2019 BMW R1250RT Review
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- Опубліковано 29 січ 2019
- It's been a few years since I last rode a BMW RT, I don't know why it's been so long as it's a bike I instantly loved and has been in my mind as a possible replacement for my GS when the time comes. So of course I was very excited when my friends at Bahnstormer in Maidenhead gave me a call and asked if I fancied a ride on the brand new for 2019 BMW R1250RT complete with the new "Shift cam" power unit. Here is my first impressions review....
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Picked up my RT yesterday and managed to get some miles onto it and rode it with a pillion today too. It is just a phenomenal piece of engineering, so capable. As a vehicle to cover distance it is fantastic, it is fun, it is fast, it provides protection, the modes and controls on the move are easy to use. If I had one criticism (and it is one I make of all modern vehicles - hence why I drive/ride older ones generally) it lacks feedback, but I recognise that this is why it is such an amazing, relaxing vehicle to deliver miles on. If you need/want a bike to cover miles one or two up, I cannot recommend highly enough (so far!)
I've ridden the RT very nimble and great all weather protection that would give you confidence when you have miles and miles ahead of you. Cheers!
Thank you for that lovely journey of reminiscing for me, TMF. I now live in Somerset, but you rode past my old school in Marlow (Sir William Borlase), and near where I used to live (Bovingdon Green) - I know all those roads like the back of my hand. When you went past Platt's garage in search of High Wycombe, I thought, "Hmmm, that'll be interesting." I do agree that the roads around Frieth, Fingest, and Lane End are lovely - you must go around that area more often. Oh yeah, nice review of the R1250 RT, even though it's not my kind of motor cycle.
Bloody hell, these vids are coming out thick and fast! Not that I’m complaining! Keep up the great work TMF 👍👍👍
Thank you sir! Can’t keep up this pace forever Unfortunately.....
You never realize, you're getting old, but when you wake up, in cold sweat and shouting, because you dreamt of an RT . . .
it has happened!😂😂😂
Great review. I recently purchased a 2018 R1200RT as I wanted the huge discount and did not want a first year engine. 3,000+ miles in the first few months in all types of weather. Perhaps I am just an old guy (56) and like my comforts and this bike hits the mark on all fronts. It is nimble, comfortable, competent, well equipped and just works. I love the character of the boxer and a smoother and more power is a good thing but I do not feel I am missing anything. I was initially concerned about the size and weight as I came from a much smaller bike but I can attest there is no sense of this size when riding, I went through a period where it felt like the bike was shrinking. I think the bottom line is that BMW has something that just works.
LOL, old guy.....
My first RT was in 1998. Since then I've had GSAs, k12RSs, and newer RTs. In 335,000 miles of riding, I've loved the RTs the best. I really enjoyed your video, thank you for posting
Thank you for watching!
Also I love that your out there riding at this time of the year, I went out today for about 100 or so miles & froze my nuts off but loved it all the same. Good for you & me 😁
Thanks for the reveiew. The LE RT will be my next bike for touring to Italy with my wife. Test rode both the 1250 RT and GS and loved both but the RT suits my kind of touring needs better. On my test ride, I inadvertently (ahem) ended up on some very narrow, mud strewn country lanes roads with oncoming white vans, it handled awesome and the width is the same as a GS - the dynamic mode and ABS DOES work well. I did not want to hand the bike back but the spring will see one of these in my garage - Switzerland and Italy beckons. Good review.
Enjoy David!
I’ve just been reminiscing. I bought the same RT you tested in 2015 from Bahnstormer as it it so much lighter than my K1600GT I used to tour Europe in 2014 and I loved it. Thanks for sharing 🌞
Top review TMF thank you. Would love one of those in my garage parked right next to my GSA, best of both worlds. Thanks again for the vid. 👍🏍
When I had the 2015 RT, it taught me to give an intentional kick forward to the stand. Never had a problem with it being partially deployed, but it winds up in the blind spot. The RT makes you ride like a gentleman while the GS/GSA makes you want to hoon it a bit.
Great review, being a current owner of the 2017 RT I agree with your assessment. Great bike for covering big distances and as I don’t take it off road, suits my needs to a tee.
