I'm now on my 3rd RT, I just love the bike. The one thing I would love BMW to fix is the addition of back lighting to buttons and switches! Would love to see them at night instead of guessing where they are.... 👍
I'm not lying when I say it's one of the best reviews i have ever seen. You mentioned everything that needed to be mentioned and that too without being repetitive/boring. Kudos to you guys. Great job!
Having owned 1200 GS, 1250 GS, 1200 GSA, 1250 GSA and K 1600B and the 2022 RT - RT is the best choice if you only ride on the asphalt. Handling is a dream! 150 pounds lighter than the K 1600 model bikes. 17" tire and steeper Rake makes it much easier to handle than the GS and GSA. Power locks, Power Windshield, Heated Grips and Seats, 10.25" TFT and countless other options, and still cheaper than the other Models makes the RT the Champ. Good luck finding one to buy here in the US. All back ordered and some Dealers will not have one for the remaining of the year.
It's the kind of bike that just speaks for itself, all you need is to test ride it. The fact that it's hard to get a hold of is probably a testament to how good it is!
Great review. I get tired of reviewers riding down the road telling us their opinion while the viewer has to stare at the dash. Very well thought out review and cinematography. You guys hit all the right spots I want to hear when reviewing a bike. Finally the bike looks terrific and I do like the color.
This is my first motorcycle since I passed the driving test and I have to admit you are wrong to say it is not for beginners. At first I was a little scared, but after a year and riding over the winter, it’s now the perfect motorcycle.
Fair enough, but would the average beginner rider be comfortable dropping this bike and be able to pay for repairs? Perhaps not... But nevertheless, congrats on your purchase of an awesome motorcycle! May you have many safe and happy KM's!
@@MotoTribeTV I'm experienced and dropped her.. just the cable cover was was scratched.. found one on eBay for 50 bucks and a gasket for 20 usd and I was in my way.
Yes, indeed, compliments to the MotoTribe team for the review. Putting a review video like this together takes loads of time and effort and thus we hope BMW gives you their thumbs up for putting them out there!
One of the top motorbike reviews I've seen. And I've been watching a lot them. Fantastic job guys, you covered the essence of the bike and what a biker needs very well.
Just traded my 2012 Honda VFR1200F for exactly what’s shown in your video. I really loved the Honda - but I am blown away by this marvel of a bike. It really is amazing and though I miss my beautiful VFR, I’m not sorry at all to be on this great motorcycle.
To be fair, the VFR is a fantastic motorcycle in its own right but the Beemer is just out of this world! Congrats on your awesome new motorcycle and thank you so much for watching!
Great video. Thankfully you did not copy how other youtubers/"vloggers" that shows noting but the view on the road that they see when they ride the bike and not showing the bike that much.
That absolutely helps!! I have watched your review several times, can’t take my eyes off those shoes . Also one of the best RT reviews. Great job , thanks for the info .
One of the best reviews on TH-cam by far. It was a pleasure watching. Back in 2020, the difference price between the RT fully loaded and the new Goldwing DCT Tour was just $2700.00 cheaper out the door. It was a no brainer for me to get the 6th Gen Goldwing. And yes, the RT is THE bike for city/hwy riding equally. Another factor is dealer locations in the USA. Not too many. It is a turn off to some. Cost of repairs and holding for parts from Germany could be a pain. The service on them is time and/or miles. I do here that in the future, BMW is looking to service these bikes at car dealers too. That was an internet rumor. Not sure if it's true.
Firstly, thanks for the compliment, we appreciate it! The dealer network in South Africa is pretty expansive so we can't speak for our viewers in the States but your line of thinking makes sense. As for BMW servicing bikes through their car dealers, it sounds like a great idea but as you said, just an internet rumor for now.
Excellent review of the RT. I’ve owned three RT’s, and other bikes such as Triumph, Harley and Goldwing, but the RT is the lightest and easiest bike to ride. I’m only 5’11” and I have the lowering peg kit and bar risers on this particular bike, and in comparison to bike I had without these two additions I find that it lowers your legs and is more comfortable.
i own a 2016 R1200RT. So far so good after 50,000 klms While I like the bike I find it uncomfortable. Im 5,10. Ive replaced the terrible stock seat (as many others have) and ideally need to raise the bars and lower the footpegs. Hopefully the seat on the 2022 model is improved. Somehow I doubt it. Q. Would I recommend a RT ? Yes I would. However many others find the GS more comfortable for taller riders. I agree with you , its not a bike for a beginner
Interesting. I've just traded my GS for an RT (don't have it yet) but my GS seat was so comfy I could ride all day. Will be surprised if RT not as good.
My wife is a motor police officer, she rides this bike and gets to bring it home every day :) some times i would get her to turn on her police lights and siren and chase me on my Harley or Hayabusa lol.
To many bikes not enough time, I went to purchase an RT and ended up with a K1600B after demo rides with my Mrs. She really prefers the smoother bikes and since the intent was to continue 2up travels that trumped the RT. But if I could have a 2nd solo bike it would be in my garage. Heck probably need 3 bikes to cover the adventure itch as well...
Hahaha the perfect amount of bikes is always n+1! We are yet to test the K series BMW's but in terms of styling alone, the 1600B looks the business! Either way, enjoy it and ride safe!
