2021 BMW R1250 RT Lessons Learned Review | The Pros and cons
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- Опубліковано 21 сер 2021
- 2021 BMW R1250 RT Lessons Learned Review | The Pros and cons
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Folks - Many of you have once again pointed out that you can set the programmable buttons on the left fairing to act as a heated grips button - thanks for pointing this out - I should have read the manual!! I'd still rather have a dedicated button in the first place but apologies for not mentioning this fact!.....
I wonder if BMW have incorporated the same programmable button on the K1600. The one that I owned required the same faff around to operate the heated grips etc.
@@alanhall7213 yes, they have. I own a 2015 1600GT, when in heated grips menu hold down the diamond button for a few seconds (the button above menu). This button is now your shortcut..
My 2021 RT had the software update in September and it was a huge improvement.The 4 buttons on the left fairing are programmable to put your favorite shortcuts there.All menus whether phone,settings,navigation,radio,my vehicle or media menu only require a long press up on the menu buttom and it returns to the home screen.
Geat review, as always! I love the active-cruise and blindspot monitoring on my '22 Multistrada V4S. The cruise particularly is so pleasing.
You shouldn't be surprised at the effectiveness of the heated seat, it heats the hole of your body ;-) .
I just got that! 😂
Dang, I love motorcycles! And there are so many very good ones these days! 35 years ago when I started riding, you just wanted a bike that would start and make it home running!
It certainly rains a lot more in the UK than it does in Arizona! From the look of all the water in the road and how well thr RT handles in it, really shows off how safe it is in any kind of driving challenge! Kudos to BMW for that! I like your reviews. They're right up where the rubber meets the road! Thats a really nice Bike you have, and im glad you picked it out of all the different models BMW offers!
I have a 2016 RT. To improve leg comfort I added engine “crash” bars and highway pegs so I can extend my legs as needed.
One of the best features of the 2015 RT is the wet weather riding - great protection and handling. You showed this and the way the bike went through the standing water at the end of the video was great. I cant justify the expense of upgrading the 15 to the 21 model - here in Australia it would set me back 35K AUD. Thanks for the great videos.
My pleasure!
TRY $41K.
The heated seat is a bonus, I had them in my VW Passat . The bike is a big old beast. Ideal for a good tour. I’m sure there are cheaper comparable bikes out there that does the same if not better job.
Many thanks for your excellent review Andy. Very much appreciated.
Thanks for another great review. Just to show how preferences can vary, I love the iPhone navigation integration on my GS; I sold the Garmin Navigator that came with it. Also, I despise the adaptive cruise control (my wife’s car has it) and would pay extra to not have it. You’re exactly right about the heated grips menu nonsense. On marginal days I’m always turning the grips on and off, with the button on the right side.
Thanks again.
The things you’ll ride through for your viewers. Hero and thank you!!!
I like to say a huge thank you for braving that terribly weather much appreciated showing us just how awesome the RT is in bad weather some of those puddles were massive , I'm sure you know now that the 4 buttons are for your favourites like heated grips and seat , really enjoying this video I'm a far weather rider but watching you gives me more confidence thank you
Thank you for watching Dan!
You don’t have to go through all the menus to get to the heating options just push button 2 on the left fairing! Button 4 takes you directly to the navigation screen. The navigation at this point isn’t very reliable and drops out but BMW claims there’re releasing a hardware and software revision in September to fix it, we’ll see, I hope so since it’s the only real disappointment on this bike.
Exactly, I will add that you can set different function to these 4 buttons in the menu, so, you'll be able to add the radio, the navigation, etc as shortcut
Can’t believe he had the bike for a week and didn’t know about the short cuts
And to get out of the menu from anywhere press and hold the "up" button. If you're going to review something at least learn how to use it. He'll be disappointed next when his kettle didn't come from the shop full of boiling water.
@@ChazM535i to be fair, if you're riding a different bike every other week....
@@ChazM535i lol
At 4:30 I thought “what a huge bike” until i saw you stand up again! 😂🤣😂🤣😂
Good review. Would have liked to have seen the sat nav mapping live in action. And I would say to anyone who hasn't ridden one that these bikes can scratch as well as tour....
