Well, I hate the new front end/light. I'm not a fan of dropping the clutch lever altogether, but maybe I'm just too old school. Seems like a loss of control, there.

It looks rather homely, but that may just be the flat black plastic wrap. I'm not even used to the Shiftcam's design, yet. Not sure I'm crazy about the big video panel on that.

Plus, I listened closely, but the narrator said nothing about whether BMW will offer customers a technical service manual; that's a deal killer for any future Beemer, as far as I'm concerned.

BMW seems to be running as fast and as far away as quickly as possible, from me as their customer.

 

I own a 2015. The bike has it's pluses and minuses. One major thing I don't like is the lack of high speed stability, hence the included steering damper, which doesn't totally work. There is too much frontal area from the fairing (and the jugs protruding). So, I find myself riding 15-20 mph slower than with my former K bike. It does not inspire confidence with extra legal speeds that are the norm here in the American Southwest. The 2025 change in the fairing design to a more pointed shape should help with high speed stability, I hope. Also, according to one of the videos I watched, the auto transmission is an OPTION, thankfully.
I can't wait to see more details as time goes on.

 

High tech bike for sure. (get real, no service manuals any more). I suspect the auto transmission will be good once your used to it.

 

I ride the 2018 model. Excellent bike. But this new one is bizarre. I don’t need every single bell and whistle on a bike. I need a bike that is gorgeous, easy to ride, has power, comfy and reliable. My 18 model meets that.

 

I agree, less technology is better. Less to go wrong and allows owners to to do their own wrenching without a mass of specialty tools.

 

My 2017 is arguably the best all around motorcycle (over multiple brands, over nearly 60 years of experimenting,) and I'll keep it until its worn out.
Rumor has it that could be a long time from now. Then maybe I'll look at something newer. Tech for the sake of tech does nothing for me.
Does that 2025 come in an Army green model?

 

Maybe Luftwaffe Grey? ROFLMAO!

 

And I should emphasize the right to repair is a game changer. However, I think as more tech is added and years go by, it maybe a winning battle for manufactures of bikes and cars. We, the consumer and end user, maybe on the loosing end. Hopefully not though.

 

There's no way I'd even consider test riding, nor going to a dealer to look at that monstrosity.

I think BMW screwed the pooch on that one.

 

Man, I can’t stand these AI voice overs. Click bait junk.

 

Near as I can tell RT owners on the whole are the older set. It turns out as we age we lose muscle mass, balance, vision, hearing etc. Rather than crank out yet another bigger, heavier RT why not come out w/ a true luxury sport tourer w/ RT's ergos but at 500lbs wet, 110hp, hydraulic clutch, all the usual tech with very user friendly interface for their aging retiring baby boomer buyers, quiet and efficient zero maintenance belt drive, a low CoG and those last two ported from my F800GT.

 

sport tourer w/ RT's ergos but at 500lbs wet, 110hp, hydraulic clutch, all the usual tech with very user friendly interface

2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+

Has all the latest tech goodies powered by a smooth CP3 triple with 117 hp at 492 lbs wet, and significantly less expensive than the RT as well.

 

Don't believe anything that doesn't come from BMW Motorrad. This is definitely A.I., Click-Bait Bull-$hit!!! When they release it, we'll all get to see it at an Official BMW unveiling, not this, don't be fooled.

Steve

 

Then explain all these.

 

Long time BMW owner / rider... pretty sure I'll not be buying anymore motorcycles from BMW. 1) Reliability - historically I've gotten decent reliability but backed by excellent service that overcame the gap. The amount of issues with my recent BMWs has been ridiculous - brakes, drive shaft, radio, navigation... 2) Lack of Care - BMW corporately seems to just deny the issues at first, then slowly admits fault, addresses them half-heartedly and then finally gets around to actually fixing them... 3) BMW doesn't get or ask for customer input - look at the GS1300's coming out, if they had asked customers what they'd improve over the current models, do you seriously think the GS1300 would have been the result? Does the 1300 really fix some of the fundamental issues the 1250's had? Don't think so but time will tell. It's gotta lot of new fancy features sure but if their track record with things like the ConnectedApp and TFT issues is anything, the long term results of the 1300 are not going to be great.

