2018 BMW R1200RT LE Full Review including guide to the whole menu system

This is my Full review of my 2018 BMW R1200RT which I have split into sections, firstly showing you some specifications of the bike while riding it. Next I take you into the garage and give a full guide to the menu system on the dashboard.
We then jump back on the motorcycle and ride to a nice site to park up and do a walk round explaining all controls, heated equipment, lights and luggage.
I manage to send the drone up for a quick fly around and we end with a few photo's of the motorbike.
Timeline below if you wish to skip to a certain part.
Chapter Index
00:00 Specifications and review while riding the bike
04:59 Full guide to the menu system on the bike's dash (in the garage)
13:08 Back on the bike continuing the review
17:19 Parked up for a full walk around the bike
24:48 Drone fly around from above
26:06 Final words while riding
27:20 Photographs
If you would like to subscribe please click the link below (its FREE) and if you also click the "bell" icon and tick to receive e-mail notifications (FREE also) you will be informed of any future episodes I release.
CLICK this Link to SUBSCRIBE - / biggo147. .

[@paul220560]

Hi Steve, Having just passed my test this year at age 63 and cut my teeth on an F800GT I have been looking to upgrade and the R1200RT is top of my list. Having trawled the internet for reviews this is by far the best out there, a good honest opinion, all the right info without the usual faf that others try to "impress" with. Just what I needed and what I would expect from a fellow Northerner! Cheers

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks for leaving such a positive comment Paul and pleased it's helped in some way. Hope you have many happy miles with whichever you decide on 🏍 Ride safe my friend

[@johnhutchinson2500]

Very well wear with the new bike Steve. Looking forward to following your future adventures. Happy safe travels ahead for you

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks John appreciate that my friend, ride safe fella

[@thelastcoyote1423]

Yeh great video as always Steve. Keep them coming!

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks for watching mate.

[@scaff3450]

Nice to see you back Steve look forward to Scotland trip etc ride safe bud

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers Scaff appreciate it mate.

[@lpete531]

Awesome review of the RT, thanks for sharing 👍🏽

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers Carl appreciate that mate.

[@jorobson1]

Awesome review. I have the R1250 version of your bike in red. I just love it, it's a great bike that the more I ride it the more I enjoy it. Keep up the great videos.

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers Johnno you have the one with the beautiful dash on it, enjoy my friend and ride safe.

[@malcolmbennett3555]

great to see another SC video.........looking forward to many more with all the gang :)

[@Steve-Clark]

Tour coming soon Malcolm thanks for watching my friend.

[@hebehall]

Superb video. The perfect pace without waffling on or going too quick. Thanks 😊

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks for that, pleased you enjoyed it.

[@charlesharrison3032]

Just watched this after getting my 2016 rt,great informative video,well done and thanks.

[@Steve-Clark]

Pleased it's been of some help Charles thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Ride Safe my friend and ENJOY!!!

[@joesphbest3120]

Steve good to see you again and new bike is really nice.

[@Steve-Clark]

Thank you Joesph always nice to receive a comment from you my friend.

[@kevinschilling1368]

Excellent review, well done!

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks Kevin appreciate that mate.

[@not-this-fartoofar3606]

Nice one mate. Great informative review for those who are thinking of buying one. Had two R1200RT.. Brilliant Bike. Just got a GSA 1250 TE. Love it. Though my heart belongs to the RT

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks for that fella, my mate has the GSA 1250 TE and the dash on them are simply beautiful. ride safe my friend.

[@JonNelson90WBN]

Looks like a wonderful comfy bike. Definitely a contender in the future for me. A lot of machine for the money. Great that your original toolbox fits too. The one handed panniers with central locking must make life easy on those big trips. Great video Steve. 👍🏻

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers John and yeah was well happy the old top box fitted on the new rack, 👍 happy days. Ride Safe fella

[@ricmcgillgopro]

GREAT review. Well done.

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks Ric appreciate that fella 👍

[@damientoohey4722]

What a beautifully presented review. I have an ex-police 2006 R1200RT which I love but had wondered about the differences. This video, thanks to Steve, described them comprehensively. Great video Steve.

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks Damien for taking the time to comment my friend and pleased it helped in some way, ride safe

[@lestersmyth692]

Superb informative review Steve, I’m picking up mine next week very much looking forward too getting out and about on it. I ride the Scottish borders most weekends the RT will be superb. You have saved me literally hours of reading the manual 👍big thank you.

