CONNECTIVITY UPDATE: Following TFT software update to v 012_007_030 and BMW Connected App v4, I can now report that ALL connectivity issues are resolved and everything, Nav, Phone, Media, are working 100% as advertised. May be a short vid to follow in the near future. [thumbsup]
Dude, you're riding on the wrong side of the road...😂 I own a 2015 RT and I am surprised at how clunky the shifting is. How is your bike's transmission? I heard somewhere that it was improved in 2018. Thanks for doing this video.
Still a bit clunky at times..............................and I believe it's you that is riding on the wrong side of the road 😂btw update - my RT has gone now and been replaced by a GS Ultimate Edition.
I like your style of presentation, which sparks excitement as I’m waiting for an R 1250 RT on order. I’ve been riding an R 1250 RS for a year after a long midlife pause coming off a BMW 250 and an NSU 200 two stroke decades prior. As much as I love my RS, I’ve determined my goals involve longer riding in the future and the RT will better serve my needs. I’ve always admired BMW since the days back then on my 26 hp 250 and I’ve learned appreciation. Thank you for your quality presentation, 3 months on the RT. I look forward to video documenting my RT experience once I get filming skill and hardware together. All best!
Sounds like me, and I am betting a lot of us on the sidewalk are taking the steps to go ahead and make that cream purchase, I too am waiting for my new 2023 RT in Blue. If all goes well, and there are no delays in England for the Queen's funeral, I should have 10 days of waiting. Because just about every BMW I am interested in are right around the same price point, it was very difficult to choose which one I wanted. The RT won out.
Great video and looking forward to picking mine up end of June with latest software updates so hopefully all the connectivity issues are now well sorted. I was looking for some engine bars, but the ones I like, come from Illiumworks in the USA, but postage and duty will make them too expensive. Where did you get yours from and do they interfere with regular servicing as far as you are aware? Many thanks, Mike.👍😀
Nice video, can I ask where you got your custom reg plate made? I’m thinking of getting a similar one with the UK flag built-in to replace my naff sticker.
I honestly can't remember. I thought it was 'graphixonline' but they no longer appear to do number plates. A google search should find you somewhere that will do it [thumbsup]
Wonderful review! I have not been to that part of England since I was 25, I'm 61 now. Very professionally done video and gave me a great idea of what your experience with the RT is like. I have a 2004 BMW R 1150 RT, and my 2022 R 1250 RT is scheduled to be built in Berlin. Wishing you safe riding and all the best from Los Angeles, CA USA. Take care, Jimbo
Greeting's to Jimbo. This BMW 1250 RT has a great look. As I mentioned in earlier post, I'm wrestling with this bike and the Honda Goldwing (6 speed manual, NOT the DCT). I'm concerned that the BMW 1250 RT and higher RPM will create more discomfort on my longer trips. Have you taken your RT on longer trips and if so, can you comment on the higher RPM/comfort? Can you comfortably do long distance touring with RT? Loren
@@lorenerickson6578 Hi Loren, I recently did a 200 mile trip to Encinitas from Los Angeles and back and felt very comfortable on the 1250 RT. The standard cruise control is great (active cruise control not currently available due to chip shortage) and I did not feel the the revs were too high, moving at 85 miles per hour for several parts of the ride. I just got the bike, so I'm waiting till after the first service to do any long distance touring. Right now, I absolutely love the new RT!!!
Nice film, very calming - almost hypnotic. I'm picking up a 2019 RT in two days' time. Moving from an R1200R and sacrificing its lightness and slimness for the protection of a fairing and heated seat. I'm getting old and cold on the bike so the time has come. Choosing a pre-21 bike mainly for cost but partly because I prefer a separate sat nav so I'm going for a Zumo XT with an adapter so it'll fit in the factory slot above the tacho & speedo. I like your adaptive cruise control but I'm sure I'll survive without it. Good luck! See you down the road somewhere.
Thank you for your thoughts on your new bike. I was into my dealership this afternoon and will probably be placing an order in the near future. Do the engine protection bars you installed allow the engine cam cover to be removed with the bars in place? Wishing you safe travels.
