I lost my job due to the COVID situation, sold my F 150 v8 and my Hayabusa. I have been doing everything on the GS.. from supermarket to travel 1000 km to spend holidays with my family. It is only during a crisis that we can contemplate what is really necessary. For me is the bike. This bike especially.
Right, many things were happening in those challenging times, I know something about it myself. However, it's enjoyable to read the ending of your thought. I'm glad that you're enjoying your GS. Some say that it's like a family member to them. All the best!
I also minimised from car, bus and bike down to just my honda goldwing, sure, its a compromise; but definitely shows that we usually have more stuff than we need.
I've owned 3 GS and many other bikes but the GS to me and my humble opinion, is the single best all-around bike you can buy. I've owned and many bikes over my 50 years and love them and most 2 wheels out there but my "go to" bike or one that will always be in my garage is the GS. It's just that good.
That’s an interesting point. I’ve never thought about the weight of the shaft versus chain. (Alloy housing+steel shaft+diff) versus (swing arm + chain + sprockets + rear hub) 🤔 Cant be much difference? R1250 weighs 16kg more than 850 and I bet it’s the 2nd external cylinder and generally bigger bike where the weight is. Anyway...ride what makes you happy I say 😁
As soon as my short-lived infatuation with the KTM and Ducati wore off, I was back on the GS. Yes, it’s a bit heavier (perhaps sturdier is a better word) and doesn’t hold the record for most ponies, but the GS still reigns supreme for the best all-around adventure motorcycle.
Good video. I currently own a R1250GSA as well as a KTM 1190 Adventure and a Triumph Tiger 800. The KTM is so fast and such a total thrill that I love every minute of riding it. The front end however is unstable at times. The Triumph is a joy and nothing sounds like a triple. Extremely stable, light and perfectly fueled at any RPM. A little revy at today’s freeway cruising speeds for extended periods of riding for my taste. The BMW is the motorcycle I feel safe on. It’s torque is the key to a level of control that when coupled with the amazing suspension makes this motorcycle easy to ride. Wind protection is perfect. The bike never feels unstable and if you twist the throttle it makes remarkable time without the fear of accelerating faster than your brain can process the event. It’s a gentleman’s motorcycle which has become my daily ride of choice. While the Triumph and the KTM will corrode eventually, the BMW looks like new after a wash. Thousands of miles on this machine makes it my ride of choice.
Thanks for sharing and surely BMW earned its success over the years and across the continents. I'm glad that you're enjoying all your bikes in different circumstances and can give a good note to the GS. All the best and happy riding!
I did 60000 on a ktm 1190. Then 40000 on a 1200gs . I was convinced that I needed some more HP. So I went testing multistrada and ktm 1290. Went home and bought me the 1250. On paper you r 100% . But reality is that the gs1250 is such a joy to ride. I think you can only understand it when you ride it a lot and not simply a nice sunny day.
Good points and thanks for your feedback! That's correct that GS doesn't follow the power competition for a reason - sometimes in case of some riders it just doesn't have to. I'd say these are good reasons for that.
As a GSA owner I can only agree with the engine noise, it is a little bit high for me because I commute to work on my almost everyday. But even though there is no substitute for the GSA!!
As a GS 1200 and 1250 driver I would say the boxer doesn't easily stall. I can drive off without throtle. And my new 1250GSA can be considered quite expensive. Sound? It's relatively silent and I like it that way. Make my bike nice and silent on the motorways. Related to power: below 6000RPM the GSA overpowers all of its competitors. I can count on one hand when I go over 6000 rpm. Digital panel: if it is clean I can always read it. Seats: I have a different one that's even harder, I like hard seats, but not the standard one since the shape doesn't suit me. I'll put it this way. Based on your comments the GSA doesn't suit you, I however really like it. And you missed some of the flaws.
Right, I missed some flaws as I didn't want having my house burned by BMW representatives ;). While seriously, if you're a pro, ride a lot and are generally a very skilled rider, you may be able to start off even from a second gear perhaps. Years of being around these bikes and people who ride them, I've seen too many of those funny falls because of killing the engine. It's always easier to kill it if you've got 2 cylinders and not more. It's also true what you mentioned about low RPM - GS is a total beast there! Overall it still will be considered the best bike in the world and I do accept that it deserves it. It is truly amazing! And I'm happy that you're happy with yours - that's the point.
You have to own and spend some time with a Gs ... it’s the bike that does everything good ... you travel all over the world like a prince and safety , you go to you job every day like me , and you go to enduro ride every weekend and explore the mountains . BMW GS
I forgot to mentioned that the boxer engine has so torque that on the dirt roads on the mountain you don’t have to press the throttle ..so many torque ..just a gear up and you go..it’s not the bike for drag racing .. it’s a bike to live every day with a Gs Make life a ride
@@PanosVlad Panos, you are making valid points! That's all true. Up to some RPM, it will go as well as more powerful bikes while it's more flexible at lower RPM which most of the riders use most of the time too. It's probably the best all-round motorcycle out there. That's why it's a best-selling bike too. However, it's good to have the full information of what you're getting into when getting one.
the two things that bug me about my GSA , taking into account I am 62 years . the height is really tricky when at standstill , moreso with a pillion. I have purchased various aftermarket seat lowering devices and a Touratech comfort seat . still really tricky when coming to a stop with a sharp left turn & the riding position makes my knees sore after an hour or so .
I believe it may be very similar on all motorcycles in this class. Lowered seat will help but all the weight is still higher than on some other non-adventure motorcycles. What may be interesting for you to know is that center of gravity is relatively low in a GS. Sometimes it's just a matter of choosing the more comfortable category of motorcycles. Perhaps R1250RT of Yamaha FJR would be better here. Then on the other hand, your knee angle is different and many people including myself don't enjoy that. This is where adventure motorcycles win. However, I'd suggest to give the RT a try. It rides in an excellent way and is a lower bike in general while being just as good as a GS on twisty roads. Better wind protection, electrically-adjustable windscreen, lots of luggage space. You may like that especially when riding with a passenger. It's a bit heavier though with all that additional material, fairings, panniers etc.
It’s all very emotive and subjective, people have very different needs from their bikes and so taylor their choices appropriately. I’m a 120 mile a day commuter and tourer so normally 18k-20k miles per year so need a bike that’s reliable, virtually maintenance free, good fuel range and supported be an assistance programme and dealer network which support me and my bike. So don’t need 170bhp+ or chain drives on my wish list. So confession time, I’m on my 2nd GS Adventure and live the bike and brand; still love KTM and Ducati adventure models (especially new V4 MS), and would love a 990 in the garage if I had the cash, but those bikes really don’t fit my individual needs. 👍👍for the GS every time (well until the V4 MS comes in Enduro mode perhaps!!)🤣
Totally correct - many aspects of owning a motorcycle are extremely emotional. I'm glad to see that you're using your GS motorcycles the way they should be used - and I mean that they are there to be ridden and not just be kept in one's garage.
@@0xsergy ah right, apologies; did 24K in before I traded it up for the 1250 last December. I’ve been working from home since March 2020 so really that’s only after 18 months of ownership, but it was terrific and trouble free👌
I just rented a 2020 R1250GS today for the entire day as I was planning to order my own configuration of this bike from the factory. Due to reasons below that you also mentioned in your video, I am keeping my KTM 790 Adventure for the time being. I will wait for the KTM 1290 Adventure release in the U.S. I haven't stalled or dropped the bike all day today but I agree that clutch doesn't start to grab all the way at the end and it requires lots of throttle. I guess it is because of the weight? Price at this point in time is like $28k in the US. Yes, you can buy a mid-size car for that money. Engine sound and wind sound in my head, despite earplugs, was obnoxious all day. I loved the seating position and its balance when its standing still is pretty good. But, it is not a flying carpet despite all the electronics like people say.
Thanks for sharing. I agree that the prices are ridiculous now. Owning a motorcycle becomes more of a luxury nowadays. Still, the market of used ones saves many. As for the wind protection, there's plenty of aftermarket windshields and accessories, so I'd say don't worry about that as you'll have lots of choices to go with. Exhaust sound becomes more apparent then but hey, we cannot have it all at the same time.
Or you can just say the others are over-powered. When you want a 160+ Bhp nervous revving fuel consuming asphalt tearing engine, you might want to check out another category of bikes. I’m not a fan of the boxer engine. And I like the KTM and Ducati MS But do you really need that kind of power in a bike that is build for long distance travelling?
I’ve never stalled my R1250 GSA, either on, or off-road. The fuel management system calculates fuel & air mixture so quickly under acceleration and deceleration, throttle position nearly means nothing when moving at any speed. It’s gear selection & clutch control that determine a stall. Regardless of the weight of my gear, riding surface, barometric or elevation changes, my 1250 will burn fuel with fire. I enjoyed your video nonetheless.
Thanks for sharing that. Indeed a rider that feels their bike in a perfect way will know how to deal with it. It's just it's kind of specific for this engine to surprise people who aren't that familiar with it yet or don't ride that often.
@@VToldsMotoShow After taking some motorcycle classes I realized that you can let the clutch out without giving any throttle input and the bike will not stall. It will just roll along happily. Your video was great but your first point seemed a little uneducated.
Fully mechanically sound bikes don't stall themselves, the rider stalls the bike (a bad workman always blames his tools). If you're consistently stalling any bike the solution is to practice (in a safe area) smooth pulling away from a standstill, or investing in additional riding tuition.
Interesting video. Just came across it. I’d like to proffer my two cents having owned an R1200 GS oil cooled for 8 years. 1. They are expensive. No getting around that. But motorcycling at this price point/ product proposition is marketed as a hobby and lifestyle choice and not a daily driver/ value conscious choice. So manufacturers extract a premium to cover RnD costs etc. 2. The stalling seems more like rider error or a faulty coil pack or imbalanced throttle bodies and not a general issue of the bike. From personal experience when I first tried to take my GS up a sandy/ muddy hill I stalled precisely due to bad rider skills and poor tire choice. No fault of the bike 3. My GS has an analog gauge and I have ridden the modern 1250 variants with digital gauges. I don’t think visibility has even been an issue in the couple of hundred miles I have ridden the new GSes 4. Exhaust: I for one like the quieter exhaust on the GS. Makes for a good commuter and touring experience. I have commuted in a Ducati (1000DS air cooled motor) with a Termi exhaust..and it gets tiring real fast if you aren’t riding on track or carving canyons. 5. Handling: It is one of the best handling bikes I’ve ever ridden. I can easily hang with and at times smoke my fellow riders on R1s and Monsters. Caveat emptor..riding skills are a critical variable in this equation. 6. Modifying: This is the main gestalt of the GS and why people love it. Being such a widely sold model, the aftermarket is rife with excellent mods to personalize the bike. Much akin to Jeep or a Land Cruiser. 7. Power: My GS has even less HP (110 vs 135) than the water cooled ones. But I’ve never found it lacking in areas that matter the most to me (canyon carving, touring, light off-road and commuting) thanks to the prodigious low down torque Things I really wish were better on my GS 1. The ESA suspension is now done after 30K miles on the stock unit. Unfortunately it isn’t rebuildable. It wasn’t much good in the first place anyway. This is a problem not just with the GS but also with many new bikes. They are sprung for a ~160lb rider with ~15-20lbs of luggage. At 235lbs plus gear and luggage I am well past the operating range of the shocks. New after market shocks are in order 2. Range: I have the GS not the GSA (I prefer the rake angle and handling of the stock GS) but the 5 and change gallon tank is good only for 170 miles or thereabouts. I carry spare fuel but when commuting 100 miles a day filling up every other day gets irritating. I’m yet to find a clean way to add aux tank to the GS. So Rotopax it is.. 3. Weight: The bike is great for paved roads, gravel roads, really broken up roads but take it to sand/ mud/ moderate single track and the weight becomes a penalty rapidly. It can still do it but exceptional rider skills required to achieve it. I haven’t taken a new 1250 off-road but I hear the electronics help out in a huge way to tame the weight effects and improve dirt handling. Nonetheless I strictly believe such a heavy bike isn’t destined for pure off-road 4. Dry Clutch: This applies to 2012 and earlier GSes. The modern liquid cooled GSes come with a wet clutch which imho is superior and more forging of poor technique than a dry clutch. In very technical off road which requires a lot of clutching finesse I can smell my clutch quite a bit. Again caveat my poor riding skills Summarily, I think of this bike as an overlanding bike rather than a rock crawler. It’s designed to take you anywhere you wanna go in a deliberate and steady manner. It’s not a rip roaring racer like the KTM or Ducati. But it’s a damn sight more reliable than them. When it breaks it’s gonna be expensive but I find it easy to work on and maintain. The only other travel/ enduro/ off-road bike that excites me today is the KTM 690 (very light compared to the GS and a very good platform to build up on). Again like the GS a good overlanding platform that can be modified and tweaked to suit ones needs. I can unequivocally can that the GS is one of the best bikes for me and my style of riding and it doesn’t disappoint
Another point on the exhaust..at 75 mph when the needle is at 12 o’ clock the bike rides with a nice loping gait and the exhaust sounds almost perfect not too loud but has presence. Again I’m not biased 😎
One of the biggest issue that kept me out of the new BMW bike market is the absence of official Service Manuals. BMW decided that they will not sell service manuals to owners anymore and that just took them out of my short list completely.
Times change and manufacturers' behaviors change too. Who knows what the real reasons behind this are. I wonder myself as this has not gone unnoticed as I see.
