This is one of the best reviews of the 1300GS that I have seen. And I've watched several! I've got a couple of years left on my 1250 GS, so I'm not looking to change right now, but I'm definitely interested in the new one. Thanks for the open and honest review.
You seem surprised that this is the best review you will see on this road/gravel motorcycle. Mr Pavey and his father are the real deal with riding skill and mechanical knowledge. Being excellent at telling this as a story is another level of talent again.
Fantastic review from a fantastic rider. Spent 3 days riding with you in about 2009. Brilliant experience that helped me get ready for my round the world adventures, first stop China. You picked me out in the first hour as an ex off roader and nicknamed me The Old Trials Dog. Still riding around the world and leading groups. Personally I really like the new GS and applaud BMW for not chasing HP just for bragging rights like Ducati and KTM. Smart improvements to an already amazing bike is the way to go. Currently riding 23 reg GS Trophy but sure in 2 years I'll be on a 1300 GS.👍😎
I have absolutely no interest in the new gs 1300, but the way you put this review together is something not many others does or are able to. You videography, subtle voice and insane amount of relevant clips. Hurra! This is how it’s done, and something i wish i one day will manage to do my self. Thank you for being such a huge inspiration mate. Cheers
Brilliant, thoughtful and in-depth review of the new 1300GS. I’ve had a 1200GS and am currently riding the 1250GS. I’m one of the crazy few who take them off road. So, the Trophy version could very well find itself sat in my garage or splashing through muddy Devon green lanes soon. A test ride is booked for Sunday.
Nailed it! Brilliantly put together review. Presented and produced to such a high standard. This and the Leatt Adventure promos in 24 hours. Killing it!
There are so many R1300GS reviews on YT right now and I totally get why. A brand new ground up GS is exciting. Your review, for me, is by far the best and stands alone when compared against all the others so far. Great perspective and take on the new bike compared to the previous model. Thanks for sharing Mr Pavey!
An excellent review which, in many ways, told me what’s important. Evolution not revolution. I had a 2003 R1150RT which ok but not a bike I loved. The 2005 R1200RT was a revelation to me and I swapped. Then I rode a 2008 R1200GSA. It was everything that the RT wasn’t for me but mostly stance and riding position. I loved it and traded by RT. In 2013 the 1200 LC arrived. That was, for me, was revolution, and made my GSA seem like a tractor. I bought a GS LC then traded for a GSA 2 years later which I kept for 5 years. The 1250 didn’t offer enough upgrade but the GSA was sold for an ATAS DCT ES. I regretted that change but not enough to go back to BMW. I’ll never ride a GS/GSA off-road but the 1250 actually feels a worthy potential again. The 1300 is just too much for too little more. My thanks for your review!
Brilliant and really well thought out review. So much better than some of the traditional motorcycle press reviews. Ohh P.S I rode that road at 8:09 about a month back it's epic.
for a rider like me who's 165cm tall the lowering spec is the most relevant upgrade for me...i don't have a big problem when riding enduro trails on the ktms and husqis but this really makes a difference on the road with traffic all around...other distinctive feature about all bmw platforms is the tft display UI design it's simple ,visibly bright yet sophistacated enough to accomodate all the neccesary features.
Agreed. I think it’s really well done too. I tried really hard to feel it and I couldn’t. I think even as a taller rider it’s a pretty nice thing. Agreed on the TFT UI too.
A magnificent, well-balanced review and a breath of fresh air in this world where there never seems to be much talk of the bad and the ugly. It's really good to know the detail beyond the marketing blurb without sitting through a 35 minute review. Well done! Cheers, too, for your honesty. I think BMW have done well with this new generation and you have articulated this fantastically! Thank you.
Wow, not your typical UA-cam blather. Well done. The 1300 didn't really grab my attention until I saw it in person. It is beautiful. Looks so much more modern and feels a lot smaller. I even like the funky headlight. Even the engine dimension were tightened up.
Excellent review and analysis of the work done by BMW. Yes, all those options got me scratching my head quite a few times and some of the packages still set limitations that are quite difficult to adapt to, So I ended up tweaking my order quite a bit. Your video made me even more excited to get my delivery. Thanks!
@@BrakeMagazineI ordered the Trophy with the Enduro rims, but not the enduro package even I like almost all of it and the price is a bargain. But I didn't want the stand alone blinkers. Besides this I took the other three packages. Hight adjustment, comfort handbar, seat heating after freezing my ass of to many times in the alps and the LED lights.
Thorough and objective review. I’ve chopped in my GSA 1250 for the 1300 and, as I’m neither young nor tall, the adaptive ride height is worth the entrance ticket alone, to me anyway. I nearly always rode my 1250 in dynamic mode,and did the same at first with my 1300- thought I was on a Ducati! As one of my riding pals,who works at BMW and knows my riding “style” put it “ different bike mate. Put it in “road”.” The radar and adaptive cruise control are brilliant, although you might think they’re just a nifty gadget,fact is that with all the other improvements you feel less tired after a long day. And if you want to push it,stick it in “dynamic”. Still I miss my GSA 1250, I had the akrapovic exhaust, the luggage, all the bits and it was just how I wanted it. The upgrade to the 1300 is worth it if you can afford it, but not worth adding to the list of financial worries that keeps you up nights.. I sold my 1300 Vario panniers: ugly, too heavy,plasticky and wide and easily scuffed. Oh, one more complaint: if you put a sticker on the unattractive radar block at the front to make it look prettier , the radar doesn’t work 🤔. I suppose the acid test is how I feel riding the 1300: very happy, it’s a better bike. Paulie.
