The MAM Journals - BMW R1250GS V Suzuki GSX1000GT
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- Опубліковано 21 тра 2024
- Sports Tourer versus Adventure Tourer . Lucky enough to have both I have found it incredibly difficult to definitively answer the question "so which one do you like best?". "It depends", isn't much of an answer .
I thought the best way to finally get off the fence would be to list ten criteria , appropriate to OUR touring needs , and score each bike out of ten . Clearly we are all different and what we look for, in a touring bike, is as well. I have no doubt that some would have chosen different criteria and scored the bikes higher or lower.To keep the video to less than 30 minutes , I have also excluded some features and characteristics which I have already commented on in my individual reviews of each bike but have included links to these below.
I was surprised by the result . I am sure it will provoke a lively debate...
One of the videos on the R1250GS can be found at • The MAM Journals -1000...
One of the videos on the Suzuki GSX1000GT can be found at • The MAM Journals - Suz...
Other MAM Journals can be found at • The MAM Journals - Авто та транспорт
Watched it twice. First time 5 months ago and again just now. I find myself considering the GT. Thanks.
Both good bikes but good in different ways . Suzuki have just launched the GX version which has electronic suspension and more spacious than the GT . We are spoilt for choice 👍
I think you missed a few categories. Cost of purchase and running cost which tend to be important to most riders.
I have definitely chosen some categories that others may consider irrelevant and not included some that they consider important . I suspect most know that the Suzuki is cheaper to buy and run - which it is 👍 Not one of my criteria though and I wanted to base it on riding / use . You make a fair point .
Best comparison review I have seen. Well done. It would be the Suzuki for me based on massive price difference.
Thank you Chris . The Suzuki is very good value for money . 👍
Absolute proof, we're all different and there is no such thing as the ultimate bike! Great film, thanks for sharing it with us, ride safe! Cheers.
Thank you Anton . Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Michael. As ever a thoughtful and independently minded review. I have the GT and enjoy it a lot. Really the only issue for me - and others have commented on it too - is the gearing. Revs at 70mph are too high. Another reviewer has pointed out that gears 4,5 and 6 are very( too) close together. It would be better for me if 6 th were an overdrive but not sure this is in the Suzuki lexicon. Great review.
Thanks Stephen. Glad you enjoyed it . I agree . 5000 revs at 70 mph / 120 kph is right in the early buzz zone . Some have changed the sprockets to move it down but on balance , I can live with where it is . I suspect, if our daily mileage was higher when we tour , I would change it too . That said , it remains one if my favourite bikes . Looking forward to trying the new GX 😂
Hi Michael. As an owner of a 1250 Adventure, I was dissapointed with the Quick shifter at the beginning. I hence didn't use it much. After a while I felt it getting smoother and smoother and I used it more. just over 25K on the clock it really has immensly improved. i like and use it now as It is fun to use. The schifts became noticeably smoother over time with usage. Love it now!
Thank you . I have only ridden 4500 miles on my GS so hopefully it will improve over time . The torquey nature of the engine does of course make gear changes less necessary but I do have a preference for fast , slick gearboxes . I do have a lot of respect for some of the BMW’s other characteristics and think it is a very capable bike . I hope this came across 👍
Love your vids and only wish you made more. Also amazed at how clean you get your bikes, they look like they’ve just come off the production line.
Thank you . I like to test , research and think about the bikes before I make a video which does limit how many I can make , the way I want to make them . Glad you like them 👍
A most informative video, certain to be a great help to someone considering either bike. The market is packed with great bikes, we are spoilt for choice. I think we have to be honest with ourselves about what we want in a bike but wow that's difficult when dazzled by all the shiny new bikes!! I'm lucky I own the bike that suit's how I ride now. More video's soon please 👍
Yes indeed. We are in a golden age of motorbikes . So many good ones to chose from 👍👍
Thanks for sharing this,mate! I have to admit you are the first person who puts the "cleaning" point in the review. Like the video, keep riding and be safe.
Thank you. I recognise that , to some , cleaning is irrelevant but it is one of the criteria I judge my bikes on , so included it 👍
Excellent as always.