Glad we concur! Thanks for watching....
Had to watch it again a year later haha! Had my 2005 R1200RT for 18 months now, plus my Interceptor which I thank you for introducing me to as well! I have ridden both for about 7,000kms each (4,600 miles) and enjoying both! Family and workshop for both bikes is 60 miles away so I have reason to use the Beemer two up occasionally!! Thanks again for your informative video :)
Great Review as always but Looking forward to the vid where you move it around fully laden, uphill on a gravel drive.!
I rode a previous (IE: old) RT, I put 160 000 kilometers on the odo before giving it up. I always thought of the RT as half NASA and half Massey-Ferguson. And yep, it has character. Unfortunately, the BMW dealership (and Otto the mechanic) had character too - but the kind you wanna slug more than hug. The cost of ownership was greater than the total cost of ownership of the five bikes I’ve owned since. So, after breaking up with both machine and mechanic I joined my local PBSG (Post Beemer Support Group). We meet every second Tuesday. With help, I’ve been able to stay clean - given bikes like this one, no easy task!
Now that's funny. ;)
Mechanics eh? This is why I learned to do as much to the bike myself as possible. I do my own servicing and don't use BMW unless I have to. Saved a fortune. Even the service kit can be bought at half the price if you don't buy the BMW branded ones. They are just as good
Wholehearted agreement about the front capacious front end. Seemed fabulously keen when passing cagers.
Great review. I think BMW motorad will be getting another visit. It certainly is a trick bike. Lots of good toys and I love those huge speakers facing you!
I never go off road, so the RT is the ideal machine. Not only an excellent touring machine, but a daily workhorse in all weathers throughout the year. I'll be upgrading this year to the 1250. From what I can tell, it's not radically different with the new engine - merely a subtle upgrade.
My first bike was a bmw r1200rt from 2008. Loved it but I had to work to get that bike through slow tight corners. And there are a lot of them over here when you ride on the small and winding back roads. My shoulder injury told me that it was too much torture so I switched to a Suzuki V-strom 650. My shoulders healed a little so now I ride the Honda cbf1000. I hope that somewhere in the future I can affort this bike. The love for it is still there.
When I put a bike on the side stand, I always pull the bike, while still sitting on the bike and standing on the side stand, backwards so the side stand will go to its maximum extended position.
The problem with the bike is, when you want to filter through traffic, that the side cases are wider than the handle bar. You'll get used to that.
Dropped my 1200 GS off at the dealers today, 50 miles away, -7 in freezing fog, would have killed for a heated seat, heated grips saved my fingers from frost bite though !! definitely wouldn't have ventured out on a sports bike, the GS weight and low CofG makes it feel planted so I'm sure the RT is just the same...great review, as always.
I just demonstrated a r1250rt LE, it was supreme motorcycle to ride on my own and with my wife as pillion. Can not fault this bike at all. Easy bike to ride, a four year kid could ride it. I own a goldwing and have done many miles across Europe and it will be sad to see it go, but I am blown away with the BMW. Going to get one
Reasons to watch Missenden Flyer: 1.Great reviews of dreamed bikes 2. Beautiful British Countryside riding
Thanks!
And the occasional swear word; tosser wanker yobo pillock! What are some other good ones?
Brilliant again mate really love the RT,may be a replacement for my XR next year 👍
thank you my wife and i always enjoy your videos great information i have a 2004 r1150 rt i may have to check into the r1250rt
Stay on that last road you were on for a couple more miles and just as you get into Prestwood look out for the Malt brewery on your left. Buy 2x mixed boxes of beer. After loading boxes into your panniers, 1 each side for balance, head to York (your next tour) and drop them at mine. Cheers.
Is that beer any good? Often wondered about popping into Malt...
@@TheMissendenFlyer Yeah, its great. Really friendly little shop. I always buy a box of 12 when visiting family in Hughenden.
They have some beers on draught in there and let you sample them before buying!
Good morning TMF, Thank you for the Review, nice bike and thank you for the video. Take care 😎👍🇬🇧.
