2023 BMW 1250 RT | Our First Look and Review

Toby loves the BMW RT, so much so that he really didn't want to review this bike for the fear of loving it so much! But what happened???
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[@dexradio]

The number 1 by the seat heating is where you have pressed the button by the pillion seat. So the pillion seat is on at level 1. The favourite button you toggled through is for the riders seat. The phone compartment has its own fan by the way, to keep your phone cool. And the inner bags solve all of your pannier complaints 🙂

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

But we don't even have a China-town on Craggy Island!

[@dexradio]

@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne Down with that sort of thing 😜

[@RE650NZGraeme]

I have had an older 2005 RT for three years now, and as you say, it is so easy to ride and it does everything effortlessly. Mine has the same styling as the modern ones, has the same exhaust sound, etc all of which I enjoy. A comment about the Panniers - they unlock off the bike so easy, you lay them open in your room and pack and stack fully. You can even get inner bags for them to enclose your loose things - I don't find it a problem at all - I use the full volume as well. I am not sure what you were complaining about? Even opening while on the bike, there are retaining straps to stop things falling out, and especially in an inner bag, it is all controlled. I love the fuel economy and distance per tankful as well!!

[@user-bs5nk9ud9k]

I own a new 2023 RT, same color. On the rear lef side below the pillion, I have a power socket.

[@paulcollins7185]

It has two power sockets!! One is at the rear and one at the front. The mobile phone charges wirelessly and there is a USB socket for phones that are not chargeable wirelessly.

[@porcobianco]

Given that this video was 'Our First Look and Review', it is perfectly understandable that all features and functionalities were not perfectly familiar to the test rider at the time of filming. I've owned three RTs and it took me a while to get used to all of them on my MY 21 R1250RT. I recently had the 30,000 km service done on my bike and, having ridden it for two seasons (the riding season up here in Finland is approx 6 mo/yr), the most often needed functions that I want to pull up during riding can easily be achieved through the favorite buttons and the wonderwheel. A couple of years ago, when the new version of the RT was introduced, some testers lamented the distracting need to push favorite buttons etc., but they failed to appreciate the fact that, in time, you no longer need to look at the buttons while riding. If you do not change their settings all the time, you soon will be able to slide your finger to the respective button and select the desired operation w/o having to take your eyes off the road. Same as driving a stick-shift car; you (hopefully) never look at the stick shift when changing gears. Two years ago the original Connected App software/bike firmware interface did not work very well and it was pretty annoying to have to stop and reboot the system, but the current firmware version seems to have eliminated the original bugs. I use an old, dedicated, iPhone SE (no need for a SIM card) for the Connected App and these days I only rarely encounter transient disconnects, which soon automatically disappear. A week ago I took a long trip to Lapland and the connection worked like charm all the time. Since my ancient iPhone does not support wireless charging, I bought a very short power cord and plug it in the USB port in the cubby hole (which is too small, BTW, for many modern phones). If somebody steals the phone, no major harm done since the factory-reset phone only contains the Connected App and my own music files. I installed Wunderlich engine protection bars and bar risers (which have eliminated shoulder blade pain on all of my RTs) as well as a small BMW topcase (290 €) for the purpose of storing my Arai and gloves during coffee breaks (I always ride alone and I do not overpack - hence no need for a large, expensive topcase). These have served me well. But the absolute best upgrade for the bike was to ship my seat to California during the off season, and have Russell Cycle Products modify it to a Day-Long® Touring Saddle. Granted, the new RT's stock seat is the best one I've had but if you take long trips, the Day-Long 'tractor' style seat makes butt pain a thing of the past. Some people do not like the looks of it, but, for me, riding comfort is paramount. However, it is a tad higher than the stock seat, and it takes a couple of thousand miles to break it in. The RT is not a bike for old-school riders who eschew electronics, listening to music while riding or safety features. This is perfectly fine. However, back in the day, I used to fly fighter aircraft in the Finnish Air Force and we were not ashamed to use any safety feature installed in any given jet. Military flying, like riding, is inherently dangerous. One of the reasons why I switched over to the new, fully loaded RT (approx. 35,000 € here in Finland - yikes!) is the adaptive cruise control. More often than not, on long trips, my brain tends to wonder off and the 'radar', if you please, reacts to sudden developments up ahead way sooner than I do. On one trip to Lapland it prevented me from rear-ending a car ahead of me when the driver slammed on his brakes in order to avoid hitting a large reindeer standing in the middle of the road. Money well spent. While the new RT is a nimble and sporty touring bike meant for mile munching in comfort, old school, knee-dragging, purists will certainly be better served with some other make or model. Thanks for the first review (sound quality caveats included) 👍

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks for the,positive words. We are sorry about the wind noise and have hopefully sorted that issue. The points raised about the information we got slightly wrong is probably down to the fact that unlike other channels we only have a short time with each bike before we take them out to ride. All the bikes we ride come from the dealers demonstrator fleet so information is gathered just prior to riding so we forget stuff, we are only human… Ride safe.

