Honest Owner Review BMW R 1250 RT 

I bought this bike. Had it for 1.5 years. Wanted to love it but no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t fall in love with it. I sold it for the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally.

Nice, Scott! As a BMW fanboy I'm glad the RT is better for you than the 900XR was. There's always something there to dislike, but the conlusion that you would buy it again is convincing. Here in The Netherlands the police decided recently to buy hundreds of RT's again (next to the K1600's) because there is no bike or brand left that matches this.

😱already one year!!! Good to see you love your bike.

Great one year review on your RT...always like your reviews as there's no BS & always interesting. Thank you & stay safe!

I really enjoyed this update. Also I also look forward to hitting play and hearing your theme music. I have a 1200 GS and the RT has always tempted me.

Thanks Scott. A New Zealander with a RE650 and the R1200RT. I love the tractor for its solid feel on the road, the effortless torque and great economy and range. It corners well, and with updated suspension, it is handling much better too. An old 2005 girl so I have added a Garmin as well - made my own mount above the instrument shroud, inside the screen. Dependable and effortless distance riding. Thanks for sharing!!

Thanks for the review ! I've bought my RT in november 22 because of your videos and I really don't regret it ! Greatings from Reunion Island !

Great review! I have had my 2022 Racing Blue R1250RT for a year and 5 months now, and I agree with everything you said..Thanks so much, Scott. Jimbo in Los Angeles

Scott, as always, an honest and concise review. I have to agree with everything you said. I traded my 2012 RT and 2016 GTL in and bought a 2023 RT. As you stated, the Motorrad Connected App and its interface with the bike are not perfect. Map Mode reliability has been at about 90%, but that 10% drop rate can be bothersome and frustrating. As you say, not a deal breaker though. I still think the RT is best bike for me and my riding style and ability. I smile every time I fire her up! Thank you again for sharing your thoughts on this amazing bike.

This is complete touring machine. It is quite hard to find a real competitor to this bike. I test rode it days ago and the video will be ready soon. Got my like Scott. Just keep it up.

This must be the most comfortable motorbike on the market… Loving the one year review Scott!! NTP …

VERY helpful review. I'm moving from my (recently sold) R-1150r (tricked out with bags & windshield) . . . up to THIS bike. Yay! Going from 83hp to 125, newer ABS, ESA etc. Can't wait.

Valuable input for those in that market.Thanks.

Scott, I am very pleased on your comments regarding the reliability of the wifi on the navigation system during a trip. Thanks.

Your English is excellent! :-) I'm riding RT's since 2019 and until today I can't see any real competition around. This is by far the most versatile, safe and efficient ride you can get.

I put 14,000 mostly happy miles on a new 1250 RT over the last 3 years. One day, my local BMW dealership threw me the keys to a new K1600GT while waiting for my RT to be serviced. My mind was expanded with that test ride,... sold the RT for the GT. They both handle very well, and are well equipped for the long haul, but the "party-piece" is the K's engine. Now Scott, you referred to the boxer motor as "un-emotional", I must agree, I tried to love it, it performed dutifully, but alas I was swayed by the siren song of the bavarian six banger. Yeah, it's heavier, will cost more to service, but... She my hot ride now. Happy trails with your RT!

I have had the same model (and same colour). Totally agree. Now i have the K1600GT and… the RT is in my heart.

Thank you Scott for the review. I am glad to keep my R1200RT from 2018 wich I´ve got in late 2019. I was thinking of exchanging it for the newer R1250RT but now I am convinced to wait until the "Childhood illness" with the NAV, the connectivity is solved. At the moment I am just shy of 50K km on the clock. So she will last a while longer. Unexpected service visit was the fuel cap, it did not open without removing the two screews. Got it changed on BMW´s cost. The rest runs like a swiss watch....... Ride safe and return home happy. Best wishes PETER

fully agree thanks for this video telling us your POV. I sometimes miss an RT currently with RR :) thinking what to do next.

