BMW R1250RT Review (2019)
What Is It?
The BMW R1250RT is a premium touring bike which can be spec'd up with all the toys and is powered by a liquid cooled 1,254 cc Boxer engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), producing 134.1 bhp at 7,750 rpm and maximum torque at 6,250 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (805 mm / 31.7 inches)
- Weight: Very heavy (279 kg / 615 lbs)
- Economy: Average (45 mpg / 6.3 l/100km / 15.9 km/l)
- Range: High (250 miles / 402 km)
- Power to Weight: Average (0.480 bhp/kg / 0.358 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: High (125 mph / 201 km/h)
Pros
- Electronics package
- Protection
- Handling
- Comfort
- Storage
- Engine
- Brakes
Cons
- Gets expensive fast with all the options
- Short service intervals
- Seat
What Is It Like?
BMW R1250 RT LE 2019
About me
I'm a 60 year old male, 6 foot and 13 stone, who has been riding since 1976 with a 13 year break for kids.
I've owned 10 bikes and currently own two. Previous bikes include four Yamahas from FS1e to FJ1200, two Honda C90s, the current CRF250 and four BMWs (2004 RS1150, 2008 RT, 2014 RT, 2019 RT).
All were purchased second hand and the current bike is ex demo.
Why did you choose it?
Brand loyalty plus it's a great bike! Natural upgrade from previous bikes.
What is good about it?
- Comfort
- Enough power
- Lovely engine
- Carrying capacity
- Great handling
- Included toys
What could be improved?
The seat could be improved slightly.
What is the economy like?
I usually get high 50's mpg with 250 miles before thinking about filling up.
Any mods or upgrades?
- Cylinder head covers
- Fender extender (should be standard)
- Top box and tank bag
- Wired for heated vests for both of us
Mine came with an Akrapovic 'silencer' which does nothing for performance apparently but looks great!
The features such as Hill Start Assist, cruise control, auto adjusting suspension and engine maps are all really useful but the SOS feature is something I'm not too keen to test!
How is the engine?
The engine is superb and a definite improvement over the 2014 model with the ShiftCam VVT system. There's loads of low down torque.
The semi auto shift assist gearbox is great too but best only after 3rd gear!
How does it handle?
For the size and weight, amazingly well and is unfazed by passenger and luggage.
What are the brakes like?
Excellent. They are linked and this one has the American Hayes front calipers which have had a few issues. Mine have been fine and they are at least as good as Brembos!
Is it comfortable?
Very! I may get the seat recovered as after a couple of hours a touch of numb bum appears. My wife says the rear seat is very comfy with plenty of room. Heated grips and seat are toasty!
How reliable have you found it?
No issues at all with this one or my last one.
What's the servicing frequency and cost like?
6,000 miles which nowadays is poor, I would expect it should be nearer 10,000-12,000 miles. It's due for its 6,000 mile service and I think it will cost around £200.
To sum up
The BMW RT consistently improves over each model. It's my third RT and I can't see me tempted by anything other than another! The new 2021 model has just been launched with some nice upgrades. Will I be tempted...
- Simon H, 2020
Price Guide
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.