Hello Mark and Naomi; So good to see you both on the bike; Well that was interesting; Good to know Nay seemed comfortable and happy siting on t he back; Good to see you Mark trying out the tech; Many bikes now have Drive Modes; usually Road, Sports, Rain and Off-road.....and they are brilliant to use. I still think that the Honda Africa Twin seems to be the bike for you. Just enough Tech to make it a great Touring Adventure bike....choice is your and you are not rushing it. OK Keep safe... David...Adelaide....Triumph Tiger 900GT
It is fantastic you are having the opportunities to evaluate different bikes before you buy. You expressed some concerns regarding the ease and or cost of maintaining a BMW. From my own experience, I can reiterate that they are easy to maintain. My 2019 BMW R1200GSA is just as easy to work on as my 2018 DR650. The only special tool required is a device called a GS911 which allows you to connect a PC to the bikes computer to change various settings, read fault codes, bleed brakes and reset maintenance reminders. The tool is not cheap but pays for its self. I have owned numerous BMW's over the years and I have never had to take a bike to the dealership except for the rare recall. The best advice I can provide is for you to set realistic criteria for how you will use the bike (e.g. will you really ride with a pillion off-road or is two up on-road comfort more important?) Then follow your own instincts is selecting a bike. Be careful with regards to advice from others, we are all biassed towards our own rides. And never, never sell Max!!
Thank you for doing a thorough 2 up review and showing us the pillion side. I rode a 1200 GS over 110,000Km across all of North America often two up Coast to Coast. At 70 I'm returning to riding after crashing a new RT into a deer at 100K an hour....While the big GS was a Panzer Tank,,,the weight and the height were always a challenge mostly 2 up Loaded for a month road trip. The 750/850 seems to provide decent accomodation for the (occasional 2 up) enough power and plenty of comfort bits for my Iron Butts. And at 2/3 the price of the Big GS. Again thanks to you and your charming wife for a unique review.
Great to see this two up review. The ability to select riding modes for two up is excellent. Just gotta luv the Quick Shifter (up and down)! I look forward to the bigger BMW GS review when you do it! 👍😁
The nice thing about the big BMWs(1150, 1250) is that when you drop the bike, it only falls over like 60 degrees and rests on those big jugs sticking out the sides, and that makes it really easy to pick back up. Of course it needs a good set of crash bars. You can also find older, high mileage units for cheap, which makes you feel not so bad thrashing it off road.
Winner winner chicken dinner. Wow I’m so wrapped that Nay found Hwy to be comfortable, reassuring and safe. “Happy wife is a happy Motorcycle life” lol 😂 you should try the electronic suspension settings, cruise control, GPS, heated grips, Tyre pressure guide and the other hundred electrical wizardry on your trip to pickup Harry. 👍👍🏍🏍
Hi Mark, Try a Triumph tiger Ive had one for nearly 7 years love it.( nearly as long as Ive been subscribed but not yet mastered the lingo)always a good vid Steve
At the risk of being scolded on here, have a look at the CF MOTO 800MT Touring. It has some impressive power and torque figures. It also has lots of creature comforts like heated grips, heated seats and cruise control etc for just $14k ride away. It has some good reviews.
Wow I thought you were not keen after the last video. Now though sounds great. I would agree it's my favorite so far to! Interested to see how you like the 1250!
Nice bike Hal. Packed with all the goodies. Look like Nay prefers the finer things in life. I've got the quickshift but out of habit I find I still use the clutch more times than not. But during a long ride when ya knackered it's a sweet thing to use. Handy too if u are moving around on the bike to just flick another gear. 👍
Hey Mark, the 1200 or 1250GS is the go Mark for the 2 up riding you are looking at (in my opinion), especially if you plan on keeping Max for the more gnarly stuff. I reckon if you go the BMW F850 you will eventually end up with a 1200 or 1250GS. I know BMW's cop some flack, but I have owned BMW bikes since the late 70's and they have always been great. I am now on a 2007 R1200GS with just over 100k on the clock and would like to upgrade to someting newer but it has been a great bike for the 70k I've had it for. I still use my DR650 for the more gnarly tracks and solo camping. Anyway what ever you decide on I am sure you will enjoy it.
Brilliant! They are great bikes (I may be a bit biased 😂). My choice swung towards the GS 1200 and not the GSA, the GSA is just bigger and bulky but obviously has that extra range. I just found the GS that little bit more manageable on the dirt and overall less intimidating.. it’s surprisingly more capable than you think of taking on the knarly stuff too. Go on mate, you know you want one!!
