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.
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!)
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
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.
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!
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
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
@@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!
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.
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 🌞
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
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 😁
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 :)
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 👍👍👍
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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.
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.
Ride the 1200rt at work as a paramedic in London amazing bike handing comfort stopping moving around had st1300 before the rt is over100kg lighter goes like stink what a bike
Glad to hear from someone who rides one for work. Not too many police making comments from what I can tell although I would love to hear what they think about this bike if they ride one.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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...
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)
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
Not having a go at you personally, but I think charging £1500 extra for metallic paint is a bit more than just “a shame”. People with the money who’ll just pay anything for anything nowadays are feeding this ridiculous option mentality, admittedly mostly from European manufacturers, so I think influential motovloggers like yourself have more of a responsibility to call manufacturers out on this.
Your spot on and of course BMW invented the whole concept and have been getting away with it with their cars for decades .. one of the many reasons I have an unhealthy dislike for the brand ! They are above all a case study in the power of marketing , to convince anyone the GS was the best bike in the world really was a masterstroke !
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 😅👍
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.
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.
In the beginning you mentioned having recently ridden the gold wing and the larger bmw I was hoping you’d have some comparisons. Thx for the video. Great information
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.
Well TMF as my name suggests I am an RT addict - now own two of them, the 10 plate 70,000 mile every day bike and a 63 plate 15,000 miler anniversary model, very last of the air cooled - a bit of a minter that I hope to keep that way for as long as poss. Even the GS to me doesn't have the presence of the RT and with my hi vizz helmet queing traffic seems to just get out of my way! - Funny that, can't imagine why.....? So try an RT when you decide to change - you won't be disappointed. Great review, keep up the good work. Cheers mate - Dude
@@macraemorse Just lovely aren't they. I have tried a liquid cooled before I bought the 90th but it really didn't feel £10k better than my 90th! Check me out on youtube, posted a few of me on a holiday in the Alps in 2014 - not as good as TMF's videos mind!! He rules!
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. 👍😎
I really like the bike. Fat seats. Safety lights. The front end looks like an owl I always thought. I like it. Love the mirrors and gauges. It really is a handsome bike. I totally agree with that assessment, Flyer. Great review as always! Cheers!
Owl? Okay but I think something a little more sinister and menacing from the Cretaceous Dinosaur Period. How about a Velociraptor or T-Rex! Now that's more like it. Jurassic Park anyone? 😊
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
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'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!
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.
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
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!
Hi TMF, I’m relocating from Manchester to Marlow area soon and need to travel to Paddington everyday. Naturally, I am relishing the idea of using my bike for the commute. However, I have a Gen 2 Explorer which, although fantastic on motorways, is top heavy at slow speeds and, like all adventures has wide handlebars which are not ideal for filtering. I was looking at chopping it in for either a Multistrada 1260s or a GS anyway but based on my new commute I am thinking that the RT1250 might be more appropriate. I’d welcome your thoughts and advice please?
What is it with looking through a screen? I have the Givi Airflow o m GS and I hate riding with the screen up. Almost feels like I dont trust what im looking at through the plastic. But I ride with my visor down all the time and never question that. I took a few flying lessons some time back and couldnt get on with sunglasses and looking through the screen. Maybe im just an odd git? Do you find the same when you fly?
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.
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.
Now I’m not on 1000cc and above yet but I have sat on my fair few of bikes and this is a personal favourite on looks and it just feels like an arm chair as well as the lovely wide seat when I turn 21 this is something I will be looking to get would you recommend anything different to round France and England in all weathers.
The shift cam makes the low rpm throtlle more smooth. Used to be jerky as hell and required slipping the clutch constantly in low speed traffic. BMW are still using 1920's tractor gearboxes though. Still clunky.
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.....
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!)
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!
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?
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!
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!😂😂😂
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 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
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!!
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.....
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....
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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 🌞
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
Great Review as always but Looking forward to the vid where you move it around fully laden, uphill on a gravel drive.!
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 😁
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 :)
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
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. 👍🏍
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 👍👍👍
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.