[@flewnvy]

Bought mine in January. Absolutely the most balanced (at least for me) bike I’ve ever ridden. I use a dedicated iPhone for the connected app and it has worked well. Still a slightly clunky approach to a nav set up, but it works pretty well. I’ve gotten the spool up time between the bike and phone down to about a minute by having the phone on, ignition on… phone joins the bikes wifi network and Bluetooth. While that’s going on I suit up and by the time I’m done with that the bike and phone nav is up and running. Once you have a system figured out your good to go. Alpine White is fastest! Cheers from Florida.

[@RiderCamTV]

Love the white. Best colour I recon but the blue is sweet too. Thanks for the connection tips. A dedicated old iPhone sounds just the job! Ride safe buddy

[@flewnvy]

All three colors are fast!

[@geraldfrieberg7921]

I love the Garmin GPS. I have seen several videos that simply allow one to mount the BMW Nav 6 Garmin unit onto the newer '22 and '23 bikes, thus bypassing all of the phone issues. So, if one wants to continue using his Garmin from the earlier generation RT (I currently own and ride a '15 r1200 RT...a fabulous MC), it can be easily done with purchase of the BMW manufactured accessory mount for the unit.

[@Suetweed123]

Use inner bags in the panniers, then nothing can fall out.

[@martinhowell3475]

It's as if they haven't ridden the older BMWs.

[@stevesunderland3943]

I’ve had 3 RT’s. The panniers have luggage retraining straps in so what is he talking about 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ragetobe]

I use panniers and a top box regularly on another bike and I use inner bags anyway.

[@louisgaliano7418]

The panniers are really designed to be used with BMW’s beautifully designed inner bags which come with detachable shoulder straps so you don’t drag your road soiled panniers into your clean hotel room. By the way, the panniers don’t leak but in the unlikely event some rain sneaks in, the inner bags are also waterproof. I have toured in the rain with my 2022 RT and can vouch for this.

[@BubbaSatori]

“These boxes…” “Cheeky buttons…” 😂

[@geoffanderson7911]

Tour a tech do a mount for the XT that fits above the TFT or Wunderlich do an adapter that is for additional mirrors that replaces the switch gear fixing. It has a 3/8” hole in the top. You get a 3/8” to 1/4” threaded adapter then a RAM mount ball and you can mount the XT at the side. I took one out for a test ride last week and loved it so I’m also in the market for one but had the same concern re the Connected app V a traditional Satnav. I have a list of ‘extras’ in a list on my phone for when the order goes in 😊

[@markgr1nyer]

I brought my 2nd RT after a 5 year break. Bikes inbetween ranging from a zero DSR, to a Kawasaki ZZR1400, BMW K1200GT, Honda VFR1200DCT and a yamaha FJR1300......but nothing ticks as many boxes as well as an RT. I have an RT-P (2011) so have the slim line panniers. Filters so easy, easy at low speed, easy at high speed, great road presence, easy to service yourself if your into that side of it

[@cubatime72]

Quick question, I'm considering an RT 2021 model currently on a VFR1200X DCT, recently done a trip to France and I think I'm now of the age (dodgy knees etc) I want more protection and lower centre of gravity. Would u recommend the change?

[@markgr1nyer]

​@cubatime72 nothing beats the RT for weather protection

[@marsh6102]

Where you set up the shortcut buttons for grip and seat heating there are two options, the one you selected that allows you to click through the heat levels or you can set it to enter the heating menu and then you set your desired level with the whiz wheel.

[@RiderCamTV]

Ah, that makes sense. Thanks buddy. I should have gone to the actual menu to select it :)

[@randswansey3071]

Just picked up this exact bike three days ago and absolutely love it! Traded in my 2014, and what a difference! Smooth in every aspect, from shifting to riding. Only problem is I'm going to need a class to learn all the computer functions. 🤪

[@andrewdyson4255]

I’m on my forth RT since 2006 so that’s says it all. My latest is a 2023 model only 2 months old and it’s the best I’ve had so far. I’m not a fan of cruise control personally I prefer to be in control all the time apart from a 2 minute wrist rest on really long journeys. And I definitely don’t like the adaptive control, if I needed that then I’ll give up. I prefer to concentrate on my ride. I think several riders have problems with TFT and phone connections ( drop out). Personally mines fine at the moment but I don’t want to rest fate. But all in all they are just a great all round bike and I love it. Don’t see the problem with the panniers, I’ve been all over on big tours and you can carry loads of stuff. Just be careful when you open them up and use inner bags. You can get after market thinner panniers but they are expensive and not as good as the originals. There will be a din socket on n/s at rear near back of seat. Great to use for trickle charging. You can get a fender extender to fit but make sure of the year as there are different ones and others won’t fit

[@horspiste]

The rear DIN socket doesn't work for charging, only the front one does. Rear is fine for heated gear, tyre pump etc.

