I have owned 8 new Bee Ems over the past 30 years. RS's and RT's. I always hankered for a GS, but after testing one, decided to stick with an RT. I now have a GS, it's a 15000 mile 1996 model the last of the airheads and I love it to bits. Few electrics, no gismos, on the button every time just fab. But now, at 78 it's got a bit too bulky and has to go. Very sad, but I'm not stopping riding.
I’ve got an old 96 1100GS , absolutely love it , I recently did a trip from Kent to the NC500 , nearly 2000 miles , it did brilliantly , the later GS’s look to plastic’y and over complicated to me .
I just recently sold my 2011 GSA for an 1150 GS. I can’t tell you why, but the 1150GS just gives me more joy and more confidence. The GSA was too good maybe?
I feel similar about my 2016 R1200GS. New to me early this year, I don't see any need to "upgrade" to the more powerful (and heavier and more complicated) 1300. Everything you said about the bike I agree with. I believe it hits the "sweet spot," like you said, in terms of electronics and complexity. It has everything you need and nothing you don't. I do have the keyless ignition, which I don't necessarily like since I never know where to keep my key, but it came with the bike and I'm getting used to it now. Easy to maintain, as well, although spare parts prices in the US are massively inflated compared to Europe. Cheers from New Hampshire.
Greetings and thanks for commenting. Yes I can imagine spares are expensive in The States because they're pretty expensive here too. The best thing about having an older bike though is that there are good aftermarket alternatives however the biggest benefit of all is that independant shops can work on them so I don't have to pay main dealer prices for servicing.
Trust me, BMW parts prices are 50-200% higher, depending on the part, in most of European countries, compared to prices in USA. BMW is a premium brand, just like Audi, Mercedes, Porsche and so on... And just like any other premium brand, BMW also has disgustingly overpriced products.
I just "upgraded" from a 2007 BMW R1200 GS to a 2015 R1200GS. I actually bought the 07 brand new and the 15 is of course about 9 years old. The 2015 cost me only about $3K less than my 07 cost me band new. The 07 I bought with the Vario Bags and the 15 does have 3-4K in useful farkles so the 15 did have more - but it does show how much the bike has gone up in price. I can feel the greater weight - about 13 kilos (close to 29 pounds). And personally at this point I liked my 07 a little better - while lower HP it felt a little sportier. The 07 - IMO, was the best of the first generation 1200 - it dumped the Servo brakes and it hit that sweet spot before it began creeping up in weight after a big weight loss from the 1150 model. The 07 was also before the mini redesign in 08 that was not as good looking (IMO). But, I do love my 15 (and am falling more for it everyday).
Good review. Thank you. I started on a two stroke three cylinder GT550 in 1978 and just got myself a SV650. In Denmark your GS is four times as expensive as in the UK. Here the price of your used GS would pay for all my motorcycles I've had since 1978 plus my first car, - a Mercedes type 123! The SV650 is the best motorcycle I ever had. I'm retired, don't need a car and mainly use the SV650 for touring. Stay safe guys!
owned my 1150GS since new in 2000. Occasionally think about changing her but then I think why?? She still does big miles without fuss. Newer ones are great bikes but IMO just too much to go wrong and too expensive. Gave the old girl a present couple of months ago and replaced the 16 year old Wilbers with Ohlins. Lovely!!
What would be the best year/gen to buy? I don't want needless electronics, don't want tft screens or electronic anything. Push button is stupid, I know someone who drove away and left their key at home!
@roadwarrior8560 It's a big question and ultimately it's up to you. Airheads up to 2013 the lc after that. I prefer liquid cooled so 2013 to 2015 mostly don't have push button start. Manual suspension control is also available on some of the base models too. Some electronics are inevitable on more modern bikes
My first 1200GSA was a 2018 with analog gauges. I bought it in 2022 and specifically searched for the Adventure Rallye package with the analog cluster. I like simpler and the new TFT tech didn’t impress me. I am so happy with my LC/GSA and have no desire to upgrade to a 1250 or 1300. I like the iconic sound and design of the older 1200s. That being said, my first bike ever was a 2000 K1200LT. I loved the three button turn signal switchgear and, the six disc CD changer, and a reverse gear.
I have a very early 2013 LC . Magnificent bike . Interesting you say there are plenty of used , low mileage examples available , not in Australia , virtually every model BMW 2nd hand here has huge mileage . I was lucky to find this one with 44000kms a couple of years ago . Most are up around 100,000kms . I only ever buy used BMWs , let someone else take the depreciation hit , generally buy when they're about 3 to 5 years old . This would be my 6th BMW . Love the boxer engine I've had a few now .
It’s not just GS’s that we’re better 20 years ago. I’d say virtually all motorcycles were better a generation (or two or three) ago. 1990-2006 is the sweet spot for me. New and refined enough, but not yet overly complex and sensitive. And yes, I’ve owned many bikes through the years. YMMV, obviously.
Good to see I'm not the only one who forgets about the side stand 😊. It is not just older GSs that are better. Same goes for (almost) all bikes and cars. Totally different example: we use M-B Sprinters where I work. The old ones are better built, have less problems than the new ones. I'll stick with my '03 1150GS!
After 5 years and 30k miles I am now settled on keeping my 2015 GS. I feel like you that this version with the analogue dash hits a good balance of tech without too much complication. The only issue I have found is a personal one, I find dealing with some GS fanboy attitudes challenging. Other motorcycles exist! In fact i'm lucky I have a few others but the GS is staying. As a two up tourer it is superb. At 37k you are now in the bracket for the shaft drive recall. Interested to hear if the free replacement shaft drive offer survives contact with an actual dealer!
