Well, Germany is not a warm country. I really dig windscreens, but ADVs? Yea, they make sense when leaving Central or North Europe, but they don't make much sense here. I tried a Transalp (yuck, terrible brakes and front end) and a F700GS. Really not my thing! Haven't even talking about looks. Sport tourers or nakeds for me, thanks.
@@simonb6982 I might upgrade to one in the spring. October is almost here, which is really the last month to ride here in the far northeast part of the USA before constant sub freezing temperatures take hold, until the middle to end of April generally, when it starts to warm back up. I bought the Z900 because I got a very good deal on a lightly used ‘22 model. I was able to pay cash, so no payment. But being completely honest I’d like to get a smaller bike for weekend fun rides, and a Ninja 1000SX for my long commute. I also have a ‘20 CRF250RL for off road.
@@simonb6982 I honestly think I might trade my Z900 for a Ninja 1000SX for a commuter rig next year. I also want to get another naked bike for weekend riding though… Leaning GSX8S or MT07. My Z900 can be a bit much when hitting the twisties. I want something with less power and less weight when riding like that on the weekend with my buddies.
I do not own a GS, nor have I ever had any BWM motorcycle to begin with. That being said, this was a painful video to watch. It was not even a review, more like a check-list of all of its features and why you dislike them for literally no good reason. Also, to compare it to a goldwing is extremely nonsensical, not even in the same category of bikes.
A Goldwing is a Highway Tourer & a GS is for Both Highway & Mild Offroad. Also, this Model is Road specific Tyres, 1300 comes with Spoked Off Road Wheels as well, It's upto you to select your Version of the GS 1300!
Whatever your definition of an ADV bike is there is no denying this dude just hates this bike. Id be willing to bet that most of the people that own this bike would hate the bikes this dude is in love with. Fwiw I dont have any bikes in this category but am considering one, he’s more biased than most, as stated in the title of this review.
There's valid complaints, but as a GS owner I've gotta defend the hill. My main complaint about the 1300 GS and GSA is the massive increase in electronics and features. My 1250GSA has the perfect level of convenient and intelligent tech without being overbearing. My cruise control just goes as fast as I tell it to go. My windscreen moves when I move it. My bags are canvas clamped to simple metal bars. I agree that they've gone in the wrong direction and I've got no interest in the 1300 because of it. The GS isn't intended to replace a Goldwing. It's intended to replace a Goldwing, a Sportbike, and a Dual Sport. Is it as good at either of them at their job, no. But if your favorite dirt road is on the top of a mountain that's accessed by a twisty canyon run that starts an hour away from you, neither a Goldwing, Sportbike or Dual Sport will do the job. That means compromises, of course. The telelever front end is a little numb for twisty stuff but it allows a suspension that's firm and confident on paved roads to also have long travel for dirt. The center of gravity is low which makes it slow to turn in, but also makes it excellent for slow technical off road riding. Etc etc etc. If you compare it to the no-compromises pure bikes that it's meant to replace, it'll always look worse.
Wow, this is revealing of how little you know about adventure tour riding. While I do not own one, I fully understand how good of a bike it is and doing LONG miles on road, followed by long miles off-road. None of the sport tourers or gold wings go offroad, they're 17" wheeled bikes.. This bike has 19" front wheel, comfortable seating position, and excellent weather protection. It is a great combo. It's a compelling package against other 19" or 21" bikes like it, but I agree, it is painfully expensive.
For nearly 1/3 the price you can get a new KLR that is just as capable, more reliable, much lighter, easier to work on if something goes wrong in the middle of nowhere, and is only 25mph slower. I bought an 07 KLR 650 4 year ago for 2k which topped out at 95mph and took multiple trips from Illinois to Alaska, a 3500 mile in ONE directon 7k mile round trip. I coulda bought 9 of those old KLRS for the price of ONE BMW
Bro forget this beemer cause for less than this you can get a tiger 900 which is more than enough for touring and off-roading and not being too heavy like every other big adventure bikes also not being too wide
Dang I thought he’d be surprised by the 1300. I ride my 1200gsa like a mad man. I do 130 standing up on the pegs or do wheelies and I’ve yet to meet a sport bike rider that can keep up with me in the turns. Now I’ll admit I don’t ride with dudes like yam but I work at a motorcycle shop so I ride with a lot of different people of all levels. 95% of the dudes I ride with are blown away by what that big ol bike can do. Oh well🤷🏻♂️
I ride a Ducati V4S Panigale. I can't keep up with my mate who rides a 1250 GS. Admittedly I'm not a nutter and he is (he's a retired motorcycle cop) but there's no denying a GS is up to the task and more. I want one.
The magic of the GS unfolded for me during ownership. Suspension and handling on imperfect paved or rough surface roads (which happens most the time in the real world) with comfort, amenities and luggage for touring are far better than the XR. Engine configuration provides low center of gravity and grunt ideally suited to most riding conditions. It's a phenomenal all-rounder, better in the twisties and more engaging than a Goldwing, more comfortable and optimized to real-world riding than the XR. And the new 1300 now has every imaginable amenity. Lke the 911, while the design was originally quirky it was relevant and compelling functionality that made it work so well and upon which it built its iconic reputation and loyalty.
@@daveplem Well, if you are talking about going from point A to point B, yes, the Vstrom can do it... like every motorcycle in the market. Doing it the same way the GS does, obviously not. Is not a matter of liking one over the other, is physics. The way the GS is build and engineered is completely different than a normal motorcycle. Only the telelever allow handling the curves the way it does. You may not like it, but is the most secure and effective way to drive... and this is just one single aspect (for me is a huge difference).. all the rest is also different.
@@motormichael5831 You are right, the V-strom wont do it as "brilliantly well" It will do it 5x as brilliantly. You can DIY service a V-strom on the side of road with basic tools, using youtube. On the newer gen BMW's (2005 and up basically), you need a freaking computer (GS 911) or equiv to even work on the dumb things. I'v never, as in NEVER met a guy on a BMW that was even 5% as capable without his network of dealers and mechanics as me and my buds on Suzukis. Hillarious crowd. As a previous K1200R owner, here is my list of failures. Constant ESA suspension fault codes. ABS module fault codes (no brakes are FUN) - gotta love BOOSTED brakes, rather than just normal stuff, right? pressure sensors inside the unit failed, new unit required. Brake master cylinder rusts and fails. Rear drive splines eats itself (even with frequent oil changes) - still present on 2024 bikes i can read. basically unservicable front suspension (requires torch and 300+NM to change bearings) Idk what more to mention, buying BMW is truthfully for the fact resistant type of person.
The GS does grow on you, the longer you ride it the more you like it and if you’re a taller rider it fits. The problem with the Goldwing for a 6’4” rider the cockpit is way too small.
@@Calvin19244 He's absolutely right. I'm 6'7" and the Goldwing is a no go. The fairing and the boxer engine give you no place to put knees and feet comfortably.
@@BigMacC-v5xyeah that's fair but making a review contingent on being significantly above average height (something he has no direct experience with) is dumb. It's would be like you trying to review a grom from the perspective of someone that's 5'0.
@sathalel4084 I agree, I was just weighing in on why the Goldwing doesn't work for everyone even though is a fantastic machine. I have an S1000rr (with a wunderlich tall sport seat) and a Harley Road Glide. The Goldwing is technically a superior bike to the Harley, but the Harley is easily modified for a tall rider. I wanted to like the Goldwing for touring, but there just isn't a way to make it work for me. My knees are literally on the fairing.
This must be satire. For short riders like you, stick to a MT-09, then. I've taken a GS across CA, NV, and Utah and did the UT BDR and beat the snot out of it off-road. At 6-5, it's tough to beat. Easy to pick up despite its weight and engine maintenance is easy but why would that matter? Ripping on the telelever is hilarious. Is it a little vague off road? Sure, but it's not competing with dirt bikes. Is it poised and composed in the twisties? Yep. You could argue a standard fork with its brake dive is legacy and "bizarre". Only negative is the price but, like always, a used one is the way to go. Ride what you want but I don't understand the biased hatred for the GS. Creating division and drama is good for clicks, I guess.
Don´t try to understand, this guy is not stupid, he just thinks that the conflict and dumb sentences about some models, will give him clicks... Is stupid, but he is probably right, otherwise we wouldn't be exchanging messages. Anyway, can be even hilarious how can he find so stupid sentences, like the issue with the center stand.
ADV can go on gravel roads, the platform has the ability, tires are easy to replace and crash guards are easy to install. More suited for exploring rural areas.
I have a BMW S1000R and wanted to add a more comfortable motorcycle on long rides. I am 6'4" (191 cm) and 235 pounds. I looked at all the large and mid-sized adventure touring motorcycles and settled on the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro. The Tiger weights about 500 pounds, has a 34.5" seat, and has plenty of power for my skill level and risk tolerance. It is super comfortable, loaded with tech, and $12k less than the GS (out-the-door price). The Tiger has a 21" front wheel but handles surprisingly well in the twisties. The front end dives a bit during hard braking, but that is something I will get used to over time. I like the bike's lighter weight compared to the ponderous large adventure tourers. The Tiger 900 has a 5-gallon gas tank and averages in the 50s mpg on the highway if ridden sensibly. As such, I get about 240+ miles per tank, which is perfect. I rode the BMW S1000XR and it is not comfortable on longer rides. The seat traps you in one place and is not comfortable. Also, the XR is a bit manic and encourages you to ride well over the speed limit. The BMW 900 GS has a small gas tank; too small for touring. The 900 GSA has a 6+ gallon gas tank but the bike is top-heavy and ponderous. The 1250 GSA is impressive but it's gigantic and top-heavy with its 7.9 gallon tank. Maybe I will own a GSA someday, but that bike has gotten very expensive and it's not very exciting even with all the bells and whistles and impressive power. Ride your ride and enjoy!
