Great to hear from you Steve. Enjoy your new machine and greetings from across the Pond

Hard to disagree with that Greg. With a little refinement, maybe that improved screen, it would sell like hot cakes.

My thoughts exactly

I took one out a while back and in comparison i felt my 16 RT better ,especially on throttle response,although it had only done 180 mile so running in may have to be considered,I think I will wait for any recalls sorted till i open my wallet,and it wont be spent on that stupid audio system,why add that on at extra cost when most intercoms will pair with phone or Nav 6 and play music from there..

rick burgess the audio does seem a bit pointless, maybe a 2 minute wow factor to impress bystanders, but much better quality through the headset these days. I've often wondered how I could use the space those speakers take up ...

@@Back2TheBike The audio is very 80's Goldwing,,you can (apparently )use the speaker compartments for storage of maybe a small first aid kit or other essentials,but you would need a small torx bit to hand

Hi Paul and welcome to B2TB. Thanks for your encouragement. I'm no expert but just try to give an average rider's 'real life' perspective. Let us know how you fare with new toy!

@@Back2TheBike Will do. Your review was excellent. Technical reviews sometimes go overboard. Your review was a real life review and that's what we are all interested in. Cheers and safe riding.

Brian Mclaughlin I agree Brian. Let's wait for the next iteration with the fancy display!

Back2TheBike Probably good advice,but I like the bike so much,I don’t think I can wait,particularly if I can get a good deal on an 18 leftover now.Decisions,decisions.🤔

Clifford J. Summers Sr. Hi Clifford, I totally agree. There's something comforting about that clunk! I suspect next year's model with the upgraded display might be more tempting but I won't be upgrading any time soon for the same reasons as yourself.

Brilliant. More reviews coming soon!

Graden Scheiwe Ha! Just to make it even harder make sure you give the S1000XR a blast too ;-)

Hi Graden, as a matter of interest, what did you land up buying?

Hi and welcome to B2TB. I'm with you to be honest. I agree that it is a little quieter and smoother, but in itself no 'burning platform' to upgrade. Yet!

Totally agree Peter. I suspect next year's version might be a little more tempting though!

Some nice roads on the Nothants/Beds border aren't there?

Back2TheBike there some amazing roads, some good ones going out of Bedford towards Cardington and sandy potton area.

Thanks for the feedback Steve.

@@Back2TheBike may I ask what camera you use?

@@SteveIneson I use a Drift Ghost S as my helmet cam. Its now superceded by the X. You can find a review in my playlist.

Hi OT, yes, a very competent operator but heavy at slow speeds. Ticks all the boxes and great for longer distances. I've evolved to a Monster now, 85Kg lighter after a major heart incident.

Back2TheBike thank you for the reply. Good health to you sir, glad to hear you’re still on two wheels.

Thanks Bob. Hopefully more videos on the way soon.

Yes definitely more confident. Amazing what you remember and what you've forgotten after a 37yr lay off. Still have to work at it though!

Yes they're well sorted aren't they? They also can handle a lot of miles so I'm sure you'll enjoy your BMW!

HI Donna, I remember the Z1000ST. You certainly could do it again, maybe worth a go? Start with a skills refresh day with a decent trainer on a smaller bike to see if it puts a smile on your face 😀

Good news. IAM usually do a £99 offer which covers 15 months of membership and the exam fee. I understand there are plenty of used RT's/GS's around so probably worth a trip to the dealer.

Yes, I've got one of those too Peter ;-)

My first thought was fire your financial planner...then after I got it, I thought oh...never mind! 😂🤣

Two up on a long 18 day tour of Norway we managed an indicated 62mpg,

Hi Steve, I just give give a general overall impression and it is a little smoother than the 1200. Being an old bloke and staying legal I never thrash them ;-)

Back2TheBike Fair enough, it’s that kind of bike, just an observation since shift cam comes into play (according to BMW) at 5000rpm or pretty wide open throttle. I don’t think of 6000-7000rpm as thrashing it when the red line is at 9k. Whilst the R1200 does encourage shifting early, it does seem to enjoy the occasional holding onto the lower gears. I wish the fog and sos buttons weren’t an after thought hand me down from the GS with the mirror stem cut outs, in fact there’s a lot about the bike that makes the statement that the GS is the primary target of their attention.

