Can't agree more. It's easy to blend with the RS because it has everything it needs without any of it getting in the way. Great sport tourer. Thanks for the comment.
Now that I've ridden the RT, even though I think the RS is great, I would have a tough time deciding between getting a 2025 RT or RS. I might be forced to keep the RS I have and also get a new RT. Then it would be interesting to see over time which one I rode more. And yes, the RT's luggage and glove box is sweet, perfect for touring. Thanks so much for your comment. Cheers!
Insightful comparison - thanks. I sold my first BMW - a '16 R1200RS and wonder what the next one may be. I prefer lighter motorcycle as I am getting older and that was my primary reason to avoid an RT. This video adds more pros and cons. Once again, much appreciated.
Glad to hear the video added some information to your thought process on what should be your next bike. There's such a wide range of bikes available, one of them is right for you. Going on a couple of test rides of some options might be the next step. Thanks for the comment!
Great story, comparison of the BMW RS and BMW RT. The ride scenery was great watching (like visual music) as you relay the comparisons and feelings this swap brought.
I am fortunate enough to have them both. My Rocket and my Tourer. The R feels different, partially so because the final drive has different gearing too. Give it more pep off the line and going through the twisty bits. Do you want music today - RT. You want to go wild - R. The RS/R are the hidden treasurers of BMW. Light and quick. Would not trade either. Good video. Thank you.
Great to hear your perspective on a combination of these bikes. Totally agree about the "hidden treasures" of BMW -- the RS/R don't get the publicity of the GS but those who ride the RS/R know the secrets of that treasure. Thanks so much for your comment!
I switched from 30 years of riding Yamahas (and others) in 2000 and have had BMWs since, an R1100 S to 2015, a R1200 RS to 2019 (fell off and totalled it), and a R1250 RS since.. I appreciate your RS views (this being the 2nd vid I have seen). One strength of the RS over the RT is in heavy traffic commuting - but it seems your neck of the woods doesn't have that blight. I really liked the Telelever on the "S" and was reluctant to switch to the telescoping fork on the RS. Ultimately the telescopics lose out on front end dive but plant the front wheel much better IMO and give a much better feel on more extreme corners. Otherwise, I have no issues with luggage, with the BMW hard bags and top box, supplemented by a GIVI tank bag (the BMW one from the 1200 just didn't mount well) and an Australian Andy Strapz seat bag. I have about about 130+ litres capacity but mostly I run with a small tank bag only for my waterproofs. With the Nav V I have the phone and music in my helmet. Although the standard RS seat is a very good one, I am "trained" for the Corbin and I am more used to its flatter profile and harder foam. The other great distinction between the two is appearance. In my eyes, the RS is a great looking bike, and the RT only achieves a small degree of attractiveness with the more fancy paintwork. Some years ago I was attracted to the R1100 ST,, the one with the "stacked" headlights; but I couldn't see myself owning one unless I always parked it nose into a wall, so I didn't have to look at it from the front!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Totally agree about the RS. Great handling, great looks and keeps its sporty feel while still being useful for touring. The new 1300 RT is tempting though, especially if I decide to do more multi-day long distance rides. I would have to adjust to not having a clutch though -- automatic transmission is not something one expects on a bike, at least I don't.
I started with a 2023 1250 GS and the 20 liter ( 5.25 gal) fuel tank. Loved it, took it on a 5 day trip pretty deep into Northern Baja California. Was a little bit limited without a top box and just a couple of Vario BMW side cases. Much beyond 72 mph, the shiftcam kicked in and it really started drinking the fuel out of that small fuel tank, a major consideration when you think about how far apart fueling options are in Baja for gas stations. 8 months later, I took a 1250 RT for a test ride, I was tired of the 700+ weight of my Harley Davidson Sport Glide softail. Ended up finding a nice deal on a used 2022 1250 RT with 1900 miles on it, 2 years old, with the 49 liter capacity factory top box. The RT is geared taller. It has a very useful 6.6 gallon 30 liter fuel tank. It is more top heavy as a result, it's noticeable. It has enough storage space for longer trips than a weekend. It is heavier, for sure. It also wraps you in a cocoon of calm air, a pocket of calm if you will, that is most pleasant when it gets colder. It's fuel mileage is MPG is much better. i get 48 to 52 MPG on the 1250 GS, and 52 to 58 MPG on the RT. The bigger tank and improved fuel mileage per gallon keeps me coming back to the RT. It's simply a beautiful touring bike, with a touch of sport to it, if you want to throw the extra weight around. It's final drive pinion gear is geared for touring, not for sport. 6th gear is appropriate pretty much after 60 mph. About 48 to 50 on the 1250 GS. I still have both bikes, each serves a purpose.
