I haven’t test ridden the R1250RS. I love my R1200RS and would like to keep it that way. I also belong to the forum for the R12XXRS bikes. It’s a mixed bag whether people like the new engine or not. Some say it’s soulless. Some love it. It’s like high end audio. If you don’t listen to something better than you have, you can’t be tempted. That 's where I am with my RS.
I am sure the R 1200 RS is a great bike too David! My only previous experience with BMWs wete F 800 ST and K 1300 S test rides. The 1300 was awesome. I do know the keeper feeling though. I told my wife these bikes will be our last one so we plan to keep them for 10+ years.
I do have experience with my 2012 Multistrada 1200S and my 2015/16 Multiatrada 1200S DVT. The variable valve timing was an improvement. Unfortunately, the Ducati engines were happiest between 5k & 11k rpms. That’s fine on a track or closed course. On the street the speeds were to high to go unnoticed by law enforcement.
The boxer is great between 3k & 9k rpms which make for more reasonable fun.
That’s the next place on our list Ron!
I’ve test ridden an F800GT. That was nice enough but not sporty enough for my taste. I test road a K1300S and decided I definitely didn’t need something that FAST! The RT was nice but again, not quite sporty enough for my taste. The RS seems to hit that sweet spot for me. After 4 VFRs and interceptors I also wanted something a little more upright. I tried putting bar risers on the RS but I didn’t like that and took them back off. It just suits me as is.
Should have gone riding when I lived in Ashburn, VA.
Ashburn isn’t too far from me in Sykesville Md. You should have. Lot’s of nice roads in the area for a motorcycle.
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I owned a '14 K1300S and it was SCARY fast and powerful, but didn’t handle all that well due to a very long wheelbase (unconventional front suspension was part of this). Over 100 lb-ft of torque and around 540 pounds offers more than enough “grunt” for the street.
EDIT: My current ride ('15 R1200RT) handles much better than the K13S and still has plenty of power, comfort, etc.
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The K 1300 S is a little heavier at 569 lbs (fueled) with like you ssaid 103 lb-ft of torque. Glad I waited for the R 1250 RS which weighs 536 lbs (fueled) with 105 lb-ft of torque.
But don’t forget the K13S continues to generate high torque at higher rpm which results in 175HP. Truly more than enough for the street.
Which of course results in a 174 MPH top speed for the K 1300 S and a 150 MPH top speed for the R 1250 RS. Both are more than aiquate for the street.
I had a high reving Ducati which had similar torque and horse power but was 90 lbs lighter than the K 1300 S. Sold it because the high reving power is better suited to the track than the street for my taste.
I like light bikes. My Ducati was about 400 lbs dry. Felt great.
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As do I. I prefer the far opposite of a cruiser.
A challenge of Ducati sport bikes is they are very long-legged. At 30 MPH in first gear the bike is still rough, it wants to go much faster. Sixth gear is useless until one is going 80 MPH or so.
Some owners thus change the front and/or rear sprocket so the engine spins faster, making the bike more tractable in town. I rarely ride into town, preferring to remain where the roads are twisty and there is little traffic.
Same here, 6th gear on my Ducati was reserved for constant speeds over 75 to 80 mph. It’s sweet spot being 90 to 120 mph.
The Multistrada had a record time up Pikes Peak in 3012.
With Ducati rider Carlin Dunne’s death last year there were no motorcycles racing up Pikes Peak this year.
Dunne was an amazing rider.
New tires for my Ducati 1098S Streetfighter yesterday. A wonderful bike to ride, but it wants to go fast and is unforgiving of the inattentive or uncertain rider.
Elk, a Ducati Specialist shared the extra same 1098S Streetfighter characteristics and an owner told me a tail of riding that bike with cold track tires. It didn’t end well. Be careful out there!
Ineed Dunne was a nice guy and great rider. He said his scariest moment during a PPHC was coming around a turn at 150 MPH and seeing a bear in the road. Amazing!
It’s unfortunate we lost him on a Streetfighter V4.
A bear would get one’s attention.
I put sport touring tires on my superbikes and the Streetfighter for riding on the street (currently I like Angle GT II). They do not need the warmup aggressive sport tires require. I find I always have good grip and occasionally more grip than I would under the same circumstances with sport tires. Plus they are better if caught in the rain and last a lot longer.
I have found Angel GT IIs to be the best handling Sport Touring tires among the other Michelin, Metzler and Pirelli tires I’ve tried. The are particularly good in the rain.
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I had Angel GT IIs on my 2014 Honda Interceptor when I traded it on my RS. I liked them a lot. The warmed up quickly, made the bike handle well, gave good feedback, stuck well wet and dry and they were pretty long lived as well.
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True great road feel with the Angel GT IIs and the Metzler Roadtech 01 sister tire. As good as the Metzlers are, the Pirelli’s are better overall.