"Like riding a horse!" BMW R1300 GS - Pillion Comfort Analysis with Mrs Flyer
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- Опубліковано 13 чер 2024
- What's the new BMW R1300GS like to ride on as a pillion passenger? Mrs Flyer takes a spin with me to give us her findings....
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More Mrs. Flyer please. Good to hear the pillion perspective. If these differences were noticed over the course of 40 minutes it would really add up over the course of a many days long tour.
Yes good point!
Brilliant vid as usual 😊, got to say probably the same as a lot of viewers we do love carol 🥰, no black or white she prefers the old 1200 no jury needed 😂😂
Thanks Andy and carol
Great video and advice from Mrs Flyer. Thanks both.
Excellent test I do a lot of two up riding on my RT. My gf likes it. The last thing you want on a tour is an unhappy pillion passenger.
Comfort of the rider is the rider's choice of bike, now if we like to tag along the missus like I do (I'd much rather go for a ride 2up and not solo), then comfort is paramount for the passenger
We have a full-spec R1200GSA triple-black 2019 model and would change the comfort of it for nothing else
Take care Flyers 🤗
I am amazed, that Mrs. Flyer still have to shut you down when she is talking??? You should have learned by now!!😁 Great video, thanks to both off you.
'When the guest is in full flow, you don't interupt'
M.Parkinson.
Oh Andy quit budding in on Mrs. Flyers comments! I know you’re the star of the show but left Mrs F. Speak! Great job from Mrs. F with a great evaluation of both machines and her perspective. And as always Andy love your videos, always look forward to them. Cheers!
Thank you kindly
stop mansplaining 😄
I’m glad Mrs Flyer told you off - when you kept interrupting her, I wanted to tell you off too.
Consider me told off - lots of people have mentioned it….
Excellent review Andy. Great to get Mrs Flyers perspective. Pillion comfort is often an area neglected by other reviewers. 😄👍
Thanks 👍
Beautiful! The bike looks nice too!! She’s such a lady and a natural on the camera! Love watching you two make videos together!
Our pleasure!
Got on later than usual, but still read all the comments. In riding 50 years I was always told the rider should always get the bike off the sidestand and when both feet are firmly planted, then have the pillion mount the bike. Same goes for the getting off procedure. The commentary from "Anglecake" was quite good. One can only wonder if a pillion was around in the development stages. 👍👍5🏍🙋♂️
That's our regimen too, but not everyone can flat foot the bike. Different strokes and all that.
The way most modern bikes are designed, with the rider on and panniers and a top box mounted the pillion has an extremely tricky time getting the foot on the peg and threading the leg between the rider and said top box.
@@flhfd1703 I agree 100%,, my wife has just about mastered the step thru technique. Us riders can use the "swing your leg over" option which is much easier. When getting off (on my RT) her right foot catches the pannier and then her heel hooks the grab rail, all of this whilst balancing on her left foot on the peg. She feels one day she might fall.
Thank you Carol, always nice to hear your experience om both bikes!
My pleasure!
Very professional description from Mrs M... Keep your neb out Andy!! 🙂
Good report Mr & Mrs F on a topic which rarely gets covered 👍👍
Thank you!
Mrs. Flyer did a good job with her review!
Hello from Canada (Quebec), Excellent comments from the lady, a point literally forgotten when testing motorcycles. I do almost 80% of my rides with my wife. So the passenger's opinion is very important. Good work 👍🏼
Very well articulated Mrs TMF. Sounds like another win for the 'proper' GS.
Mrs Flyer… as ever the voice of reason! Good and fair overview… look forward to the next short or long tour 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Great review guys. I agree with others, it really good to get this point of view and would be great to get more bike reviews with Mrs Flyers perspective as a pillion. This is a key area when looking for a new bike. Top job Carol for keeping Andy in check 🙂
Noted!
Thanks for the video. Pillion comfort is an important consideration for many of us. A happy pillion = more hours riding and ultimately more trips shared together.
Another insightful video Andy. I have to applaud Mrs Flyer for her fabulous contribution and effortless delivery and comofort in front of camera. I have to agree with others and say '' More of Mrs Flyer please''. Your a fabulous duo.. well done Carol 🙂
Many thanks!
An excellent review video, thank you Mrs F for your input. There are really so few pillion reviews posted even though this is such a fundamental part of choosing a new bike. Well done both of you, it would be great so see more of these in the future. Mrs F is a real star!