That thing is stunning, wow.
Wholehearted agreement about the front capacious front end. Seemed fabulously keen when passing cagers.
Brilliant again mate really love the RT,may be a replacement for my XR next year 👍
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, 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!
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!!
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....
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.
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.
Good to see you kept it upright TMF.
Good morning TMF, Thank you for the Review, nice bike and thank you for the video. Take care 😎👍🇬🇧.
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
Thanks TMF, was looking forward to this! 👍🏻
Ride the 1200rt at work as a paramedic in London amazing bike handing comfort stopping moving around had st1300 before the rt is over100kg lighter goes like stink what a bike
Glad to hear from someone who rides one for work. Not too many police making comments from what I can tell although I would love to hear what they think about this bike if they ride one.
@@STOPsignforRT the emergency services RT's are made in a separate factory. I also understand they don't get all the toys e.g. ride modes
Bang on mate, I agree bike is so easy and safe to ride. I can see why you use it.
Great review sir! 4 degrees positively toasty!!
Yes - clearly I didn't ride the RT today!
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.
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!
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.
Hi TMF. Need to now do a review of the new Versys 1000 SE. This looks like another contender for touring !
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...
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’ve always wondered why BMW doesn’t put standard engine guards on their flat twin motors.
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..
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)
Good review as usual. Enjoyed watching you struggle with directions... If only you had a sat nav ; )
Hehe....
Great review TMF!! Marlow to Henley is my typical weekend ride, great route.
Yes a lovely part of the world around there....
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
The bike 90% of GS owners would have bought if Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman had never met.
yea probably. i have a2010 rt. the heart wants a gs, my brain wants the rt.
I rode one of these today and I'm feeling a bit conflicted about having my current GSA. If you aren't going off road, the RT is the better bike.
M2fiftycal
More aesthetically appealing too,unless you’re into the “beak” thing on the GS.
Paul Benson
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
RT for me, but both great bikes.Ride safe!👍
Lol...so true!
Thanks TMF. Great job. Enjoyed your video.
Thanks 👍
Great review 🏍🇦🇺you my friend are the Top gear of bike shows
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.
It's amazing how little has changed since the 2014 model, which I have, which was a significant update over 2013.
Not having a go at you personally, but I think charging £1500 extra for metallic paint is a bit more than just “a shame”. People with the money who’ll just pay anything for anything nowadays are feeding this ridiculous option mentality, admittedly mostly from European manufacturers, so I think influential motovloggers like yourself have more of a responsibility to call manufacturers out on this.
Your spot on and of course BMW invented the whole concept and have been getting away with it with their cars for decades .. one of the many reasons I have an unhealthy dislike for the brand ! They are above all a case study in the power of marketing , to convince anyone the GS was the best bike in the world really was a masterstroke !
@@WyreForestBiker That accolade belongs to the Honda C90. Surely the most important motorcycle ever built.
@@WyreForestBiker
No convincing needed, because it is.....
@@WyreForestBiker yeah this whole "optional extras" charges thing is getting well out of hand
@@donarmstrong4166 Why ?
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!
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....
BMW Touring bikes need a TFT screen. There’s plenty of space to put a nice 5”-7” screen.
Are the readable in daylight? The dials are readable almost everywhere. It isn't a TFT, but the display on my ST1300 is almost never readable.
@@alanhassall the BMW TFT on my R1250rs works fine in sunny conditions. The screen is a matt finish
2021 RT has TFT screen it looks Awesome 👌
The new 10.5 tft says hello
Hello from the U.S. I ride a 2014 Honda CTX 1300. Love your videos.
Nice England country roads look inviting to such a great bike. That’s fun and informative your video is.
Great review TMF. Love the bike
Thanks David
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.
Great review of a great bike. Many thanks.
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....
In the beginning you mentioned having recently ridden the gold wing and the larger bmw I was hoping you’d have some comparisons.
Thx for the video. Great information
matrixdean I came off an 09 ultra classic to a concours 14 don’t think I’ll go back to a heavier bike...
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.
