BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hello folks, I’m Paul. I’m 50 from the West Mids.

I’m looking for some friendly but above all, truthful opinions/advice/help to help me decide.

I’m currently on a 2010 Yam FJR1300 5spd manual box which is on 90k and I’ve found myself thinking “what if” a lot lately as my current ride is getting on/showing her age now.

So whilst at work last week, I went to a local (to my hotel) showroom and sat on a what I thought gorgeous 23 plate R1250RT LE. I really liked its seating position and the copious amounts of gadgets on it comparing it to my rather old and possibly electronically inadequate FJR. Needless to say I fell in love with it, but I kept thinking about my bike and looked at newer FJR’s as it feels safe (if that makes sense)

What are the running costs like with the RT’s, fuel usage, VED, servicing etc ?

Do you guys think I should stick with what I know and feel comfortable with or should I take the plunge and I’d enjoy it more than I realise ?

Any help, tips, advice etc you guys offer will be very appreciated and I’ll understand that Id have the ultimate decision.

Found myself asking as I’ve never owned anything BMW.

Thanks in advance and kind regards,

Paul

Hi and welcome to the forum

The only thing you will miss about the fjr is the amount of power they have and the silky smooth gearbox

Everything else about the RT is so much better

I don't regret swapping the fjr for the RT

As for servicing costs the RT isn't too bad! Needs a big service every 12k which is about £500

Hi Stu, thanks for the welcome

Yes my FJR has got plenty of get up and get gone, but I don’t need anything with R1 or jigser like warp speed as I’m built for comfort not speed these days.

I’ve watched a few video reviews on YT about the RT’s and I’m getting to like them more and more, especially after listening to the riders giving the RT a handful and listening to the gear changes being smooth as the FJR is traditionally a little “clunky”

I think I’m looking at my FJR as my old favourite pair of slippers that are comfy and I don’t wanna change but I’ve got to as they’re full of holes. Yeah I know, poor analogy but I hope you get what I’m trying to say lol.

The bike is so simple that anyone can service it, except for the hardest bit, the valve shims. saying that they stay intolerant for very long.
All boxers have a clocky gearbox selection. I have the low seat on mine due to short legs. People say it's uncomfortable, but I've done some very long rides and a Cornwall and back in one day without complaints.
I've owned a few boxers starting at a R45, and i can remember a single breakdown. Use a quality oil and you'll be happy for years.

P.s
Welcome to our site

Welcome to the forum.

I put on 13,000 miles last year, in my first year of ownership (2019 1250LE) and I have not had to spend a penny on anything between services. That said, I found the saddle uncomfortable after a couple of hundred miles, so I replaced it with a Russell Daylong, which cured that 'problem' completely. The bike is now supremely comfortable over long distances.