Hi there, something I want to thank you for is giving a British expat a regular glimpse of scenes back in dear old Blighty. The recent Welsh tour was a good example. Many of us are feeling a bit adrift at the moment what with all the international travel restrictions. Keep em coming!
Will do Philip!
Oh, I hear ya. When he's touring the English countryside or passing through historic towns etc. I really miss home. NZ has its good points but after nearly twenty years I still feel like an alien.
Good Day. Love your reviews. I too had an issue with the heated grips/seats menu access. But like all men we don't like to read the Manual. It took my daughter to point out the button on top of the MODE button on the right hand/throttle side(It has the squiggling up arrows). Once you press it it goes directly to the heated menu. Shift the Wonder Wheel to the right and roll/scroll your heat setting. Wunderbar!!!!!! No more faffing about while riding looking for the right menu. Don't worry, my daughter who rides a 2016 R1200 GSA, has a wonderful knack of always making daddy have that same look when things don't be as I think they should be but has been addressed in a slightly different manner.
Nice one! Still would prefer a proper button though!
I bought my first BMW a couple of years ago. (2018 R1200RT) as my daily rider. I absolutely love my RT BUT I’m also blessed that I own a 2018 Goldwing too for longer trips. I love how nimble the RT is at slow speeds. It’s the best of both worlds (my opinion). It’s great for city and highway riding. I love it.
Good to hear! I'm thinking of getting one but don't 'cross continents' and avoid motorways like the plague. But I do 20K miles a year around Scotland in all weathers and this bike looks like the best weather protection I could get. The only question now is leg position (Knee angle) everyone moans about. I'm currently on a GS which is great, but quite tall for me at %'8" ish. Maybe I'll be ok on the RT. Cheers.
@@GS-xg4nz I’m 5’9” (179.8cm) and after about 3 hours I have to take a break. I really should install engine guards so I can install highway pegs but since I just generally use my RT for city (errands) riding I haven’t installed them. I think you’d love the RT.
@@kylepayne9657 Thanks, Kyle. I seem to need to stop for a pee (I'm old) every 90-120 minutes or so - so hopefully won't be an issue. :)
Fantastic review!!
Thank you kindly!
I’ve gone from the GS to the RT (2016 version). I much prefer it and for some reason the “tucked up” riding position is far more comfortable over the longer touring distances. I think the speed Andy went through the “puddles” while still chatting probably tells you all you need to know about these bikes (bet the dealer is going to love you once he/she sees this video though)!
All the talk of that “tucked up” riding position is probably my biggest hesitation towards this bike (not that I’m seriously considering giving up my GSA anytime soon).
Interesting that you say you find it more comfortable for long rides.
It’s always difficult to truly test something like this as you don’t normally get given a demo bike to ride for an extended trip.
But I was wondering (should one find they were not so keen) if a peg lowering kit might be available to relax some of that leg position ?
Yes, IMO the riding position is very comfortable. Looking at Andy's legs they do not look "tucked up" at all....
The RT is a great bike. I also moved from the GS and much prefer the RT.
I love nav from phone, you always have, or should have latest maps and technology. I love that it finds the windiest roads! (If you ask it too)
What a day for this riding segment. The bike and its rider appeared to cope rather well although the optional water wings and outboard motor (BMW’s Aqua Pack) might have been worth having 😜.
Agreed, a little damp out that day!
the 4 buttons on the left side fairing can be used as shortcuts for the heated grips or seat control, they also are temp compensated so as they heat up, the heat automatically cuts back and when first turned on, turn on at max til they heat up to one of 2 levels you can set
There are quick-access buttons on the left side of the fairing. One of them takes you right to the heated seat and grips menu by default. Of course, you can change it in the menus as well. Another UA-camr talked about it.
Yes, see my pinned comment
Heated grips and heated seats just press favorite button number 2 and your in the menu :).. maps works perfectly without giving it any location , you just need to be connected via wifi and Bluetooth then you can select to put on full screen :) (unless should have an iPhone)
I much prefer this abbreviated pros/cons review. Great job. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
The added stability is what I noticed from switching from a 2014 GSA to the 2021 RT. The GSA felt better in the tight bends, but on the straights and higher speed corners the RT is solid.