Jock Biker you could be right. It'll need some extensive retooling of the fairing and electrical system though.

Thanks for the history lesson Wallace 😁

Indeed. You're certainly never in doubt you've dropped into first !

The clunk in the 1st gear is the BMW trademark.

ridden harley they clunk every gear

Christine Copus It's a big beast to be sure. I remember the 1980's when 1000cc seemed massive.

Agreed Gordon with the S1000XR and new TFT. AS you say BMW have cornered the market here. The RT is IMHO the world's best touring bike and I'm delighted with mine, but the 1250 unit by itself is not sufficient reason to upgrade ... yet!

Time to look down the back of the sofa for all that lost change

I did trade it after a heart incident meant I needed something lighter. That said, as long as you're not àfter the latest gizmos, that model was a very capable machine and could take a very high mileage

@Back2TheBike thanks for that mine has 190000 kms now and still a great bike

Seaflyfisher channel. Masterclass series.

A second hand machine with full service history will save you money. The RT can take a lot of miles, but for preference I would want something with less than 15Km which had been cared for by its owner.

Hi Harry. I use the Drift Ghost x. Check out my review. I dont wear an air vest. Hope you enjoy your RT ride!

Ride it like you stole it, as they say Gene! Whatever floats your boat 😎 Admittedly, this was early, tentative days for me after coming back from such a long lay off. I'm now a little bolder ;-) Enjoy the summer, and best wishes from the UK.

Thats a superb anslysis Branko. Thanks. The new TFT display sounds interesting. Im not skilled enough for high speed cornering but its one of my objectives to work on this year. Maybe the 2020 RT might progress to a Daniel Craig level?!

I went for the 1250 RT which will be delivery by end of next week. I didn't wanted to wait for the front LED lights as I am scared this will be part of the upgrade including a TFT screen which I do not really like. So, to be safe, I purchased it as it is now. For anything else, I think this bike is fantastic should it be 1200 or 1250.

@@AlexRougeTraveler Hi Alex. Yes she's a lovely machine which really ticks all the boxes.

@@AlexRougeTraveler Congratulations ! Superb choice and a well balanced machine. The new engine is smoother and quieter as no cam chains. Enjoy !

@@brankojerbic6040 Yes a lovely machine that will be next to a CRF 1000, another lovely machine. By the way, where do you see there is no cam chains on the new 1250 engine?

garysetch I think it was in Road mode Gary. The 1250 felt just that little bit sharper than the 1200, but even though it was warmish on winter roads that were slightly grotty I didn't fancy dynamic.

Martyn Leyfield Thanks Martin. I didn't know that, you could be right! Feels like a long time ago at the moment, currently laid up and can't ride for a while 😢

Back2TheBike oh sorry to hear that fella hope your back on it soon, and when you do take your self off to Scotland and do the nc500 I did it 2nd week in May this year with my son his first ever road time it was absolutely amazing 😊 maybe it would give you something to look forward too 👍 take care and get well soon Regards Martyn

The quickshifter, rather like the gears in general, is marginally slicker, but nothing like that on the S1000XR where you hardly need the clutch.

Ride them both. If you ride all year get the RT.

i understand there is a low seat, today i booked a ride on a gsa and i think its taller than my 1200 explorer i am 6,2 its a high one for sure,,

Great stuff Ian. Make sure you get out to practice 100 miles or so between observes, and only ride one way from now on.

Back2TheBike Cheers Neil, I’ve got a week off next week, forecast is great up here in Scotland so hoping to get lots of practice in. I must say I am enjoying my riding much more now that I am starting to string a few things together, I also really like my observer he is a good guy and he has 10 bikes in his garage happy days 👍🏍

Mike Dignum that's interesting Mike. Makes you wonder what BMW's strategy is. I agree with you about the GS, it did clunk but not as much as the RT. Wasn't a problem for me, part of the character of the bike.