A lot of great information about the bikes, especially the RT. No question it's a fantastic tourer which retains enough sport feel to keep it lively. With difference circumstances, I'd have an RT next to my RS ready to go in the garage. Thanks for the comment and adding your extensive experience to the discussion. Cheers!
Spot on review. Went from RT to GS to RS. The RS has now has a tubular handlebar with a 30mm riser, Sport High seat, touring screen. The ergonomics is somewhere between a GS/RT hybrid. Had a test ride on a 2024 RT last week, I like it. ALMOST signed the papers, but I decided to sleep on it. Jumping back on the RS I knew it would be a mistake. One big difference is how much more agile the RS is in the bends and at low speed filtering in traffic and weight. On a recent tour to Europe had extra 36KG of luggage, you just couldn't feel the extra weight . Will be interesting to see if the new 1300RT will be any lighter. Having tried the new automatic gearbox it will be the ultimate tourer....However the 1300RS is on the cards as well, just hope BM don't mess up the design.
It's great to hear from someone who's had the compete experience from RT to GS to RS. I agree with you, I'd rather add some mods to the RS rather than give it up. Sounds like you've got quite a nice selection of mods on yours. I'm planning on risers but don't know if I install them myself will I run into problems with the cabling that doesn't appear to have enough slack for the rise without more major adjustment, the kind I don't want to do myself. I'm tall so I don't think I need a new high seat but a more comfortable touring seat would be nice. I know the new 1300's will be tempting and I've been going steadily on longer and longer rides so I know the RT would appeal -- but like you, I don't want to give up the greatness of the RS feel and agility. Thanks for your comment!
@@boolacalaca It's easy to remove the bags and top box on a RT to reduce the weight. The last trick is to stop filling up your fuel tank sooner. Know when you've only got 4.5 gallons in the tank instead of 6.5. The 2023 1250 RT I test rode brand new had 210 miles on it. It's tank was topped off when at the dealership before the first test ride. I doubt there was even 2 gallons left in the fuel tank. That bike felt so amazing. Imagine my surprise when I bought a 2022 RT in Scottsdale that surprise, surprise, also had a 49 L top case on it and a full tank of fuel. The bike felt so lethargic compared to what I took for a test ride. I've since learned that if I'm riding in the twisties, I do NOT top off the fuel tank, I want less than a 1/2 tank in there, and I remove the top box. Heck I could remove the bags, too. It completely changes how sporty the RT feels. Completely. I will admit the front suspension system is heavy, but...when emergency braking, the front end NEVER dives and upsets the center of gravity.
@@feloniousmonk3049 Great tips to reduce weight and increase sporty performance - ditch the bags and don't top off the tank. For long trips, especially with overnight stays, one can't sacrifice the bags and fuel so much. But on shorter rides when one knows it's just about a day trip to the twisties, this is solid advice. It's not about sporty handling when one has long Interstate highway miles in front of them so the extra weight of the bags and fuel and higher center of gravity doesn't come quite into play. You're tips are so easy to implement and make such a difference. Configure the bike for the kind of ride one wants to do. Definitely. Thanks!
'24 RT here. I spent a lot of time debating which to get and am happy with my choice, not least because I do a lot of long distance touring and (importantly) in all weathers. It didn't look from the video that you switched to 'Dynamic' mode, which reduces the 'sport' gap between the bikes. For me, and it's a very personal choice, I'll take those creature comforts and nod with total respect to those who do otherwise.
