[markh]

Hi there,

I've never owned an RT before (had LT) and wanted to get folks opinion if its worth getting the 21 vs the 2020 model for 1,000s less. I understand the changes that have been upgraded on the 21s but is it really worth the difference?

Thanks in advance

 

[VicSAZ]

I bought a 2021 RT a month ago. I believe it is the way to go - get the 21 (if you can) instead of the 20. Take a look at this video. The reviewer is very honest, and after seeing it a while ago, I'm happy I went with a 2021 R1250RT.

 

[PhantomBlade]

2021 is the way to go. If I was shopping and presented the same decision as you I would be picking up a 2021. Loving my 2019 so I’m not ready to go shopping again.

 

[The_real_hati]

is it really worth the difference?

Hell yeah, well worth it. The '21 is a much better bike compared to a '19 that I tested before buying. I believe the '19 and the '20 are identical.

The questions is though, what are you after??? Do you want the best RT money can buy currently or do you want the best navigation/media experience. If the best bike is what you really want, see above.

If navigation is your main aim (I can't imagine why but has to be asked), hang back until BMW solves the issues currently effecting that lovely big screen or buy the '20 model.

Good luck either way.

 

[casbar]

Well I own a 2019 and am currently riding a brand new 21. Would I swap, no, the changes between the two technical wise are not that great. Same engine, same suspension, different fairing and headlong, which is nice. I have had the side panels off today and all the inner panels to fit some engine bars and it is exactly the same under the skin.

Now if you want the TFT then go for it, I have today found the TFT the most frustrating thing, trying to navigate with it is a pita. I actually reverted to using an app on my iPhone. I prefer the Nav VI setup. But if they sort out the TFT it will be nice, but for me it just doesn't flow. But if someone told me I could keep the 21, then I would also be happy. It really depends on what value you put on the differences.

 

[The_real_hati]

same suspension

No, it's not, there is at least software difference between the two. The feel two up between a '19 and a '21 is night and day.

Don't forget the adaptive cruise control, the single best addition to any touring motorcycle in recent times. Anyone saying it otherwise did not try the tech first hand.

I do not know how good the '19-'20 headlights are, but I do know the '21 adaptive LED headlights are in a class of their own.

 

[wayneosdias]

Hi there,

I've never owned an RT before (had LT) and wanted to get folks opinion if its worth getting the 21 vs the 2020 model for 1,000s less. I understand the changes that have been upgraded on the 21s but is it really worth the difference?

Thanks in advance

I'm in the other camp. I'd go with the '20 I currently own a '15 and '21 and I prefer the '15. I prefer the '15 instrument layout and front end aesthetics to the '21. A '20 with the 1250 motor and the '15s layout would be perfect for me.

 

[casbar]

This is all our own opinion. I look after a fleet of 1250s which are used for Blood Biking in the UK. We have 2020s and a brand new 21. As I said I own a 2019 1250 which I ride all year around. There is no difference in the active suspension or how the bikes perform. Today I was out on a 20 1250, tonight I have been on duty on the 21, I can feel no difference in how it handles or how the active suspension performs. There are no reviews I have seen that state the 21 1250 has any performance gains over a 20 1250 or pulls differently. The only software difference is with the TFT, there is no mapping difference at all, all the bikes get the same engine mapping updates.

I agree that there isn't adaptive cruise, but our 21 doesn't have that either. Personally and I again state this is my personal view, I do not like adaptive cruise, I have it in my car and prefer the normal cruise, I certainly am not bothered about it on a bike. But if those things are important to you, then yes it is different. The lights are an improvement, LED vs Halogen.

I also prefer the dials over a TFT. TFTs are getting stolen in the UK as they just pull off and they are a £1200 replacement item, although thieves are targeting GS bikes at the moment, but that wouldn't stop me buying one with the TFT. Even the exhaust flap and headers are the same part number and still stick open.

But as I said, if the differences are what you want, then go for it. I wouldn't upgrade now, if I was considering it, I would hang on until there is an appreciable difference, there will be a new model coming and there is already strong indications the GS will be getting a 1300 engine very soon, which means the RT will follow.

 

[RTBob]

I had a 2014 and I really never intended to upgrade to the 2021. I test rode it and was amazed how shooth it shifted compared to the 2014 and I find the adaptive cruise control to be one of the best features.

