2021 BMW R1250 RT Review | First Ride
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- 2021 BMW R1250 RT Review | First Ride: A few months back those kind folk at BMW UK loaned me the latest RT for a try - Here's my first ride on the bike plus those links I promised:-
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I run a 1984 R100RT and the advancements in technology over the intervening years is astounding. That being said the old bike weighs but 525 pounds, loves to run at 75mph all day and is easy to work on: one can adjust the valves on the side of the road if need be using the factory tool kit. Of course riding this bike feels like your riding something out of "The Flintstones" cartoon after coming off a modern bike but it is good enough for me and only cost me $4000. The engine has about 160K kilometers on it and it runs as good as the day it was new. I love the German boxer engines.
Thanks for the great review. Kind regards from Canada. 🇨🇦
Thanks for stopping by Lyle!
You can use the buttons on the left side of the fairing for ‘favourites’ including the heated grips, apparently😀
Yes good point!
Ironically, a bike built for crossing continents, just when we can’t. But when we can you could be in the South Of France before you know it. Love it.
They say older riders like these bikes, but I say get one whilst you’re young. The weight adds up and can be tricky on adverse camber, awkward, junctions, with it’s 279 kg, rider, pillion and luggage. 450+kg on tour…. Great for the faster roads, but try it on the small, awkward, adverse camber roads with loose gravel, typical in the remote Celtic countries. I sold my LE back to the dealer and got a F900XR, which means I can concentrate on the roads without worrying about the weight. I had a 2013 (90 Jahre) for three years, which seemed lighter. Even then I remember on the SW coast of Ireland thinking a GS might be better. At 70 next birthday I have to think what weight bike is the most practical for me. Otherwise yes, great bike.
Yes agreed all round Pete - for me, weight, and the height at which it is held, is a major consideration. In the main these boxer engined bikes are great with the low centre of gravity they offer.....
I'm 31 and I ride an RT. My friends make fun of me, well they made fun of me until they've added their luggage on my bike and still get left behind be me and the girl. Now they make fun of us when I'm not nearby.
Pete I bought my first R1100RT 24 year ago when I was but a lad!! (well 35 anyway!!!) and loved it till I was rear ended by a German driver in january this year......so I agree...why wait til your old to have a great bike
enjoying my 21 RT for 3 months now. The nav and media options work fantastically well, once loaded and set-up.
Personally I feel the RT is a mixture of a love / hate affair. It's the best bike to do everything from picking up take aways to long distance holidays, but its too "ordinary" looking and the boxer engine won't entice the soul, especially if you coming from an inline four or six.
But if like me, you want 1 bike to do it all, it's hard to beat, include 2 up riding.
my 2c. 🇿🇦
Yes good feedback thanks for that - I fee the same way about my GS......
It looks like the foot-peg position is dictated by the fact there is no chance of moving them forward, due to all the stuff sticking out the sides at the front.....
BMW Connected actually works quite well and is easy to use, all I use on the 850 GS.
Glad to hear that!
Would certainly buy one if my back didn't dictate my riding days. No longer able to do the all day rides so I would never truly appreciate the capabilities of this beautiful bike. Will be getting the Triumph T120 to retain my sanity and maintain my therapy rides!. Great video as usual Andy, appreciate the effort as usual. Ride safe brother.
Cheers Andrew - video on the t120 coming soon!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Will certainly be keeping my eye out for that review. Cheers brother.
Thanks Neil for the advise will look at an older model, may even get a bit of a bargain. The older dash with the dials looked so much better in my opinion.
Best Regards Larry
I think you’ll find navigation via the phone very good though I do take your point about having the navigation inbuilt. That said, planning the next days route in your hotel room’s not going to be too easy with an inbuilt system. There are software improvements due for the app in Sept for the people who are having issues. I only use the app for navigation and find it very nearly perfect. The TFT alone puts the navigation system a long way ahead of anything Garmin produce.
Mobile phone updates more efficient too. My Garmins are shite now 😂
Can you upload routes from MyRouteApp directly?
@@robinwicks52 I use iRoute on my iPad - create route & save as GPX file, upload to iCloud, download to phone and open in Connected app. East and quick. It can be done quicker than it takes BaseCamp to display a map.
@@maxflight777 I'm not sure riding along repeatedly stabbing a tiny screen hoping for some reaction from a Garmin GPS is a plus point.
I understand the appeal of built-in GPS, but it would have to be easy to update the map(s) and upload a route. I can only assume it’s easier to do this on a removable unit (or your phone), and the bike then only has to be able to display that input. A bit of a faff, but possibly easier than doing it on a built-in unit (in the rain) 🙂
Could you do a direct comparison to the Goldwing? And maybe even a drag race!