Sold my R1250GS after three years with no regrets. I agree with all your points, very accurate. Easy to stall from a standstill so tended to give extra reps to make sure I did not. In slow stop start traffic this made the bike more of a handful than any other bike I had ridden. Bikes do not need to be that big or high or expensive as a medium size bike with give you just as much enjoyment with more confidence for less financial outlay.
deciding factors: 1) reliability 2) ease of maintenance - valve adjustments 3) capabilities - comfort, offroad, on road, range 4) price. i have mt09 love the bike but it has no range. i have to fill every 120 miles. i could not even complete. my commute one way. i would llove tenere 700 but valve adjustment i have to drop the damn engine and when you put miles like i do that is every year. Power hp i never look at them and have owned 40 bikes
I enjoyed your video. I made the mistake of test driving it, loved it, and bought it, I didn't know all this. Yes, it was expensive! In my opinion, that's the only flaw. However, I should have test-driven the others. But, I made the mistake of getting excited, I wanted to get either a BMW R NINE T Scrambler or a Ducati Desert Sled, so when I went to the dealer to test-drive the rNineT scrambler they offered me to test-drive the r1200gs 40 yrs special edition as well. The scrambler is a beautiful bike, but it's not as comfortable as the GS, it's lower and the suspension is harder. I was looking for a versatile bike to do some easy off-roading and enjoy some places in the woods, the GS had all I was looking for. In the beginning, the height, size, and weight of the bike were intimidating to me (Having owned an F650CS a while a go, this was a very big bike to me), but I decided to give it a try. From the start, the position was really comfortable, I felt it as if it was custom made. When I started driving it, I didn't feel the weight (due to the low gravity center). The seat felt soft, the engine smooth and powerful, I was ready to not get off that bike! Driving was a pleasure I wanted to enjoy more days of my life, I guess I fell in love with that bike that instant. I took it across the city, it was very agile, then I took it onto the highway, I felt the power of the engine and the great suspension. I bought it and took it off-road the next day, I felt after the 3rd corner I took an easy off-road trail. The next day I took it to a different off-road trail, and I felt again, wow, the first two days two falls? I thought I would have to get it fixed sooner than I expected. But then I learned from my mistakes, essentially it was my fear, I wasn't trusting the motorcycle and the only thing I had on my mind was the weight of the bike. So I decided to trust the bike and keep momentum to get through, and voilá, the bike did its magic. I have put 600km so far, it's nothing! But I love it! I'm getting to know its limits and I'm getting more proficient in driving it. That bike is awesome. However, I would recommend test-driving the others before this one, so that you make the best decision out of knowing them all and maybe you will get a very good bike for half the price. It's worth saying that as versatile as this bike is, I still love riding my old K1200GT 2003, which gives me the 4 inline cylinders power and more sport driving on the road, the GS can't match that, also, for Enduro roads, the GS is suitable for easy to medium roads. I wouldn't take it into difficult roads at all, I might get an Enduro bike for that, still deciding between a KTM or a Honda.
Hahahaham, so correct. I dropped my brand new R 1250 GSA in the first week, because I stalled the engine during a tight turn. The boxer just needs a bit more attention with the clutch compared to my other bikes. So when you brought up this first point, it made me laugh because it`s so right. Luckily nothing was damaged besides my pride.
Thanks for letting me know! I'm glad that you liked the video. You've got a cool bike and if one day you get annoyed in regard to maintaining a chair, you might want to check one of those automatic devices that lubricate it (and keep clean to some point). All the best!
just got my gsa for two months...... what I hate the most is the clutch, gsa's clutch setting is so weried, first half to 2/3 of clutch lever travel is basically empty, and you totally relay on that last 1/3 travel. It easily makes your left hand sour, and chance of stalling your engine could be higher..... sound of that boxer engine do have great improvement compared to its previous generations. However, I do noticed the valve ticking sound from both sides, just hope it is not a problem (no such sound when it was new)....... in general, it's a great bike, a very comfortable bike
As for the clutch, please try to adjust its position and perhaps bringing it closer to the grip, will make your experience more enjoyable. Boxer engine has got a lot of different "ticking". However, even newer 850 cc twins from BMW have a lot of that too, so perhaps it's their different construction. Maybe something related to emissions standards.
Good info! Thankyou! I'm always looking for ideas and differences in opinion as we learn the most in the situations. Im an American though, and I gotta say, my own gs, is the only one ive EVER seen on the road, and are even harder to find used for a decent price. It gives me some pride owning my 09' model r1200. I even ditched my Harley Davidson. This thing is such a great ride. People never fail to stop and ask what it is I'm riding. Everyone loves it. And I'm free of the harley/sport bike war we have here. I get to be friends with all as I wished I could have been all along without aggression or fervent opposition
Thanks for your comments. I am owning Harley, Ducati, Honda and now GSA, loved this toy. You are totally right when mentioning engine stops suddenly if we dont maintain the gas that caused its falls off but I think most bikes are the same clutch & gas issue.
This used to be especially common in motorcycles with fewer cylinders than some others, like 2-cylinder boxers in BMW. But yeah, a surprising number of riders cannot handle that and crash due to it on GSes, which makes it seem like a pattern. Also, this has happened to me myself a few times and my feeling was that it tends to "die" earlier than could be expected.
@@VToldsMotoShow I recall and you are absolutely right 200%. It happened to me recently on my GSA, especially after ridding my scooter for a while... Pretty scary though.
Isn't this happening just because of its high torque, which gives you too much confidence in driving a lot of time with the engine almost idling? At least, that happened to me several times...
@@VToldsMotoShow it's the new euro 5 emissions... Can't go to full idle than clutch.. almost every euro 5 bike I rode now does it.. from Indian to BMW to Ducati to them all... Had to do with unburnt fuel emissions during decel.. so the ECU commands a momentary zero fuel during initial issue close. Its a known issue by all manufacturers. Don't pull the clutch with rev matching or stable engine braking.
I have a 2004 r1200gs 117000km. I test drove the v-strom1050xt as a new bike recently... My 17 year old bike has gotten better. I think I'll buy it again with gs or gsa... even if it's used...
A big flaw is the GS’s telelever system that impedes trail braking. The forks don’t shorten when applying front end brakes (which would normally change the geometry of the bike) opening up the risk of oversteering. 💀
@@rayshobbyfarm.1019. I had a 2015 Multistrada. Not only was it a POS that I couldn't trust, it cost me a fortune in the 8,000 miles before I got rid of it. If cost is a concern, stick to Yamaha.
Had over 30 bikes, two gs , a r1100gs and now the 1200gs, there is no bike like it. I love it . The rt is very good too .. loved my Honda's and Beta's , had a tracer 700, fun bike too, but the GS is crazy good.
One thing might be worth to mention about the GS1250; it have the best offroad brakes in the world (enduro pro mode)!!!! (in my opinion) I ride allot of gravel/offroad, and the confidence the bike gives you with the brakes is just amazing. On a few occasions i have had to emergency brake on gravel roads, and the bike handles so steady and controlled.
I just added a S1000R M pack to my stable (sold my panigale because I was tired of a constant heated seat), and look forward to put a deposit on the new 1300 GSA in 2024. I am very excited for the new model!
This sounds like a super-garage out there. Very nice and all the best with those amazing motorcycles. V4 engine from Ducati is not the kindest when it comes to heat management, I can confirm that.
My only complaint of this motorcycle is if I ever need to throw my leg out to catch a moment on dirt, whether that is around a corner of through a creek crossing etc is the cylinders are in the way lol. It’s powerful enough, fuel efficient, comfortable and a great mile eater … I just find it a little tricky on dirt compared to what I grew up riding. Oh yes … not a great sounding motor but on the long haul it does have this nice quiet note you do seem to get used to lol
I guess that it may happen that the cylinders are in the way of your leg. I regularly kick the cylinders when rolling the bike while sitting on it. Overall I wonder if it still isn't a mostly mental aspect.
Had a discussion with myself the other day and if money wouldnt matter I would buy a HD pan America to park next to a row of GS's and a BMW R18 to park next to Harleys. Only to be able to say I own a Harley and a BMW and have people think I meant the other bike
Great points, agree on all. I owned a GS 1200 HP 2 for a while and decided to take it on a run through the dunes where we normally ride 450 MX bikes. I made it without breaking bones however did burn out the clutch because of the repetitive stalls. Whether it is the shaft drive that contributes to it, not too sure? I did have a very risky situation where the swinging arm came apart at speed (180 KMH) and spat the shaft through the aluminum casing of the swinging arm, locking up the back wheel, scary indeed! This was covered under warranty fortunately as these parts are not cheap. Nevertheless, the GSA is just such a great bike, it corners so well at speed, to the point you can keep up and often menace naked and sports bikes in the twisties. Just came back from a trip (June 22) riding a rental from Hertz ride, a triple black GS1250 with only 350 KM on the clock. Road through the Julian Alps, Austrian and Carniche Alps on to the Dolomites, what a bike. In fact, all rentals i have ridden to date have been GS1200A or 1250 and I will continue to do the same. So damn reliable, comfortable and fun to ride. Monday I test ride the 1290, having owned a Super Duke I am keen to see if the hooligan reignites with the Super Adventure, for self preservation i am hoping it doesn't and onwards to the BMW showroom I will go. Lets face it, if money comes our way one bike is never enough.
Thanks for sharing, I genuinely enjoyed reading it - except for the burnt clutch and the driveshaft issue as those are nasty! But cornering on a GS is as good as it gets. Interesting thing is that I'm also very much into the KTM and I'm supposed to get 1290 SA in a few days myself to try. I'm super excited about it and wonder how it will compare with R1250GS. Riding in the Alps is amazing by the way - likely one of the best places on Earth (and safest) to ride a motorcycle and enjoy the hell out of it. I'm glad that you had a chance to try it yourself. Cheers!
@@VToldsMotoShow Really keen to know what you think of the 1290, i have to be brutally honest, it is so damn easy to ride compared to the GS and GSA. It almost felt like riding a 650 in comparison! I was concerned that the 160 HP might just be too much on an adventure bike but it really never gets out of hand. The electronics are awesome, plenty of adjustability and the rally mode is a buzz! For an adventure with more off than on road I think its the right bike for me, It is such an easy bike to ride well!
Here from Chile, South America. I just watched your video (03.21.2023). I have a R1250 GS Adv and although I don't agree with most of the things he says -for example the sound of the engine- the bike is beautiful. And that is also part of the decision.
I only dislike height and weight of the bike. I am 185cm tall but sometimes on steep areas I drop the bike when I get out of balance. If there is no good leg grip, there is no way to stop falling.
We are almost of the same height with me being even 1 cm shorter than you and so far so good, I felt okay riding GS’ in Adventure versions too. Also F800GS Adventure was fine (and it’s really tall too!) so perhaps this is not about total height but how long our legs are. On BMW’s website you may find a guide of how to measure yourself. This is great if you’d be considering either a lowered seat (available) or even lowered suspension which you may get for a GS. These things may be worth a try to feel more comfortable. Even a seat of a different shape (narrower) can fix it and provide more confidence every day.
I am 1.70 m. Ride a 1250 GS with lowered suspension and low seat. Great bike but once it tips over, you’re coming off the bike fast. Coming to a stop on a steep, cambered curve is a character building experience, as are U turns in a single trail. Paddling through mud or sand is also exciting. All one can do is practice, I guess.
Your first comment is strange. I'm not sure if the engine is particularly more stally than anything else. I just picked up a 1250GS and honestly the power just off idle is the best out of any bike I've owned, super smooth and luggable. I've had a concours 1000, cb500x, drz400, and a katana gsxf600. I have heard that the 1250 is much better down low in the revs than the 1200 engine was though. So maybe that's what I'm noticing.
Yeah, it is like that. It's not about power or torque but balancing and generally 2-cylinder engines tend to sometimes have a moment of weakness. If you manage to put them under load then, they die easily.
I ride an R1200GS Rallye X and love it. I bought it after looking for a long time for an 1190 or a 1290 SAR. I couldnt find a KTM that I wanted to buy, then the BMW came up for sale near me. I thought, "Ill go and test ride it just to see what I am missing out on.." . What a mistake that was. I had ridden 300 m when I understood why the GS cult is so popular. It fast, fun, reliable, stately and is admission to an unofficial club I didn't know existed. Kids stare at it. Old men look dreamy-eyed at it. And I can enjoy any road on it. I recommend every motorcyclist ride one at least once. Is it perfect? No. Is it an unparallelled experience? Definitely.
Very nicely written and totally true - just a few meters are enough to feel the magic of this bike. I'm glad that you're having an opportunity to experience that everyday. All the best with your GS!
I've ridden at least 4 GS's and currently own a 1250 GSA, done 9000miles on it and have not experienced this clutch/revs issue that you mention on any of them, neither have any of my friends who own them. I will agree on the money element though haha
I've ridden several R motorcycles and they all present this behavior regardless of whether it's a GS, RT or an R etc. It's how the boxer engine is cooperating with its clutch, also taking into account that they are 2-cylinder motorcycles that pretty much always have a "weak spot" in the engine's combustion cycle. If you combine that with releasing the clutch just a tiny bit too quickly, it dies without a warning and people fall. Pretty standard yet causes the most trouble in a GS and GSA as they're the tallest so the hardest to keep upright after this happens. Sudden stalling has been an issue since I remember - for well over than 10 years. Gotta be careful and keep it in mind.
@@TheStammeringBiker it only happens if you leave it it 2nd or 3rd and pull off with little to no throttle. He keeps with this nonsense saying 2 cylinder engines do this when in fact 2 cylinders/ boxers have this problen the least! I've owned 4 cycle inlines and v ingines and they by far are worse than the boxer engine . If you dont rev them they will stall easily and forget about starting in second gear with them.
Nice review.... But I wouldn't change my 1250GS by any other model. The noise I find it great, TFT screen just fantastic, seat very comfortable, power.... wow.... much more than enough even in couple and full loaded, shaft drive and suspensions are excellent... The price.... Well... I agree with you on that one ;-) It's an excellent machine (just like the other alternatives)... Buy the one you like most and enjoy it!!!
Hey, then this bike is perfect for you! I actually is perfect for so many of us and that's why it's such a huge success with every generation. Nothing is perfect though and some of those little or taste-dependent issues may make us want to get another bike. If there would be a perfect one, we would all ride it and nothing else. Which we know is not the case... yet ;). I'm happy that you're enjoying your GS!
