2021 BMW R 1250 RT review - biking's best-kept secret?

[@timrodierides]

Well apologies for the misleading thumbnail. My Dad tells me he’s just bought one of these 🙄

[@ianrodie8286]

And enjoying it..an excellent tourer.

[@ElliottJackKeen1]

Had a 2015 model for over two years and regularly used to commute into London. No problems with getting around and brilliantly manoeuvrable in traffic and for filtering. Very rare to be held up due to its size. Just about to go back to an RT as missed it so much. A superb all round bike that can really hustle when you want to, or can waft you along, two up, across countries when asked. Just a great bike.

[@julianstiff4685]

Thanks for a great review 👍🏻 I allways thought a touring bike was for older folk,but now at 55 you realise that this has more than enough power to use on the road and in total comfort . Booking that test ride...

[@Muckyfellrunner]

I have a 2015 RT. When I was made redundant, I gave up the car, so just have the RT. Does everything I need, apart from staying dry when it rains, but if I keep moving with enough speed, I don’t get wet! So easy to ride. Can pack loads of stuff on it. Took it through central London last week in rush hour, fully loaded and it was OK. Normally ride without panniers though. Best thing is that I’m short (5’4”) and short legged, and it’s absolutely fine to ride. Only dropped it once when it hit a hidden dip in the road at a junction with the bike fully loaded up with shopping. Thanks for the review. I still need to try a 1250RT, but will need to wait until the job thing is sorted out.....

[@trom100]

Hey Tim - the panniers and mirrors are the same width so if the mirrors fit so will the panniers.

[@andrewedmond7738]

G'day from Australia mate, just come across your channel and I'm very impressed with your reviewing style. At the moment, I am torn between the GS1250, and this revamped 1250RT. Big distances in Australia and both the GS and RT would be perfect for that. In the process of retiring,(YAY), so tiome will not be an issue when touring this beautiful big country. I'm 62, but still like to play sometimes when the cops are somewhere else! Love the review, subbed.

[@timrodierides]

Thanks Andrew - not at all envious of you retiring!

[@TheTripleDubya]

Hi Andrew, I have the 2020 GSA HP, what a bike. I do love the RT though and if buying a bike in 2021, I probably would have bought the RT. The whole thing of being able to go off road can be handy but honestly, the RT would go all right on graded gravel if it had to, plus it is heaps quieter and protects the rider a lot more from both the blasting heat and the chilly cold. The GS has more leg room and suspension travel and the GSA carries heaps of fuel but yeah, you’re exposed to the weather and the noise and the heat of the bike a lot more. Just my thoughts. Good luck choosing.

[@fentontaylor9021]

Nice review. I ride in the mountains every weekend and this bike handles twisty roads like a champ. With a 120/70 R 15 front tire, a 25.9 degree rake and 4.6" trail, the handling is amazing for a 600lb bike. Just shift your butt over, lean into the turn and it turns like it is on rails. 0 - 60 time is below 3.5 seconds, so yeah, it is a rocket ship too.

[@beans4491]

What a great review and super bike. Must admit I’ve been doing a bit of research on these and its looking better and better. Thanks a lot and kind regards.

[@timrodierides]

Thanks Beans, you're too kind

[@uleiosu4582]

the blue bike that you have on your homescreen (the R9T/5) is gorgeus. well done owning it

[@GJS-live]

Good review. I just bought a 2021 and hoping it will be delivered end of the week. Excited like a kid and 60 in May :) Cheers

[@timrodierides]

Ah hope you enjoy it! I'm fairly confident you'll love it

[@jcollins2826]

Your “If that’s you……” comment hits home. What you described is me. All weather, long distance, etc. thanks for the excellent review.

[@timrodierides]

Thanks :) Appreciate the kind words

[@36moto]

Its not a secret, if you know-you know, I covered 72000miles on my first r1200rt and 56000 on the second twin cam1200, nice video, nice bike.