@bigsky7058 Thanks for commenting. Yes the drive shaft replacement has happened. No issue with the dealer other than a months wait to get in. Half a day with a courtesy bike and all done. No drama whatsoever despite the bike not seeing the inside of a main dealer for about 6 years.
I have an ‘07 GS, my third GS. I also own 4 other motorcycles, 2 Hondas and 2 classic Yamahas. I love them all, equally…but, my GS is my go to motorcycle and it gets more bum than the others. Eventually I’m going to have to upgrade it to a newer one but I do like the simplicity of the air cooled GSs. Great motorcycles all from the first R80 G/S to the latest GS1300. They are peerless in their niche!
I’ve had my 1200 gs 2015 for about 6 months , love it . I agree with you I love analog , my previous bike had tft , I now hate tft . I’m getting on a bit now but this bike still feels light to me and handles lovely , the only thing I disagree with is mine has keyless and I love it ( until it stuffs up 😂😂) thanks for your video great stuff . 👍🏻👍🏻
@@lizbarber3473 Thanks for you comment. You'll never convince me about keyless 😂. You still have to carry a "key" but you've nowhere to stick it (so to speak) and I know I'd just lose it or spend ages fumbling through my pockets looking for it. Safe travels.
@@Teuchteronabikelol where do you stick the key when you get off the bike? I have a 2015 GSA in the best color (olive green)😊 that I bought new. 34K on it now and it's been great. Key goes in breast pocket and I forget about it. Just like my car....I Thought about buying a new GSA, 1250, I don't care for the 1300. but decided to keep my 1200 and bought a M1000XR for something a little more sporty. I still love my GSA though, it would be the last bike I'd get rid of.
I agree, there comes a time when you realise they are taking the hit and miss with increasing prices for new bikes and of course the extras.If you’re happy with your current bike stick to it and get your money’s worth back!
Thanks for commenting. Yes, absolutely. My sweet spot will differ form someone else's. There comes a time when depreciation slows down to such an extent that you're losing nothing by holding onto a bike you love.
Let's face it the main reason you like the older bikes is that they are much cheaper than new (12:55),... Ye can save a canny penny... btw what's a fast split gear change?
@hgm8337 I truly feel that electronics are something that will go wrong. Electronics have a failure rate. Bolt them to something that is vibrating and exposed to the elements increase that failure rate (ask any garage). Those parts then need to be replaced and are most likely dealer only. It seems to me that vehicles are being sold with more and more tech which is difficult to fix and, in my opinion, totally unnecessary. It may be an age thing bit it's my view and debate is always healthy. My accent is obviously the issue "fast slick changes"
Unfortunately I can't really justify the cost or space of a second bike. The financial controller (wife) would take some convincing. I had a 600 ZZR back when they came out in the early 90s. Great bike but only had it 3 weeks and t-boned a car that pulled out on me. 5 weeks in hospital and scaffolding in my leg for life.
It is definitely not a sportbike. But, I think a bare naked GS with 130 HP set in dynamic mode can give you a pretty respectable hooligan riding experience. And yes i said "respectable hooligan" intentionally.
Came from a 2021 MT09SP to a 2019 1250GS. Best decision I have made. MT's are fun but I dont ride like that so never experienced what that bike could really do.
Interesting video. You make a big deal about electronics but the only thing that you really didn't like was the keyless ride. The 1250 does have a push button for the heated grips in the same place and the valve clearances are no more work than the 1200. I would have kept my 2017 1200 if it came with the TFT, i absolutely hated the clocks. I wasn't sure about the keyless ride but yet again once you have it is surprising useful. I dont want the 1300 and think that the 1250 is the sweetspot for the GS
@stuipooey1 Thanks for your comment. Yes I perhaps should have been more specific. Central locking on panniers (which, as it turns out doesn't work for long) Ride height assist (if you need a bike that lowers for you when you need to put your feet down it's too tall for you to start with) Then there are the things that make for poorer riders: Hill start assist (Really?) Blind spot warning (just do lifesaver che ks) Radar cruise control ( you should be paying attention to what traffic IA doing) This is a few examples.
I watched Fortnine's review of the 1300 GS and I admit to being intrigued by the evolution of the telelever to give more front end feel. Admittedly I am in my 50's now and do not ride (anymore) in a manner that vagueness from the front end feel caused by a telelever suspension when the bike is being pushed would bother me - but the engineering fix is really cool and intriguing.
I've been wanting a GS on and off since I test rode a 2015 model back in early 2016. I also got to ride an 800gs, and ktm 1190r Adventure r, 500exc, and 690r enduro unaccompanied on roads and jeep tracks that same day. The area was desert where I used to ride my full off road dirtbike. Didn't take the bigger ADV bikes on much single track, but the GS1200 really impressed on road, and it handled the dirt well for its size. Then about a year later I took a 2016 GS1200 out on a road-only test. Again, the 1200 impressed me with its comfort, power, handling. However, leaving the dealer on my own bike ('12 Speed Triple) immediately after the test a strong thought of: as good as that GS was, I personally would feel a bit deflated if it was my only bike. For me, the adventure bike off-road experience is us more of a "not much can stop me from getting to where Im going" and less an "weeeee!... This is fun in the dirt". Veing familiar with dedicated off road bikes, I coukdnt help but feel that riding a GS off pavement is an exercise in restraint, and acknowledgment of compromise. So for ne petsonally, the GS has a great purpose, but it is not unbridled trail joy: it is being an excellent touring bike. I'd like one as a more comfortable, shaftdrive bike to use when I go away on multiday rides. Ive been using a Ducati Supersport 939 with touring pack and it's not too bad for "touring" but a GS would be a better fit. I test rode the 1300 gs a couple months ago and have to say it was good, but can't really say I'd like it better rhan the watercooled 1200. Maybe riding the 1300 back to back with a 1200 would change my mind, but regardless, I'm fairly certain I would want something like my SS or similar category bike. So I'd have no problem picking up a nice second hand 1200 as basically a dedicated touring bike when I can finally afford a second bike again - hopefully/ maybe for my 65th B Day bext year.