Very good report. However after 300.000 km on the GS 1150 ADV I am happy to ride a GS 1250HP ADV since this year. It takes some time to learn all the modes, if you come from an analog cockpit. This bike performing amazing riding all terrains because of the low CG and its performance.
Agree! Am also a GS owner, and I enjoyed this review. Ryan Fortnine’s review also made me laugh in agreement. And, Yes, I truly love my GS as well! The price discussion made me laugh (and cry?). 😃😇🤣 Ps. Hahahaha! I have no problems with the GS pipes, engine, and never found the sound funny or annoying. Have no intention of changing pipes.
@@jamessobredo7847 I am on my third GSA (2007, 2014 & 2017). I've accumulated over 180,000 miles in the past 14 years. It's my year round daily commuter. The wind protection along with the heated grips make freezing temps an after thought. I tour two-up with camping gear and we spend 8-12 hours a day on the bike. One day we did 860 miles two up. I've done an iron butt, a dozen track days and ridden it on trails that most would think undoable. I've ridden in dirt, mud, sand, rain, snow and ice. The features of shift assist, traction control, ABS and dynamic suspension adjustment make this machine an extension of my imagination. It corrects my mistakes before I make them. If I want to be a hooligan, I turn off the traction control and it wheelies on demand and will carve canyons with sport bikes. The Paralever Telelever suspension is unexplainable to anyone that hasn't ridden this machine. With the massive fuel capacity, I once rode two-up with luggage riding the speed limit on country roads and went 418 miles on a tank of gas. What other motorcycle could do that? My average fuel range is 250-280 miles. I only need to get gas every 8-10 days in commuting mode. The massive luggage capacity allow me to go grocery shopping with ease. The maintenance is almost non existent. Tires, oil, brake pads, brake fluid and an occasional battery replacement. If you do considerable off road, the maintenance obviously increases. I have never felt I needed more power. I admit that I've never ridden the competition because I have everything I need and want in the GSA. Did I mention no chain maintenance? With all that, the BMW support network is exceptional for my riding areas (USA & Europe). I can't imagine even considering a different motorcycle.
Which seat option did you have my dual heated seat is very comfortable. The TFT can be read in all conditions that I have been in. The akra pipe makes an ok noise but it’s not as nice as my 998 or my RSVR 1000 aprilia of course.
I am 195cm tall. I don't fit into Multistrada. I bought GS Adventure and I am glad so far. This bike fits me well. Would there be another one that fits?
Have you checked Multistrada Enduro? It's taller than the regular one. Generally in terms of space, it may make sense to check out Triumph Tiger 1200 too (and perhaps get a taller seat for it) or a KTM Super Adventure 1290, but in case of the KTM you'd have to check if it doesn't "feel" small to you due to a slightly more narrow construction.
Regarding point #1, I used to own a 1980 R65 that had an air cooled boxer with OHV and never noticed it needing an abnormal amount of throttle to get going. Is this point only for bigger and/or newer boxers with DOHC?
@@VToldsMotoShow Fair point! It might be able to be answered generally by anyone that is familiar with any of the older OHV boxers vs the newer DOHC. I mainly just thought it was curious that you called it out as a straight of the boxers. Cheers.
Unless your off roading... The GS isn't the only great sport tourer with a litter engine.. S1000XR, R1250RT/RS, Multistrada, Super Duke and my favorite Aprilia Tuono... The new triumph tiger with the alloy rims makes a great case for being a great sport tourer. I have the S1000XR now. And the chain MX on long trips is becoming a thorn in my side. I'll be back to a GS or RT soon
GS owners wouldn't take it and wouldn't even wait till the end of the video for a conclusion. Thanks for your feedback! In order to be reliable, one has to see all the sides, also points that could be improved, especially if we're talking about people spending big money on these bikes.
I own a 1250 GS Adventure HP 2020 and I use to own a 1200 GS Adventure from 2007 and I disagree on a couple of points. The price use to be very high compared to other motorcycles yes but nowadays it's not the case anymore. A lot of new bikes cost nowadays way more than 20 grand. The new Fireblade 1000RR-SP is 26700 Euro, the new Ducati Multistrada and Streetfighter V4 S you can get for over 30000Euro if you want to. That's crazy... The seats are in my opinion to soft instead of to hard and that stall issue you are talking about I only experienced with my old GS a view times but not with the new one. I have other points that annoy me a little bit though. The quickshifter is quite rough and for me the spring pre-load with ESA is to high for my weight. I had to set it to minimum. In my opinion the power of the GS is more than enough for an Adventure bike and I don't care at all that so many people drive a GS. I really like the sound and the look of my GSA. To be honest I love the look of my GSA 😁
Yup, lots of personal things to check there when making big decisions. Now as for pricing, what changed is that some other bikes are insanely priced now too. Ducati being one of the examples as you mentioned. I believe that now it's to a ridiculous level of them not being worth that kind of money anymore. Still, that's a personal thing too.
One of the things I don’t like about this bike... the controls don’t get illuminated in night riding...it might not seem that bad, but I know that some of the BMW riders would prefer if they’ed be illuminated...
Thanks for your point of view. I'm not sure comparing performance is subjective. It might be if we would be talking about what's "good" or "not good" performance but numbers speak for themselves. Other points are personal experiences indeed and it definitely is worth sharing. I know how much I'm looking for people's personal experiences before making purchase decisions. In automotive, most things and reasons are emotional and therefore subjective. Cheers!
Totally agree with André Catani , and I also agree that all other elements but the fist are subjective. V-Told you consider comparing performances is objective because in you logic the biggest number is the best. But that is obviously only your personal logic and not the one of BMW nor of the more than 2 million people that have bought a GS over 40 years. My friend that has a Ducati has like you say a higher power available, but he also has a higher rate of visit to his dealer to get things repaired, changed or rebooted (when it’s electronics). Unfortunately unlike for horse-power for measuring power (or No for torque) there is no “objective” metric when wanting to measure reliability, robustness or peace-of-mind.
Fair point, motorcycle-related topics are so much about emotions. Totally correct, and indeed I'm presenting my own experiences and feelings. They're not biased as I don't and have never owned either of the mentioned bikes - GS nor Multi. There are hints but right, almost everything is subjective in terms of being "better". Even slower or more expensive can be better, right? Thanks for your input!
@@kryspy5682 Yes, you most definitely can measure robustness. Read some forums, see what owners are saying, look at statistics, etc..just like the BMW 1200GS front stanchion failures they're still trying to legally sidestep. You gonna give your money to a company that won't admit to making a mistake? that sounds like a mistake to me.
I am both a T7 and a GS. You’re completely right about the stalling. You cannot stall a T7. It is very easy to stall the GS. The T7 has torque everywhere. The GS has no torque at very low RPMs. I’ve never looked it up but I imagine the T7 has a longer stroke or a lighter fly wheel.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing that and if it's a Tenere hidden behind that T7, then you made me curious. Perhaps next year I'll manage to get myself on one of those.
As from GSA driver perspective: 1 - yes, absolutely 2 - yes 3 - yes, for that money “Akro” and few other available “extras” should be already in stock mod 4 - hmmm… OK to agree partly, maybe? Think torque for me makes bigger sense in those bikes class 5 - NO, even during bright day I read my TFT without any issues and its much, much, more informative than direct competitors, maybe except KTMs new screen, that is very bright and with BIG numbers. 6 - hmmm, well, OK to agree 7 - number of available buttons to push at beginning was like: What? Is this a “space shuttle”? But after a few days, (like probably most Mottorad lucky drivers) I do actions intuitively, as I know exactly what and where to find/switch. Have seen other “solutions” from Honda/KTM, no long use experience, but friends confirm its bit more complicated than with BMW wonder wheel I also would add Nr.8, as a “disadvantage” :) : Tire consumption, you just swapped to new set and its time to change them again. Coz 10-12.000 km already passed😊 Mean you ride this bike and miles are just flying underneath, it so nice. Will I change it for another brand/model? Probably no. I love it, I know it, its relatively simple, easy maintenance/access, big fuel capacity tank, but parts are expensive! (way more than for my other bikes like Harley), but probably more or less on same level as new KTM/Ducati/Honda .... Thanks for sharing your thoughts 😊 Take care
It's nice to read about your experiences with the bike. There's a reason for it being so praised and your review confirms that. I am interested to see the next generation with new looks. Recent upgrade of the engine was brilliant (1250), now it's time to perhaps refresh the design. Cheers!
@@VToldsMotoShow Thanks Vitold, frankly I doubt if there will be any soon “big/significant” changes in design (are they really needed? IMO) Cars from BMW are not so much changed since...? design wise. Think they more push towards “technology” either involve them self into design competition. On other hand have a look at relatively new models from Yamaha/KTM/Suzuki (Honda-Afrika not in this list :) ) they all now look like R or F adv from BMW, guess time will show how all terrain “Hoverboarded GS” will look in future 😂🤣😂 Cheers
It's a great bike, so if you're good with all those 'worst' things that happen, then it seems like even a perfect solution to have a GS. Now that's great news and I'm glad that it's this way for you.
About the price.. You are right, it's expensive... But I consider very expensive a Bike that use a chain drive!... 100 years old technology hahaha!.. a KTM /Ducati using chain drive and close to $20K... and that isn't expensive?? I love my GS 1250, the Shaft drive and its zero maintenance in long rides in the gravel.... it's great for touring and excellent when you decide to go to a gravel road... Please, compare the Ducati and the GS, both in the gravel and let us know your opinion!. Thanks.
Yup, drive shaft is a huge advantage and may be a deal breaker in case of other motorcycles. I've taken one of the recent Multistradas, GS', S1000XRs and others off the road for quick runs (nothing serious though) and right, in an 1000+cc segment GS is really good - by "good" I understand that it's easy to handle. Obviously an off-road oriented 1190 or 1290 KTM will be more capable but GS goes like a tank in any conditions. Sometimes though, cylinders sticking to the sides would be in a way in my case. That took away some confidence. Still, I liked GS better when standing on footrests and that's important. However, you may still get an aftermarket taller handlebar for a Multistrada and fix what may be lacking there comparing to the GS in terms of a position. I'm 184 cm tall.
I bought a 2005 with 35K mi. Didn't get 1000 mi before the trans LOCKED up (at 45mph). After more research problems that need addressed, plastic fuel quick connects, cam chain tensioner, rear brake pads that wont last a oil change and clutch mismatch by 6mm. Being in the middle of America there is a horrible lack of service and parts. One of the biggest complaints of BMW I got is of the owners, never tell the truth (EX: BMW motorcycles never break down), they have no knowledge of repairing a BMW motorcycle and the forums give NO advice of how to fix BMW things. I cant just throw the dam thing away, I got too much in it, I will have to fix it. A friend of mine (Greek) got the Honda 2020 (with Bosch electronics) Africa Twin, top of heap machine just going by his expert advice. Now if Kawasaki and Suzuki would step up like honda did the GS would be over. I wished I never bought into the FALSE BMW BS. For me BMW stands for Buy Motorcycle Wrecker! Oh I forgot I just got in a "potential recall" about the fuel pump system too!
Thanks for the input. This is not the best thing to see and experience I admit. Don't know when you've got your bike and what mileage it's got but if you feel not fully happy with its performance, it means that it's simply not good enough. I hope you don't encounter any more issues with it. It generally is a pretty reliable bike, 2005 GS too, however it's one of the first examples and perhaps some things were not at their 100% and only were being improved over time.
Just traded a Triumph Tiger 900 for a GS and absolutely love it. I agree that it is ridiculously expensive BUT it handles beautifully, is perfectly stable, has loads of useful torque, great brakes, etc. Nice to get away from chain maintenance too. Yes, maybe there is an image that goes with the model but maybe it's also so popular is because it's just a great bike to own. The one thing I don't like is the position of the horn and indicators, which seems much too far to be reachable in gloves without removing you hand from the grips.
@@vimalanramakrishnan7975 I guess I just didn't know what I wanted. It's a lovely bike. Now I have a Fantic because I live in Paris and can never use the power of bigger bikes
@@vimalanramakrishnan7975 I think it is a better bike overall if you do long distances especially. The only downside is that it is so good that you almost don't feel like you're on a motorcycle 😂
A few other points worth considering: 1. Cost of servicing and spares which are just as expensive pro rata as buying the bike in the first place. 2. Poor reliability - you won't find BMW (or Ducati or KTM for that matter in anyone's list of the most reliable motorcycles and when they do go wrong they will cost a fortune to put right, why should that be when you are paying premium prices for a "premium" motorcycle? 3. The agricultural transmission, surely that could have been perfected by now. 4. Being forced to buy features as hugely expensive "packs". Black Storm metallic paint for £0? well you have to also buy the 40 year GS edition with black wheels and low seat neither of which I want but which cost £1,650. Want heated Grips sir? You'll have to buy the comfort pack which includes keyless ride and a chrome exhaust neither of which I want or need, neither of which make the bike more comfortable but cost £540. 5. The look of that Boxer engine.......... The 1250GS may be a great bike to ride but I'll never buy one because I hate being exploited, and that's what BMW are doing. .
All the people who ever drove the GS can be devided in two groups: 1. group say: The seat is to hard. 2. group say: The seat is to soft. it's insane...
I am a 2019 bmw s 1000xr owner. Thinking of trading her with a gs 1250 2021 cause its first time considering riding off road and traveling long distances. Whats your opinion?
Actually, I've got a video on the topic of S1000XR awaiting. I see it as a taller sports bike so since I prefer comfort and more torque rather than pure power that's available at high RPM, I prefer riding on a GS. Also, S1000XR is not an off road motorcycle at all in my opinion. I couldn't even really confidently stand up while riding it. Of course the handlebar may be replaced but it shows that it's not its purpose. If I were you, I'd be happy with the change that you're about to make.
