WOW... 2008 BMW GS Adventure R1200
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ธ.ค. 2021
- G'day guys, Nev lends me his 2008 BMW GS Adventure R1200 to ride around and see what I think of it. WOW Holy Crap... What a machine this thing is! Big Thank You to Nev! Hope you enjoy :-) Cheers... Mark
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Got a R1200 Adventure myself 2008 model ... haven’t ridden my second bike for 2 years because the BMW does everything 👌
Totallly agree - once you ride a GSA you fall in love! I have 2008 GSA too buddy! xx
Ive got a 2011 GSA - very very happy with it@@paul-thomasjewell2163
I said i would never have a jallopy bmw boxer never ever yet in 2017 i started looking more and more at boxer bikes particularly r1100rt and 1150 then 2018 came around and i found a 2005 1200rt cheap i bought it only had it a year but once sold i missed it so in 2021 i bought another rt same year had it till about feb 22 when i decided to sell my 3 bikes and buy a new s1000xr got that but hated the xr so at 5 month old the xr was traded for my baby a sept 22 r1250gs adventure te rallye with gold wheels full spec i am on 8k now had one trip around germany next its italy this june i totally agree they do it all except i have added a little play mate last aug i picked up a 2005 triumph daytona 955i in red 1 owner none runner 20k for £1000 only thing it needed was a fuel pump and then i did a sort of speed triple conversion shes a sweet little beast
Picking a low mileage 2008 GSA up tonight! Good to see the capabilities of the bike!
Mark
It's a boxer thing 👍🤔
There ain't no going back now, welcome 🍻
Before i bought my 2016 GS Adventure, i test rode a KTM equivelent, a second gen tiger explorer, and a tiger 800, The big GS killed them all.
Regarding the feedback from the ABS. Yes the brakes are linked. If you pull the front the rear is also applied. But if you depress the rear it does not activate the front brakes. But when the rear ABS is on and you apply the rear the computer kicks out the rear. One needs to switch off the ABS which allows you to lock up the rear for riding on gravel roads. But this does not switch off the front.
The telelevel is still available on the 2022 models.
I have the BMW R 1200 GSA 2006 year. It is a great bike.I have over 100 thousand KM and the motor is just fantastic. It doesnt have all the crazy electronics as the newer models have, which I see a plus. Less things to go wrong. Less extra costs. That was one of the considerations I took into account when buying my bike. I can do most repairs by myself without the need of a computer. The bike is responsive and fun to ride.
i had an '04 R1200GS and absolutely loved it; it had none of the 'bells and whistles' either which is also a plus in my book; they surprise with just how capable they are off-road, even with the 50/50 tyres i had on my mine; unfortunately i had to sell it within a few months of owning it; now after Two years of searching, i have found an '06 GS with just over 30,000k's on it; One owner, never seen dirt, major service just done, two new tyres and complete service history from new with Vario panniers for under $8K....happy days ahead.
Hey Mark, glad you enjoyed the 1200GSA. It is hard to convince non believers how good an all rounder the 1200GS's are, the mentality for some is that the GS crew only ride thier GS's to the local cafe. I can assure you they are a very capable adventure tourer and as you say great value purchase as used low kilometre second hand. I have 7 bikes and the R1200GS would be my favourite all rounder.
One needs to ride the R1200 GS and GS Adventure slightly faster to normal off road. It handles the off road terrain better.
Remember momentum is your friend.
The 19 inch front wheel allows the bike to turn in sharper than a 21 inch
The GS gets a lot of shit for being a big, heavy and expensive bike bought by sales reps who think they're Ewan and Charlie but only use it to commute on tarmac, but there's a reason these bikes are still the benchmark for Advs. Behind the prejudice is a seriously impressive machine.
I just knew you were going to say " Game changer" lol. It truly is confidence inspiring riding those bikes. So glad you finally had the chance.
Wow!!! Totally changed my views on BMW'S!!! Will definitely include it when we upgrade.
I had the 2011 GSA, loved it. Main reason for my upgrade to the 2016 were the cruise control, liquid cooled, and the GPS integration. Other than that, my 2011 was near perfect.
You were probably like me, naaah, just to big to take on dirt roads and fire trails. First rode one in 2004 but couldn't afford one. Then I recently rode a 1250 on and off road, wow, they have secret circuitry which flows between the grips, seat and pegs. Once you complete the circuit by riding it you forget how big it is and your hooked. Like a Jedi mind trick. I ended up with a 2021 triple black and don't regret a single dollar. The more I ride it the more I love it.