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks for the positive comment Les and pleased it's helped my friend, have many happy miles on your RT and ride safe fella.

[@MrTerror1200]

top quality again Steve as always waiting for your next videos when you on tour again with Mozzie and crew

[@Steve-Clark]

Another tour coming soon fella thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@tnysalvaggio]

Ready to rent this bike in west palm beach for a few days. Great video. Thx for sharing.

[@Steve-Clark]

Pleased you enjoyed it and thanks for watching my friend

[@78jota]

Well done Steve, it’s one of the best reviews I have watched and so informative. There are many vloggers/reviewers that could learn a lesson or two from this and you should do some more but then that’s perhaps not your thing so I look forward to watching all your forthcoming trips and tours, keep up the great work 😊👍

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks Ian for taking the time to leave a positive comment my friend I really appreciate it. We are going on tour in a couple of months so more fun with the gang to follow. Ride Safe mate

[@davidwatts2046]

Ditto that😁

[@chrisway9073]

Hi Steve, I've long been a fan of your channel and always look forward to your posts. This vlog is a great insight into a fantastic bike, the most informative overview of the machine I've seen. Don't get me wrong, but for me it would have been even greater if you had done this 3 years ago when I got one! Recently I've moved to the 21 RT, the one with the big dash, loving it. Thanks for all the effort you put in to creating really great viewing. Cheers

[@Steve-Clark]

Ha ha sorry Chris about the 3 yr delay, couldn't quite afford the model with the new dash like yours which are amazing, ride safe mate and thanks for taking the time to leave such a positive comment.

[@johnnys5419]

Nice bike👍 Fantastic touringbike🤩And I like the color😊 You are a lucky one👏

[@Steve-Clark]

cheers Johnny appreciate that

[@anthonynewton7987]

As a new RT owner I found this video very, very helpful. Cheers

[@Steve-Clark]

Nice one pleased it helped out Anthony ride safe my friend.

[@johnpollock4257]

Great video and very informative 👍

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks John 👍

[@ConciergeMed]

Very nice bike of yours Steve and very enjoyable video. Cheers 👍

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks for watching fella

[@beemrdon52]

Thanks for the run through.

[@Steve-Clark]

Pleased you enjoyed my friend

[@rhugh02]

Great video on the bike. Well done. Cheers from California.

[@Steve-Clark]

Wow California thanks for that my friend. 👍

[@richardsmith3963]

Great video Steve.....so good that I have just bought a 2020 RT after my 1200 GS was stolen and written off. Watching your video has made everything clearer than reading the handbook!

[@Steve-Clark]

Happy days Richard pleased the vid has helped out fella. Thanks for watching my friend and ride safe.

[@rudybristow5563]

I’m across the pond in Atlanta and ride a 2016 R1200RT. I am completely satisfied with my RT. I ride the north Georgia mountains ans the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. The RT does it all. Your review of the dash and selectors was spot on. Best review I’ve viewed.

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks Rudy really appreciate that my friend and thanks for taking the time to comment. Ride Safe in that beautiful country of yours.

[@davepollypollardthailand5158]

Great review Steve always better when you own the bike. Thank you

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers Dave thanks for watching

[@MWS1960]

Excellent video and loved the part of the video that went through the instrument panel

[@Steve-Clark]

Pleased it may of been some help my friend and thanks for watching

[@MWS1960]

@@Steve-Clark I just took my RT in today for a 9k maintenance…..riding next week from Scottsdale, AZ to South Lake Tahoe, which routes me thru Death Valley. 133F. Blistering hot ! Specially being from the UK early in life and miss those rainy days 🥹🥹😅

[@Steve-Clark]

@@MWS1960 OMG hope you have mesh jacket and trousers I just couldn't cope with that but ride safe my friend

[@tonyporter9362]

Brilliant, thanks for that. My next bike for touring

[@Steve-Clark]

You wont be disappointed Tony

[@michaeldobson8859]

Great job. Very detailed

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers Michael appreciate that my friend

[@shaylok11]

As someone who has just purchased the 2017 model, I thank you for the detailed and explanatory video guide. I will definitely continue to follow your channel

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks very much hope it helped in some way, ride safe my friend.

