I rode Harleys for 40 years and still love them, but my touring bike now is a 1250 RT. The best long distance touring bike there is in my opinion. Light, smooth, fast, and handles like a dream.
If you want more TH-cam clicks, get the GS because it has a Larger audience. If you want the best Touring bike to go to long distance trips, get the RT. You can raise the handle bars for $200. Every GS or GSA I owned I had to replace the wind screen to a larger one or added a smaller flip screen one on top (I am 6'). Some riders lower the pegs on the RT , but it does not bother me. Test ride the K1600GT and Honda GW DCT before deciding. Every rider has to experience the inline 6 or the boxer 6 once in a lifetime.
I have the 2022 GSA 1250 and didn’t like the RT due to the pegs are higher/tighter. Yeah, lowering peg kits can be had, but still I like sitting a bit taller in the saddle. I have all the power and torque in the 1250.
Im 6’3”. I rented both for a weekend and went with the RT. Main reasons are I like the weather protection of the fairing and slightly more sporty riding position. Both are incredible bikes. You can’t go wrong with either.
Did you have the seat in the high position? They are adjustable. You can also purchase an aftermarket "Tall" seat and various manufacturers sell peg lowing kits that will get you to where you are on the GS. The 1250RT is used by many Police Departments and I have seen some pretty tall guys riding them comfortably once setup for them.
If I had to pick, it would be the 1300 GS. It’s the ultimate "jack of all trades, master of none"-the engine is spot-on, the handling is exceptional, and it has all the tech you could want in a bike. But when it comes to highway comfort, the RT truly takes the crown.
I have a GSA, thinking of going to a RT. My hands fall asleep on the GSA from the vibes I'm feeling. I added bar end weights and grip buddies, but it isn't working for me. Does the RT with the narrower bars vibe less? Do you get lots of tickets, in NJ where there are cops everywhere? You are a quick rider, I used to live in Delaware, the place is full of cops.
Just got the 2024 RT and think it is a great bike for both Sport and Touring. Also installed a Klock Werks screen and really happy I did! So I vote for the RT.
It's a very subjective question. Two tools for potentially two very different uses. I traded my KTM 1290 SAS for a R1250RT because I wanted a 17" front wheel for much more sporty handling in the more technical twisties. It was absolutely the right move for my use case. While the 19" front was much better for highway mile munching because it dealt with crappy roads better, the RT still tours well enough for me not to care. The KTM 1290 SAS had more relaxed ergos, too. The RT absolutely rips, despite its size, and it's been the best bike I've owned so far. It's the better all-arounder for me. If I didn't care to go extra hard in the technical stuff, I'd be on a R1300GS for sure.
Great videos. I’m a follower of both channels. As a s1000xr rider for 8 years, I think you’d enjoy a ride on one. Great bike for sport touring especially if you like the inline 4.
I like the more traditional sport touring styling the RT brings. However, the GS1300 is an incredible ADV that can do some serious sport touring as well and I believe would generate more views to your channel. You couldn’t go wrong with either option though. 👍🏼
R1250RT all the way. I have a '23 RT and love it. Also compared extensively with the R1250GS and HDPA before pulling the trigger. BTW, also ride a '23 HD Highway King which replaced my '16 CVO RGU and '13 HDRK. Love 'em both but the R1250RT is technologically superior. BTW, the RT is a bit heavier than the GS hence the "perceived" quickness variance. I also replaced my foot pegs and added Ilium Works floorboards to improve / lower the foot position.
Yup. The GS is a tarmac slayer. An all roads Swiss Army knife. Industrial design. Looks good even dirty. 😮 Clean it later. The RT is a surgical tool. As you know. PD Depts & Drill Teams across America use them.
As a long time Harley rider ( 2017 SGS) I invested in a BMW R 1250 RS last March. Thrilled to see you doing this series on the GS, RR and RT. Interested to see what you think of the RS.
