2021 BMW R 1250 RT Review

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but the updated 2021 BMW R 1250 RT has arrived in Australia to prove otherwise.

While the new 2021 BMW R 1250 RT doesn’t rewrite the rulebook, its latest high-tech update ensures that it is still relevant in a fast-moving motorcycle industry.

First introduced in the mid-90s, the boxer-powered RT sportstourer has been a mainstay for the Munich firm since, and the basic concept of the machine has never really changed.

The RT designation stands for Reise-Tourer (travel-tourer in English) and has been used by BMW since the late-70s. But it was the release of the BMW R 1100 RT in 1995 that kick-started the current line of RT sports touring motorcycles.

Following a similar path to its GS sibling, the RT eventually became an R 1150 RT, and then an R 1200 RT. Of course, the RT changed in both appearance and technical specification over the years, but it maintained the same formula – a boxer-powered sports tourer built for long stretches in the saddle.

The last major update came in 2019, when the R 1250 RT was revealed. As well as the increase in size of the boxer engine, the new model also introduced ShiftCam technology.

Related Reading:
2019 BMW R 1250 RT launch review
Updated 2021 BMW R 1250 RT pricing revealed
Riding the 2021 BMW GS Safari

Of course a great engine and chassis will only get you so far in the age of whiz-bang sci-fi technology. Fortunately, the 2019 R 1250 RT had plenty of bells and whistles, but it kept the older 5.7-inch TFT dash, while the GS was given the upgraded 6.5-inch display.

That one detail might seem trivial, but sports touring bikes are already under pressure from the rapidly-growing adventure bike scene, and the lack of the latest and greatest technology doesn’t help the cause.

Which brings us to 2021. The latest R 1250 RT hasn’t really changed mechanically, but it does feature a few new tricks that are far more than just high-tech novelties.

First up – the huge new 10.25-inch TFT screen that has the ability to display full colour maps. Considering the GS still has the 6.5-inch display, this is a big upgrade. The TFT display uses the same menu system and functions as the GS’s unit, but it allows you to display more information at any one time. The larger screen also makes it easier to read and navigate. As far as we can tell, the RT’s TFT display is the currently the biggest on a production motorcycle.

The one big difference from the GS unit, apart from size, is the maps function. On previous BMW models, a separate navigation unit was required, but the maps are now available via the RT’s infotainment system. Coupled with the large colour screen, it’s a brilliant feature that ensures you’ll get from point A to point B with no stress.

The second new whiz-bang feature on the R 1250 RT is active cruise control (ACC), which is made possible by a front-mounted radar unit. The ACC helps the rider maintain a safe following distance to the vehicle in front.

While ACC has been used in cars for a number of years, I was doubtful whether it could translate to motorcycling, and if it would actually be of any use. But it works brilliantly. On the freeway, you can simply slot in behind a car, hit the cruise button and let the ACC do all the work. The bike will brake if you get too close, and accelerate if you are too far away, but it does all this so seamlessly that you barely notice. If the bike could steer itself, you’d be in autopilot.

Radar technology is all the rage at the moment, but the RT is one of only three current bikes to feature it (Ducati Multistrada V4 and KTM 1290 Super Adventure S being the others). We want to be careful not to make motorcycling too automated, but the ACC function is extremely handy to avoid speeding tickets and nose-to-tail collisions when in cruise.

Both of these new features are relatively minor when you consider the mechanical make-up and history of this iconic bike, but they both go a long way to keeping the RT up with the times.

But new tech aside, there isn’t really anything else new about the RT apart from a bunch of new options and packages. But make no mistake, the RT is still a bloody good motorcycle.

If there is one thing the RT does better than anything else, it’s comfort. From the moment you swing a leg over the boxer-powered machine, you realise why people ride these types of bikes. The seat is super comfy and the ride position is near-perfect. The up-right ergonomics are designed to take the stress off your arms, but your legs are tucked up just enough to allow for more aggressive riding should you choose to do so.

Throw in heated seats, heated grips, and a huge, electronically-adjustable windshield, and you’ll just about want to live on this bike. There is also a roomy pillion seat (also heated), so your partner will want to come along for the ride too.

Further enhancing the bikes travel capability are two sizeable and lockable storage panniers that are easily removable should you wish to take them into your hotel room. There are also two smaller lockable storage compartments, as well as a pair of powerful speakers that can transmit media via your smartphone or the in-built radio.

