BMW R 1250 RT
2024 BMW R 1250 RT: 1,254 cc, 136 hp boxer tourer, 279 kg, replaced by the R 1300 RT. Full specs, press reviews and rivals.
At a glance
The BMW R 1250 RT is a fully faired tourer powered by a 1,254 cc, 136 hp ShiftCam boxer twin, with panniers, a 10.25-inch TFT with built-in navigation and full integral ABS Pro as standard. It is no longer sold new in France: BMW has replaced it with the R 1300 RT, available to order since October 2024 at €24,500, and no final French price is published for this 2024 R 1250 RT, launched at €22,490 in 2021. The international press praises its comfort, engine and equipment, but criticises a price quickly inflated by options, an imperfect shifter and a 279 kg weight felt in town.
World press review
Meta-score
9 sources
Press ratings
Incredible engine, comfort, handling and useful gadgets, base price seen as very attractive; imperfect shifter and linked brakes with an unusual feel.
Cutting-edge technology that is easy to use and a superb engine; less composed on badly broken mountain roads.
Successful facelift (screen, traction control, full integral ABS Pro, adaptive cruise control), luxury focus; weight felt through linked bends, not a sports bike.
Comparison with the old RT: reliable adaptive cruise control, outstanding adaptive lighting, huge screen; Next Generation semi-active suspension less harmonious than before.
Evolution rather than revolution for a top-level, comfortable and effective motorcycle; high final price with options.
3,500 km two-up test: comfort, balance, manoeuvrability, protection and engine; phone disconnections from the dash, price and cost of options.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
Reviews cover the 2021 facelift, technically identical to the 2024 model year: no scored review of the 2024 model year itself was found. The average score of 88/100 is calculated from three 2021 scores: MCN 5/5, Moto.it 9/10 and Caradisiac 15/20. Bennetts BikeSocial (long-term test), Cycle World, 1000PS, MOTORRAD, SoyMotero and Le Repaire des Motards (3,500 km two-up) tested it without a numeric score.
What reviewers like: comfort (MCN, Moto.it, SoyMotero, Le Repaire des Motards), a boxer that BikeSocial calls “incredible”, Cycle World superb and Caradisiac perfect for the job, easy-to-use technology (Cycle World), the huge screen and adaptive lighting (MOTORRAD), braking in corners (Caradisiac) and a chassis that remains playful (MCN). MCN considers it to have no direct rival, and Caradisiac says it doesn’t push back the limits, it abolishes them.
What they criticise: a high price and costly options (Moto.it, SoyMotero, Le Repaire des Motards, Caradisiac), an imperfect shifter (BikeSocial, Caradisiac), linked brakes with an unusual feel (BikeSocial), an ACC that is sometimes hesitant (MCN), Next Generation suspension less harmonious than before (MOTORRAD), some vibration at high speed (Moto.it), phone disconnections (Le Repaire des Motards) and weight felt in town and through linked bends (MCN, 1000PS).
Key quotes
"The BMW doesn’t have any direct rivals, but even if it did, it would still be in a class of its own."
"I’m going to stick my neck out here and say that, for me, a mid-50s, year-round, high-mileage road rider, BMW’s 2021 R1250RT is the best all-round motorcycle you can buy."
"A proper continuation of the RT’s touring excellence."
"The new RT really does do everything better, without having lost its typical character."
"The "RT" satisfies both, and with this 2021 version it manages to do so even better and with an even higher level of safety."
"It is a top-level motorcycle, highly evolved, comfortable and effective, which has managed to beat its rivals throughout its 43-year history: there must be a reason."
"And with its improved looks this year, it now comes close to an all-round flawless score, were it not for the phone's untimely disconnection..."
"It's simple: this R1250 RT doesn't push back the limits, it abolishes them."