Thank you Simon . Appreciate it 👍
This has made my day, the gs is out of reach for me so to get it compared to what will soon be my new bike has made me feel even more grateful. Also love that you want to keep your bikes clean! Great video, CHEERS 👍🏻🙌😎
Have fun with the new bike . Just riding to Scotland on mine at the moment . A nice 1000 mile + trip . 👍
@@michaelmam i hope we will be lucky enough to see some of the trip, bonny scotland is definately on my radar. I haven't YET been on a bike. Enjoy and stay safe! 👍🏻😎
Thanks for the wideo keep on doing them.👍I been an owner of both of them. I love both of them but in the long run i love the BMW more just because its just so allround and the quality feeling , I never get tired on driving it as i can be after several ours touring on the Suzuki.
Great real world review, really enjoyed your observations. Thumbs up on the great content you provide.
Thank you Steve . Glad you enjoyed it .
Great objective review and a polished delivery 👍. Plus the buns of “dance of the seven veils!” Haven’t heard that in years 😂😂😂
😂👍
Great comparison video like yourself I thought one would be ahead of the other and my choice was that the Suzuki would win easily. I did not expect that result it shows how good both bikes are at touring.
Thank you Rick . Very different but both good .👍
Interesting to hear your thoughts Michael. Thanks
Thank you . I am sure there will be very different views out there . I suspect I might be quite unusual in actually liking both bikes . Some GT owners wouldn’t give a GS garage space and a lot of long term GS owners wouldn’t entertain anything but a GS . One for the neutrals 😀
Very thoughtful and organized content. Really enjoying your stuff. Keen to see your thoughts on the 1250 RS and v100 Mandello
I am hoping to try the RS soon . The Mandello is a little more niche so I am not sure if I will get access to one of those ? I am an enthusiastic amateur rather than a professional reviewer so do not get access to access to the manufacturers test fleet . Probably wise as I am not great at saying the right things 🤔😂
Great review...both great GT,s...surprising but pleasant scores...cheers
Well done Michael! Great video, I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. When my banker allows I will have both as well.
😂 We all need the support of a good banker .. Glad you enjoyed it 👍
I agree both very nice bikes, but surely a touring bike with a shaft drive has got to be a winner and as you like to keep your bikes clean again a shaft makes sense. Nice to have the option of two very nice machines though. Happy touring
Thank you . Appreciate you taking the time to comment . I don’t mind shaft drive - they are as you point out, cleaner but the majority of my bikes are chain drive . 👍
Thanks for doing it , I’ve owned a Gs1200 , a suzuki gsx-s & then a Hayabusa gen 3 . I tour across Malaysia to Thailand from Singapore & I’m planning on getting a Suzuki GT next. Almost 40 000 SGD cheaper but will be almost comfortable on the road , effortless power .
Thanks Michael
Enjoyed that Michael thank you, an interesting outcome.
As you are aware some of us were speculating on the Verdict.
Thanks Ady . It was always a close call for me . I thought doing it the way I did would separate them but the reality , for me , is that the bikes ARE different but equally good .
If you included price, then there would be only one winner....
I love your videos thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching!
I have the Suzuki. Its a great machine. Also, where I live the BMW costs 100% more than the Suzuki (180.000 DKK vs 360.000 DKK), so the fact that the Suzuki can go head to head with the BMW is very impressive to me.
For the tours that we do , the bikes are equally capable . As alluded to during the video for much longer tours I suspect the BMW would be more comfortable . Both very good bikes and the Suzuki , even with the touring pack , great value .
Why ? This BMW uses 30 year old suzuki variable cam tech. Only BMW made it more unreliable by putting electronics inside the engine. You better not be using it for long travels after warranty. There is no way BMW shift cam is going to be reliable with electronics and plastics inside the engine.
The apparent incomparable options was compared.
Brilliant.
Cheers.
😂
I did enjoy watching this, thank you.
Thank you Shane . Glad you enjoyed it . 👍
Excellent review. You have deserve mu Sub. Best regards from Serbia 🇷🇸.