[@shaylok11]

By the way, like you, I also came to this motorcycle after two years of fun riding the Moto Guzzi V85TT, with which I have done 30,000 km so far. Considering whether to sell or indulge in two excellent motorcycles...@@Steve-Clark

[@Steve-Clark]

@@shaylok11 keep the 2 of them, you know it makes sense 😃👍

[@davidsanderson1891]

Hi Steve. Beautiful. Stunning bike mate And great review. That will help any bmw (rt) owners out. Really easy to follow.. Old dave

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers old Dave appreciate the positive comment my friend. Stay safe mate

[@paulkiley4667]

What a great review Steve. I really do like the BMW range, so many bikes to consider you're spoiled for choice. I really like the RT but i doubt it'll fit down the side of my house being almost a metre wide! I'll have to get the tape measure out this weekend. Still I'm happy with my Tracer 900 for now plus the fact I've got the bike exactly as i want it. Maybe in the future though, who knows....

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks Paul pleased you enjoyed it my friend, ride safe and the Tracer 900 are a cracking bike 👍

[@derekholme6922]

Hi Steve, hope all is good with you, what a vid, my head is full of stats. and buzzing, we have had a trip or two and just looking at a trip to Yorkshire , we did a terrific road(in the Campervan), Alston to Brought with a detour down a small gated road, onto A66 and home, next time we will be on the Beemer, Cheers

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers Derek pleased you had a good run out with the camper van. Ride Safe my friend.

[@Hinckley_Biker]

Hey Steve, I have just bought a 2020 R1250RT LE from Pidcock BMW in Long Eaton, I bought a Kawasaki Versys 1000 six months ago but it is just too top heavy when loaded up with luggage and a pillion! I will pick up the RT next week, I can't wait!! I enjoyed your video, it helped me understand all the controls! 👍

[@Steve-Clark]

Pleased it helped in some way 👍 you'll have to change your username now tho 🤣 ride safe my friend

[@trailingarm63]

Good film, very thorough, kept us all in order. If they ever bring back The Wheeltappers & Shunters Social Club I think you'd make an excellent chairman.

[@Steve-Clark]

Ha ha brilliant thanks for watching and taking the time to comment my friend.

[@gordonhenderson1708]

A good guide to the operation of the controls. Took me a while to learn, hands on. I have the same bike, since new, same year, same colour. 91,000 km on the clock now. Love it, of course. You are probably aware that the plastic key will enable keyless start by holding the plastic key in the slot between the gauges. My fob rarely leaves my pocket when travelling. I have the Oldtimers brand Navigator locking system Theirs was available before Wunderlich's. Adding a Hex EZcan gave me four more circuits which are controlled with the the RT's controls. For example adding louder horns (I added dual Fiamms), auxilliary lights (I added a Denali B6), etc. My only problem has been with the Navigator VI. My fourth unit has just failed. Garmin has been fantastic at replacing them but this time I told them I'm ready to give up on the Nav VI and purchase a Zumo XT. Garmin's reply to that was "we'll exchange your Navigator VI for a Zumo XT at no cost." I'm responsible for procuring the adapter that will enable the XT to mount in the same spot and the wheel won't control zoom, etc. I'm going for it. www.adapter3dmotorrad.com/prodotto/e-nav-xt-rt/ kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIvNloiwdsymqa8

[@Steve-Clark]

Hi Gordon sorry for the late reply but your comment was held back for review as it had web address's in it and I only check every so often. What a great comment with lots of info so cheers for that my friend. I so far have been lucky with my sat nav VI as its worked faultlessly for nearly a year now (touch wood) but the adapter for the XT is a great back up if needed, ride safe fella.

[@RubyRT]

Great review Steve, I’m test riding a 2018 RT on Monday and looking forward to it even more after watching this. If I enjoy the ride as much as you obviously do, the salesman won’t have to work too hard!

[@Steve-Clark]

Hi Geoff Let me know how you go my friend but I'm sure you'll love it they are amazing machines. Ride safe mate.

[@RubyRT]

Well a 2016 1200RT Iconic (limited edition of 100 bikes) came up for sale mid week with under 11k miles, and I’ve bought it! It’s a beautiful machine - very exciting!

[@Steve-Clark]

Wow Geoff have seen those and they look a superb machine, happy rides ahead my friend.