Haven't had to remove cam covers yet so don't know for sure but I don't see why not (not a big deal to loosen them enough anyway). Thanks for watching [thumbsup]
Hi - Great vid - I'm contenplating changing back to the RT from the GSA, but my dealer has said don't buy one until the connectivity is sorted. I'm an iphone user and heard nightmare stories about connectivity with iphones. What phone do you use?
Thanks for watching. I use Samsung SE20 and Sena SRL. Connectivity is generally ok, but I do have occasional issues with voice commands on the sstnav. I'd say its about 95% 👍
Enjoyed your review ‘ramblings’ RB. I’ve had my RT about the same time as you and, like you, feel it’s my best bike ever! I agree with your comments on the Sat-Nav App, mine seems to work most of the time until I stop eg; to refuel etc, and then tends to throw a wobbly! Hopefully BMW can sort it out sooner rather than later….. but I won’t hold my breath. May I ask did you fit the crash bars yourself and if so how simple/easy was it to do?
Hi Mark, yes fitted the Wunderlich bars myself. Relatively easy - you have to remove the fairings, both sides (take note of where each fixing screw goes), and you need to have the bike level and the rear suspension loaded with the weight of the bike (centre stand doesn't achieve this). You have to remove engine mounting bolts (one side at a time) and unless the bike is upright with suspension loaded it can move out of alignment. There's a good video of the procedure here: th-cam.com/video/3iSL8wmKOK4/w-d-xo.html Hope this helps. Ride safe.
Thanks for the review, I am looking tentatively at one of these to replace my 2 old but super reliable Hondas. The only concern I have is reliability with these newer BMWs, elsewhere I read some pretty negative comments about recent failures and BMW franchise poor service. Guessing that an extended warranty might allay at least some of these concerns. We ride a lot on the Sierra roads (means hardly any other traffic 😊), on our old Hondas and quite often are literally out in the campo on our own so reliability is a key feature for us. Have you experienced any faults other than the irritating TFT stuff ?, or heard of faults via other 1250 riders ?. Subscribed 👍
Hi , thanks for watching and subscribing. I can report zero problems / faults with TFT and connectivity since firmware upgraded some months ago - all works just as it should. Completed 10k miles now with no problems, and for what it is worth, my dealership has been first class in all respects so far [thumbsup]
Thanks. I have no rear facing camera on this bike as yet. Just what I call 'rider cam' (Drift Ghost X) mounted above the TFT and pointing at myself. This is a Drift mount and is fixed with their standard 3M adhesive pad. There's no wind force there behind the screen so it is very secure. You can see this mount in all shots from the head cam.[thumbsup]
Is that a low seat mate?, my RT was just totalled by a young woman who ploughed into me as I sat at the rear of traffic on the M11, I survived the crash which is a miracle so I’m going to get another RT. Enjoyed the video 👍
Hi and thanks for watching. Sorry to hear about your misfortune, hope all is now well. Yes, it is a low seat but still heated and I find it perfectly comfortable [thumbsup]
Thanks for the review. Its a great bike. Ordered mine in July and due to arrive mid October in New Zealand. Just a question. Whereabouts did you get the tank protector. Looks great and like the subtleness of it. Cheers Mark
Thanks for your comment. You're going to love the RT. Let's hope you're one of the lucky ones, like me, who doesn't have too many issues with the TFT. I hesitated to call the vlog a 'review' because I felt it was just a few rambling thoughts without much structure, but I felt these thoughts might be of value for some so, once again, thanks for your comment. The tank protector (not cheap) was from ebay: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113724210618?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649
Thanks for that RB. I currently have a 2020 R1250R and have never had any issues with the tft albeit its not quite the same tft. Yes quite expensive but looks good 👍
Get my bike on Friday and have ordered the tank protector. Definitely not cheap but the best I have seen without being too flash. Thanks for sharing RB.