Hey Mark, I am glad you like the GSA. I have had mine, a 2007 for 6 years and it now has 95,000 km on it. Its predecessor was a 1997 R1100GS which had 185,000km on it when I sold it. A couple of minor corrections. The telelever is still used on the 2022's. As for the linked brakes applying the front brake also applies 20% to the rear. However, when applying the rear only the rear is applied.
Maintenance is easy on these bikes. You do need to have a tool called a GS911 which allows you to connect your laptop to the bikes computer so you can run diagnostics, access some settings that can be modified to suit your own needs, bleed brakes and reset maintenance reminders. I have never had either of the two GS's repaired by the BMW dealer. Since the bike is very popular there are many forums, owners groups and TH-cam videos to help you with any maintenance or repair tasks. Parts and accessories are bountiful with many aftermarket suppliers and a large used parts market.
I don't use my GSA for two-up riding. My wife rode her own bike until recently. She no longer wants to ride her own bike on long trips so I acquired a Honda Goldwing to handle the long-distance two-up trips. The GSA is too tall for my short stature when it comes to having a pillion on the back. The same applies to off-road riding. I have a DR650 for that purpose.
That's why it's still the best seller, people who own them very rarely change to any other brand..
Hehe! I love my 2008 R1200GS to Mark. And I think I did the training weekend with Nev as well. He really rides that thing like a dirt bike! 😀
Ive owned 5 beemers, the last 3 were the 1100 1150 and a 2007 1200..all GS's....the 1100 was the pick of them for me, the 1200 had noticeable engine harmonics at around 110km to 120kms per hour other than that it was smooth, the 1150 was less refined but also a good runner...all of them were heavy to push around and navigate....senior years made for buying the 650 gs...much more practical...for me at least !
Glad you're impressed Mark. I love my R1250 GS. BTW, the latest models still have the telelever front suspension.
I rarely brake in the twisties with the Boxer... downshifting and using the engine compression is what the Boxer twin is all about...!
Nice to know... thanks! 👍
That's the way to ride it @hankgs. An 1100/1150 GS is even better for this way of riding. Engine compression is all you need then
My favorite line in this “Holy shit balls!” I’m assuming those have to be blessed by a priest! Ha! BMW has rarely put out a dog bike from what I have seen. Glad you found your unicorn!
Good choice. I still have my 2007 what I use for the rough as my 2020 1250 is just a bit of expensive primadona. on a side note, Telelever is standard on all big GS/GSA. that's what we really appreciate.
What? The telelever is still in EVERY GS1200 and GS1250 and others...
Love at first ride! Clearly the benchmark to beat now. I felt the same way when I first rode the FJR1300. I have never wanted anything else since.
I’ve been waiting for you test this bike. I test rode one which was also a 2008 model but only was allowed on the road and like you I found it a brilliant machine.
Really enjoyed that Mark. Thanks, from the wet and foggy (at the moment) UK :)
I have the 2008 GS and I love it. Bought on a whim expecting to sell it on s9on after a tour of France but that was over a year ago and no desire to get rid of it yet. And that's mor2 than 6,000 miles too.
Matey, I've done the same - bought a 2008 GSA 1200. Delivery end of week and I can't wait!
You have let all of us GS riders down, no stop for a latte.
🤣
The 1200/1250 still have telelever front ends, you will find it even better once you figure out all the modes for different terrain. Not sur how many modes the 2008 model has though?
2013 on (the liquid cooled models like mine) still use the Telelever, and along with the ESA it’s a game changer. The 1200 also has the advantage of never falling totally flat (held up by the boxer cylinder heads) makes it way easier to pick it up. Very capable bikes and the low centre of gravity and weight distribution makes it uncannily manoeuvrable and stable. Happy for you to try out mine when we meet next if you want to try the wet head (although the air head you try here is awesome too)
I have the exact same bike. Just hit 367’500 km’s. ESA will be pretty shot at that age. Wilbur’s transform the handling.
For a super tourer that can handle dirt roads and trails when needed they are hard to beat.
I too have the Same bike. It had some teething issues. Bought it with 30.000km. Had to rebuilt the final drive and change the fuel level sensor. It came with Ohlins which is great for maintenance. It has almost 65.000k by now and grows on me. Good to know they can keep going beyond 300000, I find it very versatile for touring, curves, trails, the aluminum boxes hold my gear when parked.