I just went to the BMW event in Palm Bay Florida Friday and Saturday. I rode the M-XR the M single R and a couple others but my favorite one that surprised me in many ways was the K 1600 B. It also impressed my wife and she is a Harley snob. She has claimed to never get on the back of a bike that was not Harley Davidson. But she is also from Wisconsin. She told me that I can go ahead and get the K 1600 B and she will ride on the back of it. Also I would like to point out that she will not get on the back of my S1000XR because it sounds like a freaking lunatic when I’m driving it
If you are shopping, I think you owe yourself a big shopping trip. Why not try out some other brands as well. Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, Triumph Tiger 850, 900 and 1200, Ducati Multistrada, Suzuki V Strom and the list goes on. I, for one, will love seeing all of them. After I sold my Road Glide and was off a motorcycle for a few years, I recently restarted on a Suzuki V-Strom 650 to help rebuild my writing skills. While shopping, I test rode the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT and a Suzuki V-Strom 800 and some other bikes. That three cylinder Tracer has amazing sound. I am sure the Triumphs do as well.
I had a GS of some description from 2011 last of the air cooled to the latest 1250. I ride mostly two up and although the GS is good two up at slow speed two up and loaded it’s very light at the front, feels like the front wheel is just skimming the road. This year decided to get the RT and so far love it, I prefer its handling and comfort, think comfort is all down to body shape and size not just height. As to speed well on the roads I can’t think that the speed is really a factor I mean the RT has a 0 to 60 time of about 3.5 seconds tops out high 120’s low 130’s not sure how much more speed you need. Nice review anyway 👍
A few bikes you're missing here from BMW. The RS is BMW's named "sport tourer". If you want a bit more highend and better ergonomics the S1000XR is a great option. You can put bags on it. It's very comfortable and comes with 175 hp a racing inline four that sounds awesome with a slip-on. The RS is an awesome torque monster and super fun. Also it is a whole lot better looking than the GS. However, for long rides most people need the bar riser and touring screen. The RT is great on many levels. However, talking with people that have them they complain about too much wind protection in the hot summer months. And finally the inline 6 K1600 is a Ferrari on two wheels. It is super smooth and fast.
Hey my man I’m a subscriber I enjoy watching your HD stuff . I own a BMW RT . Please add a RT as your sport tourer. Very little content on you tube from the states . The RT is probably the best all around motorcycle around. Great for touring, commuting, and it doesn’t feel out of place on a gravel road . I want to see some long rides on a RT on American roads. Who best to do it than the king of touring Cycle Fanatix. The new 2025 RT will have a 1300 boxer engine. M
I have a GSA and RT and you can't go wrong with either. The GS will attract a greater audience for sure. But I will caution you getting that GS may put that S1K out of business. The GS is that good for just comfort, speed and control especially slow speed.
This seems like a nice bike but I’ll have to checkout your segment on the gs…so is the gs like an adventure kinda bike? You said it has knobby tires so maybe it is…not familiar with bmw models but I should probably get more info on them to possibly get a more detailed idea of a sport touring style bike that has a lot of the sporty side ….
yo dude. the 1250RT is a great all purpose bike bar none. The 1300 phenomenal, but will you use it off road? Sport touring? try the yamaha FJR, Kawi Concours, and the non tour goldwing bagger, more sport touring than anything. I love the 1250RT, 1300 and all of em lol. Curious to see what you add. whichever you add, it's gonna become your goto bike bc it's a swiss army knife 🔪. let's go baby !!!!!
@@cyclefanatixsport GS def has bigger following so that's best business decision for sure ! wing has a HUGE following too pal if we making biznass decisions here lol 😎
I love the RT. I have a 23 GSA and I feel like I should’ve gotten the RT. They’re so well balanced. Then again, I really like my GSA. I think I need to trade my ultra limited in on the RT and have both🤣
Just re-watched your ride on the gs1300? I guess it is and seems like a great bike but more leaning towards of kinda a sport bike on the lines of your 1k kinda so for a sport touring bike with more protection for that type of riding and also great performance I would love to see you get the 1250rt and see what mods you can do With that bike on your channel! So my vote is for the 1250RT! You have a dedicated sport bike for really spirited street riding and to take to a track day so a more of a touring style bike that is also capable of some spirited riding would be my suggestion for a good bike platform to do
Hey John..loving the channel...but you haven't posted any Harley videos in 2 weeks on Cycle Fanatix!! When are we gonna see more content there or are you done with Harleys after you have been riding these rocket smooth machines??
