Nice overview. I went from a ‘17 model to the ‘21 on April 17th. NO ONE should purchase this bike without a proper understanding of how the navigation system works! The system has four components: the bike’s NAVI and TFT display, your smartphone, the BMW Connected app and your communicator. All four must operate together and each can bring the system to a halt! If you have an iPhone the BMW Connected app must be called up and connected to the bike via WiFi with the app displayed on top of the phone display. If for any reason the app is not displayed on top of the phone you immediately lose the map on the bikes TFT display. Getting the bike, the app, the smartphone and your communicator (did I mention the system will not work at all without a detectable communicator!) working together is no mean feat. A glitch anywhere in this entire system can easily bring the entire system crashing down. A review of this aspect of the bike would be doing your audience a tremendous service. My recommendation...stay away from this bike! Wait at least to the ‘22 model before considering a purchase. BMW Motorrad has a lot of sorting to do on this new model.
I have the bike for 2 weeks now, going in for running in service today. I am using my Samsung S10 and for the first 1000 km, have not had any issues. Maps load up on every start up, I did a route with 3 way points, I use spotify for music, and yesterday downloaded a radio app for radio. The only issue I have is not having my album art showing up via spotify, but when I tried my daughter's iPhone, the album art was on.... So why wait? I also heard that bmw might drop the motorad connected app and use their car app, but they will properly just do an update, so I still see no reason to wait another year to buy the bike?
I just purchased the 2021 RT. Mainly for the Active Cruise Control. I am not crazy about the wannabe NAV system with the break up from Garmin. No one mentions that you have to call 2002 to "download" sections of US maps to your phone to sync to the bike. Really? Thats what we did on the old Garmin 2610 series NAV. Garmin or runs circles around this new confangled system. Just look for after market bracket to bolt on a real Garmin Nav that you can touch the screen or talk to via bluetooth.
Kudos and thumbs up 👍 on the bike comparison. I was interested in what an owner of a 2018RT who is also in BMW Sales might say comparing it to the new RT. Aesthetically - I prefer and think the older style has more character. The newer front fairing reminds me of the myriad pocket rocket racer front ends and even the the new Gold Wing front end. They do look sleek but the older angry owl look was unique amongst the other motorcycle manufacturers. The TFT screen - Since BMW was redesigning the fairing, I wish they could have done a better job of blending in the screen to the fairing and making it look more like an integral part of the fairing. I actually prefer analog style gauges with round dials and indicator needles that rotate as you twist the throttle. Spec and feature wise, the newer bike is better than the older models and no doubt, they have more power. But I don't need any more power for my style and riding requirements. I'm looking forward to hearing your future thoughts and comments on how the new RT performs and rides. But most of all, I want to hear what you think overall about both bikes in comparison. Cheers 🥂
I live 30 miles away and have to pass two bmw dealerships to get to you, but it’ll be worth it. Very knowledgeable and appears to be good customer service ratings. I’ll be coming in soon. Great video comparison.
Wonderful bike! It’s also got an updated and fantastic horn for 21. Now can we get “backlit handlebar switches” for night riding and a Charging Port that will hold popular Ultra size smart phones, please. Great review. Thank you.
I have a 2019 R1250RT which I really enjoy riding. I have had a good long look at the newer 2021 model but the change over price was far too much for the improvements over my current machine. I will wait for the new 1300cc engine to launch before I am tempted to change. The TFT maps are ok but what happens when you have no mobile data coverage? The old garmin is starting to look good. The RT is a great bike and really comes into it's own when 2 up touring.
There is something about TFT completely black when engine is off that does not give me confidence. The thought of losing power to it (electronics) vs been able to see the analog console all the time. Call me old school) it is just very unlikely YES but if it happens it could be very frightening while driving
I miss the limited technology of my 2019 RT. The navigation was great, most always works. My 2022 Rt 1250 with the TFT screen is great when it works. Currently on a long distance tour, frustrating when in a town trying to find the hotel. More often times than not,, after searching for the destination on the Nav with the BMW app I get the message “no route found” prior to departure I had the 6K service performed, all software updates have been performed. Get your 💩together BMW I’m ready to switch brands.