Great review agree with a lot of the comments the RT is not the most pretty bike but I have a 2011 and the more I ride it the more it grows on me it's just such an easy bike to ride
Just started biking again after a 30 year break and glad I got an RT very happy with it.
The R1200RT has been my dream bike for a while now...need to get my first bike licence still but have always loved the styling of the RT series. Glad bmw haven't dropped it to make more powerful bikes...i still want one of these. If only your test bike had the panniers fitted
After 30 years off bikes ( though i had lots of big bikes back in the day ) I became a born again biker by Getting a new KTM 1290 sas that i detested as it was in KTM more than it was on the road so i bought a old 55 Bmw rt1200 and loved it !! So i traded my KTM ( the orange pig ) and the BMW for a 18 plate 1200rs that i kept for a year, Great bike but my Knees were not enjoying it so i traded that for a 20 Rt1250 like in your post and i can honstely say its a superb bike in every way and can Hussle on the twistys when required!! What a fantastic machine, Your road test is bang on!!
Hi TMF. Need to now do a review of the new Versys 1000 SE. This looks like another contender for touring !
A superb video TMF, I have to stop watching your BMW films as i always want to go to Wollastons after. My 2018 1200 RT is an awesome ride.
Noticed a previous comment about steep drive and gravel. Well my drive is steep and with two up out of my garage and up the drive was easy, considering I am usually on my goldwing. Also pulled off road on to gravel area on dartmoor with my wife on back and the bike was so stable.
Good to see you kept it upright TMF.
After going for a rideout with my Police colleagues, really love this bike...getting quite affordable now...nice bike and great review as always mate
Thanks for the review. A little over a year ago I purchased at KTM 1290 SA-T because I do like the occasional ride down a dirt road. Prior to that purchase the RT was a bike I was considering. Looks to be a real comfortable and smooth riding machine. Like you I find the radio speakers to be an odd item, but to each his own.
Good to hear from you again, it’s been a while!
I thought long and hard about the R/T, an incredible machine. In the end I went with the 2020 BMW R1250GSA due to its versatility (off-road) and leg room (I’m 180cm). There are just too many vineyards, waterfalls and lakes that require off-road capability in order to explore. Good video. Ride safe.
Indeed, I guess that's why they outsell the RT by a considerable margin....
Great review TMF!! Marlow to Henley is my typical weekend ride, great route.
Yes a lovely part of the world around there....
Great review TMF, was looking forward to this one. Have a 2015 RT LE myself, never sure why people are amazed at the agility of them around town, umpteen police forces can’t be wrong. The base one is still fairly well equipped and comes with luggage of course, not the case (no pun intended) for the GS.
True!
Brilliant review of the new BMW R1250RT. I think I have made up my mind already. What an amazing bike. Due to the lovely weather I have had to postpone my test ride for a few days. Snow and two wheels not a great combination. Thanks for sharing. I will of course keep you updated on my decision.
What are you riding now Paul?
@@TheMissendenFlyer Currently I am riding the Honda Deauville NT700 which has taken me all around Europe. Previous to that I owned a 2003 Triumph Trophy 1200. When I sat on the RT it didn't feel much different to the Honda. It appears to hide it's weight well.
Hi TMF, I thought you would like to know you have converted me to BMW. I test rode the R1250RT on Saturday and absolutely loved it and have ordered one. Once again thank you for your advice.
Excellent review - always good to hear your views and easy to follow and understand your logic. I love the RT and my 2016 GSA is up for a change at the end of 2019 so I may just go the RT direction - I had one back in 2012 and loved it but the Adventure just did it all at that time. My only criticism of an RT is the same as yours - the front end is a bit too "bulbous" and in Hot climates it is a little too effective at keeping the elements off you - it is just so difficult to get some airflow to your body. Its a pity they dont do the same thing they did with the K1600 GT and design some clever deflectors that when selected for airflow they channel air to your body. I am still very tempted though. Thanks for the review!
I spent 10 days on a 1100RT in 1997ish riding on a BMW sponsored Edlewiss Alpine Tour and really enjoyed everything about it including the bike. I sold BMWs for a couple of years and thought the bikes were overpriced by about 20% for what you get. I moved over to Triumphs for the style, price and yes reliability. I would consider an RT but I am retired now and I am priced out of the touring bike market and certainly out of the BMW market.