[@STOPsignforRT]

"Go for it. Absolutely amazing" / Phenomenal." Couldn't agree with you more as a 2018 RT owner also. Fantastic handling, all the power you need and comfort / convenience features galore. A handful though when stationary so you have to respect its weight per user experience. 😩 Central locking system however does not lock the factory Navigator 6 unit (at least on my bike) but I sure wish it did. Thanks for the very comprehensive review! Cheers 🥂

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers fella am loving this bike and fitted sat nav lock a bit back and did this video explaining fitting it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZemZoN6md6jj9k Expensive but gives me piece of mind, ride safe my friend.

[@Shiplap4]

BOOM 💥 new bike, happy days. Like that colour as well . I hope you have many years of trouble free riding. Must be a tour coming on soon Steve ?

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks Alan we are on tour again in a couple of months fella 👍

[@ivor1957]

Enjoyed your review. Whilst out riding on the B1398 if you had gone a bit further you would have passed through Cammeringham where I was born. One of the beautiful cliff side villages.

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks Ivor and I have been through Cammeringham many times and your right it is a beautiful village.

[@davidwatts2046]

Fantastic review of a great bike, one I've owned for nearly 4 years now and to be honest I'm fancying a change so I've recently had test rides on both versions of the Honda NT1100 and I'm pleasantly surprised! Can't compare to my RT but at £12k brand new its really tempting😄

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks David and yes have been hearing a lot about the new Honda NT1100 seems a lot of machine for the money I agree. ride safe mate.

[@brianwells6692]

I have just purchased the same bike Steve. It arrives on the 4th July, I hope I won't be disappointed. Can anyone convince me I have done the right thing? Watching your video just sealed it for me Steve. Keep the videos coming.

[@Steve-Clark]

You will not be disappointed Brian they are amazing machines let me know how you go my friend.

[@michaelcarr4553]

Very nice bike enjoy it

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks Michael appreciate that my friend.

[@marksherwood9203]

Hi Steve. I have a 2012 RT and I've taken many a long ride on it. I live out in California and just about every year I take a long tour. I think my favorite ride was one I took with my brother Paul who has a Honda Goldwing. In 2014 we met in Minneapolis and from there we rode up into Canada to circumnavigate Lake Superior. The ride all the way around the lake was over 1000 miles, and in the upper northern reaches of the route you have to be keenly aware of your fuel level since civilization thins out up there. Never had a problem though. I took photos and video and I'll go through them now and then. Anyway I hope to see some more of your reviews. -Mark Sherwood

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks Mark for sharing that adventure with us sounds amazing. It's the same here when in Scotland the higher you go the petrol stations thin out big time. Hope you have many more happy miles my friend. Ride safe

[@chrismarshall6566]

Great to see you on the bike again, any news of a tour? Just did Scotland for Easter with the lads which was great. Good video mate.

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers Chris we also are heading back up to Scotland (Nairn) in a couple of months on tour mate. ride safe bud

[@carlton683]

Hi Steve glad to see you again,I’m looking forward too seeing you guys riding this year best wishes 👍

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers Anthony a new tour starting soon my friend.

[@brno221973]

A lot of bike there steve, not quite ready for one yet as I’m a few years off “not saying you are old”🥺 I’m still in the sport bike/ sport tourer part of my life at the minute but one will most certainly be purchased in the next 5/10 years.👍👍

[@Steve-Clark]

Good man Si you know it makes sense 🤣👍

[@jongreen3027]

hi steve i love your vlogs

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers Jon appreciate that

[@ianedgerton8219]

What a brilliant video Steve. I've got the K1600 which is absolutely awsome. The only issue I have is I cant set the central speedo to KPH for riding in Europe, oh well if that's the only niggle I can live with it.

[@Steve-Clark]

Hi Ian absolutely love the K1600's I test rode one and was blown away how easy it was to ride. Just to heavy for me nowadays. Think I heard somewhere that if you take bike into a dealers they can hook it up and alter speedo to KPH, but don't know how true that is. ride safe mate.

[@ianedgerton8219]

@@Steve-Clark I'll give the dealership a call. Thanks

[@briand4000]

Brilliantly done! I'm picking up a '17 RT tomorrow. After many years with an Electra Glide and a GL1800 Goldwing, this bike takes the entire riding experience to a different level. It is so well thought out in every way. Wish I would have considered the RT sooner!