I think GS1300 is better then RT you should go for it rest do what your heart says which you feel more comfortable for long rides and plz upload more videos need to wait for whole week please 🙏 Peace mate 🥂 Ride hard 🏍️
My 2 cents...the GS. It's an awesome all around bike. Everyone I've known that has one loves one. If I can justify getting a 2nd bike to add to my road glide the GS would be it.
Having had the R1200GS and the R1200RT put a lot more miles on the RT… But I am strongly looking towards the R1250 GSA… hate the looks of the R1300GS. Also have a Fast Johnnie RG and Challenger DarkHorse and R1250R, would most likely sell the Challenger and the R for the R1250GSA.
I have talk with several guys that have the Pan America they said if they could have one bike that’s what they would have over all the other bikes they own
When buy a motorcycle I have to jive with the looks of it as well as the functionality. To my eyes, the R1250GS is the goofiest looking motorcycle made, followed by the K1600 bikes. Then there's the entire GS line including the 1300 which are just plain ugly. I'd like to see you with any other sport-tourer on the channel.... You asked for my opinion😉
Have you tried the R1250RS along with R1250RT, I would pass on the R1300GS don’t think you will get too many views in the long term…you should try the R1250GSA as it is the Bee Knees, the Cats Meow… LOL
EVERYONE is going to get the new 1300 GS so there will be no reason for everyone to come here and see you. On the other hand, the 1250 RT is needing more time here on TH-cam.
I feel bad saying this but I can't stand the looks of any BMW adventure or sport touring machines. If I were to buy an adventure bike it would be an H-D Pan America.
Sorry...but I cant see you on anything other than the XR or Multistrada....as once FLyNRide smokes you then you are gonna get rid of the GS to compete... 😛. You are a performance junkie so anything not in that vein you are gonna be disappointed in the long run...
I think both bikes are the shit. Really, I 🤔 think the choice would be, do you like driving down some dirt roads? If do, the GS, is a proven Swiss army knife of a bike. Shaft drive, bullet proof boxer. In the Long Way Around, Ewan McGregor dropped that mofo in a river. Pulled it our, removed the spark plug, tilted the bike to drain the muddy water, reinstalled the plug, fired it right up and continued to ride the damn thing across the rest of Siberia to Magadan, then flew across to Akaska, over into the Yukon territory, down to Calgary, into Montana, over to Chicago then on to New York. Legend. The RT is the shit too. 7 gallon tank and crazy mpg. Like 50+. Ultimate Iron butt bike. Dude, I think you should test ride the K1600gt. The most epic straight 6 ever built on a bike. 160 hp. If a sport tourer is in your plans, it's definitely worth considering.
I rode Harleys for 40 years and still love them, but my touring bike now is a 1250 RT. The best long distance touring bike there is in my opinion. Light, smooth, fast, and handles like a dream.
If you want more TH-cam clicks, get the GS because it has a Larger audience. If you want the best Touring bike to go to long distance trips, get the RT. You can raise the handle bars for $200. Every GS or GSA I owned I had to replace the wind screen to a larger one or added a smaller flip screen one on top (I am 6'). Some riders lower the pegs on the RT , but it does not bother me. Test ride the K1600GT and Honda GW DCT before deciding. Every rider has to experience the inline 6 or the boxer 6 once in a lifetime.
As someone with a RT and GTL and am looking at a GS (or XR) next, very much this. 👍
Have you ridden the 1300 GS? The wind protection is so good on that bike, much better than the 1250's. No need for a wing (I'm 6'1").
I have the 2022 GSA 1250 and didn’t like the RT due to the pegs are higher/tighter. Yeah, lowering peg kits can be had, but still I like sitting a bit taller in the saddle. I have all the power and torque in the 1250.
Grab ya the 1250RT brother, you won’t be disappointed. Let the first year 1300 work out the kinks.
I feel the rt is way underrated, it is a really good bike.
Im 6’3”. I rented both for a weekend and went with the RT. Main reasons are I like the weather protection of the fairing and slightly more sporty riding position. Both are incredible bikes. You can’t go wrong with either.
I’m awaiting to see if a new 1300 RT drops soon. I love the GS, it’s a Swiss Army knife of a motorcycle!