I just dunno if I can see you as a Beemer owner Mark, just doesn't sit right somehow 😁 Having said that, I hope you guys go as far as testing the Gold Wing haha 👌
Morning mark another great video would be interesting to see you and nay on the new klr650 adventure 2022 hopefully you can get a demo i ride a suzuki v Strom 1050 xt at moment and find it great Cheers 🍻 👍
Thanks for this video. I just booked a 2022 850GS and one of my concern was two up riding which I do a lot. Many suggested to go for the 1250 but that is too big for me. I have no doubt in power which I think it has enough to do for any moderate riding. My question was only pillion comfort and ergonomics and I think you proved it should be fine!
It mos def will be fine 2 up! just brilliant this bike! much better than the 1250 on offroad, and capable of globetrotting the world. the most logical bike
I'm a broken record. Give the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro a ride. My Tiger is an 800XRX and pretty sure I'm sticking with "Tigger" but if I don't I'm going to the Rally Pro
I found the opposite when my dealer gave me an F800GS courtesy bike when my 2004 1200GS was in for a service: I found it too instant and lurchy...I agree regarding the top-heavy thing, as I found my 1200 easier to ride slow and filter between traffic in the city.
My dad has a Triumph cruiser and it costs a small fortune for everything and same with the BMW he used to have. Triumphs customer service in the US also leaves a lot to be desired. Maybe it’s better where you are?
Thanks for the 2 up vid. Any chance you might test a Triumph Scrambler 1200 ? We’re looking at this bike with a top box (with back cushion for wife comfort). Naomi’s view should you test one, would be insightful.
That is why you ride with company. It is easier for two people to lift the 265 kg weight. DR650 only 195 kg and you can feel more confident on solo rides.
I am guessing that you are not planning on taking this bike on the more challenging tracks solo, if you do plan on doing that you need to think about how you are going to pick it up when its lying the wrong way down a slope in the sand :)
if you haven't already watched it, Gorilla Biker did a very good review on this bike. Link, ua-cam.com/video/ExJ-DptalGs/v-deo.html At the end he compares it to the Africa Twin and although he raves about the BMW if he was buying he thinks he would go the AT. Might help with your decision
Everyone try’s to avoid the GS’s, you should try the big ole 1250 GS if you like the 800, it’s inevitable. There’s a reason they sell by the bucketload especially for two up tourers, you just have to accept it 😂. The 1200 and 1250 are pretty big differences, I’d recommend the 1250 as good as the 1200 is. I’d take a standard 1250 Ralley X over the adventure, a bit lighter/smaller and the fuel range is still pretty good.
Purchasing cost is always a shocker....Yet if you trick out the other naked mid weight you will get much higher...than you will always get higher resale value for the GS name. Overall your usage cost not including enjoyment will be very comaprable.IMO
If by "KING" you mean one up on mostly off road, trails, single track etc., yes I would agree... but with more road and even 2up, BMW 1250 and 850 are superior.... do you only own one screwdriver?
In person I found it pretty ugly actually - I had the F800GS which with the kit I had on it looked pretty good but these are just yuck - Just my opinion.. R1250 GS is a MUCH better looking bike.
This is how supposed to be the proper way to test an adventure bikes, thanks for the share
Hello Mark and Naomi; So good to see you both on the bike; Well that was interesting; Good to know Nay seemed comfortable and happy siting on t he back; Good to see you Mark trying out the tech; Many bikes now have Drive Modes; usually Road, Sports, Rain and Off-road.....and they are brilliant to use. I still think that the Honda Africa Twin seems to be the bike for you. Just enough Tech to make it a great Touring Adventure bike....choice is your and you are not rushing it. OK Keep safe... David...Adelaide....Triumph Tiger 900GT
It is fantastic you are having the opportunities to evaluate different bikes before you buy. You expressed some concerns regarding the ease and or cost of maintaining a BMW. From my own experience, I can reiterate that they are easy to maintain. My 2019 BMW R1200GSA is just as easy to work on as my 2018 DR650. The only special tool required is a device called a GS911 which allows you to connect a PC to the bikes computer to change various settings, read fault codes, bleed brakes and reset maintenance reminders. The tool is not cheap but pays for its self. I have owned numerous BMW's over the years and I have never had to take a bike to the dealership except for the rare recall.
The best advice I can provide is for you to set realistic criteria for how you will use the bike (e.g. will you really ride with a pillion off-road or is two up on-road comfort more important?) Then follow your own instincts is selecting a bike. Be careful with regards to advice from others, we are all biassed towards our own rides. And never, never sell Max!!