Totally agree - the RT is the choice if one does long distance touring thereby getting into all kinds of weather. Plus the added features and storage of the RT can't be beat. And no, I kept it in road mode for my first go at it but you are right, switching to dynamic would have changed things up and made it more sporty. Both bikes in the video were in road mode, even when he was on my RS. I asked my friend (who owns the RT) what ride mode he usually keeps in it and he said road. I was surprised at that since he can ride in it road mode like it's a sports bike. A lot of riding sports performance seems to come from experience and skill rather than ride mode or even the size of bike. I've seen a pro on a 600cc bike win every lap at the track against liter bikes simply because the pro zipped by the liter bikes in the corners making up for any burst of speed the liter bikes had in the straights. The 600cc bike acted more "sporty" than the liter bikes with less experienced riders because the pro knew how to make it sporty and take advantage of the whole track, not just the straightaways. My friend has a lot more sports bike experience than me so I doubt I could match him even in dynamic mode, haha. But again, you are correct, if I had switched into dynamic mode the RT's responsiveness would have perked up. Thanks for your comment!
@@boolacalaca - I agree with everything you wrote. Two things to add. The road mode on the RT is softer than on the RS - too soft in my view - so you are not comparing like set up with like set up. Also, yes, absolutely experience etc are the most important aspect, but here you were primarily comparing the bikes themselves with one rider (you) rather than different riders.
Great commentary. I ride a 1250 RT. Previously I had an R1200R for a decade. Only changed because the R was too cold in the winter. The RT is the obvious choice. It's very nimble, fantastic on twisty roads. You can ride it like a sports bike if you want to. The only advantage of the RS is that it's better looking. But I've reached an age where that's not so important! Best wishes from North Wales.
It's great to get feedback from someone who has the RT -- yes, it's an amazing bike, who would think a grand tourer could be ridden like a sports bike, but it can! I see my friend do it all the time. Both bikes look fantastic in their class, but yes, I like the looks of the RS in being so powerful but streamlined. All the best to you in North Wales! Cheers!
Nice review. I own 1250 GS, 1250 R and the R nineT Scrambler and have thought about selling the R to get an RS. Not really interested in the much heavier RT. The R is perhaps the smoothest ride of my three. I don’t mind the naked build. Looks like you have SW Motech Blaze saddlebags and tail bag on the RS. I use those on my R and it is a great bike for 1-2night motel stay trips. I use the GS for 1 week plus moto-camping.
Nice to hear from someone with such varied bike experience. And yes, the SW Motech saddlebags suit me fine for the kind of riding I do. Thanks for your comment.
Great story. I do the same with bikes I own. I ride fairly old stuff so depreciation is hardly an issue. Never do a test ride, if I do not like the bike I trade it. Sometimes within 2 months... One bike has been in my collection for over 2 years (an eternity in my idea): a 4th gen VFR 750F. I tried a number of Beemers and I also feel that the massive RT fairing makes you feel almost as if you are driving a car. To me I'm too much isolated from the road with that fairing. Tried a GS, loved it but the seating position is not mine. And I never go off-road. So I traded it against a late K 'brick' model: a K 1200 GT, which is really a 1200 RS with an electric screen and a bigger fairing around the handlebars. These latter parts can be removed easily and you are back to the 1200RS type fairing. I'm not a big boxer fan, I love the 4 in line on its side of the early K's. Even though the K 1200 GT weighs around 300 kg dry it does not feel that heavy when moving it a round manually. And I love the slighlty more sporty seating position. But... this is all very personal... By the way... I ride all year and I am on the other (wrong?) side of 70...
What you say is so true. One may have to go from bike to bike until the right mix of style and features meshes well with what a rider is looking for. So much comes down to the overall feel of the bike and does it match with the type of riding a person most enjoys. There are always trade-offs. I do like the wind protection, comfort and features of the RT but I would miss the sports feel and better connection to the road that the RS gives. I would like to do more long-distance, multi-day rides and may have to sacrifice the sports posture to fully enjoy it. That's why having both bikes (RT and RS) would be cool, to switch off. But I wonder -- if I had both, would over time I wind up preferring one over the other? It's an experiment I'd like to try, haha. Thanks for your comment - it was interesting hearing the details of your journey to the bike right for you.