Man all of the fun you must be having on all of these bikes🤯
Did you have the seat in the high position? They are adjustable. You can also purchase an aftermarket "Tall" seat and various manufacturers sell peg lowing kits that will get you to where you are on the GS. The 1250RT is used by many Police Departments and I have seen some pretty tall guys riding them comfortably once setup for them.
If I had to pick, it would be the 1300 GS. It’s the ultimate "jack of all trades, master of none"-the engine is spot-on, the handling is exceptional, and it has all the tech you could want in a bike. But when it comes to highway comfort, the RT truly takes the crown.
I have a GSA, thinking of going to a RT. My hands fall asleep on the GSA from the vibes I'm feeling. I added bar end weights and grip buddies, but it isn't working for me. Does the RT with the narrower bars vibe less? Do you get lots of tickets, in NJ where there are cops everywhere? You are a quick rider, I used to live in Delaware, the place is full of cops.
Gs 1300 rides so nice
Just got the 2024 RT and think it is a great bike for both Sport and Touring. Also installed a Klock Werks screen and really happy I did! So I vote for the RT.
It's a very subjective question. Two tools for potentially two very different uses. I traded my KTM 1290 SAS for a R1250RT because I wanted a 17" front wheel for much more sporty handling in the more technical twisties. It was absolutely the right move for my use case. While the 19" front was much better for highway mile munching because it dealt with crappy roads better, the RT still tours well enough for me not to care. The KTM 1290 SAS had more relaxed ergos, too. The RT absolutely rips, despite its size, and it's been the best bike I've owned so far. It's the better all-arounder for me. If I didn't care to go extra hard in the technical stuff, I'd be on a R1300GS for sure.
Great videos. I’m a follower of both channels.
As a s1000xr rider for 8 years, I think you’d enjoy a ride on one. Great bike for sport touring especially if you like the inline 4.
I like the more traditional sport touring styling the RT brings. However, the GS1300 is an incredible ADV that can do some serious sport touring as well and I believe would generate more views to your channel. You couldn’t go wrong with either option though. 👍🏼
Thanks for sharing!
R1250RT all the way. I have a '23 RT and love it. Also compared extensively with the R1250GS and HDPA before pulling the trigger. BTW, also ride a '23 HD Highway King which replaced my '16 CVO RGU and '13 HDRK. Love 'em both but the R1250RT is technologically superior. BTW, the RT is a bit heavier than the GS hence the "perceived" quickness variance. I also replaced my foot pegs and added Ilium Works floorboards to improve / lower the foot position.
Yup. The GS is a tarmac slayer. An all roads Swiss Army knife. Industrial design. Looks good even dirty. 😮 Clean it later. The RT is a surgical tool. As you know. PD Depts & Drill Teams across America use them.
I would love to see a GS 1300 with street tires and panniers...at the least.
Would you try a Yamaha FJR1300 and compare it to the RT? It would be interesting to hear your opinion.
As a long time Harley rider ( 2017 SGS) I invested in a BMW R 1250 RS last March. Thrilled to see you doing this series on the GS, RR and RT. Interested to see what you think of the RS.
I just went to the BMW event in Palm Bay Florida Friday and Saturday. I rode the M-XR the M single R and a couple others but my favorite one that surprised me in many ways was the K 1600 B. It also impressed my wife and she is a Harley snob. She has claimed to never get on the back of a bike that was not Harley Davidson. But she is also from Wisconsin. She told me that I can go ahead and get the K 1600 B and she will ride on the back of it. Also I would like to point out that she will not get on the back of my S1000XR because it sounds like a freaking lunatic when I’m driving it
Great bike
I am surprised you have a dealer that has an M1000XR in stock still, as everywhere in the country is sold out.. :D
If you are shopping, I think you owe yourself a big shopping trip. Why not try out some other brands as well. Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, Triumph Tiger 850, 900 and 1200, Ducati Multistrada, Suzuki V Strom and the list goes on. I, for one, will love seeing all of them.
After I sold my Road Glide and was off a motorcycle for a few years, I recently restarted on a Suzuki V-Strom 650 to help rebuild my writing skills. While shopping, I test rode the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT and a Suzuki V-Strom 800 and some other bikes. That three cylinder Tracer has amazing sound. I am sure the Triumphs do as well.