Yes I entirely know what you mean….
great review. thanks man!
No problem!
I have a late 2019 RT that I love! Yeah, its not perfect... some minor niggles, but generally a superb all-rounder. One previous commenter mentioned the fact that this bike can scratch as well as tour... totally agree with that observation. I'm in two minds about the TFT... particularly the sat nav functionality. I tend to agree with your comments there. Maybe future versions could incorporate 'virtual' dials (as well as other info) as many of BMWs cars do.
Thank you. Enjoyed the floods at the end. Quite exciting, really.
There is information about the assignment of the four Favorite buttons around on the internet/manual. I had read it somewhere and have found it again....
The Favorite buttons are assigned with defined functions that cannot be changed.
Press a button lightly.
The stored function is shown in the TFT display.
Press a button firmly.
The stored function is executed.
If a function is not available because some optional equipment is not installed, a message appears.
Assignment of Favorite buttons with audio system OE
The four Favorite buttons are assigned as follows:
1: Mute audio
2: Grip heating menu
3: Toggle between radio and media
4: Navigation
I don't know how that is setup when the bike does not have the radio...
Thanks for the excellent as usual review. The wheelbase on the R1250RT is shorter than the GS and makes it handle a lot more responsively. The Rake angle may be steeper too.
I find it easy to move around when off the saddle - well my older 2005 oil/air head anyway - its still 252kg I think. Left hand on the bar, right hip against the frame, right hand on the rear grab and its stable and easy to move forward, turn, backwards etc. I'm slightly shorter than you Andy at 5ft 7in but a little heavier at 87kg.
With the extra low seat fitted for ground contact at intersections, my knees are really cramped up. Now I am used to the bike, I will refit the heated seats back on!, but in the low setting. Cheers Graeme, NZ
Cheers Graeme - good to hear from you again!
Been test riding all week. Watching your video I think I’ve saved the best until last today. I love the looks of the bike. Huge predator front. Reminds me of the wife !😅
I really don't know why cars or motorcycles come with navigation any more. You just need a very good interface with your cell phone. Thats worth its weight in gold.
Love this bike
Hi Andy, Great review as always and really impressed with your wet weather skills! I have the pre-TFT 1250RT and I agree the that the older dials on the RT suit the bike, but what is really good is that it retains the NAV 6 attachment, so easy to swap from the GS to the RT. I also fitted a footpeg lowering kit to take out the knee kink a bit and I'm only 5'10". It's time for the price that the OEMs started supplying the bikes with more adjustment possibilities. When is the last time you bought a car with a fixed seat? Anyway I do find the bike fantastic for handling and touring 2 up.
Keep up the excellent work, thanks.
Thank you for watching!
Blimey Andy, the speeds you went through those puddles! I thought we'd witness a first - an aquaplaning TMF! 🌧☔️🏄♂️
I thought that was the whole point of puddles?
I'm totally with you on the heated seats on bikes! After trying a Tiger 1200 when they first came out in 2 deg C, I was an immediate convert. So much so that I bought an aftermarket item from J&S for winter riding on my current bike. Cost under £15 and works a treat!
Good aren't they!
Hello everyone, you are doing a great job like always I appreciate, it's very easy to understand the difference between the GS & RT, GS is like a Range Rover!!! RT is like a Mercedes Class S, maybe they are not perfect but nobody can do better today✌️
The more I ride mine, the more I like it. Coming off the GSA I only have regrets when on gravel roads
All well and good video, very useful for those interested in that motorbike. Was surprised with the river crossings on such a large street cruiser at the end. 🎩-tip to the Flyers riding skills. 👍🏼 😎 🇺🇸 🌎
You can programme all 4 buttons to do Heated Grips, Heated seats Sat Nav etc. You press the button lightly to show the function and hard to set it, if you want to increase or decrease the heat settings, press again untill you get the setting you require, shows in the bottom left of the screen.
Having just completed a 6000 mile tour on a 2017 RT, here are my thoughts. The seat padding is firm on my bike and an additional gel seat made the trip a lot more comfortable. One of my biggest gripes is the lack of places to mount accessories, such as a phone for navigation. When the sun is in the right position it reflects off the back of the handlebars onto the display. The reflection stops you seeing portions of the instrument readout. The fix was to put black tape on the back of the handlebars. This may not be an issue on the TFT display.