I find the sat nav very easy to use, connect using the usb and cable. Active cruise control on motorway is another smart tech and works well. I’m sure you will love it the more you ride and use the nav and tech installed.
Thanks for watching Graham!
I agree Andy I like the old dash…analog dials and the angry owl headlights. Maybe it will grow on me before I choose my next bike. In AZ everyone waives regardless of what bike you ride 👍 I agree on the sat nav….having your phone connect versus satellite connection is not a good upgrade
Hl. A great review as always. I bought one of these last week and just a couple of points I’d like to point out. The bike comes with full central locking including the panniers and the 2 pockets on the dash, and those 4 buttons on the left panel, one of them contains a short cut to the heated grips and seats. What I don’t like is the built in sat nav using your phone, setting it up is a pain so I’ve used my old navi 5 instead.
Yes I can’t be doing with satnavs that rely on your phone either….
I do prefer the more stretch out seating, the sporty tucked leg versions always hurt my back on long journeys
Thank you for the video. I bought an RT based on your advice sometime ago. I have fitted a Vstream screen. It's amayzing how good that screen is. It's very quiet much more than the standard screen and you don't have to put it up so high to get a perfectly smooth air flow. For anyone with an RT the two best upgrades are a Sargent seat and Vstream screen.
Thanks for the tips William!
Re the panniers, they ARE in fact part of the central locking system
Thanks for the clarification Robin....
As soon as i saw the front end, I thought of Toothless from How To Train Your Dragon. I can't 'un-see' it now...
Ah yes, I can see that!!
i admire your trust in the suction cup mounts..
i would have probably attached more than one lanyard incase the suction gives way
you'd be surprised at what type of far more bent windshield that suction cup is able to hang on to, and even riding on cobbled stones. In my latest video ("No center stand, no worries", that's exactly what I use)
@@nickthequick awesome! me being a scardycat will still put a lanyard just incase
Andy you mention the panders are locked separately, but in fact they work on the central locking function. I find the mapping function works well as you can route plan in the house then just put your phone in the housing and off you go. FYI make sure you join the bike's wifi and bluetooth in order to get the full functionality. I have the SE with top box and I do love the bike. I've had many other bikes and plenty of GS's. However I find I have more confidence with the bike than any other, especially in slow speed manoeuvring when you just trail the back brake. Overall good video and I look forward to your future observations. If I could have a wish list item I'd chose apple car play, as it would work really well on a screen like that.
I have Apple Carplay on my Goldwing and I have to say I prefer the built in native Honda apps (but I suspect I'm in the minority on that) - I hate having to faff about with Blutooth and wifi connectuons everytime I want to go for a ride, just can't be bothered with it!
There are shortcut buttons on the n/s fairing sir.
Yes - should have RTFM!
Next to the GS, this would be my second choice. I may be a bit odd but I like the look of the Boxer engine, and for that matter, Moto Guzzi 90 degree sideways twin. Both engines have a lot of character. Sounds like for long trips you may prefer the GS riding position? Anyway, can’t wait to hear more.
I own a boxer and a Guzzi too, completely agree with your comments. Maybe not something you instantly fall in love with but, after a period of ownership they certainly get under the skin.
Brilliant review of a bike that I’ve personally admired but never ridden. One thing that irks me about big tourers is why can’t they LED the back panniers for safety.? Maybe they do on the bigger machines? It’s not rocket science and must be safer generally to be a bigger presence from behind. They light the front with LED. Thanks so much and look forward to the in-depth review.
I ended up with a GSA, but was so close to choosing the RT. It’s a beautiful thing. The RT would have done well for my Hidden Twisties channel, but the off road capability of the GSA made the final decision for me.
Excellent review as always. I can’t wait for the whole suite of videos in the subject.
@@maxflight777 No. I ride off road al lot. I’m not motocrossing, but I spend a lot of time on gravel and dirt roads., as well as some single track trails. The RT would be abused in some of these places and couldn’t make it in others.
Taller riders are fine on the RT. BMW have a high seat option and they can lower the pegs, so the leg room is fine.
Rather surprised you aren't sure of the looks, given how "challenging" the GS looks with its squinty face and huge beak !
I rather like the rugged looks of the GS
I do prefer an external satnav. The problem with integrated sat nav is that you have to update the maps through the dealership and they charge a fortune. Well... i dunno about other manufactures but thats what honda said for my parents Honda Civic.
That's true....
I brought my '21 RT home in March. I've already received multiple map updates through the BMW connected app.