Scott, I bought the same blue ‘21 RT you have after watching or first video on it. I do the fluids and valve change maintenance so cost of service is not important for me. I got a little over 10,000 miles on my Dunlap RoadSmart III tires. With the great hill country roads we have in central Texas, we have plenty of opportunity for blasting thru sweepers, tight & technical and everything in between. Coming from a FJR1300, the bike is light to me and the low CG makes low speed and garage handling a breeze. Most of my riding is day riding (200-250 miles) and therefore no bags, making the bike even lighter. The GPS has not been a problem for me and connects well with the update. I do wish they would go with ApplePlay. I average 1,000 miles a month roaming central TX and look forward to hitting the 100,000 mile mark. This is truly the best all-around bike I have experienced.

Hi Scott, great update, love the bike but I’ve just done the same with the nav, found the BMW nav a complete pain as well as the problem of filling up my phone with large file maps, so ended up fitting the garmin xt 😊

Good long term review Scott, I certainly would not be without my Garmin XT on my GSA. It works so well, great to plan trips on.

I know you didn't ride during the winter, so its nice to see another video from you. Really liked the last one I watched with your son! Anyway, I was thinking about getting a 900 XR for its handling, but bought a new 1250 RT Triple Black in December instead. What an incredible bike. Tons of smooth power (no, the engine sound isn't the greatest) Telelever front, paralever rear, drive shaft, TONS of wind protection, and the best part, it handles the mountain roads like a champ!! Unless you have ridden an RT hard in the mountains, you have no idea what this bike can do. Yes, its a little heavy (I ride with the panniers off), but once you learn to slide your butt over, and lean that front shoulder down, you are shocked at the exit speeds. Ride safe and do another video with that handsome young man again.

Great update as you know from questions on you other video’s I’ve had mine 4weeks same best colour as yours lol, I’ve had zero issues with the nav in 1,400 miles . It’s a more time intensive process to input a route especially with multi day routes . I have a XT I used on my gsa , I’m thinking of fitting it for ease on the longer multiple day routes as I say , Nippy Normans here in the UK do a kit that fits in the channel inthe dash above the tft . £119 here in the uk , I found that the XT on the bars a pain , I’ve just fitted a new screen as at 6ft1 I’m long in the back I still get wind buffeting so new one will be on test on a 1,500 mls tour I’m off on in two days . Keep up the fantastic work especially with the RT look forward to seeing more. Dale

Thanks for the review Scott. I think I'll hold-on to my 2016RT for a while longer until BMW Motorrad gets up to speed with Apple Car Play and a consistently working navigational system. Ride safe!

Thank you very much Scott!

Thank you, excellent like always, great machine, great review!!..

Great review. Thank you for sharing.

Class act as always thanks

My sentiments exactly! I'm coming up to my one-year anniversary with my '22 RT. There's no such thing as a perfect bike and I've owned over 20 so far. That said, my RT is close to perfection if only it had Apple Car Play.

I have to say, after 11 years with the 2011 RT. A2 year stint on the Africa Twin Adventure sports I wanted to swith to the Desert X for looks and style..... Your video made me realize how much I miss the RT.... Weather Protection and nimbleness on tiny and curvy roads as well as the all year usage I did with the predecessor.... so I might go for one - even with the 1300 on the horizon.... driiving down to Alba in November is just not the same with this amazing package - see you on the road

I test rode an RT today and im blown away at how good it is, man I always looked at them as an old dad bike but wow! just loved it, so much so im working a deal on a new 2023 triple black thank you for the review!!!!

100 miles in I just love it, just love it 5 stars, it handles amazing the engine reminds me of an analog Porsche 911 just love

I have just turned 60 and feel I’m way too young for this bike, as good as it is. Still loving my KTM SAS. Maybe another 10 years.. 👍🏻

Great review. TY.

Awesome, as always. Hugely enjoy your vids. Yours is a 2021 bike if I understood correctly. I was thinking of trying to see if I could afford a 22 or even 23 - But I think it will be a 2021 now. Nothing much to choose between the last 3 years.

