BMW R 1250 RT

The BMW R 1250 RT is based on the R 1250 R roadster, but there are no design similarities between the two motorcycles, for the former is more in line with the other range-topping full-sized baggers on sale from BMW Motorrad. With large dimensions and body panels, the BMW R 1250 RT has a top-spec bagger design, which is hard to ignore due to its mammoth size and unique design language.

At the front, the BMW R 1250 RT has a wide fascia with a triangular all-LED headlamp setup, with small LED projectors in the side housings and a large centrally-placed full-LED unit in between the side housings. The small projectors on the sides are accompanied by sleek daytime running LEDs below them. The curvaceous front fairing of the BMW R 1250 RT has a huge, electronically adjustable windscreen above the headlamp setup.

The large front fascia of the BMW R 1250 RT is well-complemented by wide-looking side panels of the front fairing, which make the frontal part of the motorcycle look even more bossy. The fuel tank of the motorcycle is designed in line with the curvaceous front end, with curves on the sides to accommodate the knees of even taller riders with ease. Towards the rear, the BMW R 1250 RT has sleek-looking body panels with comfortable split seats above them and large-sized panniers on the sides for carrying luggage while on the move.

The wide and sleek-looking LED tail lamp cluster looks inspired by the K 1600 baggers priced higher than it. Coming to the cockpit, the BMW R 1250 RT welcomes one with the wide-looking arena in his/her field of vision, with stretched clip-on handlebars and a 10.25-inch full-TFT instrument console behind it. With multiple display modes, this instrument console also has connectivity features and integrated map navigation.

The mammoth-sized BMW R 1250 RT is not for beginners, for its large dimensions and excessive bodywork can be intimidating and difficult to control at lower speeds. However, the BMW R 1250 RT makes matters easier with its well-sorted suspension setup – 37mm telelever with central spring strut at the front and cast aluminium single-sided swing-arm with BMW Motorrad paralever and WAD spring strut with spring preload and rebound damping adjustment.

With a comfort-oriented suspension setup, the BMW R 1250 RT feels relaxed to ride at higher speeds on longer stretches. Riding on 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres, the BMW R 1250 RT has dual 320mm discs at the front and a single 276mm disc at the rear for halting duties. 

The BMW R 1250 RT shares its powertrain with the R 1250 R roadster, which is a four-stroke, boxer-twin, liquid-cooled, 1254cc engine. This engine has been mated to a 6-speed transmission and produces a maximum power output of 136 bhp and a maximum torque output of 143 Nm. BMW Motorrad claims a top speed of over 200 kmph and a fuel efficiency of 21.05 kmpl for the R 1250 RT. The engine also impresses with the sheer amount of torque in the bottom end and mid-range, making long-distance touring a breeze with abundant power on tap.

The host of premium riding aids and safety features on offer in the BMW R 1250 RT include full integral ABS Pro, adaptive cruise control with braking function, dynamic traction control, three riding modes (Eco, Rain and Road) and hill start control. The optional safety features available for the BMW R 1250 RT at added costs are an adaptive headlight, radar sensor for adaptive cruise control, electronically-adjustable suspension with load compensation, keyless ignition, heated seats, tyre pressure monitoring system and riding modes pro package with driving mode dynamic and HSC Pro, dynamic engine brake control and dynamic brake control.

With high levels of sophistication, comfort and equipment, the BMW R 1250 RT is a proper full-sized modern bagger, which can make one’s long-distance touring experience effortless and exciting to the core.