Nice review. I have the 2020 model and very happy with it. I doubt anyone with the 19/20 version would swap for the 21 version as the differences are minimal and IMO add no ride value, I do not like the idea of the phone directing sat nav as it has limitations compared to a stand alone and I suspect having to keep on top of latest phone will become a pain in the arse but its the way manufacturers have chosen to go. The adaptive cruise is also pretty irrelavent to me as I live in the sticks and very, very rarely go on a motorway. Finally, i think it has lost a bit of its iconic look through the new lights, whilst accepting from every other angle its identical. Will be interesting to see how you continue to get on with it.
How is the comfort compared to your Tiger? I have a Tiger 800 now and thinking of upgrading to a better road bike. My concern is the bmw worse with vibration than your Tiger?
Hi, thanks for watching. The RT is much better than the Tiger in all respects. The Tiger was a fairly comfy bike for me but the RT edges it in all departments, riding position, weather protection, vibration, power and flexibility. Like I say in the video, the RT suits me better than any other bike ever has [thumbsup]
What’s it like over our UK pot-holed roads? Is the suspension travel/comfort ok on our under-invested roads? (As you live in the South East, you’ve probably got better roads than the rest of us! Thanks for the video!
I’m replying to my own question. Having been on extended demos, thanks Sycamore BMW, Peterborough and Steve, I have bought a ‘21 plate that’s been seriously “farkled”. 5in travel isn’t the same as the GS Adventure’s 9.5in I was considering, but I xan honestly say, i’ve fallen in love with this bike. In dynamic, even on half throttle, it’s scary fast acceleration. Pootling about and with the occasional squirt, 55mpg is easy. I also noted that the screen keeps your visor completely free of any spray or road filth. The screen clears brilliant.y when bucketing down. The 3 times i’ve been out, i haven’t closed my flip up or done up my jacket. This is a superb bike.
Thanks for the nice review. This particular bike interests me because of the BMW engine. It hums whenever I hear it pass. I'm wrestling with getting a Honda Goldwing (6 speed) and this BMW model. I like the lighter weight and the horsepower seems to be even more than the Goldwing. Thanks again for the great review
@@RetroBiker Yes, I have seen your review of the Goldwing DCT. I'm interested in the 6 speed manual (not DCT), mainly because of the larger engine and lower RPM. I'm looking for a long distance touring bike that won't be so hard on my hands (from the RPM and higher vibration). I'm thinking I'll have to take a test drive of the RT before plunking my $'s down on either. Thanks again for your feedback. Loren
@@garycrumrine9538 picked up my ‘22 6 speed wing from a dealer in OH. OMG: most amazing cycle experience. Smooth and powerful says it all. Also, Never had navigation so I’m a happy camper
I purchased one of these bikes new two months ago. You need to understand that the cell phone to bike communication does not work. If you purchase one of these bikes don’t expect the features to function. BMW customer service will not support this product and the dealers don’t know how to fix them. I would recommend a non-TFT motorcycle.
Hard luck fella, you're clearly one of the unfortunate ones. Cell phone communication works almost perfectly, certainly for me with Android, when the system is set up correctly. The video clearly shows much of this and as I said, the only occasional issue is with loss of satnav voice commands, which is fairly easily rectified. I believe there are some angry and frustrated users who are having problems with the system and I know there have been issues but I also know that, in my experience, BMW continue to work with customers to resolve these problems. I also understand that not all dealerships appear to offer the same level of support but, of course, the way you approach a dealership with your problems can, unfortunately, often have an effect on the way you may be treated.
CONNECTIVITY UPDATE: Following TFT software update to v 012_007_030 and BMW Connected App v4, I can now report that ALL connectivity issues are resolved and everything, Nav, Phone, Media, are working 100% as advertised. May be a short vid to follow in the near future. [thumbsup]
Dude, you're riding on the wrong side of the road...😂
I own a 2015 RT and I am surprised at how clunky the shifting is. How is your bike's transmission? I heard somewhere that it was improved in 2018.
Thanks for doing this video.
Still a bit clunky at times..............................and I believe it's you that is riding on the wrong side of the road 😂btw update - my RT has gone now and been replaced by a GS Ultimate Edition.