Having had a 2010 & 2023..I'll wait a year till the hardcore kit and mods are out...great review and it's all about the rider being able to bring out all the new goodness.
The “old” 1250 was very hard to get airborne. The front just collapsed and the rear jumped in the neck. I got a set of aftermarket shocks. When the compression damping is turned up, the big thing is easy to fly. I was hoping the sport suspension with the variable spring rate would do just that. But I see many instances in your clips where the motorcycle lands front wheel first while the rear is still pushing upwards. I have loads more questions unanswered now… Where can I find that podcast? First proper review, and I have seen many, if not all!
I'm honestly impressed with what BMW have put out. But just the fact that you need to explain so much about this bike, it's modes, it's available options.. it just gives me massive FOMO and almost an anxious feeling. I'll get back on my 690, twist the throttle and go and accept all it's shortcomings and all it's character traits and niggles and worry less!
I watched a few of these 1300 gs reviews now, from people who know what they are talking about and then there are the "influencers" who know very little. Nobody has said the magical word. Fun. Everyone explains how wonderful the technology is blah blah blah but no one says it's "fun". This is one thing BMW are very good at, sanitizing the fun and rider involvement from motorcycling.
Valid point. As a 1200GS owner, I don’t necessarily believe it’s the most fun motorcycle I’ve ever owned, nor is fun its primary selling point. Instead, what I appreciate is the wide range of experiences it offers. I can use it for short trips or long camping journeys, both on-road and off-road, at various speeds (I’m not referring to acceleration here). It’s a versatile motorcycle that allows me to do many things with just one bike. Presumably, the concept or selling point may not be that different between older models and the 1300. With that being said, I’m just expressing my perspective on the GS’s selling point, so I’d love to hear from those who genuinely enjoy its riding experience.
@@khakimzhanmiras I never said it’s not fun, but I said it’s not the most fun bike I’ve ever owned in terms of the pure riding experience. When it comes to off-roading, I tend to enjoy it more on a smaller and lighter motorcycle. However, I want to emphasize that I’m speaking from my personal perspective, and what’s considered fun can be very subjective, so I don’t deny your definition
Love my base model XR650L - trying to get my head around adjusting rider modes. Stuck in the '90's till today all I can say is Ride Your Bike and make it count today
Thanks for a review from a different perspective. A standout video from all the others that bore you with bland facts and figures. Well written and presented as usual 👍
Wow!! Brake Mag makes it all sensible, thoughtful and have the thought rather on the bike!! Always loved your videos!! Although in the wildest of my dreams I could afford these bikes , I'd love to listen to what you talk about them!! Beauty in talk is so thought provoking! Sweet work again, Brake Mag! 💥🤘✨🫶
Hello Llewellyn, Excellent work. Super appreciate your technical breakdown and explanations. And you do a magical job of integrating entertainment with a technical review. Great work.
great review. the only thing about the new bike that would interest me would be adjustable seat height. i’m not an off road biker but it was so interesting to hear your take
Excellent video and info on this bike. Spent years on a 1200 and 1250 and then moved to the KTM 890R and Husq 701 for adventure type riding. Will always love the GS platform and looks like another excellent evolution in the line. I can see myself back on a GS in the future. The new F900 GS with the Enduro Pro upgraded suspension option looks very interesting.
This is the best review to date. It confirms my hunch of which option I would choose: Trophy with the sports suspension, enduro package, and no other luxuries-but I want to see what they planned for the GSA now. Thanks for sharing!
Thx for your honest review. I'm a newbie and kept hearing friends who rode serious adventures telling me to simply go with anything lighter than the GS. To qualify this post they all ride 90% off road. I just picked up a friend's KTM Adventure 790 R. I believe BMW is capable of coming up with a luxury model to compete against its neighbor, Austria, but they need to think more like Austrian's. Not sure haw that's going to happen. If they can it might be called a GSB? B for Bavaria... Both of these cultures are extremely mechanical and proud so I wish Bavarian motor works luck in attaining this. KTM already does it but not with BMWs finish. This is marketing 101 for BMW and they should capitalize on it...
This is a stupid simple marketing solution for Bavarian Motor Works (BMW). So why don't you guys let the hounds out of their cages and let them engineer something? Truly revolutionary in the middle-weight category. Cheers Bill
It all looks so fabulous. And a well running new GS is fabulous. But as always, with so much more tech and complexity, one has to ask how many weeks of summer is my GS going to waiting for its endless recalls, engine management lights and updates to be sorted by a dealer with a three month waiting list. And as always, cripplingly expensive to fix when out of warranty.
I have no intrest in buying one of these Far to big for me and far to expensive for me to keep dropping But you really present the best reviews on youtube Thank you Sir
This was a very welcome, fresh look at the new bike (or bikes, really), from someone uniquely qualified through experience to suss out the details. I’ve had several GS and GSA models as well as several Multistradas, and it is always fascinating to see what the designers and engineers have come up with. I think the leaner, more compact design is a plus, although I loved the Erector Set vibe of the outgoing models, and the Trophy edition with sport suspension is incredibly interesting. It will also be fun to see how the Adventure version compares in looks and functionality to the Multistrada V4 Rally. Clearly, Ducati and others have developed competitive technologies and designs which have spurred on some of the BMW developments. Competition is a good thing. Finally, yours is the first video I’ve seen with a look at the headlight in darkness. I like it! The split in opinion is reminiscent of the reception of the S1000RR asymmetrical headlights, which came to be an identifying feature.