Downloading the BMW app, This could turn into many episodes. We remember TMF trying to use Apple car play on the gold wing.
Yes I have learned the hard way....try getting a Triumph to connect too, a nightmare...
Let me start by saying I love the channel but, I’m noticing a trend lately about the sat navigation. Maybe it’s better to change with the times. It will also give the channel more content and you will learn something new. Just a thought, don’t take it personally.
I'm not sure what I'm not meant to be taking personally?? What am I doing that's upsetting you??
I agree with TMF - navigation SHOULD HAVE been built into this bike’s TFT display as it has been in other models. We should not have to use our telephones on a bike this sophisticated with a TFT display this large.
@@TheMissendenFlyer He probably means embracing modern navigation technology a bit more in a positive way and leaving the map print-outs at home.
Btw I’m writing that from Portugal, 4500 km into a tour around the Iberian peninsula. I’ve been using (I)phone based navigation software since 2010. Actually I’m using Calimoto, without it I wouldn’t be able to find 4500 km on worthwhile C and some B roads through Europe.
My bike is a BMW R1200 R from 2009. 🤙
Thanks for the marvellous work you put into your channel.
@@thomasoneill2337 Evidently so is BMW’s GPS technology in this bike.
@@tubemeikel thank you! That is what I meant but these things often get lost in translation. Or I just need to learn to verbalize my thoughts better. Probably the later!
BTW, I love the Calimoto app!
Does the RT not have the heating button on the right bar control cluster like the GS? One press and you then use the Whizz wheel to control the heated seat and grips. I was tempted with the RT when I recently updated my GS, I especially liked the blue colour on the sport model, but with the standard screen, the blue paint and gold callipers and forks worked really well. However the GS is a better bike in my humble opinion.
I have no doubt that BMW build excellent bikes. But what leaves me cold are their packages. To get a worthwhile bike you will have to have one or two of them which means adding a considerable amount of edge to an already hefty price. I’ve no doubt there is a special tyre package that will give you special BMW “ride adaptive” air for the tyres. You also have to wonder with all of the advances in BMW’s technology why the service intervals are so short. I would have thought that we would be up to 30,000 mile intervals and/or every five years with no parts required, just oil and a filter. You also wondered why no nodding? What bike were you on?
Very true. It seems you can't just specify a heated seat, you have to buy a "comfort package" costing £1,400. Quite how a chromed exhaust pipe adds to rider comfort is a bit of a mystery to me.
Yeah I must admit I don't like how manufacturers do this - it's not just BMW of course.....I do understand their reasoning of course!
@@TheMissendenFlyer KTM is as bad or worse...
Funny, personally I always liked the stick out (boxer) cilinders, one of the reasons I also like Guzzi's. To each his own. :-)
Indeed! We all like different things....
"Not a nodder" - bloomin' typical lol. Agree about the sat nav malarky - too much complexity and the polar opposite to the Beeline Andy! Perhaps when they upgrade the screen to a 15" TFT it'll be integrated ;-)
In the end, I am curious to see how you compare the RT to your 19 Gold Wing Tour DCT, as well as the GS. I own the same DCT and have been considering a BMW as a touring bike but won't be crossing the Sahara, so a GSA and all its bulk may not be for me.
Hey Flyer! At last, you are taking a look at the bike I now have, having traded in my R1250GS Rallye TE. I hope you enjoy your time with it. I have been very impressed with it so far. I got the best colour one, blue, by far and all of the gadgets including the stereo player, over indulgence maybe but really impressive like the active cruise control and "moving" lights. The heated grips can be reached by putting them in the favourites buttons, the ones on the left running 1 to 4 which is quite useful but I think they could have made that better yet still, shouldn't have to have it awkward and then a "favourite" button system, oh well. I'm also a fan of buttons for things you will use a lot. The engine is stunning on the bike and matched in with superb handling from the bike going a bit quicker is very good, safely done of course. Once you are used to how the navigation works with conjunction of your phone and the BMW App it is really good, I'm still learning with it and it can be a little frustrating whilst you get the hang of it. What's most annoying is how long it takes to set up from putting your phone in the special cubby hole and turning on, getting the App engaged and loaded and bike fired up and running, and everyone else on their bikes have long set off..!!! When you get going the system is good, frustratingly when you stop and have a coffee/tea break in the cafe on journey, when you set off again you have to go through all that palaver again...!!! it would be better in my view if they had integrated a sat nav in the screen without need for phones and apps etc....
Yes I 100% agree - I can't be doing with all that faff before each ride, it's why I can't be bothered with Apple CarPlay on my GoldWing - I just use the in-built fully featured Honda satnav - always there and just works! Great to hear your real world feedback, thanks for watching and for stopping by....
