BMW Shootout! GS or RT? Enduro or Tourer? Which is the best touring bike?

[@shakey2634]

There are a lot of reasons to choose one bike over the other, and they are all valid. Myself, I am a 65 year old 5’8” male with a 28 inch inseam that lives in the middle of America. When I go west, it is a long way to any fun riding, but when you get there, it’s awesome. There are more good asphalt roads than I can ever ride before I’m done. I did a lot of dirt riding as a young man and the days of beating myself up on rough terrain and picking up a 500lb bike on the side of a gravely hill are behind me. In other words, my RT is perfect for me.

[@BoycottChinaa]

Amtrak needs Euro style cars you can ride your bike into and sleep near.. wake up in Colorado and b'donk a donk

[@shakey2634]

@@BoycottChinaa That would be awesome!

[@trailingarm63]

I'm buying an RT because I live in the UK and our climate is basically rubbish. I need that fairing! Regarding off-road work: if I want to do some I'll get a lightweight 450. You can drop them and pick them up with little damage and without herniating your groin. The GS is very heavy and very expensive if you're going to scratch it up. I think it only works off-road for supermen with large bank accounts. Enjoyed your film despite not sharing your love affair with the GS. Cheers!

[@brankojerbic6040]

I have ridden both. The RT comes with panniers as standard. Love the central locking on the panniers and storage comparntments a real bonus when touring. You have to pay extra to make the GS tour... I prefer the longer gearing on the RT, seems to work really well, and the engine somehow seems smoother. The RT is faster than the GS in high speed corners and a straight line and has superior aero dynamics. I think there is a reason the police in different countries use the RT and not the GS.... Also the main camera bike in bicycle races is an RT.... Just a much more stable platform...

[@nevillecartwright7292]

Thank you for a great video! While I can't comment on the newer models, I owned both models at the same time, and I found that the RT became my favoured "Winter" bike, while the GS (Adventure) was the more practical "all rounder". Both are great machines but the RT was more comfortable for the long hauls, with better protection from the elements. The GSA however trumped it when it came to bumpy or gravel road riding/touring, and offered more variety, so I eventually sold the RT, but have kept my GSA - something I really don't regret. I have fitted a Corbin seat to the GSA, and can now comfortably travel long distances without any "bum-burn", as experienced with the standard seat. All in all, both are great machines, and your specific needs will determine which is the better choice for you. Thanks again for a great video and greetings from South Africa!

[@cottonbrad]

Great review! Thanks! That solidifies my choice of RT over GS. As much as I like the idea of overland touring, I am never going to ride the Road of Bones (especially now), and as you said, you can muscle through and endure brief minor off road/dirt tracks on the RT. I am certain that the weather protection and comfort (heated seat and grips) as I get older will be doubly appreciated.

[@michaelfraser5723]

plus, you don't have to pretend to be Charlie Boorman, or his mate.

[@paulocarreiro5855]

Seeing a rider in full leathers hanging off an RT is a sight to behold! 😀 If I had to choose, given my personal preferences and riding style, I would go for the RT.

[@nik-roshansirak3398]

Always drove absolutley cheap used bikes. We're talking about less than 2000€, most of the times even less than 1000€, so in case of a crash I wouldn't loose too much money in material. After riding like that for about 10 years I was finally ready to spend "a bit more", as my skills increased a bit and I got a bit less insane in my riding overall^^. But still I set myself a budget limit many people wouldn't even consider finding any bike for. As I'm a mechanic myself and not afraid of bikes with insanly high milage, knowing some bikes can handle them pretty well, I still thought of finally getting a GS for longer touring around Europe, but I still wanted a bike that didn't look too old, so the 1100 or 1150 GS was not my favourite. There were a few early 1200 GS' within my budget, but none of them came with paniers and they are quite pricey themselves, so by sheer coincidence I stumbled across an early 1200RT and I sat down and had this honest talk with myself about how often I would really leave the roads and the answer was literally never, so I gave it a shot and I didn't regret it for a second. I get the idea of adventure bikes, like "If I needed to, I COULD go offroad", but like most G-Waggons and Landrovers and PickUp-trucks, people NEVER do it and even IF they did, a station wagon, or in this case even a RT would do the job, I mean there are reasons why people upload videos here on youtube of how the drive their f-ing GOLDWING offroad... 😂 So yeah, here I am, three years later, happily ever after with my RT, not missing anything about the GS. The RT is suprisingly sporty, tourque ranges from here to the moon, you hardly realise a passanger, if you have one, the fairing is absolutley superb, even all the small gadgets I laughed about at first, like the electrically elevated windscreen, the heated grips and even the heated seats are just really working out and make holidays on two wheels so amazing. I think 90% of GS riders would be better of on a RT. 😅

[@michaelbrown9363]

In the US, RTs cost more new but depreciate faster. I’ve decided if buying new, the GS is a better value and RT is a better value if buying used. I still haven’t figured out which will my eventually replace my 2005 RT.

