One of the best videos I’ve seen you do. Funny & entertaining. Seamlessly mixing in the story of the new bike with a run. I’m sure there there is a lot of hard work in the background that goes into making appearance of an effortless & natural delivery in story telling. Thanks!
I’m not a motorcycle guy, but I found this clip illuminating. I even shared it with my older brother (he winced at your Ducati observation 😂.) I was a scuba instructor for many years and grew to understand that scuba and motorcycling have something in common: you get to buy awesome kit, experience marvellous adventures, and meet great people. But neither sport burns a lot of calories. When my belt size started mirroring my age, I substituted triathlon as my main form of activity.
@@MarkLewisfitness it this the equivalent of a midlife crisis? Next time you'll probably be on your way to Turkey for hair plugs or buying a mazda mx5.
@@joe4624 bizarrely, I was offered a free hair transplant in return for a TH-cam video review on the procedure! All expenses paid trip to somewhere exotic, can’t even remember where it was😂
Please do golf - just look at the 180 Richard Hammond did after also mocking it for most of his life! Disclaimer - I'm a recent golf convert as well... it's the most technical "sport" I've ever played and previously dabbled in all the things you've mentioned on this channel except motorcycle riding
Thanks for you motivating me in a realistic way. I just finished my first challenge with other people. Just a friendly company United Heroes challenge but came 56th out of 171 so nicely above average. And that's even without running because of a knee injury!
Hilarious video and one that I completely relate to as a biker. After years of saying you'll never see me on a f****ing GS I bought one in December 2020 and absolutely love it. Very jealous of the GPZ!
Endless bonus points for the GlenGarry reference. After a year of owning a GSA, I sort of agree. They're amazing touring bikes that can chew up maintained fire roads with ease. A super skilled rider can do much more with them, but that ain't me really... and hucking a 600 lb beast through gnarly terrain is more sweat than fun.
Mark if you press any of the two buttons on the Apple Watch case at the same time it will pause the activity, then you can end it from there if you are trying to get a well timed finish to the activity without messing with the touch screen
i had a Ducati 1299S and then a V4S. i sold them, had 2 kids and drive a Tesla model 3 performance. i’m loving my Ultra and aren’t thinking about my garmin anymore. You have the perfect bike, nice buy! i ran 10km last week and am back at gym and will start the park runs again this weekend, 1 month old baby is doing well now. Thank you again for your videos!
Always entertaining chap. Good effort on the park run. And Mark, you are becoming my 80’s British action hero I never knew I needed but suddenly have. Hahaha. Great stuff.
BMW has had it right for a long time, I have a 96 R1100 GS and it rides exactly like you describe your new one. I inherited the bike unfortunately from my uncle and didn’t think I would like it, 5 minutes in I fell in love with it.
I ended up with a GSA in very similar circumstances, though mines a bit older, but it does just do everything so well, unlike my Parkrunning, the last of which 6 weeks ago ended after about 200 yards with a broken 5th metatarsal.
Interesting post Mark... I found your channel because I was invited to a 5K at 54 years old. I thought why not? Hurt my calf muscle first time training. Went through trying to heal and ended up walking the 5K in about 45 minutes. Decided not to give up on running and looked on youtube for inspiring, relatable people who might help. "Hey, this Mark Lewis guy seems ok. He's almost funny as well." (kidding... your not funny.... kidding) Recently started running again. 5K in 30 minutes is the goal...along comes Jen, smashes it. Ugh. (well done Jen!) (whatever!) My best 5K so far is 33 minutes. I will keep trying. Motorcycles...yep, always wanted a beemer. Might have to try one out after establishing a Go-Fund-Me. You have had a positive influence on my training and outlook. I wanted to chime in as a fan. Cheers!
I am still in love with my G650GS.... I can pick it up!! I ride alone most of the time. It wont crush me either. Cracking video today Mark. Oh, 3 weeks, 3 days till my first ultra and starting to regret you changing my life.....
lol. Love your videos. I watch them while I'm busy biking while going nowhere on my Wahoo Kickr Bike. Keep them coming. Helps keep me motivated and slows down the onset of boredomnitis in my home gym. Thanks for taking the time and effort posting these videos.
The GS/GSA is sort of a cross between a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman and an Erector Set. They’re fun no matter how you use them. I’ve put 8,000 miles on mine since February, mostly traveling to track school and meandering on the way home, for instance riding through Death Valley (where that extensive fuel range comes in handy). There’s a reason competitors’ bikes are generally described by referencing how they stack up against the GS. Having said that, all bikes are fun and anything that gets you outside and engaged with your world is well worthwhile. In fact, it’s also an adventure to tour on a race bike. As for the coffee run, I’ve often marveled at how a clowder of rugged individualists who scoff at convention (when not practicing law or dentistry during the week) manage to don matching tough-guy biker dude (or dudette) outfits as though they chatted online the night before to compare notes. They are also the ones shouting out their latte orders because they can’t hear anything! It’s all good.
I deep down like the idea of a GS, after Charlie and Ewan, who wouldn’t? So I bought a baby one first, added some Klim gear …. then realized I hate dust in my eyes and teeth, and all that noise disturbs Bambi. Decided to trade in on a sweet R1250RS because 1.they are rare 2.I don’t like lattes.
Yes, those G.S. bikes do a lot of things really well on any type of terrain. I rode one after servicing it in the late 90’s at the shop I worked at, and will never forget the way it handled. Took a while to check this vid out since only using more earth friendly pedal power these days, but was fun to watch -and you always get me laughing 🙏
Got the Fat Bob and used it tent camping solo the NC 500 this year (all the other old chaps have the GS). Due to injury went to watch the local parkrun on my bike to inspire. My thoughts are that the Harley is a cooler to bike to watch the parkrun and the BMW better for everything else. Born 1959 PB at 60 22.05 I need to get sub 22 and avoid thinking about the GS.
