Dual Sport reviews

The 2022 BMW R 1250 RT, enhanced with the Option 719 package, is a remarkable touring motorcycle that blends luxury, performance, and style. The Option 719 package brings unique elements, including custom paintwork, high-end finishes, and exclusive parts that elevate the bike's aesthetic appeal—with a 1254cc twin-cylinder boxer engine with BMW's ShiftCam technology, delivering smooth power across the rev range. This exceptional touring motorcycle combines power, comfort, and luxury. It is ideal for riders who seek a premium riding experience with distinctive style and top-notch performance. Whether for daily commutes or cross-country adventures, this bike delivers in every aspect. Show less

1200cc of torque to the street, Smooth turns, sold response - Super Power response ZZR1200 arrived with a mildly bewildering split personality: part 145-horsepower cruise missile, part comfy long-haul sport-tourist. Was it a kinder, gentler ZX-12R or a slimmed-down Concours with anger-management issues? Both, actually, which is hardly a bad thing if you slow down long enough to think about it. After that, this one runs as fast as physics and the local constabulary will allow. Kawasaki figured a stronger, more comfortable version of the beloved ZX-11 would bury entrenched 'Bahnstormers like the Ducati ST4S and Triumph Sprint ST under an onslaught of sweet handling and Japanese horsepower. Especially when it cost about $5000 less. Adding 3mm more bore and a 1.6mm longer stroke bumped displacement to 1164cc. And those horses arrive in methodical fashion from idle to 6000 rpm, followed by an eyeball-flattening stampede from 8000 to the 145.2-bhp peak at 9750. That's stronger than Honda's CBR1100XX or an equivalent Suzuki GSX-R1000. Those ponies live in a stout twin-spar aluminum chassis, complete with a steel subframe designed to carry a passenger and the optional Givi hard luggage. Roomy, upright ergos are more humane than a ZX-11's, and the 609-lb. 1200 still covered the quarter-mile in 10.12 seconds at 136.9 mph. Land Rocket Show less

Hands down the best bike I've ever owned and I've been riding for 40 years. This IS the bike for everything, on road, off road, two up or solo it climbs hills like a Billy goat and cruises at 80MPH without breaking a sweat. I've crossed rivers with fully loaded painters and been coast to coast on this bike. I don't like the NAV6 Garmin GPS. I've replaced it 3 times, each time it seems to work for a year or so then flakes out, i don't think it can handle any moisture which is pretty silly on an adventure bike. All in all however its a tremendous piece of machinery. Show less

I love this bike. It performs, reliable and refined. Never any maintenance issues. If your interested in many years and miles of enjoyment this is for you. You'll probably never out grow this machine or get bored with it. I'm old and need to hang up my helmet. Otherwise I'd be riding my beemer today. Show less

I personally LOVED owning and riding my 2016 R1200GS. I never initially considered buying this bike and was going to buy something else. I thought that I wanted something more pretty, less unique or more powerful...but then I took it for a test ride and understood the hype about BMW GS bikes. The BMW build quality is just awesome. They do it the best direct from the factory with high quality components throughout: Adjustable Sachs suspension, Brembo brakes, braided stainless coated hydraulics, LED lighting, Bosch electronics and tech that surpasses all others. The handling is second to none with a circle turn radius of less than 8 feet . The braking is amaizing, where there is NO dive due to BMW lever suspension system. The bike squats upon hard braking instead of diving from traditional telescopic fork tube suspension. The low center of gravity and torque from the boxer motor is more than adequate and reliability is off the charts. There are more BMW boxers are on the road eating up greater miles compared to others. The torque and HP are enough that I never had to disable the default traction control to get more out of the 1200 engine. It truely is enough and I'm not a small guy. The only downside if it's even considered negative is the tall riding stance and wind protection, but these minor shortcomings that can be solved with greater wind protection mods and lower seat/suspension mods. Touring with the GS is just amaizing too. I could safely stand, stretch and change into so many different comfy riding positions that I would run out of fuel before growing fatigued or uncomfortable. I would honestly implore. Yes, IMPLORE you to try out a GS. If haven't rode a BMW GS, don't wait it will most likely be the one you buy. Also, the different and unique look of the GS is something that will grow in your heart throughout ownership. IMHO it's one of the best looking motorcycles made. After owning my GS for 8 years, I now understand why they will forever be cemented as icons amongst motorcycle enthusiasts. Show less

I own and have owned several bikes over the years. The Tiger 800Xcs is impressive in that it does it all. On the street or highway commute, coastal highway, or off road camping it has been a blast. Triumphs legendary triple cylinder engine performs no matter what you do with it. Even two up it’s got plenty of goose to get you going. It does well touring the highways and dives into the corners with ease, responsive throttle and breaking promotes confidence and thrill. Fully equipped - fog lights, heated grips, cruise control, off road engine guard,/package, fender extender, two power ports, 3 aluminum (Triumph) bags/trunk and more will cost a little more but you have all the trimmings for a great all around motorcycle. Off road the bike has multiple settings to release traction control, abs and set it up old school if you like. It’s the only thing I have issue with is that when you shut off the motor it defaults back to full traction control and abs. Otherwise - love the choices. Hard steering and peg riding comes intuitive for experienced riders. That being said, the traction control is a nice feature that helps avoid rear end spin out when off the line or in wet corners. Ask me how I know!!! Guarantee - you will return from a test ride thoroughly pleased. Selling one in Washington check it out on Cycle Trader. Show less

Love this bike because it's a cruise missle on 2 wheels. Comfortable, quick, and pretty good on the gas. 150hp at the engine is more than enough, even for a short, gravity challenged person. Took this bike in the mountain twisties, highways, and around the Great Lakes. With the cruise control, ABS, heated grips and seat made it a easy choice for my everyday rider - until the snow starts flying. But alas, I'm getting older and this bike is heavy. Moving it around is a little bit of a challenge, but manageable. I think the K-bikes were underrated for what they could do. The in-line 4 cyl really spooled up quick and the next thing you know, you're doing 90 in 3rd gear on a 6 speed transmission. The ride was smooth a butt'ah. Shifting was a little clunky, but if you preload your shift it went thru the gears fine. It was a little pain to do maintenance because of all the tupperware, but that's the same with all these bigger sport-touring and touring bikes (exceptions are the big V twins). Show less

Have really enjoyed this bike! Only regret is not having the time to ride it more! Have owned several bikes, Harleys, Sport Bikes and others and get more compliments on this bike than any other. Just a cool looking blend of retro and modern that just works. A blast to ride. Abundant torque, great in the turns and comfortable for me for 2-3 hour stints for sure. Heated grips are great to have and accessory power hook up for heated jacket pants or use as battery tender installed. I am selling it for two reasons. #1. Kids are all out of the house and wife and I downsized. No more three car garage:( #2. Purchased 2023 GS 1250 R to take longer trips now that kids are off the payroll:) Show less

This is the best bike I have ever operated. It is beautiful, reliable, powerful, fast, easy to handle and superbly oriented toward long distance riding. It simply requires scheduled maintenance and it will last forever. If I were younger there's no way I'd be selling it. I have owned several of these motorcycles and this is the newest one I have owned. There are other motorcycles that compete in this class but they are either more expensive, not as well engineered or designed, more expensive to acquire and maintain, or some combination of these things. Show less

This bike here is ready for cross country. If you want to hear about pros and cons you won’t hear nothing about cons strictly pros. This bike is amazing. Very comfortable a lot of power low mileage that also includes three different range modes. This bike is a must see in person Because it is an absolute excellent condition all preventative maintenance has been accomplished on this bike ready for a long travel. Show less