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2021 BMW R 1250RT Overview
BMW R 1250RT is a touring motorcycle, displacing 1254 cc. Power comes from a 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 engine, 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. On the road, the 2021 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 31.5 kg lighter than the average touring motorcycle in our database. The full 2021 BMW R 1250RT spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2021 BMW R 1250RT compared with other bikes in the Touring category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2021 BMW R 1250RT against up to 465 bikes in the Touring category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 9 of the other 218 bikes in the Touring category have a higher power output than the 100 kW of the R 1250RT.
- With 358 W/kg, the R 1250RT has the 17th highest power-to-weight ratio of 117 bikes in the Touring category, 41% above the category average of 255 W/kg.
- Seat height of 805 mm is taller than that of 372 of the other 464 bikes in the Touring category.
- Narrowing the field to the 61 models within five model years of it, the power output of 100 kW is higher than that of 51 of the other 60.
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 1250RT - 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 1250RT 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: A 25-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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ℹ️
Age-related wear: Nothing specific stands out as a weak point on the R 1250RT - the usual used-bike checks (service history, consumables, tyres) apply.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Because the R 1250RT 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 1250RT needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.
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 1250RT's suspension runs BMW Motorrad 37mm Telelever, central spring strut at the front. The rear uses Cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD spring strut, spring preload continuously and hydraulically adjustable via adjuster knob, adjustable rebound-stage damping via adjuster knob. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The R 1250RT 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 1250RT'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
279 kg puts the R 1250RT 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 1250RT - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2021 BMW R 1250RT with its 1254 cc 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 5 years old, this 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 1250RT should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the R 1250RT's 1254 cc 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 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 1250RT 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.
2021 BMW R 1250RT - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 BMW R 1250RT have?
The 2021 BMW R 1250RT uses a 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 engine with 1254 cc of displacement. It is liquid / air cooled.
How much does the 2021 BMW R 1250RT weigh?
The 2021 BMW R 1250RT weighs 279 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2021 BMW R 1250RT make?
The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250RT?
The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250RT suitable for shorter riders?
The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250RT have?
The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250RT use?
The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250RT have?
The 2021 BMW R 1250RT is fitted with a 6-speed helical synchromesh gearbox 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 |
- |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
| Top Speed |
- |
201.0 km/h / 124.9 mph |
- |
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 |
- |
826 mm |
826 mm |
Key Specifications
Engine
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
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Torque
143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Fuel Capacity
25 Litres / 6.6 US gal
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Full 2021 BMW R 1250RT Specifications
Year
2021
Make
BMW
Model
R 1250RT
Make Model
BMW R 1250RT
Seat Height
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
Wheelbase
1485 mm / 58.4 in
Length
2222 mm / 87.4 in
Width
985 mm / 38.7 in
Fuel Capacity
25 Litres / 6.6 US gal
Max Load
505 kg / 1113.3 lbs
Oil Capacity
4.0 litres
Wet Weight
279 kg / 615 lbs
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, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
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 Management
Digital engine control: BMS-O with e-gas
Fuel Induction
Electronic intake pipe fuel injection, 52mm throttle valve
Fuel Type
Super petrol unleaded, octane number 95 (ROZ), adaptation through engine control (91 to 98 ROZ)
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12 V / 11.8 Ah, maintenance-free
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
Primary Drive Ratios
1.650
Secondary Drive Ratio
1.061
Transmission / Drive
6-speed helical synchromesh gearbox
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 swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD spring strut, spring preload continuously and hydraulically adjustable via adjuster knob, adjustable rebound-stage damping via adjuster knob
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 Diameter (in.)
12.6 in
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
10.9 in
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
276 mm
Brakes - Front
2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad full integral ABS Pro (full integral braking, lean optimised)
Rims - Front
3.50 x 17
Rims - Rear
5.50 x 17
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear
180/55 ZR17
Wheels
Die-cast aluminium
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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