The GS is absolutely the best thing ever. And if you want to play in dirt, put some knobbies on it and it’s incredibly capable. Bucket list item for you - GS Safari in Australia. Just about as good as it gets.
After my extended absence from motorcycling I was going nowhere near a GS . I had a Triumph explorer 1200, great engine but awful switchgear. Changed to a K1600, awesome engine, very comfortable but too top heavy. Had to realise my extensive girth and reduced leg power meant I needed a GS. It flatters me and makes me think I can ride like I did 40 years ago. I can't but it doesn't matter now. I just have fun!
Great video I started out with the Triumph t120 for the first three years of raining 2018 then switch to the GS in 2022 what a difference ,the triumph did look like a toy to . I am 6 foot five so the GS is much better fit and I Ride 99.9% canyons down here in Southern California. And I do not stop at Starbucks.
Couldn’t agree more, didn’t think I’d ever be a GS rider and then I tried one…simply awesome, does everything you want it to do. And no, I don’t drink latte, I’m not middle aged, I’m not overweight, I don’t wear BMW adventure clothing, I don’t wear an adventure helmet and I don’t clean my bike every time I ride it. So, to all those GS haters who have never actually ridden one or refuse to nod back at a GS rider….just remember, it’s just (normally) another bike and it’s just another fellow bike lover inside that helmet 😉
After many years of saying I'd never buy a GS I've just ordered a GS Adventure. LOL. I can't run however, worn-out body so was after the upright riding position and the shaft drive. Already have a Guzzi so another one was out of the question. The aprilia I've just sold was the first chain driven bike I've owned since 1984. Never again. I'll probably not use half the tech that the BMW'S have and have no intention of doing any gnarly roads, big adventure bikes generally make great road bikes. Torque laden engine, long travel suspension, with the incredible telelever front end, enough comfort for a 188cm rider and decent weather protection with a few gizmo's thrown in, what's not to like.
at 6'4", I actually went for Benelli TRK 502X, cheap and simple. Only a 500 CC but for just whizzing around and a bit off road it's fine. Also cost effective over a BMW.
Seems like the useafe of the GS between the UK and US is SO different. We have so many dirt roads and places with no signal and the GSA makes so much sense to ride all day and explore, while having fun in the twisties, and being able to tackle moderately challenging terrain. The Brits always say nobody uses their ADV bikes off-road, whilst everyone I know with a GSA here in the US uses it off-road. We usually don’t have as much hard small trails with thick mud though. Every ADV bike I’ve ever had has been cracked within the same month as getting it from the factory, the only bike that hasn’t damaged anything ever, other than the protective gear I’ve put on it, is the GSA. Plus, it’s at least twice as easy to pick up that my Tiger 900 Rally Pro, yet so much easier to do miles on. I do 8-12 hours at least one, often 2 days, a weekend, I’m more comfortable, and less tired when I drop it. Tough to think what else could do that.
Jens response to only being allowed half a donut is very accurate. You have also made me really worried because I'm 6'5" and ride a Triumph Bonneville - hopefully I don't dwarf my T100 the same as you. :O
I'm just turned 21, and eyeing up doing my bike license. Raced Motocross for years, and miss that feeling of being on a bike. Been eyeing up a MT-03 to learn on 🧐
Visualizing smone running a parkrun with "a rugged green...." i had to pause the video how much i was laughing 😂 btw. Im a runner and my partner is a motorbike mechanic and a racer (motocross and uphill street races called CIVS in Italy) - your videos are just awesome! Real talent - keep it going!
Many, many, many, many years ago I had two accidents on my Honda CB500. First one was a car driving out in front of me. Second was me speeding and then in a corner hitting some wet dirt and mud from a tractor. After that I knew that a third accident would be the one with me donating organs. Never been on a bike since !
Pink socks-awesome-, Back in the day running gear was generally black,blue,green,red but triathlon gear was loud & fluro, and I was in love, Fluro pink shorts, etc ,etc. However my friends wouldn't have been seen dead with me. I don't know why, back then I was fast and dressed cool.😁
Brilliant vlog, was wondering at the start then realised it was a lot of tongue & cheek reality..lol . I ride a triple black I like a flat white, I do 10 k miles a year holiday on my bike it does every thing for me and sat nag on the back. Oh I had a KLE , R1 Track bike, several Ducati's 916 etc. and a power ranger suit while riding them all ! , but I'm ok now. Just remember there's a bike for every one "horses for courses" .
I've been watching these vids to add to my running motivation, but all this talk of donuts and take out is influencing me in other ways. Fortunately, I run so I can eat what I want, I guess I won't be quite as lean this summer as expected. Good content, thx.
We’re so similar in sooooo many ways! I too fell in love with the GS touring Peru in 2016 and had to have one as soon as I got back to Devon. Love your videos Mark, cheers for the entertainment. Let’s meet for a latte at some Starbucks soon and compare notes on how cool we look! Being half Italian frankly is ALL about how I look - that perhaps why I’m addicted to exercise; vanity!
The GS Adv. was the best bike I ever had. But ... at some point it was so good that it was boring. It's a little weird. I ended up on a Ducati Multistrada Enduro and love it. But sometimes .... I think back to my GS Adventure.
Same. Had my GS for 50k but although they do everything so well, it never excited me enough to pick it over my other bike(s). Got the new Tiger 1200 now.
