2023 BMW R 1250RS Specifications

Name: 2023 BMW R 1250RS
Brand: BMW

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

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2023 BMW R 1250RS Overview

BMW R 1250RS is an enduro / off-road 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 2023 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 45 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. The full 2023 BMW R 1250RS spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2023 R 1250RS - Pros & Cons

Strengths

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.
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
Large fuel range: A 18-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
Low-maintenance final drive: Running Shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.

Considerations

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 fuel 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 2023 BMW R 1250RS, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, chain and sprocket wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. 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 a R 1250RS's engine 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. 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.

2023 BMW R 1250RS - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2023 BMW R 1250RS have?

The 2023 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 2023 BMW R 1250RS?

The 2023 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 2023 BMW R 1250RS weigh?

The 2023 BMW R 1250RS weighs 243 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2023 BMW R 1250RS make?

The 2023 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 2023 BMW R 1250RS?

The 2023 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 2023 BMW R 1250RS suitable for shorter riders?

The 2023 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 2023 BMW R 1250RS have?

The 2023 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 2023 BMW R 1250RS use?

The 2023 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 2023 BMW R 1250RS have?

The 2023 BMW R 1250RS is fitted with a Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system transmission.

How much oil does the 2023 BMW R 1250RS take?

The 2023 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.
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 / 4.8 US gal

Full 2023 BMW R 1250RS Specifications

Comments Adjustable Windshield. 3 Ride Modes (Rain/Road/Eco). Automatic Stability Control. Hill Start Control.

Year 2023

Colours Black Storm Metallic/Agate Grey, Light White, Light White/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red

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 (Quarts) 4.23 US quarts

Oil Capacity (l) 4.00 litres

Fuel Capacity 18 Litres / 4.8 US gal

Coolant Capacity 2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)

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 BMS-O, electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle

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)

Idle Speed 1050 +/- 100 RPM

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

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 - Optional Dynamic ESA Next Generation

Rake 27.7°

Steering Angle 62.3°

Trail 110.9 mm / 4.3 in

Trail 111.7 mm / 4.4 in

Wheel Travel - Front 140 mm / 5.5 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 140 mm / 5.5 in

Instrumentation 6.5´ TFT display

Lighting system LED headlight

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.