2021 BMW R1250RT In-Depth REVIEW
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- Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
- BMW has updated its 2021 R1250RT with brand new technology like it's radar assisted cruise control, new 10.5" TFT display, adaptive cornering lights and also reworked the entire front of the motorcycle. But is it any good?
My gear (affliliate links - Dave will thank you):
Cardo Packtalk Bold: geni.us/PacktalkBold
GoProHero 9: geni.us/GoproHero9
Insta360 One R: geni.us/Insta360ONER
BMW Rallye Jacket: geni.us/BMWRallyeJacket
HydraPak Bladder: geni.us/HydraPak
Panasonic GH5 Camera: geni.us/PanasonicGH5DSLR
Rode VideoMicro Microphone: geni.us/RodeVideoMicr0
0:00 Intro
1:00 City Riding
3:30 TFT Navigation
5:00 Backroads
6:10 Radar Cruise Control
7:45 Seating Comfort
11:06 Highway
12:31 Night Riding
13:03 Cons
13:44 Q&A
15:59 Conclusion
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#motorcycle #1250rt #touring
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What's your take on the new RT?
I have a 2009 RT. Saw this one at the dealer last tuesday in blue. Thought I’d be in love. Nope. Hate the lcd. I don’t need nav or stereo and such. It’s also a sportier riding position than mine and I had to put a peg lowering kit and bar risers and a taller windshield to make mine work. This one would be more of the same and I’d have features I don’t want and I’d be paying a premium for stuff I don’t want. It’s 50% more than I paid for mine and I got the 49l topcase thrown in. IDK. Maybe I’m old now.
I have cruise control in my car. I don't use it. Why would I want a motorcycle with it? Defeats the purpose of having fun.
@@zefautino It depends on the type of riding you do.
Amazing bike ! If only I could afford all the Klim gear that's required.
@@my.motorrad Anything resembling a motorway... Yeah, you won't catch me near one of those easily nor willingly.
Give me back roads and tight turns, and I'm happy.
I have last years RT and found some things I had to get used to. The grips are very small in diameter and I experienced the hand and forearm cramping issue mentioned in this video. Putting some grip buddies on the bike helped a great deal. Prior to that I felt like I was trying to grip a pencil instead of handle bars. I also added a set of risers to the bars so I could add a cup holder and get my big hands to the cubies up front to access a remote control for the gate at work. In comparing the wind protection of the GS to the RT the RT is the hands down winner for the greater width. Having ridden year round in all kinds of weather the weather protection on the RT is even better than my last two gold wings and is the best of any bike I have ever ridden. The sportier riding position is what I was after and it is very comfortable. Another big plus is the ground clearance for cornering. I suspect that any bike that is different than what one is used to will feel strange and require some getting used to, it did for me. As far as street bikes go there is lots of travel in the suspension of the RT and I find it very comfortable. I spend most of my time on roads that allow for speeds in the 80mph range and can very readily recommend this bike. It looks like the new version is a step forward from the one I have.
For folks that want to do their own maintenance the RT is very well designed to make this as painless as possible compared to other full dress bikes I have owned. The more I work on it the more I enjoy the engineering that went into these bikes. I have owned several other brands in the past and really like the RT a great deal. The engine is fantastic as is the range, and as to the comment about will it wheelie, it sure will if one is careless with the throttle, but that does not seem to upset the suspension in the least. I do not make a habit of wheelies or other stunts on the bike but have done so on occasion when accelerating quickly, on each occasion it was easy to control the bike and get the front end back to earth with out any difficulty and maintain the intended path of the bike. I have had mine for a bit over a year and if I was going to buy a new motorcycle tomorrow I would buy an RT.
Wow better than a Gold Wing is saying a lot. Especially the newest generation of Wings.
@@roadglide he’s dreaming
It’s great to see the active cruise control on motorbikes as it’s been around for some cars for many years, just not by much! The first car I had it on I was a bit worried to let a computer control speed however now I wouldn’t have a car without it. Still haven’t ridden a bike with this system however it is on my radar. Great review! 👍😎🇦🇺
That’s a very nice looking bike. I was definitely surprised to learn that you’re more comfortable on the GS!
That IS a great horn. 👍
Liked very much the short version of the review, loved the in depth version. Very well done!
😘
Dave was cleaning them every 25.7 minutes and I have a great hairstylist :)
Very good and honest review. A++
Great review. Thank you sir. 👍
My 2006 K1200LT has a VERY loud horn right from the factory. It always impressed the people around me when I used it.
