Key points
- The R 1250 RT is rated for 45 mpg in the city and 55 mpg on the highway, compared to the R 1200 RT’s 42 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway.
- Both the BMW R 1200 RT and the BMW R 1250 RT are available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.
- Both the BMW R 1200 RT and the BMW R 1250 RT have dual front disc brakes and a single rear disc brake.
The BMW R 1200 RT and R 1250 RT are two of the most popular touring motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer a comfortable ride, plenty of power, and a host of features designed to make long-distance riding a pleasure. But which one is the better choice?
Engine
The BMW R 1200 RT is powered by a 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine that produces 125 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque. The BMW R 1250 RT is powered by a 1,254cc air/liquid-cooled boxer engine that produces 136 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque.
The R 1250 RT’s engine is more powerful than the R 1200 RT’s engine, but it also gets better fuel economy. The R 1250 RT is rated for 45 mpg in the city and 55 mpg on the highway, compared to the R 1200 RT’s 42 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway.
Transmission
Both the BMW R 1200 RT and the BMW R 1250 RT are available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission is a great option for riders who want to focus on the road and not worry about shifting gears.
Suspension
The BMW R 1200 RT has a Telelever front suspension and a Paralever rear suspension. The Telelever front suspension is designed to reduce dive under braking, while the Paralever rear suspension is designed to provide a smooth ride over rough roads.
The BMW R 1250 RT has a Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) system that allows riders to adjust the suspension settings to suit their riding style and road conditions. The Dynamic ESA system is a great option for riders who want to get the most out of their motorcycle’s handling.
Brakes
Both the BMW R 1200 RT and the BMW R 1250 RT have dual front disc brakes and a single rear disc brake. The brakes on both bikes are powerful and provide good feedback.
Features
The BMW R 1200 RT comes standard with a number of features, including:
- Heated grips
- Cruise control
- Electronic suspension adjustment
- A large TFT display
- A built-in GPS system
The BMW R 1250 RT comes standard with all of the features of the R 1200 RT, plus:
- A more powerful engine
- A larger TFT display
- A Hill Start Assist system
- A Dynamic ESA system
Price
The BMW R 1200 RT starts at $17,995. The BMW R 1250 RT starts at $19,995.
Which One is Right for You?
The BMW R 1200 RT and the BMW R 1250 RT are both excellent touring motorcycles. The R 1200 RT is a great option for riders who are looking for a comfortable and affordable motorcycle. The R 1250 RT is a great option for riders who want a more powerful and feature-rich motorcycle.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which motorcycle is right for you is to test ride both of them. That way, you can see which one feels better and which one you prefer to ride.
Pros and Cons of the BMW R 1200 RT
Pros:
- Comfortable ride
- Plenty of power
- Good fuel economy
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not as powerful as the R 1250 RT
- Doesn’t have as many features as the R 1250 RT
Pros and Cons of the BMW R 1250 RT
Pros:
- More powerful than the R 1200 RT
- Has more features than the R 1200 RT
- Gets better fuel economy than the R 1200 RT
Cons:
- More expensive than the R 1200 RT
- Heavier than the R 1200 RT
The Verdict
The BMW R 1200 RT and the BMW R 1250 RT are both excellent touring motorcycles. The R 1200 RT is a great option for riders who are looking for a comfortable and affordable motorcycle. The R 1250 RT is a great option for riders who want a more powerful and feature-rich motorcycle.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which motorcycle is right for you is to test ride both of them. That way, you can see which one feels better and which one you prefer to ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the BMW R 1200 RT and the BMW R 1250 RT?
A: The BMW R 1250 RT has a more powerful engine, a larger TFT display, a Hill Start Assist system, and a Dynamic ESA system.
Q: Which one is better, the BMW R 1200 RT or the BMW R 1250 RT?
A: The BMW R 1250 RT is better than the BMW R 1200 RT because it has a more powerful engine, a larger TFT display, a Hill Start Assist system, and a Dynamic ESA system.
Q: How much does the BMW R 1200 RT cost?
A: The BMW R 1200 RT starts at $17,995.
Q: How much does the BMW R 1250 RT cost?
A: The BMW R 1250 RT starts at $19,995.