Another former S1000R owner here who has also ended up with a Tiger 900, though in my case the GT Pro as I wanted a purely street-oriented bike. It's simply a great bike: fun, comfortable, practical, with a wonderful engine and all the bells and whistles I wanted, and none I didn't.
@@TheSloppiestJoe - I still have my S1000R because I love to ride it. Next week I leave on a long trip and the Tiger 900 is great for touring. I'm so glad I bought this motorcycle. Enjoy!
You have to be on your toes when you are riding on a track. On a sportspike. This is a touring/advanture bike. You don't need top performance for 500 km a day. You should be comfy, so you have to rest your middle of your feet on the peg. We love you Yammie boy, but there are more then one type of bike around, not just sportbikes.
Or just maybe folks should just enjoy what they ride. The GS has been around for decades and people are still buying them. Obviously they're doing something right.
So, you forgot or don't know how to retract the mechanism for the center stand? Yes, let's criticize the bike! And don't how to open the gas cap? And the bike only brakes if you have the cruise control on, or if you too close ti the vehicle in front with the fwc activated. There is not " brake by wire".the bike brakes work like almost any other vehicle in the world, by modulating presure at the abs system. What a bunch of nonsense. Lol. "Profesional reviewers " that know nothing about the bikes they test! You didn't get one single fact right about the bike.
I don't own one, but after test riding the 1200 and the 1250, I totally get it. The GS is an awesome piece of engineering, and this is coming from a die hard sportbike guy. It's only right that it's a boxer twin if you're even the slightest bit in tune with BMW's history. They are almost the perfect all-rounder and you have to be trying really hard to hate on it. The new Goldwing, which I've also ridden, is an excellent continental tourer but an all rounder it is NOT. There are litterally guys who will tour, do light off roading, AND do track days on their GS. Try that with your Goldwing! Watch out for that small group of GS riders that are also ex road racers. They might embarrass you on your favorite road OR track!
He is literally a noob. And testing driving dynamics in Road mode is another thing. And that the GS is not good in offroad and compare it with a regular SUV? At the same time, they drive them across Africa. I've been watching for a while now that he wants to be controversial on purpose. Well, nothing, -1 follower, this doesn't give me anything. The fact that he replaced 1000 motorbikes obviously didn't help him even to know them.
@@marzobbyou've never spoken to a genuine regular off road rider if you think ANY adv even a lighter mid weight adv is an optimal off road vehicle. There's a difference between can and should. yes the gs can go off road but in every circumstance where you take it off road a dual sport would be better.
Adventure isn’t limited to off-road only - you still have to get there … on roads. Of course, you can trailer an awesome thumper and a mid-range adv works fine … but not great overall. Now, about taking that Gold Wing off road ….
The R1300RT is still just announced, but try the R1250RT... because it’s the true representative of a boxer touring motorcycle. Yes, it will probably feel strange to you as well. But this is a bike that hasn’t been compromised by 'adventure' nonsense. Check out why police forces around the world ride the RT. And the RT is a real dad bike... but for dads who have ridden motorcycles their whole life, not for dentists going through a mid-life 'adventure' crisis who want a GS-type Starbucks bike.😆
You´ve said what it needed to be said on this subject: the true boxer touring experience you find riding the RT. Everything that sounds "strange" or "odd" in a GS makes perfect sense on an RT. Even a short gravel road can be taken on it, turning Goldwings a tiny image in rear mirrors
The GS is way too tech-ridden for the unique engine to truly stand out, so the RT would be the bike I’d like to experience the engine, even if it does sound like a sewing machine down low lol
I actually love the RT line of bikes. They are amazing at eating up miles with good fuel economy and excellent comfort. When my older RT finally dies, I will be getting a newer one, hopefully an R1300RT by that time
@@pneumaticman5927 agreed. I hope it's much better looking than the new R1300 GSA. Give it a few years and you should be able to get an R1300 RT for 50-60% of the new price. That's likely when I'll pounce.
Spot on Owned a K1200R for a few years Fun fact, the ABS system on the K12R/S are servo assisted (read they build braking pressure with basically small pumps) INSIDE the ABS modules... Oh oh yeah, no they are not reliable They are also unserviceable! And they cost as much as 1/3 of the price of these bikes... insanity BMW
Was recently stationed in Germany and these bikes are absolutely everywhere here. I was blown away with how many of these I've seen usually riding in groups of 2-4.
Ohh wow GS people really are passionate about this! And this is yammies review and opinion, we all have one. But now i would like to see yammie try an old gs like 1100 and see what went wrong with the gs, because (my opinion) those are great bikes!
I went from a GL1500 to a R1150GS. The GW was fun on long trips. Toured the California coast and mountains, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah. Lots of camping trips on that bike. It hauled ass, fun in the corners, I did a section of off-road around Monument Valley no problem. Then I sold it for the GS.. which was not an off-road bike, but I did a lot of off-road in Arizona, New Mexico. I wanted more wind protection on long rides, especially in the winter in the Southwest. I sold it after 1.5 years and bought a KTM 450 and enjoyed a year and half real off-roading. Sold that and moved to Thailand where I bought a CRF250M and toured all over northern Thailand including a lot of dirt/farm roads/trails. Still own it and ride it, it's my primary transportation. I can say with certainty that I would not go for a GS again, definitely not for off-road. I would own a CRF300L for off-road fun and city/urban assaulting, that bike is a lot of fun to ride, easy to maintain. I would maybe get an RT for touring only after test driving the newer GW and RT back to back. Really you need more than one bike to enjoy all types of riding.
The GS is a Swiss army knife. It does whatever you need it to do. No one bike is going to be perfect in all aspects. That being said, the endless complaints are ridiculous.
they are a very different beast and once you are used to the feel being lighter, you understand it works and trust it. they are more nimble than you might think. I did 60k miles in 12months on an RT. no problems, normal servicing. from 30f to 120f . windscreen is awesome because you can use it on the go. raining, clean your visor off, hot, drop it down, cold, raise it up. the bike is about comfort. so someone who is interested in wringing a bike out and using all of it would take a while to enjoy the difference. fyi - I'm now on a gsx-s1000gt for price in purchase, servicing and long term maintenance. once you get 70k miles on a bmw keeping them running costs a lot.
The unhinged hatred for ADV bikes but specifically the GS just doesn’t make sense to me. Is it a dirt bike? No. But you can do ALOT of off roading with it. Is it a sport bike? No, but it’s well balanced enough to keep up with pretty much everything outside of RR’s and V4’s. And features? BMW, along with Ducati, OWN the luxury market. Everything said in this video just comes off vindictive and unnecessary criticism. I’ve been subbed for years Yam, but maybe you should go ride the bike how it was meant to be ridden before you completely shit on it.
Recently picked up an old GS as my 2nd bike. It's the old single Rotex thumper. Personally I love it. Coming from a G310R I'm used to a more sporty riding position. I didn't have an issue with the center stand getting in the way since I have yet to put it on. New tires, chain and sprockets should fix any current issues.
I really like your channel, and I’m gonna make a couple comments about your review. The GS is an off-road machine. I don’t understand why you don’t think it is that’s what the bike is designed to do. In addition it’s gonna take you 900 miles a day across the interstate and get you to where you wanna ride off road and you can ride off road and carry your tent and everything else with you, including passenger. as for writing it in the twisties, ride some really twisty roads and the gold wing will be out of sight in your rearview mirror before you even blink. I get your distain for the adaptive cruise control, if you don’t like it, turn it off. Look I don’t own a GS. I write a triumph tiger 1200 a very similar bike, but I think the bike was really poorly done, and if you don’t know how to fold the lever on the center stand, then you probably didn’t do a very good job of, giving the bike it’s due. Keep up the good work, but you can do better.
i own a 1250 and I agree, I hate the engine design. Outside of that, it’s a fantastic bike. Twisties are fun, gravel is fun, I’ve even taken it to a vintage motocross track.
I totally get why people love the GS. It has all the gadgets a guy could hope for on a bike while also being very comfortable. For people that want to ride like a hooligan or prefer sport style bikes, clearly the GS isn't for that person. It's generally for the older rider that wants to be comfortable while riding, also the price cuts the majority of younger riders out of even considering a GS
only cause you need to be one to afford one - noob is trolling the wrong crowd here - The GS fits in the lineup because it is the largest selling bike.
One thing you're forgetting when comparing it to a Goldwing is that there are a few of us tall 6.4 and above dads. Goldwing is just way too cramped for even a 30 minute ride. As are 90% of other motorcycles out there. A GS was a heaven sent for ergos and ergos only. Still overpriced and the new styling is just hideous.
