New BMW R1250 RT is a cracker of a bike that will let you clock up the miles in comfort

WHEN bikers realise they want a BMW, the Adventure-styled GS usually catches their eye first.

That is a crying shame, though, as the touring styled RT is a cracker of a bike.

Perhaps you don’t want to be associated with the bike the police use.

But there is a good reason why the RT has been in service with the boys in blue for more than ten years now.

And that reason is better than ever this year, thanks to the new 1250 Shift Cam motor.

As used in the mighty GS Adventure, the Shift Cam delivers outstanding performance.

When coupled with the practicality and comfort of the RT series, you get what we feel is one of the best ways to grow old disgracefully on two wheels.

With built-in panniers, heated grips, cruise control and a screen that offers all the protection you need from the elements, the R1250 RT lets you clock up the miles in comfort.

If you get bored of simply taking in the view, turn up the volume on the stereo . . . or twist the throttle.

Both sing out a quality tune that will bring a smile to your face.

The R1250 RT is bursting with features, has more character than you might think and can put on a show through corners.

If this is the kind of bike we are forced to ride when we get too old for sports bikes, you can keep the bus pass – we’ll be on one of these.

The BMW R1250 RT starts at £14,415.

–  John is editor of SuperBike and a presenter of Bike World Television.

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• By Rachel Burgess, deputy editor at Autocar magazine