@rogerdittus2952 Many thanks for commenting. Like youI see the GS purely as a tourer. I have absolutely no off road skill and the bike is too heavy to use for that purpose (certainly with my level of experience). There are much better off road bikes as you rightly point out. I think the trick, if there is one, is to find what suits you. If you can afford to buy a few bikes for different purposes then great but I've got a family to support so that's no an option for me. An older gs is about all I can afford but even with more funds I reckon I wouldn't change. Ride safe
@@Teuchteronabike Thanks man. I didn't mean to waffle on about my persaonal preferences as much as I ended up doing, but...slow morning so 😁 I agree with what you said in your video and also your comment above. And yes, the choice of bike is always a weighed one and bikes are so competent now that if someone likes one over another for whatever mix of personal reasons, they are the one who knows what's right. I have usually owned only one, or sometimes none since my first one in 1970 (Z50 MiniTrail). I like most kinds of bikes and the ultra bike snobs just make me laugh. Regarding the bad wrap some give the GS, this is so funny. I had friends with them in the US before I moved to N. Ireland several years ago and yes, some GS owners were a bit like "GSs are the only bike for me". But the GS haters are really odd to me - I've a few friends that would make anti-GS wisecracks but had never riddn one (as you mention in you video) and I'd said to more than one that they should ride one, they'd see why they are so popular and why so many are sold. They are that good at their design brief. Lastly, I have to say the roads in UK and ROI are amazing and I', glad I ended up being able to enjoy motorcycling in the British Isles. I've been to Scotland a couple times and love it - I've riden the passes from near Edinburgh where my in-laws live through Moffat to the ferry at Cairnryan and that country is beautiful. There we some decent roads back home, but over hear is (again, opinion) next level. Enjoy your rides, safe home, cheers.
When I originally bought my 07 (in 07) I did not want a GS, I wanted an RT. In fact my bike I had directly before the GS was the "light truck" (BMW LT) . But my best friend convinced me to try the GS and I fell in love. It did not make me an adventure tourer or off road rider - but it did expand what roads I was comfortable on - riding my LT on the dirt hard pack and gravel fire roads near me was really an adventure (I live on a dirt road so was pretty confident on the LT on maintained gravel/dirt hard pack). The GS just takes it like nothing. It is an all roads bike for me - certainly not an off roader. I have done the off road enough for me in this lifetime on much better suited bikes.
First GS I've owned is the '21 TE 1250. Love it for the low down weight, and have two driving modes on it: Dynamic and Dynamic Pro (Configured as Road with dynamic suspension). Pro is more used for motorways at higher speeds (which doesn't use lots of fuel), and Dynamic when I want to get quick off the lights or around twisties. Honestly not a fan of the exorbitant fees charged by the only dealer in Dublin, so I'll stick with my well-known mechanic and go from there. Cruise control is grand for long distance motorway driving. It's a grand one to use for commuting, and with Michelin Anakees on, there is a level of confidence around corners which beats the more road-oriented tyres. Yes, they are noiser, but wear ear plugs and enjoy the ride ye nutters. :) My previous bike was a Triumph Explorer, and I dropped it more times in 10 months than i have with any other bike since 2000. Too high level weight for commuting and maneuvring for parking. The BM reminds me of the old-skool Pan European 1200 akin to driving on rails. Screen was an issue, but the standard one on low (so I drive in free air) is perfect. Have I found my "forever bike", for now, yes. Most comfortable for long distances (don't need to sit side saddle on Iron Butt rallys), confidence inspiring on country corners (even with those random tractors coming round the bend), and just as nimble for daily commutes to work. For an upgrade I would look at the 1300 Adventure (love the Tonka look). But that's a few years down the road when the fix all the niggles, and only as 2nd hand.
Brilliant and thanks for such a great long comment. I have to say that the Republic is one of my favourite places to ride. Yes it's nice to look at and it has some great roads etc etc but the best bit is the drivers. It's the most bike friendly country of anywhere I've been. Yes main dealers are expensive but the benefit of having an older bike is that the issues are known ones, parts are more main stream and independent garages are more happy to look at them. If I went into the garage I use with a 1300 he'd tell me to get lost (most likely in much stronger language than that)
Loved my 08 GS for a while. Gearbox output shaft, shaft drive and multiple electrical issues that collectively cost north of 3k to fix means i wont go back to a GS again. The free shaft replacement BMW now do every 30k or so tells anyone all they need to know about these machines. I just dont trust them. My old 1150r however is probably going to outlive me and my son.
Thanks for commenting. Yes I've just had my drive shaft replaced. To be fair to BMW they're pretty good at owning up to issues and rectifying them, even in bikes like mine that haven't seen the inside of a main dealer once the warranty ran out. Ride safe.