Thank Youuuu Michael, your unique way to describe/review every bike is stunning, unbiased and real. Please describe/review Honda Africa Twin(I own a 2023 ATAS as well and have been thinking about the GS and its infinite torque 😍😍😍 after tested it🤣🤣🤣). Congrats
Very welcome . Glad you enjoyed it . I am sure there are riders of both GT’s and GS’s that don’t agree with me but that is of course , their right . I can only ever review a bike from my perspective and on the basis , that I use it . 👍
Interesting comparison and assessment 👍
Thank you . We will all have different views but hopefully , my views will help some 👍
Great comparison video.
Thank you . I am sure a few will disagree with my scores and criteria , which is fine , but it certainly helped me understand why I like both albeit in different ways ..👍
@@michaelmam of course, we all have different opinions about motorcycles but people have to remember this is just your view based on owning both motorcycles.
Looking forwards to the Autumn then. Ride safe.
Thank you . 🤞 September 👍
Well those Germany's sure got that engineering thing down but only my grandma Todd could stand looking at it! lol Maybe because she wasn't the prettiest thing but golly did she take care of me and I loved her so much. Now only 200 miles a day? So when you come over to the states you better get a extended stay visa! One day the Miss's needs to do a video on the joys of ridding two up! I knew it your a closet Suzuki clean nut! Lovely as always Michael
😂 Always good to hear from you Leigh . 175 -250 miles a day is based on there being bends in the road …we have a lot of them over here and I tend to avoid motorways/ interstates , where we can 👍
Hi I so wanted the Suzuki to win heads down, unless your going off road then yes the BMW, but no one ever does. The Suzuki has my vote everytime.
I really love my GT and completely respect the BMW . A very capable bike . Glad you like your GT. I suspect I am unusual in actually liking both ...👍👍
I’ve put 78000 miles on a GS but I am a Suzuki fan. Their gearboxes & motors are top draw.
Interesting. I have a Suzuki GT and i am changing for the GSA . Love the Suzuki, done some mods and it looks great. However, the BMW after a 3 hour ride sold it. Funny the same cost to service, in fact the GT is a bit more annually. Warranty is thr same , so is insurance for me. So i didn't see it as a more expensive bike. Parts, yes, but its under warranty.
Both great bikes . Have fun 👍
Excellent and surprising comparison. Thank you. I think Suzuki has a few simple things to do to make it great. Just a better spec out the door so I don’t have to upgrade anything. But until they do, I’ll wait.
Be interesting to see if they upgrade next year . My experience is that no bike specification is perfect for all of us, particularly when you factor in price . 👍
Fantastic video! As a GT owner, I commend you on your charitable words regarding Suzuki MySpin. I don't use it, and likely never will.
😂 Thank you . Glad you enjoyed it !
I went from a 2006 vfr800f do it all to the gsxs 1000gt.
I thought it would be almost like for like other than the power.... Was I wrong or what.. everything from riding style to fuel economy is so much better on the Suzuki.
More gsxs 1000gt comparison videos required on you tube... Michael MAM is leading the way
Sounds like you are enjoying your GT Keith ! We have found it a nice balance . Sporty , upright and comfortable and can carry what we want. I think others that tour , but aren’t looking for a huge carrying capacity , would do well to include it in their possible list .. hence the video . I agree . Other comparisons would be good 👍
Another suggestion: have you thought about weighing the scoring categories according to importance? i.e. something important (like engine) might be scored out of 10, whereby something less critical (such as ease of cleaning), might be scored out of 5. Just an idea that might make the scoring system more accurate in the final tally. Thanks, love your calm and considered presenting style!
I certainly accept that I could have used a more sophisticated scoring system and weighting is a common methodology in market research but I am not planning to use a SIMALTO scale anytime soon . 😂. They are just opinions with a sample size of 1 (me) . Hopefully people enjoy them and find it interesting . Good to hear from you 👍
Thanks for sharing. I have similar situation - GS and Tracer 9 with touring package. Also think that Yamaha just a great sport tourer for lower price and probably better fun factor. Where GS is a machine for any road condition with plenty of comfort. For me it shows that you can enjoy touring for much more friendly budget, but certainly there is nothing like GS.
There are lots of good bikes that you can tour on . The GS is probably the most popular 👍
Thanks for the video Mate🙂
Welcome . Always good to hear from you . 👍
Very interesting review. I think Suzuki is very good regarding its price and real day performance. It also might be easier to service on...