I like your style of presentation, which sparks excitement as I’m waiting for an R 1250 RT on order. I’ve been riding an R 1250 RS for a year after a long midlife pause coming off a BMW 250 and an NSU 200 two stroke decades prior. As much as I love my RS, I’ve determined my goals involve longer riding in the future and the RT will better serve my needs. I’ve always admired BMW since the days back then on my 26 hp 250 and I’ve learned appreciation. Thank you for your quality presentation, 3 months on the RT. I look forward to video documenting my RT experience once I get filming skill and hardware together. All best!
Thank you for your kind words, I'm so glad you enjoyed my video. I hope you enjoy your RT as much as I enjoy mine, when it arrives. [thumbsup]
Sounds like me, and I am betting a lot of us on the sidewalk are taking the steps to go ahead and make that cream purchase, I too am waiting for my new 2023 RT in Blue. If all goes well, and there are no delays in England for the Queen's funeral, I should have 10 days of waiting. Because just about every BMW I am interested in are right around the same price point, it was very difficult to choose which one I wanted. The RT won out.
Great video and looking forward to picking mine up end of June with latest software updates so hopefully all the connectivity issues are now well sorted. I was looking for some engine bars, but the ones I like, come from Illiumworks in the USA, but postage and duty will make them too expensive. Where did you get yours from and do they interfere with regular servicing as far as you are aware? Many thanks, Mike.👍😀
Nice video, can I ask where you got your custom reg plate made? I’m thinking of getting a similar one with the UK flag built-in to replace my naff sticker.
I honestly can't remember. I thought it was 'graphixonline' but they no longer appear to do number plates. A google search should find you somewhere that will do it [thumbsup]
Wonderful review! I have not been to that part of England since I was 25, I'm 61 now. Very professionally done video and gave me a great idea of what your experience with the RT is like. I have a 2004 BMW R 1150 RT, and my 2022 R 1250 RT is scheduled to be built in Berlin. Wishing you safe riding and all the best from Los Angeles, CA USA. Take care, Jimbo
Thank you for watching and for your kind comments. Ride safe and enjoy your RT
Greeting's to Jimbo. This BMW 1250 RT has a great look. As I mentioned in earlier post, I'm wrestling with this bike and the Honda Goldwing (6 speed manual, NOT the DCT). I'm concerned that the BMW 1250 RT and higher RPM will create more discomfort on my longer trips. Have you taken your RT on longer trips and if so, can you comment on the higher RPM/comfort? Can you comfortably do long distance touring with RT? Loren
@@lorenerickson6578 Hi Loren, I recently did a 200 mile trip to Encinitas from Los Angeles and back and felt very comfortable on the 1250 RT. The standard cruise control is great (active cruise control not currently available due to chip shortage) and I did not feel the the revs were too high, moving at 85 miles per hour for several parts of the ride. I just got the bike, so I'm waiting till after the first service to do any long distance touring. Right now, I absolutely love the new RT!!!
@@Sequenox thanks for your feedback. Stay safe and Enjoy🤗
Nice film, very calming - almost hypnotic. I'm picking up a 2019 RT in two days' time. Moving from an R1200R and sacrificing its lightness and slimness for the protection of a fairing and heated seat. I'm getting old and cold on the bike so the time has come. Choosing a pre-21 bike mainly for cost but partly because I prefer a separate sat nav so I'm going for a Zumo XT with an adapter so it'll fit in the factory slot above the tacho & speedo. I like your adaptive cruise control but I'm sure I'll survive without it. Good luck! See you down the road somewhere.
Thank you for your thoughts on your new bike. I was into my dealership this afternoon and will probably be placing an order in the near future. Do the engine protection bars you installed allow the engine cam cover to be removed with the bars in place? Wishing you safe travels.
Haven't had to remove cam covers yet so don't know for sure but I don't see why not (not a big deal to loosen them enough anyway). Thanks for watching [thumbsup]
Hi - Great vid - I'm contenplating changing back to the RT from the GSA, but my dealer has said don't buy one until the connectivity is sorted. I'm an iphone user and heard nightmare stories about connectivity with iphones. What phone do you use?
