BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

My first post, been active on the K-1600 forum, I Rented a RT 1250 for 3 weeks in Europe this summer. Great bike, after 2,000 miles in the Alps, I liked it enough that I plan on trading my K-1600 GA in on one. The one thing that’s a must have is pull back handlebars, I have risers on my GA and have had mini apes on my last 3 bikes. Anyone know if both tube and forged bars have aftermarket fixes? Any advantages?

I’m looking at ordering a 2024. Are there better years, maybe the 2025 has upgrades (or a major redesign, lol) or another year has better performance? Any suggestions would be appreciated? I’ll miss the 160 hp, the better handling and versatility will more than make up.

P.S. I'm sure glad I read a little!! Might change things. I see a RT 1300 coming in 2025.
Also see a K-1300 coming in 2025.

Both look like good sport tourers!! Don't know if I can wait, also I've never bought the first year of any major redesign.

Hello and welcome.

I'm pretty new to the bmw brand and the rt. If you are ordering new, I'd go for the tubular bars. I think they have the same ergonomics as the standard cast aluminium bars but they should be easier to install bar risers if needed, that's what I did but haven't needed to raise them yet.

It might be worth waiting to have a test ride on the 1300 before you pull the trigger on the current 1250. I do understand not wanting to go for a new refreshed model, especially with bmw

For the size of the machine, bar risers, lowered footpegs and alternative screens are remarkably popular. That's not to say the ergonomics are bad, more like if you're 6ft or taller improvements can be made. I've just been looking at bar risers for a cast bar model and some of them ain't cheap, plus if you want to angle them back towards you, because of the way they use the OEM hole, if you pivot them back you'll lose height. As Minty said, go for tubulars bars if you're ordering new and you think you might need to make changes.

You can fit bar risers on the R1250RT, but you need a bar puller to fit them, so I got someone to do it for me and they make it just a bit more comfortable for me on longer trips. I've also gone for a larger screen and foot peg lowering kit, these also add to the comfort along with a Sargent seat.

I traded from a K1600GA also, and although it was a smoother and more comfortable bike, the wobble at 60/70mph made it unpleasant to ride on tours. It was also still a bit of a lard ass even though it handled well for it's size, it's not a patch on the R1250RT though, especially at low speeds, car parks and in U turns. Two years on and I'm glad I made the switch, I would not go back, despite missing the monster torque of that in line six. The ease of maneuvering the RT round the garage alone was a big difference, and performance wise there is actually nothing in it, they make different power, but the K1600 needs it for the extra weight, the RT will never be left behind other than on a low speed roll on





As far as the R1300RT goes??, it would depend on your finances if it were me I've heard mixed reviews on the R1300GS, and as you have mentioned, in it's first year there maty be gremlins

Would it be possible to grab a late model R1250 RT and trade up in 2026 after a year or two on the road and a test drive with the newer model?

The more I look at the 2025 RT-1300, the more I like it. I hope the final product turns out as nice as the artist rendering. More power and less weight sounds good to me. I would be concerned about buying the first year of a major re-design. Buying a late model used and waiting sound like good advice to me.