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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 an 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1515 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 38 kg heavier than the average naked bike 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 BMW R 1250R compared with other bikes in the Naked bike category
Measured against other bikes in the Naked bike category in our database (up to 1666 models, one entry per model), the 2020 BMW R 1250R comes out as follows.
- With 143 Nm, the R 1250R has the joint 18th highest torque of 1318 bikes in the Naked bike category, 111% above the category average of 67.7 Nm.
- Engine displacement of 1254 cc is larger than that of 1612 of the other 1665 bikes in the Naked bike category.
- Only 100 of the other 1124 bikes in the Naked bike category have a higher power output than the 100 kW of the R 1250R.
- Narrowing the field to the 494 models within five model years of it, the torque of 143 Nm is higher than that of 485 of the other 493.
Versus the 2019 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2019 model: peak power, peak torque, wet weight, displacement and seat height all match.
2020 R 1250R - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
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.
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🔧
Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
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🛑
Strong front braking: The disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
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⛽
Large fuel range: With an 18-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
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⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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📏
Tall seat height: An 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 with its 1254 cc naked bike should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 6 years old, this naked bike is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. 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 the R 1250R's 1254 cc twin, four-stroke - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With a 12.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. 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 an 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 an 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. |
| Mods from previous model |
Naked roadster architecture transition to ShiftCam boxer platform |
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Euro 5 emissions compliance and updated Core Screen instrumentation maps |
- |
- |
| Maximum RPM |
9000 RPM |
7750 RPM |
9000 RPM |
- |
- |
| 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 |
Key Specifications
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Torque
143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Weight
239 kg / 526.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
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Full 2020 BMW R 1250R Specifications
Comments
2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.
Year
2020
Make
BMW
Model
R 1250R
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
Oil Capacity
4.0 litres
Wet Weight
239 kg / 526.9 lbs
CO2
109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Stroke
76.0 mm
Engine Type
Twin, four-stroke
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
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 Diameter (in.)
12.6 in
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
10.9 in
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
276 mm
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.
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