[@Steve-Clark]

Nice one Brian hope you have many years happy riding my friend.

[@Banditmanuk]

61.8 mpg is super impressive for a big bike. Certainly an amazing machine to clock up some touring miles. 35mpg and a 17L tank is beginning to get really annoying and expensive with the MT10. I actually like the Garmin 660 😉 Always good to see a new vid 👍 Hope you're well, cheers and best

[@Steve-Clark]

Always nice to receive a comment from you Richard and I think the 660 is a great bit of kit. 35 mpg that is expensive now in these crazy times of rising fuel prices, maybe time and a good excuse to have a change my friend.

[@Banditmanuk]

@@Steve-Clark I'm looking 👍

[@Steve-Clark]

@@Banditmanuk Happy days a new bike reveal video possibly coming 👍🤣

[@malcolmwatton4323]

Hi Steve, bet you can't wait to go touring with the mates.

[@Steve-Clark]

Your absolutely right Malcolm really looking forward to this years tours my friend.

[@heating4343]

I have just had the K1600GTL loving the bike

[@Steve-Clark]

Would love the K1600GTL Gordon and have test ridden one but it would just be a little to heavy for me now. ride safe fella.

[@heating4343]

See you around steve enjoy the riding keep the shiny side up fella .

[@NotNowCato1254]

A very comprehensive review that, Steve. One only an owner could do justice to really. Nicely done. One question: is that the low seat you have there? Looks thinner than standard. Tojjer29, another sub of yours and regular commenter, is a mate. I took his RT (same vintage as yours) out for a few miles last week. Really nice ride - they do handle far better than they look like they should. Heavy, yes, but so well balanced that from walking speed onwards they're a doddle to ride. Quite handy as I'm a short-arse. The standard seat on the lower setting was still a bit too high for me 😂. I think it may actually be slightly lower than on my 1250RS but it's a fair bit wider, hence the problem I think. Look forward to more stuff from you this season. Thanks 👍

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers Mike for taking the time to comment and you are right I have purchased the low seat as same as yourself a bit of a shortie. With the standard set to low I could put both feet down but only on the balls of my feet, with the low one I can easily stand with both feet planted flat which is so much better and just makes you feel so much more stable. Ride safe my friend.

[@Baza765]

👏If Carlsberg did reviews 🤣 Top review mate,that bike was built with you in mind 👍 PS remember the insurance mishap, did you stay with Bennett’s🤔 I had the same thing on my policy 10 miles but when I phoned to get it changed they said I had EU cover 😳🤦‍♂️ Ride Safe Mr B🤘😎

[@Steve-Clark]

Hi Mr B Insurance with Bennets not run out yet but as soon as it does its getting binned off. The new bike came with full BMW warranty for 2 years INC FULL breakdown cover lol. Ride safe my friend.

[@ouassimboumeshouli8510]

Merci pour les informations

[@Steve-Clark]

No problem pleased you enjoyed it

[@richardwestmoreland4796]

I enjoyed your review and look forward to seeing more. Just one thing when you said that you liked the way that the bike fit you it would have been nice if you gave a few of your dimensions. Your height and leg inseam measurements are important for any rider to know that might be considering a purchase. Even the length of your arms from the shoulder to the wrist would be handy to have . I'm about 6' 1" and 190 lbs with a leg inseam of 34" and am left wondering if I would be a good fit for this particular bike. Short trips it isn't much of a concern but after 6 hours in the saddle I want to know if continuing on in comfort is a good possibility. Thank you for the concise explanation of the bikes menus as a lot of people doing these reviews neglect to clearly explain things like that.

[@Steve-Clark]

Hi Richard I'm 5'10" 200lbs and inside leg 32". Best thing to do for anyone thinking of one of these beautiful machines is to have a test ride really my friend. Thanks for watching and ride safe fella.

[@tojj29]

Not a bad bit of kit are they these RT's. The cradle that holds the sat nav, will also take a specific phone holder so you can use your phone as sat nav, that's what I use. It also gives you two USB charging points too. I had the nav 6 but found it quite problematic. Sold it and stick to the phone now. Spot on about the mirrors, they're near perfect. And personally, I don't think it looks that bad without the panniers on. The Pan European looks hideous without the boxes. And the best thing about it apart from the comfort? For a 4 seater sofa, it handles superbly with that telelever suspension. Great bike, and very pleased with mine 👌 Cheers Steve

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers fella didn't know about the phone holder and have to agree totally about when panniers are off the Beemer looks great but when my pan euro didn't have them looked awful. Ride Safe my friend.