What a great, well thought out review. I have a 1250GS now and (probably like many of us) am always wondering about the next iteration. I so appreciated the honesty and the brilliant explanation about the off-road vs on road version. Thanks!
Well done Llel you are always so clear and succinct in your presentation. From what I have seen so far, I won’t be upgrading from my 2021 GS Rallye I look forward to your complete review.
Quality review. I think that evolution is always he way forward if you already have a winning formula. That seems to be what we're getting with this bike, with some focused options.
I trust very few bike and gear reviews that are put out on youtube .... yours are firmly on my "trust-list", nice straight talking review again fella 👌
Brilliant review. Im not a huge GS fan but I can see BMW have done well to 'try' and solve the unicorn adventure bike dilemma... Ultimately what is THE unicorn comes down to individual riders and their use... so give them plenty of useful chassis options and they can more or less create it (except for weight of course).
I have watched a lot of reviews of the 1300. I currently have the r1250gs Rallye. I use it for touring, and grocery getting. The 1300 is marvelous, for sure. But it lacks that clunky intimidating look. The riding triangle of the 1300; seat, pegs ,handle bars makes it workable for smaller riders. But, I am 6'5" and have added bar risers, seat risers, lowered pegs. And now it's....smaller?!
Absolutely superb review and balanced which is rare now adays. I'm currently on an 1150GSA an have had a 1200GSA TE 2014, an a 1200GS TE Rallye 2018, it's strange I thought it would be a massive difference back to the 1150GSA an it feels very very GS an there's an element of the bike which feels less refined an more alive I'm all for tech the problem comes in when it goes wrong out of warranty I was lucky with my 1200GSA that when it lunched a gearbox 2 engines in total ended up with 3 different engines, the display failed first day, the fly by wire was a constant point of issues (they sorted that out on the 2018) that it was under warranty this is the stuff that never gets mentioned in reviews the customer service etc 6 months of no bike esa failures and fd failures, it would have wrote it off out of warranty. I know we will never see it as its a way off them upselling the bikes, I specced a 1300 up an it was £28,000 ouch! Latley it's feeling like motorcycles and some brands are moving futher an further away from the average person an someone who likes to spanner on them, my 1150 needed a ton of work doing when I got it which was unexpected an I was able to sort an do everything myself. It's a shame as well as the GS had such a unique look They wont sell you service tools now even back on the 1150. I guess the big problem with so many options now on the specs will be how it affects the used prices on them that will be interesting. It's a shame even the T7 has gone that route. I hope we see more simple bikes in the future one can dream :) Keep the bril vid's coming.
Hey, you are the first reviewer to actually mention AND review the sport suspension! I have ordered my Trophy with the sport suspension and changed the seat to the standard seat. How tall are you and did you find the sport suspension plus high seat too high? Could you at least touch the ground? I’m about 178 cm, 31-32” inseam.
You couldn't float it because Karoo 4's tyres (IMO). Front tyre is awesome, rear tyre not so much. I've had it on my GS1200 LC and it did the same, as soon as I put on my knobbies I could float away. Very cool review!
Yo, brother. Great take on this incredible bike. I'm definitely not a fan of the looks, but the technical capabilities are undeniable. And people will warm up to it. It's a GS, after all. I have a quick question: What is that off-road tire BMW put on your review machine? Thanks. Cheers!
The new 1300 would be really brilliant if BMW developed a model with some sort of DCT or automatic gearbox. My experience with Hondas DCT is pivotal enough that the GS not having this type gearbox is a deal breaker.
@@BrakeMagazine My last 3 motorcycles, Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports with DCT, Honda XADV a 750cc "maxi scooter" with DCT, and now a Honda NT1100 Spirt/Tourer with,,, you guessed it,,, DCT. Prior to the Hondas I was a "BMW guy" for 20 years. All good experiences. But the advent of the DCT technology opened up another dimension of riding that I found very rewarding. Having said that,,, the new 1300 GS looks very appealing and your presentation incredibly good. 👍
Great honest report. Thanks. I was quite hyped after seeing the first photos of the GS 1300. After watching your review less so. Unfortunately, there will never be a back-to-basics version which cuts the GS back to its essentials - at the price point of Tenere 700.
That’s a lot of torque out of the box on a bike like that. I am a fan of BMW, owned them, but I find it odd that all the reviews seem to bring in the Pan America. BMW would not have a ARH if it wasn’t for HD bringing it to market. HD did a fine job for a first attempt at ADV. I own a HD cruiser but am wanting this BMW model as well for different kinds of riding.
If you are utterly miffed about how spring rate could be adjusted, without preload in the "shorten the spring with pre compression" sense... ...well then try twisting the ends of the spring around the central axis, and see if it stays exactly as hard to compress.
Kinda. If I’m honest, I don’t know I really understand, but it’s not done by compression the spring, but on a second oil circuit in the shock body. In the chamber has a spring system that can be activated or not.
R1300GS now has linked brakes from rear foot lever, right? What settings allow the front wheel to spin when you control a wheelie with the rear brake lever? Or does the front wheel lock up while in the air?
For sure an interesting evolution…but you need deep pockets. Nobody mention the mandatory service planned by BMW for cost around 3.000 euro to replace the cardan! I’ll keep my 18y.o. GS1200 for the moment ;-)
Great video and review… and interesting. Your last words about “if you liked the old GS you’ll be a very happy customer.” Have to say I really like the old GS but didn’t enjoy my test run in the 1300. A completely different feel to the old GS and not for the better in my opinion. It’s not a bad bike at all but having owned several GS’s it feels too different to the old. Appreciate the evolution and admire the bold step by BMW but for me, for now, I’ll be sticking with my 1250.
