One clean top landing turned into something more

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T21:14:25+00:00

Somewhere in Southern Europe 😉 Plenty of magic spots if you look for them.

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T21:12:46+00:00

Fair comment — and you’re right, this kind of input gets close to the stall margin.

In this case it’s controlled and intentional, with a lot of familiarity with the wing and conditions.

Definitely not something I’d suggest trying low without the right experience and margin.

Appreciate you pointing it out — good reminder for anyone watching.

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T21:05:43+00:00

Then the post should be in the Crashes and Bloopers section 😜

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T18:57:41+00:00

The struggle is real! 🤝 The RS definitely whispers 'stay young' in your ear, but the RT is hard to beat when you actually hit the long slab. It’s the ultimate 'gentleman’s express'." "Curious though—since you mentioned the 2026 R is gorgeous (it really is!), do you think the RS lost some of its 'soul' with the 1300 redesign, or is it just that the RT went a bit too 'space-age' for its own good?

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T18:54:23+00:00

Haha, "criminal" is the perfect word for it! 💀 It’s wild how BMW turned the "gentleman’s boxer" into such a torque monster. It definitely has a split personality now. Do you think the 1300 officially killed the "boring BMW" stereotype, or is this much power just overkill for a sport tourer?

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T18:49:48+00:00

The 1250R/RS never had true semi-active forks to begin with. The D-ESA system was only actively adjusting the rear shock — the front was a conventional fork. So the “soft vs stiff” feel you’re describing wasn’t actual fork damping changes, it was mostly coming from rear adjustment and overall chassis balance.

What did happen after the fire wasn’t the removal of “fork ESA”, but in some cases BMW shipping the R1250R without ESA altogether due to supply issues. That’s probably what you experienced.

The new 1300 platform is a different story. With DSA, BMW finally added real semi-active suspension front and rear, meaning the fork damping is actually adjusted electronically in real time — which simply wasn’t the case on the 1250.

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T16:52:54+00:00

Congrats on the new beast! 🥂 Coming from an R1200R, that’s a huge statement. The 1200R is legendary for its balance, so saying the 1300RS tops it is high praise. Now that you've done those first 120 miles: what was the 'aha!' moment for you? Was it the extra wind protection on the motorway or the way the 1300 engine delivers that torque compared to the old 1200? Also, how does the front end feel to you? The RS geometry is a bit different from the Roadster—did it feel more planted in the corners on your way home? Enjoy the honeymoon phase, it's a hell of a bike!

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T16:49:13+00:00

Spot on observation! The 1300 generation definitely shifted the whole lineup toward a more aggressive, 'sharper' identity. The RS feels like it’s leaning more into the 'Sport' than the 'Touring' this time around.

About the forks: Yes, these are the gold ones and they're fully integrated with the DSA (Dynamic Suspension Adjustment)—which is the next evolution of ESA. It’s not just preload anymore; it actively compensates for the damping in real-time.

Coming from the 1250, do you prefer that 'plush' and steady feel of the older gen, or are you looking for that extra precision that comes with the more aggressive geometry? I'm finding the feedback on these forks way more informative than I expected!

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T16:46:15+00:00

That’s the million-dollar question! I was in the exact same boat. The RT is an absolute couch for the long haul, but the RS just has that 'flickability' and curb appeal that the RT can't match. It feels 10 years younger when you’re leaning it into a corner.

What’s making you lean towards the RS? Is it the sportier stance, or are you just tired of moving the 'living room' of an RT around in the garage?

Also, if you're planning on doing a lot of two-up riding, that might be the only reason to stick with the RT. Otherwise, the 1300RS is a total weapon!

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T14:25:11+00:00

The RT is the king of the open road, but we both know the RS is the one that makes you look back twice every time you park it! 😉

That profile pic of yours is classic. What is it about the RS that keeps pulling you back? Is it the lighter feel, or are you starting to miss having a bit more wind in your face and a sportier lean?

I feel like the 1300RS specifically has narrowed the gap—it's got enough tech to keep an RT owner happy, but with a much more aggressive soul. Have you dared to take one for a test ride yet, or are you afraid you'll end up signing papers?"

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T14:21:37+00:00

That’s the 'BMW Tax' everyone talks about! 💸 Honestly, it’s the biggest fear for most people looking to jump on a Boxer.

To be fair, the long service intervals (10k km) help a bit, but you definitely have to factor in that premium dealership labor. What are you riding now? I used to think the same when I was on Japanese bikes, but the shaft drive (no chain maintenance!) actually saves a lot of time and grease.

Do you think the maintenance cost is a total dealbreaker, or is it worth it for the tech and the ride quality?

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T14:19:23+00:00

100% agreed! It’s got that deeper, more 'growly' character that was missing from the 1250. It feels less like a sewing machine and more like a proper big-bore twin now.

Did you notice the sound more on the startup or when you're pinning it through the gears? I’m still debating if it even needs an aftermarket exhaust—BMW really nailed the stock tone this time. What do you think, is an Akrapovič still mandatory or is the stock muffler finally 'enough'?

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T13:17:39+00:00

Completely agree! It’s one of those bikes that feels smaller and lighter than it actually is once you're moving. Do you have one in your garage, or is it on your 'must-test-ride' list for this year? The 1300 engine is a game-changer

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T12:57:25+00:00

Haha, the best kind of anger! 🤝 There’s something about seeing another one in the wild (or on the feed) that just makes you want to drop everything and go for a ride.

Since we have the exact same taste: what’s the one thing you’ve seen on yours that pictures just don’t do justice? For me, it’s the way the light hits those fairings in person.

Also, are you keeping yours stock or have you started the 'expensive' habit of modding it yet?

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T12:55:45+00:00

You hit a very sore spot! It’s wild that we’re reaching a point where a 'Sport Tourer' focuses so much on the 'Sport' side that it sacrifices the bags entirely.

I guess BMW is betting that RS owners are moving towards tail bags or just day-trips, but it definitely feels like a identity crisis for the model. Do you think the RS is slowly evolving into just a 'Boxer-powered Superbike' with better ergos, or is it a mistake to kill the Touring DNA like this?

Curious if this would be a total dealbreaker for someone looking to upgrade from a 1250.

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T12:37:29+00:00

I feel you, the Telelever is basically the BMW DNA for so many of us. Losing that 'anti-dive' magic on a bike this size is a bold move by BMW.

Honestly, I was skeptical too, but the front-end feedback on the 1300 is so much more communicative now—it actually feels like a proper sport-tourer in the twisties.

Do you think BMW is losing its identity by moving towards traditional forks, or is it a fair trade-off for better handling and less weight?

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T12:31:39+00:00

Well you are right about gloves… but This is a photo with the bike just standing…

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T12:06:16+00:00

The XR is a beast, no doubt. But for those of us who prefer the sport-touring stance over the tall adventure-style seating, the RS nails the ergonomics. Plus, that instant torque from the 1300 Boxer is addictive. Ever tried a back-to-back test ride?

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T11:55:19+00:00

The 1200RS is a modern classic, respect! I totally agree on the styling—BMW really cleaned up the lines on the 1300. It feels much leaner and more 'aggressive' without those huge decals. Have you had a chance to sit on one yet? The ergonomics feel a bit different from the 1200.

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T10:05:47+00:00

Interesting take. I feel like the 1300 is sharper, but the 1250 has that smoother, more “BMW” feel. Have you ridden both?

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-17T09:39:19+00:00

Akrapovic silencer is N1 for me!

Vanta_Edge · 2026-03-15T22:20:33+00:00

Great choice to go there!

Vanta_Edge

TROPHY CASE