2021 BMW R1250RT First Look
BMW revealed an updated R1250RT for 2021, making the sport-tourer Euro 5 compliant and adding linked ABS brakes, an optional active cruise control system and a 10.25″ TFT screen, the widest full color display yet on a production motorcycle.
Visually, the 2021 R1250RT looks similar to the previous version, but the front fairing was updated to incorporate a new angular LED headlight design replacing the round lights. The upper section is lower, giving riders a wider field of vision. BMW also tweaked the aerodynamics, reducing turbulence. The infotainment system’s radio antennas are now integrated into the fairing, further improving aerodynamics.
Like the R1250GS and R1250GS Adventure announced earlier this month, the 1254cc boxer with ShiftCam variable valve timing and valve lift has been updated to meet Euro 5 standards. Similar to its stablemates, the R1250RT claims 134 hp at 7750 rpm and 105 lb-ft. at 6250 rpm. The engine continues to use a mix of air and liquid cooling, with twin radiators helping provide precision cooling to the cylinder heads
The 2021 R1250RT receives a new Eco engine mode as standard. Eco mode, which joins the standard Rain and Road ride modes, adjusts the ShiftCam system, optimizing fuel economy and producing a gentler torque curve. BMW also offers an upgraded Riding Modes Pro which adds additional modes plus a drag torque control system (MSR) which opens the throttle to reduce instability from excessive brake slip.
BMW Full Integral ABS Pro is a linked braking system, activating both front and rear brakes when either the hand or foot brake levers are used. The ABS system optimizes the brake pressure to either wheel, taking lean angle into consideration. Dynamic traction control returns as standard.
Also returning as standard equipment is Dynamic Cruise Control which automatically applies brakes to maintain the selected cruising speed when riding downhill. New for 2021 is the optional Active Cruise Control system which uses a radar sensor to adjust cruising speed when approaching slower vehicles. Unlike Ducati, BMW is not using a rear radar, so the R1250RT does not have a blind spot detection system like the upcoming Multistrada V4.
For 2021, BMW gave the R1250RT a new 10.25-inch TFT color screen as standard. The screen has a resolution of 1920×720 pixels, enough to show a navigation map along with the regular instrument cluster without needing a secondary display.
The infotainment system has a Bluetooth antenna, so it can communicate with headsets and smartphones. As an ex works option, BMW offers an upgraded audio system.
The 2021 BMW R1250RT will be offered in Alpine White 3, a grayish green Manhattan metallic, Racing Blue, or the Option 719 Mineral White metallic. U.S. pricing and availability remain to be announced.
Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
More by Dennis Chung
Comments
Join the conversation
The Sport Tourer lives to fight another day! Looks fabulous. Comfort, comfort, comfort...
I had a 2005 RT and now have a 2014 RT. The 2014 is a fantastic sport touring choice. If my old body was not in the way, I'd buy the new 2021 RT. I think it looks great although the color choices are poor and limited - as usual for BMW. There must be something in the German water or beer that makes colors look different to people in Berlin. I rented a pale blue RT in Germany some years ago that looked like a shower stall. What is wrong with black, red and blue and stop there?