Dave did a fine job running the video camera and making you a star !!
You also were able to mount aftermarket horns on it, I got a K1300S with an aftermarket horn which is loud af, comparable to a car but perfectly legal in my country
My 2012 Goldwing horn is so loud that it puts most car horns to shame. I also drive a school bus and it's louder than any bus I've ever driven...... go figure.
Good review / well done
Thanks good review. I changed from GS to RT, I am 5'7" and liked the GS but this suits my height better - I enjoy the slightly more aggressive seating position. Weather protection on the RT is better and the ride is quieter. Frankly there is not much in it and for a taller rider they may indeed be cramped on the RT though there are quite a wide range of seat heights to choose from. I don't like the ECO mode which can catch you out when you need power and it isn't there. I do like Hill Start Assist Pro set to Auto which comes on automatically when you stop on a hill - very clever and useful.
That floating headlight is sweet!
I guess some bar extension and peg brackets might help out that area . Nice horn!
Great video, thanks. I have always preferred the GS over the RT in all its guises since my first GS in 2005. The wife always liked the RT because of the heated seat, she is now going to get one on our new GS next week 👍
Very good review thank you
Great, informative videos presented in a really good manner: good job! I'm getting either the RT or the GSA early next year (or a Goldwing, bank balance permitting) & I'm still totally split on these two BMWs. I just don't like the look of the GSA but I believe that it will be the far more comfortable, practical bike out of the two. Which one would you recommend for carrying a pillion?
I thank you so very much for showing the rt without the paniers. I think i will stick with my gs after you showed us the sit position witch doesnt look confy.
A very good review ! Would be a fine thing to try them at a dealership and pick one out. Ive always liked the Brand. Back in the 60s i owned a BMW built in 1953. Even at that age it was a fun bike to ride and i rode it every day!
Good review. Thanks.
Great review! Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great Review!!!! Thanks
The vortex or whatever that pushes you from behind is real, it's not bad if you keep the screen in a low position though. I'm impressed they fixed this!!
Took one for a test ride last week. Pegs are really high for 6’2” person for long distance trips. Should have put the seat in the high position from the start but that only gives you a inch. I loved the bike but I’ll be sticking to my GS for now. Wind protection was amazing. Felt like a sport bike. Boxer motor makes for a beautifully balanced bike.
In BMW 1977 did fit proper twin tone high-Low horns. It has taken them 40 years to get back to one of the best safety feature in town or on the motorway proper horns. Saved my bacon many times. Thanks heavens the horns have arrived back again as a standard fitment.
great review
I have read several reviews on the RT, yours is thus far the best, or perhaps I should say the most valuable for me. My first concern as long distance rider, is comfort/fitment as I and 6' 3 (1.9M) and your comparison with the GS's seated position and legroom is absolutely on point for me. If I don't fit the bike, the rest of the features, simple don't matter. Thanks
That seating position is a real surprise. At 6'2" I am similar to you and you make the bike look small. I have the 1250GS but miss the protection of my k1600GT, if not the weight. Need to try one to see if I fit I guess!
Excellent video and one that is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for your opinions. I agree on the footpeg height. Makes your legs cramped. The GS is much more comfortable and weighs 65 lbs less
Thank you for your honest review. I love the looks of this new design; however, with the handle bars being low I too would have issues with riding all day. To raise the handle bars would affect the viewing level of the mirrors. I have the exact (same) issue with my 2019 Honda Goldwing. I think it's back to the drawing board. Same for Honda.
I’m surprised at the problems you encountered. I’m 5’9” as well. I test rode the new RT and liked it so much I bought it. I get it in December. My previous bikes have been GS’s K1300 SHP and a Harley (really bad mistake)
proably the best open review I've seen to date. Is the review based on the RT or the RT LE
With those camera angles it would have been useful to tape a few streamers from helmet and shoulders. Not that it would really inform, but because it would make Dave laugh.
A barmy 11degrees, that’s tropical here in the Uk. ❄️❄️
Tropical here in Canada also in April.
Nice review! Did you play around with the modes? Did you try the rain mode? Could you notice a difference in the different modes? Thanks for the help
This one is best left to the cops and paramedics. At my age, the limiting factor on distance between stops is no longer the fuel range ( you know what I'm saying).
yep i know what you are talking about i am 70
I also know what you're saying. Try, if you can, riding a road bicycle, something in the 2k dollar neighborhood is all you need. Pedaling the bicycle will help with YOUR KNEES as well as muscles and gut etc. plus gives you another perspective on where to go on your next Motorcycle excursion.
