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2021 BMW R 1250R Overview
BMW R 1250R is a naked bike motorcycle, displacing 1254 cc. Power comes from a Twin, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. On the performance side, it delivers 136 hp @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 143 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 201.2 km/h. On the road, the 2021 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 37.9 kg heavier than the average naked bike in our database. The full 2021 BMW R 1250R spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2021 BMW R 1250R compared with other bikes in the Naked bike category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2021 BMW R 1250R against up to 1666 bikes in the Naked bike category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 17 of the other 1317 bikes in the Naked bike category have a higher torque than the 143 Nm of the R 1250R.
- With 1254 cc, the R 1250R has the joint 53rd largest engine displacement of 1666 bikes in the Naked bike category, 80% above the category average of 697 cc.
- Power output of 100 kW is higher than that of 1024 of the other 1124 bikes in the Naked bike category.
- Narrowing the field to the 451 models within five model years of it, the torque of 143 Nm is higher than that of 442 of the other 450.
Versus the 2020 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2020 model: peak power, peak torque, wet weight, displacement and seat height all match.
2021 R 1250R - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: With 136 hp @ 7750 rpm and 143 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque on tap, the R 1250R is no slouch for its class.
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🔧
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
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🛑
Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
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⛽
Large fuel range: An 18-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
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⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Running a shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.
Considerations
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📏
Tall seat height: At 820 mm, shorter riders will likely be on tiptoes at a standstill - worth sitting on one before you buy.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Because the R 1250R relies on airflow rather than a coolant jacket, expect noticeably more radiant heat at low speed and in traffic. It's inherent to air cooling, and ventilated gear largely offsets it.
Fuelling & injector care
The Electronic intake pipe fuel injection on the R 1250R needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.
Valve clearance checks
With Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve gear, the R 1250R needs periodic clearance checks; caught early they're a cheap adjustment, left unchecked they accelerate valve seat wear.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from 2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.
Suspension condition on used examples
The R 1250R's suspension runs Telescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm at the front. The rear uses Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The R 1250R uses shaft final drive: essentially maintenance-free day to day, with periodic gear-oil changes the only real service item.
Frame & chassis check
Built around a Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine, the R 1250R's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.
Handling the weight at a standstill
239 kg puts the R 1250R toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.
R 1250R - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2021 BMW R 1250R with its 1254 cc naked bike, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping 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 5 years old, this naked bike is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy R 1250R should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the R 1250R's 1254 cc twin, four-stroke like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 12.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Fuel system care
Fuel injection on the R 1250R needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used R 1250R since a bike out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but the wear it causes is real. Ask the seller for documentation before assuming it's been done.
2021 BMW R 1250R - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 BMW R 1250R have?
The 2021 BMW R 1250R uses a Twin, four-stroke engine with 1254 cc of displacement. It is liquid / air cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2021 BMW R 1250R?
The 2021 BMW R 1250R has a factory-quoted top speed of 201.2 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2021 BMW R 1250R weigh?
The 2021 BMW R 1250R weighs 239 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2021 BMW R 1250R make?
The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250R?
The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250R suitable for shorter riders?
The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250R have?
The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250R use?
The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250R have?
The 2021 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 |
- |
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
Top Speed
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph
Weight
239 kg / 526.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
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Full 2021 BMW R 1250R Specifications
Comments
2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.
Year
2021
Make
BMW
Model
R 1250R
Colours
Black Storm Metallic, Blue/Red/White, Mineral Gray 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
Stroke
76.0 mm
Engine Type
Twin, four-stroke
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
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, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
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, compliant with Euro 5 emission standard
Engine Lubrication
Wet sump
Engine Management
Digital engine control: BMS-O with e-gas
Fuel Consumption
4.70 litres/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 mpg)
Fuel Induction
Electronic intake pipe fuel injection, 52mm throttle valve
Fuel Reserve
4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons
Fuel Type
Super petrol unleaded, octane number 95 (ROZ), adaptation through engine control (91 to 98 ROZ)
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Battery Capacity
12 V / 11.8 Ah, maintenance-free
Chain Size
None (Shaft Drive)
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
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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