Gave me a good start to the day with laughing. You’re right though, here in the south of Germany it’s wall to wall shiny BMW‘ (bikes & cars) along with Porsches fitted with baby seats, all immaculately clean. The car wash bays are often cleaner than a hospital operating theatre as the owners head for the wash at the first sign of a few Flecks of dust landing. Anyway young man, ride that lump of Boxer motor metal down to Touratech in the Black Forest town of Niedereschach for all things GS. You might get lucky and run into a couple of The Long Way Round lads. Personally I‘ve never got on with the Boxer motor despite owning a couple in the past with my two all-time favourites being a BSA Bantam back in my earlier days and more recently the F800GS which is a fun dream to throw around everyday bike with which I toured over 4K of the Alps on. Ride safe buddy, and watch out for the flying Doughnuts that the four wheelers throw out of the window. 😅
Spot on. I love my GSA. Like a big, comfy, capable SUV of a bike. That being said... I have a need for speed. Ordered a M1000R to scratch that itch. Keeping the GSA though. It's just too good at everything else.
Yeah BMWs 😂, My first bike was an 888 Ducati, which i still have then an aprilia rsv1000r then a 998 then I got the rallye TE 1250 Gs in January with all the options, rose it to switzerland in one hop just stopping for gas. Cruise control at 130kmh. Got off yeah like I had just popped to waitrose. Incredible machine with 100kg on the back. My co-riders then rose through italy. It’s not an off-road bike it weighs 600lbs. Great channel. Thanks for the content.
Not everybody buys an adventure bike for off road riding, they are great for touring as the suspention is great plus luggage capacity is usually better.
My first bike was a Varadero 125. Nice v-twin that could go for miles on not much petrol, but was never tempted to get the 1000cc version. The Fazer is a nice mix between sports and a tourer.
Good job because the Varadero XL was like riding a tractor. Lumpy engine and gutless. Bought one, rode it 200 miles and hated it. It sat in the garage and I bought an old 1200GS instead.
Almost mirror image, but mine was a MTX125 in ‘87 which was perfect for those figure of eights in the Part 1 before finally waking up to the joys of the GSA (by 2nd now!!). I’ve seen those Motorrad showrooms littered with 5k mile bikes which have never been ridden in the wet, but there are still plenty which have👍I love mine too, 120 mile daily commuter ✅ EU tourer ✅ with pillion ✅ without pillion ✅ UK camping trip’s laden with all the gear ✅ 30k in 4 years (2 of which in a pandemic) and still I live them👍🥰👌BTW which off road course did you do as that’s my next challlenge?🤔
So funny; your bike history is very similar to mine, except I’m 5 feet 6 inches tall and so a GS was always out of the question. An Aprilia Pegaso had to do. I even had the shock modified to sit lower which was fine until I tried to put the side stand down…..an angle grinder sorted that out. 😊
He-he. I'm slightly less. I even thought of trying a Honda X-ADV, but you can't get 'Asian specs' in Europe for a lower seat height. Mind you. Bombing around in rush hour Brussels traffic on my Suzi Marouder 125 I can see the logic of a small thing in thick traffic. I got it to 'scratch the itch', but I still love the little zippy thing.
I toyed with buying a GS, but in the end I couldn't bring myself to do it. I bought a ZZR1400 instead, and have a CBR600 as an alternative option. Maybe one day I will go down the ADV bike route, but not just yet :)
I have a Burger King a year cause my local is so badly managed every time I go it takes a year to forget how awful it was and accidently go back. You think McDonald's lies about their ice cream machine being "broken"- This place literally had to send theirs away for repairs! I walked in one day and they were OPEN, they're like, "our grill isn't working". I'm like "???? Do you expect people to just come here and buy fries?" Hours long drive through waits... and this was all going on before Covid so obviously it's worse, not better.
They are from your island. Lisa and Simon Thomas. I followed their journey for ages. Surprisingly they were a couple on heavy GS bikes. Simon did break his neck. Maybe that wouldn't have happened on a ktm. But that's unfair because the ktm would have broken down before that could have happened. (Triumph tiger xcx800 owner who tested a ktm but ended up getting another triumph. Tested the GS as well but it was so much more expensive. At one point I very likely will get a GS. Although the new triumph tiger looks awesome)
Awesome to see a motorcycle review, hope to see more of these from you. I would love to see you review a sport tourer or even the Niken if it's still sold there.
They are great bikes I left them for a KTM 1290R , which was awesome , but decided the best is a GSA and an ktm 890R for the days I feel my immaturity kicking in 😅
Great Video. Shame its inspiring me to get the bandit out the garage as we go into winter. Two wheels are great, maybe you could be encouraged to start your ironman journey again! :D
The reason I don’t use Workoutdoors for my runs is the always on. Apple workout app is always on so better for me. It’s not Apple’s fault, they have an API for developers of fitness apps to enable always on. Hoping from your comments that they’ve been able to tell you that it’s coming because it’s been available for at least a year and still not implemented. Fingers crossed
Wow, fantastic video from a slightly overweight 62 year old. I've owned a 1250 GSA for 3.5 years so appreciate them but do ride green lanes as well on mine. Perfected the art of picking one up, easy when you know how. Now all I need to do is work on my fitness as recovering from broken femur and on crutches for last eight months, and BMI of 30. Help..............gulp. Fitness level 0.
Prompted by your park run goal of 4:10 pace: today I had a threshold run with 10mins warm-up, 16mins at threshold (4:10 pace), 5mins recovery, and then another 16mins at threshold, and a cool down. It ended up being my fastest ever 10km! 43:19. Chuffed with that! Thanks as always for being one of my biggest motivations.
@@MarkLewisfitness Couldn't agree more. It felt like a genuine threshold pace. I have been focusing on my 70.3 triathlon so HM endurance was my goal, but now that it's done I can have some fun testing times for shorter distances and see how the fitness translates. Good fun.