Great review, as always, thank you. I'm not very much into these comfort cruisers, but haven't tried one.
The heating issue: As I understand it there are some free programmable buttons on the left fairing and you can put heated grips and seat function to them as you wish.
Anyway, thanks for the show 👍
Yes - many have pointed that out - I should have mentioned, my bad!
As far as I know I think Button 2 is pre-programmed for heated grips and seat options. Mine are only for the radio controls on the old air/oil head! There is a list of the fixed and free functions somewhere...
The buttons are not programmable at the moment. I saw some reference to them being programmable on the '22 RT on the BMW website, so they may be programmable on the '21 RT in future with a software update. Button 2 is set to bring up the heating menu for now.
I had RTs for years starting with an R100RT, K100RT, R1150RT and R1200RT. One day I rode a 2008 GSA which clicked because, as you rightly say, the riding position on the RT is actually cramped and detracts from it’s otherwise great dynamics. I’ve been on GS/GSAs since. Also with you on the mad menu based seat/grip heating. Too clever for it’s own good and takes your attention off the road which is nuts. BMW would do well to connect with actual riders rather than letting their engineers or marketing people loose. Thankfully there’s a starter button…….
As always a great review :-) One point that wasn't mentionned is the positionning of the mirrors when you filter through traffic. Because they are positionned so low, i have always found this annoying on the RT when you need to pass car mirrors. But this is really my only point against the RT, for the rest it is a great bike with excellent weather protection as you said.
Yes it is an excellent machine and most of my gripes are pretty minor….
I totally agree with the comment on satnav's built in, 'faffinf' around for heated grips etc, especially on a bike meant for serious touring. Also, the adaptive cruise control. I have it on my hgv and on long motorway trips, especially through all the roadworks it is a great system.
You don't have to faff around for heating, there's a button the fairing. TMF just hasn't read the manual or the comments on his earlier report.
Yes I was quite impressed with that - didn’t think I would be but it is good!
I have looked at this bike. I thought your review was very fair. I did ask the the dealer about the app for navigation. BMW wanted to use the app to keep the maps up to date through automatically updating in the backgrounder the phone. One issue they found sing a GPS based nav people would not update the maps or, they found it a “Pain”. The other thing you pointed out was the heated grips and seat. I thought you brought us a wonderful point. The dealer said buttons 2 and 3 are programmed a quick page that takes you right to the heater options. I love this review and super informative and super fair. I have not yet pulled the trigger but the “22 has some new colors. Great content great fair, complete review!
Thanks for watching and for stoppinbg by!
Top video - I think I might have shrieked in those conditions as well!
Glad it's not just me!
Complete and utter agreement with you on two of the downsides of this bike. Man / Woman handling the bike in the garage without power and 'legs being tucked up'. For me, these are #1 and #2 things I am not a fan of. But the pluses far outweigh the minuses. I applaud your honesty in your bike reviews and showing us not just the sunny side but exposing the weaknesses also. That's precisely why I watch your Reviews! Cheers 🥂/🍻
Cheers!
You can get the seat raised and / or the pegs lowered. Legs being "tucked up" aren't a problem.
@@clemfandango9534 I did that. Legroom still a problem for me and I'm 5'10".
Andy your videos always make me want to jump on my bike and go for a ride
Good to hear! Even in this weather??
Favorite buttons on left fairing can be programmed for heated seats , grips and two other functions of the riders choice
One of the downsides of a large fairing is the lower air circulation in hot weather. Also the RT is a lot to muscle around. Would have preferred a review that included some better roads where the bike has a chance to demonstrate how well it can handle on high-speed twisting back-roads, instead of sailing through deep puddles on narrow laneways, where there's traffic to dodge. My experience is BMW's excel above many other touring bikes on such roads, but it would have been nice to see how the newest ones do on good roads...
