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2020 BMW R 1250R Overview
The 2020 BMW R 1250R is a naked bike motorcycle built around 1254 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Twin, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. 2020 BMW R 1250R delivers 136 hp @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 143 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2020 R 1250R tips the scales at 239 kg, carries a 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1515 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2020 BMW R 1250R spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2020 R 1250R - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2020 BMW R 1250R makes 136 hp @ 7750 rpm with 143 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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🔧
Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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⛽
Large fuel range: The 18-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
Considerations
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📏
Tall seat height: The 820 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2020 BMW R 1250R is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Valve clearance checks
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
Low-speed confidence
At 239 kg, the R 1250R is a substantial machine. New owners occasionally mention that slow-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes a little getting used to. Once moving, the weight disappears - but practising slow-speed exercises builds confidence quickly.
R 1250R - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2020 BMW R 1250R, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 1250R should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any R 1250R. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The R 1250R's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used R 1250R. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.
2020 BMW R 1250R - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 BMW R 1250R have?
The 2020 BMW R 1250R uses a Twin, four-stroke engine with 1254 cc of displacement. It is liquid / air cooled.
How much does the 2020 BMW R 1250R weigh?
The 2020 BMW R 1250R weighs 239 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2020 BMW R 1250R make?
The 2020 BMW R 1250R produces 136 hp @ 7750 rpm of power and 143 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2020 BMW R 1250R?
The 2020 BMW R 1250R has a 18-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 300-360 km between stops.
Is the 2020 BMW R 1250R suitable for shorter riders?
The 2020 BMW R 1250R has a seat height of 820 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2020 BMW R 1250R have?
The 2020 BMW R 1250R uses 2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers at the front and Single 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2020 BMW R 1250R use?
The 2020 BMW R 1250R runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2020 BMW R 1250R have?
The 2020 BMW R 1250R is fitted with a Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system transmission.
BMW R 1250R Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1250R was produced across 5 model years (2019-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
| Wet Weight |
239 kg / 526.9 lbs |
239 kg / 526.9 lbs |
239 kg / 526.9 lbs |
239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs |
239 kg / 527 lbs |
| Engine Detail |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm |
One balance shaft and variable engine timing system |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm |
| Seat Height |
820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in |
820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in |
820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in |
820 mm / 32.3 in. |
820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.1 in |
| Fuel Capacity |
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal |
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal |
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal |
18.17 litres / 4.80 US gallons |
18 Litres / 4.8 US gal |
| Comments |
- |
2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control. |
2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control. |
2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control. |
4-way mechanically adjustable windscreen. 3 Ride Modes (Rain/Road/Eco). Automatic Stability Control. Dynamic Traction Control. Hill Start Control. |
| Frame Type |
Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine |
Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine |
Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine |
Two section frame, front - and bolted on rear frame, load bearing engine |
Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine |
| Brakes - Front |
2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers |
2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers |
2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers |
Double disc. ABS, 4-piston radial calipers |
2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers |
| Wheelbase |
1515 mm / 59.6 in |
1515 mm / 59.6 in |
1515 mm / 59.6 in |
1515 mm / 59.6 in. |
1515 mm / 59.6 in |
Key Specifications
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Torque
143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Weight
239 kg / 526.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
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Full 2020 BMW R 1250R Specifications
Comments
2 Ride Modes (Rain/Road). Automatic Stability Control.
Year
2020
Colours
Black Storm Metallic, Silver/red/White, Style Exclusive Green, Sparkling Bronze Metallic
Make Model
BMW R 1250R
Storage
Saddle bags
Seat Height
820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in
Wheelbase
1515 mm / 59.6 in
Height
1300 mm / 51.1 in
Length
2165 mm / 85.2 in
Width
880 mm / 34.6 in
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Wet Weight
239 kg / 526.9 lbs
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type
Twin, four-stroke
CO2
109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement
1254 cc / 76.5 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system
Bore x Stroke
102.5 x 76 mm
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Cooling System
Liquid / Air cooled
Emissions
Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard , Euro 4
Engine Lubrication
Wet sump
Engine Management
BMS-O
Fuel Consumption
4.70 litres/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 mpg)
Fuel Induction
Electronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve
Fuel Reserve
4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons
Fuel Type
Premium unleaded, 95 (RON)
Starter
Electric 900W
Valve System
4
Battery Capacity
12V/12Ah
Clutch
Wet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Final Drive
Shaft
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission / Drive
Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system
Frame Type
Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front
Telescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm
Suspension - Rear
Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel- related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheel
Rake
27.7°
Steering Angle
62.3°
Trail
125.6 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front
140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
140 mm / 5.5 in
Alternator
Three-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power)
Brakes - Front
2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral), disengageable
Rims
Cast aluminium
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear
180/55 ZR17
Wheels
Cast aluminium wheels
Wheels - Front
3.50 x 17 in
Wheels - Rear
5.50 x 17 in
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