Motorcycle specifications BMWR 1250 RT 2021 Respectable Tourism

The R 1250 RT is certainly the motorcycle that has come closest to road perfection. Although it has beaten off all the competition, it can't help but pursue a relentless technological evolution.

It's a natural progression into the 3rd decade of the century, loaded with new riding aids and a formidable face of certainty. A sedan on two wheels, almost as well equipped as a car.

An RT has a certain majesty. A figurehead of a certain tonnage, both broad and elegant. For this 8th generation, the look has sharpened. Thinner, tighter, more technical eyes make this BM's large forehead more dynamic. Apart from this face, a refined front line to widen the field of vision, and the freshly reworked front fender, everything else about the 1250 remains the same. The recognizable silhouette and the balance between size, protection and comfort have dictated the conservation of lines and size.

One of the main surprises lies beneath the windshield, still electrically adjustable. A black pane mirrors digital technologies.
In 2017, BMW unveiled its color TFT connectivity screen as an option for the R 1200 GS. Since then, it has become a standard feature across the range. For the RT, the manufacturer is moving up a gear. A huge panoramic screen, as wide as an iPad but not as high. At 10.25" diagonal, it's 58% larger than the one fitted to the R, RS and GS - and almost double the surface area of the previous RT screen.

With such a large surface area, it's now possible to fit a GPS, and operate it at the same time as the on-board info. In a 1920 x 720 px High Definition space, a map can be displayed on the right third or full screen, as desired. Provided you have installed the appropriate app on your smartphone.

the mechanical heart of the 1250 RT is invariably a twin Boxer. It delivers 136 hp, a hefty 14.5 mkg of torque, and a power curve that can be filled to the brim thanks to shiftcam variable valve timing. By way of example, over 11 mkg are available from 2,000 to 8,250 rpm. Introduced in 2009, this block was already designed to easily pass Euro5. Its validation therefore entails no change in force values or in the revs at which their maximums are reached

However, the electronic transplants wanted to add another layer. There's something new in the Driving Modes, with 'ECO' for economical / ecological / eco-bullying driving... Sorry, bucolic? I'm sorry, bucolic... Some of these have been upgraded from option to standard equipment. Such is the case with DTC traction control, replacing ASC traction control.

Cruise control has also been added. Dynamic, it maintains the programmed speed (that's its job) even on downhill gradients. If the gradient is too steep, it uses the brakes in addition to engine braking.
But he has an apprentice this year. Take another look at the revamped snout... The little plate in the nose of this new RT is an on-board radar. Our friends at Bosch have developed a new gadget: adaptive cruise control. The rider sets a distance to the vehicle in front, and the motorcycle adjusts speed accordingly. This solution, which has been used for several years in the automotive industry, is now coming to our shores. BMW announced it in mid-2020. But don't get too excited; Active Cruise Control is optional.

A change in the brakes, but not in the mechanical part. The 320 mm discs and 4-piston radial bearings are identical to the old RT. Except that they are now coached by Full Integral ABS Pro. In concrete terms, BMW has brought together everything that can be done electronically with brakes. Hand or foot action acts simultaneously on the front and rear calipers, with the security of angle-sensitive ABS and engine brake regulation.

the same engine, the same brakes, the same frame, the same suspension - BMW hasn't touched the fundamentals. The Telelever fork and Paralever gimbaled swingarm have long since proved their worth. The Munich-based brand is able to enhance comfort with ESA Dynamic Next Generation - its semi-active suspensions that 'read' the road and automatically adapt to the load. For France, this refinement comes as standard, as does the emergency call system, and the new adaptive curve lighting integrated into the headlamp unit. The daytime running light signature adopts a new shape, not unlike that of the RS; or the 900 XR; or the S 1000 RR - in short, the new BMW identity.

Here, the options. We've already seen that the adaptive cruise control is one of the new features.
The catalog is always well-stocked, and includes Riding Modes Pro, for additional Dynamic and Dynamic Pro maps, as well as MSR engine braking control. Let's not forget (but not necessarily) the 2.0 audio system, hands-free starting, shifter, heated saddles and the new 'Comfort telephony with extended smartphone connection'. In other words, a ventilated glove compartment where you can stow your phone and recharge it either by induction or USB.

Riding the RT, you'd think it knew only one boundary: where the road ends. Imperturbable and even better equipped, it laughs at the maxi-trailers that have become its main threat. Its qualities come at a high price. The R 1250 RT smashes the 20,000 roros mark. An increase of over 2,500 euros. It has to be said that the equipment package has also taken a big leap forward.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos