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2019 BMW R 1250RT Overview
For 2019, BMW offers the R 1250RT as a touring motorcycle with 1254 cc on tap. The 2019 BMW R 1250RT 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 1250RT delivers 136 hp @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 143 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2019 R 1250RT tips the scales at 279 kg, carries a 25-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 805 mm to 825 mm and spans a 1485 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 45.1 kg lighter than the average touring motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2019 BMW R 1250RT spec sheet below.
2019 R 1250RT - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: Peak output on the R 1250RT 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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Large fuel range: With a 25-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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Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the R 1250RT - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Air cooling on the R 1250RT 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 1250RT 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 1250RT'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 BMW Motorrad 37mm Telelever, central spring strut up front and Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD spring strut, continuously adjustable spring preload by means of hand wheel, rebound-stage damping adjustable by hand wheel 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 1250RT 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 1250RT's 279 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 1250RT - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2019 BMW R 1250RT 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 1250RT settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 1250RT'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 1250RT'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 1250RT'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.
2019 BMW R 1250RT - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2019 BMW R 1250RT have?
The 2019 BMW R 1250RT uses a Twin, four-stroke engine with 1254 cc of displacement. It is liquid / air cooled.
How much does the 2019 BMW R 1250RT weigh?
The 2019 BMW R 1250RT weighs 279 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2019 BMW R 1250RT make?
The 2019 BMW R 1250RT 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 2019 BMW R 1250RT?
The 2019 BMW R 1250RT has a 25-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 416-500 km between stops.
Is the 2019 BMW R 1250RT suitable for shorter riders?
The 2019 BMW R 1250RT has a seat height of 805 mm to 825 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 2019 BMW R 1250RT have?
The 2019 BMW R 1250RT 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 2019 BMW R 1250RT use?
The 2019 BMW R 1250RT 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 2019 BMW R 1250RT have?
The 2019 BMW R 1250RT is fitted with a Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system transmission.
BMW R 1250RT Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1250RT 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 |
279 kg / 615 lbs |
279 kg / 615 lbs |
279 kg / 615 lbs |
279 kg / 615 lbs |
279.0 kg / 615.0 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, 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 |
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 |
Balancer shaft, variable intake camshaft control. |
| Engine Type |
Twin, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
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Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
| Top Speed |
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201.0 km/h / 124.9 mph |
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199.6 km/h / 124.0 mph |
199.6 km/h / 124.0 mph |
| Seat Height |
805 mm to 825 mm / 31.6 in to 32.4 in 760 mm to 850 mm / 29.9 in to 33.4 in - optional |
805 mm to 825 mm / 31.6 in to 32.4 in 760 mm to 850 mm / 29.9 in to 33.4 in - optional |
805 mm to 825 mm / 31.6 in to 32.4 in 830 mm to 850 mm / 32.6 in to 33.4 in - SE high seat 760 mm to 780 mm / 29.9 in to 30.7 in - low seat |
805 mm to 825 mm / 31.6 in to 32.4 in 830 mm to 850 mm / 32.6 in to 33.4 in - SE high seat 760 mm to 780 mm / 29.9 in to 30.7 in - low seat |
805 mm / 31.7 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
25 Litres / 6.6 US gal |
25 Litres / 6.6 US gal |
25 Litres / 6.6 US gal |
25 Litres / 6.6 US gal |
25.00 litres / 6.61 US gallons |
| Storage |
Saddle bags |
- |
- |
18.4 gallons storage |
18.4 gallons storage |
| Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm) |
740 mm |
850 mm |
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826 mm |
826 mm |
Key Specifications
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Torque
143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Fuel Capacity
25 Litres / 6.6 US gal
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Full 2019 BMW R 1250RT Specifications
Year
2019
Colours
Carbon Black Metallic, Mars Red Metallic/Dark Slate Metallic Matte, Alpine White, 719 Blue Planet Metallic, 719 Sparkling Storm Metallic
Make Model
BMW R 1250RT
Storage
Saddle bags
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)
740 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)
29.1 inches
Seat Height
805 mm to 825 mm / 31.6 in to 32.4 in 760 mm to 850 mm / 29.9 in to 33.4 in - optional
Wheelbase
1485 mm / 58.4 in
Height
1405 mm / 55.3 in.
Length
985 mm / 38.7 in
Width
985 mm / 38.7 in
Fuel Capacity
25 Litres / 6.6 US gal
Max Load
505 kg / 1113.3 lbs
Wet Weight
279 kg / 615 lbs
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type
Twin, 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. Digital engine management, electronic intake pipe fuel injection
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
Unleaded super, octane number 95 (RON)
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Battery Capacity
V/Ah 12/11.8 12/16
Clutch
Wet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Final Drive
Shaft
Gear Ratios
1st (2.438) 2nd 1.714 3rd. 1.296 4th 1.059 5th 0.943 6th 0.848
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive Ratios
1.650
Secondary Drive Ratio
1.061
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
BMW Motorrad 37mm Telelever, central spring strut
Suspension - Rear
Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD spring strut, continuously adjustable spring preload by means of hand wheel, rebound-stage damping adjustable by hand wheel (Option: Dynamic ESA)
Rake
26.4°
Steering Angle
64.1°
Trail
116 mm / 4.5 in
Wheel Travel - Front
120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
136 mm / 5.3 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 as standard (part integral), disengageable
Rims
Cast aluminium
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear
180/55 ZR17
Wheels
Die-cast aluminium wheels
Wheels - Front
3.50 x 17″
Wheels - Rear
5.50 x 17″
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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