@@MotoTribeTV I meant it. The quality of the video, the tonality of the comments, the neutrality, the relevance, the structure etc... 10/10 about all we can expect in a review GG 👍👍👍
I changed my seat out for the Sargent on my 1200rt I absolutely love the bike and recently put in a set of Michelin road 6 tires and they increased the overall performance and comfort of the bike I have earned the iron butt on it doing 1000 miles in a day additionally I want to point out I’m almost 300 LBS and 6,3 and I can go from full tank to empty without having to stop and relax the seat heat works great along with the grip heat I love everything with the bike
I've a 2021 R1250RT & a 2018 R1200GSA - both bikes are excellent - the RT in deed is a nice cruiser on the asphalt - Your video was very informative - good job - regards! Luiz S Pereira - Chino Valley Arizona USA
Thats cool. I own this exact bike and the review is spot on! Surprisingly when you compared it to other bikes, I traded in my K1600GT for this... and thats the bike you recommended as an alternative!
Great review guys thanx! I’m riding a 2003 1150RT which is smooth, comfortable and quiet but essentially’tech-less’. Once the house is done I’m gonna have to decide on an RS or an RT. Looking forward to cruise control!!
Im 5'5" n i have always wanted this bike thinking it was good as a daily ride and reliable. I didnt realize how big it looks but as far as my moneys worth and since i drive far for my work i think this is my best bet just need to get on it and see if i can reach the ground, im not liking the other baggers which are low but im over harley and nothing else gives what this bike does....
I'm 5'5'' also and I can reach the ground on the standard saddle (820 mm, if I remember well). But, with no extra, you can order a low saddle (760 mm). To ride a lot and in any weather condition, I can't see of any other bike better than this one. Though, even in the USA many policemen ride this bike.
@@MotoTribeTV It is, you hit just the right ratio of real-use details to subjective appreciation. And the editing is superb. Loved it. You made me want to try an RT even more !
Hi @geeman1492 ! those would be the Alpinestars Grange Riding Shoes - Black / Indigo. I've been riding with them now for 2 years and absolutely love them! hope that helps!
Great bike, and great review. I'm surprised you didn't include the Goldwing Bagger as competition, as I feel they are very similar in equipment and intended market.
Thank you! To answer your question, the Goldwing Bagger was still fairly new to the market (non existant in South Africa) around the time we were doing our review so we didn't understand it well enough to include it. Looking back, it would have been a great addition, but so it goes. Nevertheless, thanks for stopping by and thanks for watching!
The seat height is adjustable from 805mm (31.7 inch) to 825mm (32.5 inch). Our shortest rider Don stands at 5'4 and he got along with the bike just fine. The bike is also very well balanced making it very approachable despite its size. Hope this helps!
Thanks, glad it was helpful! It does look big initially but it's so incredibly easy to get along with that it won't feel much bigger than your GS once you've given it a test ride. Let us know how you get along!
Nice review, I have a 2021 RT like it but looking at the 2022 K1600 very similar but a different heavier ride ….RT seems less power but lighter on your table comparison how might I calculate power to weight comparison as to be the RT although less power seems virtually just as fast as the heavier K on roll on and somewhat more flickable being lighter with the K a bit more planted in the corners but pushing the front with extra weight ……. Any thoughts on direct comparison and PtW numbers between the two bikes , Stu U.K.
Hi S H, I was recently at the launch of the new K 1600's here in South Africa and we were able to put some good Km's on them. In terms of calculating power to weight, I'm not really sure how to do that, I'm no engineer. But I can honestly tell you they are both two very different beasts. The K 1600 handles and performs a lot like a sports bike, imagine an XR on steroids. Whereas the 1250 RT is easier to live with everyday, in traffic, on small runs and will keep up when the riding gets more spirited. Personally, cornering on the RT felt more stable than on the K 1600, the weight might be carried lower due to the boxer engine? Hope this helps a bit. - Greg
@@MotoTribeTV many thanks Greg I loved the smooth linear power of the K16 but worry about handling its weight around the garage / parking . With my RT it’s manageable save when loaded up then reversing is a challenge when parked . So I guess it RT for everyday use but big K for longer trips and I have to decide 😉
We address the sat nav questions in our Q&A video with BMW here th-cam.com/video/YPeZdU0JVRo/w-d-xo.html As for the phone charger, 2 of the 3 phones we tried fit. It was an omission on our part not mentioning it though. For that we apologize.
I ride a Honda Phantom Shadow and looking to upgrade. I love how you this BMW has everything i want on a bike but my question is . How expensive is maintenance I've owned BMW 535i and a 735 sedan and maintenance isn't cheap. Are there engine guards or pannier guards as i have those on my Honda Shadow and i have 12 years of riding experience. BTW i really love the review.
Hi there, first of all, thanks so much for watching! Second, in terms of maintenance costs, your experience will vary from one owner to the next. Servicing isn't terribly expensive at least not as far as European bikes are concerned. Parts and spares availability will be dependent on where you live and the dealer support network. As for engine guards, I have seen RT's with them but I'd contact BMW to find out if it's OEM or aftermarket. Not sure about pannier guards though. Cheers - Josh
@MotoTribeTV thank you for your response. I live in the United States and there's a BMW dealer where I live. I do know that hourly rates for motorcycle mechanics is as of right now at around $140-$160 per hour. I've replaced brakes, bought new battery and oil change for my Honda Shadow and it wasn't too expensive but since this is a BMW probably will be more expensive than parts for a Honda.