👍
Did you try or think about hd Pan America?
I had a GS of some description from 2011 last of the air cooled to the latest 1250. I ride mostly two up and although the GS is good two up at slow speed two up and loaded it’s very light at the front, feels like the front wheel is just skimming the road. This year decided to get the RT and so far love it, I prefer its handling and comfort, think comfort is all down to body shape and size not just height. As to speed well on the roads I can’t think that the speed is really a factor I mean the RT has a 0 to 60 time of about 3.5 seconds tops out high 120’s low 130’s not sure how much more speed you need. Nice review anyway 👍
A few bikes you're missing here from BMW. The RS is BMW's named "sport tourer". If you want a bit more highend and better ergonomics the S1000XR is a great option. You can put bags on it. It's very comfortable and comes with 175 hp a racing inline four that sounds awesome with a slip-on. The RS is an awesome torque monster and super fun. Also it is a whole lot better looking than the GS. However, for long rides most people need the bar riser and touring screen. The RT is great on many levels. However, talking with people that have them they complain about too much wind protection in the hot summer months. And finally the inline 6 K1600 is a Ferrari on two wheels. It is super smooth and fast.
Hey my man I’m a subscriber I enjoy watching your HD stuff . I own a BMW RT . Please add a RT as your sport tourer. Very little content on you tube from the states . The RT is probably the best all around motorcycle around. Great for touring, commuting, and it doesn’t feel out of place on a gravel road . I want to see some long rides on a RT on American roads. Who best to do it than the king of touring Cycle Fanatix. The new 2025 RT will have a 1300 boxer engine. M
I have a GSA and RT and you can't go wrong with either. The GS will attract a greater audience for sure. But I will caution you getting that GS may put that S1K out of business. The GS is that good for just comfort, speed and control especially slow speed.
Like the thought of the boxster mother
This seems like a nice bike but I’ll have to checkout your segment on the gs…so is the gs like an adventure kinda bike? You said it has knobby tires so maybe it is…not familiar with bmw models but I should probably get more info on them to possibly get a more detailed idea of a sport touring style bike that has a lot of the sporty side ….
I’m gonna check your gs ride video next
yo dude. the 1250RT is a great all purpose bike bar none. The 1300 phenomenal, but will you use it off road? Sport touring? try the yamaha FJR, Kawi Concours, and the non tour goldwing bagger, more sport touring than anything. I love the 1250RT, 1300 and all of em lol. Curious to see what you add. whichever you add, it's gonna become your goto bike bc it's a swiss army knife 🔪. let's go baby !!!!!
Yeah, the GS has a really big following, which is also really good and I could use it on the road and possibly off-road
@@cyclefanatixsport GS def has bigger following so that's best business decision for sure ! wing has a HUGE following too pal if we making biznass decisions here lol 😎
I love the RT. I have a 23 GSA and I feel like I should’ve gotten the RT. They’re so well balanced.
Then again, I really like my GSA. I think I need to trade my ultra limited in on the RT and have both🤣
GS. All day everyday!!!
You can't vote... Lol
@@carolinarider5237 😂
Gs looks and sounds better imo. i never rode the RT but the people seem to love it
Are you looking to get an RT what about the s1000 love your channel
S1K staying on the channel may add another bike
I would strongly consider a RT myself
@@cyclefanatixsport keep up the great work John
What about the new 1300 GSA?
Just re-watched your ride on the gs1300? I guess it is and seems like a great bike but more leaning towards of kinda a sport bike on the lines of your 1k kinda so for a sport touring bike with more protection for that type of riding and also great performance I would love to see you get the 1250rt and see what mods you can do With that bike on your channel! So my vote is for the 1250RT! You have a dedicated sport bike for really spirited street riding and to take to a track day so a more of a touring style bike that is also capable of some spirited riding would be my suggestion for a good bike platform to do
Hey John..loving the channel...but you haven't posted any Harley videos in 2 weeks on Cycle Fanatix!! When are we gonna see more content there or are you done with Harleys after you have been riding these rocket smooth machines??
