BMW R1250RT bike review | MCN | Motorcyclenews.com
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2019
- News Editor, Jordan Gibbons reviews BMW's ultimate tourer, the R1250RT.
Full review: www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-r...
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I think when you hit the central locking you unlocked cubby hole
Have one had it 5 mounts nearly 5k on it and I’m loving it. 8 day hour to Scotland and back no problems at all.
You must be the first person to mention the seating triangle ever in a video, nice one 👍 others just say, yeah it's comfortable, then you find out that it's not...
Because you hit the lock button on the right handlebar, that's why you can't open the storage, genius.
The motorized adjustable windscreen on my 2014 K1600 GT failed to work twice. Took almost 2+ hours for dealer to repair each time. Great feature....when it works.
Hi great review. I am 6ft 5in and your comments about tight knee bend are very relevant for me considering a US tour on an RT vs a GS. Thankyou.
You can set heated grips as your favourite so that hitting the computer function button upwards takes you to the heated grips settings function automatically (at least you can on my 1200RT).
how do you do that? i'm a motor and use heated grips all the time for my commute...it's a pain in the ass to do it every day lol
@@Silidons91 Use the menu button and wheel to bring up heated grips in the centre of the screen then press top of menu button and hold for a couple of seconds. That should hold as the favourite. Next time you want the heated grips you just press the top of the menu button and that should bring it up in the screen. You then just chose the heating level using the wheel. At least that’s how it works on my 2017.
@@thetewintourer awesome thanks man! Mines a 2019 I think, I had a 1200 but they just gave me a 1250 but not the new version. I love these bikes I kind of want to get a personal one. Lol
Perhaps the electric pannier lock also locks that cubby hole, but you can unlock it independently of the panners with a key? Have you done a review of the RS already? Link please?
Great review, thanks.
I love this guy! Very entertaining personality, more tourers and more videos by him please
Needs a bigger front fairing tho
the Russians 😂😂😂
LOL
exactly whats in my mind "that is one massive fairing"
The reason you couldn't open the near side front pocket is that it loks with the central locking . So what you described as the button that locked the panniers (and the optional top box) also locks both the pockets so you can leave cash or a wallet in it :-)
Exactly, i dunno why he didnt think of that haha
I own a 1999 K1200 LT, which has pretty much everything you/I need on a big luxury touring bike. It doesn't have built in Sat Nav, a multi function screen or switchable riding modes? What it does have is plenty of luggage space, an adjustable height riders seat, heating for both the riders and pillion seats, including the Pillion Back Rest, and an electrically adjustable screen, as well as a reverse gear operated off the starter motor. Interestingly, this tester thinks a taller rider would find the riding position on the R.T a bit cramped. I am over 6 feet 6 inches tall in my riding gear, (I'm 6 feet 5 and one half inches in socks), and I do not get cramped while riding my LT. My bike currently has just over 39,000 km on the clock, which for a BMW is hardly run in. Interstingly, at least here in New Zealand, a good LT can be bought for around $7000, and a good R.T for less, which makes me wonder why anyone would spend way more money on essentially a few electronic extras?
Great review
Been riding Harley for 22 years
Time for a change
I do summer tours 3 - 5 000 m
And a bit of bimbling
I m 5 10 “
Short arse for 1250 gs is tooooo big for me
And I think this is it
Nice post showing riding position
And bike height against rider
Cheers
nice review,
NutFarmer.I fitted lower pegs to give me more leg room. Increased it by 1 inch and a quarter. When cornering hard my boot occasionally scrapes. But hey that means I am having fun.
I`ve owned an 18 RT, since march. Its the same bike. I miss my 14 GS, It was more comfy to me ? I like this bikes features more. At 80 mph and faster this bike Is way more stable and smooth. They are both great machines.
What is the point of a R1200RS, I heard him say at one point? The RS is for those of us that do not want a big fat touring bike, but a lighter sporty shaft drive bike capable of being accessoried up for touring duty as required to suit ones touring style. My FJR was too fat and heavy, so I would never replace it with a similar sized RT such as in this video, the RS is a perfect and lighter downsized machine to replace my FJR with. I am not knocking the RT at all, it is a fine machine, I am just referencing the RS comment in the video, as there is a market for both types of touring riders. I am a day rider who occasionally multiday tours, so I do not want the heft of an RT while on a more typical 3+ hour day ride around my local area, but do appreciate the versatile touring bits of the RS on those occasional semi-annual multiday trips too. The RS for me is the best of both worlds, whereas the RT is more of a luxury grand touring ride mostly.
