The so called vibration is a character of the boxer engine. I have 3 boxer engined bikes & I love em!!! When u stop just give it a good ol’ rev & enjoy the Side to side “vibration”! All my mates comment on the vibration but then say how bloody smooth it is on the open road!👍🏼😎
I rode a 1200 RT last fall, it was my first time on an RT and it was a 2016. Coming from riding 1800 Gold Wings, the RT had some shaking at lower RPM's but I would not really call it vibration. At highway speeds it was very smooth and pleasant. This thing has great power and the handling is incredible for a full touring bike.
Lawn Ranger Was curious about the Gold Wing myself, thanks for the assessment! I didn't get to take the R on the highway but it gave me the impression it would be a fantastic highway touring machine. I do want to ride the Triumph Trophy at some point to compare.
Always interesting to hear the opinions of someone who is unfamiliar with BMW. It's not like anything else, and no doubt there is both good and bad in that. Seemed your greatest concern was the vibration from the engine. While the boxer twin does exhibit some vibration, based on your description you may have been experiencing more vibes than normal. They are typically very smooth at 4K rpm. From your comments regarding the tires, I assume the bike was brand new. If so, it may have needed to have the throttle bodies synchronized, which is something they should do at the initial service after break-in. Also, getting the valve clearances adjusted properly (evenly) seems to make a small difference in smoothness as well. BMWs are notorious for not running really smooth until they get around 10K to 15K miles on them, but once everything settles in, the vibration that remains is quite unobtrusive. Glad you enjoyed the bike overall.
Dean Love Thanks for the info! I had no idea about the nuances of that engine. Yes it was brand new off the showroom floor. I wouldn't be opposed to doing a follow up on a used one just to feel the difference.
Just bought an RT after my BMW R1200RS was stolen and i use to commute into London (UK) 110miles per day. Love it, but only draw back is filtering through traffic with the panniers on..there wider than the mirrors. BUT , take them off and good to go . Lots of lower end torque and lots of buttons to play with.
For all you PC people out there (like, Paul CF below) I believe he said his overall rating was..."Smooth as Fuck"...emphasis on the "Fuck", err...I mean "smooth", lol.
Ive never heard anyone describe these bikes as heavy. My friends 1200 weighs 550 pounds. My 1000 concours was 720 and my Goldwing is 920 pounds. Have they solved the driveshaft issues on the new bikes? I heard the newer ones had problems with electrical and some parts and electrics are now being made in China. I would like to try one. Might be a good every day bike.
Tombstone It was just my impression that the wind noise and vibration were a bit excessive and unexpected. Having come from a Triple to the BMW I just didn't know what to expect but thought it would be more refined than it was. That being said adjusting the screen and additional break in time might have helped a bit more.
48755003 really depends on the person. The newer 850 engine they have in the GS is very smooth. I think the new 1250 RT will be the same but I have not tested it yet. Personally between this and the Trophy I would take the Triumph Trophy. Highly recommend you test ride both before making your decision. I’m spoiled by Triumphs smooth engines. The BMW boxer might not bother you the way it did me.
epj900 A few people have stated that. That's really good to know. I will say though none of the Triumph triples I've ridden to date have any sort of intrusive vibration so it's really a matter of configuration as well how it feels.
@@MotoChooch Thank you! And let's not forget the price, for the bike and the maintenance. I am a Triumph guy but I have not had a chance to ride the Trophy yet. I did ride a 1250RT and was amazed. Thanks again
Swearing is usually an indication of a lack of vocabulary, or laziness such that the speaker won't take time to find the word that best describes a feeling.
The triple that you ride is just a toy compared to the RT. You did a lousy test ride just putzing around on surface streets. The RT is a high speed blast on the freeway which you didn't do, it's like you took a Ferrari and went to the grocery store, like I said a lousy test ride video.
Paul CF I totally agree! I understand it's his channel and by clicking on the vid I'm subject to his views and language but adults gotta understand that kids as well like to watch vids with their pops/parents as well! But excellent review!
Kids can swear too. What's the problem? Studies have shown that people who swear are more intelligent. www.sciencealert.com/swearing-is-a-sign-of-more-intelligence-not-less-say-scientists
The so called vibration is a character of the boxer engine. I have 3 boxer engined bikes & I love em!!! When u stop just give it a good ol’ rev & enjoy the Side to side “vibration”! All my mates comment on the vibration but then say how bloody smooth it is on the open road!👍🏼😎
I rode a 1200 RT last fall, it was my first time on an RT and it was a 2016. Coming from riding 1800 Gold Wings, the RT had some shaking at lower RPM's but I would not really call it vibration. At highway speeds it was very smooth and pleasant. This thing has great power and the handling is incredible for a full touring bike.
Lawn Ranger Was curious about the Gold Wing myself, thanks for the assessment! I didn't get to take the R on the highway but it gave me the impression it would be a fantastic highway touring machine. I do want to ride the Triumph Trophy at some point to compare.
I love the sound of the bmwr1200rt powerful, confident in a humble way.