 

[RobRT]

I am first time RT owner and bought a 21 earlier in the year despite having option to buy 2020 for thousands less. I am glad with the bike and the decision to go for the new model. Given that the new 2022s are arriving at dealerships in the coming weeks, I would wait a bit more and try to get a deal on a 2021 as a “previous-year” model

 

[rockitcity]

I am first time RT owner and bought a 21 earlier in the year despite having option to buy 2020 for thousands less. I am glad with the bike and the decision to go for the new model. Given that the new 2022s are arriving at dealerships in the coming weeks, I would wait a bit more and try to get a deal on a 2021 as a “previous-year” model

I would be surprised if you could find any" left over" 2021's, and if you could, they probably wouldn't be much of a deal unless you want one without the radio. Maybe the supply is different in other areas, but in So Cal RT's seem to be in short supply at the dealers I see. My local dealer even advised me to wait at least a year until BMW works the problems out.

 

[TJD5150]

I would go for the 2021. The fairing manages wind better without the annoying back pressure of the older bike, lighting is better, adaptive CC, phone charging, etc.

Overall it's a nicer bike IMO.

 

[Ponch]

Depends on what's important to you. I don't care about nav or stereo, so the 2020 would be fine, but you might want those features. Then again I have a 2009. The newer ones have worse ergos for me and even with mine I had to use peg lowering kit, bar risers and a calsci XL to make it right for me, but again, everyone's situation is different. As Paul Harrell says, you be the judge.

 

[NoelCP]

I'm in the other camp. I'd go with the '20 I currently own a '15 and '21 and I prefer the '15. I prefer the '15 instrument layout and front end aesthetics to the '21. A '20 with the 1250 motor and the '15s layout would be perfect for me.

I love my custom-ordered '16 and it now has almost 50K miles and nary a problem--exactly one OEM H7 bulb burned out is the extent of the problems thusfar. Phenomenal bikes I plan to ride until it or me passes on...

 

[BoulderGT3]

duplicate

 

[DavidJax]

I had a 2019 RT and now a 2021. If you're a tech nut like I am I would definitely go with the 2021. The TFT maps and routing are working for me and I'm happy with where they are on the app - with a few needed improvements. I think it will only improve over time.

 

[Rick G]

I am first time RT owner and bought a 21 earlier in the year despite having option to buy 2020 for thousands less. I am glad with the bike and the decision to go for the new model. Given that the new 2022s are arriving at dealerships in the coming weeks, I would wait a bit more and try to get a deal on a 2021 as a “previous-year” model

I am the opposite. I chose to save thousands buying a new leftover 2020 vs 2021. One of the main reasons is the dash. I just did not like the look of the "iPad" style dash. Looks like an afterthought. The adaptive cruise would have been nice, but I am happy with the basic cruise as I never had it before on a bike. The LED headlight and adaptive option would have been nice, but wasn't a deal breaker. For me saving about 5 Grand was more important and I hate paying MSRP for anything!!

Rick G

 

[RobRT]

I am the opposite. I chose to save thousands buying a new leftover 2020 vs 2021. One of the main reasons is the dash. I just did not like the look of the "iPad" style dash. Looks like an afterthought. The adaptive cruise would have been nice, but I am happy with the basic cruise as I never had it before on a bike. The LED headlight and adaptive option would have been nice, but wasn't a deal breaker. For me saving about 5 Grand was more important and I hate paying MSRP for anything!!

Rick G

Indeed each one of us have different tastes and wishes and it is hard to please everyone. The “old-style” instrument cluster (pre 2021) was the main reason I did not purchase a 2020. I test rode BMW bikes in 2019 and at that time I noticed how nice the TFT was on the GS. On 2020 I test rode an RS and again loved the smaller TFT. I then sat on the 2020 RT and could not think of paying premium price for a bike without TFT and LED headlights. I decided to wait until the RT was fitted with those and was happy to purchase one in 2021 - also was able to negotiate price and pay less than MSRP.

 

[kpax1]

If you want the new computer screen, buy post 21. If you actually ride, like navigation, get the 20. Reliance on the phone app for navigation has gotten me in trouble many times. Phone looses cell coverage in the mountains somewhere, or in an area your provider doesn't cover and you're looking at a screen not moving. I cuss the Garmin fairly often, but it never looses coverage. I want both phone apps like Waze AND my trustworthy Garmin. The Germans obviously have never ridden in the U.S. mountains.

One of the guys I know bought a 23 and is still learning the computer screen. No idea how computer savvy he is, but it has not been a wonderful experience for him.
BMW made a huge mistake getting rid of the Garmin, IMO.

Best solution: Use the 6.5" screen like my 18 GS used along with the Garmin. PERFECT!!!!!

 

[Mellow]

There TFT screen is awesome, especially for my aging eyes and I can show whatever info I want. I could care less about the bmw app stuff as I have a zumo xt and have gotten used to some form of non-bmw garmin. Other than that.. you might get a discount on a non-TFT version of the RT.. I'm sure if they never came out with that I'd be happy with that bike as well.. vs the non-rider TFT version .lol