Great review. I am coming off a K1300GT (I put 110K miles on it) and before that, a K1200GT (I put 130K miles on that one). I wasn't interested in the K1600 as it was just too big and the maintenance costs were a but too high. I bought a used 2021 R1250RT and haven't looked back. It's a formidable machine that I love to ride. I'll be taking mine from San Francisco out to Memphis/Nashville later this year.
I am planning to ride the GS 1300 at the next demo ride. Really want to check out the auto lowering suspension. I had ridden the 1250 GS but the height turned me off to it. Otherwise it was a nice bike. Personally when it comes to riding off road I prefer something a bit lighter.
@@Wheelman555 My GSA was super tall, so it fit me well, but like most GSAs. it rarely left the pavement. i just brought home my R1250RT, but now I'd like to test ride an R1250 RS. It's the only boxer I have not ridden
I've been riding since 1968 and have owner 35 plus new bikes which included a 2017 1200RT and a 2020 1250RT. The RT has not been my most favorite touring bike, but overall, I would rate it as the best overall touring motorcycle on the market. Comfortable, power, handling, maneuverability, light weight, luggage capacity, service ability, electronics, the RT is the overall best in my opinion.
An FJR 1300 is right up there also. It has more power, smoother inline 4 cyl. And it burns regular gas. I own an RT, my brother rides an FJR, and if I ever left the BMW, it would be for the FJR.
@@Wheelman555 I have always been a favorite of the multi-cylinder bikes. I have owned 6 new Gold Wings including a 2019 DCT and a number of V-twin bikes. As for me, and its just me, the BWW K1600's have been my favorites. I put on some 75,000 miles on 2, and the inline-6 has been a magnet for me.
Understand, I will be riding this RT for a long time before I can even think about a replacement. One thing I like to do is go take test rides, And I watch for dealers offering demo ride. Great way to check out what’s new and still keep change in your pocket. Of course you need to switch around because the dealerships don’t like it so much when you don’t buy.😊
Yes price is an issue, maintenance as well is pricey. I think 2025 will be the 1300 upgrade to the RT, so you might be able to get a good deal on a used 1250. When I bought mine, I really had to ask myself how bad do I want it. Found out when I rode it, but it was still hard coming off with that kind of money. That said there are a lot of bikes out there now that are rather expensive.
I have a 2014 R1200RT and love it and have put on 30,000 trouble free miles I heard a rumor that BMW will bring out the R1300RT next year so I think I'll wait a bit before I upgrade.
If you consider the GS came out with the 1300 this year, you can bet the next model update for the RT will be the 1300. Since the last big update to the RT was 2021 I would be surprised if the 2025 model is not a 1300. That said if you can get a good price on a 2024 the 1250 will really give you everything you want. Not sure 50 cc’s is worth the extra money if you can save a few thousand. The 1250 will do 145 personally I don’t even need that much. But hey I can also see the appeal of that extra 12 HP.😊
Nice and I totally agree with you and I should receive my 1250RT 2023 next week. But my question is will it be trouble free after 80K Miles like a Goldwing???
I can’t answer that yet because I only have 6,000 miles so far, no problems yet. I do know the boxer engines have a really good reputation for reliability. As for all the new tech stuff. Time will tell. I can tell you maintenance is expensive. But then that is the case everywhere anymore.
Can’t offer guarantees but my 2012 1200RT has 95K and orig clutch. Have done most of the other maintenance myself. I do appx 10K per year and have not been stranded by any mechanical failures. The feel, feedback and joy of riding it - priceless.
No I find the seating position to be quite comfortable. They do make crash bars that cover the heads however, and you could mount pegs to them if you felt inclined.
I now the proud owner of an r1250rt love the reviews and having owned 2 RT1200 The issues I have against the Rt1250 is the fact you have to take your eyes of the road whilst having to switch on /off heated seat and grip. Bmw WHY?
@Wheelman555 what four buttons. There are none, obviously, the pre button model. But even with these, you still need to look at the screen to choose a setting.