Only thing I don't understand is this, You and every other moto vlogger will knock points off of a bike for not including cruise control.......But this bike comes WITH cruise control and youre knocking on it saying "I dont want the bike to ride for me" Like Bruh.
My 1290 SAS has adaptive cruise and my gosh I never want another bike without it ever again. I don't use it every time of course, but on the highway, f'n A, does it make highway riding so effortless. 10/10 feature, never buying a bike without it ever again.
I road my R1250GSA 3200 miles in 10 days with 1800 of those miles on the Continental Divide (mountains, steep rocky trails etc) and watched one guy ride his up a steep, rocky, stair stepped trail with ease - and he had his wife on it two up. That said, I now ride a Goldwing two up on hardtop roads and an Africa Twin off road. My R1250GSA is for sale due to it not being used.
You guys all have a point, but in-line 4’s just feel like hard work and lack torque. The boxer is superior to the straight four, and a straight three, unless you are on a track. For me it’s a v4, then a v twin, then a boxer 👍
I wish I could afford the V4 of a Multistrada.....though I have no complaints with my KTM 1290 V-twin either. Great engine. Ducati wanted another 50%-90% (depending on which Multistrada I was looking at) more than the KTM for their bikes. I love the V4, but not that much more. lol
@@Gofr5 the KTM is very cool too. Not many bad bikes around at the moment, but they’re two of the best (multi V4 & 1290). I’ve got the multi V4 and my neighbour has the KTM, in real world conditions they’re equal.
These things , I am told, should be riden in "Dynamic pro" - in "road" they are much more docile. They widened tha gap between modes. I guess in Big Texas, it would make sense to compare with a Goldwing, but in smaller Europe, they are are not competitors. And then you have the cities, european cities and we do filtering..the GS is just easier. The easiest Big Adv. Its not a sport bike, it is not a 911, it is kind of a BMW X5 with a Big Torquey Engine, something that "can do everything reasonably well". Ideal for a one bike only garage.
I like your comparison to the X5. Most people do not know how capable they are off-road. I went to the Performance Driving School and was blown away. After pushing the limits on the track, we went off-road - which turned out to be even scarier. Through rivers, up rocky climbs, narrow passages, and a lot on three and sometimes just two wheels, the X SAVs are absolutely capable off-road. Same thing with the GS.
Whilst doing a lap of Australia on my Africa Twin, I bumped into a man on a GS with his son as a backseat at a gas station in the Northern Territory. The man looked at me and said: "Look son, he couldn't afford one of these." To which I replied: "Do they also do your nails when they change the oil for you at the BMW dealership?"We both laughed it off, but he knew my comeback was 🔥
Couple of points: 1. It is not 600lbs; around 525lbs 2. What if you are to cruise to a location hundreds of miles to do offload adventure biking? Honda Gold Wing that you made reference to wouldn't be appropriate.
I have to say, Yammie, that you are completely missing the point of the GS. 400 miles is not much of a ride, really. If you think you can really evaluate a bike after a 400 mile ride, I have to question your biker credentials altogether. The GS is a continent crosser. These are the bikes we ride when we (like I have) ride from Kentucky to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska on the Dalton Highway, which is 70% unpaved. Then, we ride the bike home. Oh, and that ride wasn't on Interstate. 85% of that ride is on two-lane roads. The ride was 11,000 miles, round trip. Your little ride was 400 miles? That's like half a day of riding. Less if you are doing an Ironbutt. Have you done one of those yet? I have done a dozen, and many have done more than me. Your ride didn't explore the fact that the boxer gives you a balanced turn-in, one that doesn't fatigue you when you ride all day. Your ride didn't explore the GS' ability to handle unimproved roads and off-road rides through rough terrain for long distances. Try riding one of your bikes on the Dalton or Dempster highways. Haven't heard of them? Look them up. GS riders know what they are. My point is, the way YOU ride, YOU don't use the bike the way it was engineered to be used. Just say that... It's not the bike for YOU, because YOU don't really ride the way GS riders ride. If you actually tried to ride the way GS riders do, when you hit 5-6000 miles on your adventure, you might start to appreciate the GS. Go back to your turbo Hayabusa... Leave the real rides on real motorcycles to the real riders. IYKYK.
We all know he'll have one of these but never show it on the channel. Yammie's in his middle age now, that back is no longer able to handle being a squid.
i can see why you would avert your gaze from a motorcycle that has a, some might say, an outdated engine. but I know a guy who owns an R1300GS, is a dad, and can smoke anybody on it. we literally rode last weekend on some twisties and a S1K, a R1 and a Superduke tried to gap him. S1K guy was elbow down trailing behind the whole time. but then again I saw my dude doing wheelies on this thing in a forest. that’s to say that i think it’s the rider that matters, not the allegedly outdated parts.
These make sense in Europe for touring where we have lots of very tight city streets that a goldwing would be cumbersome on. Personally I'd still rather have a fjr or pan european, but I think it does still make more sense over here.
I’m going from an s1k 2023 to gs1300 I also test rode the XR the GS just rides differently so the feeling of the GS might not be your taste but for a lot of people it is. XR Nice bike totally different from the GS
I'll tell ya what, it's not a BMW 1300 GS, but my 1290 SAS (which I wouldn't trade for a GS, honestly) is my favourite bike that I've owned so far. Granted it's only my third bike, so limited experience, but I love it much more than my starter CBR500R and intermediate 701 SM. My preferences are different from Yam's though. Most bikes he likes are bikes that, while I do think are cool, would never want. Love my sport touring ADV.
The middleweight advs are the sweet spot in my opinion I’ll ride a dirt bike for the real trail riding but I love my Transalp it rides like a naked bike on the road with better wind protection and does just fine on anything off road that you would wanna do on a bike that size
Yammie lacks literally all ability to envision himself in someone elses shoes. He only cares about being on the side of the tires on a super sport. Not liking the bike is fine. The Goldwing is 1.5x more expensive. The GS can be ridden way harder. It's not the same, they are not for the same customer. It's just a boring review.
@@yammienoob sure if everybody had big sponsors and endless garage space like you, everybody would just get the ultimate bikes for every purpose of that day. Most people only have one motorcycle. The gs is an awesome bike if you want to do a bit of all. I definitely wouldnt call it a heap of junk like you did after your lack of skill stalled the bike
People have preferences, Jamm likes what he likes. He never said that this channel is anything else then his opinion. And it's okay to disagree just don't be a Asshole about it! There are plenty of other bike channels with all kinds of tastes. Its pretty easy to get a idea if someones taste is similar to your's! Also nobody can argue that BMW are expensive!
I totally agree with this review. It’s not my style either. With all the tech and rider aids, it feels like you’re paying more for the ‘status’ than for a true riding experience. Plus, the price is just too steep for what it offers-I'd rather go for something more focused and authentic. But hey, if it’s your thing, I’m happy for you!
Boxer makes sense from an ease of valve adjustments, low center of gravity, and ease of lifting as the head guards give you a big headstart since bike doesn't lie flat. Configuration also frees up space for Telelever. That being said, I still refer to it as the Geriatric Shuttle.
Serious question, if you drop the bike, will those engine heads be strong enough to act as a slider/guard or does that just completely fuck the engine?
Everything has already been said, but 1 further point. When you’re out on a big ride and trying to get ahead of weather ya need a heavier bike to handle the wind. GS is barely heavy enough for that but it does the job. It’s a compromise of many things, where the whole is more than the sum of its parts.
in this class i would choice this bike 👍🏻 for me for perfection its lack of 5 gear instead of 6 and 100 hp instead of 145 hp + waaay to much electronicue stuff 🤮 i like boxer engine 👌🏻 shaft instead of chain is huge advantage in long trip = maintenance less + low weight 240 kg like on this class + one sided swongarm = easy change whell /tire 👌🏻 goldwing ? its heavier slower in corners slower in accelerstion on max but yea in terms of comfortable it can be more comfortable cos hard to find bike more comfortable on highway long trip than goldwing 👌🏻☕️
I'm old enough to remember when there was a marketplace transition from the minivan to the SUV. For most buyers the minivan was a more practical choice. Most people didn't need all wheel drive and grandma had an easier time getting in and out of the lower mini vans. However that didn't matter because buyers did not want to associate themselves with the soccer mom image. I think the same thing is going on with the GS. Buyers choose the GS over the Goldwing because they want to think of themselves as Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman traipsing across Africa rather than retired Fred and his wife visiting the inlaws in Peoria.
Yeah I'll stick with my Tracer. I've had it down some worse tracks than what most would consider fire roads. I did hole the oil pan once but since then have added a skid plate. No problems doing that with street tires.
I have an R1150GS. Why? It’s cheap, reliable, easy to work on, and great fun to ride everywhere. No ABS, no traction control and I’ve done 3000 miles in the last 3 months on it.
A thoroughbred sports bike fan, will never get it, it's opposite ends of the continuum. Raw vs Refined. Glad there is choice for all of us out there. Ride safe brothers and sisters, be happy in your choice.
I agree with most. Youre hating for no good reason other than personal opinion. This bike seems amazing for what it is. Like top tier. The thing drives itself!