[@duncan1961]

Fully agree with your comments on the slimmer Police specification panniers - shame they’re not listed as an option, they’d be great for everyday riding…

[@geraldfrieberg7921]

I love the panniers because they will indeed fit my Shoei Neotec 2 helmet with ease. Not sure why folks are so up in arms about the width of the panniers..they are no wider than the front end of the bike, or the width of the cylinder heads. I think they're great !

[@glenntoulouse5710]

Buy one , sold my GS for an rs but did consider the rt as it must be the ultimate tourer.

[@badpants]

The RS is definitely a sportier ride, and I consider it the best "Sport Touring" motorcycle you can buy. The RT offers more in the way of comfort and options while sacrificing performance. The choice depends on your priorities at the time.

[@ICENI-Britannica]

Love my RT. Have done lots of European travels and never felt the full panniers were a problem. Have had 2 of these now, and my next bike will be the same. Nice review.

[@2HYPR]

Panniers are there to hold the inner pannier luggage bags in a waterproof safe manner all centrally locked. When I stop and unlock the pannier with a press of a button.. drop the external cover down out of the way to easily unzip the inner bag on the top to get something out I laugh at mates pulling ignition keys out to unlock boxes etc. When stopping for the overnighter.. flop the outer case down grab the inner bag and walk in with all my luggage.... so do yourself a favor - get the inner pannier bags and use the panniers as designed and don't be a peasant.

[@RiderCamTV]

panniers and their use are a very personal thing i guess. I just like the top loading, but am trying the bags to see how i get on :). not sure where the peasant bit comes 🤣

[@Boxer1250RT]

$50 inner liners for the panniers will solve your problem. The RT is NOT more expensive than the GSA here in the US if you don’t care about the active cruise and the radio as both mean nothing to me. On top, you get the power locks, power windshield, factory panniers, superior wind protection and amazing slow speed handling. RT’s Horn will wake up even the most distracted drivers on the road 😂.

[@geraldfrieberg7921]

Disagree on the horn, but otherwise, a great bike !!

[@3208NICK]

I know you don’t like the panniers, because they’re side opening, and things fall out, but, as you’ll know there are pannier inner bags that take away that problem. There is a little bit of wasted pannier space, but I find that ideal for sliding in a pair of shoes (outside of the inner pannier bags). I used to be a courier and on the pre water cooled models, we’d fit flat ‘city’ pannier lids. I’m pretty sure they’d make them for this. Regards, Nick

[@RTonTour]

Just picked mine up, love it

[@paulcollins7185]

I think your viewpoints on the panniers is wrong. I have this very bike and have had it from new since 2021. You can pack the panniers and put stuff in both parts; the inside of the opening lid and the pannier itself, quite easily and they take loads of stuff. Put the bike on the centre stand and things are more level, as I put singular items, like food shopping on occasion, in and pack it up. Yes, you do have to be a little bit careful about doing it, but you soon work it out and it becomes routine. If you want to take overnight kit, clothing etc, and you have bought this bike,....well, you can easily extend to buying the inner pannier bags for this bike..!! Pack your stuff in the inner pannier bag and put the bag in the pannier, job done! It's absolutely fine. The BMW Connect app works fine and I have had no problems once having got used to using it. The satnav on it is fine, about the only time I have had an issue was when the wifi "dropped" from my phone once, that was a bit annoying yes, but it has been and is fine. The two annoying factors are depending what type of mobile smartphone you have and not all fit in the compartment, my current one doesn't, my older phone did fit fine. The other annoying thing is that occasionally your software for it all has to be updated and can only be done at the dealers, highly annoying!! It should be able to update itself through your connected phone I feel. So a software update at the dealers can mean your bike is in there for hours!!!

[@RiderCamTV]

Our viewpoints are from a tour guides perspective and are our viewpoints. Doesn’t mean you have to agree with them 🤣

[@paulcollins7185]

@@RiderCamTV And I don't, you are correct...