@@BrakeMagazine it could be partly due to the bike set up, as you say, soo many options. Might need bar riders and lower seat but that whiny engine noise wasn’t great 🙉
Great review. The problem with reviews in general is that you guys are all professional riders and you mentioned Chris in your Triumph review. 95% of us will never pay 20K plus for a bike and then abuse it off road. The majority will ride ADV bikes on road around Scotland or the Alps so it would be good to see Joe Average rider like me in some of your reviews……… and pillions. I have a GSA with 26000 miles in two years and a lot with a pillion. The rear seat is a concern for me at the moment and I’m thinking it will be the same on the new GSA. Look at the width of the current GSA and GS seats. I rode the 1300, lighter, sharp handling and loads of torque but small, the torque comes in so quickly the bike can feel twitchy. I have and XR as well so know what a great quickshifter is like. I couldn’t see much of a difference better my GSA and the the 1300. You still need to get to at least second gear before the clunkiness disappears. We need real world reviews and with pillions. The comments in BIKE magazine this month by the pillion on the 1300 are interesting.
I agree with your comments, but you're missing the point. This is a niche channel about adventure bikes being used as adventure bikes :) I am a one human UA-cam channel and we can't cover it all sorry!
Thank you for this competent assessment - interesting and entertaining! And sorry, why not a word about the mechanically much louder engine and drive train? That was a killer criterion for me for a while. After 4 test drives with different 1300 GS and very different mechanical engine noises, I have now ordered them: Everything else is just a bit better everywhere than on my 1250 GS - except for the unsightly mechanical rattling under load...
I wear an MX lid with ear plugs. I can't hear the engine tbh, but I can't say I noticed it on the test bikes. Is it something to do with the running in oil maybe?
@@BrakeMagazine Thanks for your answer - here is mine: I think that the non-uniformity of the engine (every 4-stroke engine) in conjunction with increased compression and reduced flywheel masses causes both engine parts (timing chains, clutch, etc.) and subsequent parts in the drive train (gearbox, damper elements, etc.) to rattle... As long as this does not cause any damage, it is just an unpleasant noise from the engine drive train.
But the Mona Lisa is only "the best" if you think it is. For me 'The Stonemasons Yard' by Canaletto is way better than the Mona Lisa. It's all relative. Likewise, I wouldn't swap my Hayabusa for a GS. I wouldn't choose a GS over an NC750X-DCT. On the bright side, the new GS will mean loads of "Barely used, very low mileage, FSH BMW GS1250 for sale. Never been further than Tescos"
I totally agree. I don’t particularly like the Mona Lisa either but it’s easily the most famous and recognisable painting, that’s the point of the bit 😊
funny, when you go over the crest and lift the front wheel ,the ends of the forks look like 2 scared faces :)13:08, I wonder if that's intentional...good video.
Great review as always. How much better is the high-performance suspension off-road? Is it worth it over the adjustable height suspension? Thanks in advance
This is one of the best reviews of the 1300GS that I have seen. And I've watched several! I've got a couple of years left on my 1250 GS, so I'm not looking to change right now, but I'm definitely interested in the new one. Thanks for the open and honest review.
You seem surprised that this is the best review you will see on this road/gravel motorcycle. Mr Pavey and his father are the real deal with riding skill and mechanical knowledge. Being excellent at telling this as a story is another level of talent again.
Fantastic review from a fantastic rider. Spent 3 days riding with you in about 2009. Brilliant experience that helped me get ready for my round the world adventures, first stop China. You picked me out in the first hour as an ex off roader and nicknamed me The Old Trials Dog.
Still riding around the world and leading groups.
Personally I really like the new GS and applaud BMW for not chasing HP just for bragging rights like Ducati and KTM. Smart improvements to an already amazing bike is the way to go. Currently riding 23 reg GS Trophy but sure in 2 years I'll be on a 1300 GS.👍😎
I have absolutely no interest in the new gs 1300, but the way you put this review together is something not many others does or are able to. You videography, subtle voice and insane amount of relevant clips. Hurra! This is how it’s done, and something i wish i one day will manage to do my self. Thank you for being such a huge inspiration mate. Cheers
Brilliant, thoughtful and in-depth review of the new 1300GS.
I’ve had a 1200GS and am currently riding the 1250GS.
I’m one of the crazy few who take them off road.
So, the Trophy version could very well find itself sat in my garage or splashing through muddy Devon green lanes soon.
A test ride is booked for Sunday.
Nailed it! Brilliantly put together review. Presented and produced to such a high standard.
This and the Leatt Adventure promos in 24 hours. Killing it!
Thanks!!
There are so many R1300GS reviews on YT right now and I totally get why. A brand new ground up GS is exciting. Your review, for me, is by far the best and stands alone when compared against all the others so far. Great perspective and take on the new bike compared to the previous model. Thanks for sharing Mr Pavey!
I can only second this comment!
@@LazyJack2003It’s settled then with a third thumbs up.
Best review I’ve seen on this bike. It’s good to get a real perspective from someone who has actually spent serious time with the 1250 GS.
Awesome job. Love your perspective. I can't wait to get my 1300.
I didn't realised you watched my videos man! I can't wait for yours too. Loved your work with the Aprillia btw.
Great review ! BMW makes a totally new bike that feels like the old one, but at the same time is so much better. That's brilliant.