Thanks for watching!
So really good (important) points Mrs F made 👍
always good to see Mrs Flyer and well delivered review 👍🏻
More Mrs Flyer please. Andy, gotta learn to let her speak, before the Mrs helps you with that 😂. Love the perspective of the passenger.
Great vid as usual Andy with excellent input from Mrs Flyer 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Great work Mrs Flyer 👏 brilliant, no nonsense review. Look forward to hearing yours thoughts once you have a full day or tour on the 1300 👍
All the best
Russ
Great review Andy, loverly to see Mrs Flyer out again. Great points made by Mrs F re the grab handles, seat comfort. Again I do so much enjoy watching your videos. I must abmit Mrs F looked more comfortable on your 1200GS 👍👍
Thanks 👍
Thanks Carol. Feel free to add more commentary where possible! Interesting review from both of you.
Another great honest review from you both! Love the banter too x
Glad you enjoyed it!
Well done Mrs Flyer! You are a valuable and well liked addition to the show. Keep the good work up, both of you!
Thank you so much!
Excellent idea and review. 👍👍
Carol’s shoulder observations, as a result of the differing grab rail positions, are more relevant than some may realize. I can see the discomfort radiate to her neck and upper back. This prolonged ‘tensed’ position could ruin a longer road trip for one’s passenger. And the fork dive comment is another excellent observation. I remember how much my Africa Twin nose-dived. Another reason the BMW and GoldWing front ends are the best in the biz.
🍻🍻🍻
They sure are!
Excellent Review Thank you! Going for a 2023 GSA as we are 6’5” and 6’ and need the room These reviews are invaluable!! The shoulder issue was a very useful tidbit of info!!
Glad it was helpful!
Great review and it is the first pillion comment that I have seen for this bike.
Thanks! 👍
Need more of these. I'm doing the Route De Grande Alps this year with my wife as passenger. So more things from Mrs Flyer's perspective as a pillion is good.
Have a good trip!
Thank you both.
Our pleasure!
Fantastic perspective, I'll share this with my pillion for her knowledge. Two up reviews are rare on UA-cam and so many of us do ride with a pillion.
I just sat and watched this with my wife, very informative thanks. We looked at one of these last week in our local dealer, same spec as yours. Not booked a test ride yet though.
Good to see carol back on the vids Andy look forward to to your long trip thoughts on a pillion ride 👍
Interesting little vid. Mrs Flyer's very passionate about her comfort isn't she lol. Good on her for being so assertive lol. ; )
Great team combo!
Brilliant video as someone that only rides with my wife on the back these little chats you have with your Mrs are brilliant also I’ve changed from the K 1600 to theXr 1250 in the last four months ended up on a GS as for the seat That’s been on a bike for sometime is going to be softer great video keep it up
Yes good point….
This is really excellent stuff. We tend to do a lot of 2 up riding, and last year bought a Thunderbird Storm (the same one as you had in "viewers' rides" a while ago). First thing we had to do was a comfort Pillion seat. Then passenger footboards because the others were like a couple of packs of polos.
On the Tiger Explorer the rear setup is very good. It's something we always consider now.
Mrs Flyer, top review.
Good job for letting Mrs. Flyer have her say.
Great review guys.. very unique as other channels don’t review these type of queries people have 😊 well done.. Pete 👍👍😃
Thanks! 👍
Good review Carole - thanks appreciated as I am considering one and partner on back good deal of the time on current GS - look forward to your follow-up over distance
Glad it was helpful!
Nice vid. Thank you, Mrs. Flyer.
Our pleasure!
Thank you Mrs. Flyer !
No problem 😊
Great evaluation!
Great pillion review Mrs Flyer 👍
Thank you 🤗
So refreshing to hear such an honest appraisal albeit from a pillion rider perspective. A welcome tonic to the UA-camr reviews that sugar-coat any criticisms they have as though they're scared of the manufacturer/dealer blacklisting them for telling the unvarnished truth.
Thank you - we try and be honest with our opinions!
@@TheMissendenFlyerYou're welcome. It's very much appreciated.
A very honest and down-to-earth review. Opinions from pillions are often over-looked, so well done on the content. Maybe you can do another pillion review after a longer/motorway-type ride. In the meantime, take care both of you.