Bmw have been good sometimes but sometimes theyre awful the servo brake issues on 04 to 06 models was totally ignored by bmw. My gsa 1250 is 2 years old in sept its had a number of warranty repairs but i do love it to bits
Ive had lots and lots of GSes, 1100 GS, 1150 GS, 1200 GS, 1250 GSA x2 and the new 1300 GS. I can honestly say that every single thing is better on the 1300 than on the prev models. To say that this and that is better on the 1200 is just a lill silly to me. To say "I like this or that better" is ofc another thing, but its not better.
@@Maurisimo4ever thanks for your comment. I'm completely certain that I did not state that it was better than any other bike other than the old oil cooled ones. The 1300 might be better in terms of ride but my point was that there is too much in the way of electronics on some of the newer ones. There was no comparison made with the 1300 at any stage in my video however in terms of cost, if a £25,000 plus bike isn't a hell of a lot better than a £6000 bike there is something very wrong.
Yes wait until it`s brake down. Then we can talk about. Motorcycle should me as simple as it can be. 1300 is over complicated and over engineered. Hill start assistance? Who in the world even need something like this? 70 years old crippled man?
@MujoNovak far more than that. 1. Issues that come up are known and have fixes 2. Do not have unnecessary electronics which either break (central locking panniers for example) or make poorer riders (hill start assist for example) 3. After market accessories (not BMW items) are available and are very often better than BMW options. Don't let the fact that I am Scottish fool you into thinking I am mean. I am happy to spend where necessary but not for useless accessories that either, I will never use or will break after a couple of years. Many modern bikes will become disposable items in the future due to the inability to be repaired, much like many cars have already become. No, I cannot afford a 1300 but even if I could, I wouldn't buy one as I don't reckon they represent good value. Finally.. "Poor shaming" as quite often happens with some owners gives credence to the GS rider stereotype of being arrogant entitled tossers with more money than sense. Not being in the same earning bracket as someone who can spunk up to 30 grand does not make someone a lesser person but also does not mean that they cannot enjoy riding a GS even if it's an older model which they, in actuality, prefer.
@@austinmatthews347 I did not know that this was a possibility. I will look into it but honestly using the navigator is a good compromise. I don't use the sat nav function because I quite like getting lost occasionally. I couldn't count the number of times I've discovered brilliant roads/scenery by taking a wrong turn 😂
@@Teuchteronabike ok well i am not sure if it needs to be a certain year 1200lc as you may be aware the 2018 my bikes had a tft as an option. From what i have seen on youtube it fitted straight on but needed to visit a dealer for some siftware update to get it all working it transformed the bike to a more modern machine one word of caution though if you do it get the security brace as well due to theives apparently pulling them off
@austinmatthews347 I don't think I'll bother. It's not worth the hassle and frankly my local BMW dealer is snowed under most of the time so getting it booked in to get it programmed would be a nightmare. It's one of the reasons, apart from cost, that I don't use them.
@@Teuchteronabike as you say yours has plenty of tech in all the right places and just because a new model comes out doesnt just render the old model shit as the reviewers would have you believe
I have the 1250 on a 19 plate Had it from new never had a problem with anything. done 28k on it & love it to bits. & will never upgrade to the 1300. & I was thinking the same as you at some point I will just get a newer 1250. Same same but different 😀
Thanks for commenting. Yes the "sweet spot" is very much subjective. I have ridden the 1250 and without doubt it is a great bike but, in my opinion, the upgrade from what I have wasn't worth the difference in cash needed to change.
Where I live we drive on the right hand side. Been driving BMW for more than 30 years. When I am on a roundabout and have to use the clutch because there's something happening in front, with the one button indicator it is impossible for me to start indicating that I will leave the roundabout. Simple can't reach the button with my hand when applying the clutch. With the old 3 button system, this was no issue at all. You could reach the buttons on both sides while applying the clutch. So... completely disagree on this.
You could operate the clutch and indicators at the same time, I loved it. I gave up on boxer GS's after having one or another continuously since 1984 when the 1200 evolved into an elephant. My twilight years of motorcycling are satisfied with a 700GS.
After using the 3 button setup for almost 20 years - when I upgraded to the 15 from my most recent BMW (an 07) a month or so ago I found it hard to switch. My muscle memory still messes me up on that one.
I have owned 8 new Bee Ems over the past 30 years. RS's and RT's. I always hankered for a GS, but after testing one, decided to stick with an RT. I now have a GS, it's a 15000 mile 1996 model the last of the airheads and I love it to bits. Few electrics, no gismos, on the button every time just fab. But now, at 78 it's got a bit too bulky and has to go. Very sad, but I'm not stopping riding.
I’ve got an old 96 1100GS , absolutely love it , I recently did a trip from Kent to the NC500 , nearly 2000 miles , it did brilliantly , the later GS’s look to plastic’y and over complicated to me .
I just recently sold my 2011 GSA for an 1150 GS. I can’t tell you why, but the 1150GS just gives me more joy and more confidence. The GSA was too good maybe?
I feel similar about my 2016 R1200GS. New to me early this year, I don't see any need to "upgrade" to the more powerful (and heavier and more complicated) 1300. Everything you said about the bike I agree with. I believe it hits the "sweet spot," like you said, in terms of electronics and complexity. It has everything you need and nothing you don't. I do have the keyless ignition, which I don't necessarily like since I never know where to keep my key, but it came with the bike and I'm getting used to it now. Easy to maintain, as well, although spare parts prices in the US are massively inflated compared to Europe. Cheers from New Hampshire.