I'm 71 and I just took delivery of a 2022 RT. It suits me perfectly. If I did most of my riding in hot weather I might buy a GS, but here in the PNW you're bound to encounter cold wet conditions unless you only do fair weather day rides, in which case..... why did you buy an RT?
I did a 4k mile 2 up trip last year on my 07 RT to visit Utah national parks.
I took full advantage of the 280 mile cruising range and experienced heavy rain and extreme wind on the way to Canyonlands NP. We arrived at the visitor center dry and happy thanks to the full fairing and heated seats. I look forward to doing more long distance touring ony new RT, confident that I chose the perfect vehicle for the job.
I did order crash bars to protect the jugs and the side cases from parking lot spills. I'll probably add a front fender extension and a footpeg lowering kit, and I'm waiting to receive the SW Motech tankbag I ordered .
As I said to someone last Monday when they said my V4s Multistrada didn’t do 300 a tank. 200 to a bladder full, I think😂😂
Nailed it. Everything I hate about it is on your list. Good review.
Great review
many thanks my mates are talking about buying a RT
Is the RT comfortable for a 193 cm person or to cramped
You're 13 cm taller than me. I think you will be cramped without some accessories. But go sit on one.
You can get lower foot pegs , they do make a massive difference 😊 good video , I am a RT fan
Fantastic review but being 6’2” and noting your comments about it being cramped I think I will be going for the GS.
Multumesc !❤
Thanks for this review of the 2021RT
I was considering a test ride on one and comparing it to my 2019 GSA considering a trade but I don’t think I will like it as much as my GSA especially the riding position as I am 6/1 tall .
I have a GSA too and I rode this and loved the weather protection, the fact that the shroud around the back of the engine reduces noise, directs heat away from you and keeps your boots drier, what an excellent bike with so many tech bits to geek out on. It truly was an amazing ride BUT it really does feel cramped to ride for anyone over 170cm tall and at the end of many great tar roads is a little bit of gravel, so yeah, GSA for me still, wet boots and a bit of wind buffeting not withstanding.
The ultimate touring bike!
Love your videos and the local tours! Is that a manual windscreen? ... I prefer the look of the RS. RT is just too much up front. I ride a '17 700GS here near Daytona and I absolutely love it. 24k miles commuted last 12 months, hurricane or shine. Great bike.
Hey. It's electric. I don't think they come with manual.
"Eyes on the Road" or "Eyes on the Screen" adjusting butt heating. I can see someone riding down the road with a VID Mask half covering their eyes while the adjust the seat massager when the radar cruise control working with the ABS stops the bike just before hitting a pole on the side of the road.. I'm old school.
Nice horn!
It looks great now. May change the GS in a couple of years for one.
The technology on new bikes is such that they are more like two wheeled cars; you drive them more than ride them. They must be fantastic on the open highways but it is not for me. I love minimalist old school style bikes with just enough new technology to increase safety and reliability. So I run a R9T for urban fun and for long distance I remain content with my 84 R100RT which at the time was classed as a sport touring machine because of its light weight compared to Japanese and American touring machines of the day. Kind regards from Canada. 🇨🇦
It makes me like the Moto Guzzi that much more...
I get a lot of technology for some is too much. However, no matter being on Two wheels will never be like driving a car. Not for a nano second.
Looks are GREAT on this RT but I'm more into comfort since I'm in my 60's.
Got a 1250 RT last summer, did everything I wanted, but will likely sell it this year to get a GS. At the end of the day the GS can do everything I want from the RT as well as so many things the RT can't. I was deciding between the two when I bought and, not that I'm displeased with the RT in any way, it appears that I chose unwisely.
Ok, a dash like this might make me go to the dealer. I wonder when this will come to the R1250RS?
Does it have Android Auto/ Apple Car Play? I love it so much on my africa Twin, im never going to buy another bike without it
Any issues with the TFT going blank when displaying Maps? I read a few reviews that indicated such happens at times. Sad if so...
grip and heat seating. dang it - you have me doing it too. but i think you missed this instance. (button 2)
What should I do for added leg comfort on the RT ??? And back comfort ????? After market products
As much as I loved my 2016 RT I could not cope with knee cramps, back and arm pain. I genuinely thought it would be a keeper but I grew to resent it. It’s still a great bike but sadly it didn’t fit my body. I agree the GS is better all round.
Yes, great review and same conclusion reached. Shame really because it was a very lovely ride in so many ways but for the cramping.
