New (to me) bike day – R1250RT
Discussion
Well, that's it! I've finally made to being an old man and have bought an old man’s bike!! I don't know whether to be proud or ashamed of making it this far.
Anyway, my good lady, is happy on the pillion of the H2SX for runs of between 2 and 3 hours but finds longer runs a bit hard work. However, we're both keen to do some runs into Europe so a more comfortable pillion perch was needed and the R1250RT appeared to be the best of the bunch. (Even if it means back to bubbling final drive paint, questionable switch gear and extended warranty purchases!)
So, after a review of what was out there I found this one with almost a full catalogue of extras and in excellent condition, so was purchased yesterday.
My first reaction is that it's huge! A statement of the obvious, I know, but, even though I'd ridden RTs before, though not a 1250, this still seemed massive. It's also heavy, but manageable.
Next, it's slow! To be fair, that's relative, and it can pick up's it's skirts and get a move on, but the acceleration is nowhere near that of an H2SX. And that is both standing start acceleration and roll-on in any gear, at any speed. The boxer twin is constantly praised for its mid-range torque. I'm still struggling to understand that as, whatever the speed, whatever the gear, whatever the revs, I'd say that a H2SX, would be able to watch the RT disappear in the mirrors very quickly.
Finally, you have to work hard to get it to corner at anything more than a relaxed pace. If you're not pushing hard on the bars it'll run wide.
Now the good points. It is quiet, relaxed, comfortable and quick. Yes, I know I said it was slow and now I'm saying it's quick, but I mean it's quicker than other traffic without feeling rushed in the slightest, and can happily sit all day on motorways at speeds that are fast enough to say goodbye to your license.
It has a huge luggage capacity (although I HATE the top box but Mrs K1 really likes the back rest!!!) and has a number of very sensible features, not least of which is the keyless locking that locks/unlocks EVERYTING on the bike, including the panniers and cubby holes. You really can just put the key in a safe pocket and forget about it, unlike the Kawasaki where you need the key to open/lock everything except the ignition.
However, just for clarity, the Old Gits trips will still involve the H2SX. I may have bought an old mans bike bit it's not suitable for this Old Git.
Anyway, my good lady, is happy on the pillion of the H2SX for runs of between 2 and 3 hours but finds longer runs a bit hard work. However, we're both keen to do some runs into Europe so a more comfortable pillion perch was needed and the R1250RT appeared to be the best of the bunch. (Even if it means back to bubbling final drive paint, questionable switch gear and extended warranty purchases!)
So, after a review of what was out there I found this one with almost a full catalogue of extras and in excellent condition, so was purchased yesterday.
My first reaction is that it's huge! A statement of the obvious, I know, but, even though I'd ridden RTs before, though not a 1250, this still seemed massive. It's also heavy, but manageable.
Next, it's slow! To be fair, that's relative, and it can pick up's it's skirts and get a move on, but the acceleration is nowhere near that of an H2SX. And that is both standing start acceleration and roll-on in any gear, at any speed. The boxer twin is constantly praised for its mid-range torque. I'm still struggling to understand that as, whatever the speed, whatever the gear, whatever the revs, I'd say that a H2SX, would be able to watch the RT disappear in the mirrors very quickly.
Finally, you have to work hard to get it to corner at anything more than a relaxed pace. If you're not pushing hard on the bars it'll run wide.
Now the good points. It is quiet, relaxed, comfortable and quick. Yes, I know I said it was slow and now I'm saying it's quick, but I mean it's quicker than other traffic without feeling rushed in the slightest, and can happily sit all day on motorways at speeds that are fast enough to say goodbye to your license.
It has a huge luggage capacity (although I HATE the top box but Mrs K1 really likes the back rest!!!) and has a number of very sensible features, not least of which is the keyless locking that locks/unlocks EVERYTING on the bike, including the panniers and cubby holes. You really can just put the key in a safe pocket and forget about it, unlike the Kawasaki where you need the key to open/lock everything except the ignition.
However, just for clarity, the Old Gits trips will still involve the H2SX. I may have bought an old mans bike bit it's not suitable for this Old Git.