Totally agree. We rented a 1250 RT for a 2 wk ride with pillion and filled side and top case and i found it really heavy and unstable in slow moving situation. But it is really comfortable and well balanced when its moving above 20 km/hr and you can stay in it for hours without any complain but you need to be very careful when you are about to stop especially when you are loaded. We will try 1250 RS next time because i think the bike is lighter by 30 kilos so it more balanced and easier to drive than the RT.
The RS can be considered a “light duty” touring bike, the RT the heavier duty bike. The K1600 is also there mostly for the American market
Agree with all of the above which is why I bought an RS.
Rs is for people who don’t have money for RT! I have RT 2021 with all options and It’s one of the best!
I thought it was a decent review - admittedly the reviewer is not going to know every single thing about the bike in just 2 days of use but at least he went and did big miles on it in the time he had it not just a run to the shops. I think the storage box was possibly sticking before and the way he demonstrated the central locking feature by toggling it several times released the lock. Good point about the Seat height but that was a normal seat they do a high version too, as well as a low version for short arses.Nice to see a reviewer actually use the Sat Nav - most reviews I have seen dont have the Sat nav in the holder. In all a good honest review.
the glove box didn't open because you had it locked with the central locking. The bike is an LE. The audio system is an extra not a different model
Well said, I remember the days when reviewers and testers knew their bikes
Steve Parry exactly he’s about to brake the bike
Interesting points. Sorry to hear of the seat to peg stance. Very sorry. I am 6'5 and back in the day got an '81 rs because BMW's enabled larger riders like me to ride. I still have it but also have a 2004 GSA which is a monster. Interestingly, your point on seat to peg height/ratio may be somewhat new? I rode a 2015 RT for a weekend out to do the Ring of Kerry for a weekend and it was stunningly impressive and comfortable.
Yeah good discussion. Was it the electric locking then? Tall people might use big adventure bikes instead is a curious suggestion, aren't they miles apart? 'Wind protection' ..or not is second or so only to 'dirt or road', isn't it?
Love this bike and sold my 2015, which I regret to this day ! However I just picked up a 2016 RT a couple of days ago with only 3k miles on the bike. Looking forward to this new ride, which has the lowering kit on the foot pegs and bars riser, which I believe will provide more comfort on the bike.
I’d buy one - I *will* buy one - when BMW offers a colour option which appeals to me. The current three choices do not.
How is it compared to the K 1600 GTL?
Enjoyed this, thanks. Good to have some humour in these layby bike reviews!
R1250rs next please! :)
My 16k miles 2004 R1200RT had heated seats, grips, motorised windshield and cruise control and I'd be lucky to get £3k for it. What more will I get for a 500% uplift in price?
Trading my 14 GS for an 18 rt , I had to get a footpeg lowering kit. Lots better now. I`m 6 foot tall.
Decent review. I have a MTS and a 1200RT. Both great bikes but totally different and not really comparable. One other point, I wouldn’t line the cat litter tray with the Guardian 🤣
That’s funny, my cat wipes its arse with the Daily Heil. You need to practice☺️. The RT is probably best compared with the K1600, whereas the RS is also underrated.
With some mileage near 40K on an RT I can say many people dont like the pegs to seat relationship
Reminds me of big head mode on Nintendo 64 Goldeneye. Seriously. Sort the fairing out.
The RS is relevant though. It’s a lot lighter and more sporty to ride and just as capable of long distance touring, albeit with some changes such as bar risers and a decent screen like an mra vario or Puig touring. Spec it luggage ready and you can fit full givi or Shad luggage (better than bmw’s own luggage) and off you go. It costs less too.
I found Road mode to be like riding a baby carriage! I have a 1250GS and fidn the Road mode to be softer than Dynamic but not like riding a baby carriage like the RT. I find the RT to be top heavy too. I'll keep my GS!!
