BMW R 1250 RT 2021

1 tripExcellent 5/5

The 2021 BMW R 1250 RT-P is the police/authority version of BMW’s renowned R 1250 RT sport-touring motorcycle. It combines the comfort and weather protection of a luxury touring bike with unusually strong acceleration, cornering clearance, braking and low-speed maneuverability.

The RT-P can be an exceptional long-distance, commuting and all-weather machine. The heart of the RT-P is BMW’s 1,254cc ShiftCam boxer engine. ShiftCam varies intake-valve timing and lift to provide two desirable personalities:

• Smooth, controllable power at low engine speeds
• Strong midrange torque for passing and climbing
• Rapid acceleration when the throttle is opened
• Better combustion efficiency during relaxed riding
• Less need for frequent gear changes
• Reduced vibration and excellent highway refinement

The horizontally opposed cylinders help place engine mass relatively low, giving the motorcycle a lower center of gravity than its size might suggest.

In Michigan State Police testing, the RT-P accelerated from 0–100 mph in approximately 8.84 seconds, stopped from 60 mph in 127.3 feet and provided a 46-degree maximum lean angle.

BMW listed Milage:

• 49.5 mpg under the WMTC test cycle
• At least 300 miles of potential range under favorable conditions it backward or moving it with the engine off, but trained riders frequently find it impressively manageable once underway.

For a civilian owner, the crash bars, second battery, increased electrical capability, top-opening cases and fleet-oriented wiring can be genuinely useful. The electrical system is especially attractive for heated clothing, auxiliary lighting, communications, cameras.

Why people should consider riding this motorcycle

The 2021 R 1250 RT-P succeeds because it does not force a rider to choose between performance and touring comfort.

1. It is genuinely fast.
2. The 136-hp boxer provides effortless passing power and immediate acceleration, even with luggage.
3. It handles far better than its size suggests.
4. Telelever suspension, a low-mounted engine and substantial cornering clearance give it sport-touring agility.
5. It is exceptionally comfortable.
6. The upright seating position, fairing, electric windscreen, heated equipment and cruise control make long days much easier.
7. It delivers excellent range.
8. A 6.6-gallon tank and roughly 45–51 mpg in typical use provide substantial distance between fuel stops.
9. It has serious safety equipment.
10. Cornering ABS, traction control, linked braking, tire-pressure monitoring and strong lighting inspire confidence in changing conditions.
11. Shaft drive simplifies ownership.
12. There is no chain to clean, lubricate or adjust regularly.
13. The RT-P is engineered for intensive use.
14. Its protection bars, electrical capacity, equipment circuits and practical luggage were intended for long shifts and demanding operating conditions.
15. Used police examples can represent strong value and durability