Greetings and thanks for commenting. Yes I can imagine spares are expensive in The States because they're pretty expensive here too. The best thing about having an older bike though is that there are good aftermarket alternatives however the biggest benefit of all is that independant shops can work on them so I don't have to pay main dealer prices for servicing.
Trust me, BMW parts prices are 50-200% higher, depending on the part, in most of European countries, compared to prices in USA.
BMW is a premium brand, just like Audi, Mercedes, Porsche and so on... And just like any other premium brand, BMW also has disgustingly overpriced products.
For me the sweet spot is the twin cam 2010-2012 TU model the last of the air/oil cooled .
I have a 2011 - been all over Europe on and off road on it. Phenomenal!! 😎 🏍️ ⛰️
I just "upgraded" from a 2007 BMW R1200 GS to a 2015 R1200GS. I actually bought the 07 brand new and the 15 is of course about 9 years old. The 2015 cost me only about $3K less than my 07 cost me band new. The 07 I bought with the Vario Bags and the 15 does have 3-4K in useful farkles so the 15 did have more - but it does show how much the bike has gone up in price.
I can feel the greater weight - about 13 kilos (close to 29 pounds). And personally at this point I liked my 07 a little better - while lower HP it felt a little sportier. The 07 - IMO, was the best of the first generation 1200 - it dumped the Servo brakes and it hit that sweet spot before it began creeping up in weight after a big weight loss from the 1150 model. The 07 was also before the mini redesign in 08 that was not as good looking (IMO).
But, I do love my 15 (and am falling more for it everyday).
Good review. Thank you. I started on a two stroke three cylinder GT550 in 1978 and just got myself a SV650. In Denmark your GS is four times as expensive as in the UK. Here the price of your used GS would pay for all my motorcycles I've had since 1978 plus my first car, - a Mercedes type 123! The SV650 is the best motorcycle I ever had. I'm retired, don't need a car and mainly use the SV650 for touring. Stay safe guys!
A thing I must remember when selling my GS. Instead of Belgium, I might sell it in Denmark.
I have a 2014 gs and feel the same way, it hits the sweet spot, I love it.
owned my 1150GS since new in 2000. Occasionally think about changing her but then I think why?? She still does big miles without fuss. Newer ones are great bikes but IMO just too much to go wrong and too expensive. Gave the old girl a present couple of months ago and replaced the 16 year old Wilbers with Ohlins. Lovely!!
What would be the best year/gen to buy? I don't want needless electronics, don't want tft screens or electronic anything.
Push button is stupid, I know someone who drove away and left their key at home!
@roadwarrior8560 It's a big question and ultimately it's up to you. Airheads up to 2013 the lc after that. I prefer liquid cooled so 2013 to 2015 mostly don't have push button start. Manual suspension control is also available on some of the base models too. Some electronics are inevitable on more modern bikes
My first 1200GSA was a 2018 with analog gauges. I bought it in 2022 and specifically searched for the Adventure Rallye package with the analog cluster. I like simpler and the new TFT tech didn’t impress me. I am so happy with my LC/GSA and have no desire to upgrade to a 1250 or 1300. I like the iconic sound and design of the older 1200s. That being said, my first bike ever was a 2000 K1200LT. I loved the three button turn signal switchgear and, the six disc CD changer, and a reverse gear.
Me too, love the old gauges especially resetting the old trip meter before going touring or refueling !!
I have a very early 2013 LC . Magnificent bike . Interesting you say there are plenty of used , low mileage examples available , not in Australia , virtually every model BMW 2nd hand here has huge mileage . I was lucky to find this one with 44000kms a couple of years ago . Most are up around 100,000kms . I only ever buy used BMWs , let someone else take the depreciation hit , generally buy when they're about 3 to 5 years old . This would be my 6th BMW . Love the boxer engine I've had a few now .
It’s not just GS’s that we’re better 20 years ago. I’d say virtually all motorcycles were better a generation (or two or three) ago. 1990-2006 is the sweet spot for me. New and refined enough, but not yet overly complex and sensitive. And yes, I’ve owned many bikes through the years. YMMV, obviously.
Good to see I'm not the only one who forgets about the side stand 😊. It is not just older GSs that are better. Same goes for (almost) all bikes and cars. Totally different example: we use M-B Sprinters where I work. The old ones are better built, have less problems than the new ones. I'll stick with my '03 1150GS!
Thanks for commenting. Couldn't agree more. There seems to be more focus on electronic gizmos than build quality
After 5 years and 30k miles I am now settled on keeping my 2015 GS. I feel like you that this version with the analogue dash hits a good balance of tech without too much complication. The only issue I have found is a personal one, I find dealing with some GS fanboy attitudes challenging. Other motorcycles exist!
In fact i'm lucky I have a few others but the GS is staying. As a two up tourer it is superb. At 37k you are now in the bracket for the shaft drive recall. Interested to hear if the free replacement shaft drive offer survives contact with an actual dealer!
@bigsky7058 Thanks for commenting. Yes the drive shaft replacement has happened. No issue with the dealer other than a months wait to get in. Half a day with a courtesy bike and all done. No drama whatsoever despite the bike not seeing the inside of a main dealer for about 6 years.
I have an ‘07 GS, my third GS. I also own 4 other motorcycles, 2 Hondas and 2 classic Yamahas. I love them all, equally…but, my GS is my go to motorcycle and it gets more bum than the others. Eventually I’m going to have to upgrade it to a newer one but I do like the simplicity of the air cooled GSs. Great motorcycles all from the first R80 G/S to the latest GS1300. They are peerless in their niche!