Wow!
And honest BMW review! 😮
Cool!
Brand of leather jacket?
I thought it was a bit lacking in power, my bike is a Superduke R and it is twice the weight with half the power
I agree, the leg room is terrible. I bought the GS instead.
tft?
It will be nice with a r 1250 rt bagger 👍 and TFT.
Should be comparing it to FJR1300, GTR1400, Trophy etc. Not 1290GT and Multistrada.
DanDude2905 its touring bike he compare with.. maybe he wanna emphasize that it not extreme as multistrada ( or anything same segment as multistrada)
Your the only test rider who says the seat position is not good , there is nothing wrong it mate it’s you.
Dream bikes!
Why no TFT screen ? it looks like the 2013 model not the 2020
agree, I sold my 2008 RT in 2012 for $11K with rear truck. Thinking I was going to buy a GTL1600. I didn't like the throttle lag once at speed. So I past on buying it. Then I bought used Gold Wing then Tenere. Now after all this time I would think they would add the TFT. I guess I have to wait another year. I really not into the big front end body work.
It has a TFT tho. It's just tiny.
2021 RT now has the full TFT the GS and RS bikes have
And £18,000?! Madness.
Timothy Dubber and he said that Japanese bikes have better gear boxes.
If the purchase price doesn’t cripple, the cost of ownership may. It’s a wonderful machine, but my last RT cost as much to use and keep maintained as my other two bikes (Suzuki and Honda) put together. Add the cost of actually using it to as a cross country touring bike and really, are there that many people with that kind of disposable income?
Walter Wilkins one of my watches is worth more.
18k that’s 9k less than I paid mind you I have everything on mine and upgraded the wheels.
They need to update to the current technology, they have NOT changed anything but added 50 more cc's. 2014 is the same as 2020. Still using bulbs instead of LED lights, still analog gauges.
Way behind other MFG's for technology. RT is a great motorcycle I have a 2016 with 170k miles very dependable!! They need to step up and get with the times!!
Finally someone looking out for us tall freaks.
I don't understand the necessity of the R1250RT in BMW's current lineup. The S1000XR is the direct competition to the Multistrada. The S1000R could be the direct competition to the 1290 Duke with the R1250RT being a still slightly odd comparison to the Duke GT. If one were spending the (considerable) cash on the R1250RT then why not just get the K1600GT instead? I'd love to see a comparison piece that pits the R1250RT against the K1600GT, that would be quite a barn burner.
Well, having owned a r1200rt for 14 years, I borrowed this r1250rt for 6 hours while my bike was being serviced, talk about a nice machine, really handles like a sports bike but with the touring abilities. Me an the wife went back an our bike wasn't ready, so we went out on the k1600gt, now that engine blows you away, the power makes the gearbox redundant, no matter what gear it goes like stink, but isn't as sporty as the rt, more like the r1200rt, not unpleasant but its to much on British roads, your license would be toast in secs, you find yourself travelling way to fast without realising it. Bit like a kwak 1400gt or busa. Plus the RT is about 6k cheaper.
@@michaelbamber4887 Oh yes, I can see it now. The RT fits squarely between the XR and the K1600 in the lineup. It really throws me for a bit of a loop as I still ride my K1300GT. BMW really divided up these model segments into smaller, more specialized pieces.
@@fatcole1152 yeah, bit like they have done with their cars, making more market share I suppose, but still being careful to make a product that sells. They have really come on in the last 18 years, in 2000 people would have pissed themselves if you said you'd see bmw winning TTs and road racing an having factory teams leading on track. Then major bike sales they now have in all segments for normal road bikes, I got called an old man when I sold a sp2 for the RT but still got sports bikes for weekend fun.
@@michaelbamber4887 If I had more space I would definitely get another bike. But I only have room for one and I can't bring myself to give up the speed yet.
@@fatcole1152 ha, yeah, I've classic bikes too, the k1300 is still a fast machine mind, I remember back in 97 I had a zzr1100 that was tuned to 178bhp, would go off the speedo 200mph! It was a beast, but it would pull down to 25mph in top an pull away with a little grunt noise, bit like my gpz900r did.
