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2020 BMW R 1250RS Overview
BMW R 1250RS is a sport touring motorcycle, displacing 1254 cc. Power comes from a Two cylinder boxer, 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 2020 R 1250RS tips the scales at 243 kg, carries an 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1530 mm wheelbase. The full 2020 BMW R 1250RS spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2020 BMW R 1250RS compared with other bikes in the Sport touring category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2020 BMW R 1250RS against up to 562 bikes in the Sport touring category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 8 of the other 313 bikes in the Sport touring category have a higher torque than the 143 Nm of the R 1250RS.
- With 1254 cc, the R 1250RS has the joint 72nd largest engine displacement of 562 bikes in the Sport touring category, 40% above the category average of 896 cc.
- Power-to-weight ratio of 412 W/kg is higher than that of 136 of the other 162 bikes in the Sport touring category.
- Narrowing the field to the 135 models within five model years of it, the torque of 143 Nm is higher than that of 128 of the other 134.
Versus the 2019 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2019 model: peak power, peak torque, wet weight, displacement, seat height and top speed all match.
2020 R 1250RS - 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 1250RS 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 1250RS 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 injection on the R 1250RS 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 1250RS 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 1250RS'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 1250RS 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 1250RS'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
243 kg puts the R 1250RS 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 1250RS - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2020 BMW R 1250RS with its 1254 cc sport touring, 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 6 years old, this sport touring 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 1250RS should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the R 1250RS's 1254 cc two cylinder boxer, four-stroke like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). The sump holds 4 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. 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 1250RS 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 1250RS 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.
2020 BMW R 1250RS - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 BMW R 1250RS have?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS uses a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1254 cc of displacement. It is liquid / air cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2020 BMW R 1250RS?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS 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 2020 BMW R 1250RS weigh?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS weighs 243 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2020 BMW R 1250RS make?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS 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 1250RS?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS 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 1250RS suitable for shorter riders?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS 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 1250RS have?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS 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 1250RS use?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS 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 1250RS have?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS is fitted with a Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system transmission.
How much oil does the 2020 BMW R 1250RS take?
The 2020 BMW R 1250RS takes 4 litres of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.
BMW R 1250RS Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1250RS 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 |
| 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 |
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 |
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 Capacity |
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal |
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal |
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal |
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal |
18 Litres / 4.8 US gal |
| Comments |
Windscreen. |
Adjustable Windshield. 2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control. |
Adjustable Windshield. 2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control. |
Adjustable Windshield. 2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control. |
Adjustable Windshield. 3 Ride Modes (Rain/Road/Eco). Automatic Stability Control. Hill Start Control. |
| Maximum RPM |
9000 RPM |
9000 RPM |
7750 RPM |
7750 RPM |
7750 RPM |
| Mods from previous model |
Sport-touring layout aerodynamic cowling update and engine tuning |
Style Sport color additions and standard LED turn instrumentation setup |
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| 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 - Optional Dynamic ESA Next Generation |
| Fuel System |
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection |
Injection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system |
Injection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system |
Injection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system |
Injection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system |
| Colours |
Black Storm Metallic, Style Sport, Style Exclusive, Option 719 Dtardust Metallic |
Black Storm Metallic, Style Sport, Style Exclusive, Sparkling Bronze Metallic |
Black Storm Metallic, Style Sport Yellow, Style Exclusive Blue |
Black Storm Metallic, Light White, Style Imperial Blue Metallic |
Black Storm Metallic/Agate Grey, Light White, Light White/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
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
243 kg / 535.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
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Full 2020 BMW R 1250RS Specifications
Comments
Adjustable Windshield. 2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.
Year
2020
Make
BMW
Model
R 1250RS
Colours
Black Storm Metallic, Style Sport, Style Exclusive, Sparkling Bronze Metallic
Make Model
BMW R 1250RS
Seat Height
820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in
Wheelbase
1530 mm / 60.2 in
Height
1255 mm / 49.4 in minimum
Length
2202 mm / 86.6 in
Width
925 mm / 36.4 in
Oil Capacity (l)
4.00 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)
4.23 US quarts
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Coolant Capacity
2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)
Wet Weight
243 kg / 535.7 lbs
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
CO2
109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Stroke
76.0 mm
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
Dry 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
Unleaded super, octane number 95 (RON) adapive fuel quality regulation (91 to 98 RON)
Idle Speed
1050 +/- 100 RPM
Starter
Electric 900W
Valve System
4
Battery Capacity
12V/12Ah
Chain Size
None (Shaft Drive)
Clutch
Wet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Final Drive
Shaft
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
Constant mesh
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
25.5°
Steering Angle
62.3°
Trail
110.9 mm / 4.3 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)
Lighting system
LED
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
Brake Fluid Type
DOT 4
Tyre Pressure - Front
36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa)
Tyre Pressure - Rear
42 PSI (2.9 Bar or 290 kPa)
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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