BMW G 650 GS versus BMW R 1250 RT

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 650 GS

Adventure
BMW

BMW R 1250 RT

Tourer

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2011 bis 2016
Built von 2019 bis 2024~
RRP
RRP 21.200 €
waveform
Pros:
  • light and manoeuvrable
  • uncomplicated
  • favorable consumption
  • solid workmanship
  • enough space for passenger
Pros:
  • rich road holding
  • 1,000 km piece no problem
  • luxurious seating comfort for driver and front passenger
  • bearish engine with rich torque
Cons:
  • radiates little emotion
Cons:
  • Fully equipped not quite cheap
  • difficult > limited manoeuvring capability

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.477 mm
Length :
2.165 mm
Seat :
780 mm
Weight :
192 kg
Wheelbase: 1.485 mm
Length :
2.222 mm Height : 5 mm
Seat :
805 mm
Weight :
279 (max: 505 ) kg

Engine

Motor type unknown 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 652 ccm
Hub: 83 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 5
Motor design: Four-stroke boxer engine 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.254 ccm
Hub: 76 mm
Hole: 103 mm
Cooling: Luft-/Flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kardan

Performance

Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Performance: 48 HP at 6.500 U/Min
Torque: 60 NM bei 5.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Maximum speed: 200 km/h
Performance: 136 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 143 NM bei 6.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 25 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
526 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges (steel)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Frame type:
Two-part frame concept consisting of main frame and rear frame bolted to it, supporting engine (steel)
Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever, central strut, standpipe diameter 37 mm (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD shock absorber (travel 136 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR 17

Brakes

Rear brake
Disk
Front brake
Double disc brake ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake ( 276 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

If a real travel tourer, then RT! But only if you stay on the street. The RT is completely unsuitable for gravel or terrain. But if you want to get from Hamburg to Munich as comfortably (and quickly?) as comfortably as possible, you will not only have fun on the BMW R 1250 RT, but will also arrive completely relaxed. Since the RT also has a gimbal drive instead of a chain, you don't have to do chain maintenance all the time.
 
The numerous technical features including the QuickShifter may not be necessary, but they all work brilliantly and are especially easy to use. The loudspeakers at the front may look a bit like old men's bikes, but we have to admit: we used them and enjoyed it. But maybe we just belong to the typical RT generation ...
 
The test machine was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you very much.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: from 19.350€
  • Used (2 years old): from 15.000€
  • Availability: from 2021
  • Colours: White, Blue, Mineral White, Brown