300000kms.... just run in mate😉
I agree! LOL! I just love these bikes - nothing like them @@nobodyinparticular709
I love the Boxer engine and owned a 2014 R1200R for over five years up until a month ago .Then I tested a 2013 R1200GS within my budget ,that has the low seat . I am not an off road rider and at 62 yrs old have discovered what the fuss is all about with the GS ,and made the change .The LC models 2014 and above have the steering damper . Your reaction to the bike didn't surprise me Mark ! .
I enjoyed that, thanks Mark
Great real world review mate. You’ve definitely given me a headache now 😂
Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles
Or the Land Rover of bikes - you are right - wonderful
Telelever and paralever are still used on all gs
Agree..you beat me to it..haha
Greetings Mark; You make me laugh, your use of the Aussie Vernacular is just so much fun! I am glad you enjoyed the bike, so to appreciate the Tech is very good, many other bikes have a lot to offer, I hope in time you will find that bike that makes you happy...no rush... Thanks for the great video production... Stay safe....I am making plans for touring Victoria early next year I hope we can meet up. David..Adelaide...Tiger 900GT & Street Scrambler 900
Holy crapadooly! Right on brother!
Great Video. You just kept going faster and faster on the Trails. It looked like you were doing at least 60MPH. You’re a Very Skilled Rider. I fall more and more in Love with the R1200GS every time I watch another Video of one. I like the way you really put a Bike to the Test. Great Great Videos. This is one of my Favorite People to watch. Keep ‘‘em coming. I think the Australian Accent? Y’all have is Great. I wish I could Talk like that.👍 greetings from Texas.👍😁
Absolutely fantastic bikes!
I bought my 1200GS new in 2004. Got about 95,000 miles on her now. Don't ride as much as I used to, but not seen anything to replace her.
Mark I had a 1200 Adv loved it but it was a heavy basket, now have a standard 1200 GS and it’s a good bit lighter and have to say is better suited to me a full tank would get me in and around 240 - 250 miles
They are a great all round bike I would be surprised if Nay didn’t like it, she should have a little bit more room on it compared to the 850
Good to see ya like it
Good to you found a bike that suits you straight of the bat 👍🍻🍺
Yeah lots love to bag ‘em, but take one for a ride and your mind will be blown!
2008! Try 2018+ 😁 the TFT screen is awesome and the gearbox has the 1250 upgrade.
You are 100% correct. Weight is down low and easier to manage than 850. Shaft drive is a winner for me - hate chains.
Ignore all the BS about things breaking. It’s all urban myths. Let’s try the logic: best selling adventure bike EVER has lots of mechanical problems. Would F-off offend? 😁 I’ve ridden BMs since 1984 and NEVER had an issue.
Good Onya Michael!
Great review
Good review Mark maybe i should try one🤔
I think you have found your new bike mate! 😊
You helped persuade me into the DR years ago. I've also got a VTX 1800. Looking for a better 2 up bike to add to the collection but I'm thinking more street oriented like a goldwing. Love this series of vids you've got going on.
Love the roar of those old Zündapps
Awesome, well done, its a great bike.
Im very impressed, might have to buy one of these :)
What took you so long to get on one?? They are the best bike ever!
Really ????
I found with my old R1150RS you don't notice the lack of dive until you get back on traditional telescopic forks. It was the biggest thing for me to get used to on my Triumph Explorer.
I ride an f800gs and have watched all of your videos. Never thought you would go for a beemer
I felt giddy just watching you ride it
Love to see you get over to the Bendigo HD dealer and get on a Pan America, they are supposedly up there with the BMW. Might be a little out of the price range you are looking for. But would be good to see an Aussie review.
Awesome Mark, they are great bikes used to have the older 1150 and 1100 versions. Great for everything only reason i sold was i was brand new to off road riding and it was just to heavy for me hence why i got my DR. But i am now considering getting another one! One good point is even though they are heavy they are not to bad to pick up as they never fall flat due to the cylinders so the bike has already done some of the work picking itself up!
They are also very simple to service and maintain yourself, i believe the new ones like that one you would need the GS911 scan tool for a few jobs but they are easy obtainable and all the basic maintenance items are easily done at home. Even though parts prices can be expensive especially over here if you plan ahead and get parts from the Uk or europe it works out alot cheaper i would recommend Motorworks in the uk they sell new and used parts and ship to this side of the world.
Curious to see how Nay likes it.
