you'll end up riding less.

Pete

I have been buying BMW motorcycles since an R80 that I bought in 1985. It has been my experience that BMW motorcycles break-in their riders more than their riders break-in the motorcycles.