BMW R1250RT: Too Big to Commute?
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- Опубликовано: 8 янв 2024
- Join Eugene on his journey with the BMW R1250RT, as he explores why this touring powerhouse is his choice for daily commuting in the Bay Area. Covering a 45-mile one-way commute on the interstate, Eugene delves into the unique aspects of commuting on this renowned bike.
🏍️ What's Inside:
Commuter Insights: Understand the specifics of a long-distance commute and how the BMW R1250RT stands up to the challenge.
Weather Protection: Discover the unmatched weather protection features of the R1250RT that make it ideal for all conditions.
Comfort and Convenience: Learn about the ergonomic design and comfort features that make the R1250RT a joy to ride for hours.
Safety First: Explore the passive safety features that enhance rider visibility and protection on busy highways.
Balancing Act: Hear about the trade-offs of weight, wind protection, and storage solutions in a commuter context.
🚦 Eugene's Perspective:
Personal Experiences: Real-life commuting stories, highlighting how the bike performs in various traffic scenarios.
Comparative Analysis: Insights from test-riding different bikes like KTM 890, BMW GSA, Ducati Desert X, and more.
💡 Viewer Interaction:
Your Thoughts: Share your experiences or alternative choices for commuting in the Bay Area.
Questions Welcome: Eugene is here to answer your queries about the R1250RT and its setup.
🎬 Stay Tuned: For more in-depth reviews and motorcycle insights from Eugene, subscribe and hit the bell icon for notifications!
#BMW #R1250RT #MotorcycleCommuting #BayAreaRiders #TouringBikeReview #DailyCommuter #MotorcycleReviews #RidingExperience
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An RT was the best commuter bike I ever had.
Had the Rt and always found it to be a little large for me. I'm 5'9" and 155lbs. Went to the RS and added a larger windshield, rear fender, side deflectors and bar risers. Basicly converted it to an RT comfort wise. Huge difference in weight and ease of use. Gave up some of the protection and soft ride, but I am very happy and would not go back. Just my thoughts. Thanks, brother!
Oh, interesting. RS looks a lot sportier. I did not know there are options to make it more comfortable.
Just happened to try one, and it fit well. Almost bicycle like compared with the big brother. Narrow as well without the side cases. AeroFlow makes the windshield and flow wings for the fairing. MachineartMoto the rear fender. Shame I broke all of it off when some sand on a blind curve in the Catskills chucked us into the woods!
Great video and review. I, too, live in the Bay Area (SF) and ride a. 2021R1250RT. I would agree with all of your points. This is my third BMW; first was a 2007 K1200GT and then a 2009 K1300Gt. I put 130K miles on the 1200 and 119K miles on the 1300. I would say that 90% of my riding was in California and most of that was in Northern CA. I commuted a lot on those bikes and loved every minute. I sold the 1300 this past August, because it had a multitude of problems and they would have cost me a fortune. So, I opted to get rid of it and buy something else. I took the R1250Rt out for a ride and fell in love with it. The lower center of gravity, the power (for a twin), and the size of the bike were all advantages for me. That, and I could ride long distances with my wife on the back.
I retired this past October so I haven't ridden as much, but if you are up for some rides, let me know. I can easily come out to the East Bay!
I commute on mine and filter through horrendous traffic every day. Love it :)
There is one more good point: despite all the 'plastic' it has excellent aerodynamics. I used to ride, also mainly for commuting, a Pan European. They tend to be affected very much by crosswinds and the 'dirty' air behind a truck. The RT in my experience is much better in this area. And, as you stated, weather protection is second to none. Even in freezing temperatures I'm still quite comfy. What I do miss is the Pan's sweet V4 and smooth gearchange...
Among motorcycles, the wind protection is second to none. Among scooters, especially maxi-scooters, the wind protection would be poor because scooters do not hang the legs in the wind. If I had a 45 mile commute on the highway like him, or a cross-country trip, it'd be a maxi-scooter all the way.
I commute everyday. Mixed bag of conditions. Does a great job.
I would use the large top pod.
Easily holds a helmet. Added benefit: high-mounted brake lights.
I too dislike hard side cases, so I use a top case. Large enough to hold a peaked helmet or quite a lot of shopping, it also provides a back rest for a passenger.
I was having some work done on my bike and the service manager let me ride his demo r1250rt to get some food. To be honest I didn't want to bring it back it was so comfy. I love my old r1200 gsa but this bike is a dream to ride.
after commuting for 3.5 years, 25k kms a year on a S1000XR, i bought a 2009 K1300 GT for winter use and as a backup bike. It is doable but not nearly as nice as the XR. The big difference being the weight as we tend to do a lot of lane filtering.
