In Lincolnshire there is currently a waiting list to become a blood biker. I put my name down last October and haven't got to the top of the list yet.

I notice some areas seem to be short of volunteers. Luck of the draw, I suppose.

Swapped my 1250RT for a K1600 GTL in January. 2.5 years old and almost half the new price and that was from a BMW dealer and included the 2 year warranty and service plan.

I've only had the chance to do about 300 miles so far and I know the GT is set up a little differently but they are quite ...

Well, not today exactly....

Swapped the 1250RT which went to the dealer on the only dry Saturday in January in PEx for a 2023 K1600GTL LE.

I know, I know. But stick with it. There was nothing wrong with the RT other than being 7 years old but the GTL was pristine, 2.5 years old and a couple of ...

I think many people are surprised at how the 1250 carries its weight. On paper it's a mad motorcycle that should ride like a bag of spanners yet it all comes together into a remarkably accomplished whole.

3 months later...

Did the course culminating in the test yesterday. Relieved to say that I passed!

Learned much along the way but have one issue that irks me a little. Why the pressure to overtake? On the test we were nearing the end point on a busy A road. Caravan at the head of a line of traffic ...

I'm going through the IAM Advanced Rider course just now ( in fact I have my test on Monday) and it's been transformational.

I agree with the above advice about getting some advanced training. Not only will they guide you through the slow handling issues but will reprogram your riding mind!

Can you extend the warranty and euro recovery on a 3-year-old bike? That might be worth looking at.

I think you should get a demo ride on the 1300. My 1250 is a 2019 so very similar to yours but pre-TFT.

I just couldn't see enough improvement in the 1300 to justify the price. It was a little bit better all round but not a leap forward.

Personally I'm hoping to find a nice 2-year-old 1250 with ...

EasyRider wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 12:16 pm The problem is he is near Scunthorpe which is a 4 hour drive for me.

Sounds like his name's wrapped up in the town there.

I'm seriously considering the 1300 to replace my 2019 1250.

The thing is I pay £160 a year comp insurance and can get quotes from a range of insurers. However, for a £24k 1300RT I've only secured one quote which seemed steep at £900.

I notice one or two forum members have the 1300 so my question ...

I was sceptical of the HSC at first especially living in the flatest area of the UK but it's actually proved useful at times. On the 1250 I find that if I just ease on the power it disconnects smoothly whereas trying to get a brisker start causes a jerk. I used it a lot in the Pennines recently, I ...

First IAM session today with a local observer who was both knowledgeable and thorough. I really enjoyed it. Clearly I've got work to do to get to the point of being ready for assessment and much to learn on the way.

I'm so glad I decided to enrol.

Wish my bike were that clean!

Hi Moki.

The problem with the RT is that once you've ridden it for a while you'll wonder how you ever managed longer journeys on other machines!

Had the test ride on the R1300RT this morning. Very relaxed about the whole thing, they were, just bring it back with some petrol in it!

First impressions (straight off the 1250):

It looks smaller from the rider's seat. It also feels smaller and lighter, which it isn't. It's all about perspective ...