Well done. Sad to hear it was not as comfy as the GS.
The GS might be fine for solo touring... but for me, who rides mostly 2 up with my wife... I can't see the GS outperforming the RT for covering miles
I knew you've thought about it, .....but the question NEEDS asking! BMW RT or Yamaha FJR? Surely the Yam is better value?
When will they get Apple Car Play? Africa Twin and other Honda’s already have it
Gs still remains King of Swiss Army Knives.Cheers.
Those headlights, if no one told me, I would say it was a Honda.
I'm watching this video and thinking "why am I watching a video about a motorcycle I have no interest at all apart from being a BMW?".
Guess you know the answer. Good job.
Good man!
Can you tell me if the Akrapovitch muffler is quieter than the stock muffler?
What mobile phone have you got as I have noticed that it fits perfectly in the phone holder on the bike, also is it a wireless charged phone
Must agree the 1250 GSA would be my preferred choice. Still that bike is extraordinary sweat. 👍🏼 😎 🇺🇸 🌎
Nice bike if want to ride around with a barn door at the front of your new BMW.
What camera car does Dave chase you in lol
His grandfather's horse-drawn carriage :D
TFT screens go walkies here in the UK
Sir
The speaker from the audio is exposed, is it waterproof?tnx
Someone must have had their head where the sun never shines rregarding the phone/nav connection. Hope there will be an option for built-in satnav
Thanks for the review
How do you compare it to any of the K1600?
K1600 is more fun, roomier, less tech as of now.
I would consider the RT a "Sport Touring" bike, like the FJR1300, Concours, etc.
I really in trouble (but I m lucky about this I know …)
This or the GS ?
Decision decision decision….🤔
Perhaps you have short arms ? Not an issue for me on my 1250 rt. Legs do have some bend, but then - you can have lower pegs or a higher seat , and worse handling or lower clearance , either way. Get used to it very quickly for me.
Is the 1250RT a better tourer than the K1600?
Great video! I need to ride this! Do you like the K1600?
The K1600 is just an RT, turned up to 11. Mental engine power, super smooth and just as capable at long distances. I added a few farkles to my bike and I can take it to the track, or travel 9300 miles in 17 days like I did for the Alzheimer's Association in 2017. THAT is a set of parameters that are just unbeatable. I'm 60 now. In another 10 or 15 years, an RT might be just fine. Here's what I've done to my 2012. Starting the process on the 2020 K1600GT as we speak! ua-cam.com/video/8eJJjku11fc/v-deo.html
I have tubular bars and a comfort seat. None of the issues you seem to have. Sorry. Also nice wunderlich highway pegs on crash bars - so again - no issues with legs. I am 190 cm. Did have to add a wunderlich screen shield. The question of RT vs GS for the road - I could not disagree more. Exactly the opposite experience than you have. Although I will agree the suspension travel on the GS is helpful - I much prefer the handling of the RT and find the weather protection much better.
I find the wind fatiguing at high speed on the GS, I'd still take the RT for long distance highway riding
Did you try the seat on high position?
La RT est la reine de la route !
@ Long Way Home. Which do you think is a better tour bike. The RT or Goldwing?
GW. It's in a different class alltogether.
I don´t think you need the phone unlocked to use maps. There´s a setting "always on", then the phone can be locked.
Stimate camarad de boala motoriceasca, mi-a placut mult cum ai facut review-ul, imi placi (daca pot spune asa) mai mult decat baietii aia de la Racing&Adventure. Frumoasa rau RT-ul asta nou, am fost cat p-aci sa il iau, dar am ales sa merg pe un deal absolut fantastic pentru un K1600GT din 2019. Totusi cred ca urmatoarea va fi un RT daca nu scot cei de la BMW un K1600 nou. Si daca imi permiti un mic hate: engleza nu e punctul tau forte, fortezi prea mult accentul. De ce nu faci si in romana (stiu ca pe motiv de audienta mai mare pe engleza).? Toate cele bune si drumuri fara incidente
His anyone experience strange engine glinggling sound when shifting from low throttle first, second and third gears especially when climbing a hill or driving with a passager
Great motorcycle, except for the rattling sound in the left cylinder of the engine.. can BMW solve this, I'm interested..
where did you buy the risers?
I would only ever buy another keyless bike if it had a manual key backup. Fed up with the fob battery dying suddenly.
hi Buddy from South Africa 🇿🇦. I know its been a few months since you rode the RT, but can you recall or comment on the Akro pipe that was on your test rig. I have a RT, bit have the Standard pipes, and thinking about the akro pipe.