 

i bought a Yamaha Tracer 900GT+ last August and now have nearly 5k miles on it. It’s the bike I ride when I’m on my own, and I still have the RT for pillion purposes. I originally bought it thinking it may be an alternative pillion tourer to the RT, which it could be I suppose, but it’s lacking in several areas. The panniers are theoretically nearly the same size as the RT but their shape renders them far less practical, plus there’s the lack of central locking. The rider seat and position is pretty good but pillion comfort is compromised with a much smaller seat and more cramped position. I’m not sure if there’s a heated seat option but it’s certainly not standard. Weather protection is also much less, with a substantially smaller screen that has only very limited and manual adjustment. The GPS is a Garmin based option which requires payment of an annual subscription. It works okay but has far fewer options than that on the RT and cannot be altered on the go. To be fair, it is much less sensitive than the RT version and less inclined to disconnect.

On the plus side it’s been very reliable with no visits having been needed to the dealer after the first service, something I can’t say about the RT. The active cruise control works very much the same as on the RT, though I do find it a little more jerky. Much of the screen information is also hidden whilst cruise control is engaged. The engine itself is superb though very ‘Japanese’ in character and certainly nothing like the lazy twin feel of the RT.

 

Something isn't right with your 2015. I own a 2015 that's seen all the continental US states, usually at something slightly over their speed limits. My 2015 is solid at any speed. I've enjoyed several runs from Austin to Seguin TX, usually a little over their 85 mph limit.

Mr. Smith [boxflyer] was kind enough to spend some time with my bike at his home in R.I.. Since it was only 2k miles from my home in Clovis, NM - well, I was due for a nice ride, sooo.

I was running Michelins. He suggested Bridgestone Battleaxe front and Dunlop Sportmax rear. Once I got pressures settled, the bike was/is solid as a rock, is much better at speeds and handles side gusts really well.

 

Something isn't right with your 2015. I own a 2015 that's seen all the continental US states, usually at something slightly over their speed limits. My 2015 is solid at any speed. I've enjoyed several runs from Austin to Seguin TX, usually a little over their 85 mph limit.

Mr. Smith [boxflyer] was kind enough to spend some time with my bike. I was running Michelins. He suggested Bridgestone Battleaxe front and Dunlop Sportmax rear. Once I got pressures settled, the bike was/is solid as a rock and is much better at speeds and handles side gusts really well.

Thanks for the reply. I use the Road 6 gt, and have used all the other previous numbers on other bikes. I am inflating to 40 psi front, due to cupping issue and 42 psi rear.
I just don't feel that it tracks the way that my K1100 Lt used to. That bike was on "rails", especially at triple digits, which I found myself doing at times and not even realizing it until I looked at the speedometer.
It's possible that the steering head bearings need adjustment? Don't know.

 

One thing I’m wondering about the new models is regarding the replacement driveshaft at 36k miles. It’s presently being done free of charge for the life of the bike. If it’s still a requirement on new models does it now feature as a service item? This will be a major cost item when the time comes and is one reason I’d be reluctant to upgrade.

 

Hello Sundancer, This is not a major expense, even if BMW will not pay for it. As I recall, the shaft is about $400. And an hour labor from a dealer. A lot of folks can install it themselves.
The big issue to me is having it fail while riding which could cause an unplanned get-off.
Also it's the GS models that are more inclined to fail due to water penetration from stream crossings and these bikes are subject to much more abuse than the RT. Also, the shaft has a greater angle from transmission to final drive which in itself will cause quicker wear.
I have owned driveshaft driven BMW motorcycles since 1983 and about 400,000 miles and never had a driveshaft problem. I own an RT and am not worried about it. I don't think you should be either. My 2¢.

 

My 07 RT had a u-joint/driveshaft failure 11/12/14. It cost me $2283.16 at Sandia BMW in Albq, NM. I can't recall the last time Sandia screwed me but it was - the last time.