...hi from Germany 👍 my 1250 RT is a fighter bomber...more than 100kg lighter than a Goldwing...243 kmh top speed on an open German highway...and curves in low mountain ranges? incredibly easy to ride, better than GS...Hard to beat! Super athletes cry! And the driver with his FJR 1300 thought he had more horsepower 🤔🤐😉 unfortunately his chassis wasn't up to par with the RT and he ended up in a wire fence! (Thank God no injuries 👍) the best thing I've ever ridden...600,000km on a motorcycle and then came the RT! I now have a second one (1200 built in 2009) for the winter. I love 🤟 this motorcycle! great tours, you are absolutely right! Biker greetings, Udo 😎🤘🫶
This is why I chose the RT. (Well a few years earlier, I did rent one and ride 1700 miles with my wife on the back around Northern California - so I was already mostly convinced.).
My previous bike was a CBR1100XX. I put 90,000 miles on it and loved every minute, but my wife and I are getting older and like our comforts. Went to the dealer to look at the Gold Wing - oh no, too fat, too heavy. I'm sure it handles well for its size. My wife didn't really like the look of it either. Next we looked at the K1600, a superb motorcycle, but too tall and top heavy for me. Then we looked at the 2021 RT and both of us thought it was the nicest-looking bike in the showroom, very elegant. I already knew it worked well for us since we'd rented one in 2018.
My wife actually *encouraged* me to lay down the money - "you're 65, how many more years will you be riding anyway? Get something great!"
And wow, it handles almost like a sportbike. I thought the Blackbird was stable - and it was - but the RT is unshakeable at any speed.
Comparison to the other touring bikes (Harley, Indian, K1600, Honda GW) it is a light weight. Once you get used to the weight, it becomes no issue. The width is probably wider than any other bike in the Market. My 22 RT will be 2 years old in a few months and I still love it like the 1st day.
Hi Nice video. I've been a Harley owner for 35 years but I just ordered the RT which hopefully will arrive by April. It was one of my hardest decisions mostly based on the personality piece. But when I look back on how much I spent personalising my Fat Boy (£10k) and the cost of a new Harley Road Glide then it's no contest. The Harley RD is £27k+ even before getting a proper exhaust air cleaner etc. By contrast from what I have seen the RT is ready to go and miles superior in technology.
The RS is a great bike. It can be molded into a sport bike or a tourer. The engine is the same as the RT, but the overall bike weight is less. If touring comfort is your thing add a touring screen, panniers and bar risers good to go and for quite a bit less money than the RT.
This bike is a very complete solution. Has no reverse gear, but still is maneuverable…You just have to bear with the size and weight, but I rarely maneuver the bike with the engine turned off…feels heavy and if you are distracted it can be easily dropped… that’s what you pay for having a so big protection, and luggage space, after all.
The seat height can be reduced, as I Imagine you already know, in order to get more protection from the wind on your helmet. Of course, this solution comes with a price in leg position comfort and so, you really have to choose what’s important for you, a little wind on top of your helmet or a more bent position of your legs, using the seat on the low position. I think it lows the seat about one inch also. I don’t advise to increase the windshield with any accessories, it really hurts the aesthetic look of the bike that is perfect in the original form.
Strong and effective brakes, it’s marvelous. Adaptive cruise control (mine is a 2022 model , manhattan green version), is a peach 🍑 and the lights at night are bright, sharp and clear.
Usually, I like to ride it with the suspension setup in road mode and the engine on dynamic mode, to take advantage of the full power of the 1250 cc boxer engine. The road presence is phenomenal. It’s one bike that you really can do a lot of mileage with two people on and still both in comfort. It’s a great bike, I love it. Very well chosen for the commuting riding that you do. For me, it’s a bike to do everything with it. For me it’s just the right bike for the road! 🙌
This is a very nice quality video. Thanks for your thoughts on the RT. Do you have highway pegs on your R1250RT? Did you lower the footpegs? Do you feel like you have sufficient legroom and not feeling cramped? Thanks in advance!
You'd think that 1 inch taller windshield would have prevented the top of your helmet be hit by wind, and maybe it is so. But the taller the windshield, the trickier the design needs to get to avoid buffetting, and keep the airstream clean. I could think of nothing more annoying at freeways speeds than turbulent air peeling off the top of windshield that then sucks my helmet rhytmically in and out of the windshield's proximity. Maybe I am exagerating a bit to make a point here.
Wunderlich makes winglets that are attachable to the top of windshield, if you are not ready to experiment with aftermarket RT windshields.
I use Madstad aftermarket windshield (tilt / height adjustable). on my F700GS and that worked pretty well. They provided a custom bracket that is BMW model specific.
thanks for sharing! I checked out the 1300 gs and it felt lighter than my 850gs. People routinely talk about 800+ miles in a single day on an RT. Good to get this perspective when shopping next time.
