BMW R 1250 RT 2021 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 RT 2021

BMW R 1250 RT 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

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Overview - BMW R 1250 RT 2021 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW R 1250 RT 2021 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 are both impressive motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the BMW R 1250 RT 2021, it boasts superb wind and weather protection, making it an excellent choice for touring. Its boxer engine delivers powerful performance with 136 HP and 143 Nm of torque. The engine is easy to control and the well-designed controls enhance the overall riding experience. The integrated panniers provide ample storage space, and the bike offers high stability even at high speeds. However, some users have found the bike slightly cumbersome to maneuver, and the topcase lock can be stiff. Additionally, the gearshifts can feel somewhat stiff at low revs.

BMW R 1250 RT 2021

BMW R 1250 RT 2021

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is an enduro motorcycle with its own set of strengths. It features an extremely high-torque boxer engine that delivers a good sound. The comfortable seating position makes it suitable for long distances, and the stable braking performance ensures safety. The bike also offers good weather protection and comes with a standard color TFT display and LED headlights. However, the standard equipment is manageable, and there is a long surcharge list for additional features. Some users have also found the bike's appearance to be jagged with little elegance.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

In terms of technical specifications, both bikes share the same engine type, bore, stroke, engine power, torque, starter, transmission, cylinders, and displacement. They also have the same front suspension type, diameter, and adjustment. The rear suspension type, shock absorber, travel, and adjustment are also identical. Both bikes have a steel frame, but the R 1250 RT has a slightly higher rake and trail. The front and rear brakes are double disk, but the R 1250 GS has a smaller diameter for the front brakes. Both bikes come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire. The front and rear tire dimensions and wheelbase differ slightly between the two models. The seat height and fuel tank capacity also vary, with the R 1250 GS having a higher seat height and smaller fuel tank.

In summary, the BMW R 1250 RT 2021 excels in wind and weather protection, powerful engine performance, and integrated panniers. It offers high stability but can be slightly cumbersome to maneuver. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 impresses with its high-torque engine, comfortable seating position, and stable braking performance. It provides good weather protection but has a jagged appearance and manageable standard equipment. Both bikes have their own strengths and weaknesses, catering to different riding preferences and needs.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 RT 2021 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 RT 2021
BMW R 1250 GS 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore102.5 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio12.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore52 mmThrottle Bore52 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquid-airCoolingliquid-air
Can be restricted for A2 licenceCan be restricted for A2 licenceYesCan be restricted for A2 licenceYes
DisplacementDisplacement1,254 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTeleleverFront suspensionTelelever
DiameterDiameter37 mmDiameter37 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel190 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel136 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
RakeRake64.1 degreeRake62.9 degree
TrailTrail116 mmTrail109 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter276 mmDiameter276 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Combined Brake System, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Ride by Wire

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,222 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth985 mmWidth952.5 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,485 mmWheelbase1,525 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height805 mmSeat Height850 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to825 mmSeat Height up to870 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)279 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)249 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity25 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, Sound System, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentLED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 RT 2021

BMW R 1250 RT 2021

The BMW R 1250 RT simply feels sovereign on the grand tour. We rode the 2020 model and are already thrilled with this version. The heavy motorbike is compact in the hand and wobbles through the bends with lightning speed. A great touring motorbike.

Superb wind and weather protection

Great boxer engine

Powerful power

Easy engine control

Well-designed controls

Great integrated panniers

High stability even at high speeds

Slightly cumbersome to manoeuvre

topcase lock presented itself as somewhat stiff

gearshifts somewhat stiff at low revs

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS is the logical further development of the R 1200 GS - logical above all because one should not expect such a popular motorbike to be radically changed. Accordingly, the design has been changed cautiously, and the familiar options for the chassis and electronics have been retained. The new name R 1250 GS, however, promises a new engine - and it really is something! 136 hp at 7750 rpm and a whopping 143 Newton metres of maximum torque at 6250 rpm are an absolute blast! BMW has thus renovated the big GS almost perfectly: it remains clearly recognisable, has a little more electronics as standard, a still long list of surcharges (which customers like to tick from A to Z) and a now even better and more sovereign power plant - what more could you want?!

extremely high-torque boxer engine

good sound

comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

stable braking performance

good weather protection

colour TFT display standard

LED headlights

Manageable standard equipment, long surcharge list

jagged appearance with little elegance

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1250 RT vs BMW R 1250 GS

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 RT 2021 and a BMW R 1250 GS 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 RT 2021 is about 13% higher. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2020 there are less BMW R 1250 RT 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 9 compared to 71. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 43 days compared to 71 days for the BMW R 1250 RT. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 18 reviews for the BMW R 1250 RT and 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS since model year 2019. The first review for the BMW R 1250 RT was published on 17/09/2018 and now has more than 52,500 views. This compares to more than 305,600 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS published on 19/09/2018.

Price BMW R 1250 RT

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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