[@cliff8675]

I plan to keep my '06 RT and add a stablemate instead. Probably a K1600 variant. I buy used to reduce the depreciation issue, but that's my choice.

[@gregjerome1911]

Very hard to sell a used RT right now. I had to give my 2016 away a month ago.

[@zh4418]

@@gregjerome1911 Always been a hard seller!

[@StéphaneSpoerli]

I use both: the GS for solo tours in the Alps (I live in Switzerland and often go over the St-Bernard pass to Italy or France), and the RT for long-distance trips for two in Europe (Germany, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, etc.). With its large luggage, the RT is also perfect for shopping!

[@asturiancetorix2552]

I owned an R1200GS, I own a 2020 R1250RT, that´s my impressions: The Gelande Strasse is more confortable (posture) and a VERY GOOD long riding machine. Very agile, change it´s wheight very fast in low speed turns, good storage capability... it does everything good enough. That´s it´s strong point, where it sucess the most, it´s not the very best at nothing, but it has an unmatched balance between everything. And you can ride the thing offroad, if you are skilled -and strong- enough. On the other hand, the Reise Tourer it´s more stable on the road, a little more "planted", sort of saying. It offers better wind protection, and it´s very agile on the low speed turns too, but not so much as the GS. Handles pretty well for it´s size and looks, I mean, the thing moves like a smaller and lighter bike, but the real drawback is that the RT has more inertia to compensate. The GS looks like it´s electric when turning, the RT is like ."Turn now". -"What did you say?". -"Turn, now, fat bike!". -"Ah got it, OK dude, here we go"... It´s not a clumsy bike either, is just that it doesn´t handles so quickly than the GS.

[@adammfharris]

Your point makes no sense because the RT is lighter- look up the specs

[@asturiancetorix2552]

@@adammfharris The RT lighter than the GS?... C´mon, man. Data from BMW´s web: R1250RT, 289kg, base model, with 90% fuel, no extra equippment. GS same conditions, 249kg. GS Adventure 268kg.

[@brian6556]

The editing and drone shots in this video... wowee great job. Instant subscriber!

[@thierryfaquet7405]

The choice is easy : If you only ride on road, take the RT If you do some dirt, take the GS The RT surprise almost everyone trying it by how smooth it is on the road. It’s obviously one of the lesser known 1250 from BMW, but it’s the best one for long distance road cruising. And if you just want to ride for fun on the road, don’t forget the R 1250 R which is a really fun bike that almost nobody really knows of.

[@gregjerome1911]

I’ve owned both & both are excellent tools to carve canyons. The GS however also lets you get into the dirt.

[@paulpeace6455]

I still have my 2003 BMW R 1150 RT . Amazing bike. 👌👌🙂

[@benkelly2190]

As younger man. 59. It’s the GS for me..the RT is a great bike, I ran a 2015 1200RT for 10 moths it was a marvellous tourer, but the GS excites more.

[@kevinlytle6215]

Thank you for this review! The details and the revelation about the RT after 4 days made my mind up. Keeping my current bike and getting RT as soon as wife oks it! Funny how that works! I had been considering an upgrade from F700 mentioned below. RT and GS top of list. I am 5' 9" 175cm. F700GS off road is good enough for me but on road ouch. Just not set up for comfort and the vibration is bad. I can flat foot with some bend in knees! Lane splitting it is fantastic. Thin, light, very low CG relative to similar bikes IMHO. So a great commute bike in traffic.

[@ThorVeras]

A more close comparrison would be with the adventure r 1250 gs. The bigger tank design and the bigger windscreen give you better protection from the elements, and the weight is similar from both, just the gsa have a bigger travel susp.

[@fentontaylor9021]

I have had both a GS and an RT and I prefer the RT because of the wind protection and the superior handling on mountain roads which I do every week. Both are at the top of their class. I ride with the panniers off and only fill the tank when going on longer rides (not in the mountains). This helps keep the weight down, but as shown in your video, if you slide your butt over and drop a knee, the RT handles the curves shockingly well. It is so smooth that when I first got it, I was surprised at my exit speeds.

[@adrianleach1670]

Do longer motorway journeys regularly...get an RT. Spend more time on bumpy backroads (like me), GS is probably more suitable. Both are brilliant bikes, but the GS is so popular because it's great in every situation.