Great review and maybe the best I have viewed. I only provide the disagreements because you did such a great review on everything else. Here goes, forgive me: The bike feeling of instability in the rear feels more like wind. You ride in a bubble. The wind must bounce somewhere. Drop this bike down to a 30* lean and easily switch to a 30* lean on the other side and stability is now your friend. What was that you were saying? I have felt nothing like this on a big street bike. OK, I use 2 fingers on the clutch always. I just don’t get that comment. What? Oh, the kick stand sucks. I don’t care. While my phone is unlocked and connected, I am making phone calls, listening to music, and navigating. What else did you want? (Get the latest updates or you will be complaining.) The exhaust sounds OK at best. If you want the quick shift to work well, focus. It is not great. No match for the Concours and it has no additions. The bikes that come closest to the RT misses the FJR1300Es and the Concours14. These 3 bikes share the progression of sport touring. My bias opinion, but I think sport touring has become a marketing phrase.
Thanks so much Jon for taking the time to watch our video and also highlighting some very interesting points that we didn't cover. It's always great to hear opinions from a different perspective. Cheers, Josh.
Hello there! We have 4 riders in our team with heights of 1.66m, 1.78m, 1.84m and 1.97m featured in this video. Is there anything specifically you'd like to know?
@@MotoTribeTV I’m 187 and I’m tryna imagine myself sitting on the rt. Cos we don’t have one in the showroom yet. Just ordered mine, coming in this month 😆
Not sure this bike could be set up tall enough for me at 6'2" and a 34" inseam. The rider in the vid seemed like his knees were too high already for my taste in comfort and at 65 years young comfort is more key than ever.
I am the tallest rider in our team at 6’4” and almost at age 60 this was absolutely one of the best motorcycles I had the pleasure of riding. I had no problem spending a long time in the seat or around town. Extremely comfortable and very easy to handle. Go test ride it. You will be very comfortable in the seat - Ben
@@MotoTribeTV keen is a strong word, i was just at the chapter "Exhaust sound" and got a tiny bit dissapointed you didnt rip it just a little bit, i have this notion that eventho i think german bikes is creme, i feel this bike would sound kinda crap above the 9k rpm, BUT I DONT KNOW - if im honest, your version of "riding it in anger" is a little bit too kind :D
Hahaha the bike still belongs to BMW at the end of the day so we'd rather not have video evidence of us nuking their engines on public roads! But we have a pure sound video coming soon that will hopefully redeem the RT.
If you could only have one bike? Buddy most of us can only have one bike. I picked the GS my buddy rides an RT it works very well for him. Mine works for me. I'm am pretty sure I saw a couple of RT's on the Dempster so they are quite capable if you change the tires.
Really needs back-lit handlebar switches for night riding and a phone charging port large enough to hold popular Ultra size smart phones. Otherwise a great bike.
Maybe if you're not used to the bike, back lit switches might be useful, but if you're on a bike you know do you need to look at the switches when you indicate or go from main to dip beam?
Not at all. It looks big and intimidating at first, especially with how wide the front seems but it's definitely not top heavy. In fact, we found the R 1250 RT to be very well balanced even at slow speeds. This is in part due to the boxer engine being mounted so low and the bars providing a good amount of maneuverability.
I disagree about the new rider. This is lite scooter and well balanced and better than anything American made. The Sportster is heavy and surely doesn’t produce the power of this machine. The Indian Scout allow creates similar power, isn’t near as fun as the tourer.
It's entirely possible to pick this up as your first bike and be totally fine, a few people actually have. The problem is, any accidental inputs or a temporary lapse of judgment could result in an expensive lesson to learn.
See, this is the kind of insight owners can give that we simply can't with our limited time frame. Why does it go through front tires faster than the rear?
That is a true statement and it applies to many other heavy-front bikes as well. Luckily, there is a workaround. The 21RT is my third RT in succession (previous ones were 2007 R1200RT and 2016 R1200RT) and the only problem I ever had with tire wear on RTs was with the factory installed Metzeler Z8s on the 21 model year RT (elsewhere in Europe the new RT wore Michelin Road 5s but here in Finland it came with the Z8s). They grip the road OK but otherwise they are total crap. The front tire, especially, wore out unevenly and too soon, and in October I was really happy to replace the Z8s with a trusted pair of Michelin Road 5s. When it comes to uneven wear, especially when you ride a heavy-front bike, already decades ago my dealer recommended using higher than recommended front tire pressure. Back then I rode the Honda Blackbird and its heavy front generated cupping. On my RTs I've used 2.7 bar front /2.9 bar rear and this has worked fine for me. I've ridden Metzeler Roadtecs and Michelin Roads, and routinely reached 10 000 miles /16 000 km on them. The Z8s on the new RT were ready for the crap heap at 13 000 km. Mind you, after 40 years of riding I had not changed my riding habits one bit. However, depending on your body weight and riding habits (solo or two-up, aggressive canyon carving vs touring etc) the 2.7/2.9 combo might not work for you. Anyway, I started riding the new RT last April and the only gripe I have with it is that the maximum following distance you can select on the ACC is too short, especially at higher speeds (unless the latest firmware update changed that). Having said that, last summer the ACC saved me from rear-ending a car ahead of me when he suddenly braked real hard to avoid hitting wildlife standing in the middle on the road. I did not react quickly enough because I had already ridden several hundred miles that day and I was in la-la land enjoying the scenery. But the ACC did and applied the brakes. Money well spent.