Usual excellent review. So glad I have a 2020 model with nav 6 Totally reliable Garmin based. Would like the adaptive cruise control though on mine but I won’t update my bike until bmw sort the rubbish phone based nav system or better still just get rid of it. Off for a tour of Germany tomorrow Scott - will look out for you!

Great review

I came back to the RT after owning a 1200. The 1250 is noticeably better. Great series of videos Scott. They are a wonderful bike. I have given up on the stupid integrated GPS - not because it drops out - mine never does - but because you can't easily edit new routes - you have to pull the phone out of the cubby hole - just dumb. Have installed the mirror mount as per your other video, and I am about to mount a Zumo XT on it as you have done. Thanks for the tips.

Hi Scott, that year has gone quick, very honest review , I have had 2 x Nt,s there great bikes … but … as you say the suspension is a bit mehhh and the brakes a bit mehhh , yes it has acp and aa yes it’s good on fuel yes it sounds nice but it looks a bit mehh, and yeah the bmw feels quality , I agree re the “dis” connected .. maps so many variables with the phones the os the settings in the phone and the bike software .. great honest review , I love the weather protection on the rt oh… also the Nt has a chain which on a tour is a slight pain to but nothings perfect eh… ride safe man thanks for the video

Completely agreed with this excellent (as usual) review. I still can't believe that BMW missed on the huge opportunity to make that gorgeous display compatible with Android/iOS and decided to build their own solution instead. I'm sure they had their commercial/political reasons, but from a purely technical standpoint this was as bad a decision as they get. Still loving the bike though :)

Good stuff!!

Another great episode. I also have A1250 rt 21 model. Was it easy to install the Navigator. I live in Australia and so far haven't had any problem with the Navigator with my bike. I'm planning to do more trips in the future and may install a Navigator like you have. Was it easy to install. So far I am very happy with my bike.

Hi Scott. Excellent video as always. I have the same bike and for me it’s been just a fantastic machine to ride. However, like yourself and I suspect a large number of owners, I’m really disappointed with the connectivity issues. Perhaps you could use your subscriber base to organise a collective approach to BMW in order to solve these issues. I for one would be happy to support. Complaining at local level doesn’t seem to help and dealers seem as frustrated with the system as owners.

Love the videos I think ya change camera angles when it's not necessary.

My Dream Bike

Always a different view as an owner can't get past that. Yet you still love it and would buy it again. My mechanic friend years ago, said if you'd buy that car again it's a great car. Same goes for bikes.

Hi Scott, good review as always. Was wondering if you’ve tried a Goldwing and how it compares to your RT. Any feedback? Thanks

Good review Scott, I have had most of the same issues with my 2022 RT. In general the media player is not good. I did have my dealer install the factory radio and was looking forward to having Sirius satellite radio, however the Sirius reception was very poor and I ended up canceling the subscription.

I completely agree that there is no better motorcycle for traveling. I used to have a BMW GS 1200, but since I only drive on asphalt, it became unnecessary. My motorcycle RT 1250 is the same color as yours at the time of release. In the back there is a SHAD SH50 Top Case in blue color and it is no problem to place a Schuberth C4 pro XL. For those who do not use BMW navigation, there is an iPhone 14 (it is waterproof) with the Waze program. I traveled around Greece for the whole month of October. About 8,000 km on the trip from Lithuania and back. One of the minuses of this motorcycle is its large width (1 m), it is difficult to use it in the city, between rows. So I bought a Benelli Leoncino 800 Trail for free movement in the city and on smooth country roads. Now I am truly a happy motorcyclist. Easy clutches everyone!!!

Great review! I just got my '23 RT a month ago and mechanically the bike is good. The Achilles' Heel is the UX (user experience) as you said too. The system reminds me of the 1st-gen BMW iDrive from 20 yrs ago and all the frustrations that entailed. It's just, well, half-baked. One annoyance is that the radio volume (thru the speakers) always starts at 1/2 scale when first turning on the radio (so WAY too loud). Has anyone found a way to reprogram this thing so that it starts at minimum volume or at least picks up the previous volume level before engine shutdown last time (like every car does)? Also the Sirius radio antenna sucks. So many dropouts! Another observation is that if you don't put your phone in the compartment with inductive charging, the automatic Bluetooth + WiFi connection really drains the phone battery (like 30% of battery capacity in a 20 min ride). With my Android phone, the Connected app starts automatically even if I don't want it to connect. So if you forget and leave the phone in your pocket, it will probably be dead within an hour. Oh, and the inductive charger only works on my phone if it's inserted backwards (foot first) into the cubby. Hopefully they'll have all this sorted by the time the 1300 RT comes out.