@Wheelman555 unfortunately mine is a 2019 model, and there no doubt that it will cost me an arm and leg to get it fitted. Still, it's a very bad move by bmw Probably why the latest have radar . Because of riders, eyes are not on the road.
Nice video. I am a sport tour rider, my bike of choice is the Honda ST1300, but it is getting long in the teeth, it's a 2004. I have been looking at the R1250 RT as a possible replacement. Thanks for sharing.
For me the RT is liked more with each ride. Not saying it has no issues. I think all bikes do. But over all it’s a win. When you ride it there’s a constant desire to push the corners just a little harder. The bike feels really solid at 6,000 miles. Hope it will stay feeling that way long term. Honestly, what I like best though is how solidly planted to the road you feel while riding it.
My R1200 RT is a twisty specialist...and even enjoy dirt roads. 110,000KM
Great review. I am coming off a K1300GT (I put 110K miles on it) and before that, a K1200GT (I put 130K miles on that one). I wasn't interested in the K1600 as it was just too big and the maintenance costs were a but too high. I bought a used 2021 R1250RT and haven't looked back. It's a formidable machine that I love to ride. I'll be taking mine from San Francisco out to Memphis/Nashville later this year.
Sounds like a great ride coming up. While you are in Tennessee I recommend deals gap, it won’t disappoint.
Thanks for the recommendation. I'll make a note of it and will do my best to there.@@Wheelman555
RTs and GSs since 1998. Just bought another RT and sold my GSA. Such a great bike! Liked and subscribed.
I am planning to ride the GS 1300 at the next demo ride. Really want to check out the auto lowering suspension. I had ridden the 1250 GS but the height turned me off to it. Otherwise it was a nice bike. Personally when it comes to riding off road I prefer something a bit lighter.
@@Wheelman555 My GSA was super tall, so it fit me well, but like most GSAs. it rarely left the pavement. i just brought home my R1250RT, but now I'd like to test ride an R1250 RS. It's the only boxer I have not ridden
I've been riding since 1968 and have owner 35 plus new bikes which included a 2017 1200RT and a 2020 1250RT. The RT has not been my most favorite touring bike, but overall, I would rate it as the best overall touring motorcycle on the market. Comfortable, power, handling, maneuverability, light weight, luggage capacity, service ability, electronics, the RT is the overall best in my opinion.
I am curious, what has been your favorite touring bike.
An FJR 1300 is right up there also. It has more power, smoother inline 4 cyl. And it burns regular gas. I own an RT, my brother rides an FJR, and if I ever left the BMW, it would be for the FJR.
Definitely a good bike and a great value.
@@Wheelman555 I have always been a favorite of the multi-cylinder bikes. I have owned 6 new Gold Wings including a 2019 DCT and a number of V-twin bikes. As for me, and its just me, the BWW K1600's have been my favorites. I put on some 75,000 miles on 2, and the inline-6 has been a magnet for me.
@@shakey2634 I agree, thats probably why I bought a new 2023 FJR last November. I've only got 450 miles on it, but that will change shortly
Agreed. I have the 1200 version and after 80,000 miles in 6 years I still love the thing.
Go ride the 1250 with the shift cam it’s a whole new beast.
@Wheelman555 I have no doubt, but I don't have the spare change to upgrade. Enjoy your RT. They're GREAT!
Understand, I will be riding this RT for a long time before I can even think about a replacement. One thing I like to do is go take test rides, And I watch for dealers offering demo ride. Great way to check out what’s new and still keep change in your pocket. Of course you need to switch around because the dealerships don’t like it so much when you don’t buy.😊
Nice review. Getting mine next month😊. Along side my GSA
Enjoy hope the video was helpful.
Got one; 2020 RT. Wonderful bike. It’s everything you said. Good vid. Thanks for posting. Subbed and liked.
Thanks for the sub!
i have a RT1250 and a ducati V4S pikes peak - the RT is AMAZING!!! what a machine!! handles its quick and comfy!!!!!