Stunning bike and an outstanding review as well!!
In the 1980s, John Rooth the editor of Two Wheels (Australia), wrote a test report on the R100RT. He loved the fairing and weather protection it offered. He reckoned it's the only bike you can fart at 80 kph and still smell it.
Thanks TMF, was looking forward to this! 👍🏻
Great review as ever, obviously very calm in there as your audio is particularly crisp and noise free, each to their own don't think it would be much good for most of my commute (agile or not) and looks..... only its mother could love it. But then I think my Street 765 RS is beautiful and not everyone would agree with that (by a long way).
Thanks for watching and stopping by Matt - it all comes down to personal taste in the end doesn't it - I think a bike has to grab you emotionally to be a possible purchase...
@@TheMissendenFlyer Absolutely... good news is we've never had it so good... so many amazing bikes to choose from and fortunately the only people that know how incredibly they perform is us bikers..... and we ain't going to tell the politicians and law makers... I totally love the fact that in this day and age it is possible to buy a 190kg 230 bhp motorbike.
The best BMW Motorrad model! I have one of the year 2010, still the air-oil cooling engine with 153,000 km that has given me good trips throughout Europe, I also have in my garage a GS1200 of the year 2017 with 31,000 Kms and in comparison with RT is always a few points behind
Nice England country roads look inviting to such a great bike. That’s fun and informative your video is.
Marvelous video as always, thumb up. I love the term 'agricultural' for the behaviour of BMW's gear shifting. Fits exactly (mainly for the old air cooled boxer). Great show 😅👍
Cheers Peter....
Good review as usual. Enjoyed watching you struggle with directions... If only you had a sat nav ; )
Hehe....
You are absolutely spoiling us with all these videos, Mr Flyer! One day we'll grow entitled ;)
...I'm making up for my Christmas break!
8:52 "Goodness me". You're quite right, the Henley Road is turning into St. John's Wood-style palaces. Smaller houses being knocked over and Megapads maxed-out with basement cinemas and gyms taking their place. Ghastly. Love the bike though...
haha I rewound as I thought he was commenting on the lady with the dog..
Great review as always! I can only imagine how nice the RT is with the 1250 engine! .... not that there was much wrong with the "wet head" 1200! .... I originally had an 06 RT, which I thought was the business - if only it had a little more power. After some years, and many other bikes, I bought a 2014 RT. My biggest issues with the 2014 RT were - 1. The saddle, you kept sliding forward, so after a long days ride, I found that my inner thigh muscles were in bits. This was sorted with a wunderlich aftermarket seat, which was a good purchase. Secondly, and more of a problem for me, was that, even one up, with no luggage, uphill t-junctions, where you are turning right, were a real problem. The bike was difficult to hold with just legs, I didn't really get on with the hill start control, was always afraid of stripping the clutch.I changed to a 2016 S1000 XR, which I think is awesome. It's lighter, handles great, had a brilliant Jekyll and Hyde personality, depending on your right hand. I blinged it up a bit, with some Wunderlich bits - Engine bars, bigger screen, saddle and hand guard extenders. But .... when I recently dropped it in for it's 18000 mile service, I got a loan of a 1250 GS exclusive. Oh boy - I have been ruined - what a bike that is! ... I hadn't ridden a GS since about 2008, and what a revelation this one was. It felt a lot smaller than it actually is, beautifully balanced, the TFT screen is awesome, the connectivity is great. But the most surprising thing, to me, was the engine! ... and what an engine the 1250 boxer engine is! .... I was playing with the connectivity, listening to spotify, (speakers in the Neotech II are rubbish), when I thought I was going a bit quick, so I flipped the screen back to the speedometer to see that I was doing about 40 miles an hour more than I thought. 40 miles an hour less was already a custodial type of speed. Do I want one! ... Oh yes! I frequently do 500+ mile days on the XR, but having had the loan of the GS 1250, can see how much more comfortable one of those would be!