Great review, anything to add on the front and rear brakes compared similar sports touring bikes?

Nice review Scott, thanks. I've only done about a dozen rides on the RT, but the Map mode (Wifi on Android - Samsung) never let me down (yet ?) I'm missing some features of the Garmin Zumo XT (traffic cameras warning, too high speed warning) though.

Appreciate the channel and the review. Recently, I test rode the RT and the RS back to back. I was surprised at how nimble the RT was. Head and shoulders over the RS. I believe this is due to the rack and telelever. Cheers

Nice bike!

Hey NTP, thanks for the vid, got the same bike and it´s good to hear other owners´moans and groans. I am now one year into ownership and just like you, yes I would buy it again. Three gripes for me, in order: 1. for spirited ("sporty") riding, I would love to have the option of unlinking front and rear brakes; 2. wish I could navigate with Google Maps; 3. 1000€ for that top box... still can´t get my head round spending that money. I ride in Spain, lots of narrow, twisty mountain roads, and this thing just doesn´t cease to amaze and entertain me, and keep me out of heat, cold and wind noise. Is there room for improvement? Yes, apart from brake feel (quite major for me), quickshifter really is just for riding hard - other brands do it much much better in low-rev-low-gear use. The big question is, where does one go after this RT?

Entertaining review, Scott! You talk over weight, tire-duration, functionality of the navi. But, I am missing your humble opinion about emotions while riding. Does the RT create a smile on your face, do you really enjoy it? Or do you sometimes take Bettina's Honda on the curvy Sauerland streets? Obviously you have plans to go to Sardinia - with a German Policeman's bike? Have fun and ride safe. Die Linke zum Gruss aus LP!

Oh your last words ! 😍 "Ride like you have nothing to prove" 👍👊👊 Stealing that !!! 😉

Thanks for the review Scott. I'm considering an upgrade from a R1100RT mainly for better passenger comfort, I tour a lot with my wife on the back. Considering the RT and the Honda GW. You didn't mention seat comfort, how is the rider and passenger seat comfort?

Good information sir Respect from islamabad Pakistan

Hi, I have the same bike (year, color) as you. However, my navigation works perfect after the newest TFT update to Version 13.13.020 and with my cheap Samsung M11 phone, which I bought to serve only for the BMW. No map dropouts for about 8000 km. I have had a bulky TomTom 550 on my handlebar before, but now I removed it and enjoy the convenience of the wonderwheel in terms of scrolling, changing route preferences or altering destinations (from the "previous" list). It is much easier to handle with gloves then the tiny navi screen.

Good review. Looks like England there, with the blackthorn blossom starting to come through. I am guessing this is somewhere in Europe. The metric figures was another clue lol.

Hi Scott - Question - when you go into the 10 inch TFT settings can you change the speed from km to miles on the speedo? I am thinking about buying a RT in the UK to tour Europe with. Easier than freighting my 2019 over from Australia. I am lucky enough to also have a R1250GS HP in my garage but the RT is always our to go to 2 up tourer. Looking forward to what the R1300 series brings to the table! Hopefully the SatNav gets sorted. However the Navman VI has had its issues as well. I am onto number 3 on my GS. P.S I am so jealous of you guys having so many awesome roads at your back door. We have to travel for many kms just to find a corner over here in Western Australia 😀. Cheers John R

Great review, I´m very pleased with my 2015 fully equipped RT. Good lights maybe I go for led installation later. Find it rather sporty and comfy, the weight is not what I feel. I think this will be a keeper for a long time, for 13000€ 20000km it will cost me twice and more to buy a new one. Is that worth it? Still have my Ducati ST3 to listen to now and then :)