[@Lecruque]

Because it’s GOOD in every situation.

[@rickdelmonte1682]

Thanks for the comparison. Both great bikes, but I thing I really appreciate about the GS is the ruggedness. I ride in the mountains of North Carolina, both paved and unpaved roads. I have dropped the GS with nothing more than a few scratches on the crash bars. Drop the RT and you are looking at serious money to repair. I ride with a BMW group every week on challenging mountain roads and I can't see a handling difference between the two. I think the GS riders tend to be a bit faster, but they also tend to be a bit younger 😊

[@r.j.d3923]

Which of the two? I would say the K1600GT 😇 (8181km in 12days, perfect trip!)

[@kevinrobb86]

Own a 1600 and previous to that it was a 1200 Rallye, I had a test ride on an RT and there is just something about it I didn't like in looks and riding position so it would be the GS for me

[@thestcroixkid]

GS is a great complement to a K bike...

[@amerpaisa6920]

I'll be staying with my '22 Gelände/Straße Adventure as there're just too many lakes, waterfalls & vinyards just 5km down a dirt/gravel road that must be explored 🏍️✌🏼🏍️

[@brentonkelly3780]

Thanks. An interesting comparison

[@iamwezlee1]

I’m on my second RT and for ME its the clear winner since I live in Canada and the increased protection on the RT extends my riding season. Ive ridden the GS and again for me, the RT’s handling is more responsive. It just falls into turns, better than most sport bikes I’ve owned. People do complain that the RT is wide, but a fully kitted GS with those massive panniers is 39’ wide or 990mm which is actually wider than the RT. Regarding the cost….well the RT comes with panniers and the mounting points stock. The GS on the other hand comes without luggage and mounting hardware. Price comparison is mute. It really comes down to preference. Both are solid bikes. Both are a blast to ride. Choose either and you’ve already won!

[@ianjames3078]

Nice neutral, unbiased comparison 👍

[@eddiet204]

I own both. The GS and RT file their respective classes. I’ve done touring and off road on the GS and lots of touring on the RT. If you have no plans to ride off road, the RT is superior due to its weather protection and entertainment system. However, if I was faced with having to pick only 1, I would chose the GS.

[@khakimzhanmiras]

On top of off-road capabilities I like the shorter wheelbase and gears of the GS. Better turning radius and taller height for traffic. GSA has more fuel than RT and is still a bit lighter. GSA has comparable weather protection.

[@tviv12]

I was very surprised to learn that the RT actually has a shorter wheelbase than the GS. From BMW's website, the R1250GS wheelbase is 59.6" and the R1250RT wheelbase is 58.5". The GS does have a steeper rake and shorter trail, so it is likely tough to draw a conclusion from individual geometry specs. I guess one just has to ride them both to figure out which one is preferable for the individual rider. Both seem like excellent bikes!

[@khakimzhanmiras]

@@tviv12 wow! I stand corrected! Furthermore, it seems the wheelbase of the adventure has increased for the water cooled models, whereas the RT has remained the same. Despite that I found the gs adventure to handle much more confidently at lower speeds. The RT only shines on roads where you can actually notice the benefit of tighter suspension and smaller wheels.

[@jatichsicharta]

I have have been riding the RT for like two months now while my R Ninty is in for repair. I'm happily surprised by this bike. Especially in winter time because of the wind and rain protection. But to me it's not as fun as my GSA and Ninty. If you ride a bike like you would be driving a car it's great. But things like lane splitting, manoeuvrability in the city, tight u-turns are easier on the GS(A). The wind protection on the RT is great in winter and during long rides. But there are no wind deflectors to keep your body cool in summer.

[@brazeagle]

Excellent video, THANKS A LOT. Cheers

[@salezx]

The fuel consumption??? not a word?

[@leoburns9674]

I am relocating to Tampa Florida… Summer riding will be quite warm - does the RT wind protection create a problem? Would you be better off with a GSA to have more natural airflow? Thanks!

[@roadglide]

Policia love the RT. Maneuvers most quickly.

[@zh4418]

The Australian police are changed their RT to FJR because of reliability issues and maintenance costs.

[@antoniorussell9893]

RT is a great bike. Always has been.