I just want the bike to sound like a bike, if you know what I mean...
thank you 😊 .
Hey bru :D I remember I loved the sound, definitely wasn't a standard boxer sound; it definitely made an impression, but I can't compare it to the original. I rode that in 2019, forgot what it sounded like, so i'm sure it wasn't that impressive.
@@LongWayHome Thank you for such a swift and positive response. The pipe will be ordered now. I love the bike, except the noise it makes...
Love the "broer" piece.
Love from South Africa
Interesting comparisons between the GSA and RT and your experience as a tallish rider. It's worth pointing out the that the RT caters also for the shorter rider without any factory suspension lowering and the figures for seat height on those two bikes are:
R1250 GS Advnture:
800 / 820mm - Low Suspension Kit (Option)
790 / 810mm - Low Front Seat (Accessory) incl. Low Suspension Kit (Option)
820 / 840mm - Low Suspension Kit (Option) incl. Black Seat (Option)
840 / 860mm - Low Suspension Kit (Option)
890 / 910mm - Standard Seat
880mm - Low Rallye Seat (Accessory)
900mm - High Rallye Seat (Accessory)
R 1250 RT
760/780mm - Low Seat (Option/ Accessory)
805/825mm - Standard Seat
830/850mm - High Seat (Option/ Accessory)
Useful stuff, thanks Kevin. I may have the perfect build for an RT - short legs and a long back (yeah, the proportions of a fat weasel). I thought I'd need the low seat option on my 1250RS but the ergos just felt all wrong - legs too bent, bars too high. Standard seat for me. Be interesting to try the RT for size.
The ergonomics are a dissapointment. Is it the same on the previous RT?
14:29 is the front rim bent?
Let me start by saying that I really like your show and watch it regularly. While riding the 1250 RT you mentioned that you are 1.8 meter tall and indicated 5.9 feet. I believe you are 5 feet 11 (10.8) inches tall.
Well spotted. I thing Google pretty much converted it to feet with a decimal place (5.9), instead of feet, inches :)
great video thank you
The GS over the RT... 🤯
I enjoy my 2015 RT, and my biggest complaint is the Navi "Garmin" system and it's dysfunctional directions. I'm guessing BMW didn't want to pay royalties to Apple or Google. 🤔
Thanks for the show and tell!
As someone who likes to plan exact routes, after 4 years of fighting with a Garmin/Nav5 or 6 (all as bad) I've settled on a 3rd party nav product which works very well via a phone app. I use My Route App (€32 pa) for a 'Gold' account (the free version is pretty good but doesn't give you access to all mapping options). The MRA Navigation phone app costs around €40 for 3 years. So, I plan routes on my laptop and they are instantly accessible via the app. I now have a £100 IP68 waterproof, shockproof etc smart phone that I use for nav duties only, via an adaptor fitted to my BMW nav mount (£12). Now I have a routing system which doesn't suddenly crap itself and change the route to what Garmin thinks is best - bloody infuriating! BMW can keep their PITA £700 Nav 6 😁
Can you disengage the radar feature with the Cruise Control still on?
Yes.
I found I had to adjust my huge bubble windshield a tad because of that vacuum wind from the rear. I could light a cigarette with a disposable lighter at 100 mph though. 😂
Aftermarket ashtray I presume? 😆
@You Tube Ah yes, silly me. That wouldn't need emptying for years - brilliant! Thanks for the top tip 👍
Am I right, this is just the more touring version than the 1250RS? And If you want even more touring and comfort, than it’s the job for the K1600 right?
I guess the sporty position is on purpose, because it’s still a 1250RS with more touring-addons. So it’s in between the sporty RS and 1600GT.
If you want it more sporty, take the RS, more touring, the 1600GT.
Or the GS, as mentioned.
I don’t want any windshield or touring-addons at all, I have the R1200R.
Cheers!
If the cubby holes opened while riding their contents might be sucked out.
Put the lower peg kit on and the bar risers. I find the bike much better to ride…in fact it’s night and day difference
... Too sporty, the RT ? I do think its riding position is perfect for longue distance. I own the new one, after 3 years with the 1200LC, and I love its comfort . Perfect balance between sport and cruise.
Hella horns?
So what happens if you lose or don't have mobile (cell) service, does the Navi not work?
Maps are downloaded offline.
BT and Wifi 'just' need to be turned on and connected to the bike. I had it working on a test ride using an old phone with no sim in it