Thank you for doing a thorough 2 up review and showing us the pillion side. I rode a 1200 GS over 110,000Km across all of North America often two up Coast to Coast. At 70 I'm returning to riding after crashing a new RT into a deer at 100K an hour....While the big GS was a Panzer Tank,,,the weight and the height were always a challenge mostly 2 up Loaded for a month road trip. The 750/850 seems to provide decent accomodation for the (occasional 2 up) enough power and plenty of comfort bits for my Iron Butts. And at 2/3 the price of the Big GS. Again thanks to you and your charming wife for a unique review.
Great to see this two up review. The ability to select riding modes for two up is excellent. Just gotta luv the Quick Shifter (up and down)! I look forward to the bigger BMW GS review when you do it! 👍😁
Clutchless upshifts, good lad, well done 👍
The nice thing about the big BMWs(1150, 1250) is that when you drop the bike, it only falls over like 60 degrees and rests on those big jugs sticking out the sides, and that makes it really easy to pick back up. Of course it needs a good set of crash bars. You can also find older, high mileage units for cheap, which makes you feel not so bad thrashing it off road.
Winner winner chicken dinner. Wow I’m so wrapped that Nay found Hwy to be comfortable, reassuring and safe. “Happy wife is a happy Motorcycle life” lol 😂 you should try the electronic suspension settings, cruise control, GPS, heated grips, Tyre pressure guide and the other hundred electrical wizardry on your trip to pickup Harry. 👍👍🏍🏍
Will do Hal! 👍
Yep, when you dial in what you like you really don't need to change settings, but the big stuff from solo to 2up camping.
You like the g's. .
My other half enjoyed the tiger for passenger comfort more. I enjoy riding the tiger as well.
The best bike is the one you have and touches your soul. Any bike is an adv bike.... just depends on what you are willing to spend in repairs.
Hi Mark, Try a Triumph tiger Ive had one for nearly 7 years love it.( nearly as long as Ive been subscribed but not yet mastered the lingo)always a good vid Steve
At the risk of being scolded on here, have a look at the CF MOTO 800MT Touring. It has some impressive power and torque figures. It also has lots of creature comforts like heated grips, heated seats and cruise control etc for just $14k ride away. It has some good reviews.
Wow I thought you were not keen after the last video. Now though sounds great. I would agree it's my favorite so far to! Interested to see how you like the 1250!
Nice bike Hal. Packed with all the goodies. Look like Nay prefers the finer things in life. I've got the quickshift but out of habit I find I still use the clutch more times than not. But during a long ride when ya knackered it's a sweet thing to use. Handy too if u are moving around on the bike to just flick another gear. 👍
Hey Mark, the 1200 or 1250GS is the go Mark for the 2 up riding you are looking at (in my opinion), especially if you plan on keeping Max for the more gnarly stuff. I reckon if you go the BMW F850 you will eventually end up with a 1200 or 1250GS. I know BMW's cop some flack, but I have owned BMW bikes since the late 70's and they have always been great. I am now on a 2007 R1200GS with just over 100k on the clock and would like to upgrade to someting newer but it has been a great bike for the 70k I've had it for. I still use my DR650 for the more gnarly tracks and solo camping. Anyway what ever you decide on I am sure you will enjoy it.
They just make the distance disappear.
Brilliant! They are great bikes (I may be a bit biased 😂). My choice swung towards the GS 1200 and not the GSA, the GSA is just bigger and bulky but obviously has that extra range. I just found the GS that little bit more manageable on the dirt and overall less intimidating.. it’s surprisingly more capable than you think of taking on the knarly stuff too. Go on mate, you know you want one!!
I just dunno if I can see you as a Beemer owner Mark, just doesn't sit right somehow 😁 Having said that, I hope you guys go as far as testing the Gold Wing haha 👌
Morning mark another great video would be interesting to see you and nay on the new klr650 adventure 2022 hopefully you can get a demo i ride a suzuki v Strom 1050 xt at moment and find it great
Cheers 🍻 👍
Thanks for this video. I just booked a 2022 850GS and one of my concern was two up riding which I do a lot. Many suggested to go for the 1250 but that is too big for me. I have no doubt in power which I think it has enough to do for any moderate riding. My question was only pillion comfort and ergonomics and I think you proved it should be fine!
It mos def will be fine 2 up! just brilliant this bike! much better than the 1250 on offroad, and capable of globetrotting the world. the most logical bike
and 2/3 of the price. Same no waste....@@theballminator
If you both did a trip on one and had the suspension set up right...I tell you now Mark you would be happy....