Suzuki dealers will normally have lower hourly charges than BMW ones ! Not sure about the hours required but taking off the fairing is an acquired art 👍
The BMW was never a contender for me with my preferences being between the Kawasaki Z1000SX vs this Suzuki.
Loved the review nonetheless as it gave me an in depth appraisal of the Suzuki
Thanks
Welcome ! I tried a SX before buying the GT . Both good bikes and , for me , the GT edged it with its slightly smaller dimensions and more lively engine .
Interesting comparison. I have a 1000GT and really like it. I agree with pretty much all your observations but I actually like the looks, subjective I know. But, the gearing ! As you say, 5000 rpm at 70 seems high and I too look for a 7th gear. At these revs it is a touch buzzy and I know that this is less than half it's maximum revs but it feels like it could easily pull a higher gear. You get used to it though.
Thanks for watching Ron . As you rightly say , looks are subjective . I scored both bikes a 7 which to me is “OK” . I really like my GT too .I have done 6000 miles on it . 👍
Super well done mate! I agree 100%. But I have one category that you might have mentioned and that is Owner maintenance. You know,... oil & filter change, chain lube ( or lack there-of) etc. Seems like the BMW would win by two points. And when it comes to valve adjustment... the BMW would win by 5 points. ....at any rate... thats my take.... FWIW & YMMV of course!
Now for those well healed to just drop it off at the dealer and pick it up a week later and not minding their bill-fold considerably lighter... I would venture a guess ... that maintenance is a non-issue..... and Bobs your Uncle !
Glad you enjoyed it David . I decided to keep money out of it but you are right . The GT is less money to buy and to service . Not yet sure what a 3 year old one with a few touring miles will be worth ? Have fun 👍
Interesting comparison, I have a 2008 Suzuki 1250 Bandit and when I try to imagine which bike I would like to replace it with (if I actually wanted to) I can’t decide. Like you said, I would be choosing for the capability I need and not the looks. I very much like Suzuki’s, they seem to meld with my desire for a common sense machine.
I am just planning a short , 1000 mile 250 a day , trip on the Suzuki for the end of the month. Perfect for me , for that . 👍
What was your previous sport tourer and if you don’t like the looks of the gs, how far down the line did you get with any of the multistradas? Or could you sell them both for a s1000xr? Glad to see you’ve chosen Michelin R6’s as I too changed to them on my 1000sx. Happy to see this comparison review as everyone else sticks to type. Thank you once again.
Hi Gavin. Although I do have a couple of Ducati’s , the multistradas have always been a little too tall for me to feel comfort two up . I did consider the SX when I bought the GT but , for me , the Suzuki dimensions just edged it . Like the BMW nakeds too . Just bought an M1000R - which is 🤪
Michael, you bought the new M1000R…? Did I miss that video(s)? Jealous, it’s a stunning bike.
@@pbofan 😂ssh .. haven’t made the video yet . Next series 👍
@@michaelmam Excellent -- looking forward to it!
Actually Michael, I was talking about you trying the BMW 1000XR, a hybrid adventure bike.
The Suzuki GSX1000GT is one I'd consider as a potential sport touring motorcycle, if I ever decided to get rid of my KTM 1290 SAS. I agree with you on the looks. I see a bullhead (fish) and cannot unsee it! I'd love to be able to demo one soon.
The GT is a good bike . Very pleased with mine. Hope you get a demo soon .
Is that 190 or 180 rear Michelin? Thanks in advance. Nice series on GixeS GT btw :)
On the Suzuki ? A 190 /50 👍
Thanks for the video .. which GIVI inner bags did you go for ?