That was fantastic bro. My thoughts exactly. I too have had my loaded RS for just under a year. I love it. But my last bike was an R1100RT, and I do not remember having the discomforts I feel after a couple hours in the saddle. R1300RT is next for me.
It's great getting feedback from someone who has had both bikes - thanks! I agree, for me the RS will tour but one must be stoic about it to tour super long distance. I do 300-400 mile days but so far I can't see doing 4-8 days in a row over thousands of miles on the RS. I would love to test ride the R1300RT - I hear they're getting rid of the clutch on it.
I have incredible up days riding it, just the occasional down day. I keep mine up on the Keweenaw Peninsula where you can ride the entire coastline in a couple hrs. It’s the ride home to MN that reminds me how comfortable the old 98RT was.
After renting Harley’s all over the country thinking I would eventually choose one to buy I learned my back would not allow me to tour like I planned on a cruiser/bagger. First RT I test rode I bought. I thought the 615 pounds was really light in comparison to the Harley’s and the neutral riding position allows me to eat miles. I’m not sure I understand your comment about the RT windshield, I always am looking just over the top of mine.
Thanks for your comment - you have great first-hand experience with both Harleys and the RT. It's smart to go beyond the test ride and actually rent some bikes and try them out for real. While some people do manage to tour on Harleys (I met one at the Grand Canyon riding two-up from Utah heading to Texas), it's certainly true that the RT design is superior for doing long miles. If I primarily did multi-state, multi-day rides I would definitely go get me a RT, a fantastic bike. And thanks for pointing out the windshield thing - I've ridden again with my RT friend since making this video and checked that out and I bet my observation was due to three things -- he had the RT windshield in the highest up position, my GoPro is chin-mounted which lowers the perspective below eye-level, and having ridden the RS for so long, I was actually riding the RT in the RS leaned-over sports position by habit and so even though I'm 6'2" I was looking through the shield -- plus the RT windshield admittedly is larger than the one on the RS and I have the RS shield in its lowest position. If I lowered the RT screen, sat up straight, and maybe even mounted my GoPro on top of the helmet (not sure this one is necessary), the experience all around would have been different. Thanks for pointing that out.
@@boolacalaca Pro tip, look at the Blue colored 2022 -2023 1250 RT SPORT model, go take one for a test ride. The windscreen is a "sport" model, with a lower cut for the top of the windscreen. BTW, for some reason, the RT's depreciate heavily the first 2 or 3 years so buying used is a bargain right now, if you got the cash. I suspect the new 1300 Rt coming out soon is putting some of the downward pressure on the pricing of used 1250 RT's.
I had a 2015RT. Replaced it with a 2020RS. The reasons were the RS was lighter and simply less bike to heave around. Texting driver took me and my RS out. I replaced it with a newer RT. The RT is great but not “fun” at least for me. The tech on the new RT just sucks which took more away from enjoying the RT. Also, I wasn’t sure about riding so I sold the RT. Not having a bike sucked more so I wound up getting a 2022 R1250R. I’ve had 4 “R”s over the years. Of the 3, the RS handles the worst and the RT is best. But neither the RS or the RT feels like a BIKE. People overlook the R which is a shame.
You can order an RS from BMW with their aluminum tubular handlebar option that is more like GS handlebars. And there are other aftermarket options that do the same, like from Wunderlich. There are also handlebar risers one can get to make the seating position more upright. People who do this give mixed reviews, some love the difference it makes, others not so much, it's really an individual thing of body type, height, riding style, etc. But it's good to know the options are out there. Thanks so much for your comment.
simplicity of the rs is a plus to me
Can't agree more. It's easy to blend with the RS because it has everything it needs without any of it getting in the way. Great sport tourer. Thanks for the comment.
What a great and useful review. I have the RT and was so close to the RS it was the tour luggage that made the difference. I love my RT no regrets
Now that I've ridden the RT, even though I think the RS is great, I would have a tough time deciding between getting a 2025 RT or RS. I might be forced to keep the RS I have and also get a new RT. Then it would be interesting to see over time which one I rode more. And yes, the RT's luggage and glove box is sweet, perfect for touring. Thanks so much for your comment. Cheers!
Great video. I will be getting an RS in next 6 months.
Congrats! Just in time for Spring riding season. It's a great bike. Have fun and thanks for your comment.