I go through 2 rears to one front on my 06 RT. I ride rather aggressively however. Michelin Road 5's are my tire of choice. I'd say tire wear depends on the tire, riding style, and air pressure is important. The general statement they eat front tires is not true.
Can't say I've found that to be the case on my 2013 RT, found rears wearing out first, but the fronts not so far behind, so the get replaced as a pair.
Reliability is the one thing we can't test as we don't have the bike for months/years on end. However, we've had a few owners comment on this video about their owner experience and they seem very happy with the RT, both old and new.
I have a 2012 and 2020 K1600GT, one dark side, one not. I really struggled whether to get another GT or move to the RT. I guess at 60, I'm not ready to drop that much horsepower yet! But every year and upgrade makes the RT's lighter weight more intriguing. BTW, I ran both GT bikes on the dyno and was SHOCKED by the results! th-cam.com/video/S12xklB_cPk/w-d-xo.html
I'm now on my 3rd RT, I just love the bike. The one thing I would love BMW to fix is the addition of back lighting to buttons and switches! Would love to see them at night instead of guessing where they are.... 👍
Why not all reviews are like this, no bullshit just straight and honest point of view.
Thanks! Hopefully other reviewers follow our example 😉
Severely underrated bike review channel wtf
I'm not lying when I say it's one of the best reviews i have ever seen. You mentioned everything that needed to be mentioned and that too without being repetitive/boring. Kudos to you guys. Great job!
Thanks so much for this! Glad you enjoyed it!
Fully agree with you !
Having owned 1200 GS, 1250 GS, 1200 GSA, 1250 GSA and K 1600B and the 2022 RT - RT is the best choice if you only ride on the asphalt. Handling is a dream! 150 pounds lighter than the K 1600 model bikes. 17" tire and steeper Rake makes it much easier to handle than the GS and GSA. Power locks, Power Windshield, Heated Grips and Seats, 10.25" TFT and countless other options, and still cheaper than the other Models makes the RT the Champ. Good luck finding one to buy here in the US. All back ordered and some Dealers will not have one for the remaining of the year.
It's the kind of bike that just speaks for itself, all you need is to test ride it. The fact that it's hard to get a hold of is probably a testament to how good it is!
Great review. I get tired of reviewers riding down the road telling us their opinion while the viewer has to stare at the dash. Very well thought out review and cinematography. You guys hit all the right spots I want to hear when reviewing a bike. Finally the bike looks terrific and I do like the color.
Thanks John we appreciate the compliment! The RT really is a special bike.
One of, if not the best review of the new RT. Thank you very much!
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
This is my first motorcycle since I passed the driving test and I have to admit you are wrong to say it is not for beginners.
At first I was a little scared, but after a year and riding over the winter, it’s now the perfect motorcycle.
Fair enough, but would the average beginner rider be comfortable dropping this bike and be able to pay for repairs? Perhaps not... But nevertheless, congrats on your purchase of an awesome motorcycle! May you have many safe and happy KM's!
@@MotoTribeTV I'm experienced and dropped her.. just the cable cover was was scratched.. found one on eBay for 50 bucks and a gasket for 20 usd and I was in my way.
For this bike, I could say "I do" and live happily ever after
Well said!
Yes, indeed, compliments to the MotoTribe team for the review. Putting a review video like this together takes loads of time and effort and thus we hope BMW gives you their thumbs up for putting them out there!
Thanks! The videos do take a lot of time and effort to put out but as long as the viewers at home enjoy them, we'll keep making them!
One of the top motorbike reviews I've seen. And I've been watching a lot them. Fantastic job guys, you covered the essence of the bike and what a biker needs very well.
Thanks so much for the kind words! We'll certainly keep up the good work!
Just traded my 2012 Honda VFR1200F for exactly what’s shown in your video. I really loved the Honda - but I am blown away by this marvel of a bike. It really is amazing and though I miss my beautiful VFR, I’m not sorry at all to be on this great motorcycle.
To be fair, the VFR is a fantastic motorcycle in its own right but the Beemer is just out of this world! Congrats on your awesome new motorcycle and thank you so much for watching!
Great video. Thankfully you did not copy how other youtubers/"vloggers" that shows noting but the view on the road that they see when they ride the bike and not showing the bike that much.
That definitely is something we strive for. After all, the bike is always the hero of the story so why not show it! Thanks for watching!
That absolutely helps!! I have watched your review several times, can’t take my eyes off those shoes . Also one of the best RT reviews. Great job , thanks for the info .
One of the best reviews on TH-cam by far. It was a pleasure watching. Back in 2020, the difference price between the RT fully loaded and the new Goldwing DCT Tour was just $2700.00 cheaper out the door. It was a no brainer for me to get the 6th Gen Goldwing. And yes, the RT is THE bike for city/hwy riding equally. Another factor is dealer locations in the USA. Not too many. It is a turn off to some. Cost of repairs and holding for parts from Germany could be a pain. The service on them is time and/or miles. I do here that in the future, BMW is looking to service these bikes at car dealers too. That was an internet rumor. Not sure if it's true.
Firstly, thanks for the compliment, we appreciate it! The dealer network in South Africa is pretty expansive so we can't speak for our viewers in the States but your line of thinking makes sense. As for BMW servicing bikes through their car dealers, it sounds like a great idea but as you said, just an internet rumor for now.
Here in Spain most BMW dealerships also do BMW Motorrad so dealer network isn’t a problem.