An excellent review which, in many ways, told me what’s important. Evolution not revolution. I had a 2003 R1150RT which ok but not a bike I loved. The 2005 R1200RT was a revelation to me and I swapped. Then I rode a 2008 R1200GSA. It was everything that the RT wasn’t for me but mostly stance and riding position. I loved it and traded by RT. In 2013 the 1200 LC arrived. That was, for me, was revolution, and made my GSA seem like a tractor. I bought a GS LC then traded for a GSA 2 years later which I kept for 5 years. The 1250 didn’t offer enough upgrade but the GSA was sold for an ATAS DCT ES. I regretted that change but not enough to go back to BMW. I’ll never ride a GS/GSA off-road but the 1250 actually feels a worthy potential again. The 1300 is just too much for too little more. My thanks for your review!
Brilliant and really well thought out review. So much better than some of the traditional motorcycle press reviews. Ohh P.S I rode that road at 8:09 about a month back it's epic.
It really is 👋 And thanks for the kind words. The edit was complicated 😂
for a rider like me who's 165cm tall the lowering spec is the most relevant upgrade for me...i don't have a big problem when riding enduro trails on the ktms and husqis but this really makes a difference on the road with traffic all around...other distinctive feature about all bmw platforms is the tft display UI design it's simple ,visibly bright yet sophistacated enough to accomodate all the neccesary features.
Agreed. I think it’s really well done too. I tried really hard to feel it and I couldn’t. I think even as a taller rider it’s a pretty nice thing.
Agreed on the TFT UI too.
Best review so far of the new bike, from somebody who truly understands what a GS is, was and where its going 👌🏽
A magnificent, well-balanced review and a breath of fresh air in this world where there never seems to be much talk of the bad and the ugly. It's really good to know the detail beyond the marketing blurb without sitting through a 35 minute review. Well done! Cheers, too, for your honesty. I think BMW have done well with this new generation and you have articulated this fantastically! Thank you.
Wow, not your typical UA-cam blather. Well done. The 1300 didn't really grab my attention until I saw it in person. It is beautiful. Looks so much more modern and feels a lot smaller. I even like the funky headlight. Even the engine dimension were tightened up.
Excellent review and analysis of the work done by BMW. Yes, all those options got me scratching my head quite a few times and some of the packages still set limitations that are quite difficult to adapt to, So I ended up tweaking my order quite a bit. Your video made me even more excited to get my delivery. Thanks!
Glad you liked it! I played with the order tool a bit too. Was... Tricky! What model spec did you go for?
@@BrakeMagazineI ordered the Trophy with the Enduro rims, but not the enduro package even I like almost all of it and the price is a bargain. But I didn't want the stand alone blinkers. Besides this I took the other three packages. Hight adjustment, comfort handbar, seat heating after freezing my ass of to many times in the alps and the LED lights.
Best review of the 1300 GS I have seen so far. Great job! Subscribed.
Thanks for the sub!
Thorough and objective review. I’ve chopped in my GSA 1250 for the 1300 and, as I’m neither young nor tall, the adaptive ride height is worth the entrance ticket alone, to me anyway. I nearly always rode my 1250 in dynamic mode,and did the same at first with my 1300- thought I was on a Ducati! As one of my riding pals,who works at BMW and knows my riding “style” put it “ different bike mate. Put it in “road”.” The radar and adaptive cruise control are brilliant, although you might think they’re just a nifty gadget,fact is that with all the other improvements you feel less tired after a long day. And if you want to push it,stick it in “dynamic”. Still I miss my GSA 1250, I had the akrapovic exhaust, the luggage, all the bits and it was just how I wanted it. The upgrade to the 1300 is worth it if you can afford it, but not worth adding to the list of financial worries that keeps you up nights.. I sold my 1300 Vario panniers: ugly, too heavy,plasticky and wide and easily scuffed. Oh, one more complaint: if you put a sticker on the unattractive radar block at the front to make it look prettier , the radar doesn’t work 🤔. I suppose the acid test is how I feel riding the 1300: very happy, it’s a better bike. Paulie.
Having had a 2010 & 2023..I'll wait a year till the hardcore kit and mods are out...great review and it's all about the rider being able to bring out all the new goodness.
Can I just say, I massively enjoyed the line "fly by wire throttle" with the shot of a flying bike in the background 😁
I'm so glad someone out there got that 😂
The “old” 1250 was very hard to get airborne. The front just collapsed and the rear jumped in the neck. I got a set of aftermarket shocks. When the compression damping is turned up, the big thing is easy to fly. I was hoping the sport suspension with the variable spring rate would do just that. But I see many instances in your clips where the motorcycle lands front wheel first while the rear is still pushing upwards. I have loads more questions unanswered now… Where can I find that podcast? First proper review, and I have seen many, if not all!
What shocks did you put on? Big improvement?
I'm honestly impressed with what BMW have put out. But just the fact that you need to explain so much about this bike, it's modes, it's available options.. it just gives me massive FOMO and almost an anxious feeling. I'll get back on my 690, twist the throttle and go and accept all it's shortcomings and all it's character traits and niggles and worry less!
Great review! Can you elaborate on "lifting the front wheel to save you" in a Mini-Tip Monday video? Keep up the great work.
I watched a few of these 1300 gs reviews now, from people who know what they are talking about and then there are the "influencers" who know very little. Nobody has said the magical word. Fun. Everyone explains how wonderful the technology is blah blah blah but no one says it's "fun". This is one thing BMW are very good at, sanitizing the fun and rider involvement from motorcycling.