[@user-hb6ms3mb4t]

If you're looking for a motorcycle that is more dynamic and agile on paved roads and tarmac, then the BMW R 1250 RT may be a better choice than the R 1250 GS. The R 1250 RT is designed specifically for touring and long-distance riding on paved roads. It has a lower center of gravity than the R 1250 GS, thanks to its engine placement and weight distribution, which can contribute to better stability and handling on paved surfaces. The R 1250 RT also has a shorter wheelbase and smaller front wheel, which can contribute to a more nimble and agile ride, particularly in tight corners and in urban environments. That being said, the R 1250 GS is still a very capable motorcycle on paved roads, and its longer suspension travel can help absorb bumps and maintain stability on uneven surfaces. It also has a more upright riding position, which can be more comfortable for some riders on longer rides. Ultimately, both motorcycles are designed for different purposes, and the best choice for you depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you primarily ride on paved roads and prioritize sporty handling and agility, then the R 1250 RT may be the better choice. If you want a motorcycle that can handle a wider range of terrain and prioritize adventure over sportiness, then the R 1250 GS may be the better option.

[@masterspin7796]

I bought a 2022 R/T

[@powertrip1050]

Great review - PLEASE DO MORE ENGLISH LANGUAGE VIDS - it will be a HUGE market for you - you guys are really good at what you do!

[@barrychen4849]

Great video please do a comparison of BMW R 1250 R2 BMW R 1250 RS

[@kg40025]

It’s crazy I have a 2020 GSA but I always like to ride by motorcycle shops and see what the new hotness is. The GT and RT have grown on me looks wise, I actually love how they look. So I decided to take one out for a ride. I absolutely hated the ergonomics ! The GSA has spoiled me. I felt scrunched up on it and am really wondering how it can be comfortable on long rides. Anyways they all are amazing machines I just think my GSA is perfect for me

[@mihokradovan]

If there are people who are not able to decide if RT or GS, something is not OK. These two bikes (not speaking about the engine) are completely different. If you dont know which one is better for you, you probably dont know what you want.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Is more fun the goal for the entire thing ? I mean for me comfort is first at this point.

[@claudiusgensin]

Take a sit on bike which like to buy and close your eyes -----now try how you feel on it. How he fit you? Position of legs, position of handle bar? How you can handle his weight? Can you move it easily on slope parking? Where are your feet against asphalt? If pass this test go to ride and notice riding position triangle - wrists/pegs/handle bars? Is it good or need adjustment? how you feel after 500 km on it? When braking how anti dive fork system work front / rear? Soft-hard? How is in middle of corner / jumping or keep steady line according with good / rough asphalt? Gearbox when shift fast and hard before corner - soft-hard- middle-easy-not precise? Acceleration easy or hard to get on rear wheel? Brakes rear-front soft/hard/standard? Tyre choice which are the best on dry/rain ground? How your wife feel after 500 km on rear seat? There is many questions before buy bike and this is personal how you handle it or how DO YOU DO NOT KNOW how to handle it. so decision is just personal! Comments like these ones can be just some SECONDARY not important info - you must decide yourself!!!!! I see these guys which try to make review not only this one are very far of professional race track riders experience and personal bike adjustment

[@jeanjacques9980]

I’m in my mid 60s and 188cms/6’2”, I had a RT but I’m experienced pain in my right hip, I’ve ridden a K16GT for a day and experienced the same hip pain. Tried a GS for a day, no hip pain, but there is much less weather protection. Therefore I’m leaning towards a GSA but I don’t know how many biking years I have left, hope I’m not heading towards a hip replacement, I’ll then have to ride a Honda C90! In terms of appearance I think the best looking RT was the 1150 and I liked the ParisDakar GS, must be an age thing and I’m not keen on new bikes full of computers that fail, can’t be repaired, only replaced at great expense. I’ll probably go for the GSA.

[@mikemerrill175]

I’m 72 and leaving this morning for 2 weeks on my GS.

[@jeanjacques9980]

@@mikemerrill175 There is hope for me yet! Enjoy a safe journey to your destination and return.

[@ntsakisikhubayi3989]

Brilliant review

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

depends on the roads to be ridden

[@adityajoshi3524]

Hello. What are ground clearance of both motorcycles in millimetre (mm)

[@ski3435]

As I understand it the GS is a gas guzzler when riding over 65 miles an hour. Combine that with a smaller fuel tank and your range is limited.

[@marksmart9754]

For what I want my bike to do and the type of riding I’m into it’s the RT all the way.

[@martinharnett6922]

Great video

[@jontaylor5322]

How’s about the 1250GS V 1250RS???

[@jackchristodoulou197]

Complete different bikes

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Excellent stuff bro

[@leosnoopy5935]

Rt is a smooth rocket on road but the GS is the ultimate savage bike for all types of surfaces .