Replace Goldwing with RT and I tend to agree. I went from a GS to an RT, never thought about the GS again. The GS is an impressive machine, objectively speaking. But I think most GS riders would benefit from the switch to an RT, emotions aside. Far better road going bike in my opinion. Goldwing not the right comparison.
i love my 1200gs, not as much tech as the 1300 but still pretty well loaded for a 2016 model. i think it is not a bike that you grasp all of what its about in one ride. especially if your ideal ride is crunched up laying on the gas tank. that i love my 1200gs is one thing though another would be likely to get something else for my next bike, though not currently done with my dad bike gs, fyi im 67. dad bike sure, comfort is important. when i can no longer swing a leg over it then i will move on from my GS
Over engineered is the name of the game. Nouveau rich dads love it though. They’ll add $800 in mods and ride the bike on o e trip a year. The only BMW I’m interested in is their Ms. I hope Yammie reviews the M1000 one of these days. It seems like a dream bike but I’m not sure.
i think i understand your point... when there is too much 'auto' you lose the rude aspect of riding, it is like ride completely automatic, you dont have to do nothing and you can't comunicate with the machine in that way, what are you looking for is the 'if i do that what is your response' a sort of comunication betwen rider and motorcycle, this gs is 'ok let me do the job for you', like it or not depends on your needs and feelings
Come ride in the Alps, you will understand why this bike is popular here. I don't own one (and probably never will, I ride a Himalayan), but I can easily understand the appeal.
I don’t get SUV or GS able to go off road wouldn’t. When they looking for sponsorship to make the long way round . Originally they they had KTM in the sights but BMW came up the money 1million . I remember a episode when the camera man GS broke . The bought a cheap light road bike and it ran circles over because it was so much lighter . Hence if you want to go off road buy off road bike . Road bike for the road .
I appreciate the GS sells as well as it does specifically because it has a unique engine, much like the K1600, Goldwing, Harley Davidson, and Moto Guzzi. I like that there’s unconventional/unorthodox engine configurations, and I love when they’re popular. However, I think the tech gets in the way of the GS. It’s the embodiment of “too much going on.” I would prefer the sport touring counterpart (RT?”, I think?) if only because there seems to be less tech between me and the bike. Combine the tech with a price befitting the package and my short king status, and I become very uninterested in it as an option. But hey, it’s cool they have an unconventional engine selling that well.
Did you notice the hinge on the centre stand to fold it out of the way of your heal. The kick folds down for when you want to put the bike up on the stand.
Enjoyed the review and shame the the mistake at start about foot hitting centre stand loses you credibility. Lots of other mistakes in this content. Went from S1000RR to a fully specced Tramuntana R1300GS. Two different bikes, both outstanding in their own way. For me in the UK with our twisty roads the GS is just a very, very capable mile muncher, in any weather and so comfortable. Love the gizmos and gadgets which for me enhance the experience. Easy to ride fast and will embarass many sports bikes. Keep an open mind and enjoy your ride whatever it is 😊
I've got two BMWs. 1983 R80RT and a 2012 R1200R. I chased sport bikes on the R80, but she was a step or two slow, a lot of frame flex when ridden really hard, no top end speed. on the R1200R I've chased KTM 1290 through the Blue Mountains of Oregon, they didn't leave me behind. I didn't have their top speed, but anything up to 130 was good enough for me. the bike is point and shoot, always carries it's line. I'll admit it took a good 6 months to get used to the telever front end, but now I don't find it a hinderance at all. not a dad, but am 75 and love both of my BMWs. neither are sport bikes, but then I wasn't buying a sport bike and knew it. BMW knew there was a market for the GS model that wasn't strictly for off road riders. they knew a lot of guys bought the GS, but never took them off road. thusly this newer GS model. for a sportier ride and no telever wait for the 1300RS model, that may or may not be coming out soon.
There are allot of areas where I believe your opinion does carry weight. The areas you have experience in and knowledge about. but coming from a guy that has been riding various bikes for over 28 years, and do take my gs of-road. This bike is way out of your area of expertise.
I don't get it why every sport riding guy thinks that the XR is a good all around bike? No torque down low, extremely noisy and not as comfy as a GS. Do these guys have ever done a more than ten days straight trip, where you need to go all types of roads? You need certain attributes for all kinds of roads. That's why the adv category is overtaking every other category. No for a sports bike, no need for an off road bike, no need for a tour bike. You have it all in one motorcycle!!
I've always found CC to be a way overhyped useless gimmick that's not worth using even if you have it, bc you can't for more than like 30s in real world traffic, but this adaptive tech looks like it might fix that. Also the GS is considered a flagship bike because it is. It has been the best selling bike here for at least a decade now, and also has been memed to be a retirement home - no one wants to go there, but everyone end up there anyway. And I absolutely hate it, though I do like the mid range GSs a lot.
I would never want to OWN one, but i still appreciate Beamer's over-the-top GS platform for what it is: an overly-engineered proof of concept. Definitely NOT for me (i prefer my more simple/reliable/practical V-Strom), but I still love that the GS exists...
The BMW GS 1300 will be my new bike next. But its always good yo hear others opinions about it. Im sure if i rode his bikes i would Shit Talk them as well.
My dad is the biggest gs simp ive ever encountered ive been trying to get him into a goldwing for years but he refuses because he insists that he needs the offroad capabilities but i could honestly take my xsr900 down any road he takes
Of course bmw is still building these, the GS is like the best selling bike in their lineup for years here in germany (and perhaps europe too). For me its like the (unnecessary) opposite of a Himalayan 450 🙃
I feel like other bikes are better in all cases EXCEPT journeys that go to beautiful remote areas like Alaska. If you've ever tried to road trip in Alaska, you WILL need to drive on a gravel road some of the time due to all the road work.
![ปฏิเสธไม่ไหว (Crush on you) - LIPTA feat. No One Else [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NBw1jF342vw/mqdefault.jpg)
It's easy for motorcycle reviewers from warm states to look down on windscreens and ADVs. These keep us riding more of the year.
Yup. I ride a naked bike (Z900) in the far north northeast and on those 20°F mornings fairings would be nice.
Well, Germany is not a warm country. I really dig windscreens, but ADVs? Yea, they make sense when leaving Central or North Europe, but they don't make much sense here. I tried a Transalp (yuck, terrible brakes and front end) and a F700GS. Really not my thing! Haven't even talking about looks. Sport tourers or nakeds for me, thanks.
@@sleeper.simulant7327 Why not get a 1000SX?
@@simonb6982 I might upgrade to one in the spring. October is almost here, which is really the last month to ride here in the far northeast part of the USA before constant sub freezing temperatures take hold, until the middle to end of April generally, when it starts to warm back up. I bought the Z900 because I got a very good deal on a lightly used ‘22 model. I was able to pay cash, so no payment. But being completely honest I’d like to get a smaller bike for weekend fun rides, and a Ninja 1000SX for my long commute. I also have a ‘20 CRF250RL for off road.
@@simonb6982 I honestly think I might trade my Z900 for a Ninja 1000SX for a commuter rig next year. I also want to get another naked bike for weekend riding though… Leaning GSX8S or MT07. My Z900 can be a bit much when hitting the twisties. I want something with less power and less weight when riding like that on the weekend with my buddies.
The lever of the centerstand can be folded down. If it is folded you dont't touch it.
Dude BMW Boxer Bikes Are the Best ! You mentioned like a Porsche 911 Exactly ! We Love ALL BMW Motorcycles with 2 Cylinder Boxers.
I do not own a GS, nor have I ever had any BWM motorcycle to begin with. That being said, this was a painful video to watch. It was not even a review, more like a check-list of all of its features and why you dislike them for literally no good reason. Also, to compare it to a goldwing is extremely nonsensical, not even in the same category of bikes.
They’re both touring bikes, how are they not comparable? This version is not an ADV bike, not either those wheels and tires it’s not…
but goldwing and GS are used the same way. So to riders they are the same category.
A Goldwing is a Highway Tourer & a GS is for Both Highway & Mild Offroad. Also, this Model is Road specific Tyres, 1300 comes with Spoked Off Road Wheels as well, It's upto you to select your Version of the GS 1300!
@@sleeper.simulant7327 An "ADV" bike is just an off-road capable Touring bike.
Whatever your definition of an ADV bike is there is no denying this dude just hates this bike. Id be willing to bet that most of the people that own this bike would hate the bikes this dude is in love with. Fwiw I dont have any bikes in this category but am considering one, he’s more biased than most, as stated in the title of this review.
Heated seats? My v-twin has heated seats too, it's called sitting on top of the engine block
Who needs heated seats when your country is hot af. LOL
There's valid complaints, but as a GS owner I've gotta defend the hill.
My main complaint about the 1300 GS and GSA is the massive increase in electronics and features. My 1250GSA has the perfect level of convenient and intelligent tech without being overbearing. My cruise control just goes as fast as I tell it to go. My windscreen moves when I move it. My bags are canvas clamped to simple metal bars. I agree that they've gone in the wrong direction and I've got no interest in the 1300 because of it.