Valid point. As a 1200GS owner, I don’t necessarily believe it’s the most fun motorcycle I’ve ever owned, nor is fun its primary selling point. Instead, what I appreciate is the wide range of experiences it offers. I can use it for short trips or long camping journeys, both on-road and off-road, at various speeds (I’m not referring to acceleration here). It’s a versatile motorcycle that allows me to do many things with just one bike. Presumably, the concept or selling point may not be that different between older models and the 1300. With that being said, I’m just expressing my perspective on the GS’s selling point, so I’d love to hear from those who genuinely enjoy its riding experience.
if you can’t have fun on a 140hp motorcycle that goes off-road than it might be worth changing your definition of fun.
@@khakimzhanmirasBINGO!
@@khakimzhanmiras I never said it’s not fun, but I said it’s not the most fun bike I’ve ever owned in terms of the pure riding experience. When it comes to off-roading, I tend to enjoy it more on a smaller and lighter motorcycle. However, I want to emphasize that I’m speaking from my personal perspective, and what’s considered fun can be very subjective, so I don’t deny your definition
BMW make the S1000XR if you weren't aware?
Love my base model XR650L - trying to get my head around adjusting rider modes. Stuck in the '90's till today all I can say is Ride Your Bike and make it count today
Thanks for a review from a different perspective. A standout video from all the others that bore you with bland facts and figures. Well written and presented as usual 👍
Wow!! Brake Mag makes it all sensible, thoughtful and have the thought rather on the bike!! Always loved your videos!! Although in the wildest of my dreams I could afford these bikes , I'd love to listen to what you talk about them!! Beauty in talk is so thought provoking! Sweet work again, Brake Mag! 💥🤘✨🫶
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!
Greatest bike ever since the last greatest bike ever ;-) First GS I might actually buy.
Hello Llewellyn,
Excellent work. Super appreciate your technical breakdown and explanations. And you do a magical job of integrating entertainment with a technical review. Great work.
great review. the only thing about the new bike that would interest me would be adjustable seat height. i’m not an off road biker but it was so interesting to hear your take
Boy this is top level journalism and video creation!
Thanks!
I test ridden this bike, it feels like a very advanced enduro bike !
Excellent video and info on this bike.
Spent years on a 1200 and 1250 and then moved to the KTM 890R and Husq 701 for adventure type riding. Will always love the GS platform and looks like another excellent evolution in the line. I can see myself back on a GS in the future. The new F900 GS with the Enduro Pro upgraded suspension option looks very interesting.
Excellent ! Not boring or dull at all and pleasant to watch ! Very instructive !
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is the best review to date. It confirms my hunch of which option I would choose: Trophy with the sports suspension, enduro package, and no other luxuries-but I want to see what they planned for the GSA now. Thanks for sharing!
Make sure you have cruise control and heated grips 😂
@@BrakeMagazine I'm in Canada. That's non-negotiable.
Best review ive seen for the GS1300. Im a regretfully Ex, - 1200 owner, and wish i had kept my old 09 model year.
What an intelligent review. Thank you so much for making it. Class.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thx for your honest review. I'm a newbie and kept hearing friends who rode serious adventures telling me to simply go with anything lighter than the GS.
To qualify this post they all ride 90% off road. I just picked up a friend's KTM Adventure 790 R.
I believe BMW is capable of coming up with a luxury model to compete against its neighbor, Austria, but they need to think more like Austrian's.
Not sure haw that's going to happen.
If they can it might be called a GSB?
B for Bavaria...
Both of these cultures are extremely mechanical and proud so I wish Bavarian motor works luck in attaining this.
KTM already does it but not with BMWs finish.
This is marketing 101 for BMW and they should capitalize on it...
This is a stupid simple marketing solution for Bavarian Motor Works (BMW).
So why don't you guys let the hounds out of their cages and let them engineer something? Truly revolutionary in the middle-weight category.
Cheers Bill
Or you can let your Austrian neighbors continue to kick you where they shouldn't be...
It all looks so fabulous. And a well running new GS is fabulous. But as always, with so much more tech and complexity, one has to ask how many weeks of summer is my GS going to waiting for its endless recalls, engine management lights and updates to be sorted by a dealer with a three month waiting list.
And as always, cripplingly expensive to fix when out of warranty.
I have no intrest in buying one of these
Far to big for me and far to expensive for me to keep dropping
But you really present the best reviews on youtube
Thank you Sir
I appreciate that!
This was a very welcome, fresh look at the new bike (or bikes, really), from someone uniquely qualified through experience to suss out the details. I’ve had several GS and GSA models as well as several Multistradas, and it is always fascinating to see what the designers and engineers have come up with. I think the leaner, more compact design is a plus, although I loved the Erector Set vibe of the outgoing models, and the Trophy edition with sport suspension is incredibly interesting. It will also be fun to see how the Adventure version compares in looks and functionality to the Multistrada V4 Rally. Clearly, Ducati and others have developed competitive technologies and designs which have spurred on some of the BMW developments. Competition is a good thing. Finally, yours is the first video I’ve seen with a look at the headlight in darkness. I like it! The split in opinion is reminiscent of the reception of the S1000RR asymmetrical headlights, which came to be an identifying feature.
Man, you are the best reviewer of motorcycles in the world. Huge fan
Kind words. 🙌
What a great, well thought out review. I have a 1250GS now and (probably like many of us) am always wondering about the next iteration. I so appreciated the honesty and the brilliant explanation about the off-road vs on road version. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Been said by many below, by far the best review out there. Nailed it Lel.
Cheers David!
Well done Llel you are always so clear and succinct in your presentation. From what I have seen so far, I won’t be upgrading from my 2021 GS Rallye I look forward to your complete review.
Yop Yop. As the others, I think that’s a pretty darn good review. A real work of journalism, not another sale speech in disguise.
Well done, mate !
