I have both, 2018 k1600GT and a 2023 R1250RT and I think they are both awesome. Cant beat the power and silky smoothness of the K1600 but I also like the boxer motor and the lighter 1250. The 1250 is a little smaller in the cockpit, not as roomy as the K1600. They both handle well and no issues even in tight twisties like the Tail of the Dragon. Did it on both bikes and had a blast. My opinion is you can’t really go wrong with either bike.
I found the 1600 almost too smooth, a silly comment i know but i like a little something extra to my engines, this is where the RT came through for me. Glad your enjoying both bikes though. Ride safe.
I've met several 1600 owners, who rave about their bikes. I do believe they are amazing, top-flight engineering, powerful bikes. But, I knew the moment I sat on one at the dealer that it was not for me. Too top-heavy. I'm 65 now, finally let go of my CBR1100XX Blackbird after 90K miles. I wanted a bike I could manage, and with my wife on the back too. I bought the 2021 RT almost two years ago and I love it. When I first got it, I did almost drop it twice when my wife was on; I almost certainly would have dropped the 1600. After 40 years of riding inline-4 engines it took me a while to get used to the boxer twin. It certainly does have 'character'. But it's powerful and torque-y and tractable. I already knew that, from chasing my fast friends on their GSs. I'm glad I went with the RT. 450 mile days down to the Blue Ridge Mountains, no problem at all. Even at my age, lol. I put it in Road mode when my wife is on it, she says it rides like a dream. She even suggests going out for rides.
She’s a heavy bike for sure, not always a pleasant experience when Zoe is getting on and off the back of my GSA. When you think you’ve got sure footing, they jump up and your foot slides out from underneath you :). Your wife sounds like a keeper if she’s asking you to take her out on it. Ride safe.
I upgraded from the 2015 R1200RS and was surpriced to find the 2021 R1250RT just as quick on vinding roads and actually more frugal on the petrol at higher speed travel. The comfort level is just amasing and I think this is a keeper for the rest of my life
I did the same thing, trading my 2018 RS for a blue 2021 RT and have found this bike much more fun. It is so planted and will do anything in the twisties the RS can do. Most capable and enjoyable road bike I have ever owned.
Great to hear Pete, either on is a great bike, but they are also quite different, I think you made the right choice, its what i would of gone for if i was picking the between the two. Ride safe.
I’ve owned three RT’s and before that I rode Goldwing, Harley, Triumph, Honda interceptor, and the RT hands down is the best bike. I am considering a BMW GSA, but after riding my bike yesterday I just love this bike. I have a 2015 with bar riser and a lowering peg kit that makes you sit on the bike with the feel of a BMW GS or GSA….a more upright sitting thing position. I’ve taken the bike from Scottsdale AZ to Canada and I feel no pain at 63 years of age, ❤❤
Sounds like you've go the best bike for you, something you enjoy riding and still get out on it. Unless you want to take it off road id stick with your RT :)
Excellent review. I recently traded in my K1600B LE for this very same 2023 R1250RT LE, I was immediately impressed with how much fun I got out of riding this bike, as the K1600B LE was a very heavy lump, although I know I’m trying to compare two completely different machines but the K1600B was smoother up the power range, although the R1250RT LE is very light and nimble and with all the extra safety features and the huge TFT with streaming the mapping software from your phone to the bike via the BMW App it means you’re never going to be waiting for mapping updates. Yes its very expensive, but I get off the motorcycle with a smile on my face every time, where as I always worried about the K1600B LE weight and especially if you were moving into a parking area in case I dropped the bike as it was even heavier than the R1250RT LE.
I've owned both the K1600GT and R1250RT. Both are great, and have their own pros and cons. The RT is more nimble, more fun in the twisty roads. The K1600 is slightly better at long days of interstate highways. The K1600 eats tires, wheareas with the RT, tires last longer. I think I prefer the RT's telelever suspension over the duolever of the K16. K16GT is slightly roomier.
Excellent review Matt thank you, good to see you getting further out and about fast roads and twisties etc. The RT is an awesome machine albeit perhaps I’m biased as I recently acquired one 😊
Thanks Les. You’ve just got to let this bike flow, don’t try and throw it in to corners because you’ll forget how big and heavy it is and get caught short. No biased comments around here please. I have to try hard when testing a KTM not to say anything 🤣. How do you find the screen when fully up ?
Yes I agree, much better than 1600 for character and fun. If you throw on a set of 80/20 rubber and jug guards she’ll do a lot more, and 50/50 rubber with a bash plate and it will do more than most GS riders ever actually do. I just finished the epic ride to Alaska and the Arctic Ocean on that RT set up this summer.