Did BMW run out of red paint?
so its a shorter legged GS with a fat suit on
Latex or leather
I owned R1200rt LE that had more power than I could use with a sensible head on. Great tourer, used it in France and Spain. Heated seats great in the cold. Dash rather disappointing. Screen is nothing but brilliant.
Filtering in traffic rather difficult. Mpg when cruising enjoying the views great. Not a town bike, it’s gone now.
I don't have any issues filtering...depends on the roadway. Very rarely can I not filter, and that's only if one of the drivers is way out of the middle of the lane
0:40 Basically, a vtec engine?
I found the riding position to be too leaned forward too!
Sort of miles I put on bikes I’d loose far more than a few grand lol
I disagree that it's best left in Dynamic
It can be quite jarring on the wrong roads at the wrong time e.g. just as you said, motorways.
Use the modes appropriately and don't expect pin sharp handling all the time 'cos it's not needed all the time.
These bikes are also not that comfortable and I just don't get why the press always raves over them.
The seat is too soft and the pegs are too high leading to aching things.
I'm a IBA member with more than 200,000 miles. i've had electra glides, road glides and several BMW's. this bike is incredibly comfortable on 1,000 mile days. i'm only 5'6" though that could be a factor. my legs don't get cramped. i find that i dont' need hiway pegs. dont' like my feet out front anyway. more power than harley. more torque than harley. more performance. more comfort. more choices.
If you put it in dynamic auto road it will adjust to the road your on I have no problems with it like that
you lost me at: copy of the guardian
Andy Barling bye.
Test the RS. That's all I ask.
Sorry, but I just don’t see getting this over the Ducati Multistrada. To each their own...
My 2020 RT with Hayes brakes leak like a sieve, even after being recalled and new calipers were installed. The 2021 looks like BMW branded Hayes brakes again. You've been warned!!! My 3 videos of the leaking brakes.
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2.30 - the point of the RSis not to be sat behind a barn door fairing - you're welcome
The RS is much lighter too.
Lets flash to white between every edit...
You could work on enunciation, would help your presentations. Seems like you start thinking faster than you can talk when you get rushed. Thank you for the observation on the seat to peg issue - you would think, for a “tour” bike , somebody at BMW would think maybe that was important.
Great residuals... I bought a 2014 R1200RT £15k admittedly covered a few miles and 5 years later BMW gave me £4K against an R1250RT. With residuals like that this is the last BMW I’ll ever buy
Never trade in...
BAVARIAN 'S BLOOD .
3 guys I know with 2018 R1200s have had catastrophic engine failure. Entire new engines under warranty! That’s £7k sir, if you’re unlucky enough to be just outside the warranty period. It has certainly put me off buying what would have been my 3rd boxer twin. The world needs to know! Perhaps the 1250 will be better? But they are becoming ever more complex bikes and imho the basic quality is lacking.
Lost me when the guardian appeared.
Only 3 years and look at the price range now. Upper model is like 9K more. Absolute *&**
That thing is wider than a ship...
The lock was “on” for the central locking, which was why you couldn’t open it. Then you pressed the central locking button to show us how it works and then it opened because it was now open! It’s not rocket science.
Guardian reader. Ummmm.
Gammon, ahem...
I didn't know that Rufus Hound was a MCN bike tester!! Better stick to the comedy buddy cause clearly motorcycle storage is beyond U... But on a serius note yep all the new BMW R1250 are cracking motorcycles but for my liking they are to expensive! I would love if they would do a cheep and cheerful model so no ESA( yes it works but they R prone to failure and the warenty only covers them up to 30K miles and after that good luck!!) no hill starts mambo jambo just a clean bike with adjustable suspension and maybe a option for cruise control and quick shifter /blipper. And make less then 10000 pounds.
It's not as good as a ST 1300 IMHO
Someone stole a Power Ranger’s bike.
Locked compartment won't open with a thumb. Unlocked one will keep you from breaking your thumb.
