2024 BMW R 1250 RT Touring Bike Review Specs Price

It’s no secret that the classic touring motorcycle has been losing ground. Whether we’re talking about massive long-haul machines like Honda’s Gold Wing or sport-touring models such as the 2024 BMW R 1250 RT Touring Bike, the growing dominance of adventure bikes has led to the decline of traditional full-fairing motorcycles. Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki have all phased out their heavyweight tourers.

Among sport-tourers, only BMW’s R 1250 RT and Yamaha’s FJR1300 remain true to form, while models like Kawasaki’s H2 SX and KTM’s Super Duke GT lean more toward high-performance machines with bags than pure sport-tourers. Much like SUVs replacing sedans, adventure bikes have stolen ground from tourers, shifting the big-bike market without growing it.

The real question is whether this shift makes sense. Do motorcycles like BMW’s R 1250 RT still have unique advantages, or are they destined to fade away like an underdog facing an inevitable knockout? After riding Ducati’s Multistrada V4 Rally — the best adventure bike I’ve ever tested — and immediately switching to BMW’s R 1250 RT, I could compare these two categories directly. Here’s what I discovered.

2024 BMW R 1250 RT Touring Bike – Features and Specs

A low Seat is a Good Seat

After stepping off the Ducati and immediately onto the BMW, the first thing that struck me was how low the 2024 BMW R 1250 RT Touring Bike’s seat felt. It sat low enough that I wondered whether it had been left in its lowered position, but it was already adjusted to its maximum height of 825 millimeters (with the option to drop to 805 millimeters). Ducati’s Rally, Harley-Davidson’s Pan America, and BMW’s own new R 1300 GS can all lower their suspension electronically at stops to help shorter riders plant their feet. Yet, even with those features, they still feel taller than the RT.

It highlights an essential distinction between touring bikes and adventure bikes. If you value stability at stops — whether waiting at traffic lights or when a passenger climbs aboard — a sport-tourer like the RT offers confidence that taller adventure machines can’t match.

Easy Access at the Cost of Reduced Legroom

The trade-off for that low seat height is tighter legroom. The RT requires a sharper knee bend compared to tall-seated adventure bikes such as the Multistrada or BMW’s GS. For older riders — a significant portion of the audience for a $31,995 motorcycle with options — that bend can cause discomfort. Shorter riders will likely appreciate the lower seat and won’t notice the tighter posture, but taller riders may choose between a touring or adventure model based on this factor alone.

Aside from this difference, overall comfort between the RT and adventure bikes is similar. The handlebars sit at a reasonable reach, offer flat, supportive saddles, and are remarkably comfortable over long distances.

Performance is remarkably similar between RT and Ducati Multistrada

The 2024 BMW R 1250 RT Touring Bike and BMW’s adventure-oriented GS have historically shared nearly identical frames and engines. Before the GS upgraded to the new 1,300 cc platform, the 2024 BMW R 1250 RT Touring Bike and GS performed almost the same, with differences more about the type of motorcycle than outright capability. The R 1250 RT’s 1,254 cc Boxer twin delivers 136 horsepower at 7,750 rpm, providing robust acceleration and torque at lower revs, thanks to BMW’s ShiftCam variable valve timing.

This level of performance is more than enough to keep up with competitors on twisting backroads. The RT feels quick, responsive, and strong, and few riders will ever wish for more power in real-world use.

The 2024 BMW R 1250 RT Touring Bike is a high-tech beast.

Like most premium touring motorcycles, the R 1250 RT is loaded with features. The standard model, priced at $24,495, includes Road, Rain, and Eco riding modes, each offering different throttle responses and Hill Start Control to prevent rolling backward on inclines. When upgraded with Comfort and Dynamic packages, the RT gains Dynamic mode for sharper throttle response and BMW’s “engine drag control,” stabilizing the bike during rapid downshifts.

On the safety side, a front radar sensor equips the RT with adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, enhancing confidence on long trips. BMW’s Gear Shift Assistant Pro — a quick-shifter system — works smoothly except for slightly abrupt transitions between first, second, and third gears. Wireless and USB charging are included in a weather-sealed storage compartment, and BMW automatically adjusts the rear suspension preload whenever the load changes, eliminating manual adjustment.

The 2024 BMW R 1250 RT Touring Bike also features a large 10.25-inch color TFT display that is bright, sharp, and easy to navigate for most settings. However, the seat and hand-grip heater controls are buried in menus, making them difficult to adjust while riding. Unlike many motorcycles that keep these adjustments on the handlebars, BMW chose a screen interface, which is less practical.

The big question: should you wait for the R 1300?

As it has already done with the GS, BMW will almost certainly upgrade the RT with its new 1,300 cc engine soon. But should you hold off buying? That depends on what changes matter most. The extra nine horsepower alone is not worth waiting for, as the current RT already has ample performance. However, if BMW reduces weight significantly — as it did by shedding 12 kilograms from the GS — the following RT could become noticeably more agile. In motorcycles, weight reduction often matters more than additional power.

If the future R 1300 RT is substantially lighter, waiting makes sense. If the update is limited to slightly higher output, the current R 1250 RT is more than capable and worth purchasing now.

2024 BMW R 1250 RT Touring Bike – Price

The new 2024 BMW R 1250 RT Touring Bike is available at $19,995.

2024 BMW R 1250 RT Touring Bike – Technical Specifications

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