Randy Mocuab it did sound pretty bad ass
Always interesting to hear the opinions of someone who is unfamiliar with BMW. It's not like anything else, and no doubt there is both good and bad in that. Seemed your greatest concern was the vibration from the engine. While the boxer twin does exhibit some vibration, based on your description you may have been experiencing more vibes than normal. They are typically very smooth at 4K rpm.
From your comments regarding the tires, I assume the bike was brand new. If so, it may have needed to have the throttle bodies synchronized, which is something they should do at the initial service after break-in. Also, getting the valve clearances adjusted properly (evenly) seems to make a small difference in smoothness as well. BMWs are notorious for not running really smooth until they get around 10K to 15K miles on them, but once everything settles in, the vibration that remains is quite unobtrusive. Glad you enjoyed the bike overall.
Dean Love Thanks for the info! I had no idea about the nuances of that engine. Yes it was brand new off the showroom floor. I wouldn't be opposed to doing a follow up on a used one just to feel the difference.
Just bought an RT after my BMW R1200RS was stolen and i use to commute into London (UK) 110miles per day. Love it, but only draw back is filtering through traffic with the panniers on..there wider than the mirrors. BUT , take them off and good to go . Lots of lower end torque and lots of buttons to play with.
Smooooth af
For all you PC people out there (like, Paul CF below) I believe he said his overall rating was..."Smooth as Fuck"...emphasis on the "Fuck", err...I mean "smooth", lol.
I now have something else to think about for next year.
Nice review.
Ive never heard anyone describe these bikes as heavy. My friends 1200 weighs 550 pounds. My 1000 concours was 720 and my Goldwing is 920 pounds. Have they solved the driveshaft issues on the new bikes? I heard the newer ones had problems with electrical and some parts and electrics are now being made in China. I would like to try one. Might be a good every day bike.
Wind and vibration ? Kick back and enjoy the ride after all its a motorcycle.
Tombstone It was just my impression that the wind noise and vibration were a bit excessive and unexpected. Having come from a Triple to the BMW I just didn't know what to expect but thought it would be more refined than it was. That being said adjusting the screen and additional break in time might have helped a bit more.
Hello. I am very interested in this bike. I havent tested it yet. But these vibrations?? Is the vibrations so annoying? Regards from Sweden 👋👋
48755003 really depends on the person. The newer 850 engine they have in the GS is very smooth. I think the new 1250 RT will be the same but I have not tested it yet. Personally between this and the Trophy I would take the Triumph Trophy. Highly recommend you test ride both before making your decision. I’m spoiled by Triumphs smooth engines. The BMW boxer might not bother you the way it did me.
at the bmw store the mechanics can get the vibration a lot lower
I think you'll find that as the engine loosens up with more mileage the vibration will diminish
epj900 A few people have stated that. That's really good to know. I will say though none of the Triumph triples I've ridden to date have any sort of intrusive vibration so it's really a matter of configuration as well how it feels.
mine was really smooth by 9k. Still don't like the transmission but I can live with it
True, it's a Boxer twin, not an in-line four. It's going to have more vibration in comparison.
A little aggressive on other road users when it takes yourself 4 mins to pull out of drive. Thanks for the review tho.
Ok Chooch, If you were in the used market, R1200RT OR 1215 Trophy SE????
Trophy hands down. The only RT I would consider in comparison is the R1250. The 1200 was just too raw for a luxury tourer IMO.
@@MotoChooch Thank you! And let's not forget the price, for the bike and the maintenance. I am a Triumph guy but I have not had a chance to ride the Trophy yet. I did ride a 1250RT and was amazed. Thanks again
Too profane
Sounds wimpy
It's a twin, gomer. That's a pretty typical twin cylinder sound.
He doesnt like hard,😏
I was interested but your bad use of English Language was in bad taste. You might want to learn how to keep it professional.
Swearing is usually an indication of a lack of vocabulary, or laziness such that the speaker won't take time to find the word that best describes a feeling.
Can’t stand the swearing. Ignorant.
Fuck off mate
The triple that you ride is just a toy compared to the RT. You did a lousy test ride just putzing around on surface streets. The RT is a high speed blast on the freeway which you didn't do, it's like you took a Ferrari and went to the grocery store, like I said a lousy test ride video.
You lost me when you started swearing. Totally crass, fail.
Paul CF I totally agree! I understand it's his channel and by clicking on the vid I'm subject to his views and language but adults gotta understand that kids as well like to watch vids with their pops/parents as well! But excellent review!
Unnecessary swearing is distracting. If someone nearly hits you then by all means. Swearing shouldn't be used as punctuation.
Kids can swear too. What's the problem? Studies have shown that people who swear are more intelligent.
www.sciencealert.com/swearing-is-a-sign-of-more-intelligence-not-less-say-scientists
Cool video I really enjoyed it thanks for sharing,cool as fuck 👍
Fucking puritans
I've just wasted 10 mins of my life ... shoulda turned off when i heard he rode a triumph.