 

That's total thievery.

 

Correct. I'm not bother much over the cost of the parts, I am bothered by the labor cost. It was worth repairing to me, considering that's the bike I finished the Iron Butt Rally on in 2011.

Sandia raised labor costs just prior to that service - in 2014. Labor for the u-joint and drive shaft was $514.90. I had the rear tire replaced at the same time and they charged $57 for labor to mount and balance the tire - which was already off the bike. I have no idea what their labor costs are these days, but I'm not paying it.

Gave the bike to my boy and we still get out and about together as he can make time.

 

Yep, I remember a service writer tell me in my younger days when I worked at a dealership, he said “be fair and professional to the customer, all sales floors being the same, the service dept keeps them coming back for the next bike”
It’s true, when I buy a bike I like to check out their service dept, interactions and demeanor with customers and of course the condition of the place👍

 

These are the same spy shots that have been circulated.
We have no idea what it will look like until released.
As we all know, they conceal the final design as much as possible.
Also, we dont know the options and packages yet.
So I will reserve doom and gloom until the official launch.

 

With regards to what the 1300RT should be, there are dozens of different views.
Many think they know exactly how BMW should make it.
Super-light and lower HP., Not a chance. People always want more power, or at least similar.
Maybe that group should get the F line of bike. or a Yamaha.

Not sure why people complain about the weight. This is a sport TOURER, not a sport bike.
It doesnt weigh much more than a GS if you put the cases on the GS and equip it similarly.
I dont even notice the weight on the RT like I do on the GS.
It's still hundreds of pounds less than Harleys and full tourers.

Tech is good and the advances are usually welcome, like adaptive cruise control, LED lights, electronic suspension and traction control.
I am of the opinion that the RT is the soul of the BMW motorcycle company. Just a belief. But the majority of European customers are touring motorcyclists. And BMW is obsessed with handling. I think this model is very important to them and they are putting a lot of thought into it.
Im also glad the 1300GS was released earlier. There will be a lot of beta testers for the new engine and other components. Hopefully BMW can fix any early issues.

 

Not sure about you, but "many BMW riders" seem to be in their ... ah ... later years. They don't want to give up riding, some (on this forum) have jumped down from the fabulously equipped LT's to the lighter, sporty RT's (or GS's), and some are considering their age and mortality, and thinking a few hundred pounds lighter than an RT, might be wiser for their riding future. That may explain some of the references you cite regarding comments about the new(er) RT's weight.

My guess is that BMW's primary riding audience in Europe is significantly younger than the average BMW rider in the USA. The young one's are looking for fast and sleek and "modern", and don't much care what that requires technically. I don't know for certain, my reference to BMW owner's average age largely anecdotal. I agree with you that if BMW is your favorite cookie, and the weight LT or RTs are becoming a bit much for you, dropping down into the F series bikes might be in order. As far as BMW is concerned, their bikes are made to fit "marketing slots". I wouldn't expect them to change the RT's basic market slot, however they decide redesign the next one. If they make their RT's light and snappy, maybe like an electric Moped, they could lose their primary audience/market overnight. (Of course, apparently that's not stopping them from moving to a reported, "all EV" bike line in the near future. Maybe they're just like the American car makers who were bamboozled into making electric "muscle cars" and trucks, which are contradictions in terms and purpose, which from sales figures, apparently have NO market at all. But, of course, I digressed a bit ... 😁).

As far as I'm concerned, (a) I'm not riding enough to justify owning ANY bike, to my better half, (b) I "feel" that I should be on a GS, because the majority of my years of riding have been off-road (but that may be a close thing, maybe street and dirt are split evenly), but my body says "Idiot, you ain't 20 years old anymore!", and (c) Over my 20 years of owning BMW motorcycles, BMW has almost deliberately made policy changes that put me off their product. A half dozen years ago, BMW's were the only motorcycle I though about owning (even though all my dirt bikes had been Japanese). That attitude has changed almost completely. It's not so much that they discontinued sales of BMW specific tools and their maintenance DVD's, which ticks me off to no end, but the German's at BMW are flat out arrogant about the value of their product, and express an utter disregard for their customers. It's as if, they consider their customer base as suckers, who will accept any crap that they choose to put on the plate. I'm sure that I have a distinct minority opinion, but hey, I'm an old and crotchety guy, and I don't really give a f**k anymore for decorum or dissembling.

