Comments on: 2021 BMW R 1250 RT Test Ride

By: gerryharrington

gerryharrington — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 15:12:40 +0000

In reply to RyYYZ.

I’m really loving the Svartpilen. You’re right, it really does feel a bit like a dirt bike between your legs, but rides and grips the road more like a sport bike. The motor is simply fantastic. Really torquey and surprisingly smooth for a single.

My son has a Svart 401, which is a ridiculous steal. Not as munch punch as the 701, but even smoother and with a plusher (yet still fully adjustable) suspension. How they do that for under $6k (with tubeless spoked wheels and a quick-shifter) is a mystery to me. Even lighter, too, at 350 lbs fully gassed.

No illusions about these bikes, though. They are KTMs, after all. Only one issue between the two bikes so far, which was remedied through a recall (clutch slave cylinder replacement). Still, I’d be a little nervous about relying on one as my only bike.

By: RyYYZ

RyYYZ — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:29:11 +0000

In reply to gerryharrington.

I picked up a KLX250 last year. Mistake. I realize now that something like the Svart 701, or maybe a Duke 690 (if they still made it) is what I want – almost as light as the KLX, but with enough power to be fun. How do you like yours?

I ended up not getting to do the tour I had planned this year (also to NS) due to some dental health issues (I never knew just how much a tooth could ache), but still got a shorter one in to northern Ontario. Didn’t really go too far last year.

The RT served me well on the two tours I did get to do in ’19. Best touring mount I’ve owned by far. Does everything I need. As long as I don’t ride a newer one I won’t know what I’m missing 🙂

By: gerryharrington

gerryharrington — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:21:27 +0000

In reply to RyYYZ.

Mine’s an ’05 with everything but ESA. Just took me to Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail from Ottawa (and back) in comfort. Rather than $30K on a bike, I far prefer having a some variety. Rather than likely paying $25k+ to upgrade to a new RT, I plunked a little over $10k down for a fun runabout (Svartpilen 701) for commuting and Sunday morning runs.

When age becomes an issue with the old Boxer, I’ll also likely get a gently used ’13 or later. The bonus, will be that I will have sampled all four generations of Boxer, having previously owned an airhead (’78 R 100/7), an oilhead (’00 GS 1150) and a pentahead (my ’05 RT).

By: RyYYZ

RyYYZ — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 15:19:36 +0000

In reply to RyYYZ.

I see there aren’t really many options available on the GTL.

Anyway, maybe in a few years I can pick up a 2012 or later model

By: RyYYZ

RyYYZ — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 15:11:41 +0000

I’m riding an R1200RT, but it’s from 2007.
I’m just not going to spend the price of a (relatively cheap, to be sure) new car for a motorcycle.
My ’07 doesn’t quite have the power of the new one (still the old oil cooled engine), but it does have the important stuff – heated grips and seat, electrically adjustable suspension and windshield. power outlet. Even came with a BMW-branded Garmin GPS. And it’s a little lighter, too.

Still, aren’t you comparing a loaded RT to the base price of the GTL?

By: Joel

Joel — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 14:09:13 +0000

“Starting at a very reasonable $23,650…..”, well thank heavens it’s not too expensive.

By: Oldbikenut

Oldbikenut — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 13:45:53 +0000

In reply to TK4.

Couldn’t agree more.

Who’s buying these at 30k when that kind of money opens up all kinds of better options ?

By: TK4

TK4 — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 12:00:31 +0000

“Starting at a very reasonable $23,650, my test unit was loaded up with an adaptive headlight ($810), an audio system with Bluetooth ($1,525), Tire pressure monitor ($320) Comfort and Dynamic Packages ($1,875 and $2,300 respectively), and $1,300 worth of silver billet accents. Add $820 for the Racing Blue Metallic paint and the as-tested price crept up to $32,600.”

BMW = Burn My Wallet