@@fernandovazquezcueto9606 That’s a cool thing ! Good for you guys.
Excellent review of the RT. I’ve owned three RT’s, and other bikes such as Triumph, Harley and Goldwing, but the RT is the lightest and easiest bike to ride. I’m only 5’11” and I have the lowering peg kit and bar risers on this particular bike, and in comparison to bike I had without these two additions I find that it lowers your legs and is more comfortable.
Right on! Thanks for sharing your experience, it will definitely help others with their purchasing decisions. Also, thanks for watching! Cheers.
Best review I’ve seen of the RT. Thanks!
Thank you so much Duncan, we really appreciate that!
i own a 2016 R1200RT. So far so good after 50,000 klms
While I like the bike I find it uncomfortable. Im 5,10. Ive replaced the terrible stock seat (as many others have) and ideally need to raise the bars and lower the footpegs.
Hopefully the seat on the 2022 model is improved. Somehow I doubt it.
Q. Would I recommend a RT ? Yes I would. However many others find the GS more comfortable for taller riders.
I agree with you , its not a bike for a beginner
Interesting. I've just traded my GS for an RT (don't have it yet) but my GS seat was so comfy I could ride all day. Will be surprised if RT not as good.
My wife is a motor police officer, she rides this bike and gets to bring it home every day :) some times i would get her to turn on her police lights and siren and chase me on my Harley or Hayabusa lol.
One of the greatest love stories ever told! 😂
And how do you pay for your speeding tickets? 😉
@@zh4418Hesitate a bit bro
That was a movie. It was Harley Davidson, and the Marlboro man.
To many bikes not enough time, I went to purchase an RT and ended up with a K1600B after demo rides with my Mrs. She really prefers the smoother bikes and since the intent was to continue 2up travels that trumped the RT. But if I could have a 2nd solo bike it would be in my garage. Heck probably need 3 bikes to cover the adventure itch as well...
Hahaha the perfect amount of bikes is always n+1! We are yet to test the K series BMW's but in terms of styling alone, the 1600B looks the business! Either way, enjoy it and ride safe!
Really impressed by the quality of this review.
Thank you so much! We really appreciate it!
@@MotoTribeTV I meant it. The quality of the video, the tonality of the comments, the neutrality, the relevance, the structure etc... 10/10 about all we can expect in a review GG 👍👍👍
We put a ton of effort into these videos and it's awesome to get this kind of positive feedback. Thanks Pascal, you've made our day!
I’ve had a 2010 and now a 2018 RT. It works great as a tourer and as a towner. Might be time to look at a new one.
Sounds like the natural next step! Enjoy your incredible machine and thanks so much for watching!
I owen a 2019 RT and this review is an excellent example of all the great features this bike has. I love 💘 it!
Great to hear! Enjoy your fantastic machine!
Got one for myself..king of the freeway!
Well done! Some good decisions were made!
Great review, thanks! I have one on order, and this only makes me more excited to get it.
Lucky you! It's a terrific motorcycle, you'll definitely enjoy it!
Excellent review - thanks
Thanks for watching!
About the best review I’ve seen, very useful thanks
Glad we could help Andrew! And thanks very much for watching!
I changed my seat out for the Sargent on my 1200rt I absolutely love the bike and recently put in a set of Michelin road 6 tires and they increased the overall performance and comfort of the bike I have earned the iron butt on it doing 1000 miles in a day additionally I want to point out I’m almost 300 LBS and 6,3 and I can go from full tank to empty without having to stop and relax the seat heat works great along with the grip heat I love everything with the bike
It's easy to see why owners love their RT's. It's an awesome machine!
I personally don't like the Michelin Road series tires...NOISY ! I like the Metzlers much better.
One of the best review videos I’ve seen. Subbed.
Thank you so much and welcome aboard!
Very nicely presented, not just reading the manufacturer's blurb as is done by so many SA "reviewers".
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! A lot of love goes into making these videos so it's nice to hear such great feedback!
Excellent review, from South Africa to boot!
Thanks so much Philippe!
I've got an 06 1200RT. A fantastic bike all around. Only gripe is the center stand. I just can't get it up.
Thanks for the great review.
I've a 2021 R1250RT & a 2018 R1200GSA - both bikes are excellent - the RT in deed is a nice cruiser on the asphalt -
Your video was very informative - good job - regards!
Luiz S Pereira - Chino Valley Arizona USA
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it 👍
Fantastic review, thanks!
Thank you for watching! We appreciate it!
How about a review on the BMW R1250GSA?
We'll have a chat with our friends at BMW Motorrad SA and see what we can arrange 👍
I own a 2017 and agree with your comments. Good review.
Thanks Fred! It's always great to hear from owners that we're on the mark. Cheers!
Excellent review
Thanks so much!
I would like to add a picture here to show how I found a solution for a Garmin Zumo XT on the newest RT, but how do I proceed here ?
If you've put it on Facebook or anywhere else online you could post the link to it in the comments.
Best review ever, well done
Thank you!!
Thats cool. I own this exact bike and the review is spot on! Surprisingly when you compared it to other bikes, I traded in my K1600GT for this... and thats the bike you recommended as an alternative!
Glad to hear we're on the mark! Enjoy your machine, it's a fantastic bike!
Apple's and oranges ! K1600 GT doesn't handle nearly as well as a boxer in the twisties.
I love this motorcycle
I'ts hard not to!
broth- breathtaking vvideo-all the best~🤝
Thank you so much!