Great review, I really like the GSA but can not justify the cost unless I commit on taking long adventure rides. Coming from sport bikes and dirt bikes the KTM 1190 ADV I have is really nimble and slices through twisties. No bike is perfect they all have their distinct DNA, if you are a prospective buyer don’t buy one base on the hype or the highest HP. Ride them all and pick the one that will fit your riding style and lifestyle.
In my opinion it's the best bike in class in terms of handling twisty roads. Doesn't matter if it's with a full tank of fuel or not and if it's uphill or down. Brakes are superb on a GS. I haven't ridden the new Africa Twin and KTM but based on what I've heard from others, none of these two is in any way better on tarmac, so I believe my personal experiences stand in place here. I hope that helps. You can't go wrong with a GS on twisty roads. Cheers!
I own a BMW 1200 GS Adventure...I have maintained it well and have not abused it.... I see no reason to change to the 1250.... Maybe I will wait for the 1300....
Interesting things you are talking about. I've been riding every new GS for the last 10 years. And not because I would be a BMW fan. Direct opposite. I was riding them as they were my work equipment. Basicly from last iterration of aircooled model onwards.
My experience show clutch work you're mentioning was strongly present with the F800 GS and even there wasn't the clutch but non-responsive ride-by-wire throttle which caused engine to stall and rider subsequentially dropping the bike. The seat. Hard seat works great for me. If we take a look at previous model - 1200 Exclusive - they had an option of comfort seat. Soft. Great for 50km after that the soft seat became worst option ever. So this would depend on the persons preference and nevertheless you can always opt for a different style of seat for that matter on the 1250. TFT screen never gave me any problems or glare which you're mentioning. Not to mention how dated now the old gauge looks like. And believe me, I was VERY sceptical about the TFT. But they (BMW) hacked the problem (somehow) and solved it the first time around in comparison with some other bike manufacturer's you're mentioning. Also 1250cc at WOT is lifting the front wheel. And this is at 135HP. What use of 150+ HP you need I don't know but for me 135 and most of riders I know this is more than enough for all the aplications this bike is meant for. Keep up the good work with your videos :)
Thanks a lot for sharing! It made me very curious what you mentioned about the ride-by-wire and stalling issue. This may be very much connected indeed! Nice work! I've recently ridden the newest Triumph Tiger 1200 from 2022 and with 150 HP it really provided visibly more fun to me. Lots of torque too, however - less than in a GS, but still enough. It turns out that it may make a difference like it does to me personally. Likely many riders ride differently. I ride a lot in the city and enjoy the punch early on, hence my comments. BMW's TFT grew on me too - I totally agree with your observation here now. It was a good read and thanks for sharing again!
I'm not sure what gs you are riding! You need to rwv to let out clutch or the engine will die? Mine, I can let out the clutch slowly, and it won't bog down or stall. The boxer engine has amazing torque and is hard to kill the engine.
@V-Told correct, but it does add to the dispute that the GS motor needs "reving" to start from a stop! Where did I refer to this being normal practice? If reving was required, I wouldn't be able to start from a stop without adding throttle at all.
My biggest complaint is the lack of power. These bikes carve canyons extremely well, so when you’ve got a fully loaded GSA on a long trip, you have to rev the hell out of the motor to get going. Love my GSA, but they need more power.
I believe you forgot to mention that the brake pedal is so dangerously small that you actually risk to miss it! Buying an Aftermarket pedal extension was the first thing I did when I purchased my GS liquid cooled 2011. Cheers.
Interesting remark, I've never actually noticed this but that may be a valuable information for some of us here considering to get a GS. Thanks for sharing that!
I bought an GSA of 2011 and love it... No gimmicks, no abs and with an open exhaust sounds great. The new GSA is too fiddly though... love the older ones... and if you want to go fast in a straight line? buy a friggin' s1000rr
As a GSA owner since 2006 I currently have a 2015 GSA and I have to say the biggest disappointment (for a bike I have loved dearly) has been the rear shock rebound damper failing before 10k miles, but out of warranty 🙄. BMW won’t service it (even though it’s serviceable) but will only swap for a new unit at £1,800 plus labour. Not what you should expect from an “adventure” bike at this price point. ☹️
Wow, this is indeed crazy and unfortunate. But the pricing of it is insane. Sorry for what happened. Clearly the rule of more expensive vehicle costing more to fix is true in this case.
I'm at a crossroads and in a quandary. I currently have a Multistrada 1260S and will be looking to change soon. I'm not 100% sure on the V4 and I am being drawn to the GSA (have been for a while if I'm honest). I just need to get over the Long Way Round stigma. The shaft drive really appeals to me as does the large tank capacity. @Brett Bower, what made you change from your Multi and what model was it?
Hey, in such a case I'm pretty certain that a test ride will answer your questions. Definitely please go and ride both of these to make the right decision for you.
Hella and thanks for your video , i have a question if you have to chose between BMW GS, KTM, Dusatti Multi or African Twin from Honda wich one you ll buy it?
Hi, at the moment I've ridden a GS and Multistrada. Out of the two, it would be a tough choice and I really cannot tell, but probably would end up on a GS. Now considering also a KTM is where it could become interesting, however I haven't ridden any due to lack of real dealers in Warsaw. So I couldn't try. As for Honda, I don't think that I'd even consider it due to low performance in comparison to the rest of the players that are at the end of a food chain here.
Both can be good and one trap is believing that R1250GS is for those who consider going off the road. It may go offroad but it doesn't have to and it's brilliant on the road. XR gives you more maximum performance when you want to push it, GS gives you a super light feeling when riding and powerful low end, so lots of power and torque available to you at any time and gear - XR cannot provide any of that. But then it will smoke a GS if they race.
I wouldn't say that it's poor but it may not be as modern and with as much adjustment as in other newer bikes in this segment. Front Telelever suspension is awesome and no bike can beat its control while braking for example as GS stays pretty much totally flat. But there are bikes that are more comfortable due to the possibility of making their suspension softer.
Sure, it's a fully electric 7G11: powerseats.eu/products/luxury-line I don't think there's anything better in the world considering sitting at the desk/home office.
Right, it is awesome and there are reasons for it. Also, you might find it interesting to check my previous video about the GS to see some additional things and facts about it: ua-cam.com/video/NbMnVvQ5P0s/v-deo.html
I am a short guy ,5'6 in ht, just for my ht the Kawasaki versys 1000, Suzuki vstrom 1,050 and Harley Davidson pan america 1250 special were right for my ht, If I will be a 6 footer it will only be then I can ride a BMW GS
Your comment on releasing the clutch, I’ve owned a BMW S1000xr and you need to rev it up before releasing the clutch, with the boxer engine very low rpm’s are necessary to get it moving. It’s is a big MC but the center of gravity is low which makes it easy to balance when at a stop or when releasing the clutch. The sound of the boxer engine, in my opinion, is a smooth and rich sound, it doesn’t scream at you like inline 3’s and 4’s even with an Acro can. The TFT display is great. If I don’t want to see all the pages of info then I don’t look, they are there when you need them. Performance, I had the s1000xr and it screams with power but the minimal reduction in power of the GS doesn’t reduce the delivery of power that I want or need. It moves out very well with a sound that is very satisfying. If I wanted a bike purely for power I would have stayed with the XR. The seat to me is very comfortable and have never felt the need to change it for something more comfortable and I have put many many hours in the saddle. I’m sure there are more comfortable seats but the GSA doesn’t need it in my opinion.
Thanks for explaining that. I actually agree with all that. I haven't had issues with stalling when riding the XR though while I found it more difficult to adapt to the clutch of a GS. Still I'm not convinced about the screens but we have to live with them. I found the last solution as a mix of analog and display a perfect mix. Screen has its advantages too, like pairing a phone and displaying GPS there. Sure, that's cool and brings new possibilities. In terms of performance, these two are really out of different worlds and it is as you say. XR needs to be revved and doesn't feel great when being ridden softly. So actually, there's not much that we would feel differently about except for some details I believe. Still, one may like brunettes and one blondes. As long as we're happy with our bikes, it's all great!
Yeah I got a bit cocky and laid mine down turning left at a junction. Stalled. Had the emergency women on the SOS. 😂. Won’t do it again. It’s a great bike, rode across Europe from the UK no problem. Got off the other end completely fine. (1250GS rallye te)
Good one and I'm glad that there was no damage done to you nor the bike ;). These things happen indeed, especially with taller, heavy bikes so as long as there are no injuries, it's fine. Better to avoid that though of course - I agree. Cheers!
Most of the new adventure bikes are overly complicated with electronics that I've never needed ever! I've been riding 50 plus years i would consider a good if I could get one without all that rubbish my own thoughts greetings from Oregon
No doubt good machines overall but they are heavy, the quickshifter is poor considering the price of the bike and racks for luggage look ugly. I am in the market for a bike like this but can't bring myself to buy the GS because it just wouldn't make me smile when I opened the garage door! It's always a very personal decision - right?
Definitely right. So what are you considering because you actually made me wonder what in this segment may be this exciting bike to get on in the morning.
I have owned many machines and use them as a commuter. I purchased the gsa and ride it each day. Yes there are things on each to detract from a perfect score. The pluses far out weigh these small items this guy brings up. Ride like a sport, pay like a sport.
I lost my job due to the COVID situation, sold my F 150 v8 and my Hayabusa. I have been doing everything on the GS.. from supermarket to travel 1000 km to spend holidays with my family. It is only during a crisis that we can contemplate what is really necessary. For me is the bike. This bike especially.
Im Sorry to hear that. Hope everything get better soon for you bro.
Right, many things were happening in those challenging times, I know something about it myself. However, it's enjoyable to read the ending of your thought. I'm glad that you're enjoying your GS. Some say that it's like a family member to them. All the best!
Similar situation here, needed a vehicle, had to decide on average car or great bike, you know which one won, love my GSA.
Sorry to hear that wishing you the very best from now on
I also minimised from car, bus and bike down to just my honda goldwing, sure, its a compromise; but definitely shows that we usually have more stuff than we need.
The last time I saw a Multistrada is when I traded mine in for a 1250GS 😀
This has to be the comment of the week!
100%.
Brett Bower That's one of the greatest, if not, the greatest comment in the bike world! 😬🥺😮
Never saw one... :)
I've owned many different brands and types of motorcycles, and my favorite is still the BMW GSA! Thank you for your comments!
There are many, many reasons to like this bike!
I've owned 3 GS and many other bikes but the GS to me and my humble opinion, is the single best all-around bike you can buy. I've owned and many bikes over my 50 years and love them and most 2 wheels out there but my "go to" bike or one that will always be in my garage is the GS. It's just that good.
Ma gsa est vraiment formidable elle a réussie a me faire oublier ma hp4 ✌✌
I still stick to GSA for two only reasons
1. 30liter tank - hell lots of milaege
2. Shaft drive - i hate to maintain chain
I second your opinion on the shaft drive. This is a blessing in a GS.
100% agree. I went to Bay-Em-Vay shaft drive 1984 and never gone back. 😎
I still have a 2003 R1150GSA and it's pretty much have been bullet proof. I've just added a 2020 GSA in addition
Shaft drive adds at least 100lb in weight that I don't want. I'll stick to chains.
That’s an interesting point. I’ve never thought about the weight of the shaft versus chain. (Alloy housing+steel shaft+diff) versus (swing arm + chain + sprockets + rear hub) 🤔 Cant be much difference? R1250 weighs 16kg more than 850 and I bet it’s the 2nd external cylinder and generally bigger bike where the weight is. Anyway...ride what makes you happy I say 😁
As soon as my short-lived infatuation with the KTM and Ducati wore off, I was back on the GS. Yes, it’s a bit heavier (perhaps sturdier is a better word) and doesn’t hold the record for most ponies, but the GS still reigns supreme for the best all-around adventure motorcycle.
Hey, what was the KTM that you've been riding? Just curious to hear a comparison.
@@VToldsMotoShow 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.
Good video. I currently own a R1250GSA as well as a KTM 1190 Adventure and a Triumph Tiger 800. The KTM is so fast and such a total thrill that I love every minute of riding it. The front end however is unstable at times. The Triumph is a joy and nothing sounds like a triple. Extremely stable, light and perfectly fueled at any RPM. A little revy at today’s freeway cruising speeds for extended periods of riding for my taste. The BMW is the motorcycle I feel safe on. It’s torque is the key to a level of control that when coupled with the amazing suspension makes this motorcycle easy to ride. Wind protection is perfect. The bike never feels unstable and if you twist the throttle it makes remarkable time without the fear of accelerating faster than your brain can process the event. It’s a gentleman’s motorcycle which has become my daily ride of choice. While the Triumph and the KTM will corrode eventually, the BMW looks like new after a wash. Thousands of miles on this machine makes it my ride of choice.
Thanks for sharing and surely BMW earned its success over the years and across the continents. I'm glad that you're enjoying all your bikes in different circumstances and can give a good note to the GS. All the best and happy riding!
As a GSA owner....this guy is not wrong. However I love my big old girl and her quirky ways
I did 60000 on a ktm 1190. Then 40000 on a 1200gs . I was convinced that I needed some more HP. So I went testing multistrada and ktm 1290. Went home and bought me the 1250. On paper you r 100% . But reality is that the gs1250 is such a joy to ride. I think you can only understand it when you ride it a lot and not simply a nice sunny day.
Good points and thanks for your feedback! That's correct that GS doesn't follow the power competition for a reason - sometimes in case of some riders it just doesn't have to. I'd say these are good reasons for that.
As a GSA owner I can only agree with the engine noise, it is a little bit high for me because I commute to work on my almost everyday. But even though there is no substitute for the GSA!!
BMW GS owners, please don't get mad, we all still love the GS bikes!
As a GS rider i can’t get angry, he is right .
As a GS 1200 and 1250 driver I would say the boxer doesn't easily stall. I can drive off without throtle.
And my new 1250GSA can be considered quite expensive. Sound? It's relatively silent and I like it that way. Make my bike nice and silent on the motorways.
