Why the BMW RT

[Minty]

I've pretty much always had large touring bikes. Pan Euro, FJR, GTR1400.
In 2022 I tried a 1250 GS, I've always liked the look of them, and still do. I loved the way it handled and the torque of the engine but after a few hundred miles I would get home with a splitting headache and, after a bit of research, found out it was tyre noise causing it. I do use custom earplugs. I had a word with the dealer and took out a different bike and the dealers own personal bike, both of which made the horrible noise with different tyres.
So after 1700 miles I sold it and went back to what I know, Yamaha FJR1300 ES, bought unseen. I had a brand new FJR in 2003, when I was a lot younger and stronger! I didn't remember the FJR being so heavy! and the electronis suspension doesn't work like the semi active bmw setup so,after 2 years decided to change, Again!!!

The RT was never on my radar if I'm honest but thought I would give one a go. After a test ride, I thought it was nice but nothing special so left it at that but arranged to have a second test a few weeks later. On the second test, something clicked and really took to the bike, and really loving it now.

So the why; It's lighter, comfier (with the peg lowering kit) has more low down easily accessible torque and better suspension than the FJR it replaces.

[Greefy67]

Why?
I fancied a massive BMW. Big seat, big screen, comfy for a passenger. And didn't cripple me after 30 minutes. And it had to be a boxer because I've never owned that configuration.
But it had to be cheap.....just in case. So I bought a 2006 40k mile silver thing with all the boxes.

It replaced a Benelli Tornado Tre 900. Last of the italian supermodels.
Achingly beautiful, Expensive to keep happy. Difficult to live with. Prone to doing it's own thing.
I do miss it, but I've done more miles on the RT in the few months I've owned it than the entire time I owned the Benelli.
Nuff said

[Shuswaper]

Why?
When the new shiftcam engine came out, then followed by that skookum TFT, I seriously started lookin to buy. The test ride in the summer of '22 convinced me. Interestingly enough, when I rode out of the dealer's parking lot with the Demo, I immediately thought: this is not the bike for me.
Then, over an hour later, I thought to myself it was the bike for me! Between the ride quality, handling and grunt, I was sold. During the month of January '23, I put in my factory order for Alpine White. Like others have said, beautiful bike....certainly the best looking I have ever had !
And, the fit and finish is second to none.
I have been riding since '69 and went thru more than a few machines...this RT tops them all in terms of being a complete and very manageable package !

Replaced?
2015 FJR 1300ES

Always kept my eyes on the German brand, but always bought Asian (cept for a couple BSAs in the beginning). Between factors of reliability, cost and substantial dealer networks, we have had pretty good success. It was high time (maybe an age related thing) to go in another direction, and glad I did.

[1gewehr]

I've had sport-tourers before (1985 Honda V65 Sabre being my favorite), and was looking for another one last year. After researching what was available on the gently-used market, I really had not seen anything I liked that was in my price range (Under $10K).
When I had an opportunity to buy a 2014 R1200RT-P, I started to seriously consider the BMW. I had the opportunity to talk to some of the BMW tech folks at the Barber Motorrad last October and they gave me all the dirt on what to look for in a used R1200RT. I've never been afraid to get my hands greasy or make a minor blood sacrifice while wrenching. After taking a really good test ride on the 2024 R1250RT, I really liked the bike and decided that a ten-year old oil-head with 37,000 miles was not far different in the power, handling, and other important aspects.

I rode it 2400 miles home after buying it, just finished EVERY maintenance item (yes, drive shaft, valves, etc), and I love the bike! I'm looking forward to many more miles before I have to start looking for a replacement or have to give up riding!

An added advantage is the support, both in-person from the local club and dealer, as well as online.

[Capt Sisko]

Why. Go right back to the 1980s when I had a GS1100g with a massive fairing & King & Queen seat I've had a soft spot for bigger engined lazy tourers, but with a bit of go in reserve. My R1250RT is just the latest incarnation of that liking.

Replaced. F800GT, a well under rated bike, but physically just too small and a bit too buzzy for me.

[Strat Tuner]

Why?

I wanted something with a shaft drive. BMW is famous for good engineering and durability. As a teen, I read William Pirsig's book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and that made me want a boxer engine more than any other.

Replaced

My RT didn't replace my Yamaha FJR. Having two of the most reliable models ever made seemed like a good idea. I ride one while the other is in the shop.

[jclaudej]

Previous bike => GS1200LC of 2017
Why I changed => R1250RT of 2019
My 176 cm are more compatible with the RT
Much more comfortable for my wife and me.
Luggage capacity
I love this engine, especially the low end torque

After :
............
XJR1300
ST1300 2005
GL1800 2010
1200 VFR crosstourer 2016
GS1200LC 2017

This is for me my best bike in relation with my 69 spring

[HPTCC!]

I bought the RT three months ago, new, for touring. It replaced a Triumph Trophy SE. The Triumph was a fantastic bike but after 150000 kms it was getting tired, noisy, and no accessories were available. Triumph (idiots) only made it for five years. If they had updated it I would have bought a new one. The pillion likes the RT and there are plenty of aftermarket accessories. BUT watch out ! The drive shaft issues BMW has with the RT GS and other models means that instead of owners getting a free replacement, NEW owners have to pay for a new drive shaft every 60000 kms !!! The app works perfectly, the tech is good (it even has an oil level sensor system ), and the TFT is great. I'll let you know how I feel about heated seats when winter comes around here in OZ.

[TheWeeDonkey]

WHY

It was always going to be a boxer twin but the RT won over a GS partly because the GS is too tall for a shortarse like me but mostly for 2-up touring ability.

First bike after a 20 year lay off, the last being an R1150RT that covered 80000 km mostly on autobahns/autoroutes and about half of those with pillion and loaded luggage. I have to say the 1250 is many leaps forward in kit, comfort and power but a very tiny part of me misses the torque reaction when blipping the throttle.

And I have to ask what alternatives there are now? K1600? Too heavy. Gold Wing? Let's not be silly! Harley? Er, no - if I wanted a tractor that's what I'd get. Nearly fell for the Honda 1100 but felt a 5-year-old RT for the same price as a new 1100 was a better fit.

Oh, and I like shaft drive.