A note all the big boy gs's have that suspension set up even the new ones!
Yea man. I road one aways back and it sold me. Now just to get one hehe👍👍
All the big GS are good and have won bike of the year many many times over the years .
Even my older 2002.5 R1150GSA will eat road up all day effortlessly. Comfy on the rider as well.
Mark, I may be saying "Welcome to the club".
I've ridden many bikes, enduro background had the klr 650 for adventure jumped on 1150 and fell in love, Always a dream" loved the original "Paris Dakar events", I've now owned 3 x 2008 BMW 1200GSA, yes I've ridden new ones ,awesome, but truly cant justify the $$$$$$.
The way you ranted and rambled (bike heaven language is what it was) is what I do every ride on mine. iT really is the best value high quality powerful Adventure bike. MAny Many riders wnt the newer more power and really most riders cant or wont get close to using full power offroad.
As a two up I think,................. I'm positive NAY will love it hands down.
And you do not have to spend anything to get em good, most others you have to pimp em up, to perform.
I have other bikes but i just cant stay off the big pig...........
Your ride review speaks for itself.............. Top stuff Mark love ya work..........
Bayerische Motoren Werke, gotta love the Germans everything is engineered and implemented flawlessly . Had a few of their cars , can't fault them . Keen to see the two up review . Cheers 👍
Like a kid in a candy shop, just hope Nay enjoys it
had my 2007 gsa for a over 7 years still love it...also ride a xr650l...go to phillp island from brisbane.....
It's just one beautiful bike after another. The big bikes put the fear of God in me off-road. I'm looking forward to your ride with Nay, hoping that you keep rambling with your thoughts on the way it handles.
My body build is something similar to yours, Long legs, not that big.
I also have a Honda fury which is similar to a chopper here in the states. Big top heavy engine, lots of rake in the front forks, so it is a pig going slow and that is on the street. I would never take a chopper off road. I watch you ride your Suzuki street bike and it gives me the fear giggles when I'm watching you ride that thing off road. The "OMG" gasp as I watch you ride it. So the big top heavy bikes, even with my long legs are spooky. My off-road adventure/dualsport bikes max out at the 650s. They are already pigs, except for my Honda XR650L. My Kawasaki KLR 650s make me shit myself when I have to pick them up. My Dr 650 lies somewhere between the Honda and the Kawasaki in weight. So a 1200 cc bike blows my mind. Please expound on your thoughts, especially two up.
You are one excited dude about this GS. I hope you can dispel my fear of the weight of these big adventure bikes. Thanks Mark, Texas
Hi I have owned a 1200gs rode 1200 adventure and now own a KTM990 I'm 5'7 29inch inside leg.. the standard GS1200 was great on a long journey on tarmac 55mpg comfy but a big bike the GS Adventure is a tank way to big definitely wouldn't take it other than a gravel track , BUT for some serious off road adventure with a bike made for it the extremely well balanced KTM990 any day they are just enduro bikes on steroids not so great on mpg but 100% smiles on it and would leave a GS 1200/1250 for dust.
I know what you mean about the lean angle limit on the GS850 ..I ride a Vstrom 650 that seems sort of top heavy to me.and once it gets to that angle for me... I just have to let it go.. there is no coming back!... then I have to frickin' pick it up!.... I am happy to hear that your lean angle for the GS1200 is easier to deal with for you and that you were so impressed on its off-road capability! ..I may have to check this out further!... look forward to your video on 2-up with Nee...I am sure she will like as much as you! Some how I see a GS1200 in your future!....LOL
Mark, the regular air-cooled 1200 GS would be my pick for an outback touring machine, just deck it out with aftermarket goodies how you want it!
Mark , I think you've found 'that' bike . Hope Nay likes it too!
After watching the video on the GS I want to give one a go 😎 , they just seem to float along on all terrain , awesome .
the earlier R1200GS is a great all-rounder; they are a very capable bike; as long as you keep it moving it will surprise you where it can go; stay away from mud holes and deep sand and they are very easy to live with...the only thing i don't like is replacing the rear tyre every 6,000 K's; near 100HP and loose gravel/dirt soon puts rest to to any tyre.
Mate can you test run the 850 when it’s fault is fixed? The only negative I saw in that was the lack of low down torque so would be good to see how it goes when fixed. Cheers. New subscriber. Where are you based?
