BMW R 1250 RT 2021 vs. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

The BMW R 1250 RT 2021 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 are both touring motorcycles with similar technical specifications. They both have a Boxer engine with a bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm. The engine power and torque are also the same at 136 HP and 143 Nm, respectively. Both motorcycles have an electric starter and a prop shaft transmission. They both have 2 cylinders and a displacement of 1254 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 RT 2021 has a Telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 120 mm. The front suspension is adjustable for preload. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and has a travel of 136 mm. It is also adjustable for preload and rebound. The chassis of both motorcycles is made of steel. The rake of the BMW R 1250 RT 2021 is 64.1 degrees and the trail is 116 mm.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a similar suspension setup with a Telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm. However, the travel is increased to 210 mm, providing better off-road capability. The rear suspension also has a longer travel of 220 mm. The chassis of the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a slightly steeper rake of 65.1 degrees and a shorter trail of 95.4 mm.

BMW R 1250 RT 2021

Both motorcycles have double disk front brakes with a diameter of 320 mm for the BMW R 1250 RT 2021 and 305 mm for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023. They both have advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and traction control. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 also has additional features like hill start assist and electronically adjustable suspension.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 RT 2021 has a front tire width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The rear tire width is 180 mm and the diameter is also 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1485 mm and the seat height is adjustable from 805 mm to 825 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 279 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 25 liters.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a front tire width of 120 mm and a diameter of 19 inches, providing better off-road capability. The rear tire width is 170 mm and the diameter is 17 inches. The wheelbase is slightly longer at 1504 mm and the seat height is higher at 890 mm, adjustable up to 910 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is slightly lower at 268 kg and the fuel tank capacity is larger at 30 liters.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles have LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and adjustable windscreens. The BMW R 1250 RT 2021 also has a sound system and a TFT display. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has additional features like cornering lights, a heated seat, and a larger fuel tank.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 RT 2021 offers superb wind and weather protection, a great boxer engine with powerful performance, easy engine control, well-designed controls, great integrated panniers, and high stability even at high speeds. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a high-torque engine that accelerates strongly from low revs, a low center of gravity for accessible maneuverability, practical details for frequent riders, a gigantic range of 600 km with low consumption, good wind and weather protection, great ride comfort, powerful engine, great electronics, easy-to-read display, confident feeling in the saddle, practical riding aids, and great ergonomics for tall people.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1250 RT 2021 is slightly cumbersome to maneuver, the topcase lock can be stiff, and the gearshifts can be stiff at low revs. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 has a high weight, gearshifts at low revs can be clumsy, and it has a jagged appearance with little elegance. It is also high-priced with full equipment.

Overall, both the BMW R 1250 RT 2021 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 are impressive touring motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 RT 2021 excels in wind and weather protection, while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 offers better off-road capability and practical features for frequent riders.