Insightful comparison - thanks. I sold my first BMW - a '16 R1200RS and wonder what the next one may be. I prefer lighter motorcycle as I am getting older and that was my primary reason to avoid an RT. This video adds more pros and cons. Once again, much appreciated.
Glad to hear the video added some information to your thought process on what should be your next bike. There's such a wide range of bikes available, one of them is right for you. Going on a couple of test rides of some options might be the next step. Thanks for the comment!
Great story, comparison of the BMW RS and BMW RT.
The ride scenery was great watching (like visual music) as you relay the comparisons and feelings this swap brought.
Thanks for leaving your feedback, glad you enjoyed what happened on "the swap."
I am fortunate enough to have them both. My Rocket and my Tourer. The R feels different, partially so because the final drive has different gearing too. Give it more pep off the line and going through the twisty bits. Do you want music today - RT. You want to go wild - R.
The RS/R are the hidden treasurers of BMW. Light and quick. Would not trade either.
Good video. Thank you.
Great to hear your perspective on a combination of these bikes. Totally agree about the "hidden treasures" of BMW -- the RS/R don't get the publicity of the GS but those who ride the RS/R know the secrets of that treasure. Thanks so much for your comment!
I switched from 30 years of riding Yamahas (and others) in 2000 and have had BMWs since, an R1100 S to 2015, a R1200 RS to 2019 (fell off and totalled it), and a R1250 RS since.. I appreciate your RS views (this being the 2nd vid I have seen). One strength of the RS over the RT is in heavy traffic commuting - but it seems your neck of the woods doesn't have that blight. I really liked the Telelever on the "S" and was reluctant to switch to the telescoping fork on the RS. Ultimately the telescopics lose out on front end dive but plant the front wheel much better IMO and give a much better feel on more extreme corners.
Otherwise, I have no issues with luggage, with the BMW hard bags and top box, supplemented by a GIVI tank bag (the BMW one from the 1200 just didn't mount well) and an Australian Andy Strapz seat bag. I have about about 130+ litres capacity but mostly I run with a small tank bag only for my waterproofs. With the Nav V I have the phone and music in my helmet. Although the standard RS seat is a very good one, I am "trained" for the Corbin and I am more used to its flatter profile and harder foam. The other great distinction between the two is appearance. In my eyes, the RS is a great looking bike, and the RT only achieves a small degree of attractiveness with the more fancy paintwork.
Some years ago I was attracted to the R1100 ST,, the one with the "stacked" headlights; but I couldn't see myself owning one unless I always parked it nose into a wall, so I didn't have to look at it from the front!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Totally agree about the RS. Great handling, great looks and keeps its sporty feel while still being useful for touring. The new 1300 RT is tempting though, especially if I decide to do more multi-day long distance rides. I would have to adjust to not having a clutch though -- automatic transmission is not something one expects on a bike, at least I don't.
Brilliant report
I used to take my RT on the track before buying my RS
2 excellent bikes
Enjoy!
Thanks for you comment! That would be fun to watch a group of RTs at the track!
I started with a 2023 1250 GS and the 20 liter ( 5.25 gal) fuel tank. Loved it, took it on a 5 day trip pretty deep into Northern Baja California. Was a little bit limited without a top box and just a couple of Vario BMW side cases. Much beyond 72 mph, the shiftcam kicked in and it really started drinking the fuel out of that small fuel tank, a major consideration when you think about how far apart fueling options are in Baja for gas stations. 8 months later, I took a 1250 RT for a test ride, I was tired of the 700+ weight of my Harley Davidson Sport Glide softail. Ended up finding a nice deal on a used 2022 1250 RT with 1900 miles on it, 2 years old, with the 49 liter capacity factory top box. The RT is geared taller. It has a very useful 6.6 gallon 30 liter fuel tank. It is more top heavy as a result, it's noticeable. It has enough storage space for longer trips than a weekend. It is heavier, for sure. It also wraps you in a cocoon of calm air, a pocket of calm if you will, that is most pleasant when it gets colder. It's fuel mileage is MPG is much better. i get 48 to 52 MPG on the 1250 GS, and 52 to 58 MPG on the RT. The bigger tank and improved fuel mileage per gallon keeps me coming back to the RT. It's simply a beautiful touring bike, with a touch of sport to it, if you want to throw the extra weight around. It's final drive pinion gear is geared for touring, not for sport. 6th gear is appropriate pretty much after 60 mph. About 48 to 50 on the 1250 GS. I still have both bikes, each serves a purpose.