Great review. Loved how Mrs. Flyer color matched her shirt to the 1300. 😂
Very nice video of the Flyer team and pleased to see Mrs. Flyer putting Mr. Flyer in his place. Good pillion feedback and my only comment about seat comfort, do either of you think the 1300 seat will soften with time as most seats do. My wife rides with me on our 2023 Goldwing about 25% of the time, but it’s important to me that she is comfortable, feels safe and enjoy the ride as much as I do driving the bike. Always good to see you enjoying motorcycling together.
I expect it will - but even if it does it will never be as comfy as the mighty Wing!
Great video, very informative!
Thank you!
Good review top team 💯
Thanks 💯
Great pillion review Mrs F, very informative and thorough. As a rider, I wouldn't of realised the slight difference in the grab handles positioning would have made such a difference. Something like that could be a deal breaker for couples. Well done on this upload, both 👍
Thanks for watching!
Interesting. Great vision. Thank you.
Very welcome
About time Carol put you in your place you know shes the boss . Nice to see you both in action . Thanks for a great video .
Thanks 👍
Great informative episode! Hell hath no fury than Mrs. Flyer interrupted...? ;-)
Shut up....'can I just say' 🤣🤣 Pillion comfort is such an important topic for a lot of us so well done. I know you aren't a KTM fan but truly, our 1290 S with powerparts seats is the single most comfortable bike my wife has been on (excluding the Goldwing of course, but that bike left quickly - too old man for me. Perhaps one day). GS, GSA, Mulltistrada - none of them a patch on the KTM. All those other bikes needed the airbag out after max 2 hours riding but last trip too Spain the airbag sat in the pannier unused the whole trip. The 1290 is a B-rilliant 2 up tourer.
Well done Mrs Flyer. Talking the talk. 👍
Finally found this one about the pillion comfort, exactly what some friends have said, I suspect BMW market research suggested the buyers were looking for performance over touring abilities, they will likely be steered more towards the 13RT
Thanks for that Mrs F, really helpful view. My wife loves our 1250GS and will take some prising off it
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful, thank you!
You're welcome!
Good shout . Mrs Flyer hit the nail on the head there Andy 👍
Thanks 👍
By far the best pillion review up to date. Thank you both for the comparison. Mrs. Fly made very relevant points exposing her extensive experience. One question, since all bikes had a top case, do they provide any comfort as to lean on them? Greetings, from Berlin,Jim …p.s. Yesterday my Triple Black was taken out of winter storage….feels great!
Nice one! ….and yes Mrs Flyer relies on leaning on the top box for comfort….
First a big thank you to Carol for giving us your honest opinions. My interest in the GS is in hope of getting my wife to ride pillion again. From her initial comments it appears that a change in seat to something aftermarket might be in order if you were to replace the 1200 with the new 1300. Thank you for the comparison to the Tiger 900. Apparently, I am not the only one who had questions about pillion riding on the Tiger. I look forward to a long tour on the new bike with Mrs. Flyer on the back.
Fantastic thanks 😊
You're welcome 😊
My buddy has a new Tiger 1200. That fork dive is crazy. I have only ridden my GS over the last 2 years so the fork dive was dramatic. Another friend picked up the 1300. My wife is extremely comfortable on my 1250. Great review!
Thank you!
My cousin and I have been waiting for this. I was convinced it would be a win for the GS12 for Mrs Flyer. Look forward to the final verdict. Thanks both. ( Returning my GS13 to BMW btw)
Really? Why?
Terrible transmission noise - re tested the demo one locally to make sure and yep I have a Monday Morning one. Interested to see how BMW treat me.
You're a brave man talking about how easy it is to lift the wheels off the ground with the wife riding Pillion. Great review as always plus the benefits of your wife point of view. I do not remember any other vlog going into detail about the comfort of the pillion rider. Looking for a new bike this is one of my concerns since my mother truly enjoy riding and I wanted her to be comfortable.
Thanks! 👍
That’s a great review, Andy and Carol, thank you. I bought an RT instead of a GSA. My wife really liked the GSA, it was her first time as a pillion on the test ride. I bought the RT for my comfort commuting, but my wife complains of sore knees. She’s 5’6, but I feel the GS1250s had a more perpendicular knee angle for both pillion and rider. My RT, with lowered pegs (scrape easy at only 37deg) still plays havoc with my knees after 90 minutes.
