Bike Files: BMW R 1250 RT

BMW’s big boxer is a hit with tourers, commuters… and the police!

Tell us about the BMW R 1250 RT then?

BMW’s RT designation first appeared on the R100RT of 1978. The initials stand for Reisetourer, which means ‘travel tourer’ when translated from German and it was noted for its huge fairing – even bigger than the one found on the sportier R100RS – as well as a large bench seat, rack and panniers.

The Road Tourer remained largely unchanged for 16 years, when it evolved into the R 1100 RT in 1995. It has been the benchmark touring bike ever since then, seeing off competition like the Honda Pan European and Yamaha FJR1300, and even though adventure bikes may prove more popular than dedicated tourers these days, the RT remains in rude health.

An RT has been in the BMW range in some form or another ever since that first R100 version. We saw the R1100/1150/1200 ‘oil head’ models, before the introduction of watercooling in 2014 – followed by the launch of the 1250 we have here five years later.

So who is buying the R 1250 RT?

Riders looking to rack up big miles in all weather really appreciate the practicality of a BMW RT.

They’re not cheap but that boxer twin engine is pretty bulletproof, while the shaft drive is low maintenance and adds to the convenience. BMW’s luggage system is intuitive and cavernous, with features like heated grips and an adjustable screen and seat making it a good solution for many year-round riders.

It makes a great high-mileage, working bike. They’re famously popular with police forces up and down the country, while the valiant blood bikers are also known to be fond of an RT or two.

While it may not sell as well as the ubiquitous GS adventure bike, with which it shares its drivetrain, the RT makes for a better everyday proposition for many riders – especially those with a shorter inside leg. The RT’s lowest possible seat height is just 760mm, making it a surprisingly accessible motorcycle, although taller riders shouldn’t be put off as the high seat option can add 90mm to that.

What are the RTs like to ride?

Despite looking pretty bulky, the BMW R 1250 RT is surprisingly capable on twisty roads. In America they call these bikes ‘Sports Tourers’ and while they’re not as nippy as machines like the Honda NT1100 or Yamaha Tracer 9 (bikes we’d dub ‘Sports Tourers’ on our side of the pond) they’re certainly not shy.

Coming in at 279kg, it’s a heavy bike. It carries it well though. Those low slung cylinders contribute to a low centre of gravity and, in many ways, the ergonomics are akin to a cruiser style motorbike. Strip the RT of its bodywork and you can clearly see the low seat and high handlebars, and this makes for a bike that’s very easy to ride.

Indeed comfort and convenience is the name of the game. That upper fairing and screen is cosseting and the seat sumptuous. The view from the cockpit is pleasant, with the large TFT dashboard and comprehensive switchgear leaving you in no doubt that this is a premium motorcycle.

Possibly the reason they’re dubbed sports tourers in the States is because they can still be hustled, as many an advanced police motorcyclist has proved over the years. Show it some twisty roads and the R1250RT never feels out of place.

To be honest, the RT has always been sharper than its bulk would suggest and the latest generation machines are the best yet. As is the case with BMW’s high end options, there are a range of equipment packs available and most leave the factory specced up with the semi-active electronic suspension. That allows suspension adjustments at the touch of a button, which works in harmony with the riding modes and is great if you are riding with a pillion.

The RT isn’t the sort of bike you’d buy to do a track day on but, equally, you shouldn’t feel constrained to solely going on big trips with one. It’s a very competent (albeit expensive) daily commuter and as a motorcycle to take out on a Sunday morning blast, it’s got more than enough performance and handling to lead out against the hordes of adventure bikes.

Which is the best spec to buy?

A base R 1250 RT is already decently equipped but we’d suggest buying the best level of equipment you can afford.

Lower spec bikes are quite rare. BMW build them to spec at the factory and finding a bog standard one is surprisingly difficult. The electronic suspension really helps make the RT a more dynamic riding experience and, as a general rule, the higher spec models will not only make the bike more enjoyable to ride – you’ll find it easier to sell if you want to move it on.

What are the alternatives to the BMW R 1250 RT?

It’s fair to say that the rise in popularity in adventure bikes has seen a move away from pure road biased tourers. Historically the Honda Pan European and Yamaha FJR1300 would be the main competitors but they (and Triumph’s short-lived Trophy) have all left the market in recent years.

That means the main alternatives to the RT are adventure bikes like BMW’s own GS, or smaller and less touring orientated all-rounders like the Honda NT1100 or Yamaha Tracer 9. It does hold a unique place in today’s motorcycling landscape.

Why should I buy a BMW R 1250 RT?

You don’t fancy an adventure bike but still want a comfy bike that can take you and a pillion on a big trip, while being capable of being ridden on the commute every day.