Owned both K1600B and currently the RT. The RT is more nimble and easier to handle in slow speeds. K1600 is top and front heavy so it requires more effort to maneuver. The engine, transmission and quick shifter combo on the K bike is addictive. I’ve seen so many riders (sports bike guys) test riding the RT and using only 1st and 2nd gear all the way to 80mph. They have no clue how much low end torque the RT has. You could be riding 30 mph at 6th gear and it won’t say no. If you must have the K, don’t fill up the tank to make it even more heavier 😊.
Same with the 1250 engine across the other platforms. My KTM GT 6th gear would only be happy after 90mph. My GSA down to 40mph and it’s still a breeze in 6th gear.
Hi, nice clip and good job. Would you like to do direct comparison to 1600 GT and then GTL? This is a really tough decision to choose between those 3. Goldwing is out of question for me, tried it, don’t like it at all.
I enjoyed the RT, big, comfortable and obviously a great engine. Depends if you want to do any form of off road riding or pure tarmac If straight Tarmac then I prefer the wind protection, satnav ability and ease of riding of the RT over the GSA. GSA is still an awesome machine though. Tough call.
Pleasant review -but as tourers the 1250 boxer is surpassed by the smoother and faster inline 6 and whilst its heavier and a small bit taller (I think) the 1600 handles equally well and possibly better. I get your point regarding character but thats more an individual perception perhaps. Ride safe 👍🏻
Ive also reviewed the K1600, and agreed it is a great bike and super smooth, i personally think it lacked character in the engine department, almost too smooth and feeling like a twist and go or an engine with the DCT gearbox. This is why I prefer the 1250RT over the K1600, each to their own though. Buy which bike you prefer and just enjoy it aye :) Ride safe.
I own a 2022 R1250RT and I love it for the most part. Rode a little over 4k with, about 50/50 highway/twisties. The only thing I dont like about my bike is the quickshifter. Its very jerky and clunky compared to other bikes I've owned. So much so that I never use it. If its an important feature for you, you might want to test it before you buy.
I know what you mean for the upshift. I did find the down very smooth though. Might be worth looking in to an aftermarket quick shifter to help smooth things out ?
@@DSR1YT First to Second gear is rough on all of the boxers. 3rd and up are fine. I have the 2022 RT as well and coming from Triumph, which has the best quick shifter on the market, it was a bit of a surprise to me that the RT quick shift was so rough. But, clutch thru 1st and 2nd, and the rest are great, and down is never an issue so I've learned to love it and use it, A LOT!
Defintely better than the K16 - had one for 2 days - the engine was phenomenal and it handled really well for its size....but it was nice to get back on the lighter, nimbler RT
I wonder if everyone will jump up and down about having to pay for extra modes like they do with the ktm?good review though in general matt.😂maybe you should take the other half on this type of bike review as i imagine it will be mainly used two up i should imagine. Ps,is the streetfighter coming soon?😂
Myself and Zoe will be doing 2 up rides at some point. She’s off bikes for a few more weeks ( doctors orders ). You’re welcome to come over and edit the video if you’d like 🤣. Need to find time in the day to edit all these bikes I’ve got recorded already. Taking the GSA off roading this afternoon and hopefully out on the transalp tomorrow 🤦🏻😁. I’ll put a rush order on the Streetfighter and M1000R.
@@DSR1YT i cant say i know much about editting tbh!my partner says i need editting alot though.carry on at your own pace matt,its done when its done.😂👍
Hmm, that map looked like it only covered a tiny fraction of the screen size, making very poor usage of the screen…? Regular Google maps on your phone is much larger and easier to see than that…
You can adjust the screen size to either be most of the screen dominating from the LHS or if you want it smaller you can have it on the RHS. Trust me it is big when it's in full screen mode on the LHS. Hope that helps :)
You sure will will the huge comfortable seat as well. It has bad boy speakers on it as well, just couldn't play music from them and post on YT because of copyright. :)
I just bought a 2015 R1200 RT. Not impressed. My old 1996 BMW K 1100 LT SE was a much better motorcycle. The secret sauce is the K brick motor. Way,way more torque. Once shifted into high gear there was no reason to shift again unless stopping. As for the R1200, 5th and 6th are gutless. The K transmission was silky smooth unlike my RT which feels like they forgot to install the synchros. I also find the Tupperware on the RT to be flimsy. I could go on but gotta go...