As for the 1300, I’ve not ridden one yet, I’m not due a new bike for a year or so, but it seems like a great bike with some caveats. In some ways, judging from reviews, it seems like a half-arsed job. I believe BMW are trying to make it look like their competitors’ bikes, so they shortened the wheelbase, etc. They clearly did the pillion seat as an afterthought, which is strange when the GS has been known as a great pillion bike. No matter how often I look at it, I hate the headlight. Yes it’s distinctive, but I’m not sure it’s a good. Would you pop out and do some night riding, please? The RT lights are superb.
I saw a white 1300 at my local dealer. It had a very subtle decal kit which made it look bigger to the point I thought it was the new adventure. It looked great, but I’m thinking if BMW want an easy fix and to offer true choice, perhaps they should bore out the old 1250 to 1300cc for the new adventure. (I don’t think the new engine will fit in the old frame). That way the purists can still have their “classic” GS, and BMW save on development work.
BMW did not shorten the wheelbase. Wheelbase R 1250 GS is 1.514 mm and 1.518 mm (!) for the R 1300 GS. So the 1300 basically looks smaller that the 1250 but in reality it isn't. Same with the weight: when equipped comparably they weigh about the same.
I always appreciate the videos from Mrs. Flyer's perspective. Although my wife doesn't spend much time as a pillion, she has watched a few videos. We need to get her some better kit and then maybe she'll be more apt to spending more time on the bike with me.. Thanks for the great videos!
Yes she has to have at least as good kit as you have!
@@TheMissendenFlyer 100%👍
Mrs Flyer sounded fair and thorough in this comparison. My guess is the grab handles will ultimately tip the scales in favor of the 1200. Added bonus points for not allowing “someone” to speak over her words. Excellent teamwork from the MissendenFlyer staff.
Excellent, very useful video with your wife making very important points! These Motorrad people need to have both of you at their design, research centre in Germany!
Nice earner from time to time 👌👌
Great content from Mrs Flyer 👍 (you were ok too Andy 😁) maybe when yer getting yer shoulder done Mrs F can take over 😂 Really great content folks, as someone who takes a pillion this is invaluable, thank you both 👍
Thank you!
What a great idea for a review 👍 Mrs Flyer makes an important point regarding the fork dive on the Tiger 900. I am riding a Tiger 900 at present and find the fork dive (even under moderate, but definitely under harder breaking) quite tiring even as the rider. That will be a very important consideration when I change my current 1250GS, noting I'm not excited about the thought of the 1300.
Glad it was helpful!
You could really only get opinions like Mrs F from an experienced pillion, which she clearly is. What great attention to detail when she mentioned the position of her shoulders. That uncomfortable position would soon take it's toll on a longer day or two's riding tour. Be great to hear her thoughts after a longer ride. Cracking video MSF
Thank you for watching and for the kind words!
Pillion wheelies are ace Andy 🤣 i used to go on the back of my mates blade and gixxer massive wheelied =massive fun! 👍
Not so much when you’re not expecting them!
Nice on this one Andy. My first reactions to the pillion accommodation is that it’s way smaller then the R1250GSA.
Not directly smaller but shorter and we got some headbumps on the new one. Also I agree with your ms regarding the seat on the new GS. It’s much harder and also with a different angel so you feel pushed forward a bit.
Glad we concur!
He only has the one angel 😂
Enjoyed the perspective from both the rider and passenger…can’t say I’ve seen a review from that perspective before. I’m always so bloody nervous two up :)
Thanks for watching!
This is a really brilliant review on an important subject .. I am buying the R1300 GS especially so that my partner can come for rides out… she is not an experienced pillion !!!! I expect 60% of riding will be solo ..
Enjoy!
Thanks tmf's , insightful review.
I don't honestly think I'll ever be a pillion again , but if I had to choose it'd be the 1200GS it looks way more comfy (that is unless there's a rear seat option for the 1300)
As a Tiger 900 gtpro owner coming from previous owner of 4 GS's, the first thing I noticed was the fork dive Mrs flyer mentioned, I noticed a youtube video mentioning this and it's as simple as adjusting the front forks to sport setting, still dives a little but nothing like it was from the factory setting. Just thought I would mention this as the Tiger 900 is a great bike. Good to get comparisons for pillions not every youtuber do these, keep up the good work.