Related to power: below 6000RPM the GSA overpowers all of its competitors. I can count on one hand when I go over 6000 rpm.
Digital panel: if it is clean I can always read it.
Seats: I have a different one that's even harder, I like hard seats, but not the standard one since the shape doesn't suit me.
I'll put it this way. Based on your comments the GSA doesn't suit you, I however really like it.
And you missed some of the flaws.
Right, I missed some flaws as I didn't want having my house burned by BMW representatives ;). While seriously, if you're a pro, ride a lot and are generally a very skilled rider, you may be able to start off even from a second gear perhaps. Years of being around these bikes and people who ride them, I've seen too many of those funny falls because of killing the engine. It's always easier to kill it if you've got 2 cylinders and not more. It's also true what you mentioned about low RPM - GS is a total beast there! Overall it still will be considered the best bike in the world and I do accept that it deserves it. It is truly amazing! And I'm happy that you're happy with yours - that's the point.
You have to own and spend some time with a Gs ... it’s the bike that does everything good ... you travel all over the world like a prince and safety , you go to you job every day like me , and you go to enduro ride every weekend and explore the mountains .
BMW GS
I forgot to mentioned that the boxer engine has so torque that on the dirt roads on the mountain you don’t have to press the throttle ..so many torque ..just a gear up and you go..it’s not the bike for drag racing .. it’s a bike to live every day with a Gs
Make life a ride
@@PanosVlad Panos, you are making valid points! That's all true. Up to some RPM, it will go as well as more powerful bikes while it's more flexible at lower RPM which most of the riders use most of the time too. It's probably the best all-round motorcycle out there. That's why it's a best-selling bike too. However, it's good to have the full information of what you're getting into when getting one.
I’m considering a 1250GSA in 2021 to replace my VStrom 1000. This sounds like the bike I will enjoy. Thanks for your comments.
2023 GS owner ...awesome bike.
the two things that bug me about my GSA , taking into account I am 62 years . the height is really tricky when at standstill , moreso with a pillion. I have purchased various aftermarket seat lowering devices and a Touratech comfort seat . still really tricky when coming to a stop with a sharp left turn & the riding position makes my knees sore after an hour or so .
I believe it may be very similar on all motorcycles in this class. Lowered seat will help but all the weight is still higher than on some other non-adventure motorcycles. What may be interesting for you to know is that center of gravity is relatively low in a GS. Sometimes it's just a matter of choosing the more comfortable category of motorcycles. Perhaps R1250RT of Yamaha FJR would be better here. Then on the other hand, your knee angle is different and many people including myself don't enjoy that. This is where adventure motorcycles win. However, I'd suggest to give the RT a try. It rides in an excellent way and is a lower bike in general while being just as good as a GS on twisty roads. Better wind protection, electrically-adjustable windscreen, lots of luggage space. You may like that especially when riding with a passenger. It's a bit heavier though with all that additional material, fairings, panniers etc.
It’s all very emotive and subjective, people have very different needs from their bikes and so taylor their choices appropriately. I’m a 120 mile a day commuter and tourer so normally 18k-20k miles per year so need a bike that’s reliable, virtually maintenance free, good fuel range and supported be an assistance programme and dealer network which support me and my bike. So don’t need 170bhp+ or chain drives on my wish list. So confession time, I’m on my 2nd GS Adventure and live the bike and brand; still love KTM and Ducati adventure models (especially new V4 MS), and would love a 990 in the garage if I had the cash, but those bikes really don’t fit my individual needs. 👍👍for the GS every time (well until the V4 MS comes in Enduro mode perhaps!!)🤣
Totally correct - many aspects of owning a motorcycle are extremely emotional. I'm glad to see that you're using your GS motorcycles the way they should be used - and I mean that they are there to be ridden and not just be kept in one's garage.
how many kms did you put on the old GSA?
@@0xsergy I got 280 miles from a single tank on route to Berlin so not hanging about so is that C. 400k’s?...
@@Gaz1za21 No no, odometer kms. Overall mileage on the bike. I'm curious how long they last and you said you went through more than one.
@@0xsergy ah right, apologies; did 24K in before I traded it up for the 1250 last December. I’ve been working from home since March 2020 so really that’s only after 18 months of ownership, but it was terrific and trouble free👌
I just rented a 2020 R1250GS today for the entire day as I was planning to order my own configuration of this bike from the factory. Due to reasons below that you also mentioned in your video, I am keeping my KTM 790 Adventure for the time being. I will wait for the KTM 1290 Adventure release in the U.S.
I haven't stalled or dropped the bike all day today but I agree that clutch doesn't start to grab all the way at the end and it requires lots of throttle. I guess it is because of the weight?
Price at this point in time is like $28k in the US. Yes, you can buy a mid-size car for that money.
Engine sound and wind sound in my head, despite earplugs, was obnoxious all day.
I loved the seating position and its balance when its standing still is pretty good. But, it is not a flying carpet despite all the electronics like people say.
Thanks for sharing. I agree that the prices are ridiculous now. Owning a motorcycle becomes more of a luxury nowadays. Still, the market of used ones saves many. As for the wind protection, there's plenty of aftermarket windshields and accessories, so I'd say don't worry about that as you'll have lots of choices to go with. Exhaust sound becomes more apparent then but hey, we cannot have it all at the same time.
When did 136hp become under-powered?
Or you can just say the others are over-powered. When you want a 160+ Bhp nervous revving fuel consuming asphalt tearing engine, you might want to check out another category of bikes.
I’m not a fan of the boxer engine. And I like the KTM and Ducati MS But do you really need that kind of power in a bike that is build for long distance travelling?
@@rayshobbyfarm.1019 ohhh yes I need every single pony!!
Torque is more useful in the real world, unless you wish to be a body part donor.
@@oscarbottazzi4231 me too.If you are bored Turn the throtle of a KTM and 😬😳🥰.
I’ve never stalled my R1250 GSA, either on, or off-road. The fuel management system calculates fuel & air mixture so quickly under acceleration and deceleration, throttle position nearly means nothing when moving at any speed. It’s gear selection & clutch control that determine a stall. Regardless of the weight of my gear, riding surface, barometric or elevation changes, my 1250 will burn fuel with fire. I enjoyed your video nonetheless.
Thanks for sharing that. Indeed a rider that feels their bike in a perfect way will know how to deal with it. It's just it's kind of specific for this engine to surprise people who aren't that familiar with it yet or don't ride that often.
@@VToldsMotoShow After taking some motorcycle classes I realized that you can let the clutch out without giving any throttle input and the bike will not stall. It will just roll along happily. Your video was great but your first point seemed a little uneducated.
Fully mechanically sound bikes don't stall themselves, the rider stalls the bike (a bad workman always blames his tools). If you're consistently stalling any bike the solution is to practice (in a safe area) smooth pulling away from a standstill, or investing in additional riding tuition.
Mine does it once in awhile it usually does it on questionable ethanol gas stations fuel..
Interesting video. Just came across it. I’d like to proffer my two cents having owned an R1200 GS oil cooled for 8 years.
1. They are expensive. No getting around that. But motorcycling at this price point/ product proposition is marketed as a hobby and lifestyle choice and not a daily driver/ value conscious choice. So manufacturers extract a premium to cover RnD costs etc.
2. The stalling seems more like rider error or a faulty coil pack or imbalanced throttle bodies and not a general issue of the bike. From personal experience when I first tried to take my GS up a sandy/ muddy hill I stalled precisely due to bad rider skills and poor tire choice. No fault of the bike
3. My GS has an analog gauge and I have ridden the modern 1250 variants with digital gauges. I don’t think visibility has even been an issue in the couple of hundred miles I have ridden the new GSes
4. Exhaust: I for one like the quieter exhaust on the GS. Makes for a good commuter and touring experience. I have commuted in a Ducati (1000DS air cooled motor) with a Termi exhaust..and it gets tiring real fast if you aren’t riding on track or carving canyons.
5. Handling: It is one of the best handling bikes I’ve ever ridden. I can easily hang with and at times smoke my fellow riders on R1s and Monsters. Caveat emptor..riding skills are a critical variable in this equation.
6. Modifying: This is the main gestalt of the GS and why people love it. Being such a widely sold model, the aftermarket is rife with excellent mods to personalize the bike. Much akin to Jeep or a Land Cruiser.
7. Power: My GS has even less HP (110 vs 135) than the water cooled ones. But I’ve never found it lacking in areas that matter the most to me (canyon carving, touring, light off-road and commuting) thanks to the prodigious low down torque
Things I really wish were better on my GS
1. The ESA suspension is now done after 30K miles on the stock unit. Unfortunately it isn’t rebuildable. It wasn’t much good in the first place anyway. This is a problem not just with the GS but also with many new bikes. They are sprung for a ~160lb rider with ~15-20lbs of luggage. At 235lbs plus gear and luggage I am well past the operating range of the shocks. New after market shocks are in order
2. Range: I have the GS not the GSA (I prefer the rake angle and handling of the stock GS) but the 5 and change gallon tank is good only for 170 miles or thereabouts. I carry spare fuel but when commuting 100 miles a day filling up every other day gets irritating. I’m yet to find a clean way to add aux tank to the GS. So Rotopax it is..
3. Weight: The bike is great for paved roads, gravel roads, really broken up roads but take it to sand/ mud/ moderate single track and the weight becomes a penalty rapidly. It can still do it but exceptional rider skills required to achieve it. I haven’t taken a new 1250 off-road but I hear the electronics help out in a huge way to tame the weight effects and improve dirt handling. Nonetheless I strictly believe such a heavy bike isn’t destined for pure off-road
4. Dry Clutch: This applies to 2012 and earlier GSes. The modern liquid cooled GSes come with a wet clutch which imho is superior and more forging of poor technique than a dry clutch. In very technical off road which requires a lot of clutching finesse I can smell my clutch quite a bit. Again caveat my poor riding skills
Summarily, I think of this bike as an overlanding bike rather than a rock crawler. It’s designed to take you anywhere you wanna go in a deliberate and steady manner. It’s not a rip roaring racer like the KTM or Ducati. But it’s a damn sight more reliable than them. When it breaks it’s gonna be expensive but I find it easy to work on and maintain. The only other travel/ enduro/ off-road bike that excites me today is the KTM 690 (very light compared to the GS and a very good platform to build up on). Again like the GS a good overlanding platform that can be modified and tweaked to suit ones needs. I can unequivocally can that the GS is one of the best bikes for me and my style of riding and it doesn’t disappoint
Another point on the exhaust..at 75 mph when the needle is at 12 o’ clock the bike rides with a nice loping gait and the exhaust sounds almost perfect not too loud but has presence. Again I’m not biased 😎
Thanks a lot for your input! This is a solid piece of information!
Totally agreed with you on this.
Great write up
Comfort my dude, Comfort. That's what attracts me to these machines.
replace your ass on a couch and stop riding Bikes🤣🤣
@@johnnyblaze1372 What an intelligent response....
@@skesby thats reallity
One of the biggest issue that kept me out of the new BMW bike market is the absence of official Service Manuals. BMW decided that they will not sell service manuals to owners anymore and that just took them out of my short list completely.
Times change and manufacturers' behaviors change too. Who knows what the real reasons behind this are. I wonder myself as this has not gone unnoticed as I see.
Ive owned 46 motorcycles in my life ,, inc 16 dirt bikes,, this is my 3 rd Gs/GSA,,, the best and most fun bike ive ever owned....
Damn, that's like a new bike every few months, isn't it?
Sold my R1250GS after three years with no regrets. I agree with all your points, very accurate. Easy to stall from a standstill so tended to give extra reps to make sure I did not. In slow stop start traffic this made the bike more of a handful than any other bike I had ridden. Bikes do not need to be that big or high or expensive as a medium size bike with give you just as much enjoyment with more confidence for less financial outlay.
Thanks for sharing and the summary of experiences with your R1250GS. I guess perspective matters a lot here.
¿Qué motocicleta te compraste después de tu GS?
The guy or gal that brought your used GS is smiling.
out of interest.. which year was your GS?
deciding factors: 1) reliability 2) ease of maintenance - valve adjustments 3) capabilities - comfort, offroad, on road, range 4) price. i have mt09 love the bike but it has no range. i have to fill every 120 miles. i could not even complete. my commute one way. i would llove tenere 700 but valve adjustment i have to drop the damn engine and when you put miles like i do that is every year. Power hp i never look at them and have owned 40 bikes
Thanks for sharing all this! But damn, 40 bikes - that's definitely something!
I enjoyed your video. I made the mistake of test driving it, loved it, and bought it, I didn't know all this. Yes, it was expensive! In my opinion, that's the only flaw. However, I should have test-driven the others. But, I made the mistake of getting excited, I wanted to get either a BMW R NINE T Scrambler or a Ducati Desert Sled, so when I went to the dealer to test-drive the rNineT scrambler they offered me to test-drive the r1200gs 40 yrs special edition as well. The scrambler is a beautiful bike, but it's not as comfortable as the GS, it's lower and the suspension is harder. I was looking for a versatile bike to do some easy off-roading and enjoy some places in the woods, the GS had all I was looking for.
In the beginning, the height, size, and weight of the bike were intimidating to me (Having owned an F650CS a while a go, this was a very big bike to me), but I decided to give it a try.
From the start, the position was really comfortable, I felt it as if it was custom made. When I started driving it, I didn't feel the weight (due to the low gravity center).
The seat felt soft, the engine smooth and powerful, I was ready to not get off that bike! Driving was a pleasure I wanted to enjoy more days of my life, I guess I fell in love with that bike that instant. I took it across the city, it was very agile, then I took it onto the highway, I felt the power of the engine and the great suspension.