Thanks. Really, kind words indeed. :)
Quality review. I think that evolution is always he way forward if you already have a winning formula. That seems to be what we're getting with this bike, with some focused options.
Exactly.
I trust very few bike and gear reviews that are put out on youtube .... yours are firmly on my "trust-list", nice straight talking review again fella 👌
Very kind words my dude.
Best review hands down!
Truly an amazing new generation for sure. Nice Leatt gear too.
It sure is!
Brilliant review. Im not a huge GS fan but I can see BMW have done well to 'try' and solve the unicorn adventure bike dilemma... Ultimately what is THE unicorn comes down to individual riders and their use... so give them plenty of useful chassis options and they can more or less create it (except for weight of course).
Totally agree.
Awesome review Llel, thanks for sharing! 👍👍
Thanks for watching!
I have watched a lot of reviews of the 1300. I currently have the r1250gs Rallye. I use it for touring, and grocery getting. The 1300 is marvelous, for sure. But it lacks that clunky intimidating look. The riding triangle of the 1300; seat, pegs ,handle bars makes it workable for smaller riders.
But, I am 6'5" and have added bar risers, seat risers, lowered pegs. And now it's....smaller?!
Absolutely superb review and balanced which is rare now adays.
I'm currently on an 1150GSA an have had a 1200GSA TE 2014, an a 1200GS TE Rallye 2018, it's strange I thought it would be a massive difference back to the 1150GSA an it feels very very GS an there's an element of the bike which feels less refined an more alive
I'm all for tech the problem comes in when it goes wrong out of warranty I was lucky with my 1200GSA that when it lunched a gearbox 2 engines in total ended up with 3 different engines, the display failed first day, the fly by wire was a constant point of issues (they sorted that out on the 2018) that it was under warranty this is the stuff that never gets mentioned in reviews the customer service etc 6 months of no bike esa failures and fd failures, it would have wrote it off out of warranty.
I know we will never see it as its a way off them upselling the bikes, I specced a 1300 up an it was £28,000 ouch!
Latley it's feeling like motorcycles and some brands are moving futher an further away from the average person an someone who likes to spanner on them, my 1150 needed a ton of work doing when I got it which was unexpected an I was able to sort an do everything myself.
It's a shame as well as the GS had such a unique look
They wont sell you service tools now even back on the 1150.
I guess the big problem with so many options now on the specs will be how it affects the used prices on them that will be interesting.
It's a shame even the T7 has gone that route.
I hope we see more simple bikes in the future one can dream :)
Keep the bril vid's coming.
Another great vid Steve and Tom, Keep up the great work.
Hey, you are the first reviewer to actually mention AND review the sport suspension! I have ordered my Trophy with the sport suspension and changed the seat to the standard seat. How tall are you and did you find the sport suspension plus high seat too high? Could you at least touch the ground? I’m about 178 cm, 31-32” inseam.
You couldn't float it because Karoo 4's tyres (IMO). Front tyre is awesome, rear tyre not so much.
I've had it on my GS1200 LC and it did the same, as soon as I put on my knobbies I could float away.
Very cool review!
It’s not the tyres. It feels like the rear doesn’t squat.
Much better looking. Lighter. Adaptable height. More power (though it wasn't under powered). But expensive! Anyway, well done BMW!
Best and most thoughtful, informative review.
Thank you kindly!
Yo, brother. Great take on this incredible bike. I'm definitely not a fan of the looks, but the technical capabilities are undeniable. And people will warm up to it. It's a GS, after all. I have a quick question: What is that off-road tire BMW put on your review machine? Thanks. Cheers!
Best review yet….. but I’m having trouble with a “ high end” “premium”bike that doesn’t sport Brembo’s
You realise that other brands make great brakes?
@@BrakeMagazine No doubt… just don’t see them hardly….ever.
An excellent review. Simplifying the complicated.
The new 1300 would be really brilliant if BMW developed a model with some sort of DCT or automatic gearbox. My experience with Hondas DCT is pivotal enough that the GS not having this type gearbox is a deal breaker.
How interesting!
@@BrakeMagazine My last 3 motorcycles, Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports with DCT, Honda XADV a 750cc "maxi scooter" with DCT, and now a Honda NT1100 Spirt/Tourer with,,, you guessed it,,, DCT. Prior to the Hondas I was a "BMW guy" for 20 years. All good experiences. But the advent of the DCT technology opened up another dimension of riding that I found very rewarding. Having said that,,, the new 1300 GS looks very appealing and your presentation incredibly good. 👍
Great review mate, cheers for the brilliant content
Glad you enjoyed it
My 1150 GSA maybe old but awesome.
Great honest report. Thanks. I was quite hyped after seeing the first photos of the GS 1300. After watching your review less so. Unfortunately, there will never be a back-to-basics version which cuts the GS back to its essentials - at the price point of Tenere 700.
I wouldn't rule that out ;)
The most non-biased GS review ever... :)
That’s a lot of torque out of the box on a bike like that. I am a fan of BMW, owned them, but I find it odd that all the reviews seem to bring in the Pan America. BMW would not have a ARH if it wasn’t for HD bringing it to market. HD did a fine job for a first attempt at ADV. I own a HD cruiser but am wanting this BMW model as well for different kinds of riding.
Best video yet. Love the bike too!
Intelligent honest review - thanks
Thanks for watching!
superior video quality！！
If you are utterly miffed about how spring rate could be adjusted, without preload in the "shorten the spring with pre compression" sense...
...well then try twisting the ends of the spring around the central axis, and see if it stays exactly as hard to compress.