Usual excellent review. A good time to buy a top spec 1200 RT, as current owners rush to buy this great bike ?
The 2019 BMW RT 1250 Starfleet Edition. Seriously if I had one of these I'd be saying "Engage" every time I pulled away.
Well TMF as my name suggests I am an RT addict - now own two of them, the 10 plate 70,000 mile every day bike and a 63 plate 15,000 miler anniversary model, very last of the air cooled - a bit of a minter that I hope to keep that way for as long as poss.
Even the GS to me doesn't have the presence of the RT and with my hi vizz helmet queing traffic seems to just get out of my way! - Funny that, can't imagine why.....?
So try an RT when you decide to change - you won't be disappointed.
Great review, keep up the good work. Cheers mate - Dude
Well said Dude, Well said.
I have the same 90th year anniversary special RT.
@@macraemorse Just lovely aren't they. I have tried a liquid cooled before I bought the 90th but it really didn't feel £10k better than my 90th! Check me out on youtube, posted a few of me on a holiday in the Alps in 2014 - not as good as TMF's videos mind!! He rules!
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. 👍😎
I really like the bike. Fat seats. Safety lights. The front end looks like an owl I always thought. I like it. Love the mirrors and gauges. It really is a handsome bike. I totally agree with that assessment, Flyer. Great review as always! Cheers!
An owl! That’s it!! It’s exactly like one!
Owl? Okay but I think something a little more sinister and menacing from the Cretaceous Dinosaur Period. How about a Velociraptor or T-Rex! Now that's more like it. Jurassic Park anyone? 😊
Brilliant review as always thankyou
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
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'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!
“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...
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....
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
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!
Hi TMF, I’m relocating from Manchester to Marlow area soon and need to travel to Paddington everyday. Naturally, I am relishing the idea of using my bike for the commute. However, I have a Gen 2 Explorer which, although fantastic on motorways, is top heavy at slow speeds and, like all adventures has wide handlebars which are not ideal for filtering. I was looking at chopping it in for either a Multistrada 1260s or a GS anyway but based on my new commute I am thinking that the RT1250 might be more appropriate. I’d welcome your thoughts and advice please?
What is it with looking through a screen? I have the Givi Airflow o m GS and I hate riding with the screen up. Almost feels like I dont trust what im looking at through the plastic. But I ride with my visor down all the time and never question that. I took a few flying lessons some time back and couldnt get on with sunglasses and looking through the screen. Maybe im just an odd git? Do you find the same when you fly?
No I don't have any problems (except being able to focus on the cockpit instruments with my glasses on!!)....
Fab review nice bike I love the sound of the boxer engine so smooth thanks 🍎
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.
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
Good honest review - thanks
Great review ... We love the R1250RT ;-)
They sure make a quality machine, as usual for Bee Em👍👍😎
Currently on a Crosstourer DCT, and am starting to consider a touring bike. But am I ready for the full old man spec RT. I just don't know.
You’ll be amazed why you didn’t do it sooner!
@@TheMissendenFlyer everyone I've spoken to has said the same. Great review, definitely a help.
Thanks for the reply
Now I’m not on 1000cc and above yet but I have sat on my fair few of bikes and this is a personal favourite on looks and it just feels like an arm chair as well as the lovely wide seat when I turn 21 this is something I will be looking to get would you recommend anything different to round France and England in all weathers.
...only the GSA - just a matter of preference as to which you go for I'd say...best try them both!
Well I still have 2 years before I can jump on one for a test ride and I’m sure newer and better things will be out then thanks 🙏
Dunno if I'm missing a trick here, but a Hi-FI system on a motorcycle? Helmet on, earplugs in - how loud have the speakers got to be to hear it???
Does the Shift Cam smoothens downshifts like a Slipper Clutch?
I can't wait for my R1250R, shipping takes 8 months or more.
No it doesn’t....
The shift cam makes the low rpm throtlle more smooth. Used to be jerky as hell and required slipping the clutch constantly in low speed traffic. BMW are still using 1920's tractor gearboxes though. Still clunky.