A lot of great information about the bikes, especially the RT. No question it's a fantastic tourer which retains enough sport feel to keep it lively. With difference circumstances, I'd have an RT next to my RS ready to go in the garage. Thanks for the comment and adding your extensive experience to the discussion. Cheers!
Spot on review. Went from RT to GS to RS. The RS has now has a tubular handlebar with a 30mm riser, Sport High seat, touring screen. The ergonomics is somewhere between a GS/RT hybrid. Had a test ride on a 2024 RT last week, I like it. ALMOST signed the papers, but I decided to sleep on it. Jumping back on the RS I knew it would be a mistake. One big difference is how much more agile the RS is in the bends and at low speed filtering in traffic and weight. On a recent tour to Europe had extra 36KG of luggage, you just couldn't feel the extra weight . Will be interesting to see if the new 1300RT will be any lighter. Having tried the new automatic gearbox it will be the ultimate tourer....However the 1300RS is on the cards as well, just hope BM don't mess up the design.
It's great to hear from someone who's had the compete experience from RT to GS to RS. I agree with you, I'd rather add some mods to the RS rather than give it up. Sounds like you've got quite a nice selection of mods on yours. I'm planning on risers but don't know if I install them myself will I run into problems with the cabling that doesn't appear to have enough slack for the rise without more major adjustment, the kind I don't want to do myself. I'm tall so I don't think I need a new high seat but a more comfortable touring seat would be nice. I know the new 1300's will be tempting and I've been going steadily on longer and longer rides so I know the RT would appeal -- but like you, I don't want to give up the greatness of the RS feel and agility. Thanks for your comment!
@@boolacalaca It's easy to remove the bags and top box on a RT to reduce the weight. The last trick is to stop filling up your fuel tank sooner. Know when you've only got 4.5 gallons in the tank instead of 6.5. The 2023 1250 RT I test rode brand new had 210 miles on it. It's tank was topped off when at the dealership before the first test ride. I doubt there was even 2 gallons left in the fuel tank. That bike felt so amazing. Imagine my surprise when I bought a 2022 RT in Scottsdale that surprise, surprise, also had a 49 L top case on it and a full tank of fuel. The bike felt so lethargic compared to what I took for a test ride. I've since learned that if I'm riding in the twisties, I do NOT top off the fuel tank, I want less than a 1/2 tank in there, and I remove the top box. Heck I could remove the bags, too. It completely changes how sporty the RT feels. Completely. I will admit the front suspension system is heavy, but...when emergency braking, the front end NEVER dives and upsets the center of gravity.
@@feloniousmonk3049 Great tips to reduce weight and increase sporty performance - ditch the bags and don't top off the tank. For long trips, especially with overnight stays, one can't sacrifice the bags and fuel so much. But on shorter rides when one knows it's just about a day trip to the twisties, this is solid advice. It's not about sporty handling when one has long Interstate highway miles in front of them so the extra weight of the bags and fuel and higher center of gravity doesn't come quite into play. You're tips are so easy to implement and make such a difference. Configure the bike for the kind of ride one wants to do. Definitely. Thanks!
'24 RT here. I spent a lot of time debating which to get and am happy with my choice, not least because I do a lot of long distance touring and (importantly) in all weathers. It didn't look from the video that you switched to 'Dynamic' mode, which reduces the 'sport' gap between the bikes. For me, and it's a very personal choice, I'll take those creature comforts and nod with total respect to those who do otherwise.