@@MarkLewisfitness I go to Ducati in Abingdon / they are really accommodating for demos etc. agree on the supermotard / wasn’t a fan. I found the GSA 1250 plenty fast enough just wanted that Ducati growl/penash and I don’t commute daily on the bike now (used to into reading train station for London) so can put up with Ducati maybe being a little more temperamental/chain vs shaft drive etc. Partnered with a KTM enduro and landrover defender - for me it’s a dream garage! I just need to work on getting healthy and less fat now and focus less on earning money to spend on cars and bikes I don’t really need 😅😝
The venerable GPZ 900, I bought one new in 1986, what a great bike, pity it was so heavy, 4 years and 60 odd thousand kilometres later traded it for a ZZR 600, and stuck with 600s ever since. As for a GS, wouldn’t touch one with a barge pole, best bike ever ? Nah, a Yamaha T700 will go the same places as a GS but a GS won’t go the the places a T700 will. Seen a T700 cross the Simpson desert in Australia, never seen a GS do that yet. 😂😂😂😂😂
Great motivational content. I was feeling a bit tired this evening, thinking shifting my running to tomorrow. Now half way into the video I'm laced up and ready for my round around the Alster. Best regards!
As a nakedbike rider in my stupid leathers, at least with not quite unused kneesliders, that uses my bike to commute all year round I have to admit: When I'm on my way to work at below freezing without a windscreen and freezing my nuts off or having to carry all my stuff in a backpack, I'd love a GS with heated grips and seat. But that's the consequence of only being able to afford one bike and wanting to do everything from commuting at -4°C to track days on it.
I used to hate the GS too. It's ugly af (it looks like an unsheathed boiler) and like you say it's a middle aged man's bike (and I'm a middle aged woman). The basic engine hasn't changed since 1920. It rocks itself when it's stationary. All the twiddly bits (lights and luggage) are eye-wateringly expensive. And then I got one (Fritz). Fritz was a brilliant bike. Like me: big, comfy, very cheap to run. And when you're on top of one you don't have to look at it. Ace bike.
I've always been of the mind that you should get the vehicle that makes the most sense for you. I have a 2006 Honda VTX1300C and my riding is mainly 30 minutes to 2 hours on the road. Which is perfect for me. We have a lot of dirt trails and sand dunes here, so we see a lot of enduros and dirt bikes. It does irritate me to see the fully dressed cruiser come out once a week to go get coffee instead of doing those multi state rides, and I absolutely hate scooter riders who think they are a bag of chips and all that. But! With the way society has been going lately, any rider is ok in my book anymore because we all need to get out there more!
Loved the jab at KTM, that has to be one of the dumbest decisions ever - isn't hindsight great? Can't say I like the BMW that much tbh, I'd like a Yamaha Super Tenere one day (to use it properly), but for now I'll stick with my Yamaha FJR1300, absolutely amazing bike, love it.
I liked my XJR 1300 so much. I always looked up to the BMW GS. Probably great choice, also I haven't tried one so can't say vs the 1300... But true that all the gadgets are great to have.
Well after your last Kawasaki video I did buy the Bonnie for the front room and nice days, however I immediately realised I needed a Speed Twin for the shops 😂, so for once I was above average in the bike buying stakes. Albeit below average in the height stakes, helps with the Bonnie though 😂😂😂😂
@@MarkLewisfitness well if you ever want to have a ride comparison let me know My bike isn’t new and it’s the 1290T model. I’m only in Basingstoke so not far from you. All the best
Is your calf still tight, I wonder because you seem to be rolling in your run fairs fair it may just be the angle of the camera). Glad your bouncing back and having fun.
One of the best videos I’ve seen you do. Funny & entertaining. Seamlessly mixing in the story of the new bike with a run. I’m sure there there is a lot of hard work in the background that goes into making appearance of an effortless & natural delivery in story telling. Thanks!
Hard work but the fun bit - just pointing the camera is easy!
couldnt agree more with this. absolute perfection. this is what „fitness“ youtube should be all about!
Well stated Neil
I’m not a motorcycle guy, but I found this clip illuminating. I even shared it with my older brother (he winced at your Ducati observation 😂.)
I was a scuba instructor for many years and grew to understand that scuba and motorcycling have something in common: you get to buy awesome kit, experience marvellous adventures, and meet great people. But neither sport burns a lot of calories. When my belt size started mirroring my age, I substituted triathlon as my main form of activity.
It’s the video series where we try and like all the things that used to be considered rubbish. Apple Watch, BMW bike, what’s next?
Golf 😂
@@MarkLewisfitness it this the equivalent of a midlife crisis? Next time you'll probably be on your way to Turkey for hair plugs or buying a mazda mx5.
@@joe4624 bizarrely, I was offered a free hair transplant in return for a TH-cam video review on the procedure! All expenses paid trip to somewhere exotic, can’t even remember where it was😂
I reckon it’s trying crossfit next 😅
Please do golf - just look at the 180 Richard Hammond did after also mocking it for most of his life!
Disclaimer - I'm a recent golf convert as well... it's the most technical "sport" I've ever played and previously dabbled in all the things you've mentioned on this channel except motorcycle riding
Thanks for you motivating me in a realistic way. I just finished my first challenge with other people. Just a friendly company United Heroes challenge but came 56th out of 171 so nicely above average. And that's even without running because of a knee injury!
Hilarious video and one that I completely relate to as a biker. After years of saying you'll never see me on a f****ing GS I bought one in December 2020 and absolutely love it. Very jealous of the GPZ!
Endless bonus points for the GlenGarry reference. After a year of owning a GSA, I sort of agree. They're amazing touring bikes that can chew up maintained fire roads with ease. A super skilled rider can do much more with them, but that ain't me really... and hucking a 600 lb beast through gnarly terrain is more sweat than fun.
Mark if you press any of the two buttons on the Apple Watch case at the same time it will pause the activity, then you can end it from there if you are trying to get a well timed finish to the activity without messing with the touch screen
i had a Ducati 1299S and then a V4S. i sold them, had 2 kids and drive a Tesla model 3 performance. i’m loving my Ultra and aren’t thinking about my garmin anymore. You have the perfect bike, nice buy!
i ran 10km last week and am back at gym and will start the park runs again this weekend, 1 month old baby is doing well now. Thank you again for your videos!
