2017 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2020 BMW R 1250RS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 BMW R 1200RT LC 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
274 kg / 604 lbs
2020 BMW R 1250RS 2020 BMW R 1250RS

Sport touring

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph
Weight
535.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Adjustable Windshield. 2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.
Year2012020
Colours-Black Storm Metallic, Style Sport, Style Exclusive, Sparkling Bronze Metallic
Make ModelBMW R 1200RT LCBMW R 1250RS
Dimensions
Seat Height805 mm / 31.5 in - 825 mm / 32.5 in Variable seat heights available between 760mm / 29.9 in and 850mm / 33.5 in820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in
Wheelbase1485 mm / 58.5 in1530 mm / 60.2 in
Height1416 mm / 55.7 in1255 mm / 49.4 in minimum
Length2222 mm / 87.5 in2202 mm / 86.6 in
Width983 mm / 38.7 in925 mm / 36.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-4.00 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-4.23 US quarts
Fuel Capacity25 Litres / 6.6 US gal18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Coolant Capacity-2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)
Wet Weight274 kg / 604 lbs243 kg / 535.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph
Max Power92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Engine
CO2-109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine Type-Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cu-in1254 cc / 76.5 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm102.5 x 76 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:112.5:1
Cooling SystemAir/Liquid cooledLiquid / Air cooled
EmissionsEuro 3Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard , Euro 4
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Engine Management-BMS-O
Exhaust managementFully-controlled three-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption-4.70 litres/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 mpg)
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system, 52mm throttle valve Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converterElectronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1 US gal4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons
Fuel Type-Unleaded super, octane number 95 (RON) adapive fuel quality regulation (91 to 98 RON)
Idle Speed-1050 +/- 100 RPM
IgnitionDigital engine management -
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric 900W
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 16 Ah, maintenance-free12V/12Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operatedWet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Final DriveShaftShaft
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.059 / 5th 0.943 / 6th 0.848:1-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Constant mesh
Primary Drive Ratios1.65-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed, constant-mesh gearbox with helical cut gears Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system
Chassis
Frame TypeContinuous tubular steel bridge-type frameTwo-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontBMW Telelever, 37 mm central spring strutTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm
Suspension - RearCast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW EVO Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) via handwheel, rebound damping adjustable via handwheelCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel- related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheel
Rake-25.5°
Steering Angle-62.3°
Steering Head Angle63.6°-
Trail-110.9 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear136 mm / 5.4 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase 540 W generatorThree-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power)
Lighting system-LED
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipers2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 276mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral), disengageable
Brake Fluid Type-DOT 4
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Tyre Pressure - Front-36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa)
Tyre Pressure - Rear-42 PSI (2.9 Bar or 290 kPa)
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17180/55 ZR17
Wheel Caster116 mm / 4.6 in-
WheelsCast aluminium wheelsCast aluminium wheels
Wheels - Front-3.50 x 17 in
Wheels - Rear-5.50 x 17 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 BMW R 1250RS

The 2020 BMW R 1250RS edges out the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC thanks to its more peak power, higher torque, lighter kerb weight, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2020 BMW R 1250RS - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 136 hp vs 92 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 143 Nm vs 125 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 243 kg vs 274 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Larger displacement: 1254 cc vs 1170 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2017 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2020 BMW R 1250RS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC and 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2020 BMW R 1250RS is powered by Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS is lighter at 243 kg compared to 274 kg for the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC - a difference of 31 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS produces more peak power at 136 hp, compared to 92 kW for the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has the lower seat at 805 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 BMW R 1250RS sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has the larger tank at approximately 25 litres vs 18 litres for the 2020 BMW R 1250RS. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 416-500 km vs 300-360 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 BMW R 1200RT LC has the edge in larger fuel tank and dual front discs, while the 2020 BMW R 1250RS stands out for more peak power and higher torque. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.