If I could find a new one I would buy it in a heartbeat but no luck in the states at all. The dealers all say they can’t get one. This sucks. Great review on the bike. I will find one somewhere
First time viewer, I really liked the vid. Like you I have a 2018 r1200rt but no where near the mileage you have. I’ve had to change the seat and foot rests for the passenger but it is a nice bike. I’m not enamoured by the tft and think it looks a bit like a tea tray. It’s a pity because I’d consider changing my bike for the newer model but the tft just puts me off. I’ve not ridden the 1250 version as yet but might get around to doing it sometime in the future. I thought the information was well presented and very useful, looking forward to seeing some more.
Its not all "bells and whistles" on the new 21 TFT, the design and presentation of information is poor, for example, you don't have a engine temperature gauge, you have to navigate to the vehicle settings to see the engine temp and there is no gauge just a number. Its the first machine I have ever had where the fuel gauge, odometer, fuel range, TPMS etc. all are under the one "favourites" section, which means if you have the odometer on the screen you have no fuel gauge, just think, there is not enough room on a 10.25 inch screen to give it a fuel gauge!!!!! Then there is the moveable gear change indicator, depending on the screen mode the gear change indicator can jump to four different places and when you are displaying the map screen you don't have a tachometer. It goes on an on and is simply stupid. I should also say that the four non programable buttons again operate in a stupid way for example, press button 2 to activate the heating system and the menu will appear, but you can't press the button again to go back to your previous screen you have to navigate your way back to whatever screen layout you had before. Its a bit like switching a light on in your bathroom and having to go outside and jump three times to switch it off. Sorry for being negative the bike is absolutely brilliant and the adaptive cruise control simply the best feature on the bike. I just wish BMW Motorrad would have spoken to BMW cars about designing a TFT screen.
I think they did speak to bmw cars about the tft ( Got any spare tft‘ says, bmw bikes, yeh, in the shed out back, help yourself, their the old ones we found were useless ) 😸
A really interesting review! Especially as nobody has highlighted the screen functions changing on the top right of the TFT screen, which is very useful. My UK RT arrives in a few weeks. I’m looking forward to your ride review! 👏👍
The K1600GT should be renamed the K1600GW because it is so heavy and ponderous that it reminds me of the Honda Gold Wing! LOL! The RT tips the scales at about 615 lbs wet. The GT however, comes in at 736 lbs.!
I have a 2018 Goldwing Tour DCT and just bought a 2021 R1250 RT. If the RT had DTC with reverse and either a Garmin NAV or Apple Car Play it would be game over in the touring segment. The Shift Assist Pro is nice, but the DCT shifts are quick and smooth to and I can shift manually as well. That GW 6 cycle engine is very quick and smooth running at low rpm to cruise. That is no comparison with the RT's agile handling and fun factor though. If the GW can offer either manual or DCT, seems BMW Motorad could have the same offering. They could certainly offer DCT in the 1600 six model for sure.
I think the old model is better, which one do you prefer. Yours is also good in white, dont like all these other colours, white is best. How much is yours worth if you were selling it??
100% same bike, unless you truly want an iPad on the steering, in this case you need the new model. I think it is indeed a great bike but if you can't buy a new one just get the previous model because you get the same bike but you'll save 10k.
What's the big deal with that TFT screen trend?? It's not beautiful... It sure is way cheaper for the manufacturer than mechanical gauges! And it's as if a German designer went to take a piss and forgot his tablet on the dash!
Nice overview.
I went from a ‘17 model to the ‘21 on April 17th. NO ONE should purchase this bike without a proper understanding of how the navigation system works! The system has four components: the bike’s NAVI and TFT display, your smartphone, the BMW Connected app and your communicator. All four must operate together and each can bring the system to a halt! If you have an iPhone the BMW Connected app must be called up and connected to the bike via WiFi with the app displayed on top of the phone display. If for any reason the app is not displayed on top of the phone you immediately lose the map on the bikes TFT display. Getting the bike, the app, the smartphone and your communicator (did I mention the system will not work at all without a detectable communicator!) working together is no mean feat. A glitch anywhere in this entire system can easily bring the entire system crashing down. A review of this aspect of the bike would be doing your audience a tremendous service. My recommendation...stay away from this bike! Wait at least to the ‘22 model before considering a purchase. BMW Motorrad has a lot of sorting to do on this new model.