I’ve had my 1200 gs 2015 for about 6 months , love it . I agree with you I love analog , my previous bike had tft , I now hate tft . I’m getting on a bit now but this bike still feels light to me and handles lovely , the only thing I disagree with is mine has keyless and I love it ( until it stuffs up 😂😂) thanks for your video great stuff . 👍🏻👍🏻
@@lizbarber3473 Thanks for you comment. You'll never convince me about keyless 😂. You still have to carry a "key" but you've nowhere to stick it (so to speak) and I know I'd just lose it or spend ages fumbling through my pockets looking for it. Safe travels.
@@Teuchteronabikelol where do you stick the key when you get off the bike? I have a 2015 GSA in the best color (olive green)😊 that I bought new. 34K on it now and it's been great. Key goes in breast pocket and I forget about it. Just like my car....I Thought about buying a new GSA, 1250, I don't care for the 1300. but decided to keep my 1200 and bought a M1000XR for something a little more sporty. I still love my GSA though, it would be the last bike I'd get rid of.
I agree, there comes a time when you realise they are taking the hit and miss with increasing prices for new bikes and of course the extras.If you’re happy with your current bike stick to it and get your money’s worth back!
Thanks for commenting. Yes, absolutely. My sweet spot will differ form someone else's. There comes a time when depreciation slows down to such an extent that you're losing nothing by holding onto a bike you love.
Let's face it the main reason you like the older bikes is that they are much cheaper than new (12:55),...
Ye can save a canny penny... btw what's a fast split gear change?
@hgm8337 I truly feel that electronics are something that will go wrong. Electronics have a failure rate. Bolt them to something that is vibrating and exposed to the elements increase that failure rate (ask any garage). Those parts then need to be replaced and are most likely dealer only. It seems to me that vehicles are being sold with more and more tech which is difficult to fix and, in my opinion, totally unnecessary. It may be an age thing bit it's my view and debate is always healthy.
My accent is obviously the issue "fast slick changes"
I’ve got a 14 plate GSA, great bike like you say it’s not a sports bike but I’m lucky enough to have a 08 ZZR1400 for speed kicks.
Unfortunately I can't really justify the cost or space of a second bike. The financial controller (wife) would take some convincing. I had a 600 ZZR back when they came out in the early 90s. Great bike but only had it 3 weeks and t-boned a car that pulled out on me. 5 weeks in hospital and scaffolding in my leg for life.
It is definitely not a sportbike. But, I think a bare naked GS with 130 HP set in dynamic mode can give you a pretty respectable hooligan riding experience. And yes i said "respectable hooligan" intentionally.
Came from a 2021 MT09SP to a 2019 1250GS. Best decision I have made. MT's are fun but I dont ride like that so never experienced what that bike could really do.
I'm not going to lie. Part of my decision to go down the gs route apart from comfort was because they are easy to ride.
Interesting video. You make a big deal about electronics but the only thing that you really didn't like was the keyless ride. The 1250 does have a push button for the heated grips in the same place and the valve clearances are no more work than the 1200. I would have kept my 2017 1200 if it came with the TFT, i absolutely hated the clocks. I wasn't sure about the keyless ride but yet again once you have it is surprising useful. I dont want the 1300 and think that the 1250 is the sweetspot for the GS
@stuipooey1 Thanks for your comment. Yes I perhaps should have been more specific.
Central locking on panniers (which, as it turns out doesn't work for long)
Ride height assist (if you need a bike that lowers for you when you need to put your feet down it's too tall for you to start with)
Then there are the things that make for poorer riders:
Hill start assist (Really?)
Blind spot warning (just do lifesaver che ks)
Radar cruise control ( you should be paying attention to what traffic IA doing)
This is a few examples.
I watched Fortnine's review of the 1300 GS and I admit to being intrigued by the evolution of the telelever to give more front end feel. Admittedly I am in my 50's now and do not ride (anymore) in a manner that vagueness from the front end feel caused by a telelever suspension when the bike is being pushed would bother me - but the engineering fix is really cool and intriguing.
Curious how many miles have you actually covered on your gs 🤔
That's covered in the video. Now I'm retired with more time my annual mileage has increased to 8-10k per year
I've been wanting a GS on and off since I test rode a 2015 model back in early 2016. I also got to ride an 800gs, and ktm 1190r Adventure r, 500exc, and 690r enduro unaccompanied on roads and jeep tracks that same day. The area was desert where I used to ride my full off road dirtbike. Didn't take the bigger ADV bikes on much single track, but the GS1200 really impressed on road, and it handled the dirt well for its size. Then about a year later I took a 2016 GS1200 out on a road-only test. Again, the 1200 impressed me with its comfort, power, handling. However, leaving the dealer on my own bike ('12 Speed Triple) immediately after the test a strong thought of: as good as that GS was, I personally would feel a bit deflated if it was my only bike. For me, the adventure bike off-road experience is us more of a "not much can stop me from getting to where Im going" and less an "weeeee!... This is fun in the dirt". Veing familiar with dedicated off road bikes, I coukdnt help but feel that riding a GS off pavement is an exercise in restraint, and acknowledgment of compromise. So for ne petsonally, the GS has a great purpose, but it is not unbridled trail joy: it is being an excellent touring bike. I'd like one as a more comfortable, shaftdrive bike to use when I go away on multiday rides. Ive been using a Ducati Supersport 939 with touring pack and it's not too bad for "touring" but a GS would be a better fit. I test rode the 1300 gs a couple months ago and have to say it was good, but can't really say I'd like it better rhan the watercooled 1200. Maybe riding the 1300 back to back with a 1200 would change my mind, but regardless, I'm fairly certain I would want something like my SS or similar category bike. So I'd have no problem picking up a nice second hand 1200 as basically a dedicated touring bike when I can finally afford a second bike again - hopefully/ maybe for my 65th B Day bext year.