[@MrSTAdventures]

Cracking machine. Nice to see some local roads, I was shooting at Bury Hill from the lay-by on Sunday. Will be back there on Bank Holiday Monday. Shane from Bikerpics 📷 😎👍🏻

[@MuscleBandit]

Only been riding legally for a couple of years so I still have lots to get out of my system but I really like the 1250RT due to all of the touring and weather protection benefits as well as the bells whistles and grunt. Shame they are still so new and still cost so much as I was never a fan of the looks of the previous 1200. Maybe a ZZR1400 instead!

[@emak4558]

Exactly right - this is my all weather bike. The RT is great in all temps and weather. And fortunately, I have a second bike for the off road trips,.

[@ryancraig2795]

I'm riding a 14 year older model, but it's got most of the important gadgets. It's by far the best bike I've owned for touring, BMW really understands its audience. I don't consider it heavy, though, for what it is. It's by far the lightest of the shaft drive touring class.

[@emak4558]

To be fair, to call paniers on a bike, a weakness of the bike - because of the width, is probably not really true. Paniers can be removed. And if in fact you need the paniers , then there they are. So rather, the paniers are a strength. Take them off in town to be just like your Duc. Put them back on to do what your Duc cannot.

[@lonnied9146]

The ultimate compliment for this bike is that it is constantly compared to everything except the bikes it should really be compared too, Touring and Sport Touring bikes.

[@timrodierides]

Yup!

[@RevZolution]

Why didn't you cross the solid white line? You can cross if safe to do so due to stationary vehicles 👍RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10 & 26 Good video chap

[@philchadwick1156]

Helpful review Tim. I'm tempted with the R1250RT for long distance touring I must admit. Seems a nice handling, balanced bike. However I've noted too many comments by owners complaining about reliability and multiple warranty claims - and the cost of BMW servicing. What's the experience of other R1250RT owners? Is this a comfortable 2up tourer? Or should I go for a bullet-proof Yamaha FJR1300?

[@kwikat1170]

Ive owned 2 RT's plus a GS and an HP2 Sport, none of them had any issues ever. In terms of 2 up pillion comfort. My wifes favourite bike the RT, plenty of seat and leg room, the fairing provides pillion protection as well. The suspension copes.

[@Intrepid175a]

I ride a 2013 R1200RT, the last year they built the air/oil cooled engine. I love the bike, so much so that I have had no reason to consider a -change so I've only recently noticed the R1250RT. I must way, it's tempting but I don't need the added debt right now so maybe later. Anyway, I'm curious, do those of you that have one notice a significant change in the engines character when the cam mechanism does it's shifting thing? I'm thinking about some of Honda's V-TEC engines that go from docile to a total beast when the V-TEC kicks in. I'm thinking that wouldn't be a desirable characteristic on a motorcycle. Thanks for any info!

[@robmance1611]

Oh god I want one of these. Great review and honestly why shouldn’t I want one, an executive sport barge, what a blend.

[@feloniousmonk3049]

A Harley is a Barge, as is a R18. A RT is a few 100 pounds short. Strip the panniers, and it's probably 585#

[@pielight7449]

Hmm tempting! Great review…I’m toying with idea of swapping my 2016 Kawasaki GTR1400 in for one (purely because of lack of cruise control, otherwise completely satisfied with GTR). Incidentally, without wishing to be a smarty pants I thought it maybe useful to point out that you can cross or straddle solid white lines to pass stationary vehicles.

[@illiyakuryakin3092]

Hello Tim. I enjoyed your unique review and am considering buying one in the Spring (Moving up from a 2015 F800GT). Now after all this time, what are your current thoughts of the bike? Did BMW fix the turn signal switch?

[@masterspin7796]

Pretty good chance that I will be getting a 2022 model this fall...Looking forward to some long touring..

[@timrodierides]

My Dad bought one after I did this video and he's about to go to Germany on it. Envious!

[@christopherbeauchemin180]

Is this still an excellent choice in 2024?

[@clintwatson4754]

A few gripes with mine 1. Phones to big for the holder 2. No reverse for a heavy bike. But only just got it

[@feloniousmonk3049]

The BMW motorcycle Connect App for Samsung for Navigation is terrible. As is using another app for planning a route. Much simpler to find somewhere to place a phone holder and use Google Maps.