I have the bike for 2 weeks now, going in for running in service today. I am using my Samsung S10 and for the first 1000 km, have not had any issues. Maps load up on every start up, I did a route with 3 way points, I use spotify for music, and yesterday downloaded a radio app for radio. The only issue I have is not having my album art showing up via spotify, but when I tried my daughter's iPhone, the album art was on....
So why wait? I also heard that bmw might drop the motorad connected app and use their car app, but they will properly just do an update, so I still see no reason to wait another year to buy the bike?
It's an iPhone....what do you expect? Time to switch to Android!
I just purchased the 2021 RT. Mainly for the Active Cruise Control. I am not crazy about the wannabe NAV system with the break up from Garmin. No one mentions that you have to call 2002 to "download" sections of US maps to your phone to sync to the bike. Really? Thats what we did on the old Garmin 2610 series NAV. Garmin or runs circles around this new confangled system. Just look for after market bracket to bolt on a real Garmin Nav that you can touch the screen or talk to via bluetooth.
Kudos and thumbs up 👍 on the bike comparison. I was interested in what an owner of a 2018RT who is also in BMW Sales might say comparing it to the new RT.
Aesthetically - I prefer and think the older style has more character. The newer front fairing reminds me of the myriad pocket rocket racer front ends and even the the new Gold Wing front end. They do look sleek but the older angry owl look was unique amongst the other motorcycle manufacturers.
The TFT screen - Since BMW was redesigning the fairing, I wish they could have done a better job of blending in the screen to the fairing and making it look more like an integral part of the fairing. I actually prefer analog style gauges with round dials and indicator needles that rotate as you twist the throttle. Spec and feature wise, the newer bike is better than the older models and no doubt, they have more power. But I don't need any more power for my style and riding requirements.
I'm looking forward to hearing your future thoughts and comments on how the new RT performs and rides. But most of all, I want to hear what you think overall about both bikes in comparison. Cheers 🥂
I live 30 miles away and have to pass two bmw dealerships to get to you, but it’ll be worth it. Very knowledgeable and appears to be good customer service ratings. I’ll be coming in soon. Great video comparison.
Wonderful bike! It’s also got an updated and fantastic horn for 21. Now can we get “backlit handlebar switches” for night riding and a Charging Port that will hold popular Ultra size smart phones, please. Great review. Thank you.
Wonderful comparison thank you! as a owner of a 2017 RT, I'm waiting for the day that I can afford to upgrade to the 1250RT
I have a 2019 R1250RT which I really enjoy riding. I have had a good long look at the newer 2021 model but the change over price was far too much for the improvements over my current machine. I will wait for the new 1300cc engine to launch before I am tempted to change. The TFT maps are ok but what happens when you have no mobile data coverage? The old garmin is starting to look good. The RT is a great bike and really comes into it's own when 2 up touring.
There is something about TFT completely black when engine is off that does not give me confidence. The thought of losing power to it (electronics) vs been able to see the analog console all the time. Call me old school) it is just very unlikely YES but if it happens it could be very frightening while driving
Excellent comparison review. Thank you. 😀👍
I miss the limited technology of my 2019 RT. The navigation was great, most always works. My 2022 Rt 1250 with the TFT screen is great when it works. Currently on a long distance tour, frustrating when in a town trying to find the hotel. More often times than not,, after searching for the destination on the Nav with the BMW app I get the message “no route found” prior to departure I had the 6K service performed, all software updates have been performed. Get your 💩together BMW I’m ready to switch brands.
If I could find a new one I would buy it in a heartbeat but no luck in the states at all. The dealers all say they can’t get one. This sucks. Great review on the bike. I will find one somewhere
First time viewer, I really liked the vid. Like you I have a 2018 r1200rt but no where near the mileage you have.