Of the BMW models the R-1250-RS is preferable for me. You get a smaller adjustable fairing that isn't as 'bulbous-looking', and most of the rest of the features the RT has, yet it still provides adequate wind and weather protection and good circulation in hot weather. You can still add removable BMW (or other brands) of side and top-cases for when you travel, yet aren't encumbered with all that bulk and weight when you're just on day-trips, which is most of my riding. While the RT is a 'sporty tourer' when compared to the majority of other touring bikes, the R-1250-RS feels more like a great-handling performance bike, with a comfortable yet more sport-oriented riding position, less bulk, and lighter weight. And you can still carry the same luggage when you want to travel...
Bonus - it's cheaper too!
k1600 has scoops that you flip out that work well to get airflow in hot weather
In fairness, there’s a reason why the bulk of the developed World’s police use RTs and not Japanese or Harleys. That reason is the RT’s very low speed stability, combined with great agility and carrying capacity. TeaPot One us an ex-Traffic cop who trained on and rode RTs in the UK Police. I also seem to remember that one of the UK bike magazines did a piece where a super bike mounted rider, a professional super bike racer and a copper competed around a track. The copper smoked the average Joe, and was within 1.5 seconds of the racer (on a 1000cc) whilst riding a fully equipped Police RT. Never underestimate these bikes. If they were no good, the Police would be buying something else.
This ride is this summer wet wet wet I can't remember a wetter summer for years . At points in the ride it looks more like a speed boat 🚤 . Lovely bike great review as ever 👍
Well this summer has been rubbish I agree - but this was recorded back in March/April IIRC
I am currently considering an RT. I live in Tennessee where it gets very hot in the summer; therefore, a little wind movement can be welcome. Is there a way to get a little air movement on the body when one needs it? Great video as always.
Thanks, for the review, that just came off my list - Over complicating switches is one of my pet hates so the heated grip palaver is enough to put me off completely.
Another magnificent review. Own a ‘04 1150 RT myself (without the gadgets, just the radio) I can say that they indeed know how to build an every day commuter that ticks almost every box. Implement the DCT from Honda, would be the best boxer ever.
Great honest review. Am considering a RT but all these problems put me off. With that kind of money I expect it all to work properly.
Wow! That was some pretty extreme water you rode through. I have the 2014RTW. I like the ease of the wonder wheel and finding the heated grips and seat is super easy opposed to what I see on the new bike. I don't particularly like the looks for the huge TFT and the front of the bike still looks very large to me. I have found the seat now at 20,000 miles of ride fits me pretty well and since I can raise and lower the seat easily on long rides that helps to stay comfortable. I don't however like the bend of the handlebars and I can't do anything about that. It's the bend that makes my wrists ache after long rides and I also wish they were a bit taller. I would love the 1250 opposed to the 1200 but that's a small thing as the bike is a nice overall riding motorcycle.
Hello. I have a '17 RT (yes, a gen back) and really love it. IMO, regarding the appearance of the front end, we know that we're not getting a sport bike and it needs to be pretty big to give that protection that we love. Ride safe!
If give the heated grips button a long press it remembers the last setting for seat and grips so i just use that as an on and off button, works on my 21 GS
But there is no heated grips button, that is my gripe! You can however program one of the buttons on the left fairing to do it (I should have mentioned that)....
Andy The heat grips and seat are configured to come on via switch 2 on the side panel.
See my pinned comment Tony...
You can preselect the heated grips & seat in one of the 4 buttons on your left side meant for shortcuts
Yes - see pinned comment
Based on my experience and the feedback in the BMW forums you are one of the few people who like the stock RT seat. The softness feels great at first but there's no support. I found I could not stand the stocker on my 2015 RT for more than maybe two hours before the nether regions barked at me. I've since changed the seat to an after market and now day long rides are a cinch. Cheers!
Couldn’t agree more
John, which seat did you go for?
@@Aikez I meant to put "day long" in quotes as a subtle hint. I first tried a Sargent which probably gave me an extra couple of hours of comfort but I still came home hurting. So I bit the bullet and got a Russell Day Long. Now my back gives out long before my bum. Downside is you have to send (to Colorado, USA) them your stock seat but since I had the Sargent I was covered for the 4-5 week turnaround. YMMV - a lot of people like the Sargent.