What a great video : footages, comments and vidéo éditing are so sweet 😎 thanks
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!
I would love one, I just can’t justify the price over a car. Maybe someday.
Yep, it's a bit pricey for sure, but worth every penny!
I want this bike for my next anything. Thank you
Same here!
Brilliant review and beautifully narrated.
Thank you so much Michael for the kind words!
Not with automatic dual brake engagement front wheel lift detection and deterrents just got to respect the bike know all it is and isnt
Right you are, respect being the operative word there!
Great Review. Greetings from Brasil.
Hey, thanks for watching!
Great review guys thanx! I’m riding a 2003 1150RT which is smooth, comfortable and quiet but essentially’tech-less’. Once the house is done I’m gonna have to decide on an RS or an RT. Looking forward to cruise control!!
Thank you! Whichever bike you end up with, you will most certainly love it! The tech on these bikes today are just mind blowing, happy shopping!
Go with an RS.
Bravo! Great video dude! :)
Thank you so much!
Im 5'5" n i have always wanted this bike thinking it was good as a daily ride and reliable. I didnt realize how big it looks but as far as my moneys worth and since i drive far for my work i think this is my best bet just need to get on it and see if i can reach the ground, im not liking the other baggers which are low but im over harley and nothing else gives what this bike does....
I'm 5'5'' also and I can reach the ground on the standard saddle (820 mm, if I remember well). But, with no extra, you can order a low saddle (760 mm).
To ride a lot and in any weather condition, I can't see of any other bike better than this one. Though, even in the USA many policemen ride this bike.
Thanks for an excellent real-world review. Fantastic job.
Thanks so much! We put a lot of work into these and it's great to hear it's appreciated!
@@MotoTribeTV It is, you hit just the right ratio of real-use details to subjective appreciation. And the editing is superb. Loved it. You made me want to try an RT even more !
This is my dream bike
It consistently ranks in our Top 3 bikes we've ever ridden. Such an incredible machine!
Great review, good work and keep it up.
Thanks, will do!
Hello, I am undecided between the RT GT and which one would you prefer in terms of weight, ease of use, and comfort?🙏
Bel video,bella moto👍🏻finalmente una recensione con il sound del motore al momento giusto.
Nice review but I'll stick with the GSA
Thanks! If you are more into off road riding, then yeah the GSA makes more sense.
Great review!
What are the motorcycle shoes with the orange gum like sole , they look great!! Very good review also .
Hi @geeman1492 ! those would be the Alpinestars Grange Riding Shoes - Black / Indigo. I've been riding with them now for 2 years and absolutely love them! hope that helps!
Great review thanks
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!
Great review thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Great!! Iike your clean and clear review.
Thank you! It's always great to hear such great feedback!
Great bike, and great review.
I'm surprised you didn't include the Goldwing Bagger as competition, as I feel they are very similar in equipment and intended market.
Thank you! To answer your question, the Goldwing Bagger was still fairly new to the market (non existant in South Africa) around the time we were doing our review so we didn't understand it well enough to include it. Looking back, it would have been a great addition, but so it goes. Nevertheless, thanks for stopping by and thanks for watching!
Excellent review 👏 👌 👍. Is it possible to have rider seat back rest?
Thank you! Not sure if BMW offers a rider back rest but there are aftermarket options available online.
Road an older rt, just felt way too big for me But I would Love to do a trip to cpt on one.
Long distance trips is where a bike like this really shines, especially a Cape Town trip! Maybe one day...
Too big. 😂
Thank you!
Only a pleasure!
Definitely an awesome bike
Does anyone know what the brand flood lights are ?
Absolutely! The lights were part of the package available from BMW.
I just subscribed...looking forward to your next review.
Awesome! Thanks for the sub!
Best review ever.
You say it’s not for beginners. How about as a second bike? I currently ride a Honda CBR600-does that count as enough experience to handle the BMW?
For absolute beginners we wouldn't recommend it but as a second bike, absolutely! If you can organize a test ride, it's well worth checking out!
How tall is the seat from the ground? I'm 5'5" with a 30" inseam.
The seat height is adjustable from 805mm (31.7 inch) to 825mm (32.5 inch). Our shortest rider Don stands at 5'4 and he got along with the bike just fine. The bike is also very well balanced making it very approachable despite its size. Hope this helps!
Excellent review thanks. I'm thinking of trading my GS for one. It looks intimidating big in the showroom but a test ride will be the proof. Cheers.
Thanks, glad it was helpful! It does look big initially but it's so incredibly easy to get along with that it won't feel much bigger than your GS once you've given it a test ride. Let us know how you get along!
@@MotoTribeTV I bought one, a 2012 LE in white, exactly the same as in your video! :). Being delivered from London next week, can't wait.
@@GJS-live congrats man!! How do you like it?
Nice review, I have a 2021 RT like it but looking at the 2022 K1600 very similar but a different heavier ride ….RT seems less power but lighter on your table comparison how might I calculate power to weight comparison as to be the RT although less power seems virtually just as fast as the heavier K on roll on and somewhat more flickable being lighter with the K a bit more planted in the corners but pushing the front with extra weight ……. Any thoughts on direct comparison and PtW numbers between the two bikes , Stu U.K.