[@mikemcguire1885]

Just chopped my RT in against a 1250RS - excellent bike and much easier to manage in traffic. If the RT feels too full-on tourer for you, check out the RS with straight bars - it’s epic.

[@naranjalorange8584]

How was the wind protection at motorway speeds please? With screen up I assume...

[@pistolpete6321]

Fantastic review!

[@markjones336]

I,v owned several.At the mo I have a 16plate,lower back kills me after40 miles,Is the new one the same?

[@timrodierides]

It didn't kill my back - my Dad's had one for almost a year and hasn't whinged about it (and he's nearly 70).

[@Antimortem]

The black out ones are gorgeous ❤️

[@tomberrisford6006]

Hi Tim great content as always 👏

[@timrodierides]

Thanks Tom!

[@ryanmalone2681]

It’s a great bike. Only problem is the K1600 exists.

[@timrodierides]

It's been a while since I rode the K1600, but I'd prefer the RT I think in terms of weight and size. My Dad sold his K1600 to get the 1250 RT and isn't regretting it (but he did have lots of corrosion on his K1600!). I'm going to get a K1600 from BMW to test for a little bit, I'll report back...

[@feloniousmonk3049]

@@timrodierides He'll have corrosion on his 1250 RT, too. You salt or chloride your roads, and then ride on them, you're going to get rust and corrosion. Wash it off after every ride with soapy spray and rinse off with fresh water, then dry.

[@spikey2740]

OMG. What a traffic holdup from the opposite direction.

[@paulharten1525]

First review where the seating position was not mentioned. I am also 1,89 m tall and am worried that it’s too cramped. Didn’t seem to bother you.

[@timrodierides]

I’m 1.91m and I was fine! My dad is a few cm shorter than me and he’s not had any problems - he bought one of these after my review and has done a few 1000 miles and loves it.

[@johnwiffen6655]

The sat nav phone arrangement is appalling. The dipped headlight is like a six volt bulb. Potentially a very good bike but introduced well before its ready

[@Rayk76]

Nice review

[@kevinbrennan2004]

Like the bike, but i think i would prefer the RS, for overall practicality.

[@nairbyad7188]

agree, except the RS doesn't have the wonderful paralever front suspension. the 1300 sport bike did and it was wonderful combination for a sport tourer

[@taz473]

Wonderful machine.

[@MWS1960]

Great review

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

Those stickie outie bits. I dont want to ride it cuz then I'll want it then I'll be broke

[@emak4558]

Indicator - is only that bike. But I would find that very annoying also.

[@JASONEAVIS]

Shout out to the Grand Designs house at 9:51 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eojXnGulbKaJb9k&ab_channel=Channel4Lifestyle Great review by the way, I think my Adventure and Sports days might soon be behind me and that and RT might well fill the void.

[@benwells2338]

Hahaha “if you plan on buying one of these it’s as though you’ve given up on life”, that’s what I think of every time I pass people in their economy cars on my bike during commute rush hour. Can’t say I’d be interested in picking one these bikes up though, I’m not quite “dad” enough for one, but the RS is pretty appealing. OK, so maybe I’m dad “lite” then 😅 Great review on a great bike! The tech on this new model is unbelievable.

[@edbot456]

"Riding it a bit like a see you next Tuesday"? I see so what's a SYNT. ;-)

[@timrodierides]

Haha, a senile yobbo (not Tim)

[@chakra7562]

Glad it's not my dad's bike, success depend on who can copy high tech HONDA perfectly from the 90,s till now. Lessen no 1. Lessen no 2 how to win the race!

[@markscars1069]

Blimey even bikes have ACC now do they.

[@ScragNath]

No good if your hips ache like mine, way too low. I'll keep my GSA.

[@timrodierides]

Cool

[@julianlewis4305]

Do you find yor legs we more cramped than on the GS?

[@timrodierides]

No, not really - I'm 6'3" as well. I could easily do some huge miles on this

[@marklloyd4153]

👍

[@drewyager4020]

BMW and other manufacturers just put Apple Car Play and Android Auto on the bikes. Thank you

[@timrodierides]

Yup - Honda's already done Car Play on the 1100 Africa Twin, it works well from memory