Thanks for watching. I use Samsung SE20 and Sena SRL. Connectivity is generally ok, but I do have occasional issues with voice commands on the sstnav. I'd say its about 95% 👍
Enjoyed your review ‘ramblings’ RB. I’ve had my RT about the same time as you and, like you, feel it’s my best bike ever! I agree with your comments on the Sat-Nav App, mine seems to work most of the time until I stop eg; to refuel etc, and then tends to throw a wobbly! Hopefully BMW can sort it out sooner rather than later….. but I won’t hold my breath. May I ask did you fit the crash bars yourself and if so how simple/easy was it to do?
Hi Mark, yes fitted the Wunderlich bars myself. Relatively easy - you have to remove the fairings, both sides (take note of where each fixing screw goes), and you need to have the bike level and the rear suspension loaded with the weight of the bike (centre stand doesn't achieve this). You have to remove engine mounting bolts (one side at a time) and unless the bike is upright with suspension loaded it can move out of alignment. There's a good video of the procedure here: th-cam.com/video/3iSL8wmKOK4/w-d-xo.html
Hope this helps. Ride safe.
Thanks for the review, I am looking tentatively at one of these to replace my 2 old but super reliable Hondas. The only concern I have is reliability with these newer BMWs, elsewhere I read some pretty negative comments about recent failures and BMW franchise poor service. Guessing that an extended warranty might allay at least some of these concerns. We ride a lot on the Sierra roads (means hardly any other traffic 😊), on our old Hondas and quite often are literally out in the campo on our own so reliability is a key feature for us. Have you experienced any faults other than the irritating TFT stuff ?, or heard of faults via other 1250 riders ?. Subscribed 👍
Hi , thanks for watching and subscribing. I can report zero problems / faults with TFT and connectivity since firmware upgraded some months ago - all works just as it should. Completed 10k miles now with no problems, and for what it is worth, my dealership has been first class in all respects so far [thumbsup]
@@RetroBiker thank you, appreciate you took the time to respond 😊👍
Nice work, mate. Mind if I ask where:how you have your rear-facing camera mounted, and which camera it is?
Thanks. I have no rear facing camera on this bike as yet. Just what I call 'rider cam' (Drift Ghost X) mounted above the TFT and pointing at myself. This is a Drift mount and is fixed with their standard 3M adhesive pad. There's no wind force there behind the screen so it is very secure. You can see this mount in all shots from the head cam.[thumbsup]
@@RetroBiker thanks -- that's the one I meant when I said "rear facing". Much obliged.
great video test riding this tomorrow, RS might have to go : )
Enjoy [thumbsup]
Is that a low seat mate?, my RT was just totalled by a young woman who ploughed into me as I sat at the rear of traffic on the M11, I survived the crash which is a miracle so I’m going to get another RT. Enjoyed the video 👍
Hi and thanks for watching. Sorry to hear about your misfortune, hope all is now well. Yes, it is a low seat but still heated and I find it perfectly comfortable [thumbsup]
@@RetroBiker thanks for that. I think I will go for that option when I get mine 👍
Thanks for the review. Its a great bike. Ordered mine in July and due to arrive mid October in New Zealand. Just a question. Whereabouts did you get the tank protector. Looks great and like the subtleness of it.
Cheers
Mark
Thanks for your comment. You're going to love the RT. Let's hope you're one of the lucky ones, like me, who doesn't have too many issues with the TFT. I hesitated to call the vlog a 'review' because I felt it was just a few rambling thoughts without much structure, but I felt these thoughts might be of value for some so, once again, thanks for your comment. The tank protector (not cheap) was from ebay: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113724210618?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649
Thanks for that RB. I currently have a 2020 R1250R and have never had any issues with the tft albeit its not quite the same tft.
Yes quite expensive but looks good 👍
Get my bike on Friday and have ordered the tank protector. Definitely not cheap but the best I have seen without being too flash. Thanks for sharing RB.