Just had a look and the bags aren’t labeled and I throw the invoices away once I know they are ok . From memory they are the 35’s that fit the givi side pannier . They are shaped , which suits the GT boxes , rather than square . They weren’t expensive but they do work 👍
@@michaelmam great thank you
Great comparison 😂 who would dare to compare a GS to a 4 inline, but you do, and obviously you love both. I was suprised you onky gave a 7 for handling in the GS, because I think it handles very, very good, I would give it a 9. Almost 10 if it wasnt that bulky. I love your brutal honesty, calling them both fuckly 😂😂😂
Thank you . It was fun making it but as you rightly say not the most obvious of comparisons . My only defence is that I use both for the same thing 😂 . On the handling I scored the sports tourer ahead of the adventure as it is just that little bit more dynamic . Both bikes are compromises - they have to tour ? I would score my M1000R a 9 on handling but won’t be touring on it anytime soon . Wouldn’t have any fillings left 😂👍
The problem with the BMW is that it's a Poser Bike that means you're paying & paying & paying for features that you'll never use. The Suzuki delivers great value for money & doesn't have lots of expensive gimmicks (mainly the huge amount you pay just for the tank badge on the BMW) that you will never use. A TINY amount of BMW GSs actually go off ANY paved surface. Why pay (& pay & pay) for a GS? It'd be like buying the Suzuki & also a Kawasaki KLR650......& never riding the KLR. That'd be considered crazy & yet this is what people end up doing when they buy a GS.
😂 I meet “posers” on all sorts of bikes . Each to their own ..
I can think of prettier bikes to pose on so that can't be true.
This a very complimenting test for the Suzuki.
If you stay on nice tarmac roads, somehow this comparison is possible.
The room for two people. Comfort wise by my point of view is so different in the end of a day riding. If I choose to travel on the GSA or on the RT, I receive no complaints, but if I choose to do it on the SDGT or even on the R 1250 RS, my wife start questioning the choice…
I saw that yo use touring tyres on both, they seemed to be Michelin pilot road 5 or 6, which are fabulous tyres, excellent choice.
I loved all my Japanese bikes. But with the years I got more demanding.
Today, I ride only BMW’s. The Bikes are better than average and the Service policy is perfect for what it is meant. The boxer engines won me. BMW’s, four and six cilindres engines are good too, but the thing I became to appreciate more and more with the riding experience is the boxer engines. Although the quick shifter technology associated is not brilliant but as I got used to do it up from third gear to the six, I don’t miss it too much relatively to my S1000 XR, that is “spot on” in that particular feature.
Once again, thank you for for the comparison video👌🏻
Thanks for sharing your experience .. it sounds like you have done a fair bit of touring and got it down to how you like it 👍
@@michaelmam “It took me a Lifetime” to achieve this stage. Sometimes I have that old verge of speeding , so once in a while I book a track day and bring all that stuff out of my system, but it’s becoming more and more a day where some friends that share this passion get together and 2/3 of the time is preliminary prep’s and post visualization of the videos taken with a drink at the side😊
But whenever I can, I go out, one Bike only, for a motorcycle touring escapade with my wife and we get our bit of adventure ride, twice a year, excluding weekends of three days which we do frequently. Got keep on moving, till we have time to do it properly and happy.
Thank you for replying to the comment
Really like the Suzuki but I would probably go for the... Kawasaki Z1000SX.
Nice comparison, cheers.
Very welcome . Thank you for commenting .
I tried the Kawasaki at the time I bought the GT . A good bike . The dimensions of the suzuki just suited me better 👍
I heard from a experienced rider that any iPhone holder must have a damper on vibration other wise the vibration will damage your camera. It'll be interesting to check with BMW if the satnav holder has a damper as the manufacturer PUSH.
I heard that too . 👍 I am using my old iPhone , just in case 🤞
Good video, but I have to question your scoring methodology. Taking a score of 5 as average, why would you rate the BMW a 6 (i.e. above average) in ease of cleaning, when you admittedly state that it is the hardest bike to clean that you own? Seems a score below 5 would be more appropriate. That small point stated, I do want to say that I enjoy your videos, keep it up!
😂and there you have the subjective nature of quantitative scales .. . Follow your logic, of course . With 10 being the best and 0 the worst , it could have been 0. I was more subjective . My average was 7.5 , so 6 made the point ..👍
Interesting comparison. The bikes are different enough to have both. The high revs of the Suzuki at moderate cruising speed (5000 rpm at 70 mph) is disappointing for a bike that is marketed as a sports tourer and I would have to think twice about buying one for this reason.
Not hard to change a sprocket.
A few owners change the gearing . I have got used to it - its a high reving, exciting 4 cylinder engine . My garage is populated virtually equally with Fours and Twins so clearly I like both ..