Youll love it Rusty. So will your boss.

Worth a test ride though Kirk - you'll love it.

Take, use or give information. Giving a signal is only performed if likely to be useful to another road user. Sorry if that's too simple for you.

Hi Zunaid, try this forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.php?78210-Installed-the-Wunderlich-Touring-Screen-on-the-15-RT

The IAM do teach it, as well as my mentor SeaFlyFisher. As long as the lanes aren't marked (say for a right turn), you've checked your mirror and there's no following traffic, and done a right shoulder lifesaver, the straight line is the cleanest, quickest route out of the hazard.

@@Back2TheBike Neil. My argument to that would be that the information you are giving to any approaching vehicles at the next exit, is that you are turning right, that's what tour position on the roundabout says. If that is the case then someone at the next exit might think it's ok to pull on to roundabout as they are turning left! Any thoughts?

@@guyholt3757 I'd argue that because I can now maintain a straighter course (always good on a slippery surface) and higher speed I'd be out of the situation well before they would come into conflict with me. Assuming the RAB isn't split into marked lanes it's my right of way as well. As always, I should be able to stop in the distance I can see to be clear so I'd be watching him to see if he's going to do something daft.

Hi Guy - theres no problem with taking a straighter course through roundabouts as long as the lanes aren't directional and specifically marked and that you're not coming into conflict with other road users - if its unmarked and clear, then the straightest course is quickest and safest particularly in adverse weather and road surface conditions - the bigger the circumference of your course, the more upright you can keep the bike which gives you stability and helps you carry speed safely. Your course will still show other drivers where you're going and if its needed, a signal as you pass the penultimate junction will confirm your intentions. With the bike more upright, if you do need to brake or take evasive action for any reason you are automatically in a much safer place being more upright, to be able to do it. There are no harsh changes in direction taking that straighter course which will allow you to put power in earlier and leave an area of high potential danger quicker - its also a good opportunity to create that gap between you and any following traffic as you negotiate the roundabout quickly - if you watch Neils course through the roundabouts, its nothing drastic thats going to confuse other drivers, its just a smooth, no fuss, flowing course through the roundabout and away quick. Roundabouts are no different than taking any other bend and the bigger you can make the circumference of your turning circle on all of them, the safer you'll be keeping yourself - you'll still be leaving the roundabout at the same exit point, you've just taken a slightly straighter course to get there - stay safe out there - Dale

Bought a 2015 r1200r and sold due a disappointing gear box. Hopeful the 2017 fixed it but didn't notice a great difference. Hang around the forums and you'll draw fire from those who just love the tractor type shifting.

I'm sure they'd put the red carpet out for you. Clutch? Maybe a little. Thought I had cracked it but the 'Boss' says I need to slow down more and get further out. Yes, it would be good to meet up in the not too distant future. March is busy work-wise but hopefully one fine Spring day?

@@Back2TheBike Yep I would'a gone round in the ol' friction zone (as some call it) It almost sounded like the motor was lugging with no revs on that right hander....but then it is a boxer :)

@@HepcatHarley 1300 rpm is plenty on the boxer of you're moving nicely, but you're right of course. Maybe 2000 rpm and some slippage is the proper way. Dale reckons 1st gear should have been used too at such a slow pace I could, if necessary, have stopped on a sixpence.

@@Back2TheBike It sounded like it was nearing stall speed which isn't good on a tight turn, oh and that sixpence is mine :)

@@Back2TheBike - always go back to basics mate so treat it like any other bend and hold position until you can see its clear to exit - the slightly too quick approach will make you cut into it - anything big will be coming to your side of the road and because it's so blind I would approach it expecting to stop so right into the nearside, time and control it that you get to entry as if you're intending to stop in either first or second depending on what you and your bikes happy in at that speed - pick up the drive as normal looking at the view point for anything oncoming - as with any bend view is opening all the time on the way in and once you reach the point where you can see the roads clear you can straighten to exit - if anything big comes you're as far from it as possible and can stop easily with any following already controlled down behind you - if it's a car oncoming you just hold position and delay the exit - keep it simple and treat it like any other bend in respect of setup, view, position and drive :D