@@markrawlinson8976 exciting time. Enjoy [thumbsup]
Nice video thanks pick my rt up this week 👍
Thanks. I'm sure you'll enjoy your RT [thumbsup]
Nice review. I have the 2020 model and very happy with it. I doubt anyone with the 19/20 version would swap for the 21 version as the differences are minimal and IMO add no ride value, I do not like the idea of the phone directing sat nav as it has limitations compared to a stand alone and I suspect having to keep on top of latest phone will become a pain in the arse but its the way manufacturers have chosen to go. The adaptive cruise is also pretty irrelavent to me as I live in the sticks and very, very rarely go on a motorway. Finally, i think it has lost a bit of its iconic look through the new lights, whilst accepting from every other angle its identical. Will be interesting to see how you continue to get on with it.
Thanks for watching. It's all largely a matter of opinion and on that we may differ. Ride safe [thumbsup]
How is the comfort compared to your Tiger? I have a Tiger 800 now and thinking of upgrading to a better road bike. My concern is the bmw worse with vibration than your Tiger?
Hi, thanks for watching. The RT is much better than the Tiger in all respects. The Tiger was a fairly comfy bike for me but the RT edges it in all departments, riding position, weather protection, vibration, power and flexibility. Like I say in the video, the RT suits me better than any other bike ever has [thumbsup]
@@RetroBiker thank you for taking the time to reply. I will definitely try one out soon.
What’s it like over our UK pot-holed roads? Is the suspension travel/comfort ok on our under-invested roads? (As you live in the South East, you’ve probably got better roads than the rest of us! Thanks for the video!
I’m replying to my own question. Having been on extended demos, thanks Sycamore BMW, Peterborough and Steve, I have bought a ‘21 plate that’s been seriously “farkled”. 5in travel isn’t the same as the GS Adventure’s 9.5in I was considering, but I xan honestly say, i’ve fallen in love with this bike. In dynamic, even on half throttle, it’s scary fast acceleration. Pootling about and with the occasional squirt, 55mpg is easy.
I also noted that the screen keeps your visor completely free of any spray or road filth. The screen clears brilliant.y when bucketing down. The 3 times i’ve been out, i haven’t closed my flip up or done up my jacket. This is a superb bike.
Thanks for the nice review. This particular bike interests me because of the BMW engine. It hums whenever I hear it pass. I'm wrestling with getting a Honda Goldwing (6 speed) and this BMW model. I like the lighter weight and the horsepower seems to be even more than the Goldwing. Thanks again for the great review
Hi, and thanks for watching and your comment. Have you watched my brief review of the Honda Goldwing? th-cam.com/video/v1ms5mbsjxc/w-d-xo.html
@@RetroBiker Yes, I have seen your review of the Goldwing DCT. I'm interested in the 6 speed manual (not DCT), mainly because of the larger engine and lower RPM. I'm looking for a long distance touring bike that won't be so hard on my hands (from the RPM and higher vibration). I'm thinking I'll have to take a test drive of the RT before plunking my $'s down on either. Thanks again for your feedback. Loren
@@lorenerickson6578 Just about ALL Goldwings will come in the DCT model due to emissions.
@@garycrumrine9538 picked up my ‘22 6 speed wing from a dealer in OH. OMG: most amazing cycle experience. Smooth and powerful says it all. Also, Never had navigation so I’m a happy camper
Im getting my 2022 R/T next week I hope I like it....
I'm sure you will. Stay safe [thumbsup]
followed ,good review pal, i have a 2020 bmws1000r but serious;y considering this machine as im an old codger too.
I purchased one of these bikes new two months ago. You need to understand that the cell phone to bike communication does not work. If you purchase one of these bikes don’t expect the features to function. BMW customer service will not support this product and the dealers don’t know how to fix them. I would recommend a non-TFT motorcycle.
Hard luck fella, you're clearly one of the unfortunate ones. Cell phone communication works almost perfectly, certainly for me with Android, when the system is set up correctly. The video clearly shows much of this and as I said, the only occasional issue is with loss of satnav voice commands, which is fairly easily rectified. I believe there are some angry and frustrated users who are having problems with the system and I know there have been issues but I also know that, in my experience, BMW continue to work with customers to resolve these problems. I also understand that not all dealerships appear to offer the same level of support but, of course, the way you approach a dealership with your problems can, unfortunately, often have an effect on the way you may be treated.
...pick mine up tomorrow!
Enjoy 👍