Keep up the great work with your channel, IT's great! ... Best Regards
Dermot
Good analysis,thks.It seems like BMW again have omitted the "Backlit" controls.I believe that to be a rather big omission.(Especially on the RT).Cheers
A great review as usual.
You were talking a bit about seat height and potential riders might like to know that 3 seat types are offered with each type having a high and low setting giving you a huge height range from 760mm to 850mm (a Wunderlich wheel adapter can bring the minimum down further to 750mm).
Although you didn't demonstrate the centre stand, I can vouch for this being very easy to use on this substantial 279 kg/615 lbs (wet) bike.
Thanks for the additional info and feedback Kevin....
Great review. Goodness me comment made me 😀. Just traded up to one of these from a GSA can’t wait to get some miles on it
Enjoy Paul!
Usual excellent review. A good time to buy a top spec 1200 RT, as current owners rush to buy this great bike ?
Thanks TMF
Have just traded in my Triumph Thunderbird Commander for a BMW r1250RT 2019 model
Excellent value for money on second hand bike with less then 10,000 miles on her with all the whistles and Bells 👍👍👍
CHiPs. Kawasaki z1000s. Really nice bmw and a great and informative review. I still remember the price BMW asked of you when your GS rear ESA unit failed. KISS should apply to bikes.
Motor officers in "CHiPs" ride Kawasaki Z1-P & KZ900-C2 in seasons 1 & 2 and KZ1000-C1 from season 3
YEP - I was going to throw some "Ponch" shade too...
It's amazing how little has changed since the 2014 model, which I have, which was a significant update over 2013.
I used to own a ST1300. Same thing with the windscreen. Full up, and you felt like you were being pushed from behind. My theory is that the wind pushes against the body when the screen is down, thus the rider uses minimal muscle to fight that effect and keep him/herself slightly forward. When you put the screen up, your body wants to fall forward because that's what its been doing for most of the ride when the screen was down. Of course, the effect of being pushed forward wears off after a few minutes. Nice review btw. Thinking of trading my S1000R for this next year.
Excellent review TMF. I enjoyed the information. Seems to be a very desirable bike. Great watching the scenery there too, wish I had the variety of scenery you have. Few months ago bought my first BMW bike, had it down to an RT & GSA. I went with the GSA for reason you mentioned, option to go off road. Really enjoy your videos.
Cheers Chip - just remind me where in the world you are?
I live in Florida, USA, in the panhandle area. If you come that way, let me know.
Thanks! Interesting that the LE doesn’t come with LED headlights. Guess they have to cut somewhere to add the radio, heated seat and electronic screen while keeping the price the same.
Very happy with my 2017 (from new) 1200RT here in South Carolina. Much more nimble and fun than my previous - Harley Ultra Limited... Very reliable, no issues. Being all white, it seems to gain some respect from drivers used to seeing Police on white 1200's! Enjoyed the review on the 2019 model.
seaj CHS USA good to know. I’m thinking about upgrading my ultra classic to the new 1250 rt. It seems so much more nimble
If you'd continued on the road out of Marlow there would have been some twisties that land you in Henley on Thames and all its traffic. From there a nice 8 mile run back to Maidenhead.
Lovely bike, lots of goodies onboard, still a bit out of my budget. I'll stick with my R1150RT for the moment, wich is still riding like a dream. Maybe in a few years, it is always nice to have some dreams left, LOL! (mine fortunately doesn't have a radio, never liked radio on a bike, but the compartment is handy for putting all kind of small stuff in)
I'm a real FJR1300 fan. Great for two-up touring, is a real flying machine, and a relatively sporty style. I love it! Got to admit though that the BMW has evolved into a great machine. The enormous front end and an element of rider image puts me off for the moment. Maybe when I'm a little older. Daren't have a test ride though, as I suspect I'd like it. Then I'd have a dilemma!
Don't do it Ian, despite it's voluminous looks it is a lovely bike to ride....you will be impressed!