Hi Stephen, that's a great question. I put a lot of thought into it and decided it would be unsafe for myself and unfair to a dealer if I just walked in after 37 years and 'jumped on' their bike. I watched a lot of YT video before I got anywhere near a bike. I visited and chatted with a few dealers just to take a peek at what was available. I sat on a few, and thought - wow, that's big! Next step (having bought all my kit) was a back to biking day which I did with Honda in Bedford, 2 hours in the car park then 2 ride-outs. The instructor mentioned a Suzuki Cafe Ride a week later, so I booked a ride on a Vstrom 650. Only 30 mins, but more time on the bike, and the dealer was happy for me to do it. Confidence building, so rode the Vstrom 1000 as well. I asked Suzuki for a 'preper' demo, so visited them and rode both bikes again the following week. Next stage was, in one day, to take out the R1200GS, then the RT from the BMW dealer, but taking it very gingerly. All this is videod if you want to check it out. The sensible (and my initial favourite) choice would have been a 650, but having waited so long, and not wanting to have to trade up after only a year, I dived in for the RT and have no regrets - it was the perfect choice.

@@Back2TheBike - I know we had this conversation Neil but the bigger bikes are usually easier to ride because of the "your weight to bike weight" ratio - having more bike under you lowers the overall centre of gravity and gives better balance and stability which in turn will boost your confidence with it

I've read something that suggests they aren't quite the 'gold standard' that the Brembo's are.

Guy Holt I think they are better, more feel, certainly are on my GSA...

Thanks for clearing that one up Rory. Good advice then and now ;-)

Yes, still early days for me back then. My Ducati is making those get up and go noises though now!

Thanks David. It's a tough job but someone's got to do it ;-)

I think a lot of people, me included, agree with that Adrian. For the extra dosh you'd need more capability than just the slightly faster/smoother engine. They could have added the new TFT (looks like 2020 according to Guy Holt (above); a more aerodynamic windscreen; and an LED headlamp. Now that would be tempting ...

@@Back2TheBike I wonder if something like this would help with your screen? There's a few bought them on the GS forum that have reported positive results and for the money one could be worth a punt. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Clip-on-Windshield-Windscreen-Extension-Deflector-Universal-Fit/182760099518?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Very slightly less, almost imperceptible

Hi Paul, I agree with your analysis. Handling was identical to my 16 plate RT which has the ESA but not the 'auto' function. 1250's Tyres? Michelin (Road GT??) I think the extra weight +14KG is down to the engine.

John Sinclair Hi John, full disclosure: I rarely filter and only then if there's a lot of room and a major advantage. I'd say though it is possible but you clearly are slightly wider than say a GS.

Back2TheBike thanks for that. 👍

Hi, good question. Honest answer? I don't know because I haven't ridden the FJR, but I'd suspect the differences would be marginal. I think when you've got this level of power/torque you can have as much fun as your skill will permit. Great YT name by the way ;-)

Having owned a 2015 FJRes and having ridden Wollaston’s R1250rt, they are totally different styles of bike, the FJR in my opinion is more manageable, the engine more powerful but needs to be revved harder (torque level) than the RT, I found that when stopping there’s not a lot of room for your left foot to touch down, which just made me slightly nervous with it (loan bike) probably something you would get used to. I would say the FJR is a closer match to the R1200RS (soon to be the R1250RS) as the RT feels physically much bigger.. horses for courses. Good review though.

Martin Knowles I appreciate the insight Martin. Feels like a long time ago now! I know Leics police prefer the FJR as its faster and easier to handle in town.

@@Back2TheBike Very diplomatic mate - its the rider that makes the difference, not the bike :D

Bees Derry Hi. The place to look is the SeaFlyFisher channel and his Masterclass series. 1-11 lay the basics, from there on he gets a little more advanced. The best advanced riding instruction on YT IMHO.

Thanks for that.