@rogerdittus2952 Many thanks for commenting. Like youI see the GS purely as a tourer. I have absolutely no off road skill and the bike is too heavy to use for that purpose (certainly with my level of experience). There are much better off road bikes as you rightly point out. I think the trick, if there is one, is to find what suits you. If you can afford to buy a few bikes for different purposes then great but I've got a family to support so that's no an option for me. An older gs is about all I can afford but even with more funds I reckon I wouldn't change. Ride safe
@@Teuchteronabike Thanks man. I didn't mean to waffle on about my persaonal preferences as much as I ended up doing, but...slow morning so 😁
I agree with what you said in your video and also your comment above.
And yes, the choice of bike is always a weighed one and bikes are so competent now that if someone likes one over another for whatever mix of personal reasons, they are the one who knows what's right. I have usually owned only one, or sometimes none since my first one in 1970 (Z50 MiniTrail). I like most kinds of bikes and the ultra bike snobs just make me laugh. Regarding the bad wrap some give the GS, this is so funny. I had friends with them in the US before I moved to N. Ireland several years ago and yes, some GS owners were a bit like "GSs are the only bike for me". But the GS haters are really odd to me - I've a few friends that would make anti-GS wisecracks but had never riddn one (as you mention in you video) and I'd said to more than one that they should ride one, they'd see why they are so popular and why so many are sold. They are that good at their design brief.
Lastly, I have to say the roads in UK and ROI are amazing and I', glad I ended up being able to enjoy motorcycling in the British Isles. I've been to Scotland a couple times and love it - I've riden the passes from near Edinburgh where my in-laws live through Moffat to the ferry at Cairnryan and that country is beautiful. There we some decent roads back home, but over hear is (again, opinion) next level. Enjoy your rides, safe home, cheers.
When I originally bought my 07 (in 07) I did not want a GS, I wanted an RT. In fact my bike I had directly before the GS was the "light truck" (BMW LT) . But my best friend convinced me to try the GS and I fell in love. It did not make me an adventure tourer or off road rider - but it did expand what roads I was comfortable on - riding my LT on the dirt hard pack and gravel fire roads near me was really an adventure (I live on a dirt road so was pretty confident on the LT on maintained gravel/dirt hard pack). The GS just takes it like nothing. It is an all roads bike for me - certainly not an off roader. I have done the off road enough for me in this lifetime on much better suited bikes.
First GS I've owned is the '21 TE 1250. Love it for the low down weight, and have two driving modes on it: Dynamic and Dynamic Pro (Configured as Road with dynamic suspension). Pro is more used for motorways at higher speeds (which doesn't use lots of fuel), and Dynamic when I want to get quick off the lights or around twisties.
Honestly not a fan of the exorbitant fees charged by the only dealer in Dublin, so I'll stick with my well-known mechanic and go from there.
Cruise control is grand for long distance motorway driving.
It's a grand one to use for commuting, and with Michelin Anakees on, there is a level of confidence around corners which beats the more road-oriented tyres. Yes, they are noiser, but wear ear plugs and enjoy the ride ye nutters. :)
My previous bike was a Triumph Explorer, and I dropped it more times in 10 months than i have with any other bike since 2000. Too high level weight for commuting and maneuvring for parking.
The BM reminds me of the old-skool Pan European 1200 akin to driving on rails.
Screen was an issue, but the standard one on low (so I drive in free air) is perfect.
Have I found my "forever bike", for now, yes. Most comfortable for long distances (don't need to sit side saddle on Iron Butt rallys), confidence inspiring on country corners (even with those random tractors coming round the bend), and just as nimble for daily commutes to work.
For an upgrade I would look at the 1300 Adventure (love the Tonka look). But that's a few years down the road when the fix all the niggles, and only as 2nd hand.
Brilliant and thanks for such a great long comment. I have to say that the Republic is one of my favourite places to ride. Yes it's nice to look at and it has some great roads etc etc but the best bit is the drivers. It's the most bike friendly country of anywhere I've been.
Yes main dealers are expensive but the benefit of having an older bike is that the issues are known ones, parts are more main stream and independent garages are more happy to look at them. If I went into the garage I use with a 1300 he'd tell me to get lost (most likely in much stronger language than that)
This is all about the larger GS models. Just want to say my 2004 650 GS is still running strong.
@@okanaganrider4332 Great bike buddy.
My 2014 Gs ticks as well. With 96K kilometers, I think it needs a new cardan and clutch plates.
Check the cam chains and valves
Loved my 08 GS for a while. Gearbox output shaft, shaft drive and multiple electrical issues that collectively cost north of 3k to fix means i wont go back to a GS again. The free shaft replacement BMW now do every 30k or so tells anyone all they need to know about these machines. I just dont trust them. My old 1150r however is probably going to outlive me and my son.
Thanks for commenting. Yes I've just had my drive shaft replaced. To be fair to BMW they're pretty good at owning up to issues and rectifying them, even in bikes like mine that haven't seen the inside of a main dealer once the warranty ran out. Ride safe.