I’ve took delivery on my 2022 RT over a year ago. Not being technologically savvy I missed the simplicity of my 2019 RT. Initially using map mode was very frustrating, with it working intermittently. However the map mode is currently working satisfactorily. I really do enjoy the led headlights, and the horn, finally BMW gets it right. This is my 8th RT I’ve owned over the years, and certainly not the last.👍

Been testing out the Apple Watch for navigation--there's a mount I will be getting for it too. The watch is about a 1/3 in price to Garmin et al and has other functions as well, but if you want to spend the money for a Garmin it'd probably be worth it, especially if you will not need the watch for any other purposes.

I've just worked with the Icelandic Police, Lögreglan, and their MC patrol use the BMW R1250 RT, those guys love it. My point is, if law enforcement give it two thumbs up - Then it might just be a two thumbs up bike 😉 - Just wish I could afford one, but not with the taxes in Denmark 😢

Nice review. Pros Vs cons? Interesting. I have a little goat xt225 and I am just admiring your bike. Infact am looking for some nav 2 hand gear and a voyager or vapor used. Am in Kenya. Advice?

The BMW connectivity on my 2022 R1250 GS between the TFT, NAV IV, and my Cardo is terrible. The NAV IV was just sent back to Garmin. I gave up and mounted a Zumo XT on my bike and disconnected the TFT from my phone.

Wondering about the weight getting it on the centre stand. I have an RS, and that is the hardest bike I have owned to get on a side stand, and think that relates to weight distribution as well as date. I love the boxer engine, and think it is charismatic. Maybe that is lost a bit on the heavier bike.

I love my RT but I would like speed camera notifications on the map or give us Apple car play so I could use Wase instead

I had the 1200 version and like it over the new version, mainly because I like the analog dials. BMW bikes are getting too complicated and I've gone back to an F800GT (2016) after having a 1250GS. I love the Garmin XT, better than the Nav6.

Great review one again but do you think you could have highlighted the type of phone you have for connection to the bike?

One thing bmw do that i havent felt on any other bike is makes me feel i am riding biking royalty. The finish on them is just better. Incidently scott i am writing this sat in my hotel room in inzell bavaria my gsa rallye is outside

Strongly recommend you try an FJR. Reliable and easy to do your own maintenance.

I owned my 21 with TFT for 2 months. I have just traded down to the 2020 model with NO TFT. I am looking forward to just riding and relying on the good old faithful NAV 6 :). Loved the 21 model for usual RT stuff, but that TFT.... eeek.

Thanks for your review, appreciate there's no perfect solution however it appears BMW is close with the items that would appear cheap and easy to fix, wonder why they don't?

Great update., I have the 22 RT and dislike the GPS. I hate that you have to put your phone in the small space and then every time you turn off the bike you have to reset the connection. I went to a secondary gps like you did. When I went to new tires I chose the Dunlop Roadsmart 3’s. I them better than the Road 4’s that were on it.

What I want to know is what is this model different from the previous 2019-2021 one (besides TFT, adapt cruise, front look). Has been QS updated? If it is the same, it is much better to buy a previous one. You need to have another navi anyway.

BMW maybe up there on connectivity when the R1300RT is due - maybe next year?

Hi Scott Jiri here from Brisbane thanks for the update we really like your videos keep it coming my father is about to buy 1250 RT.Btw not related sorry but got my Bmw M1000 R competition pack delivered today after 9 months of waiting I hoping you get a chance To test that bike and let, us know your thoughts Take care Jiri

applecarplay and android auto(the latter just recently added) connectivity on the goldwing sucks, nothing like a honda civic. The akropovic wakes the roar of the motor up nicely but for over $1000usd its not cheap. A con on the rt is the "auto " canceling turn signal takes 1500 meters to turn itself off. That should be adjustable by a menu. Takes several mnutes to cancel in slow traffic. The big plus on the garmin is it works on GPS satelites not cell phone signal like the rt stock nav system.