I agree completely with your pros and cons. I have a 2015 RT I bought new. In June 2022 I spent a week and 1800 miles on a rented 2022, and decided I would keep my 2015, mainly due to the overly complex nav and menus. The fixes last September have not solved the glitchy nav system, plus the maps have less detail than Google maps. My Samsung phone won't fit in the designated compartment with its protective case nor with a power cable connected (my phone does not have wireless charging). I understand that the left side buttons are programmable, but there are only 4, and many more items in the menus that you may want to access regularly.
Another great review and I love this bike. It would probably be my 1st choice from the BMW catalogue. Looks being rather subjective, I disagree with you on the looks, which I rather like and much prefer to those of the GS. I do agree with your comments on the unnecessarily complex TFT functionally. Without wishing to appear a luddite, i think manufacturers have gone completely over the top with their obsession with TFT's and made them so complicated that they can only be a distraction when riding.
Couldn't agree more Gareth.....
Excellent review Mr F, we’ve just taken in 2 of these to join our blood bike fleet. Having ridden them for several shifts I agree completely with your cons list, in particular the heated grips. Watch the video again and time the distraction caused trying to find a comfortable level.......
We’ve also fitted separate sat navs BTW.
Thank you again and any time you’re passing the Black Country and fancy a catch up on what we do, drop me a line.
Cheers.
Where are youbased? Mrs Flyer's from Halesowen.....
We cover most of birmingham and through upto Cannock. Most of our fleet is housed at a fire station in Wolverhampton. We also get involved in national relays shipping items up and down the country for the NHS. It’s an interesting biking topic and we have a very broad range of volunteers with all sorts of bikes.
On the left side faring you can assign any of the buttons to do anything, for instance turning the heated grips on.
I picked up a '21 RT in the US back in March. The favorites buttons were not programmable. They may have addressed that in a software update, but my dealer hasn't contacted me since I purchased the bike.
Pretty poor show that isn't it....
@@TheMissendenFlyer The buttons aren't programmable (rumour is that they will be after the next software update) but currently one of them is set to go to the heating menu.
The shortcut buttons can set your desired heat level by pressing until you reach the 1-5 setting you are after
I've been driving a car with adaptive cruise control for several years now, and I am surprised at how people can be surprised at how comfortable and practical it is. It makes a cruise control about 100% better than an a standard one. I wish my bike had it.
Still think this bike lacks in personality though. I am not sure if you know what I mean.
Nick … spot on ! 👍
I Agree
I'm one of those guys on the other side - I despise when some asshat rushes to pass me and then hops back in front of me and my Subaru slows down. But, that is because drivers in the US suck - they haven't a clue as to what's going on around them.
I think lacking personality is BMW's personality. It's not just their bikes, but their cars as well. Refined to the point of boring. It sounds like a negative comment but really depends on what you're looking for in a bike, or car. I don't mind that kind of boring. What I hate is a bike with character (engineering defects) that I have to work around to enjoy riding.
@@PetrolJunkie Yeah all those boring M Cars
The screen is infinitely adjustable, it's not just 2 positions, fully up and fully down. Try it in between the two, you'll find a quiet setting while still looking over the top.
Yes I didn’t mean to imply it wasn’t fully adjustable….
@@TheMissendenFlyer I was more suggesting that you should have tried riding with it in intermediate positions. You seemed to go fully up when raining and then fully down otherwise. The RT screen works best slightly up from the bottom when you lose just about all the wind noise but can still see clearly over the top.
I’m on a 1250 GS Adventure right now and the RT would be the next step for me when the Mrs B and I do get to tour together when the girls grow up for sure; I just couldn’t afford the GW or see myself on one as the RT would do everything we’d need so well especially considering the EU network👌
Hi TMF! great video as always. which bike would you choose between this BMW and the gold wing?
I bought a GoldWing - enough said?
I watched your two videos, Andy. Good stuff, thanks. I am planning two trips to Europe next summer. One on my GSA to the UK late summer, and another to Norway in July, when I will be renting a bike from Edelweiss. My question is about the rental. I am 6’1” and am used to the GS, and can see some pluses about the RT, but I think I would rather have the GS with My Sat NAV than the RT with TFT and a an IPhone.,especially with the extra costs for my Cdn connection.. So a Gs is better? does that make sense to you?
Yes complete sense to me James....
I think most people who are not familier with BMWs who then take a spin on a Boxer RT of any era find they track around curves like they are attached to a rail.