. Enjoy. Thanks All
I did look at the K1600 but it was just too huge for my liking. Also, I thought it was time I had a twin again and I think the R1250RT looks better than the K1600GT.
My wife wanted a bike that was blue and had a heated seat, but she then added in the top-box back rest when she tried it.
Beyond that, she left it to me to decide everything else.
As for an Indian. There's no reason not to have one (beyond purchase cost) but there's nothing that they offer me that is not better else where.
There are only two ways the R1250RT will make it onto an Old Gits trip:
1. The Kawasaki is unusable;
2. Mark flies over from Australia and borrows it;
Neither of those are very likely any time soon.
I did look at the K1600 but it was just too huge for my liking. Also, I thought it was time I had a twin again and I think the R1250RT looks better than the K1600GT.
My wife wanted a bike that was blue and had a heated seat, but she then added in the top-box back rest when she tried it.
Beyond that, she left it to me to decide everything else. As for an Indian. There's no reason not to have one (beyond purchase cost) but there's nothing that they offer me that is not better else where.
There are only two ways the R1250RT will make it onto an Old Gits trip:
1. The Kawasaki is unusable;
2. Mark flies over from Australia and borrows it;
Neither of those are very likely any time soon.
Congratulations! It probably only feels slow and cumbersome in comparison to the Kawasaki.
My wife makes my choice in bikes very easy...she hates them all and would never go on the back, so I just buy what I want! I could change bikes every day and she wouldn't notice as they all look the same to her. She did surprise me recently as I was reminiscing about the time I had three bikes and she was genuinely shocked that I had had three at once (despite them all being in the garage attached to our house so not as if I was hiding them somewhere.) Perhaps I should have bought more!
My wife makes my choice in bikes very easy...she hates them all and would never go on the back, so I just buy what I want! I could change bikes every day and she wouldn't notice as they all look the same to her. She did surprise me recently as I was reminiscing about the time I had three bikes and she was genuinely shocked that I had had three at once (despite them all being in the garage attached to our house so not as if I was hiding them somewhere.) Perhaps I should have bought more!
Good choice! We've got them at work. Currently on my advanced course. Admittedly using an older 1200RT. We have two 1250RTs in force but want to get the mileage up on the older ones to get a replacement.
I'm in the minority, but size wise they are small for me. But I'm six foot four and 140kg. My 1200GS adventure is bigger (well taller). No issues with speed (the older one was happy doing 120mph on a single carrigeway earlier with me on it). But coming from a GS I can't really compare it to anything else. My GSXR was a while ago.
I'm in the minority, but size wise they are small for me. But I'm six foot four and 140kg. My 1200GS adventure is bigger (well taller). No issues with speed (the older one was happy doing 120mph on a single carrigeway earlier with me on it). But coming from a GS I can't really compare it to anything else. My GSXR was a while ago.
I have ridden the water-cooled RTs since 2014. Own a 1250 and ride 1250s for work. I have done a few track days on my own as well. I have never found any issues with it not turning, in fact they handle very well. Maybe have a look at your tyres, when they cup the handling does go off.
Thanks all. The front tyre is two thirds worn (new rear) so may not be helping the handling although, it's just as likely my expectations that are the issue. It is, after all, a full dress tourer.
The handling wasn't bad by any stretch of the imagination, I just had to work the bars a fair bit harder than I expected in order to get the line I wanted. I'm sure that, as I get used to it, I'll stop noticing the effort.
The handling wasn't bad by any stretch of the imagination, I just had to work the bars a fair bit harder than I expected in order to get the line I wanted. I'm sure that, as I get used to it, I'll stop noticing the effort.
Lovely machine & perfect for your proposed use. I'm 10 days into a Spain trip on my 1200RS & mulling over one of these for the future. I rode a mates 1200RT a couple of years ago in Spain for a couple of hours, found the steering to be great for a big old bus, it just fell into corners with a bar nudge & hip wiggle & has a chunk more clearance than an K1600.