You can get the taller touring screen...? But I guess every screen is going to have some like it, some not, because everyone has a different height, or different length torso affecting what view you have, whichever screen you have. One size doesn't fit all,....so fairly easily remeded. Of course, it will annoyingly, involve more cost to get the screen that suits you. I had to change mine, I'm same height as you and so I changed mine to the touring screen. I think on your one there you have the "standard" screen. There is an even much smaller one called the sport screen! Terrible for this bike in my view.
Yeah you don’t want smaller on this bike. You want that comfort bubble on a bike like this. Luckily this just being a demo bike I don’t need to worry about testing different size screens out. 😁
@@DSR1YT I've been down the windscreen rabbit hole on my 2022 RT, and have tried almost all of the screens out there. The two I like most are the optional tall touring screen from BMW (produces smooth air) and the VStream Sport screen. I'm 6'1" and sit tall on the bike and those 2 are the best IMHO. The others (PUIG, 7Jurock, Aeroflow, Quiet Ride) are decent screens but I found that they produce more "turbulent" air vs the smooth air off the Tall Touring screen from BMW.
Who wins in your eyes - K1600 or 1250 RT??
blue 1250 rt
I have both, 2018 k1600GT and a 2023 R1250RT and I think they are both awesome. Cant beat the power and silky smoothness of the K1600 but I also like the boxer motor and the lighter 1250. The 1250 is a little smaller in the cockpit, not as roomy as the K1600. They both handle well and no issues even in tight twisties like the Tail of the Dragon. Did it on both bikes and had a blast. My opinion is you can’t really go wrong with either bike.
I found the 1600 almost too smooth, a silly comment i know but i like a little something extra to my engines, this is where the RT came through for me. Glad your enjoying both bikes though. Ride safe.
Astroturfing
I've met several 1600 owners, who rave about their bikes. I do believe they are amazing, top-flight engineering, powerful bikes. But, I knew the moment I sat on one at the dealer that it was not for me. Too top-heavy. I'm 65 now, finally let go of my CBR1100XX Blackbird after 90K miles. I wanted a bike I could manage, and with my wife on the back too. I bought the 2021 RT almost two years ago and I love it. When I first got it, I did almost drop it twice when my wife was on; I almost certainly would have dropped the 1600. After 40 years of riding inline-4 engines it took me a while to get used to the boxer twin. It certainly does have 'character'. But it's powerful and torque-y and tractable. I already knew that, from chasing my fast friends on their GSs. I'm glad I went with the RT. 450 mile days down to the Blue Ridge Mountains, no problem at all. Even at my age, lol. I put it in Road mode when my wife is on it, she says it rides like a dream. She even suggests going out for rides.
She’s a heavy bike for sure, not always a pleasant experience when Zoe is getting on and off the back of my GSA. When you think you’ve got sure footing, they jump up and your foot slides out from underneath you :). Your wife sounds like a keeper if she’s asking you to take her out on it. Ride safe.
couuuntry roooooaaaaads :)
I upgraded from the 2015 R1200RS and was surpriced to find the 2021 R1250RT just as quick on vinding roads and actually more frugal on the petrol at higher speed travel. The comfort level is just amasing and I think this is a keeper for the rest of my life
Glad you’ve found your forever bike. I love the screen and maps situation. Perfect for trips
I did the same thing, trading my 2018 RS for a blue 2021 RT and have found this bike much more fun. It is so planted and will do anything in the twisties the RS can do. Most capable and enjoyable road bike I have ever owned.
Thanks for the review, I went in to look at a K1600, and bought the R1250RT.....you video helped a lot.
Great to hear Pete, either on is a great bike, but they are also quite different, I think you made the right choice, its what i would of gone for if i was picking the between the two. Ride safe.
I’ve owned three RT’s and before that I rode Goldwing, Harley, Triumph, Honda interceptor, and the RT hands down is the best bike. I am considering a BMW GSA, but after riding my bike yesterday I just love this bike. I have a 2015 with bar riser and a lowering peg kit that makes you sit on the bike with the feel of a BMW GS or GSA….a more upright sitting thing position. I’ve taken the bike from Scottsdale AZ to Canada and I feel no pain at 63 years of age, ❤❤
Sounds like you've go the best bike for you, something you enjoy riding and still get out on it. Unless you want to take it off road id stick with your RT :)
Excellent review. I recently traded in my K1600B LE for this very same 2023 R1250RT LE, I was immediately impressed with how much fun I got out of riding this bike, as the K1600B LE was a very heavy lump, although I know I’m trying to compare two completely different machines but the K1600B was smoother up the power range, although the R1250RT LE is very light and nimble and with all the extra safety features and the huge TFT with streaming the mapping software from your phone to the bike via the BMW App it means you’re never going to be waiting for mapping updates. Yes its very expensive, but I get off the motorcycle with a smile on my face every time, where as I always worried about the K1600B LE weight and especially if you were moving into a parking area in case I dropped the bike as it was even heavier than the R1250RT LE.