5000k for an I4 is not particularly high revving. Funny thing is, I've never had a bike that I haven't tried to shift into 7th. Probably the main purpose of a gear indicator on the dash: You can stop now.
Being 190 cm, a GS style ride position and legroom is the only option. You must be shorter to fit the suz
Yes . 172 cm
Totally different bikes, which should reflect in the price, when purchased,
1,Running costs,
2, service & there intervals,
3, warrantee,
Suzuki is giving up to 7 years if serviced buy them ,
4 ,reliability, if you have had any issues in the time of owning the bikes apart from the pannier lock,
If so price difference for any work, if out side the warrantee,
I agree . The Suzuki is cheaper to purchase and the new 7 year warranty , if serviced with them is a good innovation . I think another manufacturer has just introduced the same scheme . Both good bikes and although different , we use them for the same thing . 1000-2000 mile tours . 👍
BMW offer a 5 year/30,000 mile service pack for £1090 which I think is pretty good value. That is all parts and labour excluding consumables like brake pads, tyres but includes valve services. The Suzuki 7 year warranty extension is innovative but if you do high mileage each year could prove costly, the mileage based service intervals on the Suzukis are woeful.
On all the Japanese bikes I've owned after the first year I do an annual oil and filter change and that's it. Never had anything go wrong. Apart from purchase price of the bike and one first basic service the dealer doesn't get to see my wallet. I know people spend a fortune to keep their BMWs running paying main dealer prices.😂
@@splodge5714 that’s the way it rolls with my CB1100EX. 👍
Had 850GS for 12 month, and got 2023 GSX, and from an excitement point of view Suzuki wins hands down, I'd describe as GSX you riide, GS takes you for a ride. both great bikes, both comfy, BMW better electronics but realized that not for me.
So many good bikes to choose from ! We are lucky 👍
If you're using your phone for navigation, it is phone navigation which relies on phone connection, sat navigation relies on satellites which is a big difference in west Texas where phone connections are not reliable, satellite navigation is far and away the best way to navigate in far away places!
Can't you download maps in your phone than? I navigate by phone and can switch off network connection and still navigate along.
There are phone apps that use sat nav, and work without a phone connection - ie offline. Osmand is one of a few.
I'd prefer the Suzuki but agree that its gearing is too low. 5,000 RPM at 70 is a bit daft.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment👍
Timestamps would be nice! I'm actually very interested in the Suzuki, I test rode it two days ago...
Which bikes are you considering ?
@@michaelmam I've been watching every news/video/article about the GSX-S1000 GT for more than a year now, the only thing holding me back is the fact my current VFR800X Crossrunner is still great, but I just want a more sportier riding. It would be a sidegrade, not an upgrade. I think I'll sell it in the coming months to get the Suzuki. I'm in Belgium, and in France right now the cases are sold for 1€ with new bike purchase, but not in Belgium; I'll wait for the usual sales on January if Suzuki does something. And if they update the bike for 2024 or not. Otherwise, I'm set on this bike. I had considered the Ninja 1000SX but don't like the colours and styling of it, and the more bent position, and the 15 more kg. Your video on it, together with the review from Big Rock Moto (Ian is wonderful) were super useful 🙂
@@G91YS sounds like you have done your research and have a plan 👍 Have fun . I am interested to see if there is a 2024 upgrade as well ..
Lucky guy
Yes I am 👍
What was the difference in purchase price between the two?
For me , about £2000 but I bought the GS privately with 300 miles on it . It would be more if comparing dealer new to new . The GT is definitely less to purchase and run . It wasn’t one of my chosen criteria as I think most already know this and I was focussing on riding and using it , for the sort of tours we do 👍
@@michaelmam as a friend of mine that rides a 1250GS puts it: "If you're ready to admit that you've given up and given in to being old then the GS is the bike for you!"
The Suzuki could be the bike for the rider in denial 😜 I've ridden both and think they're both great but the smooth inline 4 engine and amazing gearbox are my preference.
We are so spoiled for choice these days.
@@UpsideDownFork 😂. I suspect , on occasions , I fit all of those descriptions ! Still do 4 or 5 track days a year ( slowly ) which my chiropractor thinks is a brilliant idea .
Just swopped my 1000rr for an M1000R . Bonkers but upright .