The GS isn't intended to replace a Goldwing. It's intended to replace a Goldwing, a Sportbike, and a Dual Sport. Is it as good at either of them at their job, no. But if your favorite dirt road is on the top of a mountain that's accessed by a twisty canyon run that starts an hour away from you, neither a Goldwing, Sportbike or Dual Sport will do the job. That means compromises, of course. The telelever front end is a little numb for twisty stuff but it allows a suspension that's firm and confident on paved roads to also have long travel for dirt. The center of gravity is low which makes it slow to turn in, but also makes it excellent for slow technical off road riding. Etc etc etc.
If you compare it to the no-compromises pure bikes that it's meant to replace, it'll always look worse.
Dad bikes are super fun.
Video summarized: "Look at all these cool features that work exactly as they're supposed to...this thing sucks."
Wow, this is revealing of how little you know about adventure tour riding. While I do not own one, I fully understand how good of a bike it is and doing LONG miles on road, followed by long miles off-road. None of the sport tourers or gold wings go offroad, they're 17" wheeled bikes.. This bike has 19" front wheel, comfortable seating position, and excellent weather protection. It is a great combo. It's a compelling package against other 19" or 21" bikes like it, but I agree, it is painfully expensive.
For nearly 1/3 the price you can get a new KLR that is just as capable, more reliable, much lighter, easier to work on if something goes wrong in the middle of nowhere, and is only 25mph slower. I bought an 07 KLR 650 4 year ago for 2k which topped out at 95mph and took multiple trips from Illinois to Alaska, a 3500 mile in ONE directon 7k mile round trip. I coulda bought 9 of those old KLRS for the price of ONE BMW
Bro forget this beemer cause for less than this you can get a tiger 900 which is more than enough for touring and off-roading and not being too heavy like every other big adventure bikes also not being too wide
Dang I thought he’d be surprised by the 1300. I ride my 1200gsa like a mad man. I do 130 standing up on the pegs or do wheelies and I’ve yet to meet a sport bike rider that can keep up with me in the turns. Now I’ll admit I don’t ride with dudes like yam but I work at a motorcycle shop so I ride with a lot of different people of all levels. 95% of the dudes I ride with are blown away by what that big ol bike can do. Oh well🤷🏻♂️
Yeah calling a bike with 140 hp "lumpy" is really out of touch. This bike is a high tech beast.
I ride a Ducati V4S Panigale. I can't keep up with my mate who rides a 1250 GS. Admittedly I'm not a nutter and he is (he's a retired motorcycle cop) but there's no denying a GS is up to the task and more. I want one.
The magic of the GS unfolded for me during ownership. Suspension and handling on imperfect paved or rough surface roads (which happens most the time in the real world) with comfort, amenities and luggage for touring are far better than the XR. Engine configuration provides low center of gravity and grunt ideally suited to most riding conditions. It's a phenomenal all-rounder, better in the twisties and more engaging than a Goldwing, more comfortable and optimized to real-world riding than the XR. And the new 1300 now has every imaginable amenity. Lke the 911, while the design was originally quirky it was relevant and compelling functionality that made it work so well and upon which it built its iconic reputation and loyalty.
A $3000 VStrom 1000 does everything a GS can do. Except sprout peacock feathers while doing it.
@@daveplem Yes it can. Just not nearly as brilliantly well. And yes, I've owned both.
@@daveplem Well, if you are talking about going from point A to point B, yes, the Vstrom can do it... like every motorcycle in the market. Doing it the same way the GS does, obviously not. Is not a matter of liking one over the other, is physics. The way the GS is build and engineered is completely different than a normal motorcycle. Only the telelever allow handling the curves the way it does. You may not like it, but is the most secure and effective way to drive... and this is just one single aspect (for me is a huge difference).. all the rest is also different.
@@motormichael5831 You are right, the V-strom wont do it as "brilliantly well"
It will do it 5x as brilliantly.
You can DIY service a V-strom on the side of road with basic tools, using youtube.
On the newer gen BMW's (2005 and up basically), you need a freaking computer (GS 911) or equiv to even work on the dumb things.
I'v never, as in NEVER met a guy on a BMW that was even 5% as capable without his network of dealers and mechanics as me and my buds on Suzukis.
Hillarious crowd.
As a previous K1200R owner, here is my list of failures.
Constant ESA suspension fault codes.
ABS module fault codes (no brakes are FUN) - gotta love BOOSTED brakes, rather than just normal stuff, right?
pressure sensors inside the unit failed, new unit required.
Brake master cylinder rusts and fails.
Rear drive splines eats itself (even with frequent oil changes) - still present on 2024 bikes i can read.
basically unservicable front suspension (requires torch and 300+NM to change bearings)
Idk what more to mention, buying BMW is truthfully for the fact resistant type of person.
@@aerisurvey4934 Well said
I love it. But I am a Dad that’s been riding 40 years on a whole bunch of bikes.
The GS does grow on you, the longer you ride it the more you like it and if you’re a taller rider it fits. The problem with the Goldwing for a 6’4” rider the cockpit is way too small.
Never heard the words Goldwing and small in the same sentence
@@Calvin19244 He's absolutely right. I'm 6'7" and the Goldwing is a no go. The fairing and the boxer engine give you no place to put knees and feet comfortably.
@@BigMacC-v5xyeah that's fair but making a review contingent on being significantly above average height (something he has no direct experience with) is dumb. It's would be like you trying to review a grom from the perspective of someone that's 5'0.
I'm only about 6ft, roughly same height as Yams, but still prefer an ADV for the extra seating height. Also, I don't like my legs cramped either.
@sathalel4084 I agree, I was just weighing in on why the Goldwing doesn't work for everyone even though is a fantastic machine. I have an S1000rr (with a wunderlich tall sport seat) and a Harley Road Glide. The Goldwing is technically a superior bike to the Harley, but the Harley is easily modified for a tall rider. I wanted to like the Goldwing for touring, but there just isn't a way to make it work for me. My knees are literally on the fairing.
LMFAO love watching yammie hang the giant "kick me" sign on him and subject himself to all of the abuse 🤣
So you really don’t know why they use a boxer engine. BMW wanted to change over to 4 cilinder engines and the fans just didn’t want those.
This must be satire. For short riders like you, stick to a MT-09, then. I've taken a GS across CA, NV, and Utah and did the UT BDR and beat the snot out of it off-road. At 6-5, it's tough to beat. Easy to pick up despite its weight and engine maintenance is easy but why would that matter? Ripping on the telelever is hilarious. Is it a little vague off road? Sure, but it's not competing with dirt bikes. Is it poised and composed in the twisties? Yep. You could argue a standard fork with its brake dive is legacy and "bizarre". Only negative is the price but, like always, a used one is the way to go. Ride what you want but I don't understand the biased hatred for the GS. Creating division and drama is good for clicks, I guess.
Don´t try to understand, this guy is not stupid, he just thinks that the conflict and dumb sentences about some models, will give him clicks... Is stupid, but he is probably right, otherwise we wouldn't be exchanging messages. Anyway, can be even hilarious how can he find so stupid sentences, like the issue with the center stand.
I don't consider having to figure out how to put gas in the fuel tank an "adventure."
If all else fails, read the manual
ADV can go on gravel roads, the platform has the ability, tires are easy to replace and crash guards are easy to install. More suited for exploring rural areas.
I have a BMW S1000R and wanted to add a more comfortable motorcycle on long rides. I am 6'4" (191 cm) and 235 pounds. I looked at all the large and mid-sized adventure touring motorcycles and settled on the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro.
The Tiger weights about 500 pounds, has a 34.5" seat, and has plenty of power for my skill level and risk tolerance. It is super comfortable, loaded with tech, and $12k less than the GS (out-the-door price). The Tiger has a 21" front wheel but handles surprisingly well in the twisties. The front end dives a bit during hard braking, but that is something I will get used to over time. I like the bike's lighter weight compared to the ponderous large adventure tourers. The Tiger 900 has a 5-gallon gas tank and averages in the 50s mpg on the highway if ridden sensibly. As such, I get about 240+ miles per tank, which is perfect.
I rode the BMW S1000XR and it is not comfortable on longer rides. The seat traps you in one place and is not comfortable. Also, the XR is a bit manic and encourages you to ride well over the speed limit. The BMW 900 GS has a small gas tank; too small for touring. The 900 GSA has a 6+ gallon gas tank but the bike is top-heavy and ponderous. The 1250 GSA is impressive but it's gigantic and top-heavy with its 7.9 gallon tank. Maybe I will own a GSA someday, but that bike has gotten very expensive and it's not very exciting even with all the bells and whistles and impressive power.
Ride your ride and enjoy!
Another former S1000R owner here who has also ended up with a Tiger 900, though in my case the GT Pro as I wanted a purely street-oriented bike. It's simply a great bike: fun, comfortable, practical, with a wonderful engine and all the bells and whistles I wanted, and none I didn't.
@@TheSloppiestJoe - I still have my S1000R because I love to ride it. Next week I leave on a long trip and the Tiger 900 is great for touring. I'm so glad I bought this motorcycle. Enjoy!
You have to be on your toes when you are riding on a track. On a sportspike. This is a touring/advanture bike. You don't need top performance for 500 km a day. You should be comfy, so you have to rest your middle of your feet on the peg. We love you Yammie boy, but there are more then one type of bike around, not just sportbikes.
Or just maybe folks should just enjoy what they ride. The GS has been around for decades and people are still buying them. Obviously they're doing something right.