Thanks Rodney, glad your enjoying your swop over to the RT. I also love that screen size, can’t beat it. Keep smiling and ride safe.
I've owned both the K1600GT and R1250RT. Both are great, and have their own pros and cons. The RT is more nimble, more fun in the twisty roads. The K1600 is slightly better at long days of interstate highways. The K1600 eats tires, wheareas with the RT, tires last longer. I think I prefer the RT's telelever suspension over the duolever of the K16. K16GT is slightly roomier.
Nice ride. I have a '22 GSA but I keep going back to the RT...
Go to what ever makes you happy 😀🤙
Excellent review Matt thank you, good to see you getting further out and about fast roads and twisties etc. The RT is an awesome machine albeit perhaps I’m biased as I recently acquired one 😊
Thanks Les. You’ve just got to let this bike flow, don’t try and throw it in to corners because you’ll forget how big and heavy it is and get caught short.
No biased comments around here please. I have to try hard when testing a KTM not to say anything 🤣.
How do you find the screen when fully up ?
Yes I agree, much better than 1600 for character and fun. If you throw on a set of 80/20 rubber and jug guards she’ll do a lot more, and 50/50 rubber with a bash plate and it will do more than most GS riders ever actually do. I just finished the epic ride to Alaska and the Arctic Ocean on that RT set up this summer.
I take my hat off to you my friend, not sure id want to take this off road, but never say never. Sounds like an epic road trip you had. Ride safe.
Owned both K1600B and currently the RT. The RT is more nimble and easier to handle in slow speeds. K1600 is top and front heavy so it requires more effort to maneuver. The engine, transmission and quick shifter combo on the K bike is addictive. I’ve seen so many riders (sports bike guys) test riding the RT and using only 1st and 2nd gear all the way to 80mph. They have no clue how much low end torque the RT has. You could be riding 30 mph at 6th gear and it won’t say no. If you must have the K, don’t fill up the tank to make it even more heavier 😊.
Same with the 1250 engine across the other platforms. My KTM GT 6th gear would only be happy after 90mph.
My GSA down to 40mph and it’s still a breeze in 6th gear.
Hi, nice clip and good job. Would you like to do direct comparison to 1600 GT and then GTL? This is a really tough decision to choose between those 3. Goldwing is out of question for me, tried it, don’t like it at all.
Sadly my local dealer hasn’t got the GTL. It’s all down to you and where/how you’re going to ride. The GTL looks awesome for 2 up riding.
How do you like the RT in comparison to the BMW GSA ? I’m considering a GSA, but love riding the RT !
I enjoyed the RT, big, comfortable and obviously a great engine. Depends if you want to do any form of off road riding or pure tarmac
If straight Tarmac then I prefer the wind protection, satnav ability and ease of riding of the RT over the GSA.
GSA is still an awesome machine though. Tough call.
@@DSR1YT yeah I do love my RT…such an easy ride 👍
Pleasant review -but as tourers the 1250 boxer is surpassed by the smoother and faster inline 6 and whilst its heavier and a small bit taller (I think) the 1600 handles equally well and possibly better. I get your point regarding character but thats more an individual perception perhaps. Ride safe 👍🏻
Ive also reviewed the K1600, and agreed it is a great bike and super smooth, i personally think it lacked character in the engine department, almost too smooth and feeling like a twist and go or an engine with the DCT gearbox. This is why I prefer the 1250RT over the K1600, each to their own though. Buy which bike you prefer and just enjoy it aye :) Ride safe.
I own a 2022 R1250RT and I love it for the most part. Rode a little over 4k with, about 50/50 highway/twisties. The only thing I dont like about my bike is the quickshifter. Its very jerky and clunky compared to other bikes I've owned. So much so that I never use it. If its an important feature for you, you might want to test it before you buy.
The upshifts are quite jerky yes but not the downshifts. For the upshifts you have to do it at the right rpm.
I know what you mean for the upshift. I did find the down very smooth though.
Might be worth looking in to an aftermarket quick shifter to help smooth things out ?