Thanks. The cylinders force the legs from being further forward , that's it.
Well maybe but all I can say is the GS stretches your legs more!
Lovely bike, I had one for 6 weeks a year ago. Unfortunately arthritic hips meant pain every time I had to push to upright position at standstill. Moved "down" to a 1250GS and a year later here I am moving "down" again to a 1250R which means far less pain now. Oh the joys of getting old! I'm in awe you can ride the RT, even more in awe you ride a Goldwing! Respect! (Think you're a bit younger than my 62 though😉)
Sorry to hear that Jon - it's a bugger when our bodies start to dictate the bikes we can ride (my shoulders do me no favours)...and yes, I'm 53...so not that far behind!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I'll be on a BMW 310 soon! 🤣 Enjoy while you can Andy!
Agree.I’m knocking on 70 and found the F900XR suits me better. Even if us elders end up in a few years with lighter bikes like a G310GS or CBF300, heh we are still riding…
Exactly - as long as we keep riding that's all that matters...doesn't matter what on....
I like to think I’m too immature to accept I’m getting old! 😉
Thanks Mr Flyer, I enjoyed the ride. I quite like the looks of this bike (for a tourer) and the optional seats for us smaller or taller riders is a welcome addition. Should I decide to try touring I can at least try one of these. :>)
one of BMW most amazing bike, I had one sell it, will be in the UK soon, will be getting the new 1250..!!!!!!!!!!!
I just traded in my K1600 for the 1250RT (without the TFT screen, because of the lack of separate SatNav). After 4 weeks I am about to trade back to a K1600 again. I love the RT, but the little things that I don;t like are: 1) SatNav doesn't lock in place so has always to be removed. 2) K1600 is better for filtering, the RT mirrors are at the same height as car mirrors which makes filtering trickier. I ride a lot in London and find the K1600 easier. 3) the slightly more cramped position of the RT. Having said all that it is a very close thing, and I am in two minds all the time about it. I have a 1250GS as well, so that kind of swings in in favour of the K1600.
Have you tried a 2018+ GoldWing?
@@TheMissendenFlyer No. I did ride a Goldwing in the US in 2007 and was amazed how easy it was to ride. But not sure about the image plus it's bloody expensive.
I have the 2020 R1250RS, with the smaller TFT screen, and I use the BMW Connected app all the time to get turn by turn instructions on the screen. The app has gotten better over time and I really like the functionality it has. It's easy to create a route, maps can be downloaded so you don't need cell coverage. With the bigger screen, you can get a map display along with turn by turn.
Glad you're gettig along with it OK....
@@TheMissendenFlyer I think you would do your viewers a service if you played with the app and reviewed it. My Garmin sits lonely on the shelf...
I just find the R1250RS much more appealing, a good touring bike, but more sporty and less blobby at the front than the RT. I keep watching reviews and looking at specs for all makes and the BMW R1250RS just seems like the perfect bike.
Fair enough!
If you press and hold the up on the menu button you can set a favourite. That's how I quickly access heated grips. Then the down takes me straight to the heated seat.
Yes good idea that - I should have RTFM
I've test ridden the Ducati V4 multistrada which has adaptive cruise control. I thought it was an absolute game changer. If BMW don't put that on the GS next year then they're missing a trick.
Would be awesome if you could do some kind of comparison of this BMW vs the new generation Gold Wing. Similar target market but very different execution. German vs Japan. Etc….
Hmmm….
Good review Andy. This bike was on my list for next bike. Took one as a loaner when my GSA was in for a service. I'm 6' tall (with less than brilliant knees) and I found it uncomfortable after 10 miles. Felt like my feet were tucked under my knees. Not good for long distance touring.
Lads on the forums are complaining it's much more uncomfortable than previous versions and for a number of riders that will be enough to stop them from buying one. It certainly had that effect on me. Got back on my GSA at the end of the day and it was like sitting in an armchar compared to the RT.
It's a cracking bike but not for me. The seating position just doesn't make any sense for a mile muncher.
Andy I owned RTs in all incarnations from a R1100RT through to a R1200RT L/C, the best one was my 2006 A/C 1200 the worst was the L/C one, heavy handling compared to the A/C ones, uncomfortable seating and awkward grip position which aggravated tennis elbow in my right elbow. Wife absolutely hated it, so much so we sold it after just over a year for a GS, eventually finally bit the bullet and changed the GS for the Goldwing, all I can say is there is no competition between the Wing and RT L/C , the Wing wins that comparison by a country mile
...well you're leaning on an open door here of course!