Thanks. Really good and very helpful. I had a 90 Jahre (2013) Special Edition for 3 years, the last of the airheads. I believe from 2014 they all have wet clutches. I agree with you summary that if you want a tourer then RT is the way to go. Although I did take it around south west Ireland once and thought that a GS might be better. On the way back I had flat tyre but the tyre pressure warning light informed before I even felt it. A big factor with RT is the lockable luggage. With a top box, tank bag and two panniers you can manage a really comfortable tour. I swapped to Triumph and now enjoy a T120. I must say I’m tempted by the RT again because I have tinnitus and the protection is good. I’m not so sure it looks as much fun as Triumph T120. I swapped as I was trying to reduce the weight of the bike I ride and sometimes these tourers can be a little boring. Also I got fed up with the tyres flattening out after 5,000 miles. It’s horses for courses I suppose. These days I leave big bikes in 1st gear when I put them on the side stand. Thanks again and I’ll probably watch this a couple of times more.
Nice one Pete - loving your multiple view idea!
Having just sold a r200rt le I feel reasonably qualified to make some observations. Superb tourer, did a 3 week tour of Spain on it. Comfort at speed, exception mpg if you keep your speed down. Screen , simply the best I've experienced. More than enough gadgets. Negatives, the dash is way behind. Why no TFT ? when you use a nav 5 or 6 you miss out on so much info that the same nav will give you on a GS. Great bike but having ridden a 1250 on test I rate the latest suspension improvements more than the engine upgrade. The 1200 can be ridden at stupid speeds if you want, the 1250 nice to experience but deffo not a game changer. Now good suspension, everyone can appreciate that.
Cheers for the feedback Stephen....
Hello from the U.S. I ride a 2014 Honda CTX 1300. Love your videos.
I wish you would review tourers with their luggage fitted, its the feel loaded that most riders would be interested in, like you have done in the past with other bikes.
You are Dating yourself TMF with CHiPS reference, but I do get what you mean. I get flash backs from the series riding my Pan Euro. Ponch & Jon Rode Kawasaki KZ900-C2 and KZ1000-C1 On original CHiPS. Fantastic bikes in their time. My first street bike was KZ 750 same vintage.
Great Review Love the Bike!
Have always noticed with new bikes that ~25,000 miles is when you change from smaller shims to larger when servicing the top-end ie 'bedding in' to wear. As you say, when it loosens up.
The 2019 BMW RT 1250 Starfleet Edition. Seriously if I had one of these I'd be saying "Engage" every time I pulled away.
Another great review, thanks. Which bike do you think has the plushest most "magic carpet" ride on our poorly maintained A-roads?
More great content, TMF.
I agree, although a handsome looking machine, I always thought the front end was a little too bulbous, but that wouldn’t put me off owning one. That first gear clunk sounded just like my old R1100S - I wonder if BMW engineer that in on purpose, to add ‘character’... 🤔
Looking forward to your next vid 👍
Andy 🏴
Another great and comprehensive review. It does look like the bees knees, but all that electrickery would worry me. So much to go wrong. The weight doesn’t sound too bad especially compared to my Trophy SE. You seemed to be able to move the RT around quite easily, not something I could ever do with the Trophy. The Trophy had a sound system too but I found that in order to hear it on the move you had to have the volume up high which hurt your ears so I never turned it on.
Yes I'm afraid I never got on with the Trophy...glad Triumph secretly stopped making 'em....
Yamaha FJR 1300 ES 2019 to 2020 ALL THE WAY!!! 😀😇😍
If the BMW had a more competitive price ie: a little lower, and maintenance costs weren’t so expensive as stated by someone below and it used regular fuel instead of supreme, and the engine did not have those things sticking way out like that, I may consider it. The FJR runs on regular unleaded fuel, has almost everything the BMW has and is a flat cost of $17,999 U.S. sorry I did not convert to pounds. I hope the FJR for 2020 adds keyless locking, a TFT, a reverse gear etc, on the 2020’s. I would like them to narrow the wide seat as well.
Great review as always sir, have a blessed day. 👍😎
Thanks TMF. Great job. Enjoyed your video.
Thanks 👍
This BMW model is used by many police departments and state patrol here in the states. What an amazing machine!
It is indeed!