I’ve had to change the seat and foot rests for the passenger but it is a nice bike. I’m not enamoured by the tft and think it looks a bit like a tea tray.
It’s a pity because I’d consider changing my bike for the newer model but the tft just puts me off.
I’ve not ridden the 1250 version as yet but might get around to doing it sometime in the future. I thought the information was well presented and very useful, looking forward to seeing some more.
Its not all "bells and whistles" on the new 21 TFT, the design and presentation of information is poor, for example, you don't have a engine temperature gauge, you have to navigate to the vehicle settings to see the engine temp and there is no gauge just a number. Its the first machine I have ever had where the fuel gauge, odometer, fuel range, TPMS etc. all are under the one "favourites" section, which means if you have the odometer on the screen you have no fuel gauge, just think, there is not enough room on a 10.25 inch screen to give it a fuel gauge!!!!!
Then there is the moveable gear change indicator, depending on the screen mode the gear change indicator can jump to four different places and when you are displaying the map screen you don't have a tachometer. It goes on an on and is simply stupid.
I should also say that the four non programable buttons again operate in a stupid way for example, press button 2 to activate the heating system and the menu will appear, but you can't press the button again to go back to your previous screen you have to navigate your way back to whatever screen layout you had before. Its a bit like switching a light on in your bathroom and having to go outside and jump three times to switch it off. Sorry for being negative the bike is absolutely brilliant and the adaptive cruise control simply the best feature on the bike.
I just wish BMW Motorrad would have spoken to BMW cars about designing a TFT screen.
I think they did speak to bmw cars about the tft ( Got any spare tft‘ says, bmw bikes, yeh, in the shed out back, help yourself, their the old ones we found were useless ) 😸
Good info, thanks!
A really interesting review! Especially as nobody has highlighted the screen functions changing on the top right of the TFT screen, which is very useful. My UK RT arrives in a few weeks. I’m looking forward to your ride review! 👏👍
Thanks for the great comparison. I was always leaning towards the k1609 gt but I think I’ve found my new ride the RT
The K1600GT should be renamed the K1600GW because it is so heavy and ponderous that it reminds me of the Honda Gold Wing! LOL! The RT tips the scales at about 615 lbs wet. The GT however, comes in at 736 lbs.!
@@ski3435
All large displacement touring bikes are heavy. All of them.
CalMoto, why is it that BMW K1600 Grand America, does not offer an automatic transmission as an option like Honda Goldwing? thank you.
I have a 2018 Goldwing Tour DCT and just bought a 2021 R1250 RT. If the RT had DTC with reverse and either a Garmin NAV or Apple Car Play it would be game over in the touring segment. The Shift Assist Pro is nice, but the DCT shifts are quick and smooth to and I can shift manually as well. That GW 6 cycle engine is very quick and smooth running at low rpm to cruise. That is no comparison with the RT's agile handling and fun factor though. If the GW can offer either manual or DCT, seems BMW Motorad could have the same offering. They could certainly offer DCT in the 1600 six model for sure.
Thank you for sharing I subscribed to your channel. Have a safe ride.
Great review !!
I think the old model is better, which one do you prefer. Yours is also good in white, dont like all these other colours, white is best. How much is yours worth if you were selling it??
100% same bike, unless you truly want an iPad on the steering, in this case you need the new model. I think it is indeed a great bike but if you can't buy a new one just get the previous model because you get the same bike but you'll save 10k.
I love your voice tone.
Does the adaptive cruise control work or is it awaiting approval in the United States like Ducati’s is for the Multistrada?
Can you use android auto or apple carplay on the new bmw?
Unfortunately, no!
But, Is it reliable ?
HEBAAATTT....
BIG BOS........👍👍👍
What's the big deal with that TFT screen trend?? It's not beautiful... It sure is way cheaper for the manufacturer than mechanical gauges! And it's as if a German designer went to take a piss and forgot his tablet on the dash!
Display is ugly! I like my 2009 RT just fine, even my ‘94 RS. More electronic gizmos equals more money for repairs.
This bike lost is mojo since the 2003 model. That just me!