To answer the question (I did when I said 'why wouldn't you') but it's clearly the logical way to go, but the delta over my LE 16 plate isn't worth the investment yet. Mirrors? The RT's mirrors are fine on a dry day but IMHO next to useless in the wet, with badly occluded vision from road grunge, particularly on the near side. The stalked units I've fitted have given me 20/20 vision all winter. I didn't realise the SoS was self contained, but didn't want to tamper in case Thunderbird 1 suddenly appeared ;-)

@@Back2TheBike Neil, I've now ridden an RT with SOS over quite a bit of England and Wales and perhaps surprisingly (given it can 'talk' to more than one provider) there are often significant (even A road) areas where there is no service. The dash informs you of that. You also need a 3/4G line of sight connection to the cell site to get the co-ordinates out to the ECALL centre but the Motorrad hype that states: "The intelligent emergency call is active from the start of the journey and is ready for use at all times". While this is really a telecoms/geography issue of course (and 5G will not solve this), that claim above might interest the ASA!

Ah yes, but apart from all that ... ?!

@@Back2TheBike Apart from all that it could be a much better machine. The problem is that a lot of riders that are attracted to BMW bikes, especially RT are looking for a rolling computer filled with Nanny items. Eg "rain Mode", hill helper or whatever they call it. In the meantime, BMW is cheapening their product and cutting corners wherever they can...and none of you "reviewers" seem to notice. Add BTW, I have been riding bmw motorcycles since 1983.

@@beemrdon52 still the premier long range tourer IMHO. I partly agree though. BMW just add complexity, bells,,whistles and a new paint job to justify an already exorbitant price. The ride hasn't changed. I'm now on the Ducati Multistrada 950 V2S. More than enough of everything. And it's Italian ...

Agreed Jerry. There aren't man differences but I wanted to work it out for myself and our subscribers. Also, I hadn't seen anyone else on YT do a direct comparison. 'm delighted with '16 plate LE, so the '19 is by definition a superior machine, but probably not the step change that might make someone like myself spend (say £8K) t upgrade.

hondabiker1960 I didn't know that!

The RT was heavy for me, so I think I'd want to go lighter!

I think you'll find every kind of bike at the TT, so no ones going to laugh!

Something to be said for retro ...

morningbetterlast The brakes are badged as BMW but made in the States. On paper they perform the same as the old Brembos, but in think then common view is this was a cost saving decision.

morningbetterlast The Hayes brakes are part of the Brembo group, in my opinion they are better, just as strong and more feel, love them on my GSA 1250. The engine is far better than the 1200, the gearbox is just as bad...

she's right. I reckon it's got the most comfortable back seat on 2 wheels!

@@Back2TheBike I never thought, she was that clever . . .😂😂😂😂😂

Christine Copus Time you got your own ID Joe. I still appreciate the 10 though ;-)

Who? Me?

Cant remember now to be honest! I've swapped it now for a Monster R which I had in sport mode yesterday for the first time. Wow. 🔥🔥🔥

Hi Mark - what's your basis for this out of interest? Should have mentioned I get mid 50's from mine but I don't tend to ride hard.

Ha! Different machine though, or does it do everything an RT does?

Not something that I can consider wise in Australia. GW are too heavy to pick up in a servo. Dropped my K1100LT with full luggage and still got it up. Aus you might have an hour before the next travellers come to help.

I find it funny how I hear so many comments about BMW costing so much . Go price a fully dressed Harley , or Goldwing. There going to be about the same as a K 1600 GT/ GTL . I have friend who has close to $40,000 into his Harley , and my K1600 GT could do circles around his bike . I only spent around $ 25,000 . It sounds like a lot of money , but compare apples to apples .

@@michaelbayliss1794 Had my K1100 since 1999,was S/H with 8000km on it at $8000 below original cost. Now has 274,000 on it and has now had it's second real repair. First clutch at 185000 now starter motor at 273000. Pretty good value in my world as Yam tourers will not make the distance with the little work this has. Next a K1600 for me.

@@michaelbayliss1794 Hi Michael. That's a great point and when you add in the residual value the BMW is not such a problem. Thanks for your comment.

Christine Copus Ha! The drinks are on me Christine ;-)