Anything will feel slow after your H2SX but once you get into the flow with these I think you'll like it.
Anything will feel slow after your H2SX but once you get into the flow with these I think you'll like it.
Thanks for the responses. 
Surprisingly for a BMW, there is no corrosion on it and no engine/final drive paint bubbling. Perhaps I should start taking bets on when it will arrive!
As for the bike being quick/slow, while I never expected it to be in the same league as the H2SX, I did expect a bit more in the mid range for normal road speed roll on overtakes. As I said, it's not slow compared to most bikes, and will add speed pretty quickly in a very relaxed and deceptive way. However, having been told how wonderful the 1250 shift cam was, mostly by GS owners, I was probably expecting too much!
It will definitely allow Mrs K1 and I to cover the ground quickly and comfortably, while still enjoying fun roads (as much as you can with a pillion) so it should 100% deliver for the reasons I bought it. But, other than the size of it, I've not had any "Wow!" moments that I get almost every time I ride the H2SX, and I got regularly on my K1300Ss. Perhaps they'll come later.
Surprisingly for a BMW, there is no corrosion on it and no engine/final drive paint bubbling. Perhaps I should start taking bets on when it will arrive!
As for the bike being quick/slow, while I never expected it to be in the same league as the H2SX, I did expect a bit more in the mid range for normal road speed roll on overtakes. As I said, it's not slow compared to most bikes, and will add speed pretty quickly in a very relaxed and deceptive way. However, having been told how wonderful the 1250 shift cam was, mostly by GS owners, I was probably expecting too much!
It will definitely allow Mrs K1 and I to cover the ground quickly and comfortably, while still enjoying fun roads (as much as you can with a pillion) so it should 100% deliver for the reasons I bought it. But, other than the size of it, I've not had any "Wow!" moments that I get almost every time I ride the H2SX, and I got regularly on my K1300Ss. Perhaps they'll come later.
black-k1 said:
Thanks for the responses.
Surprisingly for a BMW, there is no corrosion on it and no engine/final drive paint bubbling. Perhaps I should start taking bets on when it will arrive!
As for the bike being quick/slow, while I never expected it to be in the same league as the H2SX, I did expect a bit more in the mid range for normal road speed roll on overtakes. As I said, it's not slow compared to most bikes, and will add speed pretty quickly in a very relaxed and deceptive way. However, having been told how wonderful the 1250 shift cam was, mostly by GS owners, I was probably expecting too much!
It will definitely allow Mrs K1 and I to cover the ground quickly and comfortably, while still enjoying fun roads (as much as you can with a pillion) so it should 100% deliver for the reasons I bought it. But, other than the size of it, I've not had any "Wow!" moments that I get almost every time I ride the H2SX, and I got regularly on my K1300Ss. Perhaps they'll come later.
My bold, that is the engines manner, and one of the few things I really enjoy about the RS. Does that sound odd? I believe the GS/RT/RS/R bikes are head over heart purchases, but I had a massive amount of respect for my 1200 and it found it's way into my heart in the best manner: by covering miles together. Surprisingly for a BMW, there is no corrosion on it and no engine/final drive paint bubbling. Perhaps I should start taking bets on when it will arrive!
As for the bike being quick/slow, while I never expected it to be in the same league as the H2SX, I did expect a bit more in the mid range for normal road speed roll on overtakes. As I said, it's not slow compared to most bikes, and will add speed pretty quickly in a very relaxed and deceptive way. However, having been told how wonderful the 1250 shift cam was, mostly by GS owners, I was probably expecting too much!
It will definitely allow Mrs K1 and I to cover the ground quickly and comfortably, while still enjoying fun roads (as much as you can with a pillion) so it should 100% deliver for the reasons I bought it. But, other than the size of it, I've not had any "Wow!" moments that I get almost every time I ride the H2SX, and I got regularly on my K1300Ss. Perhaps they'll come later.
hiccy18 said:
black-k1 said:
Thanks for the responses.
Surprisingly for a BMW, there is no corrosion on it and no engine/final drive paint bubbling. Perhaps I should start taking bets on when it will arrive!