Totally agree - the RT is the choice if one does long distance touring thereby getting into all kinds of weather. Plus the added features and storage of the RT can't be beat. And no, I kept it in road mode for my first go at it but you are right, switching to dynamic would have changed things up and made it more sporty. Both bikes in the video were in road mode, even when he was on my RS. I asked my friend (who owns the RT) what ride mode he usually keeps in it and he said road. I was surprised at that since he can ride in it road mode like it's a sports bike. A lot of riding sports performance seems to come from experience and skill rather than ride mode or even the size of bike. I've seen a pro on a 600cc bike win every lap at the track against liter bikes simply because the pro zipped by the liter bikes in the corners making up for any burst of speed the liter bikes had in the straights. The 600cc bike acted more "sporty" than the liter bikes with less experienced riders because the pro knew how to make it sporty and take advantage of the whole track, not just the straightaways. My friend has a lot more sports bike experience than me so I doubt I could match him even in dynamic mode, haha. But again, you are correct, if I had switched into dynamic mode the RT's responsiveness would have perked up. Thanks for your comment!
@@boolacalaca - I agree with everything you wrote. Two things to add. The road mode on the RT is softer than on the RS - too soft in my view - so you are not comparing like set up with like set up. Also, yes, absolutely experience etc are the most important aspect, but here you were primarily comparing the bikes themselves with one rider (you) rather than different riders.
Great commentary. I ride a 1250 RT. Previously I had an R1200R for a decade. Only changed because the R was too cold in the winter. The RT is the obvious choice. It's very nimble, fantastic on twisty roads. You can ride it like a sports bike if you want to. The only advantage of the RS is that it's better looking. But I've reached an age where that's not so important! Best wishes from North Wales.
It's great to get feedback from someone who has the RT -- yes, it's an amazing bike, who would think a grand tourer could be ridden like a sports bike, but it can! I see my friend do it all the time. Both bikes look fantastic in their class, but yes, I like the looks of the RS in being so powerful but streamlined. All the best to you in North Wales! Cheers!
Nice review. I own 1250 GS, 1250 R and the R nineT Scrambler and have thought about selling the R to get an RS. Not really interested in the much heavier RT. The R is perhaps the smoothest ride of my three. I don’t mind the naked build. Looks like you have SW Motech Blaze saddlebags and tail bag on the RS. I use those on my R and it is a great bike for 1-2night motel stay trips. I use the GS for 1 week plus moto-camping.
Nice to hear from someone with such varied bike experience. And yes, the SW Motech saddlebags suit me fine for the kind of riding I do. Thanks for your comment.
Great story. I do the same with bikes I own. I ride fairly old stuff so depreciation is hardly an issue. Never do a test ride, if I do not like the bike I trade it. Sometimes within 2 months... One bike has been in my collection for over 2 years (an eternity in my idea): a 4th gen VFR 750F. I tried a number of Beemers and I also feel that the massive RT fairing makes you feel almost as if you are driving a car. To me I'm too much isolated from the road with that fairing. Tried a GS, loved it but the seating position is not mine. And I never go off-road. So I traded it against a late K 'brick' model: a K 1200 GT, which is really a 1200 RS with an electric screen and a bigger fairing around the handlebars. These latter parts can be removed easily and you are back to the 1200RS type fairing. I'm not a big boxer fan, I love the 4 in line on its side of the early K's. Even though the K 1200 GT weighs around 300 kg dry it does not feel that heavy when moving it a round manually. And I love the slighlty more sporty seating position. But... this is all very personal... By the way... I ride all year and I am on the other (wrong?) side of 70...
What you say is so true. One may have to go from bike to bike until the right mix of style and features meshes well with what a rider is looking for. So much comes down to the overall feel of the bike and does it match with the type of riding a person most enjoys. There are always trade-offs. I do like the wind protection, comfort and features of the RT but I would miss the sports feel and better connection to the road that the RS gives. I would like to do more long-distance, multi-day rides and may have to sacrifice the sports posture to fully enjoy it. That's why having both bikes (RT and RS) would be cool, to switch off. But I wonder -- if I had both, would over time I wind up preferring one over the other? It's an experiment I'd like to try, haha. Thanks for your comment - it was interesting hearing the details of your journey to the bike right for you.
That was fantastic bro. My thoughts exactly. I too have had my loaded RS for just under a year. I love it. But my last bike was an R1100RT, and I do not remember having the discomforts I feel after a couple hours in the saddle. R1300RT is next for me.