Always entertaining chap. Good effort on the park run. And Mark, you are becoming my 80’s British action hero I never knew I needed but suddenly have. Hahaha. Great stuff.
BMW has had it right for a long time, I have a 96 R1100 GS and it rides exactly like you describe your new one. I inherited the bike unfortunately from my uncle and didn’t think I would like it, 5 minutes in I fell in love with it.
I ended up with a GSA in very similar circumstances, though mines a bit older, but it does just do everything so well, unlike my Parkrunning, the last of which 6 weeks ago ended after about 200 yards with a broken 5th metatarsal.
Interesting post Mark...
I found your channel because I was invited to a 5K at 54 years old. I thought why not? Hurt my calf muscle first time training. Went through trying to heal and ended up walking the 5K in about 45 minutes. Decided not to give up on running and looked on youtube for inspiring, relatable people who might help. "Hey, this Mark Lewis guy seems ok. He's almost funny as well." (kidding... your not funny.... kidding) Recently started running again. 5K in 30 minutes is the goal...along comes Jen, smashes it. Ugh. (well done Jen!) (whatever!) My best 5K so far is 33 minutes. I will keep trying. Motorcycles...yep, always wanted a beemer. Might have to try one out after establishing a Go-Fund-Me. You have had a positive influence on my training and outlook. I wanted to chime in as a fan. Cheers!
I am still in love with my G650GS.... I can pick it up!! I ride alone most of the time. It wont crush me either. Cracking video today Mark.
Oh, 3 weeks, 3 days till my first ultra and starting to regret you changing my life.....
You’re welcome 😂
Mine too :)
lol. Love your videos. I watch them while I'm busy biking while going nowhere on my Wahoo Kickr Bike. Keep them coming. Helps keep me motivated and slows down the onset of boredomnitis in my home gym. Thanks for taking the time and effort posting these videos.
The GS/GSA is sort of a cross between a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman and an Erector Set. They’re fun no matter how you use them. I’ve put 8,000 miles on mine since February, mostly traveling to track school and meandering on the way home, for instance riding through Death Valley (where that extensive fuel range comes in handy). There’s a reason competitors’ bikes are generally described by referencing how they stack up against the GS. Having said that, all bikes are fun and anything that gets you outside and engaged with your world is well worthwhile. In fact, it’s also an adventure to tour on a race bike. As for the coffee run, I’ve often marveled at how a clowder of rugged individualists who scoff at convention (when not practicing law or dentistry during the week) manage to don matching tough-guy biker dude (or dudette) outfits as though they chatted online the night before to compare notes. They are also the ones shouting out their latte orders because they can’t hear anything! It’s all good.
I deep down like the idea of a GS, after Charlie and Ewan, who wouldn’t? So I bought a baby one first, added some Klim gear …. then realized I hate dust in my eyes and teeth, and all that noise disturbs Bambi. Decided to trade in on a sweet R1250RS because 1.they are rare 2.I don’t like lattes.
Yes, those G.S. bikes do a lot of things really well on any type of terrain. I rode one after servicing it in the late 90’s at the shop I worked at, and will never forget the way it handled. Took a while to check this vid out since only using more earth friendly pedal power these days, but was fun to watch -and you always get me laughing 🙏
Got the Fat Bob and used it tent camping solo the NC 500 this year (all the other old chaps have the GS). Due to injury went to watch the local parkrun on my bike to inspire. My thoughts are that the Harley is a cooler to bike to watch the parkrun and the BMW better for everything else. Born 1959 PB at 60 22.05 I need to get sub 22 and avoid thinking about the GS.
I have the same bike, bought 10th June 2022, I've put on 8700km, and did a 2400km ride in 3 days, no latte drinking, only beer.
The GS is absolutely the best thing ever. And if you want to play in dirt, put some knobbies on it and it’s incredibly capable. Bucket list item for you - GS Safari in Australia. Just about as good as it gets.
Had 3 GS over 8 years. Settled on a Yamaha Tracer 900 2016 then 2019. My mate traded a 21 GS for 19 plate 1200 Tiger - happy boy !!
Brilliant mate, great video. You had me chuckling with the slagging as I fit right in the typical GS owner. It’s a great bike.
After my extended absence from motorcycling I was going nowhere near a GS . I had a Triumph explorer 1200, great engine but awful switchgear. Changed to a K1600, awesome engine, very comfortable but too top heavy. Had to realise my extensive girth and reduced leg power meant I needed a GS. It flatters me and makes me think I can ride like I did 40 years ago. I can't but it doesn't matter now. I just have fun!
I've been one of those sports bike riders who hated everything GS. Now a proud GSA owner 😆
Great video I started out with the Triumph t120 for the first three years of raining 2018 then switch to the GS in 2022 what a difference ,the triumph did look like a toy to . I am 6 foot five so the GS is much better fit and I Ride 99.9% canyons down here in Southern California. And I do not stop at Starbucks.
Couldn’t agree more, didn’t think I’d ever be a GS rider and then I tried one…simply awesome, does everything you want it to do. And no, I don’t drink latte, I’m not middle aged, I’m not overweight, I don’t wear BMW adventure clothing, I don’t wear an adventure helmet and I don’t clean my bike every time I ride it. So, to all those GS haters who have never actually ridden one or refuse to nod back at a GS rider….just remember, it’s just (normally) another bike and it’s just another fellow bike lover inside that helmet 😉
Fantastic video, matey. Loved the humour, and nice bike.
After many years of saying I'd never buy a GS I've just ordered a GS Adventure. LOL. I can't run however, worn-out body so was after the upright riding position and the shaft drive. Already have a Guzzi so another one was out of the question. The aprilia I've just sold was the first chain driven bike I've owned since 1984. Never again. I'll probably not use half the tech that the BMW'S have and have no intention of doing any gnarly roads, big adventure bikes generally make great road bikes. Torque laden engine, long travel suspension, with the incredible telelever front end, enough comfort for a 188cm rider and decent weather protection with a few gizmo's thrown in, what's not to like.