[@henryroscoe2464]

Great video again Steve. If I wasn’t so pleased with my GS, the RT would be my go to bike! I’ve always liked them! Ride safe, Dave from Sunny Scarborough.

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers Dave have to admit the GS is an amazing machine, my mate has one. Ride safe my friend and thanks for watching.

[@waynedilworth5706]

Hi Steve, great video, does yours have the favourites on the menu button, press up ? I use mine for the heating menu, very useful

[@Steve-Clark]

Yes Wayne it has a little diamond symbol on it and I have it to select my heated grips my friend.

[@ianmott856]

Good review Steve very informative . Just as a point what drone are you using

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks Ian and the drone is old now as its an original DJI Mavic Pro, ride safe fella

[@ionutdavid3951]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. You can put a link where you can buy the battery charger with all accessories. Thank you

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks David the BMW specific battery optimiser is from Nippy Norman's online my friend.

[@naduncan08]

Hi Steve, I have just watched the above video which I enjoyed but I think, and please correct me if I am wrong, you did not mention the 4 un-marked vertically aligned buttons which are under your left hand ? these buttons are owner programmable which means that instead of layering through multiple menus to find your heated hand grips you could locate that function to one of the buttons and access that function very quickly and easily. Anyway, just a thought keep up the good work. Cheers Neil from Thailand.

[@Steve-Clark]

Hi Neil you are indeed right that on some models the 4 buttons you mention enable you to program them as 4 favourites for easy one touch access to a menu item. BUT not my model, they are just 4 blank buttons to allow me to upgrade at some point. On models that do have these you would see them numbered 1-4 in white numerals. I do have one favourite button which is a top press on my menu button highlighted with a diamond symbol, this gets me straight to my heated grips. Cheers mate and well spotted anyway. 👍

[@BillyBigBalls770]

Nodding at the police Steve, slippery slope.😂🚔👮‍♂️

[@Steve-Clark]

Ha ha I'd nodded before I realised it was our uniformed friends 🤣

[@scrumpymanjack]

Really good review. Thanks. Particularly liked the detail of going through all the switches and menu settings. I'm test riding one of these (2017, actually, but the same LE spec) on Monday. Very excited. But I've only ever ridden a Honda Deauville (the 700). Is this going to feel overwhelming in terms of weight and power? The Deauville (yeah, yeah, I know!) is heavy enough so not expecting to be intimidated by the weight necessarily - but I'm hoping the throttle isn't like a hair trigger. Thanks again.

[@Steve-Clark]

Thanks Jack the BMW is quite light for the overall size of them (had a Honda Pan European previously which are in fact 11 stone heavier) and low centre of gravity means they handle superbly. As far as power is concerned you can tell a big difference through the 3 modes rain, road and dynamic. Rain you have a slow response to the throttle obviously for safety reasons, Road gives a response I would call normal riding and if you pop them onto Dynamic mode just a slight twist of the throttle and boom your away (not recommended to first start with lol) hope that helps and let me know how you go. Ride Safe my friend.

[@scrumpymanjack]

@@Steve-Clark VERY helpful, Steve. Thanks. Yep, think I might even put it on “rain” setting for the first few miles! At least I now know where the switch is! Was also watching your IAM test. Thinking of taking a course in my area. I’m an older rider and only passed my MOD2 a year ago so the extra training seems an excellent investment.

[@Steve-Clark]

@@scrumpymanjack you'll be fine in ROAD mode fella they are a dream to ride ENJOY !!!

[@crustyoldman11]

I had the 2015 version, that 2018 model looks about the same. It's still the best bike I've ever owned...if only the GTL was lighter

[@Steve-Clark]

Think they were the same from 2014 to 2019 Steven and agree totally with you about the GTL being lighter. Ride Safe my friend.

[@andyhorn2509]

Very nice review Steve.. this past spring I bought a 2016 rt. Don't have a manual for the audio system. Any idea how to scroll through radio stations and preset them?