I love mine
My favorite so far also 👍
Spears and thunder busters 💨🌧🤪💥😵💫👍🍻🇦🇺
I'm a broken record. Give the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro a ride. My Tiger is an 800XRX and pretty sure I'm sticking with "Tigger" but if I don't I'm going to the Rally Pro
Would be good to see you test a dct auto Africa twin. A passenger view of the automatic would be great. I understand if you can't get one out there.
I found the opposite when my dealer gave me an F800GS courtesy bike when my 2004 1200GS was in for a service: I found it too instant and lurchy...I agree regarding the top-heavy thing, as I found my 1200 easier to ride slow and filter between traffic in the city.
Nay said she never really thought about the pegs - that's a good thing if you ask me.
That it is, when it is good you don't think about it.
My dad has a Triumph cruiser and it costs a small fortune for everything and same with the BMW he used to have. Triumphs customer service in the US also leaves a lot to be desired. Maybe it’s better where you are?
Love it!
Thanks for the 2 up vid. Any chance you might test a Triumph Scrambler 1200 ?
We’re looking at this bike with a top box (with back cushion for wife comfort). Naomi’s view should you test one, would be insightful.
What brand on GPS mount are you using above the instruments?
Enjoyed watching,thanks.
Hi Mark, please try the tiger 900 and the new tiger 1100. They call the tiger the gs killer
When do we see Nay piloting the bike and you as the passenger? 🤣
LOL... NEVER! Her choice not mine 🤣
G`Day Mark and Nay, guess the only test to do now is to lay the bike down and try and pick it up, this may be the decider between bikes.
That is why you ride with company. It is easier for two people to lift the 265 kg weight. DR650 only 195 kg and you can feel more confident on solo rides.
I understand you fine my ozy mates!
Try a V85 Moto Guzzi mate 👍, Nay would like it I reckon
Whatever you get you will eventually up grade to a Gs1250, it took me 20 bikes to find that out.
1100 versus 850 ... same weight .. no contest. You should investigate maintenance costs for both machines. Break down history etc.
Try the ktm 1090/1190/1290 while you’re at it?
I think the GS 1200 will feel more planted because of the Boxer engine's low center of gravity.
Gs1200 all the way.
my new bike. Just BRILLIANT. Muuch better than the GS1250 in all aspects but horsepower
I am guessing that you are not planning on taking this bike on the more challenging tracks solo, if you do plan on doing that you need to think about how you are going to pick it up when its lying the wrong way down a slope in the sand :)
if you haven't already watched it, Gorilla Biker did a very good review on this bike. Link, ua-cam.com/video/ExJ-DptalGs/v-deo.html
At the end he compares it to the Africa Twin and although he raves about the BMW if he was buying he thinks he would go the AT. Might help with your decision
Good Lord, Google put the United Australia Party ads on your channel. You wanna tell us anything?? 😂
The obese thief didn't come up on my play through.
My condolences, that would be an ugly interruption.
F850 Mark :-)
Everyone try’s to avoid the GS’s, you should try the big ole 1250 GS if you like the 800, it’s inevitable. There’s a reason they sell by the bucketload especially for two up tourers, you just have to accept it 😂. The 1200 and 1250 are pretty big differences, I’d recommend the 1250 as good as the 1200 is. I’d take a standard 1250 Ralley X over the adventure, a bit lighter/smaller and the fuel range is still pretty good.
You keep calling it a F800, it looks like the F850. I have the F750GS which has the same engine slightly detuned.
Yeah it's the F850 👍🤣
Well if you go with the BMW break out the check book, there not cheap! Great review though.
Purchasing cost is always a shocker....Yet if you trick out the other naked mid weight you will get much higher...than you will always get higher resale value for the GS name. Overall your usage cost not including enjoyment will be very comaprable.IMO
BMW is trying to copy the KING. The King is of course the Honda Africa Twin ADV sports
If by "KING" you mean one up on mostly off road, trails, single track etc., yes I would agree... but with more road and even 2up, BMW 1250 and 850 are superior.... do you only own one screwdriver?
1st 🥇
Again! Good Onya Hal 👍
Are these things made in China?
Yes!
@@BikerBits No. Made in Germany. The only BMW not made in Berlin is the G310.
@@jasonk7072 Oh... Hal said it was made or parts of it was made in China! I stand corrected 👍
@@BikerBits No worries. The engines are made in China which might have caused the confusion but the bikes are made in Das Fatherland 👍
You get used to everything.
This BMW is far from an ugly duckling.
In person I found it pretty ugly actually - I had the F800GS which with the kit I had on it looked pretty good but these are just yuck - Just my opinion.. R1250 GS is a MUCH better looking bike.
Not ugly in the KTM sense, no. But far from great.