Reviews/ Bmw/ R 1250 Rt
Bmw R 1250 Rt
8.5/10 Touring

Bmw R 1250 Rt Review

"The best used touring motorcycle money can buy if inspected properly."

Long-distance riders prioritising comfort over everything else $11,000-$18,000 used 2019-2023
search Inspect a Bmw Now

Used Buyer Review

The R 1250 RT is BMW's touring flagship done properly, and buying used makes serious sense here. The ShiftCam engine transformation over the 1200 is real — smoother, stronger pull from idle, noticeably better highway cruising. Look for 2019-onwards if you can, as early units had some throttle-by-wire gremlins that BMW sorted quietly. Check the service history obsessively; these need dealer attention and skipped maintenance shows up fast in the electronics. Tire wear tells you everything about a previous owner's habits. Where it earns its money is covering ground effortlessly. Wind protection is genuinely class-leading, the heated everything works, and the optional dynamic ESA suspension transforms the bike on bad roads. Downsides are real though — it's heavy at 279kg wet, urban riding is a chore, and used examples with high miles often have worn final drive splines that cost serious money to address. Budget £500-800 for a thorough inspection before committing.

Pros

+ShiftCam engine is exceptional
+Wind protection genuinely class-leading
+Heated seats and grips standard
+Electronic suite works flawlessly
+Effortless mile-eating capability

Cons

-Heavy in slow traffic
-Final drive spline wear expensive
-Dealer servicing costs hurt
-Electronics can confuse inexperienced buyers
warning
Avoid if

You ride mostly cities or tight mountain roads

description View full specs, facts & rivals for Bmw R 1250 Rt →

Similar Touring Reviews

Honda Gl1800 Goldwing
Honda Gl1800 Goldwing 9.0/10

"The used bike market's most sensible luxury touring purchase, full stop."

Two-up touring riders covering serious interstate miles $8,000-$18,000
Yamaha Fjr1300
Yamaha Fjr1300 8.8/10

"The benchmark sports tourer that absolutely nothing has made obsolete."

Experienced riders wanting fast, fuss-free long-distance touring $5,000-$11,000
Yamaha Tracer 9
Yamaha Tracer 9 8.5/10

"The thinking rider's sport-tourer that embarrasses more expensive alternatives."

Commuters who weekend tour at pace $8,500-$12,000
Bmw K 1600 Gt
Bmw K 1600 Gt 8.5/10

"The ultimate touring machine if you respect its weight and wallet."

Long-distance tourers who ride seriously, often $12,000-$22,000