BMW R 1150 R versus BMW R 1250 RT

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1150 R

Naked
BMW

BMW R 1250 RT

Tourer

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2005 bis 2006
Built von 2019 bis 2024~
RRP
RRP 21.200 €
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Pros:
  • easy and manoeuvrable to drive despite size and weight
  • used relatively cheap
  • is also suitable as a tourer
  • wonderful boxer with sound
  • sufficient power, powerful torque
Pros:
  • rich road holding
  • 1,000 km piece no problem
  • luxurious seating comfort for driver and front passenger
  • bearish engine with rich torque
Cons:
  • vulnerable ABS system
  • fiddly battery removal
Cons:
  • Fully equipped not quite cheap
  • difficult > limited manoeuvring capability

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length :
2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat :
800 mm
Weight :
238 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.485 mm
Length :
2.222 mm Height : 5 mm
Seat :
805 mm
Weight :
279 (max: 505 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-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: 197 km/h
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
446 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:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel)
Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 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
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake ( 276 mm)
Front brake
Double disc brake ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake ( 276 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The BMW R 1150 R is a grateful bike that offers riders a confident and safe riding experience even with high mileage. There are many used machines of this type, most fortunately in uncrafted original condition. But old machines are not really cheap either: 1150s are hardly available in good condition under 4,000 euros. To answer the opening question: Yes, it is still worth buying a 15-year-old motorcycle today. At least if it is a BMW R 1150 R.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price new (2003): 9,000€
  • Used (15 years old): 4,500€
  • Years built: 2000 - 2006
  • Colours: black, blue, silver

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