Pros
- Tourer-grade comfort and protection, solo or two-up
- Smooth, torquey ShiftCam boxer (143 Nm)
- 10.25-inch TFT with built-in navigation
- Full integral ABS Pro and effective braking in corners
- Chassis still playful according to MCN
- 3-year warranty with unlimited mileage
Cons
- No longer sold new in France (replaced by the R 1300 RT)
- Price quickly inflated by options
- Imperfect shifter
- Adaptive cruise control sometimes hesitant
- Weight and bulk felt in town
- Reported phone disconnections
Our review
Is the R 1250 RT still on sale?
No. The R 1250 RT has disappeared from the Tour range on BMW Motorrad France’s website and from its configurator: only the R 1300 RT is listed now, available to order since October 2024 and priced at €24,500. Its old page, with no price, points to its successor. This fiche covers the 2024 model year, the R 1250 RT’s last product update (revised colours, eCall emergency call in the USA and Canada). BMW’s owner’s manual index shows that bikes were still built from August 2024, with no technical change.
Which versions and what price?
The R 1250 RT came with a single 136 hp engine, requiring a full A licence: BMW offered no A2 version. The owner’s manual only mentions a factory power-reduction option to 79 kW. The base bike in Alpine White 3 gained a large “RT” graphic on its side panels for 2024; alongside it were the Style Sport (Racing Blue Metallic 2), Style Triple Black (Black Storm Metallic 2) and Option 719 (Meteoric Dust II Metallic) variants. The PRO trim combined the Comfort, Audio, Dynamic and Travel packs.
BMW France announced the facelifted model from €22,490 at launch (press release of 15 October 2020). No more recent official price is published, hence no new price on this fiche. In the United States, the 2024 model year sold for $19,995 plus destination. Rival prices, recorded in 2026, are not contemporary with the R 1250 RT.
How good is the engine?
The 1,254 cc air/liquid-cooled boxer (102.5 x 76 mm, 12.5:1) uses the ShiftCam variable intake timing and lift system. It makes 136 hp (100 kW) at 7,750 rpm and 143 Nm at 6,250 rpm. BMW quotes over 200 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 3.7 s. The six-speed gearbox drives a shaft; BMW France’s website states Euro 5+, the 2024 owner’s manual Euro 5.
BikeSocial calls it incredible, Cycle World superb and Caradisiac perfect for the job. Moto.it notes some vibration at high speed.
How does it ride?
The chassis pairs a 37 mm Telelever (120 mm travel) with a Paralever single-sided swingarm (136 mm), on a 1,485 mm wheelbase. Braking combines twin 320 mm floating discs with four-piston radial calipers and a 276 mm rear disc, managed by full integral ABS Pro. Weight reaches 279 kg road-ready.
MCN finds it as playful as ever, but notes a bulk felt in town; 1000PS notes weight that shows through linked bends. Cycle World finds it less composed on badly broken mountain roads. In its comparison with the old RT, MOTORRAD finds the Dynamic ESA Next Generation semi-active suspension less harmonious than before. Caradisiac praises braking in corners unlike anything on the road.
Equipment
Standard: a 10.25-inch TFT with built-in map navigation, a first on a motorcycle according to BMW, full LED headlight, DTC traction control, three riding modes (Eco, Rain and Road), DCC cruise control with braking function, hill start control and side cases (70 litres of storage). Options: radar ACC adaptive cruise control, Dynamic ESA, Riding Modes Pro, shifter, adaptive cornering light, Keyless Ride, heated seat and tyre pressure monitoring. MCN finds the ACC sometimes hesitant behind slow vehicles; MOTORRAD finds it reliable as long as you don’t overestimate its abilities.
Who is it for?
The R 1250 RT targets high-mileage riders, solo or two-up, who want a protective, comfortable and economical tourer. BikeSocial considers it the best all-round motorcycle on the market for a year-round road rider. On the used market, it remains an alternative to the R 1300 RT, which is more powerful (145 hp) and has a new frame.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
BMW quotes 4.75 L/100 km on the WMTC cycle (4.8 L/100 km in the owner’s manual). BikeSocial recorded a 51.3 mpg UK average (about 5.5 L/100 km) and MCN 47 mpg UK (about 6.0 L/100 km), giving 415 to 455 km of range from the 25-litre tank. The manual calls for an oil change every 10,000 km or every year, and valve clearance and spark plugs every 20,000 km. BMW France’s warranty is 3 years with unlimited mileage.