15:24 cheeky flex of your kitchenaid kettle and toaster! 🤪
at 6'4", I actually went for Benelli TRK 502X, cheap and simple. Only a 500 CC but for just whizzing around and a bit off road it's fine. Also cost effective over a BMW.
"Rugged green strap on" ... drum roll, cymbal! I see what you did there. It needed a cut away to a Basil Brush "Boom Boom!".
“..and wearing that stupid flip up helmets” and equipping a stupid flip up in the next clip. LOVE IT!
I too used to think flip-up lids were dumb, until gate security at work starred insisting we had to remove our full face helmet when showing our I.D.
Seems like the useafe of the GS between the UK and US is SO different. We have so many dirt roads and places with no signal and the GSA makes so much sense to ride all day and explore, while having fun in the twisties, and being able to tackle moderately challenging terrain. The Brits always say nobody uses their ADV bikes off-road, whilst everyone I know with a GSA here in the US uses it off-road. We usually don’t have as much hard small trails with thick mud though.
Every ADV bike I’ve ever had has been cracked within the same month as getting it from the factory, the only bike that hasn’t damaged anything ever, other than the protective gear I’ve put on it, is the GSA. Plus, it’s at least twice as easy to pick up that my Tiger 900 Rally Pro, yet so much easier to do miles on. I do 8-12 hours at least one, often 2 days, a weekend, I’m more comfortable, and less tired when I drop it. Tough to think what else could do that.
The flip up lid bit and then the 'rugged green strap on'..... 😂
Jens response to only being allowed half a donut is very accurate. You have also made me really worried because I'm 6'5" and ride a Triumph Bonneville - hopefully I don't dwarf my T100 the same as you. :O
Just dont photo yourself 😂
I'm just turned 21, and eyeing up doing my bike license. Raced Motocross for years, and miss that feeling of being on a bike. Been eyeing up a MT-03 to learn on 🧐
Visualizing smone running a parkrun with "a rugged green...." i had to pause the video how much i was laughing 😂 btw. Im a runner and my partner is a motorbike mechanic and a racer (motocross and uphill street races called CIVS in Italy) - your videos are just awesome! Real talent - keep it going!
Many, many, many, many years ago I had two accidents on my Honda CB500.
First one was a car driving out in front of me.
Second was me speeding and then in a corner hitting some wet dirt and mud from a tractor.
After that I knew that a third accident would be the one with me donating organs.
Never been on a bike since !
Pink socks-awesome-, Back in the day running gear was generally black,blue,green,red but triathlon gear was loud & fluro, and I was in love, Fluro pink shorts, etc ,etc. However my friends wouldn't have been seen dead with me. I don't know why, back then I was fast and dressed cool.😁
I figure 21 minutes is fast enough to wear what I like 😂
@@MarkLewisfitness damn right
Brilliant vlog, was wondering at the start then realised it was a lot of tongue & cheek reality..lol . I ride a triple black I like a flat white, I do 10 k miles a year holiday on my bike it does every thing for me and sat nag on the back.
Oh I had a KLE , R1 Track bike, several Ducati's 916 etc. and a power ranger suit while riding them all ! , but I'm ok now. Just remember there's a bike for every one "horses for courses" .
We used to run the Good Companion pub in woodley, know the area well.
I know it. Went to school at bulmershe.
GS1250 and Apple Ultra.... all that youtube money has changed you 😄😉
Given I have taken a 90% pay cut to do this…..I may be doing it wrong 😂
I've been watching these vids to add to my running motivation, but all this talk of donuts and take out is influencing me in other ways. Fortunately, I run so I can eat what I want, I guess I won't be quite as lean this summer as expected. Good content, thx.
We’re so similar in sooooo many ways!
I too fell in love with the GS touring Peru in 2016 and had to have one as soon as I got back to Devon.
Love your videos Mark, cheers for the entertainment.
Let’s meet for a latte at some Starbucks soon and compare notes on how cool we look!
Being half Italian frankly is ALL about how I look - that perhaps why I’m addicted to exercise; vanity!
The GS Adv. was the best bike I ever had. But ... at some point it was so good that it was boring. It's a little weird. I ended up on a Ducati Multistrada Enduro and love it. But sometimes .... I think back to my GS Adventure.
Same. Had my GS for 50k but although they do everything so well, it never excited me enough to pick it over my other bike(s). Got the new Tiger 1200 now.
Gave me a good start to the day with laughing. You’re right though, here in the south of Germany it’s wall to wall shiny BMW‘ (bikes & cars) along with Porsches fitted with baby seats, all immaculately clean. The car wash bays are often cleaner than a hospital operating theatre as the owners head for the wash at the first sign of a few Flecks of dust landing. Anyway young man, ride that lump of Boxer motor metal down to Touratech in the Black Forest town of Niedereschach for all things GS. You might get lucky and run into a couple of The Long Way Round lads. Personally I‘ve never got on with the Boxer motor despite owning a couple in the past with my two all-time favourites being a BSA Bantam back in my earlier days and more recently the F800GS which is a fun dream to throw around everyday bike with which I toured over 4K of the Alps on. Ride safe buddy, and watch out for the flying Doughnuts that the four wheelers throw out of the window. 😅
I had a lot of fun with Honda CRF 250L - it's more fun to drive fast with slow MC than slow with fast MC :)
Great video as always !
Jen’s was great fun
Spot on. I love my GSA. Like a big, comfy, capable SUV of a bike. That being said... I have a need for speed. Ordered a M1000R to scratch that itch. Keeping the GSA though. It's just too good at everything else.