I think GS1300 is better then RT you should go for it rest do what your heart says which you feel more comfortable for long rides and plz upload more videos need to wait for whole week please 🙏
Peace mate 🥂
Ride hard 🏍️
Ever consider a K1600. It is bigger but still a sports tourer.
My 2 cents...the GS. It's an awesome all around bike. Everyone I've known that has one loves one. If I can justify getting a 2nd bike to add to my road glide the GS would be it.
Having had the R1200GS and the R1200RT put a lot more miles on the RT… But I am strongly looking towards the R1250 GSA… hate the looks of the R1300GS. Also have a Fast Johnnie RG and Challenger DarkHorse and R1250R, would most likely sell the Challenger and the R for the R1250GSA.
The BMW R1250RS sits between these two and is, in my opinion, the far better bike, particularly if you are not interested in off roading.
Good video!
R1300 Rt is coming soon I believe according to BMW. I'm looking for a new bike to and O think will be the R1250R.
RT ALL THE WAY
Definitely the RT
I like the look of the rt1250 better. I sat the RT 1250.
I have talk with several guys that have the Pan America they said if they could have one bike that’s what they would have over all the other bikes they own
When buy a motorcycle I have to jive with the looks of it as well as the functionality. To my eyes, the R1250GS is the goofiest looking motorcycle made, followed by the K1600 bikes. Then there's the entire GS line including the 1300 which are just plain ugly. I'd like to see you with any other sport-tourer on the channel.... You asked for my opinion😉
GS would get more clicks and is more fun overall. RT would be better for actual touring. More accesories for GS. resale is also good on GS
Why not a GSA 1300? Try it you will not regret it 😉💪🏻
Ride the K1600 then let’s decide but if you’re touring I’d vote for the RT over the gs just my thoughts
Ben is the man
you said sport tourer, full size, compare it , not to a GS but to a Yam FJR, Kawa Concour...
The BMW R1250 RS is their “Sport” Tourer.
Would like to see a bike made by someone besides BMW....
Have you tried the R1250RS along with R1250RT, I would pass on the R1300GS don’t think you will get too many views in the long term…you should try the R1250GSA as it is the Bee Knees, the Cats Meow… LOL
1250 RT all day long
Get the gs1300 and put some sport tires on it, best of both worlds
Get the RT, maybe wait for the 1300. Everyone knows about the GS. Even I have one. I want to see the RT
LFG👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
GS all day
EVERYONE is going to get the new 1300 GS so there will be no reason for everyone to come here and see you. On the other hand, the 1250 RT is needing more time here on TH-cam.
I feel bad saying this but I can't stand the looks of any BMW adventure or sport touring machines. If I were to buy an adventure bike it would be an H-D Pan America.
Honestly it is a tough decision
Rt for me
Are you stuck on bmw?
That thing is a POS. Japan makes the best Sport Touring Bikes, hands down.
Take the K1600GT for a ride before you decide.
RT!! RT!! RT!!
Try the s1000xr
R 1250 RT
new gs 1300 adventure
1300gs yahoo!!
BMW K1600 GTL 160 horse
1250 RT
Sorry...but I cant see you on anything other than the XR or Multistrada....as once FLyNRide smokes you then you are gonna get rid of the GS to compete... 😛. You are a performance junkie so anything not in that vein you are gonna be disappointed in the long run...
R1250 rt brother
GS
I think both bikes are the shit. Really, I 🤔 think the choice would be, do you like driving down some dirt roads? If do, the GS, is a proven Swiss army knife of a bike. Shaft drive, bullet proof boxer. In the Long Way Around, Ewan McGregor dropped that mofo in a river. Pulled it our, removed the spark plug, tilted the bike to drain the muddy water, reinstalled the plug, fired it right up and continued to ride the damn thing across the rest of Siberia to Magadan, then flew across to Akaska, over into the Yukon territory, down to Calgary, into Montana, over to Chicago then on to New York. Legend. The RT is the shit too. 7 gallon tank and crazy mpg. Like 50+. Ultimate Iron butt bike. Dude, I think you should test ride the K1600gt. The most epic straight 6 ever built on a bike. 160 hp. If a sport tourer is in your plans, it's definitely worth considering.