Generations
The RT line goes back to the 1978 R 100 RT. The R 1250 RT replaced the R 1200 RT in 2019 with the ShiftCam engine, then was facelifted for 2021. The R 1300 RT, unveiled in April 2025, succeeds it with a 1,300 cc boxer.
Recalls
In France, RappelConso lists four recalls affecting the R 1250 RT: suspension struts (August-September 2023 production), fuel leak (March 2023), gearbox input shaft (production up to 12 January 2023) and contact with the rear wheel spokes (previous generation, 2019-2020). In the United States, NHTSA notably issued recall 24V165000 on the front strut of 2024 RTs.
Specifications
| Displacement | 1254 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 136 hp (100 kW) @ 7,750 rpm |
| Torque | 143 Nm @ 6,250 rpm |
| Weight | 279 kg (road-ready, wet, tank 90% full, standard equipment) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.05 |
| Seat height | 805 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 25 L |
| Fuel consumption | 4.75 L/100 km (WMTC cycle) — 110 g/km CO2 (4.8 L/100 km in the 02/2024 owner's manual) |
| Maintenance interval | Service and oil change every 10,000 km or 1 year — Valves and spark plugs: 20,000 km (BMW owner's manual) |
| Engine type | Horizontally opposed boxer twin, 4-stroke, air/liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8 valves, BMW ShiftCam variable intake camshaft control |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, shaft drive, anti-hopping clutch |
| License | A |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 102,5 x 76 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 12,5:1 |
| Fuel system | Sequential electronic fuel injection (BMS-O engine management), 52 mm throttle body, ride-by-wire |
| Valve train | DOHC driven by spur gears, 4 valves per cylinder, variable intake timing and lift (ShiftCam) |
| Max power RPM | 7750 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 6250 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5+ |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Two-section frame (main frame and bolted-on rear frame), load-bearing engine |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 25.9 ° |
| Trail | 116 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1485 mm |
| Front suspension | BMW Telelever with central spring strut, 37 mm fork tubes, 120 mm travel (Dynamic ESA Next Generation optional) |
| Rear suspension | Cast aluminium Paralever single-sided swingarm, WAD spring strut with hydraulic preload adjustment (handwheel) and rebound adjustment, 136 mm travel |
| Front brake | Twin 320 mm floating discs, four-piston radial calipers |
| Rear brake | Single 276 mm disc, twin-piston floating caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55 ZR17 |
| ABS system | BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS Pro (fully integral braking, optimised for lean angles) |
Performance
| 0 to 100 km/h | 3.7 s |
|---|
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Eco, Rain, Road, Dynamic (Riding Modes Pro option) |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Optional (Shift Assistant Pro, Dynamic Package) |
| Cruise control | Yes (DCC cruise control with braking function as standard; radar ACC adaptive cruise control optional) |
| Dashboard | 10.25-inch colour TFT with built-in map navigation |
| Connectivity | Smartphone connectivity integrated into the TFT instrument cluster |
| Other features | DTC Dynamic Traction Control, HSC Hill Start Control, Full LED headlight, Four favourites buttons, Dual horn, Standard side cases (70 litres of storage), Optional: Riding Modes Pro (Dynamic mode, HSC Pro, MSR engine drag torque control, DBC), Optional: Dynamic ESA Next Generation semi-active suspension with load compensation, Optional: adaptive cornering light, Keyless Ride, central locking, heated seat, Optional: RDC tyre pressure monitoring, charging compartment (inductive and USB) |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Upright, touring handlebars |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | Full fairing, tall electrically adjustable screen |