[@Steve-Clark]

Sorry Andy I don't have the system your asking about so can't help my friend

[@andyhorn2509]

@@Steve-Clark thanks for the reply

[@frankcastle5294]

Steve: Your menu and joy knob controls explanation was fabulous and can't thank you enough. Quick question please: When you get to time of day and date feature display...how do you reset the clock and the date? Here in America we change times twice a year and would be useful to know how to at least change the clock. Thanks again Mate.

[@Steve-Clark]

Hi Frank when you get to TIME in the settings menu you need to push your jog wheel towards the menu button on your bike ,this will then show hours and minutes. arrows will be above and below one of these, which ever one is highlighted if you then turn your jog wheel it will alter the hours or mins. You can toggle between hrs and mins by again clicking the jog wheel towards the menu button. To go back from all settings simply pull the jog wheel away from the menu button. Hope that helps my friend it really is a quick job when you know how.

[@frankcastle5294]

@@Steve-Clark Again Steve...can't thank you enough and that is those are the precise directions I've been looking for. Again can't thank you enough for your time and assistance. Many regards my friend.

[@Steve-Clark]

Frank pleased to be of help my friend and pleased your all sorted fella ride safe.

[@frankcastle5294]

@@Steve-Clark Thanks again Steve and as usual, you nailed it with precise instructions. Just one more quick question then I'll stop pestering you: I put the RT up on the centerstand the other night, removed right side battery access cover, hooked up small charger to keep battery fresh, then turned on ignition without starting the motor. Spent probably 20 minutes in that position going thru all the menu options and items. Thanks to you I have the basics down now. Question is this: at the top side of the menu toggle button, there is a small diamond and the button can be toggles up in that direction. What feature is that for? Some type of memory thing? Still trying to figure out the 4 buttons on left panel. Must be for the onboard stereo. Yikes! thanks again my friend.

[@Steve-Clark]

Hi Frank the top of the menu button with the diamond shape on is a favourite button. You are quite right on the memory theme as when you toggle through the menu pages you can indeed memorize one of them. I have my heated grips on mine, simply find your fav menu item then press and hold the diamond button down a few seconds until you see the diamond light up to the right of the title on that page and voila instead of scrolling through all the pages simply tap the diamond button and in my case straight to heated grips page. hope that helps my friend.

[@michaeldobson8859]

Could have added how to work the WIZ Wheel control and GPS displays.

[@Steve-Clark]

Wiz wheel was what I was using when scrolling the menu system Michael and not everyone has a GPS so that could be a seperate video later my friend.

[@jagfanlad4828]

that last video 30th april bike review drone footage location seems familiar old airfield am sure i have been there. is it near Lincoln , please looking for somewhwere off road to test learn how to handle a big heavy bike its been 30 years since i last ridden a bike, paul

[@Steve-Clark]

Paul the location isn't to far from Lincoln its the field that holds the sunday market at Hemswell. I actually got a telling off for being on there lol. But there is like a wide runway area that you can ride on which would be fine for practice, the BMW has a low sense of gravity its really easy to ride, you say 30yrs ago last ride but you will find this a pleasure and easier than your imagining to ride my friend.

[@austinmatthews347]

i decided to remove all my older bikes abd buy a brand new one and the bike i chose was s1000xr te in the red what a bike

[@Steve-Clark]

Nice one Austin enjoy riding it my friend.

[@austinmatthews347]

@@Steve-Clark riding the wheels of it did that run over hawes the ribblehead and back down through skipton

[@Steve-Clark]

@@austinmatthews347 happy days cracking route that one. ride safe mate.

[@daniellyne1]

I've just subscribed to your channel I've got the exact same bike 🏍. Looking for to more videos

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers Dan thanks for that, plenty more to come my friend. Ride Safe.

[@daniellyne1]

@@Steve-Clark brilliant only picked mine up Sunday, may I ask a very stupid question 🙄 would you do a video on the lights how to put them on and if we have to road following fusion please Steve buddy

[@Steve-Clark]

Hi Dan it's all automatic really lights wise, low beam comes on when ignition is switched on and you can set the daytime running lights to come on automatically in menu or there's a button that puts them on or off. And high beam button is furthest forward one on left handlebar push it to switch high beam on and pull back for off. You can squeeze same button in to use for flashing and that's it fella. Hope that helps

[@daniellyne1]

@@Steve-Clark yeah your right thanks Steve buddy I've just been out in the dark and they are automatic light my Discovery they came on 👊🏼👍🏻

[@beemrdon52]

I always leave mine on dynamic and suspension on hard.