Never a truer word said my man I love an rt
Hope you enjoyed the video. If you did would appreciate a like and subscribe, ride safe brother.
yeah I love all the videos of this on here, I have a bmw 750 GS, I only wish this RT was not so much $$
Yes price is an issue, maintenance as well is pricey. I think 2025 will be the 1300 upgrade to the RT, so you might be able to get a good deal on a used 1250. When I bought mine, I really had to ask myself how bad do I want it. Found out when I rode it, but it was still hard coming off with that kind of money. That said there are a lot of bikes out there now that are rather expensive.
4 x GS and now on my 2nd RT (23 1250 LE). Greatest bike I’ve ever ridden. Rides like it’s looks say it shouldnt
Yes the ride is amazing.
I have a 2014 R1200RT and love it and have put on 30,000 trouble free miles I heard a rumor that BMW will bring out the R1300RT next year so I think I'll wait a bit before I upgrade.
If you consider the GS came out with the 1300 this year, you can bet the next model update for the RT will be the 1300. Since the last big update to the RT was 2021 I would be surprised if the 2025 model is not a 1300. That said if you can get a good price on a 2024 the 1250 will really give you everything you want. Not sure 50 cc’s is worth the extra money if you can save a few thousand. The 1250 will do 145 personally I don’t even need that much. But hey I can also see the appeal of that extra 12 HP.😊
Nice and I totally agree with you and I should receive my 1250RT 2023 next week. But my question is will it be trouble free after 80K Miles like a Goldwing???
I can’t answer that yet because I only have 6,000 miles so far, no problems yet. I do know the boxer engines have a really good reputation for reliability. As for all the new tech stuff. Time will tell. I can tell you maintenance is expensive. But then that is the case everywhere anymore.
Can’t offer guarantees but my 2012 1200RT has 95K and orig clutch. Have done most of the other maintenance myself. I do appx 10K per year and have not been stranded by any mechanical failures. The feel, feedback and joy of riding it - priceless.
37000 miles and the drive shaft needs to be replaced. I've just had a service scheduled revision sent through this weekend.
@@martinrowlands3622 interesting that it happened right after the warranty period expired.
@@Wheelman555if I am not mistaken BMW is covering the driveshaft replacements regardless of expired warranty due to an issue.
On long distance, do your legs get tired without being able to stretch them out on hwy bars like a bagger??
No I find the seating position to be quite comfortable. They do make crash bars that cover the heads however, and you could mount pegs to them if you felt inclined.
My favorite too
I now the proud owner of an r1250rt love the reviews and having owned 2 RT1200
The issues I have against the Rt1250 is the fact you have to take your eyes of the road whilst having to switch on /off heated seat and grip. Bmw WHY?
Actually you don’t just program the settings you want to one of the four preset buttons on the left side of the fairing
@Wheelman555 what four buttons. There are none, obviously, the pre button model. But even with these, you still need to look at the screen to choose a setting.
@@martinrowlands3622 ua-cam.com/video/31afNtg84Zs/v-deo.htmlsi=PEIwQ4EhV0ASFPrx
@@martinrowlands3622 I think the buttons came out in 2022. Hopefully the video link helps.
@Wheelman555 unfortunately mine is a 2019 model, and there no doubt that it will cost me an arm and leg to get it fitted.
Still, it's a very bad move by bmw
Probably why the latest have radar .
Because of riders, eyes are not on the road.
La RT est la reine de la route !
Maybe the king too!
@@Wheelman555
You are when you ride the RT !
Very witty 😊
Nice video. I am a sport tour rider, my bike of choice is the Honda ST1300, but it is getting long in the teeth, it's a 2004. I have been looking at the R1250 RT as a possible replacement. Thanks for sharing.
For me the RT is liked more with each ride. Not saying it has no issues. I think all bikes do. But over all it’s a win. When you ride it there’s a constant desire to push the corners just a little harder. The bike feels really solid at 6,000 miles. Hope it will stay feeling that way long term. Honestly, what I like best though is how solidly planted to the road you feel while riding it.
@@Wheelman555 thank you Sir. Stay, and ride safe.