"Excellent resale value" ? On what planet ? BMW motorcycles are not as bad, as their cars, for depreciation, but I definitely wouldn't say they hold their value well. Especially considering the initial investment, and cost to maintain it, over the life of the ownership. I've had an RT. It had more farkles, than my current ride, but, you should be willing to work on it yourself, if you're not wealthy. I own, now, a 2013 Yamaha FJR1300a. I love it. It's comfortable. It'll run circles around an RT. It's smoother than any BMW, except for maybe the k1600, which would be the closest comparison, but you'll pay at least $10,000 more for the beemer. My advise..... if you're dead set on buying an RT, buy one with 15,000 miles on the odometer. You can buy it much cheaper. OH ! Also preferably buy one, that comes with a repair manual. It's typically European, which means you'll be fixing it.
Bloody hell someone who reads the bloody Guardian.
Blimey, why so easily offended.
By the Guardian ?you have to ask ?
Completely pointless comparing this to the 1290GT (naked bike with touring accessories) and the Multistrada (adventure bike). This is more comparable to the FJR1300 etc.
I can understand why you’ve done it, but you’re not even close to understanding this class of bike.
Why would you compare the Rt1200 to a KTM1290 or a Multistrada? ... How ridiculous. Not the same class of bike
Same purpose though, those are road tourers, although they're more upright. Now for the true adventure versions (like the Ducati MS Endure), sure.. you'd be right.
@@Renzsu Not really.... compare the KTM1290 and the Ducati Multistrada to the BM GS, The Super Tenere, The Triumph explorer.
What a silly comment. They are all used for touring and so the comment is clearly valid. Get in the game buddy
@@alrightdave6135 I have the RT and I have a Yamaha Super Tenere. I can tell you that there is absolutely no comparison. They can both tour and do it comfortably. But this is just like comparing a Landrover SUV with road tires to a Rolls Royce. I AM in the game. Not sure YOU are! What I am ssaying is that there would have been a more realistic comparison with, say the Triumph Trophy. Same league.
Jam Tub not at all. Next you will be saying you take your super ten off road😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
"if you buying a tourer, buy this one" Sorry, sponsored review spotted.
5'6 and still cramped??? Thats crazy......;/
Guardian. Seriously
😍😎😍😎👍👍👍
💎💎💎💎💎
The bike has been reviewed by others in more detail, you actually did less of a review and provided nothing new. Which makes me ask, why did you waste your time?
Because its MCN.
The FJR 1300 engine is better and more reliable. The BMW is also open to collect all the road dirt and the finish is not as durable as the Yamaha.
Too expensive again
The way you miss treat the bike is shameful. I wonder if you would handle your own bike the same way.
I will never understand why BMW does nothing about the piece of crap gearbox on all the boxer models... they make SUPERB gearboxes on there 4/6 cylinder engines, but NOT the boxers ...
Completely misleading description of seat to peg distance. The reviewer is a short-arse so the only way he's going to get a good purchase on the ground is by keeping the seat low. He should have pointed out that bike can be specified with a low, standard or high seat, each of which has two settings. That means there are six seat heights to choose from. At 6ft I have a 34+ inch inseam and I ride on the standard seat's high setting (there is also a high seat with two settings, the uppermost would suit a guy with 36+ inseam). It's very comfortable and I only need a rest when my backside starts hurting (after about 250 miles when you need fuel anyway). As for his advice that short-arses might be better off on adventure bikes - that's just laughable. They're better off on customs, like a Kawasaki Vulcan or an Enfield Super Meteor or (for a lot more money) a Harley or Indian. MCN should be using a more experienced (and taller!) reviewer.
Lmao the motorized windscreen is fucking ridiculous. What a stupid feature.
Make touring boring - get a BMW.
police
I've owned 11 motorcycles in my 60 years. That includes two BMW's. In my opinion, they're overrated.
A Guardian reader .cant be telling the truth.
More than an illiterate...☺️
Wenn ich sehe wie er an dem Koffer rummacht wird mir schlecht👎
1 dislike
Old copy of "The Guardian". I'm glad to see he brought some toilet paper with him.
Well that was a full detailed comprehensive review, worst review ever.
From MCN expected a better quality review. Specially the host and camera combination really needs major improvement. We would like to see the details when host is talking about something on the dash, not the host's body shot! if he is talking about about the buttons we would like to see those buttons and actions! while he is talking veering off to another scene is not helpful either! Worse possible review ever, in every context!
Halfway through the video and im already bored...