@@DSR1YT First to Second gear is rough on all of the boxers. 3rd and up are fine. I have the 2022 RT as well and coming from Triumph, which has the best quick shifter on the market, it was a bit of a surprise to me that the RT quick shift was so rough. But, clutch thru 1st and 2nd, and the rest are great, and down is never an issue so I've learned to love it and use it, A LOT!
Defintely better than the K16 - had one for 2 days - the engine was phenomenal and it handled really well for its size....but it was nice to get back on the lighter, nimbler RT
Always pros and cons for different bikes. At least you got back on to your RT and preferred the RT. Awkward if not 😁
I wonder if everyone will jump up and down about having to pay for extra modes like they do with the ktm?good review though in general matt.😂maybe you should take the other half on this type of bike review as i imagine it will be mainly used two up i should imagine.
Ps,is the streetfighter coming soon?😂
Myself and Zoe will be doing 2 up rides at some point. She’s off bikes for a few more weeks ( doctors orders ).
You’re welcome to come over and edit the video if you’d like 🤣. Need to find time in the day to edit all these bikes I’ve got recorded already.
Taking the GSA off roading this afternoon and hopefully out on the transalp tomorrow 🤦🏻😁.
I’ll put a rush order on the Streetfighter and M1000R.
@@DSR1YT i cant say i know much about editting tbh!my partner says i need editting alot though.carry on at your own pace matt,its done when its done.😂👍
I’ll take you on as my apprentice. Unpaid obviously. 🤣.
I’ll see what I can do 😁
@@DSR1YT its pretty much unpaid where i work anyway!as long as theres tea and biscuits im in!😂
What are the mirrors like ? I love the mirrors on the k1600. Even for a bigger guy they give great visibility.
No issues with these mirrors either mate.
Is the GPS easy to use compared to a Garmin system? I am hesitating to add a Garmin mount on the RT…
I had no issues when using it on the demo ride. Others on here might give you more light from an owners perspective
I had a 1600 but I prefer the 1250 a lot lighter and better on fuel ⛽️ I get my new 1250 LE ON October 1 2023
Agreed. I prefer the 1250 too. Not long to push before new bike day then 😁. Enjoy it.
Hmm, that map looked like it only covered a tiny fraction of the screen size, making very poor usage of the screen…? Regular Google maps on your phone is much larger and easier to see than that…
You can adjust the screen size to either be most of the screen dominating from the LHS or if you want it smaller you can have it on the RHS. Trust me it is big when it's in full screen mode on the LHS. Hope that helps :)
With a screen that size, watching Net flix will be easy. I might even fall asleep watching.
You sure will will the huge comfortable seat as well. It has bad boy speakers on it as well, just couldn't play music from them and post on YT because of copyright. :)
I am trading my MultiV4s for MSRS and Goldwing DCT for RT1250 or wait for 1300RT . I find the Goldwing boring
I just bought a 2015 R1200 RT. Not impressed. My old 1996 BMW K 1100 LT SE was a much better motorcycle. The secret sauce is the K brick motor. Way,way more torque. Once shifted into high gear there was no reason to shift again unless stopping. As for the R1200, 5th and 6th are gutless. The K transmission was silky smooth unlike my RT which feels like they forgot to install the synchros. I also find the Tupperware on the RT to be flimsy. I could go on but gotta go...
are you changing your RT any time soon or just going to lump it for now?
La RT est la reine de la route !
Haha why not the king of the road :)?
@@DSR1YT
Because the king is the rider !
You can get the taller touring screen...? But I guess every screen is going to have some like it, some not, because everyone has a different height, or different length torso affecting what view you have, whichever screen you have. One size doesn't fit all,....so fairly easily remeded. Of course, it will annoyingly, involve more cost to get the screen that suits you. I had to change mine, I'm same height as you and so I changed mine to the touring screen. I think on your one there you have the "standard" screen. There is an even much smaller one called the sport screen! Terrible for this bike in my view.
Yeah you don’t want smaller on this bike. You want that comfort bubble on a bike like this.
Luckily this just being a demo bike I don’t need to worry about testing different size screens out. 😁
@@DSR1YT I've been down the windscreen rabbit hole on my 2022 RT, and have tried almost all of the screens out there. The two I like most are the optional tall touring screen from BMW (produces smooth air) and the VStream Sport screen. I'm 6'1" and sit tall on the bike and those 2 are the best IMHO. The others (PUIG, 7Jurock, Aeroflow, Quiet Ride) are decent screens but I found that they produce more "turbulent" air vs the smooth air off the Tall Touring screen from BMW.