So, you forgot or don't know how to retract the mechanism for the center stand? Yes, let's criticize the bike! And don't how to open the gas cap? And the bike only brakes if you have the cruise control on, or if you too close ti the vehicle in front with the fwc activated. There is not " brake by wire".the bike brakes work like almost any other vehicle in the world, by modulating presure at the abs system. What a bunch of nonsense. Lol. "Profesional reviewers " that know nothing about the bikes they test! You didn't get one single fact right about the bike.
Is painful to watch
I don't own one, but after test riding the 1200 and the 1250, I totally get it. The GS is an awesome piece of engineering, and this is coming from a die hard sportbike guy. It's only right that it's a boxer twin if you're even the slightest bit in tune with BMW's history. They are almost the perfect all-rounder and you have to be trying really hard to hate on it. The new Goldwing, which I've also ridden, is an excellent continental tourer but an all rounder it is NOT. There are litterally guys who will tour, do light off roading, AND do track days on their GS. Try that with your Goldwing! Watch out for that small group of GS riders that are also ex road racers. They might embarrass you on your favorite road OR track!
You do realize that the lever for the centerstand can be folded down?
Like I said! Lol. This " experts" don't even research the bikes!
He is literally a noob. And testing driving dynamics in Road mode is another thing. And that the GS is not good in offroad and compare it with a regular SUV? At the same time, they drive them across Africa. I've been watching for a while now that he wants to be controversial on purpose. Well, nothing, -1 follower, this doesn't give me anything. The fact that he replaced 1000 motorbikes obviously didn't help him even to know them.
@@marzobbyou've never spoken to a genuine regular off road rider if you think ANY adv even a lighter mid weight adv is an optimal off road vehicle. There's a difference between can and should. yes the gs can go off road but in every circumstance where you take it off road a dual sport would be better.
Adventure isn’t limited to off-road only - you still have to get there … on roads. Of course, you can trailer an awesome thumper and a mid-range adv works fine … but not great overall.
Now, about taking that Gold Wing off road ….
Re the centre stand, where has he got his seat height at?
The R1300RT is still just announced, but try the R1250RT... because it’s the true representative of a boxer touring motorcycle. Yes, it will probably feel strange to you as well. But this is a bike that hasn’t been compromised by 'adventure' nonsense. Check out why police forces around the world ride the RT.
And the RT is a real dad bike... but for dads who have ridden motorcycles their whole life, not for dentists going through a mid-life 'adventure' crisis who want a GS-type Starbucks bike.😆
Or better yet, a R1250R, the naked boxer roadster.
You´ve said what it needed to be said on this subject: the true boxer touring experience you find riding the RT. Everything that sounds "strange" or "odd" in a GS makes perfect sense on an RT. Even a short gravel road can be taken on it, turning Goldwings a tiny image in rear mirrors
The GS is way too tech-ridden for the unique engine to truly stand out, so the RT would be the bike I’d like to experience the engine, even if it does sound like a sewing machine down low lol
I actually love the RT line of bikes. They are amazing at eating up miles with good fuel economy and excellent comfort. When my older RT finally dies, I will be getting a newer one, hopefully an R1300RT by that time
I sold mine a year ago like a fool. I’ve missed it every day.
@@pneumaticman5927 the good news is that they are fairly common so maybe you could justify getting another one at some point.
@@glsracer true that, my friend. Still, I really want to see that 1300!
@@pneumaticman5927 agreed. I hope it's much better looking than the new R1300 GSA. Give it a few years and you should be able to get an R1300 RT for 50-60% of the new price. That's likely when I'll pounce.
@@glsracer that just makes all the sense in the world.
The centerstand thing you're hitting folds away....lol
let's not filter this with facts...
Spot on
Owned a K1200R for a few years
Fun fact, the ABS system on the K12R/S are servo assisted (read they build braking pressure with basically small pumps) INSIDE the ABS modules...
Oh oh yeah, no they are not reliable
They are also unserviceable! And they cost as much as 1/3 of the price of these bikes... insanity BMW
Was recently stationed in Germany and these bikes are absolutely everywhere here. I was blown away with how many of these I've seen usually riding in groups of 2-4.
Yep. Typical middle-class dad bike. Safety vests and folding helmets are a must!
My suggestion is to change the title to "2025 BMW R 1300 GS... Review full of Complains"
Oh, so he shouldn't review bikes if he doesn't like them?
He aint lying tho. Same goes with Harleys in general
@irishtrash5 He isn't reviewing the bike...he's just revealed his inability to do that....a New career is the best thing for him and the public
Bless your heart Herr Noob. Bless your heart. Keep riding. Mazeltov on heading toward actual dadhood
Ohh wow GS people really are passionate about this! And this is yammies review and opinion, we all have one. But now i would like to see yammie try an old gs like 1100 and see what went wrong with the gs, because (my opinion) those are great bikes!
I went from a GL1500 to a R1150GS. The GW was fun on long trips. Toured the California coast and mountains, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah. Lots of camping trips on that bike. It hauled ass, fun in the corners, I did a section of off-road around Monument Valley no problem. Then I sold it for the GS.. which was not an off-road bike, but I did a lot of off-road in Arizona, New Mexico. I wanted more wind protection on long rides, especially in the winter in the Southwest. I sold it after 1.5 years and bought a KTM 450 and enjoyed a year and half real off-roading. Sold that and moved to Thailand where I bought a CRF250M and toured all over northern Thailand including a lot of dirt/farm roads/trails. Still own it and ride it, it's my primary transportation. I can say with certainty that I would not go for a GS again, definitely not for off-road. I would own a CRF300L for off-road fun and city/urban assaulting, that bike is a lot of fun to ride, easy to maintain. I would maybe get an RT for touring only after test driving the newer GW and RT back to back. Really you need more than one bike to enjoy all types of riding.
The GS is a Swiss army knife. It does whatever you need it to do. No one bike is going to be perfect in all aspects. That being said, the endless complaints are ridiculous.
they are a very different beast and once you are used to the feel being lighter, you understand it works and trust it. they are more nimble than you might think.
I did 60k miles in 12months on an RT. no problems, normal servicing. from 30f to 120f . windscreen is awesome because you can use it on the go.
raining, clean your visor off, hot, drop it down, cold, raise it up. the bike is about comfort.
so someone who is interested in wringing a bike out and using all of it would take a while to enjoy the difference. fyi - I'm now on a gsx-s1000gt for price in purchase, servicing and long term maintenance. once you get 70k miles on a bmw keeping them running costs a lot.
The unhinged hatred for ADV bikes but specifically the GS just doesn’t make sense to me. Is it a dirt bike? No. But you can do ALOT of off roading with it. Is it a sport bike? No, but it’s well balanced enough to keep up with pretty much everything outside of RR’s and V4’s. And features? BMW, along with Ducati, OWN the luxury market. Everything said in this video just comes off vindictive and unnecessary criticism. I’ve been subbed for years Yam, but maybe you should go ride the bike how it was meant to be ridden before you completely shit on it.
Recently picked up an old GS as my 2nd bike. It's the old single Rotex thumper. Personally I love it. Coming from a G310R I'm used to a more sporty riding position. I didn't have an issue with the center stand getting in the way since I have yet to put it on. New tires, chain and sprockets should fix any current issues.
Older GS is best GS
I have the 650 too! ❤
I really like your channel, and I’m gonna make a couple comments about your review. The GS is an off-road machine. I don’t understand why you don’t think it is that’s what the bike is designed to do. In addition it’s gonna take you 900 miles a day across the interstate and get you to where you wanna ride off road and you can ride off road and carry your tent and everything else with you, including passenger. as for writing it in the twisties, ride some really twisty roads and the gold wing will be out of sight in your rearview mirror before you even blink. I get your distain for the adaptive cruise control, if you don’t like it, turn it off. Look I don’t own a GS. I write a triumph tiger 1200 a very similar bike, but I think the bike was really poorly done, and if you don’t know how to fold the lever on the center stand, then you probably didn’t do a very good job of, giving the bike it’s due.
Keep up the good work, but you can do better.
i own a 1250 and I agree, I hate the engine design. Outside of that, it’s a fantastic bike. Twisties are fun, gravel is fun, I’ve even taken it to a vintage motocross track.
Update, the motocross track isn’t a good idea. I have 6 broken spokes and a bent rim. The GS doesn’t love clearing tabletops.
I totally get why people love the GS. It has all the gadgets a guy could hope for on a bike while also being very comfortable. For people that want to ride like a hooligan or prefer sport style bikes, clearly the GS isn't for that person. It's generally for the older rider that wants to be comfortable while riding, also the price cuts the majority of younger riders out of even considering a GS
The GS is for Dads, Goldwings are for Grandpas.
only cause you need to be one to afford one - noob is trolling the wrong crowd here - The GS fits in the lineup because it is the largest selling bike.
@@jonpeters5194 gs dont have a use case --
@@mm-hq4qh It's use case from BMW is profit.
Yammie’s journey to ADV Dad is well on the way.
Embrace it.