Hi S H, I was recently at the launch of the new K 1600's here in South Africa and we were able to put some good Km's on them. In terms of calculating power to weight, I'm not really sure how to do that, I'm no engineer. But I can honestly tell you they are both two very different beasts. The K 1600 handles and performs a lot like a sports bike, imagine an XR on steroids. Whereas the 1250 RT is easier to live with everyday, in traffic, on small runs and will keep up when the riding gets more spirited. Personally, cornering on the RT felt more stable than on the K 1600, the weight might be carried lower due to the boxer engine? Hope this helps a bit. - Greg
@@MotoTribeTV many thanks Greg I loved the smooth linear power of the K16 but worry about handling its weight around the garage / parking . With my RT it’s manageable save when loaded up then reversing is a challenge when parked . So I guess it RT for everyday use but big K for longer trips and I have to decide 😉
Good Review , Thanks Bro.
Thank you so much for watching!
The one thing I wish it had was cool ventilation seating like the Indian .
Not a bad call actually!
Great review.
Thank you, glad you liked it!
Why does the fact that the most phones do not fit in the charger, or the big problems with sat nav. ?
We address the sat nav questions in our Q&A video with BMW here th-cam.com/video/YPeZdU0JVRo/w-d-xo.html
As for the phone charger, 2 of the 3 phones we tried fit. It was an omission on our part not mentioning it though. For that we apologize.
I ride a Honda Phantom Shadow and looking to upgrade. I love how you this BMW has everything i want on a bike but my question is . How expensive is maintenance I've owned BMW 535i and a 735 sedan and maintenance isn't cheap. Are there engine guards or pannier guards as i have those on my Honda Shadow and i have 12 years of riding experience. BTW i really love the review.
Hi there, first of all, thanks so much for watching! Second, in terms of maintenance costs, your experience will vary from one owner to the next. Servicing isn't terribly expensive at least not as far as European bikes are concerned. Parts and spares availability will be dependent on where you live and the dealer support network. As for engine guards, I have seen RT's with them but I'd contact BMW to find out if it's OEM or aftermarket. Not sure about pannier guards though. Cheers - Josh
@MotoTribeTV thank you for your response. I live in the United States and there's a BMW dealer where I live. I do know that hourly rates for motorcycle mechanics is as of right now at around $140-$160 per hour. I've replaced brakes, bought new battery and oil change for my Honda Shadow and it wasn't too expensive but since this is a BMW probably will be more expensive than parts for a Honda.
I got an 05 rt for my first bike it's a bit heavy but not TOO POWERFULL
Did they fix connectivity for phone? Issue last year.
Not sure to be honest. The bike we had on test didn't have any major phone connectivity issues to speak of apart from the clunky NAV integration.
Nice bike 👍😊
Thanks! ✌️
Great review and maybe the best I have viewed. I only provide the disagreements because you did such a great review on everything else. Here goes, forgive me: The bike feeling of instability in the rear feels more like wind. You ride in a bubble. The wind must bounce somewhere. Drop this bike down to a 30* lean and easily switch to a 30* lean on the other side and stability is now your friend. What was that you were saying? I have felt nothing like this on a big street bike. OK, I use 2 fingers on the clutch always. I just don’t get that comment. What? Oh, the kick stand sucks. I don’t care. While my phone is unlocked and connected, I am making phone calls, listening to music, and navigating. What else did you want? (Get the latest updates or you will be complaining.) The exhaust sounds OK at best. If you want the quick shift to work well, focus. It is not great. No match for the Concours and it has no additions. The bikes that come closest to the RT misses the FJR1300Es and the Concours14. These 3 bikes share the progression of sport touring. My bias opinion, but I think sport touring has become a marketing phrase.
Thanks so much Jon for taking the time to watch our video and also highlighting some very interesting points that we didn't cover. It's always great to hear opinions from a different perspective. Cheers, Josh.
unironically considering getting this for slipping past the cali cops by hiding in plain sight lol
No bad ideas detected here...
Helloo,
How tall is the rider?
Thank you!
Hello there! We have 4 riders in our team with heights of 1.66m, 1.78m, 1.84m and 1.97m featured in this video. Is there anything specifically you'd like to know?
@@MotoTribeTV I’m 187 and I’m tryna imagine myself sitting on the rt. Cos we don’t have one in the showroom yet. Just ordered mine, coming in this month 😆
You will absolutely fine. Congrats and enjoy your new motorcycle!
@@MotoTribeTV Thank you sir 😃 really excited
Not sure this bike could be set up tall enough for me at 6'2" and a 34" inseam. The rider in the vid seemed like his knees were too high already for my taste in comfort and at 65 years young comfort is more key than ever.
I am the tallest rider in our team at 6’4” and almost at age 60 this was absolutely one of the best motorcycles I had the pleasure of riding. I had no problem spending a long time in the seat or around town. Extremely comfortable and very easy to handle. Go test ride it. You will be very comfortable in the seat - Ben
i wonder how it sounds if you give it actual beans and take it beyond the 9k rpm before you shift
Well if that's what you're keen for, we have a surprise for you! Keep an eye on our channel for more coming real soon!
@@MotoTribeTV keen is a strong word, i was just at the chapter "Exhaust sound" and got a tiny bit dissapointed you didnt rip it just a little bit, i have this notion that eventho i think german bikes is creme, i feel this bike would sound kinda crap above the 9k rpm, BUT I DONT KNOW - if im honest, your version of "riding it in anger" is a little bit too kind :D
Hahaha the bike still belongs to BMW at the end of the day so we'd rather not have video evidence of us nuking their engines on public roads! But we have a pure sound video coming soon that will hopefully redeem the RT.