Yes, I agree here. I also found a lot of fork dive when first riding the bike. For me it was bringing in a little more rear brake to balance the bike more. This also stops a whole lot of diving. I've watched the test ride you previously did, and while I used to experience what you demonstrated, I no longer get that.
Great info and advice - thanks for that!
I’m surprised you’re not both more comfortable and at ease, riding as 1. Her embracing you, rather than the grab rail. All praise to Carol for not losing it through all your interruptions. Let the girl finish what she has to say.
Great to get a pillion view from your better half, it's something that's crucial if you're touring 2 up and often dealers won't allow a pillion on board. Mrs Bazza never had a problem with the pillion comfort on my GS and is a similar height to Carole too so height could well be important. Hope your shoulder's up to doing some decent milage on the 1300 so she can give a definite answer.
Sadly it’s not 😔
Really good perspective from mrs flyer, Im in the market after selling my multistrada 1260s, been looking at both the 1250 and the 1300, fiona loved the 1200 when i tried one a few years back
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Mrs Flyer.....
You're welcome
My feeling is that soft seats often give the false impression of being more comfortable. However, on longer trips soft seats tend to sag too much and have a tendency to lock you into a specific seating position. In general I prefer a firmer seat over a seat that is too soft.
Loving the double act Andy, think Mrs F out shined you just a little. It’s great to see her getting involved in some of your videos, I know she is not a big bike rider yet but maybe as an idea she could put out a bike review video on a smaller bike. 😊
Thanks 👍
"I have the check engine light on, but don't worry about that". Famous last words.
Thank you, Mrs Flyer.
Yeah! I’m still trying to get my dealer to sort it out!
Thanks very much to the both of you for confirming my preconceptions! Now I'm waiting for the full review.
But I was a bit astounded by the remark regarding the softer seat of the 1200. From a cyclist's point of view the plush seats are never the ones that are comfy in the long run.
Oh, and by the way, didn't you have wheelie control activated?
Love having Mrs Flyer on the show! She’s wonderful! Curious if Mrs Flyer ever rode on the back of the Multistrada V4S, and if she noticed the fork dive like on the Tiger. Thank you both!
Yes she has ridden on the back of the V4S - didn’t mention the fork dive so much as a lack of space compared to the GS.
Great to get feedback from the real authority on motorcycles... Thank you missus flyer 😂
No problem 👍
Thanks for this - really interesting. Back in ye olde days my other half and I did a lot of European touring on a VFR800 - initially she disliked it but I then found a product that is essentially a belt with handles on it that the rider wears and the pillion just grasp the handles as and when they want to - a far more natural position for the arms and also allows them to brace against you when slowing down. Transformed the experience for her and, like some of the other comments describe, she often managed to nod off. That said, it does appear that the 1300 might be a retrograde step for pillions… 😢
Yes I remember those!
Excellent summary by Mrs. Flyer! I was wondering if you were hoping for the 1300GS to be a hands down winner.
I was!
Yet another excellent comparison video, the grab handle issue would be sufficient to make my decision but regarding the seat being softer it is fair to point out that the 1200 has had some ageing and mileage which will always soften up a seat no matter how firm it is on first ride. Great to see some intelligent analysis for once too!! (Only kidding 😀)
Thanks for the review. Really good to get this type of information.
Having seen the new GS1300 next to the GS1250 at my local dealer the 1300 definitely looks smaller and I wondered how that would affect the rider / pillion space and comfort.
In your case I wonder if the lower (rider) seat is effectively leaving the pillion more exposed. Then again I believe that you also have a lowered seat on your GS 1200.
On my GS with the standard seat, in the lower of the two positions, my wife appears to be seated much more in line with me.
Yes both bikes have the low seat…
at 3;54 'getting the bike off the side stand with Mrs Flyer on the back ' What? i'm suprised a rider off your experience is apparently unaware of the safest procedure for getting your pillion on board . Right up there with ' I will get that engine mis- fire and cutting out problem looked at when we have flown home ' Priceless.
Thanks for watching….
Good vid from a pro pillion rider
🤙
Agreed problems ahead with grab handles med view : they invite RSInjury, BMW must have omitted proper ergonomic testing here so easy to fix and missed
Defo more Mrs Flyer!! She must get her own bike and vlog!
She has her own bike!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Fingers crossed for more to come