I own an RT and by the time I got to the heated seat and grips menu summer had already arrived.
I love the radar cruise control but you can turn it off in the settings and it stays off or long hold on the distance adjuster will switch it off/on as you please and just run it as cruise control.
Heated seats and grips are available from a button on the left side of the fairing.
See my pinned comment
I think BMW has built in button pushing to satisfy the newer, younger riders that will take over as we dinosaurs become history. The RT appears to be quite a good wave runner also. Another "pro"to your list. 👍👍🙋♂️
Agree, great job. All valid points positive and negative. You could ride the 2010-2013 generation and compare the two. That would be a great video to do a side by side. No one does a side by side in generations.
The leg position is the one thing that really surprised me. There is an aftermarket kit to drop the seating position by about 100mm. But it would be much nicer if the feet were down a bit. I have a 2018 version of this, so I don’t have the big screen I still have a dedicated sat nav. The telelever front end is brilliant, I really love that on the bike for sure.
I put a bar riser kit and a peg lowering kit on my RT and I sit on the bike as if it was a GS or GSA. Amazing difference !
To bad that you did not check the led lights, is it better than before? My -15 with 130%H7 and twin 150%H1 is very good.
A great review as always. Just a thought on why it’s so heavy to push around compared to the gs. That humongous top fairing bringing the centre of gravity way higher may be a factor. Keep up the good work and be safe.
Yes that's my assumption - although you wouldn't expect it to be that weighty, but I can't think of why else it would feel so much heavier than the GS to move around...?
The fairing weighs nothing really. No more than the higher fuel the GS has. If tmf thinks the RT difficulty to push about (I don't) he should try living with the k16.
Yes I agree the K1600 is way worse!
@@TheMissendenFlyer my K1600B has reverse for the days I don't feel like straining my back lol....
I like the fairing, it's slope just looks futuristic
NICE LOOKING BIKE
I always put the seat all the way up to get the maximum leg room and reduce the bend in my legs. I also stand up once in a while to recirculate the blood in my legs.
Nice short review
Andy, you mention the weight and moving around the garage etc, how did you find it compared to the FJR that you recently tested. The FJR is another 20kg more than the BMW i think, was it harder to move around the garage than the FJR?
Very similar - if I had to choose I'd say the FJR feels heavier (but only marginal)
Will the big tft display come on the GS or other models as well?
It’s on the K1600 I think……
Like you Andy I prefer BOTH an analogue presentation (even digital) for speed and certainly RPM but a good TFT screen for everything else.
I was having doubts about connecting an App (now Tom Tom) that mirrors its maps to the screen until I saw a competent user demonstrate a real and long route that he'd used within the UK. It reminded me of one of those gadget salesman that makes everything look so simple.
Anyhow, he also used a cheap sacrificial second (Android) phone dedicated for this task (maps downloaded once via Wi-Fi rather than Sim) and powered/stowed away in the fan-cooled cubby box. And compared to the dreaded Nav VI BaseCamp software for routing that I still use, wow!
Sounds like a load of faff to me - I have a similar set up on my Goldwing and it's just too hard - luckily it has an inbuilt full featured satnav as well as the daft Apple carplay phone connect option.....
Which Richa jacket are you wearing? I’m trying to narrow down a goretex finalist!
I think it’s the Arc pro if I recall correctly
Great review! I hope you get a crack at the new BMW R18 Transcontinental, their promo video had me more intrigued than I expected.
Unsure about the 2021 but my 2018 RT allows me to build in a shortcut on the menu button. One click up and I'm at my heated grips settings.
Yes I think that is still the case judgng by some of the comments here...
I was just looking at the 2022 BMW 1250RT and you can still get the Garmin Nav system as a separate option which was one off you complaints. With the custom buttons removing another complaint that only leaves moving the bike in your garage, time to lift some weights or get an RS like I did.
Hi Andy - I agree about the phone app. Interestingly, there are still issues with connectivity of phones with the tft via the app, especially with iPhones. When I spoke about timelines for a fix they say October but after further discussion they advised not to buy if the need for maps was essential right from the get go…which I would imagine is for a tourer. Regarding the heated grips etc, you do have the shortcut buttons on the left fairing.