So, my next bike will probably be both lighter, and "OTB", as in "other than a BMW". They can build their next RT into a 3000 lb battleship, for all I care. (I mean, they're gonna do it anyways, regardless of what their owners feedback is. Oh, wait a minute, maybe I'm wrong. They did eventually respond to owners complaints about the drive shaft issues. It only took them 20 years to do so, while owners picked up the tag for their engineering and manufacturing mistakes.).

 

As to weight, all I need do is run the K1600B for a day and then climb onto the '17 RT to appreciate what heft vs 'light' is. The RT is clearly the 'correct' bike for my age (71) but the 'B' is just a blast to ride, so I keep it (until I can't I guess.)
It's all relative. So in my world, 625 lbs fully fueled is a light weight 'touring' motorcycle. It doesn't need to get any heavier though...

 

The RT is roughly the same weight as the Yamaha FJR1300 I previously owned. It’s also (as best I recollect) the same weight as the first Triumph 1200 Explorer, which I have also owned. Depending on perspective it’s not that heavy of a bike.

 

It's always ridden much lighter than it is, i.e. BMW truly put the "sport" into the bike. However, when it's NOT moving, well, balance is important when moving 700 lbs, cause ya ain't gonna "brute force" this baby. 😁

 

Go get a Hayabusa or ZX14 or some other hooligan bike. You are definitely not a BMW rider. Anyone that brags about wanting to ride triple;e digits is usually the reason our insurance rates keep going up.

 

I disagree. Old man BMW rider here, who hits triple digits on a regular basis, (conditions permitting).

 

I can't comprehend the "it's not a sport tourer... followed by "I enjoy riding fast, not canyon carving"
Firstly, sport touring is canyon carving. Riding fast is just turning the throttle. No skill required.
That said, my RT is great at triple digit speeds and is confidence inspiring when scraping pegs.
Perhaps you should work on improving your skills.

 

Skills, that's it. They don't understand, they don't see beyond the metal.

 

I own a k1200lt 2007...I used yo like it a lot, beautiful ride and smooth. But, there's always a but.,I'm getting rid of it as I know by experience and a few friends in Germany, it doesn't cut it when 843lbs stops at the light or you need to walk it.,it's a pain. Again, while riding a beautiful, while stop a pain.
I found the balance on the weight distribution is off cause all the weight is right under the passenger seat, so here's the question: Why don't they work, I mean BMW work in the weight of these bikes? What's the main frisking purposes, it seems we're made for body builders or some kind of.haulks. I'm trying to sell it, but most riders are short plus the weight...not a pretty pic.

 

I'm 70 and have had my 2015 RT over 130mph in AZ where you can see miles of road and even more to the shityourpants level. Motor doesn't seem to know when to quit just keeps pumping it out.

 

Similar experience. It pulls right up to the supposed top speed quickly and easily and moreso in 5th rather than 6th. It cruises right along between 90 - 100 with the engine purring all day. It’s a very easy bike to ride fast.

 

There's a Yamaha V-Max sitting without an owner at my workplace if the RT doesn't suit you (and it's a little less expensive too )

 

Many long years ago, I was stationed at the radar site in Port Austin, MI [now closed] which was part of the dew line. A buddy and I did several rides into Canada, generally across the Blue Water Bridge near Sarnia. Followed the coast to Sudbury then on to Sault Ste Marie to cross back into the U.S. a couple times. Also did some longer runs north, around and down to Thunder Bay, followed the coast down to Duluth and then back across MI and back up to P.A. again.

Never once did Tom or I ever wonder how close the nearest BMW dealer was....