I bought it and took it off-road the next day, I felt after the 3rd corner I took an easy off-road trail. The next day I took it to a different off-road trail, and I felt again, wow, the first two days two falls? I thought I would have to get it fixed sooner than I expected. But then I learned from my mistakes, essentially it was my fear, I wasn't trusting the motorcycle and the only thing I had on my mind was the weight of the bike. So I decided to trust the bike and keep momentum to get through, and voilá, the bike did its magic. I have put 600km so far, it's nothing! But I love it! I'm getting to know its limits and I'm getting more proficient in driving it. That bike is awesome. However, I would recommend test-driving the others before this one, so that you make the best decision out of knowing them all and maybe you will get a very good bike for half the price.
It's worth saying that as versatile as this bike is, I still love riding my old K1200GT 2003, which gives me the 4 inline cylinders power and more sport driving on the road, the GS can't match that, also, for Enduro roads, the GS is suitable for easy to medium roads. I wouldn't take it into difficult roads at all, I might get an Enduro bike for that, still deciding between a KTM or a Honda.
Hahahaham, so correct. I dropped my brand new R 1250 GSA in the first week, because I stalled the engine during a tight turn. The boxer just needs a bit more attention with the clutch compared to my other bikes. So when you brought up this first point, it made me laugh because it`s so right. Luckily nothing was damaged besides my pride.
I enjoy your comments and personality! I have a near new 750 GS and everytime I clean the chain I dream it's a shaft drive.... :)
Thanks for letting me know! I'm glad that you liked the video. You've got a cool bike and if one day you get annoyed in regard to maintaining a chair, you might want to check one of those automatic devices that lubricate it (and keep clean to some point). All the best!
just got my gsa for two months......
what I hate the most is the clutch, gsa's clutch setting is so weried, first half to 2/3 of clutch lever travel is basically empty, and you totally relay on that last 1/3 travel. It easily makes your left hand sour, and chance of stalling your engine could be higher.....
sound of that boxer engine do have great improvement compared to its previous generations. However, I do noticed the valve ticking sound from both sides, just hope it is not a problem (no such sound when it was new).......
in general, it's a great bike, a very comfortable bike
As for the clutch, please try to adjust its position and perhaps bringing it closer to the grip, will make your experience more enjoyable. Boxer engine has got a lot of different "ticking". However, even newer 850 cc twins from BMW have a lot of that too, so perhaps it's their different construction. Maybe something related to emissions standards.
Good info! Thankyou! I'm always looking for ideas and differences in opinion as we learn the most in the situations.
Im an American though, and I gotta say, my own gs, is the only one ive EVER seen on the road, and are even harder to find used for a decent price. It gives me some pride owning my 09' model r1200. I even ditched my Harley Davidson. This thing is such a great ride. People never fail to stop and ask what it is I'm riding. Everyone loves it. And I'm free of the harley/sport bike war we have here. I get to be friends with all as I wished I could have been all along without aggression or fervent opposition
Thanks for your comments. I am owning Harley, Ducati, Honda and now GSA, loved this toy.
You are totally right when mentioning engine stops suddenly if we dont maintain the gas that caused its falls off but I think most bikes are the same clutch & gas issue.
This used to be especially common in motorcycles with fewer cylinders than some others, like 2-cylinder boxers in BMW. But yeah, a surprising number of riders cannot handle that and crash due to it on GSes, which makes it seem like a pattern. Also, this has happened to me myself a few times and my feeling was that it tends to "die" earlier than could be expected.
@@VToldsMotoShow I recall and you are absolutely right 200%. It happened to me recently on my GSA, especially after ridding my scooter for a while... Pretty scary though.
Isn't this happening just because of its high torque, which gives you too much confidence in driving a lot of time with the engine almost idling? At least, that happened to me several times...
@@VToldsMotoShow it's the new euro 5 emissions... Can't go to full idle than clutch.. almost every euro 5 bike I rode now does it.. from Indian to BMW to Ducati to them all... Had to do with unburnt fuel emissions during decel.. so the ECU commands a momentary zero fuel during initial issue close. Its a known issue by all manufacturers.
Don't pull the clutch with rev matching or stable engine braking.
I have a 2004 r1200gs 117000km. I test drove the v-strom1050xt as a new bike recently... My 17 year old bike has gotten better.
I think I'll buy it again with gs or gsa... even if it's used...
Thanks for sharing and that's a pretty cool conclusion I must say. And I believe that this may actually make a lot of sense!
A big flaw is the GS’s telelever system that impedes trail braking. The forks don’t shorten when applying front end brakes (which would normally change the geometry of the bike) opening up the risk of oversteering. 💀
I just got a new 2020 KTM 1290 SAS for $16,500 out the door, which is about 8,000 good reasons for preferring it to a GS
Good job, mate! That's a true beast this KTM.
Agreed on that. Have been looking for a KTM as well but their warranty policy worries me.
@@rayshobbyfarm.1019. I had a 2015 Multistrada. Not only was it a POS that I couldn't trust, it cost me a fortune in the 8,000 miles before I got rid of it. If cost is a concern, stick to Yamaha.
@@67daltonknox I’m trying to get my hands on one of the last 1200 Tenere models here. To bad Yamaha stops with the production
Had over 30 bikes, two gs , a r1100gs and now the 1200gs, there is no bike like it. I love it . The rt is very good too .. loved my Honda's and Beta's , had a tracer 700, fun bike too, but the GS is crazy good.
One thing might be worth to mention about the GS1250; it have the best offroad brakes in the world (enduro pro mode)!!!! (in my opinion)
I ride allot of gravel/offroad, and the confidence the bike gives you with the brakes is just amazing. On a few occasions i have had to emergency brake on gravel roads, and the bike handles so steady and controlled.
you mean brakes?
@@danmac0 corrected... but you might need a break now and then also :-)
I just added a S1000R M pack to my stable (sold my panigale because I was tired of a constant heated seat), and look forward to put a deposit on the new 1300 GSA in 2024. I am very excited for the new model!
This sounds like a super-garage out there. Very nice and all the best with those amazing motorcycles. V4 engine from Ducati is not the kindest when it comes to heat management, I can confirm that.
My only complaint of this motorcycle is if I ever need to throw my leg out to catch a moment on dirt, whether that is around a corner of through a creek crossing etc is the cylinders are in the way lol.
It’s powerful enough, fuel efficient, comfortable and a great mile eater … I just find it a little tricky on dirt compared to what I grew up riding.
Oh yes … not a great sounding motor but on the long haul it does have this nice quiet note you do seem to get used to lol
I guess that it may happen that the cylinders are in the way of your leg. I regularly kick the cylinders when rolling the bike while sitting on it. Overall I wonder if it still isn't a mostly mental aspect.
Had a discussion with myself the other day and if money wouldnt matter I would buy a HD pan America to park next to a row of GS's and a BMW R18 to park next to Harleys. Only to be able to say I own a Harley and a BMW and have people think I meant the other bike
Haha, good one!
Great points, agree on all. I owned a GS 1200 HP 2 for a while and decided to take it on a run through the dunes where we normally ride 450 MX bikes. I made it without breaking bones however did burn out the clutch because of the repetitive stalls. Whether it is the shaft drive that contributes to it, not too sure? I did have a very risky situation where the swinging arm came apart at speed (180 KMH) and spat the shaft through the aluminum casing of the swinging arm, locking up the back wheel, scary indeed! This was covered under warranty fortunately as these parts are not cheap. Nevertheless, the GSA is just such a great bike, it corners so well at speed, to the point you can keep up and often menace naked and sports bikes in the twisties.
Just came back from a trip (June 22) riding a rental from Hertz ride, a triple black GS1250 with only 350 KM on the clock. Road through the Julian Alps, Austrian and Carniche Alps on to the Dolomites, what a bike. In fact, all rentals i have ridden to date have been GS1200A or 1250 and I will continue to do the same. So damn reliable, comfortable and fun to ride. Monday I test ride the 1290, having owned a Super Duke I am keen to see if the hooligan reignites with the Super Adventure, for self preservation i am hoping it doesn't and onwards to the BMW showroom I will go.
Lets face it, if money comes our way one bike is never enough.
Thanks for sharing, I genuinely enjoyed reading it - except for the burnt clutch and the driveshaft issue as those are nasty! But cornering on a GS is as good as it gets. Interesting thing is that I'm also very much into the KTM and I'm supposed to get 1290 SA in a few days myself to try. I'm super excited about it and wonder how it will compare with R1250GS. Riding in the Alps is amazing by the way - likely one of the best places on Earth (and safest) to ride a motorcycle and enjoy the hell out of it. I'm glad that you had a chance to try it yourself. Cheers!
@@VToldsMotoShow Really keen to know what you think of the 1290, i have to be brutally honest, it is so damn easy to ride compared to the GS and GSA. It almost felt like riding a 650 in comparison! I was concerned that the 160 HP might just be too much on an adventure bike but it really never gets out of hand. The electronics are awesome, plenty of adjustability and the rally mode is a buzz! For an adventure with more off than on road I think its the right bike for me, It is such an easy bike to ride well!
Clunky gearbox. Noisy front end. Both, unworthy, of such an expensive bike. Still, love it.
Here from Chile, South America.
I just watched your video (03.21.2023). I have a R1250 GS Adv and although I don't agree with most of the things he says -for example the sound of the engine- the bike is beautiful. And that is also part of the decision.
At the end of the day it only matters if you're happy with the bike that you ride.
I only dislike height and weight of the bike. I am 185cm tall but sometimes on steep areas I drop the bike when I get out of balance. If there is no good leg grip, there is no way to stop falling.
We are almost of the same height with me being even 1 cm shorter than you and so far so good, I felt okay riding GS’ in Adventure versions too. Also F800GS Adventure was fine (and it’s really tall too!) so perhaps this is not about total height but how long our legs are. On BMW’s website you may find a guide of how to measure yourself. This is great if you’d be considering either a lowered seat (available) or even lowered suspension which you may get for a GS. These things may be worth a try to feel more comfortable. Even a seat of a different shape (narrower) can fix it and provide more confidence every day.
I am 1.70 m. Ride a 1250 GS with lowered suspension and low seat. Great bike but once it tips over, you’re coming off the bike fast. Coming to a stop on a steep, cambered curve is a character building experience, as are U turns in a single trail. Paddling through mud or sand is also exciting. All one can do is practice, I guess.
Nicely said - thanks for sharing!
Your first comment is strange. I'm not sure if the engine is particularly more stally than anything else. I just picked up a 1250GS and honestly the power just off idle is the best out of any bike I've owned, super smooth and luggable. I've had a concours 1000, cb500x, drz400, and a katana gsxf600.
I have heard that the 1250 is much better down low in the revs than the 1200 engine was though. So maybe that's what I'm noticing.
Yeah, it is like that. It's not about power or torque but balancing and generally 2-cylinder engines tend to sometimes have a moment of weakness. If you manage to put them under load then, they die easily.
I ride an R1200GS Rallye X and love it. I bought it after looking for a long time for an 1190 or a 1290 SAR. I couldnt find a KTM that I wanted to buy, then the BMW came up for sale near me. I thought, "Ill go and test ride it just to see what I am missing out on.." . What a mistake that was. I had ridden 300 m when I understood why the GS cult is so popular. It fast, fun, reliable, stately and is admission to an unofficial club I didn't know existed. Kids stare at it. Old men look dreamy-eyed at it. And I can enjoy any road on it.
I recommend every motorcyclist ride one at least once. Is it perfect? No. Is it an unparallelled experience? Definitely.
Very nicely written and totally true - just a few meters are enough to feel the magic of this bike. I'm glad that you're having an opportunity to experience that everyday. All the best with your GS!
If you can get past the looks of it,and can afford the maintenance, go for it.
Best looking motorcycle I have ever seen.
@@crissignori7482 yes it is
I've ridden at least 4 GS's and currently own a 1250 GSA, done 9000miles on it and have not experienced this clutch/revs issue that you mention on any of them, neither have any of my friends who own them. I will agree on the money element though haha
I can't figure out what he's talking about. There had to be something wrong with a bike he rode. I have never had to Rev mine .
I've ridden several R motorcycles and they all present this behavior regardless of whether it's a GS, RT or an R etc. It's how the boxer engine is cooperating with its clutch, also taking into account that they are 2-cylinder motorcycles that pretty much always have a "weak spot" in the engine's combustion cycle. If you combine that with releasing the clutch just a tiny bit too quickly, it dies without a warning and people fall. Pretty standard yet causes the most trouble in a GS and GSA as they're the tallest so the hardest to keep upright after this happens. Sudden stalling has been an issue since I remember - for well over than 10 years. Gotta be careful and keep it in mind.
@@VToldsMotoShow Maybe I’ve been lucky then, I’m 9000miles in on my 1250 and haven’t experienced this and hope I never do.
@@TheStammeringBiker it only happens if you leave it it 2nd or 3rd and pull off with little to no throttle. He keeps with this nonsense saying 2 cylinder engines do this when in fact 2 cylinders/ boxers have this problen the least! I've owned 4 cycle inlines and v ingines and they by far are worse than the boxer engine . If you dont rev them they will stall easily and forget about starting in second gear with them.
Nice review.... But I wouldn't change my 1250GS by any other model. The noise I find it great, TFT screen just fantastic, seat very comfortable, power.... wow.... much more than enough even in couple and full loaded, shaft drive and suspensions are excellent... The price.... Well... I agree with you on that one ;-) It's an excellent machine (just like the other alternatives)... Buy the one you like most and enjoy it!!!
Hey, then this bike is perfect for you! I actually is perfect for so many of us and that's why it's such a huge success with every generation. Nothing is perfect though and some of those little or taste-dependent issues may make us want to get another bike. If there would be a perfect one, we would all ride it and nothing else. Which we know is not the case... yet ;). I'm happy that you're enjoying your GS!
Very good report. However after 300.000 km on the GS 1150 ADV I am happy to ride a GS 1250HP ADV since this year. It takes some time to learn all the modes, if you come from an analog cockpit. This bike performing amazing riding all terrains because of the low CG and its performance.