[@RetroBiker]

@@paulcollins7185 and as a frequent RT tourer I don't agree with him either 👍

[@muddyharbourrider7340]

Or me, great advantage to be able to lock away my helmet on one side and Helite vest in the other pannier securely while I head off for a coffee etc. I’m a fan of these two though, good work guys keep it up 👍

[@throttle_up]

I love my '21 RT. It's my second one, and I don't think it will be the last. My one major gripe is the satnav, which is actually the Connected App on the phone. And it really needs to be a relatively high-spec phone. I use a separate smartphone for this, and keep the music/telephone on my "real" smartphone connected to my cardo - I don't connect those two to the bike at all. However my nav phone is not quite powerful enough, and keeps dropping the connection causing the visible map to freeze. If you are thinking of using your own satnav, get the tubular handlebar option so you can easily mount it. I think the size of the vehicle info display is so that it can sit well in the split view, with the map on the right at the same time. You get used to the panniers. I also have the top box, but that's a £1000 option. That is not a typo. (It does have interior carpet and light). You can carry four crash hats like that. If you were so inclined. And it's all central-locking.

[@mikedignum1868]

I still prefer the 1200 version with analog dials...They're getting too complicated. When I first started watching your videos, one of your reviews was on the 1200RT...I got one a few months later.

[@throttle_up]

I thought this, but I've got used to it. I wish they would do a twin-dial graphic that you could choose to display.

[@geraldfrieberg7921]

One thing I noticed right away about the '23 model (I own an older '15 r1200RT): The engine is much smoother; bar vibrations are totally gone ! Amazing ! Also, I love the increased low end torque. Whatever BMW did (maybe more optimal engine balancer shaft design, or maybe it's the newer Shift Cam design ?)...it has really smoothed out the engine. I still notice the typical clunky BMW tranny. They can't seem to get the "clunk" out of their bikes...not sure why...IN any event, I am used the "anvil and hammer clunk" of Beemers. They all do it... I love these bikes, and also love the wide rear panniers that will hold large full face helmets.

[@barney3417]

Great review but Sorry boys the sound is not up to your usual standards,

[@lpete531]

Microphone issues

[@RiderCamTV]

Yeah sorry guys. For some reason the sound came out a little rubbish and couldn’t be altered. Not sure why.

[@mtnair3]

I have a 2019 rt which replaced my 2005 rt. My issue was the navigator VI. Never learned to trust it. Replaced the Nav VI with a Garmin XT via the computer printer adapter you mentioned on your channel. Now I trust the GPS.

[@austinmatthews347]

I have same gsa as you pal she had the rear strut error in bavaria week before last shes going in fir a checkover and the input shaft siftware change on 3rd june i am having a r1250r for the week but i asked for a 1 hour test ride on their rt

[@mikefindlay-wilson995]

Very nice review - so did you buy one. anyway i have just ordered my second RT moving from a 21 1250 RT to a new 23 plate and absolutely love it, great bike. to solve the pannier issue you can buy inner bags, either OEM ones of aftermarket and you can now buy the slimmer aftermarket pannier lids. grant you it will add more expense, which i don't find as being needed, but the option is there

[@corneroth]

Nice screen but I think BMW should offer Apple CarPlay on all its screens. Even my Africa Twin has it and it works excellent!

[@RiderCamTV]

Agree with that mate

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Soooo tempted to buy a used one after sitting on it and finding it the most comfortable ergonomically perfect bike I’ve ever sat on. However it’s huge and not really an everyday hack and I find them hideously ugly from the front. No doubt capable but not for me. I prefer the RS which is the better all rounder but annoyingly like with most bmw’s you have to spend a small fortune adding stuff that should be standard or modifying bars, pegs and seats to make them fit properly. The RT is the only bmw that they put any thought into for fitting most people. The best thing about an RT is the ability to pick a really good one up used relatively cheaply. They devaluate massively compared with GS’s or even RS’s. I could have bought a good well specc’d RT for the price of my RS. I looked at a few but was appalled by the finish. All the ones I looked at suffered with lots of corrosion so either not looked after or poorly finished.

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Nice bike ..but it should be for the price tag. Loadsa money!!

[@ragetobe]

I was looking at your perspective while sitting on the bike at the start of the video and for this looks like the Penryn dealership which I have visited, I live nearby. Edit: I watched on and it is Penryn.

[@RiderCamTV]

Sure is

[@ragetobe]

@@RiderCamTV I was showing my wife and it looks like I totally missed the start where you say you are :)

[@watchbuff1]

I just don’t understand why bike manufacturers aren’t putting blind spot warning systems on bikes. I’ve had 2 cars with them integrated in the mirrors and they’re brilliant. It would be a fantastic added layer of safety and would save lives. Much more useful than adaptive cruise control which is only good if you want to sit behind the car in front, definitely NOT what bikers want!

