BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hello,

I do not own an RT, however it is on the short list. For this reason I joined the forum and look forward to learning more about this amazing motorcycle.

Past:
2009 R1200GS
Many Japanese standards and sports 700-1200cc
Several R75/5's

Current:
'73 BMW R75/5
2012 Ural Gear Up
2003 H-D Deuce
2021 KLX300R
1969 Honda Z50
1978 Honda Z50

Next motorcycle short list considerations:
R1250GS/GSA, RS, ST
K1600 GT
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Harley-Davidson Road King
Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST

I recently began riding Iron Butt sanctions rides and I love long distance riding. I also enjoy light ADV and ADV camping, but I think I may be done with full size ADV riding as I'm tired of picking up 500# + motorcycles. I have my KLX300 for lightweight ADV but is is not a highway bike. So I'm drawn to the GS's and Africa Twin.

The biggest choice I need to make is between ADV riding or street. The Africa Twin seems like a good compromise, but on a recent ride in 30deg F temperatures and lots of rain in the 40's F on an Iron Butt ride, better protection would be really appreciated!

Hence, my interest in the RT. I love the boxer engines. I've owned and rented several BMW's over the years and enjoyed them.

A note about the new BMW's and TFT.... I've been on the K1600 forum for a couple of months, and the TFT's are not doing it for me. I've ridden a new K1600 with the TFT, and I hated it. No CarPlay, wonky app, wonky connectivity, slow boot up.... I've decided if I go with any R bike or K1600 it will be a non-TFT model.

I would love to buy a new BMW, but the TFT... no thank you.

Am I crazy?

I wanted to replace the incandescent brake/tail bulbs on my 2011 camhead with LED's but can't due to the system producing an error as the power drain of LED's is less. I find the CANBUS implementation seriously inflexible and many aspects of computerisation on bikes in general, problematic.
Just be thankful you don't have my small monochrome display. As an older guy with very average eyesight I find the display illegible and a distraction when I get an error or wish to read the tyre pressures, fuel level or temperature. It is too small and too low.
So no, not crazy... If you find the TFT annoying, I can understand that completely.

Without varifocal glasses, I can't clearly see the GPS or dash on my bike.