@@timh6845 no doubt he's more than sticking a toe in... " i don't wanna ride fast anymore"
One thing you're forgetting when comparing it to a Goldwing is that there are a few of us tall 6.4 and above dads. Goldwing is just way too cramped for even a 30 minute ride. As are 90% of other motorcycles out there. A GS was a heaven sent for ergos and ergos only. Still overpriced and the new styling is just hideous.
Only thing I don't understand is this, You and every other moto vlogger will knock points off of a bike for not including cruise control.......But this bike comes WITH cruise control and youre knocking on it saying "I dont want the bike to ride for me"
Like Bruh.
😆
My 1290 SAS has adaptive cruise and my gosh I never want another bike without it ever again. I don't use it every time of course, but on the highway, f'n A, does it make highway riding so effortless. 10/10 feature, never buying a bike without it ever again.
I road my R1250GSA 3200 miles in 10 days with 1800 of those miles on the Continental Divide (mountains, steep rocky trails etc) and watched one guy ride his up a steep, rocky, stair stepped trail with ease - and he had his wife on it two up. That said, I now ride a Goldwing two up on hardtop roads and an Africa Twin off road. My R1250GSA is for sale due to it not being used.
What do you not like about your GSA?
You guys all have a point, but in-line 4’s just feel like hard work and lack torque. The boxer is superior to the straight four, and a straight three, unless you are on a track.
For me it’s a v4, then a v twin, then a boxer 👍
I wish I could afford the V4 of a Multistrada.....though I have no complaints with my KTM 1290 V-twin either. Great engine. Ducati wanted another 50%-90% (depending on which Multistrada I was looking at) more than the KTM for their bikes. I love the V4, but not that much more. lol
@@Gofr5 the KTM is very cool too. Not many bad bikes around at the moment, but they’re two of the best (multi V4 & 1290).
I’ve got the multi V4 and my neighbour has the KTM, in real world conditions they’re equal.
@@alanprice9938 Yeah a buddy of mine has an older v-twin Multi and loves it also.
Love KTM but their dealer network is lacking in the USA.
@@rumporridge1 we’ve luckily just got one close by, so I’m considering a 1390 super duke
10 mins to work out how to open tank to refuel, that's your issue normal people get it first time....
There is a simple cadence of events to get it open every time, ya just have to read the manual, like every other vehicle.
These things , I am told, should be riden in "Dynamic pro" - in "road" they are much more docile. They widened tha gap between modes.
I guess in Big Texas, it would make sense to compare with a Goldwing, but in smaller Europe, they are are not competitors.
And then you have the cities, european cities and we do filtering..the GS is just easier. The easiest Big Adv.
Its not a sport bike, it is not a 911, it is kind of a BMW X5 with a Big Torquey Engine, something that "can do everything reasonably well".
Ideal for a one bike only garage.
I like your comparison to the X5. Most people do not know how capable they are off-road. I went to the Performance Driving School and was blown away. After pushing the limits on the track, we went off-road - which turned out to be even scarier. Through rivers, up rocky climbs, narrow passages, and a lot on three and sometimes just two wheels, the X SAVs are absolutely capable off-road.
Same thing with the GS.
Whilst doing a lap of Australia on my Africa Twin, I bumped into a man on a GS with his son as a backseat at a gas station in the Northern Territory. The man looked at me and said: "Look son, he couldn't afford one of these." To which I replied: "Do they also do your nails when they change the oil for you at the BMW dealership?"We both laughed it off, but he knew my comeback was 🔥
Yea, typical GS snob (they look silly on their Bavarian immersion blenders)
And then the whole Australia clapped
I would be super curious to see a review like this of a current-gen KTM 1290 Super Adventure S.
Couple of points:
1. It is not 600lbs; around 525lbs
2. What if you are to cruise to a location hundreds of miles to do offload adventure biking? Honda Gold Wing that you made reference to wouldn't be appropriate.
Try crossing a mountain range at 4000m and 3c and you will see how useful the GS is.
I have to say, Yammie, that you are completely missing the point of the GS.
400 miles is not much of a ride, really. If you think you can really evaluate a bike after a 400 mile ride, I have to question your biker credentials altogether.
The GS is a continent crosser. These are the bikes we ride when we (like I have) ride from Kentucky to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska on the Dalton Highway, which is 70% unpaved. Then, we ride the bike home.
Oh, and that ride wasn't on Interstate. 85% of that ride is on two-lane roads.
The ride was 11,000 miles, round trip.
Your little ride was 400 miles? That's like half a day of riding. Less if you are doing an Ironbutt. Have you done one of those yet? I have done a dozen, and many have done more than me.
Your ride didn't explore the fact that the boxer gives you a balanced turn-in, one that doesn't fatigue you when you ride all day.
Your ride didn't explore the GS' ability to handle unimproved roads and off-road rides through rough terrain for long distances.
Try riding one of your bikes on the Dalton or Dempster highways. Haven't heard of them? Look them up. GS riders know what they are.
My point is, the way YOU ride, YOU don't use the bike the way it was engineered to be used. Just say that... It's not the bike for YOU, because YOU don't really ride the way GS riders ride.
If you actually tried to ride the way GS riders do, when you hit 5-6000 miles on your adventure, you might start to appreciate the GS.
Go back to your turbo Hayabusa... Leave the real rides on real motorcycles to the real riders.
IYKYK.
😮🫡 Damn Right! 💯🔥
GS Bikes are something else, If you want Comfort and Relaxed Riding Experience. Then the GS is the way to go!
Wow, he trolled you good....😂
Wow he trolled you good😂
We all know he'll have one of these but never show it on the channel. Yammie's in his middle age now, that back is no longer able to handle being a squid.
Goldwing isn't handling back roads, fire roads, and green lanes. The point of the adv. Tourer with all road accessibility
Tell that to goldwing guys 😬
Tell that to Matt Spears and his flying Goldwing!!!!
Anything can be an adventure bike. If you're brave or stupid enough.
cbf 600 do all that better for a lot lrss monry
i can see why you would avert your gaze from a motorcycle that has a, some might say, an outdated engine. but I know a guy who owns an R1300GS, is a dad, and can smoke anybody on it. we literally rode last weekend on some twisties and a S1K, a R1 and a Superduke tried to gap him. S1K guy was elbow down trailing behind the whole time. but then again I saw my dude doing wheelies on this thing in a forest. that’s to say that i think it’s the rider that matters, not the allegedly outdated parts.
These make sense in Europe for touring where we have lots of very tight city streets that a goldwing would be cumbersome on. Personally I'd still rather have a fjr or pan european, but I think it does still make more sense over here.
I’m going from an s1k 2023 to gs1300 I also test rode the XR the GS just rides differently so the feeling of the GS might not be your taste but for a lot of people it is. XR Nice bike totally different from the GS
I'll tell ya what, it's not a BMW 1300 GS, but my 1290 SAS (which I wouldn't trade for a GS, honestly) is my favourite bike that I've owned so far. Granted it's only my third bike, so limited experience, but I love it much more than my starter CBR500R and intermediate 701 SM. My preferences are different from Yam's though. Most bikes he likes are bikes that, while I do think are cool, would never want. Love my sport touring ADV.
Only view the video for entertainment purposes only 😂😂😂
Checked ✅
The middleweight advs are the sweet spot in my opinion I’ll ride a dirt bike for the real trail riding but I love my Transalp it rides like a naked bike on the road with better wind protection and does just fine on anything off road that you would wanna do on a bike that size
Yammie lacks literally all ability to envision himself in someone elses shoes. He only cares about being on the side of the tires on a super sport. Not liking the bike is fine. The Goldwing is 1.5x more expensive. The GS can be ridden way harder. It's not the same, they are not for the same customer. It's just a boring review.
That's why I own a scrambler and now an ADV bike 😮 because I only like sport bikes
@@yammienoob sure if everybody had big sponsors and endless garage space like you, everybody would just get the ultimate bikes for every purpose of that day. Most people only have one motorcycle. The gs is an awesome bike if you want to do a bit of all. I definitely wouldnt call it a heap of junk like you did after your lack of skill stalled the bike
@@UFGgamingsI only own two bikes haha, and everyone stalls a bike once in a while. No need to be mean spirited
Well you’re listening to his opinion, if you want to make your own channel and your own review then do it?
People have preferences, Jamm likes what he likes. He never said that this channel is anything else then his opinion. And it's okay to disagree just don't be a Asshole about it! There are plenty of other bike channels with all kinds of tastes. Its pretty easy to get a idea if someones taste is similar to your's! Also nobody can argue that BMW are expensive!
I totally agree with this review. It’s not my style either. With all the tech and rider aids, it feels like you’re paying more for the ‘status’ than for a true riding experience. Plus, the price is just too steep for what it offers-I'd rather go for something more focused and authentic. But hey, if it’s your thing, I’m happy for you!
If you drop a GS on the dirt you’ll love those heads sticking out. The bike won’t lean as much and will be easier to pick up.
Have you watched the GS Trophy in Namibia this year? How Off-Road do you want to get?
Boxer makes sense from an ease of valve adjustments, low center of gravity, and ease of lifting as the head guards give you a big headstart since bike doesn't lie flat. Configuration also frees up space for Telelever. That being said, I still refer to it as the Geriatric Shuttle.
Serious question, if you drop the bike, will those engine heads be strong enough to act as a slider/guard or does that just completely fuck the engine?
