Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
I don't think the shorty windscreen on the 2018 Mars Red RT was a success for BMW. I changed mine out one week after purchasing the bike.
And I noticed that the 2019 Mars Red R1250RT has the standard windscreen.
I suspected that the stock (short) windscreen on the 2018 would be less than useful, thus the request to have it swapped. Your experience confirms the correct move.
The shorty sure gives the bike a more sporty look, but the usefulness as a touring bike would be minimzed. You might be correct that BMW has seen a lack of interest in it and opted to use the standard screen in the stock configuration instead.
This is definitely a matter of opinion. I found the standard screen on my 2016 to be too big in the summer, and I've never actually found a situation where I would want a bigger one in either width or height. (reference: I'm 5'11" and ride with my seat in the high position).
When the sport screen came out, I bought one from a guy on the bmwlt forum who got a standard screen on ebay and put it on his mars red model. Now I use both... Standard screen in the winter and on long highway rides, and sport screen during the warmer months in Southern California. I like that the sport screen can still quiet things down, but lets more air over and around it to run through my mesh gear. Some have suggested just putting the standard screen down in the summer, but that makes things quite loud and IMO funnels the air directly at my head. I rode 165 miles yesterday (using the sport screen) in all sorts of terrain from highway to canyons and I wouldn't have changed a thing.
Personally, I'm a big fan of the looks and function of the sport screen. I know I'm in the minority on this one, but that's fine with me.
..........And I noticed that the 2019 Mars Red R1250RT has the standard windscreen.
Curious, playing around with the position of the screen and judging from pictures I have seen on the BMW website where they compare the models, it looks to me like the sport screen in the lowest position is about the same as the standard screen. How much lower is it when fully extended compared to the standard screen? What's your observation?
Got a great deal on the NAV 6, which we added to one of the two bikes. Since we're riding together when the NAV is really needed, one seemed to be sufficient. Had some issues with it responding slughishly to touches with the bare finger. Perhaps it's better with gloves on. Will have to see what that is all about. But so far, it looks very useful.
One thing that I was less impressed with is the audio quality pairing it with my Sena 20s EVO. Still working through that one.
Take a look through your documentation for anything relating to touch-screen recalibration. Sometimes that can fix issues with screen sensitivity and touch accuracy. My NAV 5 is definitely not as sensitive to the touch an an iPhone. Sometimes we get spoiled with the super hi-tech devices. It is waterproof so it will respond differently I would guess.
I read your post with interest as I am also considering the purchase of a left-over 2018 RT to replace my 2016 GSA. I have some input on a possible mounting option for your Tom Tom GPS. There is a wizard that designs 3D printed widgets. Most are targeted towards the BMW GS, but he also an adapter for the Tom Tom "Active Mounting Shoe" to the Navigator mounts that could be applicable to the RT. I'm not sure so here is a link for you to check out and decide:
https://www.shapeways.com/product/GF2RG252T/tomtom-adapter-with-distance-tubes-for-bmw-cradle?optionId=64666005
I have bought several of his parts and each one has been simply brilliant and amazingly useful. Buying via Shapeways is pretty straightforward. I know you bought the Nav 6 but maybe you could use the Tom Tom on your wife's bike if you have not already sold it.
Enjoy your new bikes! You're lucky to have a wife who rides.
Courtney in Seattle