If you like the BMW that much you should try the KTM 1290 for a real buzz
ive got a 2010 f650 gs the 800 twin its got a wilbures rear shock and of road bits n peaces I love the dam thing
I knew the R1200GSA is the bike for you and Nay. The BMW is the best adventure/ touring Motorcyle for 30 years. You should see if you can test a R1250GSA which changes the whole game again. Glad you where so impressed. HWY.
Mark, my jaw just dropped when you said it was 35C when you went out for your ride. At this very moment that I'm watching your video, the temp outside is -35C... So we have a nice difference of 70 degrees between Australia and Canada.. in our neck of the woods anyways.
WOW! 😳
Might be even more confidence with a more aggressive tire selection.. Very nice bike. Good job!
I have been impressed with those bikes ever since i saw Ewan Mcgregor and Charlie Borman riding the previous model (the 1150GS) in the documentary series Long way round. (Well worth a look if you havent seen it)
That's lovely....
Hi glad to see the rideablitity, just get onto You Tube and see what time and cost for clutch replacement is!!!
Nice bikes! What is it like to get parts for???
Clutch replacement is around day's work and it cost around $1500 in Australia (parts and labour). Sounds like lot of money ? Well, my GS needed new clutch at 197,000 km. I had Yamaha xt660 and I've spent that much on sprockets and chains by the time I reached 90,000 km. And, also by that time I was on the second clutch too (lot easier to replace for sure) but still extra cost that I did not mention as it is "consumable" (as per Yamaha), kind of like brake pads. Thing is, parts on GS rarely fail. In my case I always break things. 😂
However, when I need parts they are readily available from few companies in Australia (not dealers) or few wreckers that keep stock of parts at very reasonable prices.
when first starting watching a few years ago I knew we would get to a gs in the end
You only have to watch some of the BMW safari videos to know what these machines are capable of, probably my dream bike once I get off my restricted license, will make do with the 310GS til then.
My 2017 R1200GS Adventure is my all time favorite bike. And all maintenance is very easy to do yourself, including valve inspection and adjustment.
Buy a new one under warranty for peace of mind.
I also have a 2016 DR650 for more backcountry adventures.
Can you make a video how you do valve inspection
I might even one day consider swapping out my 1200GSA, when I can find another bike with a bullet proof boxer engine, a telelever front suspension, a shaft drive and that inspiring blue and white logo…
Wait until you ride a newer model. I love my KTM’s but the beamers are something special. Different game in the wet off road like any bigger bike especially with the smaller front wheel. 👍
Yep, it has link brakes, some hate it but most love it.
I know a few 5foot nothings, that mount them like horses.
Like a lot of things everyone has an opinion and never even used the product.
I think you got some details wrong, they still use telilever
I reckon with a top box on it with the back pad Nay will love it, like sitting on your sofa at home...except with a helmet on.
Your getting one aren’t ya
We’ll mark you do get what you pay for. BMW THE BEST ADVENTURE BIKE on the market and I think triumph 2nd only because I have 1. Ride safe
Really????
Have you rode a Yamaha xt660z yet? Love the cruisey vids
Not the Z
Try the V85 “ very comfortable and weight also down low and shaft drive “
Only caveat I would give you Mark. Here in Canada BMW is an acronym for bring more wallet. Yes even though I do my own work I had to replace my clutch and rear drive shaft. Cost more than the bike
Well, a 2011 costs on average here in Australia about $11,500. A driveshaft is around $1500 USD and a clutch pack is around $900. So you guys in Canada must get bloody cheap GS’s
You need to look into beemer boneyard… they have clutch packs make in England that cost me 425usd .
I replaced my own clutch and I service etc my self. Not too costly these days!
They do have telelever front suspension still.
I have a 09 with 80,000 miles no issues that cost me money other that regular service.
IDK Have a 2009 fuel pumps and fuel controllers are an issue. Fuel level sensor, changed the drive shaft to aftermarket serviceable ujoint shaft from Rob Porter i think. Like the bike not fan german parts sales engineering
Hope you get to take a big KTM adventure and a multistrada too so we all get to see "your" real world opinion. On the lot.
Are you going to give the big Vstrom and super teneree a go too?
If I get the chance! 👍
Calm down Mark ☕ 😚
When you read comparison articles of the big adventure bikes ,KTM ,Super Tenere, Triumph 1200 . The Beemer always wins.
I live close to a BMW dealership here. They always have plenty of used units there from the guys trading in for the latest and greatest. Seems like the guys that buy these bikes keep buying the same machine over and over. Guess now we know why!