So what bmw did is like air piston instead of spring in terms of adjustability
Kinda. If I’m honest, I don’t know I really understand, but it’s not done by compression the spring, but on a second oil circuit in the shock body. In the chamber has a spring system that can be activated or not.
R1300GS now has linked brakes from rear foot lever, right?
What settings allow the front wheel to spin when you control a wheelie with the rear brake lever? Or does the front wheel lock up while in the air?
Banging review mate!! Production on point, supper impressive 👌👌
Thanks!
brilliant review L!
For sure an interesting evolution…but you need deep pockets. Nobody mention the mandatory service planned by BMW for cost around 3.000 euro to replace the cardan! I’ll keep my 18y.o. GS1200 for the moment ;-)
Great initial impressions review 👌
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video and review… and interesting. Your last words about “if you liked the old GS you’ll be a very happy customer.” Have to say I really like the old GS but didn’t enjoy my test run in the 1300. A completely different feel to the old GS and not for the better in my opinion. It’s not a bad bike at all but having owned several GS’s it feels too different to the old. Appreciate the evolution and admire the bold step by BMW but for me, for now, I’ll be sticking with my 1250.
Interesting! I was surprised it didn't feel more different honestly!
@@BrakeMagazine it could be partly due to the bike set up, as you say, soo many options. Might need bar riders and lower seat but that whiny engine noise wasn’t great 🙉
Great review. The problem with reviews in general is that you guys are all professional riders and you mentioned Chris in your Triumph review. 95% of us will never pay 20K plus for a bike and then abuse it off road. The majority will ride ADV bikes on road around Scotland or the Alps so it would be good to see Joe Average rider like me in some of your reviews……… and pillions. I have a GSA with 26000 miles in two years and a lot with a pillion. The rear seat is a concern for me at the moment and I’m thinking it will be the same on the new GSA. Look at the width of the current GSA and GS seats. I rode the 1300, lighter, sharp handling and loads of torque but small, the torque comes in so quickly the bike can feel twitchy. I have and XR as well so know what a great quickshifter is like. I couldn’t see much of a difference better my GSA and the the 1300. You still need to get to at least second gear before the clunkiness disappears.
We need real world reviews and with pillions. The comments in BIKE magazine this month by the pillion on the 1300 are interesting.
I agree with your comments, but you're missing the point. This is a niche channel about adventure bikes being used as adventure bikes :) I am a one human UA-cam channel and we can't cover it all sorry!
As always excellent commentary and video combo - I look forward to trying out the new GS off road
Right on!
Nice to see you BTW!
Thank you for this competent assessment - interesting and entertaining!
And sorry, why not a word about the mechanically much louder engine and drive train?
That was a killer criterion for me for a while.
After 4 test drives with different 1300 GS and very different mechanical engine noises, I have now ordered them:
Everything else is just a bit better everywhere than on my 1250 GS - except for the unsightly mechanical rattling under load...
I wear an MX lid with ear plugs. I can't hear the engine tbh, but I can't say I noticed it on the test bikes. Is it something to do with the running in oil maybe?
@@BrakeMagazine Thanks for your answer - here is mine:
I think that the non-uniformity of the engine (every 4-stroke engine) in conjunction with increased compression and reduced flywheel masses causes both engine parts (timing chains, clutch, etc.) and subsequent parts in the drive train (gearbox, damper elements, etc.) to rattle... As long as this does not cause any damage, it is just an unpleasant noise from the engine drive train.
Brilliant engineering, packed with tech and comfort. Looks like a Honda 650 Hornet though. I'll Stick with the road Prescence of the 1250 GSA.
Llel cracking review well done. May have to try it at the Skool after my Morocco trip😊
But the Mona Lisa is only "the best" if you think it is. For me 'The Stonemasons Yard' by Canaletto is way better than the Mona Lisa. It's all relative. Likewise, I wouldn't swap my Hayabusa for a GS. I wouldn't choose a GS over an NC750X-DCT.
On the bright side, the new GS will mean loads of "Barely used, very low mileage, FSH BMW GS1250 for sale. Never been further than Tescos"
I totally agree. I don’t particularly like the Mona Lisa either but it’s easily the most famous and recognisable painting, that’s the point of the bit 😊
funny, when you go over the crest and lift the front wheel ,the ends of the forks look like 2 scared faces :)13:08, I wonder if that's intentional...good video.
Thanks for this video. Wonderful Bike.
Saw the title and thought this was about the KLR. Those BMWs sure are nice moto-cars, though
Superb video! Thank you! 😊
You sir, are very good at this. Really great vid. ❤
Thank you kindly!
If you had the choice between the BMW 1300 gs and the Ducati Desertx rally, which would you choose?
Haven’t ridden the Desert X Rally. Be an interesting review for sure.
Class review as always!
Glad you enjoyed it
This is the one I have been waiting for…excellent review.
Glad it was helpful!
Nice job on this, very well thought out and presented video. My only comment is the headlight ... really??
Stellar review!
Excellent film! I want a 1300 GS now. Well done, I think!
Thanks!
I ordered a bike and the Canadian dealers do not offer that many options as I can see come in Europe…
The do it in packs right? They do that in the UK too. 😊
@@BrakeMagazine correct but all the handle bars, pegs, bags are not available here
Is the Leatt adv gear on sale already? I can't find it anywhere!
Great review as always. How much better is the high-performance suspension off-road? Is it worth it over the adjustable height suspension? Thanks in advance
Damn, that was a beautiful review and a pure pleasure to watch. Fantastic.
Thanks!
So finally they had to release a new model/version to cover up all the problems they had in the older models.