Yeah BMWs 😂, My first bike was an 888 Ducati, which i still have then an aprilia rsv1000r then a 998 then I got the rallye TE 1250 Gs in January with all the options, rose it to switzerland in one hop just stopping for gas. Cruise control at 130kmh. Got off yeah like I had just popped to waitrose. Incredible machine with 100kg on the back. My co-riders then rose through italy. It’s not an off-road bike it weighs 600lbs. Great channel. Thanks for the content.
The hunchback impression during the 5k gave me confidence to also make it one day no matter what. thanks :)
Not everybody buys an adventure bike for off road riding, they are great for touring as the suspention is great plus luggage capacity is usually better.
The best motorbike in the world is whatever motorbike you happen to be riding mate! Looking good.
Should have tried the Ducati V4 Multistrada, brilliant bike. Did South Africa, Canada and NZ on a BMW GS and they are great bikes.
Best review ever on the BMW GS
Nice to see you back on a bike. The test ride of a big GS does seem to sell a lot of them. You're not the first to be swayed.
My friend is 6’8” , he has the new V4 multistrada and love it’s !!!
What track was your photo taken ?
My first bike was a Varadero 125. Nice v-twin that could go for miles on not much petrol, but was never tempted to get the 1000cc version. The Fazer is a nice mix between sports and a tourer.
Good job because the Varadero XL was like riding a tractor. Lumpy engine and gutless. Bought one, rode it 200 miles and hated it. It sat in the garage and I bought an old 1200GS instead.
Almost mirror image, but mine was a MTX125 in ‘87 which was perfect for those figure of eights in the Part 1 before finally waking up to the joys of the GSA (by 2nd now!!). I’ve seen those Motorrad showrooms littered with 5k mile bikes which have never been ridden in the wet, but there are still plenty which have👍I love mine too, 120 mile daily commuter ✅ EU tourer ✅ with pillion ✅ without pillion ✅ UK camping trip’s laden with all the gear ✅ 30k in 4 years (2 of which in a pandemic) and still I live them👍🥰👌BTW which off road course did you do as that’s my next challlenge?🤔
Reminds me of the nickname for the fireblade when it first came out
Very entertaining. I hate frickin’ hate GS’s, yet I’ve only gone and bought one too, go figure. Cheers. G.
😁😁
So funny; your bike history is very similar to mine, except I’m 5 feet 6 inches tall and so a GS was always out of the question. An Aprilia Pegaso had to do. I even had the shock modified to sit lower which was fine until I tried to put the side stand down…..an angle grinder sorted that out. 😊
He-he. I'm slightly less. I even thought of trying a Honda X-ADV, but you can't get 'Asian specs' in Europe for a lower seat height. Mind you. Bombing around in rush hour Brussels traffic on my Suzi Marouder 125 I can see the logic of a small thing in thick traffic. I got it to 'scratch the itch', but I still love the little zippy thing.
Hey I’m the same height and can ride a GS, as they do a low chassis model with the option of a lower seat too!
I toyed with buying a GS, but in the end I couldn't bring myself to do it. I bought a ZZR1400 instead, and have a CBR600 as an alternative option. Maybe one day I will go down the ADV bike route, but not just yet :)
I have a Burger King a year cause my local is so badly managed every time I go it takes a year to forget how awful it was and accidently go back. You think McDonald's lies about their ice cream machine being "broken"- This place literally had to send theirs away for repairs! I walked in one day and they were OPEN, they're like, "our grill isn't working". I'm like "???? Do you expect people to just come here and buy fries?" Hours long drive through waits... and this was all going on before Covid so obviously it's worse, not better.
Sweet bike, bro! Love that you’re posting more.
Very interesting video...super storytelling!!!
Living in Bracknell, I'll keep my eye out for you when I'm in Reading on my Africa Twin. Thanks Mark
Glad you got your sunglasses back, you ready for hyrox Birmingham?
They are from your island. Lisa and Simon Thomas. I followed their journey for ages.
Surprisingly they were a couple on heavy GS bikes.
Simon did break his neck. Maybe that wouldn't have happened on a ktm. But that's unfair because the ktm would have broken down before that could have happened.
(Triumph tiger xcx800 owner who tested a ktm but ended up getting another triumph. Tested the GS as well but it was so much more expensive. At one point I very likely will get a GS. Although the new triumph tiger looks awesome)
Awesome to see a motorcycle review, hope to see more of these from you. I would love to see you review a sport tourer or even the Niken if it's still sold there.
Mate I want what you’re on 😂😂 . But seriously that was very entertaining 👍
They are great bikes I left them for a KTM 1290R , which was awesome , but decided the best is a GSA and an ktm 890R for the days I feel my immaturity kicking in 😅
I bought the ktm superduke gt love it ! Thinking about taking it to a park run 😂
Great Video. Shame its inspiring me to get the bandit out the garage as we go into winter. Two wheels are great, maybe you could be encouraged to start your ironman journey again! :D
The reason I don’t use Workoutdoors for my runs is the always on. Apple workout app is always on so better for me. It’s not Apple’s fault, they have an API for developers of fitness apps to enable always on. Hoping from your comments that they’ve been able to tell you that it’s coming because it’s been available for at least a year and still not implemented. Fingers crossed
They are working on it!
@@MarkLewisfitness Fantastic news
Lovely bully 😍 and a very nice bike 🙂
Your Garmin just got a huge update package.
Brilliant! Was really hoping someone would find your glasses! 😂
Wow, fantastic video from a slightly overweight 62 year old. I've owned a 1250 GSA for 3.5 years so appreciate them but do ride green lanes as well on mine. Perfected the art of picking one up, easy when you know how. Now all I need to do is work on my fitness as recovering from broken femur and on crutches for last eight months, and BMI of 30. Help..............gulp. Fitness level 0.