Bmw have been good sometimes but sometimes theyre awful the servo brake issues on 04 to 06 models was totally ignored by bmw. My gsa 1250 is 2 years old in sept its had a number of warranty repairs but i do love it to bits
Ive had lots and lots of GSes, 1100 GS, 1150 GS, 1200 GS, 1250 GSA x2 and the new 1300 GS. I can honestly say that every single thing is better on the 1300 than on the prev models. To say that this and that is better on the 1200 is just a lill silly to me. To say "I like this or that better" is ofc another thing, but its not better.
@@Maurisimo4ever thanks for your comment. I'm completely certain that I did not state that it was better than any other bike other than the old oil cooled ones. The 1300 might be better in terms of ride but my point was that there is too much in the way of electronics on some of the newer ones. There was no comparison made with the 1300 at any stage in my video however in terms of cost, if a £25,000 plus bike isn't a hell of a lot better than a £6000 bike there is something very wrong.
In your opinion. Others wont agree. In any case, just ride what you have and enjoy it. In few years time, the GS1400 will be ‘better’ than your 1300 😮
Yes wait until it`s brake down. Then we can talk about. Motorcycle should me as simple as it can be. 1300 is over complicated and over engineered. Hill start assistance? Who in the world even need something like this? 70 years old crippled man?
@@pawelwis7215 The 1250 also has hill start assist😉
@@TeuchteronabikeAnd what about the title of this video??
The amount of times I’ve done that with the side stand!!! Not a fan of the new 1300GS.
Because are cheaper?
@MujoNovak far more than that.
1. Issues that come up are known and have fixes
2. Do not have unnecessary electronics which either break (central locking panniers for example) or make poorer riders (hill start assist for example)
3. After market accessories (not BMW items) are available and are very often better than BMW options.
Don't let the fact that I am Scottish fool you into thinking I am mean. I am happy to spend where necessary but not for useless accessories that either, I will never use or will break after a couple of years.
Many modern bikes will become disposable items in the future due to the inability to be repaired, much like many cars have already become.
No, I cannot afford a 1300 but even if I could, I wouldn't buy one as I don't reckon they represent good value.
Finally..
"Poor shaming" as quite often happens with some owners gives credence to the GS rider stereotype of being arrogant entitled tossers with more money than sense. Not being in the same earning bracket as someone who can spunk up to 30 grand does not make someone a lesser person but also does not mean that they cannot enjoy riding a GS even if it's an older model which they, in actuality, prefer.
@@Teuchteronabike👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
2012 oil cooled are best
Honestly haven't ridden one. I just think water cooling is a step forward in development
Also some people have fitted the tft to the 1200lc
@@austinmatthews347 I did not know that this was a possibility. I will look into it but honestly using the navigator is a good compromise. I don't use the sat nav function because I quite like getting lost occasionally. I couldn't count the number of times I've discovered brilliant roads/scenery by taking a wrong turn 😂
@@Teuchteronabike ok well i am not sure if it needs to be a certain year 1200lc as you may be aware the 2018 my bikes had a tft as an option. From what i have seen on youtube it fitted straight on but needed to visit a dealer for some siftware update to get it all working it transformed the bike to a more modern machine one word of caution though if you do it get the security brace as well due to theives apparently pulling them off
@austinmatthews347 I don't think I'll bother. It's not worth the hassle and frankly my local BMW dealer is snowed under most of the time so getting it booked in to get it programmed would be a nightmare. It's one of the reasons, apart from cost, that I don't use them.
@@Teuchteronabike as you say yours has plenty of tech in all the right places and just because a new model comes out doesnt just render the old model shit as the reviewers would have you believe
I have the 1250 on a 19 plate
Had it from new never had a problem with anything. done 28k on it & love it to bits.
& will never upgrade to the 1300.
& I was thinking the same as you at some point I will just get a newer 1250.
Same same but different 😀
Thanks for commenting. Yes the "sweet spot" is very much subjective. I have ridden the 1250 and without doubt it is a great bike but, in my opinion, the upgrade from what I have wasn't worth the difference in cash needed to change.
Glad to see one button for the indicators , mine is 2009 and 3 buttons is a bloody nuisance
God yes I had forgotten BMW used to do this.
Where I live we drive on the right hand side. Been driving BMW for more than 30 years. When I am on a roundabout and have to use the clutch because there's something happening in front, with the one button indicator it is impossible for me to start indicating that I will leave the roundabout. Simple can't reach the button with my hand when applying the clutch. With the old 3 button system, this was no issue at all. You could reach the buttons on both sides while applying the clutch. So... completely disagree on this.
You could operate the clutch and indicators at the same time, I loved it. I gave up on boxer GS's after having one or another continuously since 1984 when the 1200 evolved into an elephant. My twilight years of motorcycling are satisfied with a 700GS.
After using the 3 button setup for almost 20 years - when I upgraded to the 15 from my most recent BMW (an 07) a month or so ago I found it hard to switch. My muscle memory still messes me up on that one.
They’re not, they really aren’t. You have to be a certain type of person to fall for the bmw BS.
What planet are you on! The shift cam engine is way better 😮😮
Didn't say it wasn't better just more complicated to adjust the valve clearances
Im sure theyre great bikes, they just sound shit and look stupid with martin clunes ears sticking out.
@@twowheelstouring482 Thanks for your comment, that made me chuckle 😃
As for bmw gear dont bither even if you manage to afford. Its absolute shite