@@TheMissendenFlyer 🥴
Only my experience of course, well SWMBO’s too. I too thought the L/C version was fantastic when I first rode it after the A/C versions, the dislike gradually set in after longer rides, the saddle for instance felt great at first, after 2-3 hours it was a plank. Interestingly my motorrad dealer commented to me at the time that they were getting similar feedback from many customers and plod only had one A/C left in the area which apparently most preferred to ride
I really like your videos, man. You've got a real positive attitude and it feels like you're a real bike lover
Thank you - and I am!
Tried all the boxers and always fall back to my s1000xr .
The no-nodding must be an English thing, because here everybody salutes.
Well our nodding rather than gestures with the hand is largely because we ride on the left, I'm sure if we rode on the right we'd all be doing that cool two fingered low wave thing....
Nice review as ever & it's clearly a great machine but I just don't get the styling & making the front end look so bulbous & disproportionate to the rest of the bike. A bit too Quasimodo for my liking. Also can't see the point of having a TFT of that size, probably the same as in their cars, & not having the same inbuilt Sat-Nav system that they've already developed so literally no extra work required. Bit of an odd choice imo.
Good points all round...
If you're using the adaptive cruise and you come upon a vehicle traveling slower and the bike lowers it's cruise rate to "adapt", does it roar back to the established cruise rate if you change lanes and put the slower vehicle out of the way?
I've noticed that in some vehicles and I really don't care for it. I'd rather the vehicle accelerated at a smooth pace instead of roaring unnecessarily. Which is really a bit of simple code development to make that happen.
Sadly, nodding is decreasing down in Tasmania too. Must be a generational thing. In fact the most enthusiastic acknowledgement I've had recently was a nod, a wave and a thumbs up from a BMW rider - a motorcycle plod! Probably a sign of "thanks for not making me book you for speeding!"
I’m glad it’s not just in Blighty! And good to know you have cheery cops!
I think the RS is my favourite, just a nice all rounder.
Yes it is a great bike....
I think the front looks a lot better. Love how the lights looks. Does it come with panniers as standard?
I can't remember without checking but I suspect not!
Thank you for posting. Not sure if it applies to the European market, but in the US, the front Hayes calipers have been replaced to the Nissin brakes (and master cylinder). The Hayes were found to be unreliable (they were leaking brake fluid). To the point BMW had a stop sale order on the RT, GS, S1000, and possibly others(for about 4 - 5 months). There was a massive recall where they replaced the Hayes with the Nissin.
Nissin?
My US market '21 RT has Brembos on the front and back.
@@CorneliusBreadington Ok. Interesting. I wonder if they are going back to Brembos. Do you know the manufacturing date of your bike? My 2021 S1000RR had the Hayes replaced with Nissin. Because of the caliper/master cylinder switch, they also needed a s/w patch. Not sure why they ever bothered switching away from the Brembos.
I heard they were going back to Brembo but I don't know the definitive position....
I own a 2019 rt and enjoy it as I do a lot of 2 up riding. Tried the new RS last week it’s far more compact than the RT and although it’s supposed to be a sports tourer I would say more sports than tourer, it looks nice though, the screen on the RS i found next to useless. My comment to the sales guy was that once you have owned an RT everything else you ride seems like a motorbike. Not ridden a gold wing though
I test rode one about 5 years ago, loved it then but so damn heavy. Lots of nice tech on this one. When was blood biking, the Dane stuff always kept me dry, expensive but allowed all year riding.
This is the local cop bike in Victoria Aust. Having had the Telelever and now teles wit my RS, the RS just edges out the telelever on cornering feel, equal on comfort and the telelever is better on brakes. Shift cam power ENOUGH!
I like physical buttons too and big gauges. Not into the TFT at all, looks like a giant phone. No reason to trade my 2009 K bike it has the modern electronic features but with buttons and a nice easy center screen surrounded by two big gauges and it still has the big power. Having said that, I'm sure this one would take you cross country nicely in comfort as long as you didn't run off the road looking through your settings. Cheers!
My RS is coming up to 3 years old and a test ride is looming for an RT…
You are quite right, the sat nav is a faff…. They should carry over the facility from the car range, onboard SIM card for all Connected services. Especially as the bike has the SOS facility.
Yes with all that display real estate a full featured integrated satnav can't be that hard! One or two other manufacturers manage it (Honda on the GW for example, Indian on their bif tourers....)