I had a 16 R1200RT. best Damm bike I've ever had... I'm so upset I sold it
BMW really has a winning formula with the RT series. Maybe this will tempt you into checking out the new 1250's...
@@MotoTribeTV I got a s1000xr and a k1600b right now.. I'll be back to the RT. Likely this fall.
OK, so I've had the R1250RT since January 2024 and only now discovered the second 12V power socket behind the cases, after cheking out this review. 🤣
If you could only have one bike? Buddy most of us can only have one bike. I picked the GS my buddy rides an RT it works very well for him. Mine works for me. I'm am pretty sure I saw a couple of RT's on the Dempster so they are quite capable if you change the tires.
It's not always about the tools at your disposal, it's how you use it. 😉
Really needs back-lit handlebar switches for night riding and a phone charging port large enough to hold popular Ultra size smart phones. Otherwise a great bike.
Fully agree on both points!
Maybe if you're not used to the bike, back lit switches might be useful, but if you're on a bike you know do you need to look at the switches when you indicate or go from main to dip beam?
Perhaps not need, but it's a classy touch that will definitely dial up that premium factor a few notches.
Is this bike top-heavy? I generally get the impression BMW's are....
Not at all. It looks big and intimidating at first, especially with how wide the front seems but it's definitely not top heavy. In fact, we found the R 1250 RT to be very well balanced even at slow speeds. This is in part due to the boxer engine being mounted so low and the bars providing a good amount of maneuverability.
yeah they get their switchgear right but why not backlit? For that much money this is pretty cheap
La RT est la reine de la route !
I have a 2020 R1250GS, when i am old i might buy the RT :-)
Hahaha we were waiting for this comment to pop up!
automatic transmission?
The model we had on test was manual with a quick shifter. Not too sure BMW makes auto transmission bikes apart from their scooters.
I disagree about the new rider. This is lite scooter and well balanced and better than anything American made. The Sportster is heavy and surely doesn’t produce the power of this machine. The Indian Scout allow creates similar power, isn’t near as fun as the tourer.
It's entirely possible to pick this up as your first bike and be totally fine, a few people actually have. The problem is, any accidental inputs or a temporary lapse of judgment could result in an expensive lesson to learn.
What nobody tells you when owning an RT is that they eat the front tires faster than the rear
See, this is the kind of insight owners can give that we simply can't with our limited time frame. Why does it go through front tires faster than the rear?
That is a true statement and it applies to many other heavy-front bikes as well. Luckily, there is a workaround.
The 21RT is my third RT in succession (previous ones were 2007 R1200RT and 2016 R1200RT) and the only problem I ever had with tire wear on RTs was with the factory installed Metzeler Z8s on the 21 model year RT (elsewhere in Europe the new RT wore Michelin Road 5s but here in Finland it came with the Z8s). They grip the road OK but otherwise they are total crap. The front tire, especially, wore out unevenly and too soon, and in October I was really happy to replace the Z8s with a trusted pair of Michelin Road 5s. When it comes to uneven wear, especially when you ride a heavy-front bike, already decades ago my dealer recommended using higher than recommended front tire pressure. Back then I rode the Honda Blackbird and its heavy front generated cupping.
On my RTs I've used 2.7 bar front /2.9 bar rear and this has worked fine for me. I've ridden Metzeler Roadtecs and Michelin Roads, and routinely reached 10 000 miles /16 000 km on them. The Z8s on the new RT were ready for the crap heap at 13 000 km. Mind you, after 40 years of riding I had not changed my riding habits one bit.
However, depending on your body weight and riding habits (solo or two-up, aggressive canyon carving vs touring etc) the 2.7/2.9 combo might not work for you.
Anyway, I started riding the new RT last April and the only gripe I have with it is that the maximum following distance you can select on the ACC is too short, especially at higher speeds (unless the latest firmware update changed that). Having said that, last summer the ACC saved me from rear-ending a car ahead of me when he suddenly braked real hard to avoid hitting wildlife standing in the middle on the road. I did not react quickly enough because I had already ridden several hundred miles that day and I was in la-la land enjoying the scenery. But the ACC did and applied the brakes. Money well spent.
I go through 2 rears to one front on my 06 RT. I ride rather aggressively however. Michelin Road 5's are my tire of choice. I'd say tire wear depends on the tire, riding style, and air pressure is important. The general statement they eat front tires is not true.
Can't say I've found that to be the case on my 2013 RT, found rears wearing out first, but the fronts not so far behind, so the get replaced as a pair.
Totally agree about front tyre wear.Im not a fan of the factory Metzler tyres for that reason.
I wore mine out and replaced with Michelin.
Goldwing rulezzzzz. 😎
Yet to check it out but from what we've heard, we're in for an experience!
Is it reliable ?……
Reliability is the one thing we can't test as we don't have the bike for months/years on end. However, we've had a few owners comment on this video about their owner experience and they seem very happy with the RT, both old and new.
I have a 2012 and 2020 K1600GT, one dark side, one not. I really struggled whether to get another GT or move to the RT. I guess at 60, I'm not ready to drop that much horsepower yet! But every year and upgrade makes the RT's lighter weight more intriguing. BTW, I ran both GT bikes on the dyno and was SHOCKED by the results! th-cam.com/video/S12xklB_cPk/w-d-xo.html
BMW is making it harder and harder to choose a favorite here!