[@benkelly2190]

Shoulder check!? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@3countiesmotorcycletrainin787]

The more tech the lazier drivers and riders become. Far too much tech making poor drivers and riders achieve rather than getting them to improve their standard of machine control and road awareness.

[@ragetobe]

One of the most important parts of my bike training that I have taken with me to cars was the shoulder check, anything that steps in the way of this good practice should not be on the bike, you only have to forget once and that's enough.

[@SP-xd8gs]

my multistrada has it

[@phillipcollingwood8894]

Hi guy one more great blog Would you take Novice touring people out on your tours as I’m in Devon and would love to go on a tour with my wife on my gs1250

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks for the kind words buddy. Yes of course. Whether you are a seasoned tourer or new to touring your welcome on a tour. Check out magellanmotorcycletours.co.uk and if you book use code ‘ridercam100’ for a discount too ;)

[@markholroyd5365]

I had a couple on the Arctic Circle tour who both passed their tests two weeks before setting off with us… come on you will love it!

[@MWS1960]

I have the back box that balances the look of the bike

[@RiderCamTV]

Nice box but I’m a fan of no top box. I end up filling it with rubbish 🤣

[@MWS1960]

Have a 2015 RT, but contemplating switching it for a 2023 GSA

[@oclv110sl]

You could fit "city lids" to reduce pannier width

[@mikaelpettersson2389]

Gosh, they cost the same number in Switzerland, but in Francs!

[@svenwhothehell5980]

Good review, sound a bit intermittent at times. What year did they introduce the 10”TFT?

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Nice colour scheme on that particular bike. Had to fast fwd through that sketchy windy, in and out audio sorry. 🙉P.s. look into the camera lens not the monitor screen ..at the outro..🕵️

[@bosconiantrade6181]

Nice bike.

[@malidawgz5690]

what do you think about the not so really aut cancelling turn signal turn off time?

[@someguy9440]

next thing you know they'll be offering netflix on the display.

[@ragetobe]

You are partially responsible for me taking a test ride on this exact bike at Falmouth, then less than a week later purchasing one of these beauties. Edit: due to an issue with the bike I was buying they have now sold me the bike you used in this video.

[@RiderCamTV]

Amazing stuff buddy. It’s an awesome machine. You’ll love it. Ride safe. Bring it up to our ride out ;)

[@ragetobe]

@@RiderCamTV When is your rideout? I have some friends that ride too.

[@MikeS1150]

23k for a new one and then possibly have to buy a new phone to fit in the cubby hole to make the sat nav work. Ive a pre- lcd screen 1250Rt and may change to a NT1100 after watching your review.

[@RetroBiker]

NT 1100 is absolutely NO match for an RT ..........................IMO 😀

[@andylewis210]

Sorry guys was liking the review but couldn’t keep listening due to the dodgy sound

[@TheDennzio]

I don’t understand how parking is allowed on such narrow roads.

[@RiderCamTV]

Neither do we sometimes. The road is littered with cars

[@malidawgz5690]

back seat heater on ?

[@vriendelijkegroet]

After riding the GS for so long, the RT felt like sitting on a toilet.

[@RiderCamTV]

🤣🤣

[@RetroBiker]

and after riding a GS for so long you'd certainly know what sitting on a toilet felt like 🤣🤣🤣

[@benkelly2190]

There is no getting away from it, BMW sat-navy’s are shit. I’ve just watched Freddie’s Dobbs, navigate to Africa on he’s triumph, only using he’s phone!

[@RiderCamTV]

Very true. They are just rebadged Garmin units but it’s odd as the XT is awesome

[@benkelly2190]

@@RiderCamTV I’m glad you said that! As I’ve just been to Spain, using the nav 6. Awful! Put me off the XT. So I will have a re-think. Cheers.

[@RiderCamTV]

@@benkelly2190 have a look at our video on GPS Station who can repair the NAV6 so it behaves like it should.

[@benkelly2190]

@@RiderCamTV cheers. Wilco! Out.

[@RetroBiker]

Very sorry to have to say but that was quite a poor review because you got so many things wrong due to lack of familiarity. Don't you think it's worth doing a bit of homework prior to such a review so that you don't misinform your viewers? Glad you liked the bike anyway but you may like it even more when you suss everything out. Thumbs up anyway [thumbsup]👍

[@WeAreOne-31]

When he said he's not a fan of those big boxes, i stopped watching the video. Please let me know if i missed anything important.

[@RiderCamTV]

🙄

[@t5jerry]

awful sound !

[@dickiedogs727]

Nice vid Toby !!