Another great review, however I’m not a fan of the boxer engine. Pricey beast as German machines are. Shaft drive will add to the weight of the machine. I’m sure there are comparable options much cheaper out there. Thanks again for the info on this. Much appreciated.
that's it with the boxer, its a well kept secret. Try one for long enough you'll fall in love with it.. and they are rapid point A to point B on real roads , with kit in all conditions
@@AG-ti6cp that braking feature when you stop on a gradient 5% or more the brakes are automatically applied and are released when you set off. That’s a great feature for a beefy bike.
I tried two Boxers and never really enjoyed the engine. Not everyone's cup of tea but if you do like it I can see this R1250RT makes a lot of sense for touring.
@@AG-ti6cp Perfectly put.
I’m not sure adaptive cruise control is something that would ring my bell. Most car drivers can’t keep a constant speed so I’d hate to be at the behest of poor drivers and their erratic speed variations! I’d prefer my modus operandi…they slow down, I overtake them and move on. It’s a proven fact that moving more quickly than the traffic reduces your chances of an idiot driver involving you in their poor driving techniques…otherwise you are the traffic too. As for the content and the R1250RT, I definitely see one in my future! Cheers Andy, ride safe! 🏍️👍🍺💪🇿🇦
Thanks for another great review. Odd about the high-peg seating position. And to show that different riders need different things, I hate the adaptive cruise control; my wife's Subaru has it and the first thing I did is open the owner's manual to learn how to turn it off. On my 2018 GS I sold the Garmin that came with it because I much prefer the iPhone connection. (Admittedly I used to work for Apple so I know my way around an iPhone.)
Great review on a great bike. Slight bias there...
You can raise the seat to its upper position or even order a high or low seat which both also have 2 height settings to tailor the bike to your needs. I am still surprised how well the RT handles.
The buttons on the left side fairing are all assignable.
The buttons on the key fob centrally lock or unlock the panniers and fairing compartments.
New dash, new front and lights look great but still the same 1250 engine. I think the forthcoming 1300 boxer will be my pick...
I'm looking forward to Mrs Flyer's review. I'm sure her standards have raised significantly since riding the Goldwing. I've ridden the new GS, R18, RT and K1600. I came away wanting all of them. Great lineup!
Yes we are spolied for choice aren't we!
6.40 1st van of the day, does the adaptive cruise, have a 'white van' setting, that whacks the throttle open, when there's a gap.
Great idea!
You have options for the amount of acceleration the ACC will apply when it finds a gap. The 'Dynamic' setting will give you the most acceleration.
Thank you Mr F, a highly entertaining review as always. I know exactly what you mean about fellow bikers blanking you when you give them a nod. A few still do it but sadly it seems to be a dying courtesy.
If work goes well the next two months, I’m really thinking about getting a 2021 R1250GSA. I’ve wanted one for about 15 years. This one looks great too but I like the GSA styling better.
Cheers Andy for another great review. always like the kit review at the end
Thanks for staying until the bitter end Nigel!
@@TheMissendenFlyer i always enjoy the kit mini reviews at the end of the vlog
On the fly heated grip button would make more sense than scrolling through TFT.
Andy I’ve heard this complaint from your reviews in the past and also now in this one, that the bike is just slightly higher at stops than you feel comfortable with. Have you ever considered taking a pair of old boots into a proper boot repair shop and have them put on a Vibrum Sole and maybe little extra between, just to give you slightly more elevation for proper handling. I did this with an old pair of Danner Swat Team Boots and it made a total difference with a higher stance on F 800 GS that I once had and still use the boots; love the grip of Vibrum Sole. Great review love the looks and seamless maneuvering of RT
.
Good idea!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Totally worked for me on FS 800 GS and I’m 5’10 on good day 32’ seam; but also works tremendously for a lady that I know who runs an HD Dyna and she’s
5’ 3. The Dyna is low but higher platform Vibram works for her being fully on planted at stops, but also maneuvering a Big Bike in contrast to her size. My older Danner boots, I put on full on no slip in Ice Vibrum sole which allows me to go up on 2nd story house and push off 2 or 3 ft of snow off roof with confidence in Canada.
Santé / Cheers.
I've used the navigation feature with my S1000rr (turn-by-turn instructions) and found it is easy to set up and use. I have also used the Navigator on my GS bikes (a few generations) and the Zumo XT on my current Multistrada. In my experience, all of the Garmin devices are updated frequently (unlike the traditional systems built into cars) and the Zumo XT is several steps ahead of the Navigator, with a very responsive screen and a better layout. I hope you do give the Garmin app a serious try and let us know what you think of navigating with it.
Thanks for another great review. I really enjoyed it. What a super bike!