As for the bike being quick/slow, while I never expected it to be in the same league as the H2SX, I did expect a bit more in the mid range for normal road speed roll on overtakes. As I said, it's not slow compared to most bikes, and will add speed pretty quickly in a very relaxed and deceptive way. However, having been told how wonderful the 1250 shift cam was, mostly by GS owners, I was probably expecting too much!
It will definitely allow Mrs K1 and I to cover the ground quickly and comfortably, while still enjoying fun roads (as much as you can with a pillion) so it should 100% deliver for the reasons I bought it. But, other than the size of it, I've not had any "Wow!" moments that I get almost every time I ride the H2SX, and I got regularly on my K1300Ss. Perhaps they'll come later.
My bold, that is the engines manner, and one of the few things I really enjoy about the RS. Does that sound odd? I believe the GS/RT/RS/R bikes are head over heart purchases, but I had a massive amount of respect for my 1200 and it found it's way into my heart in the best manner: by covering miles together. Surprisingly for a BMW, there is no corrosion on it and no engine/final drive paint bubbling. Perhaps I should start taking bets on when it will arrive!
As for the bike being quick/slow, while I never expected it to be in the same league as the H2SX, I did expect a bit more in the mid range for normal road speed roll on overtakes. As I said, it's not slow compared to most bikes, and will add speed pretty quickly in a very relaxed and deceptive way. However, having been told how wonderful the 1250 shift cam was, mostly by GS owners, I was probably expecting too much!
It will definitely allow Mrs K1 and I to cover the ground quickly and comfortably, while still enjoying fun roads (as much as you can with a pillion) so it should 100% deliver for the reasons I bought it. But, other than the size of it, I've not had any "Wow!" moments that I get almost every time I ride the H2SX, and I got regularly on my K1300Ss. Perhaps they'll come later.
hiccy18 said:
My bold, that is the engines manner, and one of the few things I really enjoy about the RS. Does that sound odd? I believe the GS/RT/RS/R bikes are head over heart purchases, but I had a massive amount of respect for my 1200 and it found it's way into my heart in the best manner: by covering miles together.
Having owned many BMWs I am aware that they tend to be really good at getting under your skin by just quietly "delivering". I suspect the R1250RT will be the same and after a little while I will have grown to really appreciate it's benefits. black-k1 said:
Thanks for the responses.
As for the bike being quick/slow, while I never expected it to be in the same league as the H2SX, I did expect a bit more in the mid range for normal road speed roll on overtakes. As I said, it's not slow compared to most bikes, and will add speed pretty quickly in a very relaxed and deceptive way. However, having been told how wonderful the 1250 shift cam was, mostly by GS owners, I was probably expecting too much
What gear are you using when you're feeling the lack of mid-range ? If you're under 60mph then I'd be in 4th or even 3rd when doing a brisk overtake (on a 1250GS). 5th/6th would definitely feel sluggish, it does need at least a few revs to get going, and the RT is a heavier thing. As for the bike being quick/slow, while I never expected it to be in the same league as the H2SX, I did expect a bit more in the mid range for normal road speed roll on overtakes. As I said, it's not slow compared to most bikes, and will add speed pretty quickly in a very relaxed and deceptive way. However, having been told how wonderful the 1250 shift cam was, mostly by GS owners, I was probably expecting too much
The thing about the front tyres are, they will cup, this is due to the tele lever front suspension. So may have tread but not be at their best. Michelin recommended to run the front a couple of pounds more than 36, this helps massively with cupping.
I have done a couple of track days on mine and they handle fine, if you are having to put a lot of input into keeping it on a line, then there is something wrong, they normally tip in very ease, more so if you just move your body weight a little.
I also have a R100CS, which is a lot more flickable, but then it is 70kg lighter :-)
I have done a couple of track days on mine and they handle fine, if you are having to put a lot of input into keeping it on a line, then there is something wrong, they normally tip in very ease, more so if you just move your body weight a little.
I also have a R100CS, which is a lot more flickable, but then it is 70kg lighter :-)
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