| Payload | 226 kg |
| Max total weight | 505 kg |
The R 1250 RT offers an upright touring position behind a full fairing and a tall electrically adjustable screen. The seat adjusts to 805 or 825 mm (830-850 mm high seat and 760-780 mm low seat as options). Width reaches 985 mm at the mirrors and 990 mm at the cases. MCN, Moto.it and SoyMotero praise its comfort, and Le Repaire des Motards, which tested it over 3,500 km two-up, praises its comfort, protection and balance. MCN does however note a bulk felt in town. Permitted total weight is 505 kg, for a 226 kg payload; the manual limits each side case to 10 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
≈ 5.5 to 6.0 L/100 km (foreign press: 51.3 mpg UK average in mixed riding for BikeSocial, 47 mpg UK for MCN)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~415 to 455 km (estimated: 25 L tank / recorded consumption of 5.5 to 6.0 L/100 km); MCN: 191 miles (307 km) before the reserve light
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 10,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 20,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 20,000 km |
| Chain | Not applicable (shaft drive): final drive oil every 20,000 km or 2 years, drive shaft replaced at 60,000 km |
Warranty
3 years / Unlimited mileage (24-month legal warranty + 12 months from BMW)
BMW’s owner’s manual specifies a running-in check between 500 and 1,200 km, then a BMW Motorrad Service once a year. The oil and filter change comes every 10,000 km or every year (4 litres of SAE 5W-40 oil). Valve clearance, spark plugs and air filter are dealt with every 20,000 km, as is the final drive oil (or every 2 years); the drive shaft is checked and lubricated every 20,000 km and replaced at 60,000 km. Brake fluid is changed after one year, then every two years. Shaft drive avoids chain maintenance. BMW Motorrad France’s warranty is 3 years with unlimited mileage (24 months of legal warranty plus 12 extra months).
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R 1250 RT | — | 136 hp (100 kW) @ 7,750 rpm | 279 kg (road-ready, wet, tank 90% full, standard equipment) |
| BMW R 1300 RT2026 | €24,500 | 145 hp | 281 kg (road-ready) |
| BMW K 1600 GT2027 | €28,900 | 160 hp | 343 kg (wet) |
| Honda GL1800 Gold Wing DCT2026 | €28,849 | 126 hp | 373 kg (road-ready) |
| Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour2027 | €28,990 | 170 hp | 240 kg (without fuel) |
| Honda NT1100 DCT2027 | €15,799 | 102 hp | 248 kg (road-ready, without panniers) |
Generations
Compare →- R 100 RT (double bras oscillant)1978 – 1984
980 cc · 70 hp · — · —
The first RT ("Reisetourer"): full fairing with a large screen, luggage rack and pannier mounts.
- R 100 RT (Monolever)1987 – 1996
980 cc · 60 hp · — · —
The RT returns with the revised 1000 twin and Monolever chassis; "Classic" version in 1994.
- R 1100 RT1995 – 2001
1,085 cc · 90 hp · — · —
Four-valve oil/air-cooled boxer from the R 1100 RS, Telelever and Paralever suspension.
- R 1150 RT2001 – 2006
1,130 cc · 95 hp · — · —
Displacement up from 1,085 to 1,130 cc, subtly revised design.
- R 1200 RT (air/huile)2005 – 2013
1,170 cc · — · — · —
New, more powerful and lighter 1200 boxer, electric screen; BMW USA quoted 110 bhp and under 260 kg road-ready.
- R 1200 RT (refroidissement air/liquide)2014 – 2018
1,170 cc · 125 hp · 125 Nm · 274 kg (road-ready)
Air/liquid-cooled boxer, new frame, Dynamic ESA and all-new design.
- R 1250 RT (1re phase)2019 – 2020
1,254 cc · 136 hp · 143 Nm · 279 kg (road-ready)
1,254 cc engine with ShiftCam variable intake timing and lift, 5.7-inch TFT, Euro 4 standard.