Wow, 300.000 kms is not a joke! I bet you will enjoy dealing with a much lighter motorcycle now. All the best with your newest GS!
I just bought the Motto Guzzi V85TT over the GS
Original choice definitely.
As a GSA owner, I enjoyed this! 😁 All true, not perfect but I love mine! Just subscribed. 👍🏻
Thanks for the comment! As I like to say - legends are born not without a reason, and so was the GS! Cheers!
Agree! Am also a GS owner, and I enjoyed this review. Ryan Fortnine’s review also made me laugh in agreement. And, Yes, I truly love my GS as well! The price discussion made me laugh (and cry?). 😃😇🤣
Ps. Hahahaha! I have no problems with the GS pipes, engine, and never found the sound funny or annoying. Have no intention of changing pipes.
@@jamessobredo7847 I am on my third GSA (2007, 2014 & 2017). I've accumulated over 180,000 miles in the past 14 years. It's my year round daily commuter. The wind protection along with the heated grips make freezing temps an after thought. I tour two-up with camping gear and we spend 8-12 hours a day on the bike. One day we did 860 miles two up. I've done an iron butt, a dozen track days and ridden it on trails that most would think undoable. I've ridden in dirt, mud, sand, rain, snow and ice. The features of shift assist, traction control, ABS and dynamic suspension adjustment make this machine an extension of my imagination. It corrects my mistakes before I make them. If I want to be a hooligan, I turn off the traction control and it wheelies on demand and will carve canyons with sport bikes. The Paralever Telelever suspension is unexplainable to anyone that hasn't ridden this machine. With the massive fuel capacity, I once rode two-up with luggage riding the speed limit on country roads and went 418 miles on a tank of gas. What other motorcycle could do that? My average fuel range is 250-280 miles. I only need to get gas every 8-10 days in commuting mode. The massive luggage capacity allow me to go grocery shopping with ease. The maintenance is almost non existent. Tires, oil, brake pads, brake fluid and an occasional battery replacement. If you do considerable off road, the maintenance obviously increases. I have never felt I needed more power. I admit that I've never ridden the competition because I have everything I need and want in the GSA. Did I mention no chain maintenance? With all that, the BMW support network is exceptional for my riding areas (USA & Europe). I can't imagine even considering a different motorcycle.
Which seat option did you have my dual heated seat is very comfortable. The TFT can be read in all conditions that I have been in. The akra pipe makes an ok noise but it’s not as nice as my 998 or my RSVR 1000 aprilia of course.
I've only ridden R1250GS with its stock seat. Could've been better here. But there's no one-fits-all here I believe.
buy one and you'll be happy too, the ultimate feeling!
I am 195cm tall. I don't fit into Multistrada. I bought GS Adventure and I am glad so far. This bike fits me well. Would there be another one that fits?
Have you checked Multistrada Enduro? It's taller than the regular one. Generally in terms of space, it may make sense to check out Triumph Tiger 1200 too (and perhaps get a taller seat for it) or a KTM Super Adventure 1290, but in case of the KTM you'd have to check if it doesn't "feel" small to you due to a slightly more narrow construction.
Africa twin AS. It is even taller than GS
Regarding point #1, I used to own a 1980 R65 that had an air cooled boxer with OHV and never noticed it needing an abnormal amount of throttle to get going. Is this point only for bigger and/or newer boxers with DOHC?
I guess that you've asked a very tough question as it requires somebody who actually rode an R65 from 1980.
@@VToldsMotoShow Fair point! It might be able to be answered generally by anyone that is familiar with any of the older OHV boxers vs the newer DOHC. I mainly just thought it was curious that you called it out as a straight of the boxers. Cheers.
Unless your off roading... The GS isn't the only great sport tourer with a litter engine.. S1000XR, R1250RT/RS, Multistrada, Super Duke and my favorite Aprilia Tuono... The new triumph tiger with the alloy rims makes a great case for being a great sport tourer.
I have the S1000XR now. And the chain MX on long trips is becoming a thorn in my side. I'll be back to a GS or RT soon
Rode my R1250 GSA ACROSS THE USA 🇺🇸 2X.GREAT touring bike.
Nice trip - would love to do that too.
Why so many dislikes?? He is one of the most honest reviewer... I have a Multistrada and I like the BMW, great machine...
GS owners wouldn't take it and wouldn't even wait till the end of the video for a conclusion. Thanks for your feedback! In order to be reliable, one has to see all the sides, also points that could be improved, especially if we're talking about people spending big money on these bikes.
I own a 1250 GS Adventure HP 2020 and I use to own a 1200 GS Adventure from 2007 and I disagree on a couple of points.
The price use to be very high compared to other motorcycles yes but nowadays it's not the case anymore. A lot of new bikes cost nowadays way more than 20 grand. The new Fireblade 1000RR-SP is 26700 Euro, the new Ducati Multistrada and Streetfighter V4 S you can get for over 30000Euro if you want to. That's crazy...
The seats are in my opinion to soft instead of to hard and that stall issue you are talking about I only experienced with my old GS a view times but not with the new one.
I have other points that annoy me a little bit though. The quickshifter is quite rough and for me the spring pre-load with ESA is to high for my weight. I had to set it to minimum.
In my opinion the power of the GS is more than enough for an Adventure bike and I don't care at all that so many people drive a GS. I really like the sound and the look of my GSA. To be honest I love the look of my GSA 😁
Here in my country, it's US $32,000 without any addon.
Yup, lots of personal things to check there when making big decisions. Now as for pricing, what changed is that some other bikes are insanely priced now too. Ducati being one of the examples as you mentioned. I believe that now it's to a ridiculous level of them not being worth that kind of money anymore. Still, that's a personal thing too.
I've never stalled a GS, weird.
Me neither !?!?
Me neither.
One of the things I don’t like about this bike... the controls don’t get illuminated in night riding...it might not seem that bad, but I know that some of the BMW riders would prefer if they’ed be illuminated...
Now that's a valid point too.
absolutely right. Shame on BMW for that. Soma Japaneeser of half a price offer it...
Except for the 1st (GSA does stall suddenly when maneuvering in low revs), the other points are totally subjective.
Thanks for your point of view. I'm not sure comparing performance is subjective. It might be if we would be talking about what's "good" or "not good" performance but numbers speak for themselves. Other points are personal experiences indeed and it definitely is worth sharing. I know how much I'm looking for people's personal experiences before making purchase decisions. In automotive, most things and reasons are emotional and therefore subjective. Cheers!
Totally agree with André Catani , and I also agree that all other elements but the fist are subjective. V-Told you consider comparing performances is objective because in you logic the biggest number is the best. But that is obviously only your personal logic and not the one of BMW nor of the more than 2 million people that have bought a GS over 40 years. My friend that has a Ducati has like you say a higher power available, but he also has a higher rate of visit to his dealer to get things repaired, changed or rebooted (when it’s electronics). Unfortunately unlike for horse-power for measuring power (or No for torque) there is no “objective” metric when wanting to measure reliability, robustness or peace-of-mind.
Fair point, motorcycle-related topics are so much about emotions. Totally correct, and indeed I'm presenting my own experiences and feelings. They're not biased as I don't and have never owned either of the mentioned bikes - GS nor Multi. There are hints but right, almost everything is subjective in terms of being "better". Even slower or more expensive can be better, right? Thanks for your input!
@@kryspy5682 Yes, you most definitely can measure robustness. Read some forums, see what owners are saying, look at statistics, etc..just like the BMW 1200GS front stanchion failures they're still trying to legally sidestep. You gonna give your money to a company that won't admit to making a mistake? that sounds like a mistake to me.
I am both a T7 and a GS. You’re completely right about the stalling. You cannot stall a T7. It is very easy to stall the GS. The T7 has torque everywhere. The GS has no torque at very low RPMs. I’ve never looked it up but I imagine the T7 has a longer stroke or a lighter fly wheel.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing that and if it's a Tenere hidden behind that T7, then you made me curious. Perhaps next year I'll manage to get myself on one of those.
As from GSA driver perspective:
1 - yes, absolutely
2 - yes
3 - yes, for that money “Akro” and few other available “extras” should be already in stock mod
4 - hmmm… OK to agree partly, maybe? Think torque for me makes bigger sense in those bikes class
5 - NO, even during bright day I read my TFT without any issues and its much, much, more informative than direct competitors, maybe except KTMs new screen, that is very bright and with BIG numbers.
6 - hmmm, well, OK to agree
7 - number of available buttons to push at beginning was like: What? Is this a “space shuttle”? But after a few days, (like probably most Mottorad lucky drivers) I do actions intuitively, as I know exactly what and where to find/switch. Have seen other “solutions” from Honda/KTM, no long use experience, but friends confirm its bit more complicated than with BMW wonder wheel
I also would add Nr.8, as a “disadvantage” :) :
Tire consumption, you just swapped to new set and its time to change them again. Coz 10-12.000 km already passed😊 Mean you ride this bike and miles are just flying underneath, it so nice.
Will I change it for another brand/model? Probably no. I love it, I know it, its relatively simple, easy maintenance/access, big fuel capacity tank, but parts are expensive! (way more than for my other bikes like Harley), but probably more or less on same level as new KTM/Ducati/Honda ....
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 😊 Take care
It's nice to read about your experiences with the bike. There's a reason for it being so praised and your review confirms that. I am interested to see the next generation with new looks. Recent upgrade of the engine was brilliant (1250), now it's time to perhaps refresh the design. Cheers!
@@VToldsMotoShow Thanks Vitold, frankly I doubt if there will be any soon “big/significant” changes in design (are they really needed? IMO)
Cars from BMW are not so much changed since...? design wise. Think they more push towards “technology” either involve them self into design competition. On other hand have a look at relatively new models from Yamaha/KTM/Suzuki (Honda-Afrika not in this list :) ) they all now look like R or F adv from BMW, guess time will show how all terrain “Hoverboarded GS” will look in future 😂🤣😂
Cheers
None of these are deal breakers for me. Thanks for the video.
It's a great bike, so if you're good with all those 'worst' things that happen, then it seems like even a perfect solution to have a GS. Now that's great news and I'm glad that it's this way for you.
About the price.. You are right, it's expensive... But I consider very expensive a Bike that use a chain drive!... 100 years old technology hahaha!.. a KTM /Ducati using chain drive and close to $20K... and that isn't expensive?? I love my GS 1250, the Shaft drive and its zero maintenance in long rides in the gravel.... it's great for touring and excellent when you decide to go to a gravel road... Please, compare the Ducati and the GS, both in the gravel and let us know your opinion!. Thanks.
Yup, drive shaft is a huge advantage and may be a deal breaker in case of other motorcycles. I've taken one of the recent Multistradas, GS', S1000XRs and others off the road for quick runs (nothing serious though) and right, in an 1000+cc segment GS is really good - by "good" I understand that it's easy to handle. Obviously an off-road oriented 1190 or 1290 KTM will be more capable but GS goes like a tank in any conditions. Sometimes though, cylinders sticking to the sides would be in a way in my case. That took away some confidence. Still, I liked GS better when standing on footrests and that's important. However, you may still get an aftermarket taller handlebar for a Multistrada and fix what may be lacking there comparing to the GS in terms of a position. I'm 184 cm tall.
Put a BMW drive shaft on a torque KTM, and you Loose the teets. 😂
I bought a 2005 with 35K mi. Didn't get 1000 mi before the trans LOCKED up (at 45mph). After more research problems that need addressed, plastic fuel quick connects, cam chain tensioner, rear brake pads that wont last a oil change and clutch mismatch by 6mm. Being in the middle of America there is a horrible lack of service and parts. One of the biggest complaints of BMW I got is of the owners, never tell the truth (EX: BMW motorcycles never break down), they have no knowledge of repairing a BMW motorcycle and the forums give NO advice of how to fix BMW things. I cant just throw the dam thing away, I got too much in it, I will have to fix it. A friend of mine (Greek) got the Honda 2020 (with Bosch electronics) Africa Twin, top of heap machine just going by his expert advice. Now if Kawasaki and Suzuki would step up like honda did the GS would be over. I wished I never bought into the FALSE BMW BS. For me BMW stands for Buy Motorcycle Wrecker! Oh I forgot I just got in a "potential recall" about the fuel pump system too!
PS, I hear the shocks are gone after 35K mi.
Thanks for the input. This is not the best thing to see and experience I admit. Don't know when you've got your bike and what mileage it's got but if you feel not fully happy with its performance, it means that it's simply not good enough. I hope you don't encounter any more issues with it. It generally is a pretty reliable bike, 2005 GS too, however it's one of the first examples and perhaps some things were not at their 100% and only were being improved over time.
I went K1600 and and now back to a GSA , he is correct on every point , but I don’t care , i love them.
👹👹
Just traded a Triumph Tiger 900 for a GS and absolutely love it. I agree that it is ridiculously expensive BUT it handles beautifully, is perfectly stable, has loads of useful torque, great brakes, etc. Nice to get away from chain maintenance too. Yes, maybe there is an image that goes with the model but maybe it's also so popular is because it's just a great bike to own. The one thing I don't like is the position of the horn and indicators, which seems much too far to be reachable in gloves without removing you hand from the grips.
Why did u sold ur 900? Its pretty new bike
@@vimalanramakrishnan7975 I guess I just didn't know what I wanted. It's a lovely bike. Now I have a Fantic because I live in Paris and can never use the power of bigger bikes
@@tonydare7614 fair enough - im in same dilema, have a 900GT Pro and inclining towards GS as better CC
@@vimalanramakrishnan7975 I think it is a better bike overall if you do long distances especially. The only downside is that it is so good that you almost don't feel like you're on a motorcycle 😂
@@tonydare7614 hahaha - so its a wise choice to move from Tiger GT Pro to GS?
A few other points worth considering:
1. Cost of servicing and spares which are just as expensive pro rata as buying the bike in the first place.
2. Poor reliability - you won't find BMW (or Ducati or KTM for that matter in anyone's list of the most reliable motorcycles and when they do go wrong they will cost a fortune to put right, why should that be when you are paying premium prices for a "premium" motorcycle?