More seriously , I agree , there are so many good bikes to choose from . We are lucky 👍
@@michaelmam I've also swapped from a sports bike to a super naked these days. Good fun.
@@UpsideDownFork I have the Suzuki, definitely in the latter "denial" category. I commute and do canyons with it.
Can you compare the bird with crocodiles, please
😂 We tour on both . Funny comment though 👍
GS engine cleaning - lots of gt85 and a toothbrush
For a new GS, I believe you got taken for a ride when they sold you a model with Halogen lights , instead of the usual LEDs, They sold you one with the supply chain issue 🤦🏻
😂 They have upgraded them , free of charge , as soon as the parts were available. Too cynical , by far …
@@michaelmam
Good to know👍 cause I picked that out right away
On the technology front the BMW has a 6-Axis IMU and the Suzuki doesn't, that is a major difference, but that is reflected in the price.
And electronic suspension . I gave the BMW the edge 👍
@@michaelmam Of course yes, I had missed that. Although I don’t think much of the suspension on my ‘23 Dynamic ESA. If I could of had manually adjustable suspension along with the rest of the technology that would have been just fine.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff It’s funny , we are all different and like different features . I like adjusting the height and damping electronically but respect it is not everyones “cup of tea” ..
@@michaelmam The automatic rear preload is a great convinience if you change your load regularly. I do find the binary damping choice on the GS (for the road modes) very limiting though, far too soft for many roads in "ROAD" and hopeless high speed damping in "DYNAMIC". Coming off a Tiger 1200 where every single rider mode could have one of nine damping settings the BMW is quite disapointing.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff I know exactly where you are coming from 👍
Upload more iconic bikes videos 🥹
I make the videos for fun and enjoy doing all sorts . A bit like my garage really . Sorry if this wasn’t your thing 👍
Motorcycling from the stockbroker belt.
😂 how would you know ?
I mow their lawns.
@@bananabrooks3836 😂 mow my own lawn 👍
New bike with bulb lamp, lolol 😂😂
Do you mean the BMW ? If so , they ran out of components during covid and fitted old lights . They offer a free upgrade now . Mine goes in for the change over, later this month ..
Only bikes I'd compare to GS are KTM and Ducati Multistrada, the rest is njjjjjaaaaaaa 👎👎👎👎👎🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱
😂 well you are an arsenal fan ..
@@michaelmam Yes sir 24 on 25 years now 🤣🍻
BMW luggage. Mmm. Let's talk about weight and eye watering price. And you need the scaffolding you need to mount it. That would change the score considerably.
The luggage IS expensive and the bike is considerably more than the Suzuki but having bought it , it was not the criteria I now judge it on . For me , It is better than the Suzuki luggage and I could definitely get more on the GS .
I recently paid €750 for the GS Vario panniers, brand new with lock barrels to match the ignition key. Zero scafolding required. That stacks up pretty well against all of the other suppliers by the time you buy the bike specific mounting systems. They are a little heavy I will grant, 10kg a pannier Vs 5kg a pannier on my Africa Twin.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Do they come with their own separate key if you do not order the lock barrels?
@@mifili64 No, you must purchase the lock barrels which are quite low cost (it’s a common design used by many manufacturers). You get a kit with multiple pins and you use your bike key to build the lock with the right mix of pins. It is a bit fiddly but the instructions are good and there are a few UA-cam videos on it. It was exactly the same when I bought my Africa Twin panniers.
The suzuki will lose for a vast majority of tourers for one main reason….low down balance and sheet grunt of the boxer engine be it a 1200 or 1250. The better tourer is probably the R1200/1250RS because you can load it up, ride down to Portugal, then remove the luggage and enjoy the sublime handling and the grunt of that engine. Yet it rarely ever gets a mention. Go figure…
I have ridden both bikes 1000’s of miles , two up .. this is my opinion . I still like the performance and sharp handling of sports bikes whilst respecting the capability of the GS . Both bikes are good for the type of touring WE want to do . Others , like you have different views , which is fine . Go figure 😂
@@michaelmam personal preference, no right or wrong answer but anyone not having tried an RS should.