GS carries the weight lower than 850. From my experience, 850 does feel heavier too. I ended up with RT for my commute for extra weather protection and comfort, GS feels more like my kind of bike though :)
I ride a 2013 R1200RT, the last year for the air/oil cooled boxer. Like you, I am also 6'2" and I had the same issue with the windshield at freeway speeds that you comment on about 6:30 on the timer. I bought an aftermarket windshield that was a couple of inches taller and wider. That totally fixed that problem. I haven't bought a touring motorcycle in the past 30 years that I didn't have to swap out the windshield on so this wasn't any surprise. As for the size of the saddlebags, I have not heard of aftermarket lids that narrow the profile of the bags. I'll have to look into that. I'd like to see how they look. Being in California where lane splitting is a common thing, I can see where they'd be an advantage for you. Where I'm from, they don't allow lane splitting so it's not something I've ever done. I have family in California and have been out there on my motorcycles many times through the years but lane splitting is something I won't do. I'm just not comfortable with it.
I did end up installing smaller lids and they work great for me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Hello, good description of RT. I just purchased a 22 last weekend. Prior to that I used a K1200RS and at first I removed the side bags. However I put them back on and feel very comfortable with them. I believe the width is the same and as noted in another reply, the police use them, so will I. I practice weekly w slow maneuvers, Uturns, emergency stops at a variety of speeds as well serpentines at various speeds. Stay safe and enjoy the new bike.
Thanks for sharing! After two months of owning a bike I'm definitely more comfortable with it, it does not feel that big any more. I think it's great you practice slow speed maneuvers and stops, it's important to keep those skills sharp. I've done some police cone riding training before and also enjoy some parking lot drills!
Just order Wunderlich Marathon windshield. It is huge, like a barn door. Has rounded shape at the top. Also aditional winglets at botom. Im 6.1 and for me is a overkill. But i got RT with small sport windshild, so i needed something biger for winter. Original standard windshild was almost twice more expensive, so i went for Marathon that is biger then BMW standard, and thicker. Thicknes is only drawback that you need to get use to it. But considering size, it needs to be thick to hold all the pressure.
Oh, interesting. I've just installed a Werks Quiet Ride, it is also bigger than stock. I did not like it at first, as in top position it was creating weird turbulence into the back of the helmet. But once i lowered it an inch or two it was perfect. Let me know how Marathon works for you.
I’d trade unobstructed view of the road by looking just above the edge of windshield over looking through the windshield any day (its presence and thickness can distort light as original commenter seem to hint), over having a windshield in the way, which creates visual clutter for your eyes’s focusing (my subjective opinion… try what works best for you, I understand the windshield is adjustable so trying it should not take much effort)
Gr8 video. I was considering this bike to, my commute is 30 miles one way but I endup with Honda Africa Twin 😂😂😂
Depends on the commute, if a lot of city traffic and live where lain splitting is legal, a narrower bike would be easier to lane split.
Great video. I alternated between a Harley Dyna low rider S and a BMW 1200 RT. BMW was excellent - comfortable, wind protection, storage, great for cold/wet weather and long distance. The Harley was terrible on all these metrics. When COVID hit and I had to sell one, I sold the RT. I just didn’t dream about the RT the way I did on the Harley. The Harley had so much character, oozed with character… I do miss how good the RT was tho. Considering a 1250 RT to add to my current KTM. 1290 SAS.
I was really close to getting 1290sas. The bike felt like home considering how much dirt riding I do
Didi you try Honda NT 1100 ?
La RT est la reine de la route !
I love almost everything on that bike, the only thing I dislike (like on all other BMW, though) is the screen. It lacks some informations I'd like on the "home page".
Hello Eugene! What Quadlock support are you using? Could you tell me? Thanks!
I use a Quadlock with Ramball. I have two Ramballs mounted on handlebar, you can see on on the right side of the handlebar.
Eugene, check out the AeroFlow Windscreen. 👌
Hey! I'm 6'6", do you think I would be fine with the legroom and ergonomics? I am so in love with this bike, havent tried it yet, and plan on buying something bigger than my Tiger 660 in next few years, so dunno if I should stop dreaming about the rt 😅
I think you should try riding a stock RT, it should feel better than 660. And then with a tall seat and lowering footpegs your knees should get comfortable. You might get a bigger windshield too.
@@ridewitheugene thanks!
I forgot to ask - How did you mount the quad lock as I know the bars are an odd shape? Thanks
I've found some used GSA mirror mounts on ebay. They fit perfectly and replace RT stock clutch and brake bar clamps. I've installed M10x1.5 Ram ball studs there. Left one is used for the quadlock, the right one is still empty as you might see in video.
