BMW R1250 RT (2022) Review
The world of big Sports Tourers can seem rather congested at times and although many a motorcycle will carry the naming convention, are too big and overweight to carry the Sport part of that name. That is why it is quite refreshing to find one that is in fact rather sporty and can tackle a 1000km road trip with ease.
Putting the Sports back in Sports Tourer
40 years have come and gone and still, BMW has held onto the title as masters of touring motorcycles. The hallmarks of their machines have been comfort on long journeys and a sporty riding experience when tackling those twisty mountain passes. The new RT model released at the end of 2021 features a host of new equipment and tech. One glance at the RT and you will immediately see a few features that it shares with its new GS sibling.
Related: BMW R 1250 GS Triple Black (2022) Review
Although the machines have a lot mechanically in common, you will find that they are two completely different riding experiences. We spent a week touring Gauteng, and before we knew it, we had racked up well over 1000 kms.
Styling
Let's start by saying that the RT is not big, it merely looks that way due to the massive fairing, screen and panniers. The fairing is not just there to give the RT a sporty appearance, although it helps, it serves the purpose of pushing away that pesky wind that makes riding so uncomfortable. The large screen directs air over and around the rider while the side pods keep the legs warm and dry. The removable panniers are also a boon to travellers as they hold more than they appear to, easily taking a full-size helmet and jacket, and should you not need them, are easily removable to make the machine look extra sporty.
Despite having a rider position that is essentially straight up and down once you are aboard the RT and enveloped by the fairing and panniers, you almost feel as if you are in the hunched over position of a sports bike adding to the sporty feel.
Tech
BMW has really gone to town here throwing everything they had at the RT. Mount up and the first thing you are greeted by is the 10.25" TFT display that features all the ride modes and menus that you have come to expect from BMW machines, you now have the ability to connect your smartphone via Bluetooth and the My BMW app as well as a lockable wireless charging bay hidden in the dash area. The wide windscreen can be electronically height adjusted by a switch on the handlebar, and you have a set of quick select button buttons down the left side that can be operated with a gloved hand.
Our test model was fitted with a host of new features such as Active Cruise Control and Rider Pro modes and also featured a new Adaptive Turning LED headlamp which lights the road in the direction the bike is heading. The RT also has BMW's next-generation Dynamic ESA controling the suspension and has Hill Start Assist as well as Traction Control and integral ABS.
Engine and drivetrain
The RT is fitted with the same 1250 boxer engine as found in the GS and features their new ShiftCam technology that varies the valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side. The engine delivers 100kW and 143Nm through the slick-shifting 6-speed transmission and sends the power via shaft drive to the rear wheel. BMW says that the RT should return 4.7 litres per 100 km from the 29-litre tank which means that if you ride conservatively you can get 450km on a fill-up.
Let's ride
Navigating around town proved to be something of a bother, the 278kg wet weight and extra width made getting around traffic and manoeuvring in parking areas trying, so we opted to head out on the quiet roads to experience its true potential. A bright sunny Saturday dawned and from the East Rand, we headed South to the Vaal area for a bit of breakfast and after a quick visit in Deneysville, headed North to Cullinan for lunch. After a light meal, we once again embarked and headed West for the wider open roads taking a blast through the sweeping Cradle of Humankind. 725km in one day, that may sound like absolute torture to some but on the RT it was simply childs play.
The suspension soaked up the bumps and with the torque from the 1250, powering up and down winding hills was a breeze. Buffeting wind is one of the most tiring parts of riding a bike but the fairing and windshield blocked the majority of the wind and allowed one to relax and enjoy the ride instead of labouring to keep astride the machine. Sitting at freeway speed with the cruise control engaged is one thing, but it was the twisty roads in Magaliesberg where the RT really shone. For its size and weight the RT cornered like a focused track machine and was easy enough to whip around bends.
Returning from a such a punishing ride usually results in a few day's rest before riding again, but after being home for just an hour, we were ready to get going again, that is how supremely comfortable the RT is and how much of a pleasure it is to ride at pace.
Model and Pricing
| Full Spec Alpine White | R 341 600 |
| Style Elegance Manhattan Black Metallic | R 350 100 |
| Style Sport Racing Blue | R 353 100 |
All 1250 RT motorcycles come with a 5 year / unlimited km warranty.
*Pricing correct at time of publication ** Excludes Individualization options
Verdict
If you are the type of person that truly enjoys riding and doing crazy mileage on your bike but don't necessarily want a big adventure machine, then the RT is a near-perfect place to start. It is poised and balanced and oh so easy to ride along with all the tech you could want and need on a long trip. Whether it's music, heated handgrips and seats, central locking or multiple power outlets, the RT has it all and more.