@@ReferenceFidelityComponents I agree Paul . Lots of very good bikes out there and lots of different ways to ride and enjoy them . 👍
@@michaelmam👋 I really enjoyed your video! As having a pleasure of the r1200rs ownership... and taking into account what you are actually doing with your bikes... I think that RS should defo be on your list of bikes to try. I bet it could replace both of your bikes 😂 - so really cost effective and garage space efficient 😂
@@MickBla Thank you Mick . The local BMW dealer , North Oxford Garage has very kindly offered to lend me a few bikes for review and I am looking forward to having a few days on an RS . Owners speak really highly of them .
Not sure if you have watched my garage tour video from a year ago ? It is not quite up to date but illustrates that , in terms of bikes , cost effective and efficient are not my strongest characteristics 😂 ua-cam.com/video/RhoQUL71hgY/v-deo.html
Clearly, not all of your categories are of equal importance to you. If you add an “IMPORTANCE” multiplier (perhaps scoring the importance of each category from 1-3), you would get a more accurate assessment of each bike.
I thought about weighting but wanted to keep it simple . It is only one persons view, mine, and others will have different ones . Indeed some could say , for them , the categories are wrong . Interestingly I just put the scores down in less than a minute , producing an outcome that reflected my general impressions over the last few months . Different bikes but , for us , equally good .
Why would you even think of comparing those bikes.. One is an adventure/off road capable bike, the other a pure street bike...
We use both for exactly the same thing . Road touring .
@@michaelmam Which is even weirder as none of them are a touring bike....
@@dockingtroll6801 😂 troll on ..
@@michaelmam OK... if you were into touring you would have gotten the R1250RT instead of the GS or the ultimate in BMW the K1600GTL or gone the way I went and gotten a GL1800 Goldwing. The GS makes no sense in this context except.... Heyy Look.. I got a GS... With an awesome Enduro Mode incl disconnected abs, hightened/softened suspensions etc., Dont know what to use it for, but I got it ;-)
@@michaelmam totally agree with Michael on this one. I own the 2023 Honda Africa Twin Adventure ES manual, and only rides 25 kms every day from home-work-home-groceries-home every day🤣🤣🤣, never seen dirt, gravel or sand. ROAD TOURING 🤣🤣🤣🤣
This comparison makes no sense one of them is a adventure dual sport bike and one of them is a sport touring bike no comparison you should compare sport touring bikes with sport touring bikes you should compare adventure bikes with adventure bikes that make any sense
😂. I tour on both . It makes sense to me and some have enjoyed it . Others , like you , don’t see the point .. which is fine .
You're right and you're wrong. You're right if you approach it from a bike-centered point of view. Certainly it makes more sense to compare bikes belonging to the exactly same category. You will know at the end which one is probably better. But you can also approach it from a rider/user point of view. What do you use your motorcycle for? Commuting? Sunday blasts? Weekends away? Motorcycle holidays with a lot of touring? Carving in the mountains? A bit of all that? If you see it that way, I can tell you from experience that you'll start considering several categories of motorcycles and in the end you will choose the one that best covers all of the different uses, it may excel in some of them but not in all, so you'll have to settle for a compromise. If you don't like compromises, you'll end up with several bikes and then again, if you tour you can only do it on one at a time. I tried both and ended with a sports tourer. It just suits me and my use better but I get it that others will choose an adventure bike for the same uses (in fact all my mates ride big adventure bikes) Cheers
@@carlosalonso9866 That is exactly how I see it Carlos. 👍👍
IMHO, you are Suzuki B
biased. That Suzuki is butt ugly, poorly designed and it was outdated as soon as it came into production.
If you actually compared 0:01 with a BMW sport touring bike I believe you would sell the Suzuki and never look back.
GS is for mixed terrain. Not for straight up roads.
Well we are all entitled to an opinion John 👍 I have tried quite a few of the BMW range and made the conscious decision to buy the Suzuki . I tried the Kawasaki as well , which is a good bike but the latest ones are just a bit too tall for me. I think the one bike I really do need to try is the R1250 RS. Not a huge seller but those that have them seem to really rate them . We did not like the RT. I rated the bikes as I see them but respect that others see it differently.
@@michaelmam RS is best bike I’ve ever owned. Try it, then put risers on……