3. The agricultural transmission, surely that could have been perfected by now.
4. Being forced to buy features as hugely expensive "packs". Black Storm metallic paint for £0? well you have to also buy the 40 year GS edition with black wheels and low seat neither of which I want but which cost £1,650. Want heated Grips sir? You'll have to buy the comfort pack which includes keyless ride and a chrome exhaust neither of which I want or need, neither of which make the bike more comfortable but cost £540.
5. The look of that Boxer engine..........
The 1250GS may be a great bike to ride but I'll never buy one because I hate being exploited, and that's what BMW are doing.
.
All the people who ever drove the GS can be devided in two groups:
1. group say: The seat is to hard.
2. group say: The seat is to soft.
it's insane...
Haha, I love it! This may be our comment of the week. Good job, mate!
haha these who say that GS seat is too hard probably did not try africa twin seat :D
I like mine
The seat on my 2023 GS Trophy is a PIA in 60 to 75 minutes, every single time. Thinking of getting a custom Russell Day Long seat made up.
I own 2020 adventure kalamata one and I am more than happy with it.
Nice review, as a previous owner of a 2021 model. It has a very good resell value compare to other bikes.
Oh yes, I can see that here too till today.
I am a 2019 bmw s 1000xr owner. Thinking of trading her with a gs 1250 2021 cause its first time considering riding off road and traveling long distances. Whats your opinion?
Actually, I've got a video on the topic of S1000XR awaiting. I see it as a taller sports bike so since I prefer comfort and more torque rather than pure power that's available at high RPM, I prefer riding on a GS. Also, S1000XR is not an off road motorcycle at all in my opinion. I couldn't even really confidently stand up while riding it. Of course the handlebar may be replaced but it shows that it's not its purpose. If I were you, I'd be happy with the change that you're about to make.
Great review, I really like the GSA but can not justify the cost unless I commit on taking long adventure rides. Coming from sport bikes and dirt bikes the KTM 1190 ADV I have is really nimble and slices through twisties. No bike is perfect they all have their distinct DNA, if you are a prospective buyer don’t buy one base on the hype or the highest HP. Ride them all and pick the one that will fit your riding style and lifestyle.
Correct - sometimes the things that we think would be important, turn out not to be in comparison to something that we haven't even thought of before.
How does it ride going in twisties specially uphill with that weight + full tank ⛽..?
In my opinion it's the best bike in class in terms of handling twisty roads. Doesn't matter if it's with a full tank of fuel or not and if it's uphill or down. Brakes are superb on a GS. I haven't ridden the new Africa Twin and KTM but based on what I've heard from others, none of these two is in any way better on tarmac, so I believe my personal experiences stand in place here. I hope that helps. You can't go wrong with a GS on twisty roads. Cheers!
I rode mine through passes this whole holiday and was really fast and really nimble..
I own a BMW 1200 GS Adventure...I have maintained it well and have not abused it.... I see no reason to change to the 1250.... Maybe I will wait for the 1300....
Let's see what BMW brings us with the upcoming generation then.
Interesting things you are talking about. I've been riding every new GS for the last 10 years. And not because I would be a BMW fan. Direct opposite. I was riding them as they were my work equipment. Basicly from last iterration of aircooled model onwards.
My experience show clutch work you're mentioning was strongly present with the F800 GS and even there wasn't the clutch but non-responsive ride-by-wire throttle which caused engine to stall and rider subsequentially dropping the bike.
The seat. Hard seat works great for me. If we take a look at previous model - 1200 Exclusive - they had an option of comfort seat. Soft. Great for 50km after that the soft seat became worst option ever. So this would depend on the persons preference and nevertheless you can always opt for a different style of seat for that matter on the 1250.
TFT screen never gave me any problems or glare which you're mentioning. Not to mention how dated now the old gauge looks like. And believe me, I was VERY sceptical about the TFT. But they (BMW) hacked the problem (somehow) and solved it the first time around in comparison with some other bike manufacturer's you're mentioning.
Also 1250cc at WOT is lifting the front wheel. And this is at 135HP. What use of 150+ HP you need I don't know but for me 135 and most of riders I know this is more than enough for all the aplications this bike is meant for.
Keep up the good work with your videos :)
Thanks a lot for sharing! It made me very curious what you mentioned about the ride-by-wire and stalling issue. This may be very much connected indeed! Nice work! I've recently ridden the newest Triumph Tiger 1200 from 2022 and with 150 HP it really provided visibly more fun to me. Lots of torque too, however - less than in a GS, but still enough. It turns out that it may make a difference like it does to me personally. Likely many riders ride differently. I ride a lot in the city and enjoy the punch early on, hence my comments. BMW's TFT grew on me too - I totally agree with your observation here now. It was a good read and thanks for sharing again!
on my 7th GSA, a 1250. ive had many, many bikes, this one does many things well, and some of them, superb.
How about the exhaust note?
I'm not sure what gs you are riding! You need to rwv to let out clutch or the engine will die? Mine, I can let out the clutch slowly, and it won't bog down or stall. The boxer engine has amazing torque and is hard to kill the engine.
And I can set off from the 3rd gear in a car but I wouldn't necessarily say that this is how I'd be driving everyday.
@V-Told correct, but it does add to the dispute that the GS motor needs "reving" to start from a stop! Where did I refer to this being normal practice? If reving was required, I wouldn't be able to start from a stop without adding throttle at all.
My biggest complaint is the lack of power. These bikes carve canyons extremely well, so when you’ve got a fully loaded GSA on a long trip, you have to rev the hell out of the motor to get going. Love my GSA, but they need more power.
Interesting review, thanks for sharing!
I believe you forgot to mention that the brake pedal is so dangerously small that you actually risk to miss it! Buying an Aftermarket pedal extension was the first thing I did when I purchased my GS liquid cooled 2011. Cheers.
Interesting remark, I've never actually noticed this but that may be a valuable information for some of us here considering to get a GS. Thanks for sharing that!
I bought an GSA of 2011 and love it... No gimmicks, no abs and with an open exhaust sounds great. The new GSA is too fiddly though... love the older ones...
and if you want to go fast in a straight line? buy a friggin' s1000rr
There's an even better alternative to the friggin' S1000RR - an S1000XR. Still, it's as useful off the road as RR...
As a GSA owner since 2006 I currently have a 2015 GSA and I have to say the biggest disappointment (for a bike I have loved dearly) has been the rear shock rebound damper failing before 10k miles, but out of warranty 🙄. BMW won’t service it (even though it’s serviceable) but will only swap for a new unit at £1,800 plus labour. Not what you should expect from an “adventure” bike at this price point. ☹️
Wow, this is indeed crazy and unfortunate. But the pricing of it is insane. Sorry for what happened. Clearly the rule of more expensive vehicle costing more to fix is true in this case.
I love the sound of the boxer! Especially with an Acra exhaust…
Aftermarket exhausts help up to a point but yeah, it's an improvement over stock.
I'm at a crossroads and in a quandary. I currently have a Multistrada 1260S and will be looking to change soon. I'm not 100% sure on the V4 and I am being drawn to the GSA (have been for a while if I'm honest). I just need to get over the Long Way Round stigma. The shaft drive really appeals to me as does the large tank capacity. @Brett Bower, what made you change from your Multi and what model was it?
Hey, in such a case I'm pretty certain that a test ride will answer your questions. Definitely please go and ride both of these to make the right decision for you.
Hella and thanks for your video , i have a question if you have to chose between BMW GS, KTM, Dusatti Multi or African Twin from Honda wich one you ll buy it?
Hi, at the moment I've ridden a GS and Multistrada. Out of the two, it would be a tough choice and I really cannot tell, but probably would end up on a GS. Now considering also a KTM is where it could become interesting, however I haven't ridden any due to lack of real dealers in Warsaw. So I couldn't try. As for Honda, I don't think that I'd even consider it due to low performance in comparison to the rest of the players that are at the end of a food chain here.
I dont know i got my gs last year,put about 4k on it and it has been a great ride i love it,and I hope for many more years of rideing
Perhaps that's why so many consider it the best bike in the world. I'm super glad that you're happy with it!
Motorcycle controls should have optional voice command "GS Rain Mode" "GS set cruise at 85mph" "GS left turn (signal)" "GS heat grips 40%" etc etc
Sounds innovative. Cars utilize such features, so why not.
Need a advice. I Wil never go off road. Should I go got Gs 1250 or s1000 Xr? Which one is good daily driver
Both can be good and one trap is believing that R1250GS is for those who consider going off the road. It may go offroad but it doesn't have to and it's brilliant on the road. XR gives you more maximum performance when you want to push it, GS gives you a super light feeling when riding and powerful low end, so lots of power and torque available to you at any time and gear - XR cannot provide any of that. But then it will smoke a GS if they race.
Look at a R 1250 R or RS as options, in addition to the RT.
I saw in another vlog that the suspension is very poor ! Is this true
I wouldn't say that it's poor but it may not be as modern and with as much adjustment as in other newer bikes in this segment. Front Telelever suspension is awesome and no bike can beat its control while braking for example as GS stays pretty much totally flat. But there are bikes that are more comfortable due to the possibility of making their suspension softer.
@@VToldsMotoShow excellent 👌
Hey, could you say what make-model is your chair ?, looks pretty good. Thanks.
Sure, it's a fully electric 7G11: powerseats.eu/products/luxury-line I don't think there's anything better in the world considering sitting at the desk/home office.
@@VToldsMotoShow The man has a 7k euro chair and still dares to mention that the GS is expensive :p
I respect your opinion, I ve had my r1250gs for a year now,the bike is awesome,worth extra 💰, look forward to riding it everytime
Right, it is awesome and there are reasons for it. Also, you might find it interesting to check my previous video about the GS to see some additional things and facts about it: ua-cam.com/video/NbMnVvQ5P0s/v-deo.html
i was thinking about buying the new GS 1250, and boom i crossed your video, thanks buddy you made me realize i was about destroying my saving.
I hope you watched till the end as it's a brilliant bike overall. Just has a few very specific characteristics that may be deal breakers for some.
Problem is, next you will find a GS 1250 video that will blow your mind and then you will run to the bank haha
I am a short guy ,5'6 in ht, just for my ht the Kawasaki versys 1000, Suzuki vstrom 1,050 and Harley Davidson pan america 1250 special were right for my ht, If I will be a 6 footer it will only be then I can ride a BMW GS
So let's hope you'll be a 6-footer soon! ;)
I’ve owned three GS’s and disagree with him. Love the GS!
With what exactly do you disagree on with him?
Your comment on releasing the clutch, I’ve owned a BMW S1000xr and you need to rev it up before releasing the clutch, with the boxer engine very low rpm’s are necessary to get it moving.
It’s is a big MC but the center of gravity is low which makes it easy to balance when at a stop or when releasing the clutch.
The sound of the boxer engine, in my opinion, is a smooth and rich sound, it doesn’t scream at you like inline 3’s and 4’s even with an Acro can.
The TFT display is great. If I don’t want to see all the pages of info then I don’t look, they are there when you need them.
Performance, I had the s1000xr and it screams with power but the minimal reduction in power of the GS doesn’t reduce the delivery of power that I want or need. It moves out very well with a sound that is very satisfying. If I wanted a bike purely for power I would have stayed with the XR.
The seat to me is very comfortable and have never felt the need to change it for something more comfortable and I have put many many hours in the saddle. I’m sure there are more comfortable seats but the GSA doesn’t need it in my opinion.
Thanks for explaining that. I actually agree with all that. I haven't had issues with stalling when riding the XR though while I found it more difficult to adapt to the clutch of a GS. Still I'm not convinced about the screens but we have to live with them. I found the last solution as a mix of analog and display a perfect mix. Screen has its advantages too, like pairing a phone and displaying GPS there. Sure, that's cool and brings new possibilities. In terms of performance, these two are really out of different worlds and it is as you say. XR needs to be revved and doesn't feel great when being ridden softly. So actually, there's not much that we would feel differently about except for some details I believe. Still, one may like brunettes and one blondes. As long as we're happy with our bikes, it's all great!
If they're so great why have you already gone through 3? Just curious..
Yeah I got a bit cocky and laid mine down turning left at a junction. Stalled. Had the emergency women on the SOS. 😂. Won’t do it again. It’s a great bike, rode across Europe from the UK no problem. Got off the other end completely fine. (1250GS rallye te)
Good one and I'm glad that there was no damage done to you nor the bike ;). These things happen indeed, especially with taller, heavy bikes so as long as there are no injuries, it's fine. Better to avoid that though of course - I agree. Cheers!
Most of the new adventure bikes are overly complicated with electronics that I've never needed ever! I've been riding 50 plus years i would consider a good if I could get one without all that rubbish my own thoughts greetings from Oregon
Thanks for sharing with us, I appreciate it.
Agreed on that mister. I might be a bit younger that you but still don’t need all the electronics. Also makes bikes more expensive than needed.
Well said and concur. Good machine overall. Don't currently own a boxer BMW, but have in past years.
Thanks! I agree that it's definitely and overall really good motorcycle. Especially considered as a whole package.
This review was funny, good job and good points. The driveshaft and great reputation already has me sold, BMW is my choice.
Thanks and my pleasure!
No doubt good machines overall but they are heavy, the quickshifter is poor considering the price of the bike and racks for luggage look ugly. I am in the market for a bike like this but can't bring myself to buy the GS because it just wouldn't make me smile when I opened the garage door! It's always a very personal decision - right?
Definitely right. So what are you considering because you actually made me wonder what in this segment may be this exciting bike to get on in the morning.
I have owned many machines and use them as a commuter. I purchased the gsa and ride it each day. Yes there are things on each to detract from a perfect score. The pluses far out weigh these small items this guy brings up. Ride like a sport, pay like a sport.