BMW R 1250 RT Exclusive 2020 — Specifications

Who can still claim to rival the Bavarian queen of grand touring? In this segment, the BMW R 1250 RT reigns virtually unchallenged, having discouraged its competitors over the years. The Honda Gold Wing plays in a higher category, the Kawasaki 1400 GTR has taken its final bow. What remains is a void, and in the middle of it, this German tourer that continues to refine itself as though the threat still existed. For the 2020 model year, Munich unveils a version called Exclusive, a limited series of 1,500 units, 500 of which are reserved for the French market. The principle is simple: take the RT and tick just about every box in the options catalogue.

Beneath the fairing, the 1,254 cc variable-valve-timing flat twin produces 136 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and, more importantly, a generous 142 Nm of torque from just 6,250 rpm. It is precisely this torque that defines the character of the 2020 BMW R 1250 RT Exclusive. It pulls seamlessly, with a smoothness that only a flat twin can deliver. All of it is transmitted to the machine's 279 kg through a six-speed gearbox and a shaft drive — the ideal combination for devouring kilometres without worrying about chain maintenance. Top speed stands at 200 km/h, more than enough for a machine designed for trans-European cruising rather than lap times.

On the equipment front, the spec sheet is dizzying. The Exclusive version comes standard with the three packs normally charged as extras. The Touring pack brings heated seats, cruise control and ESA Dynamic electronically adjustable suspension. The Comfort pack adds centralised pannier locking, a tyre-pressure monitoring system and an alarm. The Dynamic pack rounds things out with advanced riding modes, traction control and an LED lighting signature. On top of all that, BMW fits Keyless Ride keyless ignition, a bi-directional quickshifter for clutchless upshifts and downshifts, an integrated 2x15-watt Bluetooth-compatible audio system, and an intelligent emergency call system capable of contacting rescue services in the event of a crash. Photos of the BMW R 1250 RT Exclusive reveal a sober yet elegant Mineral Grey Metallic livery, complemented by a 49-litre top case that joins the standard side panniers. Two additional LED spotlights complete the lighting package for long winter stages.

The price of such generosity is plain to see on the sticker. The 2020 BMW R 1250 RT Exclusive is listed at 26,490 euros, a premium of nearly 6,570 euros over the base RT. That is substantial, but when you add up the individual value of each integrated option, the maths tip in favour of the special edition. BMW is playing a card well known in the automotive world: offering a "fully loaded" model at a price slightly below that of an equivalent à-la-carte configuration. Clever. On the other hand, the absence of the sport windscreen and the chrome exhaust from this Exclusive's catalogue is worth noting — two details purists would have liked to see included in a model that is supposed to have it all.

This machine is aimed at long-distance riders, those who set off early in the morning with 600 kilometres to cover before nightfall, passenger and luggage on board. The Telelever at the front and the Paralever at the rear smooth out road imperfections with a composure the competition struggles to match. The 805 mm seat height remains accessible to most builds, and the 25-litre tank allows comfortable legs between fuel stops. If you are looking for a tourer capable of crossing a continent without ever wearing you out, and your budget allows it, the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT Exclusive carries on the same recipe in the same vein. It is hard to find better in this class. Hard, even, to find anything else.