It’s all sounding pretty rosy so far, but there are a few little issues. Firstly, there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which is a missed opportunity by BMW. The Munich firm instead implements its own Connected app, which more or less does the same thing, but in a slightly less-efficient manner.

Additionally, the two cockpit storage compartments are handy, but also far too small and placed in awkward positions. Most modern smartphones are large devices and, with a case on, I can barely fit my iPhone in the compartment which contains the charging port. And their position underneath the handlebar makes them tough to access when the ‘bar is straight.

And my third gripe (not necessarily exclusive to this machine) is that the grip and seat heating isn't automatically disabled when the engine is switched off. Because the RT's vast equipment requires so much power, the battery drains very quickly if the heating stays on with the ignition. I ended up with a flat battery on one occasion as a result of this. Solution? Don't leave the ignition on when the bike isn't running, or make sure you manually switch off the heating functions after use.

For all the R 1250 RT’s successes, these minor inconveniences are frustrating, but they are far from dealbreakers, because the RT is a raging success on the road.

Right off the bat, the RT’s boxer does its job to a tee, with a significant 136hp and 143Nm. The throttle response is crisp, and the donk offers torque right through the rev range. It does its best work from the mid-range onwards, and it’s in that upper echelon where you’ll feel the bike's true sporting prowess.

Complete with surprisingly agile handling and capable suspension, the RT likes to be ridden fast. Sure, you can ride a leisurely pace if you want, but the bike inspires confidence most when you add a little more spirit. The smooth and incredibly fast engine is a joy to ride, and the bike tips in and out of corners with ease. It is an absolute blast.

That said, this big beast of a bike does have its limits. While sporty riding is definitely encouraged, don’t expect any Rossi-like antics, because the weight of the bike can catch you out quickly.

At 279kg wet, the RT isn’t necessarily the heaviest bike out there, but it is a little top-heavy which makes it a handful at slower speeds. BMW has actually done a great job of distributing the weight – it could be a lot worse – but the fact remains that it is a very big bike, and it won’t be for everyone.

The only other downside I found with the RT was the gearbox and quickshifter. Shifting felt a little clunky, especially in the lower gears and at lower revs. Once you’re moving at a brisk pace it opens up a bit, but those early shifts are a bit of a slog. It is once again just minor issue and it doesn’t really dampen the riding experience.

Electronically, the R 1250 RT is packed to the hilt (as we’ve come to expect from BMW). We’re talking Dynamic ESA, quickshifter, ABS Pro, Riding Modes Pro, Hill Hold Control (optional), MSR (dynamic brake control), adaptive headlights, LED additional driving lights, central locking, keyless ignition, alarm system, and the aforementioned active cruise control. You name it, the RT has it.

And for a big bike, the safety features are exceptional. I’ve already raved about the benefits of ACC, but I also had the (unfortunate) chance to test out the machine’s ABS-equipped brakes.

As I was cruising along listening to the smooth sounds of Triple M 90s on the digital radio, a mindless driver pulled into my lane without notice, forcing me to stop very suddenly. I was convinced I was going into the back of the mid-sized van but, to my surprise, the RT stopped quickly and efficiently as if nothing had happened. There is something to be said about modern motorcycles…

In an age where adventure-style bikes rule the roost, traditional sportstourers have become a little redundant. But the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT is proof that, with the right tools, they still have place in the motorcycle world. The RT’s state-of-the-art technology and brilliant boxer engine are attractive alone, but the huge array of comfort and functional features makes this the ultimate touring machine.

Unfortunately, it doesn't come cheap, however. Pricing starts at $34,590 (plus on-road costs), however this begins to climb as you add options and packages – which all BMW customers will inevitably do. The top-spec model checks in at $39,390 (plus ORC), while our test unit, fitted with the Elegance package, sits at $35,190 (plus ORC).

Whichever way you look at it, it’s a lot of money to spend on a motorcycle, but given the amount of equipment the RT carries, the pricing is exactly as it should be. This is a premium product aimed at people who have the cash to burn – often people who have worked hard all their lives and want to experience the freedom of the open road.

The 2021 BMW R 1250 RT is the kind of bike that makes you want to go on a long road to nowhere in particular. It has all the creature comforts you need as well as a chassis and engine that provide plenty of thrills and good times.

While adventure bikes are undoubtedly the flavour of the moment, not everyone needs a bike capable of riding off-road. That is where sportstourers still have a purpose. And despite the R 1250 RT’s long history, the current update leaves it as a true king of the highways.