In terms of heated grips and heated seat, on the new 1250GS there is a button by the right handlebar which when pressed, takes you into the menu to select either heated grips or seat, and then you can select your setting easily from there. No faffing about in the TFT. I wonder if this is the same on the RT? 🤔
One small point, but the RT doesn't have a cut out pannier on the right hand side like the GS does, which makes room for the exhaust, so you get more storage. I have no pretentions to go off road and if I did, I'd hire a bike, but I can completely understand the 'longer' riding position on the GS.
I appreciate that it must take a lot of time and effort to put these reviews together, so thanks very much. I look forward to your long term reflections when you have had chance to ride the bike for a while. Best wishes 🏍
Thank you Peter - and good point on the customisable buttons - should have RTFM!
Another good review TMF, look forward to the follow up vids. Personally I think the base model has all you really need and at £15k is not such bad value in the market, remembering the paniers are included unlike the GS and others.
Ok, maybe add a couple of hundred for heated grips :)
Yes good points Paul!
I'm the opposite on maps... I hate integrated maps on anything and only want it to use my phone. I do not want special apps though, they need to just make it use Android Auto and Apple Carplay... then everything works nice and smooth.
Not on my GoldWing is doesn't - Apple Carplay drops out all of the time!
App saved me a couple of times in the woods with no signal on my GS. It really is a nice thing to have once you get it setup. I find it funny that bikes here in the US come with the navigation pre-setup but with the app, it’s obsolete. Either way, give it a shot 😀
I was surprised to see no crash bars for the engine or panniers. Indeed the front fairing looks vulnerable to a drop as well. Am i missing something?
The frame is not like the R1250GS, the geometry is different. The wheels are also different sizes to the R1250GS
i hear that the TFT is having lots of problems , but they are doing a re work on that in Sept .
Really?
Be interesting to see how BMW designed the GPS/APP connect and which mapping service they use, Garmin? I can only hope they were smarter than Ducati in that regard, because I canned my Ducati Connect/Sygic nav in favor of a Garmin XT.
Great review and thank you - was interested to read what you thought of this bike, and of course will be interested in your follow up reviews. Comments are very polarised - if one was to compare a Goldwing to a BMW, objectively I think it'd have to be the K1600 GT/GTL given six cylinders, price and overall specifications.
As to a GS? Well unless you plan to take the RT off road, it's probably not a relevant comparison. On the other hand, if your off road riding consists only of the odd hard packed dirt road, or graded gravel road, and only as and when needed, I'd argue the RT would be the better objective pick as a road bike over a GS.
Talking of GS's I see that the RE Interceptor has knocked it off the top sales perch in the UK. Perhaps the Charlie and Ewan wannabe image is starting to wane a little in the world of bike marketing and image, in favour of retro 'classics' like the RE twins, and even the new R18 models of BMW.
The other issue perhaps is price. If had to choose between this and say an G310GS and the difference on a premium car with heating, A/C and much more comfort, luxury and space for luggage when touring, I'd take the bike/car combination every time.
Perhaps that might be the other reason the RE twins have become such a sales success; a combination of looks, style, and great riding fun - concentration on the essential pleasure of motorcycle riding, without trying to compete with cars in terms of luxury and comfort features, - where the car almost always wins - and to do so at affordable prices that don't compete with cars either.
This seems to be a sport tourer with the cramped leg position. It's good for curves and quick changes of direction otherwise. For the long haul, seems it's going to require breaks with leg stretches. Personally, I don't require a map displayed in front all the time.
Fair enough....
Andy I think a competitor is also the Yamaha niken
The Fashion section is getting a lot more animated you will be breaking out the catwalk next!!! 😄
Don't give me ideas!
@@TheMissendenFlyer can anyone else hear right said Fred ?
For me , I was lucky enough to go to the launch with a friend in the business, it was a terrible day weather wise , being a pan rider I came way with mixed feelings , I just couldn’t get used to the seating , but also that screen design whist great for cutting wind noise let rain easily roll around the screen soaking the rider , but the suspension and handling was truly top notch I would have no worries riding in winter conditions or having a cupper and knocking a couple hundred miles , whist the radar is good the highlight for me in such crap conditions was the adaptive headlights easily illuminating the countryroads better than the gold wing but agree wish the side boxes were a little bigger but a good shape whist I didn’t try it I think a large lid will just fit with gloves the price is a little steep
Thaks for your summary ram64man - appreciate the feedback!
The 4 buttons on the left are short cuts for the menu
Indeed....
I own a 2015 RT absolutely love it, hope you can demonstrate the BMW navigation app.
Check out today’s video!