[@Steve-Clark]

Dynamic and normal for me my friend

[@beemrdon52]

@@Steve-Clark I have found that soft is good on really rough paved and dirt roads. It really smooths out the jarring. Otherwise it's back to hard/dynamic for me. Happy Riding...

[@Steve-Clark]

@@beemrdon52 totally agree my friend ride safe fella

[@waynecooper8739]

Where,s the entertainment,system? if it's L E model what,s so special about it? I have one,not an LE and it has full entertainment system as well

[@Steve-Clark]

That is an added extra Wayne I have mp3 player and radio with my sat nav so good enough. 👍

[@jagfanlad4828]

hello steve new subscriber , am seriously considering buying this exact bike model year. would you know please what its payload capacity is what max weight will this bike carry , 2 up with luggage. i myself am a big guy. appreciate your help thanks paul

[@Steve-Clark]

Hi Paul sorry for the late reply and in answer to your question the payload capacity in the manual says max 225 kgs which in old school terms equates to 35 stone 6 pounds hope that helps you my friend.

[@mybikegarage1040]

I would not charge the battery through the CANBUS system on the bike as you do. Not a good idea. The system is not designed to handle current. It is a data system that operates on voltage not current.

[@Steve-Clark]

Hi fella the optimate I use is made specifically for the canbus system so can't see that it will harm it and have had no problems to date my friend.

[@mybikegarage1040]

@@Steve-Clark As an electrical engineer i would disagree with the principal of doing a charge through the CANBUS system. The system is designed to pass power to users on the BUS. All Canbus systems are self regulating from their own power source, not an external source and reverse powering the CANBUS was not in the designers concept when designing a CANBUS system. You are actually risking spiking all the modules on the BUS, ABS, ASC, ECU, Suspension control. Plus you are actually back charging the voltage regulator that powers the BUS. Why put the system at risk when a direct connection is far safer and the correct method of charging the battery is with the supplied battery fused connector it came with. Using that adapter and a Chinese made charger on the BUS is not what BMW had in mind for that power port. Just last year I had a Multistrada loose part of its regulator and a DSS Module on the CANBUS from a battery charger left connected to a charge connection directly to the battery. Just turning on the ignition, caused a spike from the charger that caused a partial failure in the Voltage regulator that spiked the CANBUS and wiped-out the dynamic suspension control module. Having engineered PROFIBUS, MODBUS systems, I would not reverse power a BUS using a remote charger. Replacing your CANBUS Modules will cost many thousands of dollars, it’s not worth it.

[@Steve-Clark]

@@mybikegarage1040 You obviously know a lot more than I and from what I have read from you makes me very weary of continuing as I am. You just take it for granted that if they make these things specially for the BMW canbus system there should not be a problem. It's just so easy to plug the charger straight into one of the sockets that's all. But after reading your expert guidance I think I will be connecting the pigtails lead you get with them straight to the battery and do it the old way I used to on a Honda I had. Thanks very much for the advice and I'm on it my friend. 👍

[@dannyvan5792]

does you realy need all that to drive a motor ?

[@Steve-Clark]

🤣 Not really Danny but it all helps with the comfort and enjoyment of riding my friend.

[@beemrdon52]

I just bought a 2015 in blue/grey/black. It has everything that yours has except central locking. I'm a little disappointed that my1996 BMW K1100 is faster and has more torque. Way more torque. 😢

[@Steve-Clark]

The 1200rt is a pure tourer so built for comfort not speed I think, ride safe my friend

[@greerbox]

Why wouldn’t you nod at the police. I always do and they normally return the compliment. Unless they’re behind me 😂😂😂

[@Steve-Clark]

didn't think you should give it the nod to the police but suppose they are just bikers same as us eh, ride safe mate.

[@WeAreOne-31]

Best review I've seen👌🏿. Exquisite post, Mate. 🫶🏿

[@Steve-Clark]

Cheers fella pleased you enjoyed my friend.

[@WeAreOne-31]

@Steve-Clark I own the 2014 R1200RT, and you educated me on features I didn't quite understand. Your video is valuable. 💞

[@Steve-Clark]

@@WeAreOne-31 nice one pleased you pick up a few things, ride safe my friend and ENJOY the bike 👍