- R 1250 RT (restylée)2021 – 2024
1,254 cc · 136 hp · 143 Nm · 279 kg (road-ready)
New LED front end, 10.25-inch TFT with built-in navigation, full integral ABS Pro, Euro 5 standard and optional radar cruise control; last units built from August 2024.
- R 1300 RT2025 – today
1,300 cc · 145 hp · 149 Nm · 281 kg (road-ready)
New 145 hp 1,300 cc boxer, steel sheet-metal frame, optional DCA suspension and ASA automated gearbox.
Compare with this generation →
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R 100 RT (double bras oscillant)1978 – 1984 The first RT ("Reisetourer"): full fairing with a large screen, luggage rack and pannier mounts. | 980 cc | 70 hp | — | — |
| R 100 RT (Monolever)1987 – 1996 The RT returns with the revised 1000 twin and Monolever chassis; "Classic" version in 1994. | 980 cc | 60 hp | — | — |
| R 1100 RT1995 – 2001 Four-valve oil/air-cooled boxer from the R 1100 RS, Telelever and Paralever suspension. | 1,085 cc | 90 hp | — | — |
| R 1150 RT2001 – 2006 Displacement up from 1,085 to 1,130 cc, subtly revised design. | 1,130 cc | 95 hp | — | — |
| R 1200 RT (air/huile)2005 – 2013 New, more powerful and lighter 1200 boxer, electric screen; BMW USA quoted 110 bhp and under 260 kg road-ready. | 1,170 cc | — | — | — |
| R 1200 RT (refroidissement air/liquide)2014 – 2018 Air/liquid-cooled boxer, new frame, Dynamic ESA and all-new design. | 1,170 cc | 125 hp | 125 Nm | 274 kg road-ready |
| R 1250 RT (1re phase)2019 – 2020 1,254 cc engine with ShiftCam variable intake timing and lift, 5.7-inch TFT, Euro 4 standard. | 1,254 cc | 136 hp | 143 Nm | 279 kg road-ready |
| R 1250 RT (restylée)2021 – 2024 New LED front end, 10.25-inch TFT with built-in navigation, full integral ABS Pro, Euro 5 standard and optional radar cruise control; last units built from August 2024. | 1,254 cc | 136 hp | 143 Nm | 279 kg road-ready |
| R 1300 RT2025 – today New 145 hp 1,300 cc boxer, steel sheet-metal frame, optional DCA suspension and ASA automated gearbox. Compare with this generation → | 1,300 cc | 145 hp | 149 Nm | 281 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
Screw connection between the valve housing and the damper of the front and rear spring struts may come loose: riding stability impaired if the front strut is affected. Covers R 1250 RT, K 1600 B, GT and GTL built from 18/08/2023 to 15/09/2023
Voir le rappel →Incorrectly manufactured proportional valve in the front spring strut may loosen: risk of strut failure and loss of stability. Covers certain 2024 R 1250 RT, K 1600 GT, GTL and B in the United States; production dates checked and front strut replaced (equivalent of European recall A12/00875/24)
Voir le rappel →Manufacturing defect in the fuel distributor may cause a fuel leak. Covers R 1250 RT, R 1250 GS, GS Adventure, R and RS built from 02/03/2023 to 16/03/2023
Hard braking at higher speeds may overload the gearbox and break the input shaft, locking the rear wheel. Covers R 1250 RT, R 1250 GS and GS Adventure built from 18/09/2017 to 12/01/2023
Gearbox input shaft may be damaged or break under certain conditions, risking a locked rear wheel; engine control unit software update. In the United States, only covers the R 1250 RT-P police version (2019-2023), along with the R 1250 GS and GS Adventure
Components with unsuitable material properties may contact the rear wheel spokes. Covers previous-generation R 1250 RT among others, built from 31/10/2019 to 30/01/2020
Tyre pressure labels may not stay attached to the frame. Covers certain 2021 R 1250 RT in the United States (as well as R 1250 R, RS, GS and GS Adventure)