It's great getting feedback from someone who has had both bikes - thanks! I agree, for me the RS will tour but one must be stoic about it to tour super long distance. I do 300-400 mile days but so far I can't see doing 4-8 days in a row over thousands of miles on the RS. I would love to test ride the R1300RT - I hear they're getting rid of the clutch on it.
I have incredible up days riding it, just the occasional down day. I keep mine up on the Keweenaw Peninsula where you can ride the entire coastline in a couple hrs. It’s the ride home to MN that reminds me how comfortable the old 98RT was.
@@boolacalaca Getting rid of the clutch is an option, you can also keep it.
@@feloniousmonk3049 Good to know! Thanks for that added info.
Awesome review for those of us who cannot afford to own both bikes! :)
Good point! That's also why it's good to have a friend who has one so at least sometimes you can swap. Thanks for the comment.
I took a 24 RT out on a Motorrad ride out day. In Dynamic it felt like my bike, just a little heavier down low between the legs.
I have an R model. I have to see and feel what I’m going through.
Great video!
Thanks for the feedback - that's great to hear!
After renting Harley’s all over the country thinking I would eventually choose one to buy I learned my back would not allow me to tour like I planned on a cruiser/bagger. First RT I test rode I bought. I thought the 615 pounds was really light in comparison to the Harley’s and the neutral riding position allows me to eat miles. I’m not sure I understand your comment about the RT windshield, I always am looking just over the top of mine.
Thanks for your comment - you have great first-hand experience with both Harleys and the RT. It's smart to go beyond the test ride and actually rent some bikes and try them out for real. While some people do manage to tour on Harleys (I met one at the Grand Canyon riding two-up from Utah heading to Texas), it's certainly true that the RT design is superior for doing long miles. If I primarily did multi-state, multi-day rides I would definitely go get me a RT, a fantastic bike. And thanks for pointing out the windshield thing - I've ridden again with my RT friend since making this video and checked that out and I bet my observation was due to three things -- he had the RT windshield in the highest up position, my GoPro is chin-mounted which lowers the perspective below eye-level, and having ridden the RS for so long, I was actually riding the RT in the RS leaned-over sports position by habit and so even though I'm 6'2" I was looking through the shield -- plus the RT windshield admittedly is larger than the one on the RS and I have the RS shield in its lowest position. If I lowered the RT screen, sat up straight, and maybe even mounted my GoPro on top of the helmet (not sure this one is necessary), the experience all around would have been different. Thanks for pointing that out.
@@boolacalaca Pro tip, look at the Blue colored 2022 -2023 1250 RT SPORT model, go take one for a test ride. The windscreen is a "sport" model, with a lower cut for the top of the windscreen. BTW, for some reason, the RT's depreciate heavily the first 2 or 3 years so buying used is a bargain right now, if you got the cash. I suspect the new 1300 Rt coming out soon is putting some of the downward pressure on the pricing of used 1250 RT's.
I had a 2015RT. Replaced it with a 2020RS. The reasons were the RS was lighter and simply less bike to heave around. Texting driver took me and my RS out. I replaced it with a newer RT. The RT is great but not “fun” at least for me. The tech on the new RT just sucks which took more away from enjoying the RT. Also, I wasn’t sure about riding so I sold the RT. Not having a bike sucked more so I wound up getting a 2022 R1250R. I’ve had 4 “R”s over the years. Of the 3, the RS handles the worst and the RT is best. But neither the RS or the RT feels like a BIKE. People overlook the R which is a shame.
Interesting experiences, thanks for your perspective.
I remember looking at the 2024 RS and thinking if that bike had GS handle bars it'd be the perfect bike.
(I know I know), it was just a thought😊
You can order an RS from BMW with their aluminum tubular handlebar option that is more like GS handlebars. And there are other aftermarket options that do the same, like from Wunderlich. There are also handlebar risers one can get to make the seating position more upright. People who do this give mixed reviews, some love the difference it makes, others not so much, it's really an individual thing of body type, height, riding style, etc. But it's good to know the options are out there. Thanks so much for your comment.
I’ll take the RS all day every day
I can't argue with that, haha! My RS is great. Thanks for the comment.
Great video!!
That's nice to hear -- thanks!