The 2022 BMW R1250RT is a long rider’s dream bike…and it is easily the best bike I have ever owned. The RT has been around for quite a while with the first model being released in 1978. It has gone through several updates over the years, with the one constant being the legendary BMW boxer engine. The boxer engine paired with a shaft drive make them known for their reliability, handling, and capability. I would love to hear stories from the long riders of old who explored the world on those early model RTs. Oh the stories they could tell!
Comfort – The RT is a very comfortable bike. Probably one of the most comfortable heavy weight sport tourers. The bike places you into an upright neutral riding position with your feet naturally directly underneath. The wind protection is excellent. Out of the box the bike is quite comfortable and really doesn’t require any adjustments for a long rider.
However, ergonomic tweaks can take this bike from being comfortable, to being perfect. I installed bar risers and a Russell Day Long saddle as well as highway pegs to take the comfort level up a notch.
The Russell Day Long saddle completely transforms the bike. I have put many 500+ mile days on the stock seat without breaking a sweat. There’s no doubt that the Russell seat took my RT from a 500 mile per day bike to a 800+ mile per day bike. It really is that good!
The RT has all of the creature comforts a long rider needs with plenty of storage. It’s literally the perfect mount for a long rider and it thrives when pounding out the miles.
Engine – As previously stated, the RT is equipped with the legendary BMW boxer engine. It’s a reliable motor that offers character as well as power. It’s not smooth like the K1600 engine. You know you’re on a motorcycle when riding the BMW boxer. The engine has plenty of power, and the 1250 is the first boxer with the shift-cam technology. Not sure how the shift-cam system will do regarding longevity, but it definitely packs a punch! As a BMW tech, I haven’t seen any of the 1250’s fail due to the shift-cam design so far, so that’s a good sign. I have worked on several 1250’s that are approaching the 100,000 mile mark with nothing nothing more than routine maintenance. The previous boxer engines (1200cc) are notorious for lasting hundreds of thousands of miles if properly maintained. I’m hoping for the same out of my 1250. Maintenance is super easy, and this engine is one of my favorites offered by BMW.
Handling – In my opinion, the RT is the best handing sport touring bike ever made. There is a reason police departments love this bike. It’s relatively light, super easy to maneuver at slow speeds, and can absolutely hammer in the twisties!
The newer RT’s have electronic suspension, ride modes, dynamic traction control, dynamic abs, etc etc. It’s not too much though. In comparison to the BMW K1600 heavy weight sport tourer, the RT allows a bit more rider feedback so you don’t feel numb or disconnected from the bike.
Like my old Guzzi, the RT always puts a smile on my face when I’m riding her!
Lights – The head lights on the RT are fantastic. Just like my K1600 Grand America, the RT has adaptive headlights that swivel towards the direction of travel. These lights are no joke, they will seriously light up the road and I have been “flashed” by oncoming traffic when running my low beams. If I run the high beams I’d blind oncoming traffic. The only downside is getting “flashed” every now and again. The upside is that these lights turn the night into day, they are that good!
The fog lights are standard and a great touch as well. They do a nice job of lighting up the sides and the area directly in front.
The tail light and rear turn signals are an area where BMW could improve. The tail light assembly is small and not very bright. I will likely be adding additional lighting for the rear to signal when I’m slowing down or coming to a stop.
Brakes – Like most BMW bikes, the brakes on the RT work very well. They have a linked braking system and are equipped with dynamic ABS. A very advanced and non-intrusive system which will bring the bike to a rapid stop without upsetting the chassis. Brakes are not something you have to think or worry about while mounted on one of these bikes.
Tech – The RT has some of the most advanced tech available on a motorcycle. The version I have is equipped with dynamic cruise control, heated everything, wireless phone charger, electronic suspension, navigation, a large TFT screen, a decent sound system, adjustable wind screen, and the list goes on. Once you get the hang of how use everything and you get your settings set up to your riding style, the bike becomes easy and enjoyable.
There’s only two things I wish BMW would do to improve this bike. One is to illuminate the buttons and switches. When riding in the dark it can be a pain fumbling with switches and buttons you can’t see. Honda and Ducati illuminate their switches and buttons and it is quite convenient! The second is to add Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The bike is already equipped with a huge TFT screen, all you need is the appropriate software.
Summary
I plan on owning my RT for a long time to come. She’s my “go to” when I’m itching for a cross-country trip. God willing I have many more in the tank!
This bike simply does everything well. The RT is a bike that I can definitely recommend if you’re thinking about living the life of a long rider!
Sport Touring Cycle Adventures 