[@Justwanthavefun_100]

Go adventure on road or off road get GS 🙌🏼 Long Touring on road I will choose K1600 Grand America . ✨

[@pgVeritas]

An Excellent, informative and well balanced comparison. I’m further confused now, because before lockdown I tried a GS Adventure, with my wife, she and I both loved it. In the UK, roads aren’t maintained until there’s a large crevasse (ok, a little crevasse) then they fill it badly. The GSA was easy to ride, comfortable and dealt well with the crappy roads in the UK. Then comes lockdown, bike purchase put on hold. Then major surgery required….bike off the menu. After surgery 8 weeks ago, I popped to my local dealer. I can’t ride a bike until after the end of September, but I wanted to try the seats on the K1600 GTL and GT. Strangely enough, the lower seat of the GTL ŵas hard for me to get on. It was because of the big hump masquerading as a pillion seat. Since the GT’s is less pronounced, it was far easier to get on. So then the sales guy decides to confuse me further with an RT. He said it makes more sense than the GT since it’s easier to handle. My concern with the GSA was commuting in cold weather. I had a bad experience for 4 weeks on a GS when it pissed down every day and I got soaked. What’s the GSA weather protection like? How easy is it to filter traffic? I’m guessing easier than the K1600GT!

[@maxflight777]

Own a R1250 GS HP …. I would buy an RT, I love them, but I hate the ugly mirrors ! I conclude I’ll stick with the GS

[@t.fidler5895]

One prete d to be an adventure bike amd another to be a sport bike. Both is usles in a real world exept touring long distances, nether can do the race track or enduro race track. But good for old man to spend money they dont need to preted to be something they are not

[@travelinben1966]

RT for aesthetic reasons alone.The RS is really sharp too.👍🏻

[@Pyrrho_]

And the RS wasn't considered because... ?

[@niko918]

Great review!! Great perspective! The view that weather protection is so very important really stands out in your review. The RT really stands out!! If only we all could afford two bikes!! Though most of us ride 99% on road, or more, it’s hard to give up that 1%!!! What if I want to go off road?!?

[@francismckenna2288]

The only pro i see on RT is not as comfy as gs adv for tall pll from 6,2 feet onwards.

[@RetiredtoRideSpain]

Are they reliable ?……

[@markanthony6128]

Why not own both and ride when you want to

[@timohansson3674]

Not everyone have so much money as you.

[@roadglide]

He may not own both Tino. He may only be suggesting. It is a good idea. But it does require a good budget.

[@tt55k]

I am choosing the GSA , the RT looks like a cat from the front I like that a lot

[@tomaskral4685]

The best one and the most fun is the r1250r!

[@goldie6579]

I went with the RS

[@robperkins2674]

I’ll take both

[@gregfleenor9654]

The best one is the K16GT.

[@maxflight777]

I agree !

[@BRACHYDUDE]

Nice

[@sailingyoumeandjosapea6770]

Cool 😎

[@catonehere]

R1250RS

[@MichiBayern]

GS is Lifestyle 😉

[@endurofly]

Basically RT is better on good tarmac while GS is better on bad tarmac. And to be honest : for many years GS is NO longer off road bike !

[@luismorales2816]

Parece que el anuncio es de la gs, la rt, sale poco, no

[@jetrex1986]

I have a r1250r Sport less weight and better handing and with a screen.;-)

[@ExtremeDeathman]

It's an adventure bike in English, not a touring enduto.

[@QuietStormX]

GSA!

[@goldie6579]

RS

[@michaelfraser5723]

Silly old men walk right in front of the motorcycle, like a rite of passage for those who never liked motor bikes. BUT, it might have something to do with the look of the motorcycle, which is angry and predatory.

[@naejyy]

Selawat jibril

[@elydeboro2878]

the GS has a very ugly front

[@tonyatkin7875]

Any boxer engine is bloody terrible

[@chrissimpkins7676]

What does that even mean?

[@toniraff5488]

The RT is an ugly motorcycle for overweight unsporty grandpas who like to troll about their highway miles while feeling as mighty and 'potent' as a ... cop 😂😂💪💪🤷‍♂️ Reminds me of the Mindhunter Episode where the psyco likes policecars etc. Fits the profile

[@zunaidkajee4540]

At least the RT looks like a motorcycle, especially after you unclip the panniers and top box. The GS, on the other hand, looks like a mountain bike with an engine slapped on. And they both sound like tractors. The inline 6.....now that's a good sounding engine 👌🏼

[@toniraff5488]

@Gogu De la fierastraie I ride an Africa Twin offroad alone in 2800m hight, bigfoot

[@mikeessary4925]

@@toniraff5488 I'm 35 years old and 5ft 10 and 180 pounds.. I would love this bike.

[@henkondemand]

I think it looks great. I love that you think that it's a grandpa bike, that means I get the thing second hand with low milage and great maintenance history.