BMW R 1250 RT 2021 vs. BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022

BMW R 1250 RT 2021

BMW R 1250 RT 2021

BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022

BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022

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Overview - BMW R 1250 RT 2021 vs BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022

The BMW R 1250 RT 2021 and the BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022 are both touring motorcycles designed for long-distance rides. While they share some similarities in terms of their engine type, transmission, and braking system, there are notable differences in their specifications and features.

In terms of engine power, the BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022 takes the lead with 160.5 HP compared to the BMW R 1250 RT 2021's 136 HP. The K 1600 Grand America also offers higher torque at 180 Nm, while the R 1250 RT has 143 Nm. This means that the K 1600 Grand America provides a smoother and more responsive engine performance.

The BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022 features a larger engine displacement of 1649 ccm compared to the R 1250 RT's 1254 ccm. The K 1600 Grand America has six cylinders, while the R 1250 RT has two cylinders. This difference in engine configuration contributes to the K 1600 Grand America's more powerful performance.

BMW R 1250 RT 2021

BMW R 1250 RT 2021

Both motorcycles have advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, and traction control. However, the K 1600 Grand America offers additional features like electronically adjustable suspension, cruise control, and connectivity options. The R 1250 RT, on the other hand, has cornering ABS and ride by wire technology.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the K 1600 Grand America is larger and heavier than the R 1250 RT. It has a longer wheelbase of 1618 mm compared to the R 1250 RT's 1485 mm. The K 1600 Grand America also has a higher seat height at 750 mm, while the R 1250 RT has 805 mm. Additionally, the K 1600 Grand America has a higher kerb weight of 370 kg, while the R 1250 RT weighs 279 kg.

Both motorcycles come equipped with LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and TFT displays. The K 1600 Grand America offers additional features like cornering lights, connectivity, and a top case. The R 1250 RT has adjustable windscreen and integrated panniers.

BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022

BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022

In terms of strengths, the R 1250 RT offers superb wind and weather protection, a great boxer engine with powerful performance, and well-designed controls. It also provides high stability even at high speeds. On the other hand, the K 1600 Grand America has a smooth engine with great response, outstanding headlight technology, and comprehensive integration of mobile phone into the vehicle. It also offers a good balance between stability and handling.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The R 1250 RT can be slightly cumbersome to maneuver and has stiff gearshifts at low revs. The K 1600 Grand America's top case can cause wind turbulence at high speeds, and the connection between mobile phone and vehicle can be problematic. It also lacks backlit buttons and switches in the cockpit and has some issues with wind protection. Additionally, it does not have adaptive cruise control, which may be expected in a touring motorcycle of this caliber.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1250 RT 2021 and the BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022 are both capable touring motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The K 1600 Grand America offers a more powerful engine and additional features, while the R 1250 RT provides excellent wind protection and stability. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 RT 2021 compared to BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022

BMW R 1250 RT 2021
BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore102.5 mmBore72 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke67.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power160.5 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power6,750 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque180 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque5,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio12.2
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders6
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquid-airCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,254 ccmDisplacement1,649 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTeleleverFront suspensionDuolever
TravelTravel120 mmTravel115 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionParalever
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel136 mmTravel125 mm
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
RakeRake64.1 degreeRake62.2 degree
TrailTrail116 mmTrail106.4 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter276 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed 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, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Combined Brake System, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control

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 diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,222 mmLength2,560 mm
WidthWidth985 mmWidth1,000 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,485 mmWheelbase1,618 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height805 mmSeat Height750 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)279 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)370 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity25 lFuel Tank Capacity26.5 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, Sound System, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentConnectivity, Case system, Cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, Sound System, TFT display, Topcase, Windscreen electronically 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 K 1600 Grand America 2022

BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022

The BMW 6-cylinder glides over the road in 2022 with a lot of elegance and a lot of equipment. This time, the new headlight technology was outstanding. The engine tuning and the new ESA chassis are also well done this time. Surprisingly, the wind protection is not perfect and perfectionists will miss an adaptive cruise control. The sovereign 6-cylinder is in the form of its life in the current model year. One enjoys the engine in every situation. The K 1600 Grand America combines the ride comfort of the GTL with the relaxed character of the K 1600 B. The sovereign glider inspires with sovereignty on long tours. Surprisingly, the wind protection was not perfect during the test. No matter how you positioned the windshield - somehow it always seemed drafty in the saddle.

Smooth engine

great engine response

motorbike accessible and easy to use overall despite imposing appearance

outstanding headlight technology

Great display - always easy to read

Comprehensive integration of mobile phone into the vehicle

Full map navigation via BMW Connected App

Good balance between stability and handling

Neutral ride

Good brakes and stable ride when braking

Harmonious handling gives a lot of confidence

Topcase causes wind turbulence in the neck at motorway speeds

connection between mobile phone and vehicle works well in most cases - but when things go wrong it becomes annoying

buttons and switches in the cockpit are not backlit

wind protection not perfectly solved - draughty feeling in the saddle again and again

no adaptive cruise control - you would expect this from a touring motorbike in this league

mobile phone compartment snagged from time to time during the test - be careful when stuffing in mobile phones that are too large.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1250 RT vs BMW K 1600 Grand America

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 RT 2021 and a BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 9. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 RT with 71 days compared to 185 days for a BMW K 1600 Grand America. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 18 reviews for the BMW R 1250 RT and 5 reviews for the BMW K 1600 Grand America since model year 2018. 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 42,800 views for the first review on BMW K 1600 Grand America published on 18/12/2017.

Price BMW R 1250 RT

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW K 1600 Grand America

Model year
Current average market prices

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