Yes the BMW app is disappointing. Thinking along the same lines with a separate sat nav. But it's nice not to have loads of things on the handle bars

Hello Scott, Nice review. regarding the exhaust why don't you change it to something more appealing to watch with a deeper sound? Honestly the OEM exhaust on this model is simply hideous. Regarding GPS why not use your smart phone to enjoy the GPS and music at the same time?

Do the pegs and/or bars vibrate at higher speeds (like autobahn/over 85mph?)

Only honest reviews on youtube, cmon lets hear dishonest one :)

Interesting review, I followed your channel since you bought the RT. Shame you're BMW Sat Nav isn't working as you'd like, do you run an Android phone? I ask because I use iOS with my RT and have had no issues at all, including a 3500 mile trip. For me it's one of the bikes best features being able to choose 'favourites' from the thumb wheel etc. Free maps from BMW also remember and no messy extra wiring. Pleased you are sticking with the RT though, they are great bikes :)

Is the goldwing to big? I love the goldwing bagger.

Thanks for the frank review. You really seem to like this bike in spite of the mapping glitches. I'm trying to decide which bike to go for after my 2013 R1200R. A R1250RT or a K1600GT?

I envy your BMW service pricing over there. Over here in the land of the free they want nearly $280 just for an oil change on my 750.... I passed and bought a gs-911 :)

Does the satnav solution from bmw allow you to upload your own .gpx files?

Schönes Video, Scott! I have another con: the available colors! Don't get me wrong, I like the blue (and the other colors) but wouldn't buy it... I just changed my old RT to a new shiny Harley Heritage 2021. Satisfied, no probs with navigation since I don't have one built in 😄😄 (I use the Garmin XT too) Any idea how to transfer my google maps routes at the Garmin?? 🛣️

Look, Bosch made the display and app and that is why it will never have Apple Car play or Android Auto. Myself, I like the new headlamp but I went with a Harley Low Rider ST this time around because I wanted simpler touring. No radio, no gadgets, just back to the basics with a good fairing and luggage. I just added a trunk and off I am going.

What's the TFT software version you have installed now?

Do you still have the Yamaha FJR1300 in Europe? I have one and its a great sport tourer and in Canada at least its a lot less expensive than the BMW. It doesn't have a built-in Nav system but I always find dedicated Garmin GPS units much better than the built in bike or car systems so I also have a Garmin XT. The fuel tank on the FJR is also 25 litres and it gest decent fuel consumption when cruising . . . and that big 144 HP four cylinder really snarls when you open it up.

Can you tell us where you got the handlebar mounts from? My biggest complaint about the my 2017, R1200RT is, there is no where to easily mount anything.

Just picked up a 2022 R1250RT yesterday. It was used with only 567 ish miles on it. I'm coming from a 2017 R1200GSA. What a difference. Amazing. Machine. Any chance these stock seats break in?

Im on RS not RT and the reason is I live in UK aaaand I dont ride on the motorways at all. 1250 RS suits me perfectly , rear seat or passenger seat is very good as I ride with my wife and daughter

With the kind of bike the RT is I can't believe that the weight of it seems to bother you quite so much, as if you didn't think it would be heavy...?! It isn't that bad, but expect it, a big two up touring luxury bike that it is. My own exact same 2021 blue RT has done 14000miles now since I had it from new. Computer software issues, (downloading time), have been long time on one or two of them but always seemed to improve it each time, though not perfect. I haven't had the satnav issues you have, I'm sorry to hear it,...but you never know I may run into such issues with later updates?? It does seem sad that you have had to feel you have needed to purchase a separate Garmin satnav, that's a shame. The one negative thing I have had is having to have the exhaust flapper valve issue sorted, luckily under warranty but what a farce!! Why oh why BMW don't feel they should update this issue with a redesign I do not know. So, so many BMW owners have had this issue and it means replacing the whole exhaust bar the end can part!!!! This is about £1500 cost!! Why oh why BMW do you not change this...??

I would be tempted to trade my VFR800X for the GSXS-1000GT... But I still love my Crossrunner too much xD