I ride my GSA everyday as well on big trips🤷🏾♂️
Nice video Eugene. I have a 2014 RT (WC) and its a great bike. I am 6f tall and I get a bit of turbulance as well but not too bad. To me the main drawback is how impersonal the bike is. This is very subjective or course, but you dont have a lot of ways to make it your own if you know what I mean. But hey, at least cops wave at you on the street!
Its like the opposite of a Harley, this is a fantastic bike out the box. Besides engine and cases protection bars, it doesnt need a single thing. As a touring bike is probably the best in the market.
Agree with your observations! I do want to get an engine protection bars for mine. And because it comes loaded with everything you need from the factory, there really is not much room left for personalization.
@@ridewitheugene for protection bars I would recommend Illium Works. They also have a "shift lever extender" ($20 I believe), way easier to find the lever with boots. Those are the only personalization items that are required :)
BTW, keep the front tire at 39/40 psi and always, always on Dynamic mode, and this thing rips like a cop after the bad guys!
Are you sure regarding the width of the bike. Isn't it widest at the mirrors?
I measured it, with stock side cases, rear is wider than mirrors
@@ridewitheugene ok then.....you are maybe right 😀😀
There is a difference between the bike being to big too commute and liking a smaller bike for commuting. I commute heavy city traffic on a K1200GT, it by no means is too big. For heavy stop and go traffic, my Moto Guzzi is better suited, but that doesn’t mean the other is too big
Yeah this bike size issue has gotten really old, small females are now riding gs adventure bikes, it's called skills, technique will allow you to ride any bike!
Dude city cops ride this all day everyday if you think it’s to big you haven’t trained to ride properly.
Yeah the cops here in Scottsdale have these and will flip them around super easy.
This bike has cylinders sticking out and needs crash bars - which by the way cop bikes come with standard.
Cops do train, but they also equip their bikes with protection so that they don’t total the bike while practicing in a parking lot and drop it. We all see cops doing amazing slaloms but RUclips does not show how much sweat went into it to get to that level. The closest channel perhaps there is that demonstrates this is MotoJitsu.
@@David_JourneyBasically you’re saying you need crash bars while you’re training and police officers train to ride bikes.
No, training to ride bikes isn’t the easiest thing in the world. If you’re looking for easy, you have a nice car you ride to work.
I hate when guys complain about training. Sounds so weak.
Either do the training like cops do, and learn how to ride properly or don’t.
What is your mpg city/highway
35 to 45 mpg, depending on how adventurous I feel that day
They are nice but the reason I quit commuting on mine was having to call a tow truck, really disappointing after spending so much for a bike. Limp mode every time I rode it and they never could fix it. Lemon lawed it.
Oh, interesting. Was that a 1250 or 1200 model? It must have been a rare case of Lemon, as I have not heard of reliability concerns on these bikes.
Hey I ride my bicycle on that road :)
Looks like Tassajara back road past Blackhawk Country Club.
yeah, could be =)
I don't think it's too big for a commuter, I have a 07 ST 1300 PA police with all the crash bars and everything on it and she's a heavy girl she's big but I have a similar commute, and I don't think that she's too heavier to unwieldy for just that. I would just get more used to the weight do a lot more slow speed work in a parking lot somewhere and just get really used to how the balance is
I hardly ever use the panniers. Even on tours. Top box is always on and covers all my luggage needs. Why are you driving 40+ mph in 3rd gear? I would already be in 5th. My prefered short distance commutor is my BMW C-evolution. The RT is more for fun
It takes people a while to adjust to the torquey boxer twins and the shift-cam motors with their revier nature makes it harder to judge the right gear.
You'll find your machine will comfortably take 5th gear at 45mph on such flat, straight roads, most of the time you had it in 3rd - at least my 1200 does. You'll get better gas mileage.
Where are you living? Bay Area?
Yes, Bay Area
Though so. Lived there for 30 years. Lots of good riding. Brings back memories. @@ridewitheugene
High beams on during daylight helps with visibility also
Hi Beams just annoy the oncoming traffic. The bike has daytime running lights and they are plenty. Low beams if you must but high beams still blind oncoming traffic even in full daylight.
@@johnveldthuis331 Either never rode before, or haven’t had the Pleasure of being cut off by someone who didn’t “see” you. It’s actually a thing that is taught in a lot of motorcycle safety courses and ALL of our law enforcement motor academies
Riding on Cali highways evfery day...seems dangerous
I’ve commuted On a 2018 Goldwing. So no lol 😂
I've never ridden goldwing, i've heard a lot of great feedback about them from comfort perspective.
@@ridewitheugene I’ve owned a lot of bikes in my life. I’ve ended up owning 3 now as I’ve gotten older. It’s such a great all rounder.
great review, just sold my XR... was thinking about another! :)
was that an s1000xr or f900xr?
😢