BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus BMW R 1250 RT

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure
BMW

BMW R 1250 RT

Tourer

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2019 bis 2024~
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 21.200 €
waveform
waveform
Pros:
  • has neat Wums
  • extensive electronic helpers
  • significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
  • rich road holding
  • 1,000 km piece no problem
  • luxurious seating comfort for driver and front passenger
  • bearish engine with rich torque
Cons:
  • Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
  • Fully equipped not quite cheap
  • difficult > limited manoeuvring capability

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length :
2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.485 mm
Length :
2.222 mm Height : 5 mm
Seat :
805 mm
Weight :
279 (max: 505 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
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: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
403 km
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, motor supporting (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
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

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 376 mm)
Front brake
Double disc brake ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake ( 276 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 15,000-20,000€ depending on the equipment
  • used so far only marginally cheaper
  • Years built: 2017-2018
  • Availability: from 12/2017
  • Colors: Rally design in blue, silver, red, black

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