Glad we agree on that Jock and see my pinned comment re the buttons
Thank you Mr. Flyer, that's quite a boat er Bike and just shows what great design and modern knowhow can achieve - except in respect of navigation apparently. see you next time. :>)
A cracking machine, but I do sometimes feel with technology that less can be more......
If you're tooling around town, sure, less tech is fine. But, when you're covering hundreds of miles each day, the tech is definitely a boost. The adaptive cruise really helps relieve fatigue. I went from an '07 RT to a '21 RT. I've done the same rides on the new bike and when I get to my destination I feel a million times better.
That's interesting feedback SB - thanks for that!
@@TheMissendenFlyer just the switch from the wired throttle to the electronic throttle is a huge boost. The bike responds better. It helps me get going smoothly from a dead stop and helps keep me steady around slow speed corners and through slow traffic. Plus, when I set the cruise control, the throttle doesn't shift position anymore. The wired throttle rolls on and off constantly, but the electronic throttle lets me keep a steady hand on the grip. It comes in handy when the temps drop below 40°F and my right palm is leeching every bit of heat it can get from the grip.
Far to much gadjets and gizmos KISS0
keep it simple stupid
Which actual features would you abandon ? It’s easy to say “less is more “ …. But you need to expand further.
Can you not set one of the function buttons on the fairing as a shortcut to heated seat, grips etc??
Not in all '21 RTs. US market '21 RTs didn't arrive with that functionality. They may have fixed it somewhere down the line for for '21s, but it may not be entirely functional until the '22 models arrive.
One is
Function button 2 takes you to the heated seat and grips menu directly 👍
The thing of the connectivity with the phone is really a pain in the neck, you’re 100% right. I miss my set Nav 6 that I had on the GS.But the heated grips can be turned on by a short cut, in the buttons available on your left side, and if I’m not wrong it’s number 2 button. So, that is more a nit pick than an actual flaw.
Yes she’s a heavy lady. And yes, it feels heavier (and in fact, it is heavier) than the GS on slow maneuvers or when the engine is off and you need to move the bike without it. But the RT has a feature that compensates everything:- the cocoon sensation you get when you go for the maximum wind protection of the windshield and at the same time you can enjoy clearly the beautiful sound of the 1250cc engine on every range of rpm. It is lovely. I never could enjoy it like that on the GS , there were always a lot of wind noise on my helmet after 75mph.
The RT has a bit of sporty body position, mainly for the legs, but I’ve made a trip from Lisbon to Sevilla last week and it was very comfortable and a joyful ride. I loved to use the active cruise control. I had a blast using it. It’s a marvelous feature to have on a Tourer and I love the horn ! That is a real cool up grade that every bike should be equipped, specially within a big bike. Overall I’m very happy with the 2021RT. My pillion says that the seat and the top case are more comfortable than on the GS. She just misses the highest position - But you can’t have everything at the same time -.I love the aesthetics of the new front and the lights are fantastic! You see everything and everyone sees you.😎👌🏻
Thanks for the nice review 🙏🏼
Yes I agree with regard to the weather protection on the bike - and see my pinned comment re the buttons...
Can't a couple of the pre-set buttons on the left side of the fairing be used for turning on the heated grips & seat??
See my pinned comment....
To add to your comment about the tele lever front is that unlike conventional forks the telelever cant suffer from fork slider pitting which causes seals to go old 70s and 80s bikes alot of them had gaitors
Looking at the way the citizens of the UK park their cars, it gives me great pause. Down under you must park your car facing in the appropriate direction of travel for the carriageway you are on. This means that the parked cars that you approach on your side of the road always show their tail lights. Over in your area, you get the cars / vans parked so that it looks like they are approaching you on the wrong side of the road. I know that one can always find the odd one out, but it is shown so frequently on your vids that it seems to be "normal" for you. BTW it is obvious that the R1250 motor doesn't have to rev, and the low speed torque kept you going. That is one of the motor's great charms.
Yes it is I agree - and we have no such law on parking and can face anyway we want too - I really don't see why it's an issue?? What's the sense in that law??
After dark the law does require you to park on the nearside of the road, unless on a one way street, for the very reason above.