Noooooooooooooo. I just decided that the time is not right for buying my first bike and I see this. Oooooooh, I am so tempted.
Rugged green strap on killed me 😂
Great video.. very true and very funny!
Rugged green strap-on, whatever makes you feel manly Mark 😂
Prompted by your park run goal of 4:10 pace: today I had a threshold run with 10mins warm-up, 16mins at threshold (4:10 pace), 5mins recovery, and then another 16mins at threshold, and a cool down. It ended up being my fastest ever 10km! 43:19. Chuffed with that! Thanks as always for being one of my biggest motivations.
That’s okay, nice 10k time! 4:10 is a pace I love. Proper running speed, but just about maintainable over reasonable distance.
@@MarkLewisfitness Couldn't agree more. It felt like a genuine threshold pace. I have been focusing on my 70.3 triathlon so HM endurance was my goal, but now that it's done I can have some fun testing times for shorter distances and see how the fitness translates. Good fun.
Had a few GSA! Brilliant bikes. Gone for a multistrada now 🎉❤
I nearly tried one but they didn’t have a demo when I was checking out the Supermotard.
@@MarkLewisfitness I go to Ducati in Abingdon / they are really accommodating for demos etc. agree on the supermotard / wasn’t a fan.
I found the GSA 1250 plenty fast enough just wanted that Ducati growl/penash and I don’t commute daily on the bike now (used to into reading train station for London) so can put up with Ducati maybe being a little more temperamental/chain vs shaft drive etc. Partnered with a KTM enduro and landrover defender - for me it’s a dream garage!
I just need to work on getting healthy and less fat now and focus less on earning money to spend on cars and bikes I don’t really need 😅😝
Multistrada is as addictive (and expensive) as cocaine. Don’t try it. ;) (yes, do)
If someone saw you at a Hyrox starting line with that Ultra watch, are they thinking “…oh, makes me want to buy a skinny latte…”?
Yes. 100%. 😂
The venerable GPZ 900, I bought one new in 1986, what a great bike, pity it was so heavy, 4 years and 60 odd thousand kilometres later traded it for a ZZR 600, and stuck with 600s ever since.
As for a GS, wouldn’t touch one with a barge pole, best bike ever ? Nah, a Yamaha T700 will go the same places as a GS but a GS won’t go the the places a T700 will.
Seen a T700 cross the Simpson desert in Australia, never seen a GS do that yet. 😂😂😂😂😂
Great motivational content. I was feeling a bit tired this evening, thinking shifting my running to tomorrow. Now half way into the video I'm laced up and ready for my round around the Alster. Best regards!
same, its 0:30 am already but who cares
As a nakedbike rider in my stupid leathers, at least with not quite unused kneesliders, that uses my bike to commute all year round I have to admit: When I'm on my way to work at below freezing without a windscreen and freezing my nuts off or having to carry all my stuff in a backpack, I'd love a GS with heated grips and seat. But that's the consequence of only being able to afford one bike and wanting to do everything from commuting at -4°C to track days on it.
My mate, that races, he has another friend that track days his GS 🤣
Mark, your bike looks so much like Street Hawk 😁
I used to hate the GS too. It's ugly af (it looks like an unsheathed boiler) and like you say it's a middle aged man's bike (and I'm a middle aged woman). The basic engine hasn't changed since 1920. It rocks itself when it's stationary. All the twiddly bits (lights and luggage) are eye-wateringly expensive. And then I got one (Fritz). Fritz was a brilliant bike. Like me: big, comfy, very cheap to run. And when you're on top of one you don't have to look at it. Ace bike.
I've always been of the mind that you should get the vehicle that makes the most sense for you. I have a 2006 Honda VTX1300C and my riding is mainly 30 minutes to 2 hours on the road. Which is perfect for me. We have a lot of dirt trails and sand dunes here, so we see a lot of enduros and dirt bikes. It does irritate me to see the fully dressed cruiser come out once a week to go get coffee instead of doing those multi state rides, and I absolutely hate scooter riders who think they are a bag of chips and all that. But! With the way society has been going lately, any rider is ok in my book anymore because we all need to get out there more!
Loved the jab at KTM, that has to be one of the dumbest decisions ever - isn't hindsight great?
Can't say I like the BMW that much tbh, I'd like a Yamaha Super Tenere one day (to use it properly), but for now I'll stick with my Yamaha FJR1300, absolutely amazing bike, love it.
I liked my XJR 1300 so much. I always looked up to the BMW GS. Probably great choice, also I haven't tried one so can't say vs the 1300... But true that all the gadgets are great to have.
1.07 is so on the money 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Well after your last Kawasaki video I did buy the Bonnie for the front room and nice days, however I immediately realised I needed a Speed Twin for the shops 😂, so for once I was above average in the bike buying stakes. Albeit below average in the height stakes, helps with the Bonnie though 😂😂😂😂
Lovely bike
clad you seen sense in the end 😉
Who cares what you ride, ride whatever you like. I'm off back to the sofa now with my 6 doughnuts!
Hi mark
Did you test a KTM 1290? I found the beemer good but a little bland In comparison. Love my KTMs they definitely give me the fizz
I was going to …. But the bmw just has a hugeness about it that the others adv bikes lacked. It filters like a bus but looks mad head on.
@@MarkLewisfitness well if you ever want to have a ride comparison let me know My bike isn’t new and it’s the 1290T model. I’m only in Basingstoke so not far from you. All the best
Is your calf still tight, I wonder because you seem to be rolling in your run fairs fair it may just be the angle of the camera). Glad your bouncing back and having fun.
Actually-it is a bit tight, but what makes the run look odd is holding the GoPro
Fair enough, good luck with the awkward last 10-15 % of the recovery. Superb content by the way.
Oh man, that pacing feature with the coloured dials looks kickass
I hope it comes to Garmin
Enjoyed the video.
Did you have a latte with the donut?