The 2021 model has a huge TFT screen as well as new safety features like adaptive cruise control. I’m seriously considering the new model. I love the shaft drive and the boxer engine. Take care TMF!
Great video as always. Mate has a K1600, one of the gtlse alphabet soup models. Sedate ride? he rides it like a super sport and is damn quick on it. Faster than I would have the nerve to go, especially on a big bike like that. Maybe when I retire in another 25 years I'll get one of these for the super long distance road trip.
That thing is stunning, wow.
Great review and Great video quality by the way. If I may make a suggestion for your long-term reviews which is totally unrelated to this video 😂 ,when you review the bike at night, you could probably get a Sena 10c or the new 10c pro which the latter has 1080 and 60 fps. I do most of my driving at night for commuting, therefore the quality has to be top. The video quality is as if you see it with your own eyes at night. This is my experience, I don’t know if there are any other cameras out there that do a great job at night, but the 10c does very well for me.
Thanks for the tip!
Great review of a great bike. Many thanks.
Great review 🏍🇦🇺you my friend are the Top gear of bike shows
I'll turn round as I dont want to get lost says he - with BMW's flagship Sat nav on the dash . :-)
Also Chips rode Kawasakis if im not mistaken.....
Nice review tho, always liked the RT - miss my 1980 RT100 more than most bikes I have had.
Advantages of in-dash nav, getting lost intentionally or otherwise is more fun.
It's just a sticker in place of the real unit.
My 15 plate RT LE was due for changing. 2 reasons i went for the Gold wing DCT Tour. 1. full auto. 2. reverse gear. Most of the things on my RT i loved. The crunching gearbox was not one......and yes it did have Pro shift.
I’d love more info between the two, they are both on my short list....
Thank you for posting. With the GS you have hand guards, which protect your hands from the wind. Is the fairing in the RT wide enough to shield the hands? I might have missed it, but are the side mirrors adequate? Finally, you mentioned that Ponchonello (spelling?) was a Harley guy. At the time California had a contract with Harley for their CHP (CA highway patrol) bikes. Since then (mid 90's maybe), they have given the contract to BMW. The big three police bikes in the USA are Harley, BMW, and Kawasaki. Just a bit of trivia. :)
“I haven’t got a clue where this road goes. Perhaps I need to do a U-turn”.
If only you’d had access to a map...
great review, probably the best I have watched on the RT.... just wondering if you had the seat adjusted on high or low, as it is adjustable.
Thanks for the kind comments - I don’t honestly know, I think it was just set at standard height...
out of all the bikes ive ridden in rain long distance, up to the r1200rt, the old r100rt has kept me the most dry . the old 1200/1500 gold wings were close but not quite as dry after 5 or 6 hours. im still looking at the 1250 but not sure yet. Once to twice a month I have a 7-8 hour commute home from my work flat and comfort on my gsa is great but in the rain its abit lacking for long periods.
Finally! BMW did what it needed for the sake of power alone, this bike needed the increase of power to make the long distance far less stressful all around.
Pretty hard to go wrong with an RT, they are such a lovely bike. The only thing that stopped me was the price of them over here in Canada. I opted for the new FJR ES fully loaded for over 10k cdn less than a RT.
Doug, a wise choice. The FJR is a great bike and likely to be more reliable.
Yea you said cramped in your previous review. I am still going to test ride an RT but at 6'4" I think I would be better off with the GSA.
Fab review nice bike I love the sound of the boxer engine so smooth thanks 🍎
Great review as ever. Question. Is it possible for you to do more banger reviews? I was interested in an ex police one of these.
10 years old 50+k but 2.5 grand.
Probably a bit baggy round the edges compared to the one in this vid but it could probably still travel the world 3 times over.
I'd love to see how many parts the RT shares with the GS. Looks like it's going to be a fair number of them.
I think the Californian highway patrol, or CHIPS, used a Kawasaki z1000 police special. But in the recent movie, "chips" they did ride the BMW r1200rt.
TMF if you had kept going out of Marlow you would have got to Henley on Thames you could then go over the bridge and back to Maidenhead via Hurley
9:44 annnnnnnnnnnnd the bike has a built in gps ;) haha great review mate