@@knifetoucher they sell crash guards to protect the head. Work great. Used mine many times
@@Flakey86 Doesnt that make the bike even wider? Does it extend out past the handlebars?
@@knifetoucher nah, pretty much in-line with the handlebar width. They fit very closely to the head. They’re wide bikes in general.
@@Flakey86 ah ok
Everything has already been said, but 1 further point. When you’re out on a big ride and trying to get ahead of weather ya need a heavier bike to handle the wind. GS is barely heavy enough for that but it does the job. It’s a compromise of many things, where the whole is more than the sum of its parts.
in this class i would choice this bike 👍🏻 for me for perfection its lack of 5 gear instead of 6 and 100 hp instead of 145 hp + waaay to much electronicue stuff 🤮 i like boxer engine 👌🏻 shaft instead of chain is huge advantage in long trip = maintenance less + low weight 240 kg like on this class + one sided swongarm = easy change whell /tire 👌🏻 goldwing ? its heavier slower in corners slower in accelerstion on max but yea in terms of comfortable it can be more comfortable cos hard to find bike more comfortable on highway long trip than goldwing 👌🏻☕️
I'm old enough to remember when there was a marketplace transition from the minivan to the SUV. For most buyers the minivan was a more practical choice. Most people didn't need all wheel drive and grandma had an easier time getting in and out of the lower mini vans. However that didn't matter because buyers did not want to associate themselves with the soccer mom image. I think the same thing is going on with the GS. Buyers choose the GS over the Goldwing because they want to think of themselves as Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman traipsing across Africa rather than retired Fred and his wife visiting the inlaws in Peoria.
GS compares to a triumph tiger 1200 more than a gold wing… you probably should try them as well.
Yeah I'll stick with my Tracer. I've had it down some worse tracks than what most would consider fire roads. I did hole the oil pan once but since then have added a skid plate. No problems doing that with street tires.
I have an R1150GS. Why? It’s cheap, reliable, easy to work on, and great fun to ride everywhere. No ABS, no traction control and I’ve done 3000 miles in the last 3 months on it.
have no idea how come you've got so many subs LOL
Looks like you had a ton of fun . Keep up the good work baby jam
A thoroughbred sports bike fan, will never get it, it's opposite ends of the continuum. Raw vs Refined. Glad there is choice for all of us out there. Ride safe brothers and sisters, be happy in your choice.
I agree with most. Youre hating for no good reason other than personal opinion. This bike seems amazing for what it is. Like top tier. The thing drives itself!
Replace Goldwing with RT and I tend to agree. I went from a GS to an RT, never thought about the GS again. The GS is an impressive machine, objectively speaking. But I think most GS riders would benefit from the switch to an RT, emotions aside. Far better road going bike in my opinion. Goldwing not the right comparison.
Yammie should totally ride the GS and Versys 650 back to back and decide at the end of video which one he'd get with a gun pointed to his head. Hahaha
Begrudgingly... The Versys 650 😅
@@yammienoob 😮 I'm surprised, even though I know you dislike them both. I just KNEW you hated Kawasaki 650s more
Why the heck are you comparing this to a Goldwing???
Dad bikes?
@@nickskywalker2568 cliché, those bikes are expensive and can be mostly bought by older riders. Doesn’t make them bad or uninteresting.
i love my 1200gs, not as much tech as the 1300 but still pretty well loaded for a 2016 model. i think it is not a bike that you grasp all of what its about in one ride. especially if your ideal ride is crunched up laying on the gas tank. that i love my 1200gs is one thing though another would be likely to get something else for my next bike, though not currently done with my dad bike gs, fyi im 67. dad bike sure, comfort is important. when i can no longer swing a leg over it then i will move on from my GS
Over engineered is the name of the game. Nouveau rich dads love it though. They’ll add $800 in mods and ride the bike on o e trip a year.
The only BMW I’m interested in is their Ms. I hope Yammie reviews the M1000 one of these days. It seems like a dream bike but I’m not sure.
i think i understand your point... when there is too much 'auto' you lose the rude aspect of riding, it is like ride completely automatic, you dont have to do nothing and you can't comunicate with the machine in that way, what are you looking for is the 'if i do that what is your response' a sort of comunication betwen rider and motorcycle, this gs is 'ok let me do the job for you', like it or not depends on your needs and feelings
Come ride in the Alps, you will understand why this bike is popular here. I don't own one (and probably never will, I ride a Himalayan), but I can easily understand the appeal.
Try it on gravel roads. You have misunderstood the use of this bike. Comparing it to a goldwing is😂😂
I don’t get SUV or GS able to go off road wouldn’t. When they looking for sponsorship to make the long way round . Originally they they had KTM in the sights but BMW came up the money 1million . I remember a episode when the camera man GS broke . The bought a cheap light road bike and it ran circles over because it was so much lighter . Hence if you want to go off road buy off road bike . Road bike for the road .
I appreciate the GS sells as well as it does specifically because it has a unique engine, much like the K1600, Goldwing, Harley Davidson, and Moto Guzzi. I like that there’s unconventional/unorthodox engine configurations, and I love when they’re popular.
However, I think the tech gets in the way of the GS. It’s the embodiment of “too much going on.” I would prefer the sport touring counterpart (RT?”, I think?) if only because there seems to be less tech between me and the bike. Combine the tech with a price befitting the package and my short king status, and I become very uninterested in it as an option. But hey, it’s cool they have an unconventional engine selling that well.
Did you notice the hinge on the centre stand to fold it out of the way of your heal. The kick folds down for when you want to put the bike up on the stand.
Enjoyed the review and shame the the mistake at start about foot hitting centre stand loses you credibility. Lots of other mistakes in this content. Went from S1000RR to a fully specced Tramuntana R1300GS. Two different bikes, both outstanding in their own way. For me in the UK with our twisty roads the GS is just a very, very capable mile muncher, in any weather and so comfortable. Love the gizmos and gadgets which for me enhance the experience. Easy to ride fast and will embarass many sports bikes. Keep an open mind and enjoy your ride whatever it is 😊
I've got two BMWs. 1983 R80RT and a 2012 R1200R. I chased sport bikes on the R80, but she was a step or two slow, a lot of frame flex when ridden really hard, no top end speed. on the R1200R I've chased KTM 1290 through the Blue Mountains of Oregon, they didn't leave me behind. I didn't have their top speed, but anything up to 130 was good enough for me. the bike is point and shoot, always carries it's line. I'll admit it took a good 6 months to get used to the telever front end, but now I don't find it a hinderance at all. not a dad, but am 75 and love both of my BMWs. neither are sport bikes, but then I wasn't buying a sport bike and knew it. BMW knew there was a market for the GS model that wasn't strictly for off road riders. they knew a lot of guys bought the GS, but never took them off road. thusly this newer GS model. for a sportier ride and no telever wait for the 1300RS model, that may or may not be coming out soon.
There are allot of areas where I believe your opinion does carry weight. The areas you have experience in and knowledge about. but coming from a guy that has been riding various bikes for over 28 years, and do take my gs of-road. This bike is way out of your area of expertise.
I don't get it why every sport riding guy thinks that the XR is a good all around bike? No torque down low, extremely noisy and not as comfy as a GS. Do these guys have ever done a more than ten days straight trip, where you need to go all types of roads? You need certain attributes for all kinds of roads. That's why the adv category is overtaking every other category. No for a sports bike, no need for an off road bike, no need for a tour bike. You have it all in one motorcycle!!
I've always found CC to be a way overhyped useless gimmick that's not worth using even if you have it, bc you can't for more than like 30s in real world traffic, but this adaptive tech looks like it might fix that.
Also the GS is considered a flagship bike because it is. It has been the best selling bike here for at least a decade now, and also has been memed to be a retirement home - no one wants to go there, but everyone end up there anyway. And I absolutely hate it, though I do like the mid range GSs a lot.
I now realize why Yammie's voice is so high pitched.
I would never want to OWN one, but i still appreciate Beamer's over-the-top GS platform for what it is: an overly-engineered proof of concept. Definitely NOT for me (i prefer my more simple/reliable/practical V-Strom), but I still love that the GS exists...
Yam took this video very series also dressed up as a dad with the tshirt tucked in dirty boots haha
The BMW GS 1300 will be my new bike next. But its always good yo hear others opinions about it. Im sure if i rode his bikes i would Shit Talk them as well.
My dad is the biggest gs simp ive ever encountered ive been trying to get him into a goldwing for years but he refuses because he insists that he needs the offroad capabilities but i could honestly take my xsr900 down any road he takes
Of course bmw is still building these, the GS is like the best selling bike in their lineup for years here in germany (and perhaps europe too).
For me its like the (unnecessary) opposite of a Himalayan 450 🙃
the transition is real...✊
Comparing GS to Goldwing is like comparing Porsch 911 to Cybertrack 😅
Man this video is gonna ruffle some feathers 😂
@@6amamoeba677 already is, the Dads are out in force right now!!
👍💯🤣🤣🤣🤣🗣️
I feel like other bikes are better in all cases EXCEPT journeys that go to beautiful remote areas like Alaska. If you've ever tried to road trip in Alaska, you WILL need to drive on a gravel road some of the time due to all the road work.