2020 BMW R 1250R Specifications

Name: 2020 BMW R 1250R
Brand: BMW

Naked bike • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2020 BMW R 1250R Overview

For 2020, BMW offers the R 1250R as a naked bike motorcycle with 1254 cc on tap. The 2020 BMW R 1250R is built around a Twin, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. Out on the road, the R 1250R delivers 136 hp @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 143 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2020 R 1250R tips the scales at 239 kg, carries a 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1515 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 30.5 kg heavier than the average naked bike motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2020 BMW R 1250R spec sheet below.

2020 R 1250R - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: Peak output on the R 1250R is 136 hp @ 7750 rpm and 143 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
Large fuel range: With a 18-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

Tall seat height: A 820 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Air cooling on the R 1250R keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling on the R 1250R comes from Electronic intake pipe injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.

Valve clearance checks

Valve clearances on Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-equipped engines like the R 1250R's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.

Brake disc and pad wear

2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Telescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm up front and Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Shaft final drive on the R 1250R removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.

Frame & chassis check

The Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

Handling the weight at a standstill

The R 1250R's 239 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.

R 1250R - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2020 BMW R 1250R should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 1250R settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 1250R's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Fuel system care

Injector systems like the R 1250R's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.

Valve clearance service

There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a R 1250R's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.

2020 BMW R 1250R - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2020 BMW R 1250R have?

The 2020 BMW R 1250R uses a Twin, four-stroke engine with 1254 cc of displacement. It is liquid / air cooled.

How much does the 2020 BMW R 1250R weigh?

The 2020 BMW R 1250R weighs 239 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2020 BMW R 1250R make?

The 2020 BMW R 1250R produces 136 hp @ 7750 rpm of power and 143 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2020 BMW R 1250R?

The 2020 BMW R 1250R has a 18-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 300-360 km between stops.

Is the 2020 BMW R 1250R suitable for shorter riders?

The 2020 BMW R 1250R has a seat height of 820 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2020 BMW R 1250R have?

The 2020 BMW R 1250R uses 2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers at the front and Single 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2020 BMW R 1250R use?

The 2020 BMW R 1250R runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2020 BMW R 1250R have?

The 2020 BMW R 1250R is fitted with a Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system transmission.

BMW R 1250R Spec Evolution

The BMW R 1250R was produced across 5 model years (2019-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Wet Weight	239 kg / 526.9 lbs	239 kg / 526.9 lbs	239 kg / 526.9 lbs	239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs	239 kg / 527 lbs
Engine Detail	Four 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	Four 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	Four 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, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm	One balance shaft and variable engine timing system	Four 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, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
Seat Height	820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in	820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in	820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in	820 mm / 32.3 in.	820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.1 in
Fuel Capacity	18 Litres / 4.7 US gal	18 Litres / 4.7 US gal	18 Litres / 4.7 US gal	18.17 litres / 4.80 US gallons	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal
Comments	-	2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.	2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.	2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.	4-way mechanically adjustable windscreen. 3 Ride Modes (Rain/Road/Eco). Automatic Stability Control. Dynamic Traction Control. Hill Start Control.
Frame Type	Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine	Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine	Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine	Two section frame, front - and bolted on rear frame, load bearing engine	Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Brakes - Front	2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers	2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers	2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers	Double disc. ABS, 4-piston radial calipers	2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers
Wheelbase	1515 mm / 59.6 in	1515 mm / 59.6 in	1515 mm / 59.6 in	1515 mm / 59.6 in.	1515 mm / 59.6 in

Key Specifications

Engine

Twin, four-stroke

Power

136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm

Torque

143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

239 kg / 526.9 lbs

Fuel Capacity

18 Litres / 4.7 US gal

Full 2020 BMW R 1250R Specifications

Comments 2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.

Year 2020

Colours Black Storm Metallic, Silver/red/White, Style Exclusive Green, Sparkling Bronze Metallic

Make Model BMW R 1250R

Storage Saddle bags

Seat Height 820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in

Wheelbase 1515 mm / 59.6 in

Height 1300 mm / 51.1 in

Length 2165 mm / 85.2 in

Width 880 mm / 34.6 in

Fuel Capacity 18 Litres / 4.7 US gal

Wet Weight 239 kg / 526.9 lbs

Max Power 136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm

Max Torque 143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm

Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

Engine Type Twin, four-stroke

CO2 109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)

Displacement 1254 cc / 76.5 cu-in

Engine Detail Four 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 Stroke 102.5 x 76 mm

Compression Ratio 12.5:1

Cooling System Liquid / Air cooled

Emissions Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard , Euro 4

Engine Lubrication Wet sump

Engine Management BMS-O

Fuel Consumption 4.70 litres/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 mpg)

Fuel Induction Electronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve

Fuel Reserve 4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons

Fuel Type Premium unleaded, 95 (RON)

Starter Electric 900W

Valve System 4

Battery Capacity 12V/12Ah

Clutch Wet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated

Final Drive Shaft

Gearbox 6-speed

Transmission / Drive Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system

Frame Type Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine

Suspension - Front Telescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm

Suspension - Rear Cast 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 27.7°

Steering Angle 62.3°

Trail 125.6 mm / 4.9 in

Wheel Travel - Front 140 mm / 5.5 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 140 mm / 5.5 in

Alternator Three-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power)

Brakes - Front 2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers

Brakes - Rear Single 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper

ABS BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral), disengageable

Rims Cast aluminium

Tyres - Front 120/70 ZR17

Tyres - Rear 180/55 ZR17

Wheels Cast aluminium wheels

Wheels - Front 3.50 x 17 in

Wheels - Rear 5.50 x 17 in

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.