Good review Andy and I’m with you about the look of it and the faff with the TFT personally I would have the Z1000SX option 🤔💭
Would the bike be even better with a DCT as an option or not ?
Well I think so yes but BMW don't "do" DCT....
@@TheMissendenFlyer correct they don’t but maybe they are missing something having had a Africa twin the DCT would probably improve the bike in general
It was either this or the Goldwing. I went with the Goldwing due to the DCT, but I wish the Goldwing had the screen that this bike does.
I'm the opposite - I actually prefer the Goldwing's mix of analogue and TFT - or even the old version RT with a mix....
While the RT doesn't have a DCT, the gear shift assist pro feature will allow you to shift gears without disabling the adaptive cruise control. I rode through downtown Denver with the cruise control on and only had to shift up and down a few times. I didn't have to use the clutch at all.
Great review Andy 👍👍. I’m not a fan of the TFT…maybe it will grow on me 😂
Best looks come from K1200LT 2005+
Full tour LUX
Wait until you try the BMW App!!
Have to say I'm very impressed with it. So much so that I have just sold my Navigator VI sat nag. The phone software is always up to date, with no need to connect to a computer to perform such an update. I used to have a 2016 RT, and found it too heavy, especially on uphill T-junctions where I wanted to turn right. Sin then I have had an XR and now a 1200GSA. The GSA is huge, but once I figured out the seat height settings, and changing the suspension height - it's now fine. I'm 6'2" and have had issues lifting it off the side stand when the road has a camber, and sometimes had to get one of my mates to give the bike a shove! (Which they all thought was hilarious). I do like the 1250 engine and the changes that BMW have made to the brakes in the latest round of updates. They are still very strong, but not as sharp as the 2018/2019 brakes.
I tried an RT albeit the 1200 and I honestly couldn't ride it due to the peg position. My knees are knackered with arthritis now and it was just too painful, unless I had my seat on the highest position but then I couldn't reach the floor 🤣
I love my 2007 GS though, it's such a lovely capable bike. I honestly think I'm going to get a 1250 for next year, we will have to see. But then again this one is doing everything I want and is in such tip top condition for its age and almost 50k. I'm truly a GS convert but I'm still not ready to part with my old zx9 😃😃😃
Yes why change if you don't need to?
Excellent blog as per usual. Had mine for 3 months, absolutely love the bike but have had the connection issues and problems with the TFT, been in touch with BMW Germany who are trying to be as helpful as they can, a major software update for both the App and screen is going to happen in Sept so fingers crossed, I’m off to the Picos in the middle of Sept so will rely heavily on the app for the Satnav, totally agree with you in that it should be integrated on the bike. Look forward to the next update blog…. Ride safe
Glad we concur Paul - sorry to hear of your issues :0(
Buy a Guzzi more character. Does the job just as well
Good morning Andy.
Aye the first ride is always special 😉
Nice review TMF, it's a stonker.
Agreed
Excellent review again. I have a 2020 model having traded in a Harley Road King. It was Another good tourer but too heavy . I don’t have a sat nav 6 yet fitted in the recess position but I may buy one. I would like to use my phone on a handlebar mount for nav but the stupid handlebar design makes this impossible without quite a bit of diy bolt replacement. I tour with a friend who has aK1600 with a basic Garmin unit mounted on the handlebar. This is sometimes awkward to control on the move especially skipping town centre waypoints. It also interrupts our 2 way intercom relentlessly in built up areas. If I buy a nav 6 ( made by garmin I think?) does anyone know how much better the control is with the wizzy wheel? Or point me to a useful forum discussion? Thanks.
It looks like its a really nice bike this BMW R/1250/RT!! I like your review and look forward to making the big splurge myself and get one like this one specd out the same too!
Thanks for watching David!
Hope you get Mrs Flyer on the back to see what she thinks of it as a pillion as many will want to use it for two up touring. I've tried the BMW app on my GS and tbh found it a pain and the satnav with it I think needs a mobile signal so I've gone back to my trusty Nav5. Don't forget though "only" a 25L tank the 1250 is very good on fuel. I normally get around 60mpg on my GS so the RT shoukd be good for around 300miles between fill ups which on a bike is very impressive and not a lot will beat that...apart from a GSA I guess. Looking forward to the next vids on the RT👍
No top box means Mrs Flyer won't get on the back....sorry about that!
Not a great deal of competition for the RT now with the loss of the Yamaha FJR, Kawasaki GTR and not forgetting Honda Pan European. Big fan of adaptive cruise control in the car but unfortunately not tried it on a bike as of yet.
Yes you are right - 10 years ago this was a fairly busy sector of the market.....