Commuting on a BMW R1200RT 6th March 2024 P2

I Ride motorcycles for a living.
No, not really, but at least I get paid whilst doing so, and that’s close enough.
Based in Flanders Belgium, and very much in love with anything on two wheels with an engine. Been riding motorcycles since 1997 and had my share of bikes since then.
Not particularly talented, nor do I have anything interesting to say, thus by no means a moto vlogger. This video will be a dull POV experience of a daily commute to various locations on a R1200RT. Nothing to prove, no one to impress, just trying not to kill myself or other road users.
If however you might have any questions or comments, please feel free, I will try and answer.

[@benjaminlibotte8471]

Eindelijk eens een commuter video in Belgie op een RT. Ik droom er al een tijdje van. Ik ga eindelijk op mn 49 voor mn motor rijbewijs. Enkel vraagjes. Heb je een andere uitlaat? Klinkt best luid en goed. En welke navi heb je daar en waar vind ik zo'n houder? De positie van de navi is uitstekend! Tips voor motorkleding naar Belgisch weer zijn ook welkom. Groetjes, Ben

[@smirnaft]

Dag Ben, de uitlaat is een Arrow, maar die heeft wel een E-keur en is eigenlijk niet luider dan de originele.
De navigatie is een Garmin XT, de houder is zelfgemaakt, maar er zijn legio leveranciers die op die positie gelijkaardige houders leveren.
Wat motorkledij betreft heb je op de RT de luxe om betrekkelijk warm te blijven, ook in de winter kan je jezelf helemaal uit de rijwind zetten. Ook als het regent blijf je betrekkelijk droog zolang je rijdt. Kledij blijft persoonlijk, maar ikzelf heb geen behoefte dus aan super warme en waterdichte vesten en broeken. Daar kan je dan weer wat geld op besparen.
Mijn favoriete broek is een Stadler en ik rij vaak met een Dainese vest, beiden Goretex, maar het zou ook met minder kunnen op de RT.
Verder veel succes met je rijbewijs gewenst, dromen zijn er om uit te laten komen.

[@TheBelino]

Hello ! Thanks for the video, i had a Triump Bonneville and a GS750, and I just bought that same model 1200RT last week. Still quiet heavy and difficult for my body (1m70) to move it in parking or out of the garage, but indeed i dont feel the weight as soon as i ride.. For roads and highways its great, super stable, very comfortable etc. and this is why i bought it, so happy about it. However, I wanted to know how do feel with more speed on turns.. i have mountains or many curvy roads around and i took it last weekend, it was difficult for me to "embark" it and engage it well enough on turns, maybe a matter of practice & habits ?

[@smirnaft]

Hi, and congrats on your purchase. And to answer your question, I don’t usually race trough the corners, but when I do, the RT seems to be very compliant. I have been riding more sportier motorcycles for years, and the RT does need a little more input on the handlebars than a sports bike typically does, but when you do you’ll notice it keeps its lean angle and can really corner well .
I’m sure you will get the hang of it really soon, once you’ve put some miles on it. Basically it’s all about being smooth on the brakes and the throttle without upsetting the suspension.
As for the manhandling, I don’t really notice much of a difference with other motorcycles. In fact BMW did a great job of keeping the weight relatively low for this type of motorcycle. These Twin cams RT’s weigh less than 260kg, for comparison, a stock naked T120 Bonneville for example weighs only 23kg less, that is without all the comfort of the extra 10l of fuel the RT takes, a luggage rack, (electric) windscreen and two hard side cases.
I do make sure I don’t need to push it backwards up a hill or on gravel when I park, but other than that I don’t mind pulling it out of the garage.
Anyway, thank you for watching, and safe travels.

[@TheBelino]

Awesome thanks for your insightful feedback !!

[@stevetaylor8698]

I've got the same motorcycle (2010) though not as well equipped as yours. My commute is rather better though, through the northern English countryside. My main hazard is deer and badgers - and idiots in Audis.

[@smirnaft]

Mine is a 2010 also, and I really love its allround capabilities. I can imagine your countryside commute is better than this particular one. I often need to make a stop in various locations a day and don’t usually have time to choose the nicest roads, but still enjoy it nonetheless. Never visited England, but it is most certainly on my bucket list.
Thanks for the specific hazards warning.