2021 BMW R 1250RS Specifications

Name: 2021 BMW R 1250RS
Brand: BMW

Enduro / Off-Road • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2021 BMW R 1250RS Overview

For 2021, BMW offers the R 1250RS as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 1254 cc on tap. The 2021 BMW R 1250RS is built around a Two cylinder boxer, 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 1250RS delivers 136 hp @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 143 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 201.2 km/h. In everyday use, the 2021 R 1250RS tips the scales at 243 kg, carries a 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1530 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 44.2 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2021 BMW R 1250RS spec sheet below.

2021 R 1250RS - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: Peak output on the R 1250RS 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 1250RS 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 1250RS comes from Electronic intake pipe fuel 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 1250RS'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 1250RS 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 1250RS's 243 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 1250RS - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2021 BMW R 1250RS 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 1250RS settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 1250RS'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 1250RS'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 1250RS'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.

2021 BMW R 1250RS - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2021 BMW R 1250RS have?

The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250RS?

The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250RS weigh?

The 2021 BMW R 1250RS weighs 243 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2021 BMW R 1250RS make?

The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250RS?

The 2021 BMW R 1250RS has a 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 1250RS suitable for shorter riders?

The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250RS have?

The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250RS use?

The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250RS have?

The 2021 BMW R 1250RS is fitted with a Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system transmission.

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.
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
Battery Capacity	12V/12Ah	12V/12Ah	12 V / 11.8 Ah, maintenance-free	12 V / 11.8 Ah, maintenance-free	-
Rims	Aluminium-Gussräder	-	Cast aluminum	-	-

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

Full 2021 BMW R 1250RS Specifications

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

Year 2021

Colours Black Storm Metallic, Style Sport Yellow, Style Exclusive Blue

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

Fuel Capacity 18 Litres / 4.7 US gal

Wet Weight 243 kg / 535.7 lbs

Top Speed 201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph

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 Two cylinder boxer, 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, 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 Dry 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

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 26.7°

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

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

Rims Cast aluminum

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.