As noted in the video, this is not sponsored (paid) by SW-MOTECH, but I did receive the parts for free so I can show how they work. I'll be switching to another manufacturer soon, so stay tuned for more testing with other companies. I am trying to show what's out there for the new GS. SW-MOTECH USA: sw-motech.us/ ** SW-Motech have updated the design of the heel guards to fix the clearance issue. NOTES: 1. They do make a dual height brake lever! 2. The quick release fasteners are called "Quick Lock". 3. Inner bags for the DUSC cases are coming soon! ➕SUPPORT➕ [I may receive commissions which are invested back into the channel] ⚡ Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia ⚡ Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/33kgRIz ⚡ Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN ⚡ Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto ⚡ Pacific Powersports (Motoz Tires, Barkbusters): pacificpowersports.com/ USE CODE BRM2024 ⚡ 3D Cycle Parts: www.3dcycleparts.com/?aff=3 ⚡ Taco Moto : tacomoto.co/?ref=fi6gv640 ⚡ Denali Lighting: tinyurl.com/9746het9 ⚡ Cyclops Adventure Sports: tinyurl.com/2kaknpfn ⚡ Amazon: amzn.to/3viGZ0A ⚡ Merchandise: big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/
That's awesome! vendors always give things for honest reviews like this, that's your job and don't have to explain yourself. Keep it up I like this kind of content also!
Ian it's ok you don't have to explain all that, your viewers know your integrity and your motivation on product reviews. You are appreciated more than you know!
So Ian, finaly I seriously have to admit that i love your videos. Honest, humble and I really have the feeling that you mean what you say! Continue your great work! One of the very best out there! Thank you so much!
Free gear still results in bias or at minimum a lack of harsh scrutiny, particularly if you want the partnership to continue. So I really appreciate your honesty when you criticise products. Something that is rare. Keep up the great work.
Been watching for a while now. You are one of the best motorbike channels on youtube. The reviews and tests are so in depth and i like how honest you come across. Cheers from London UK
Ian, I’m impressed. The SW- MOTECH package adds what looks like a damn nice looking accessories that are durable. Their boxes are good looking as strong and the crash protection devices really makes the BMW look better than naked. Impressive
Ian, Great video. You don't need to spend so much time explaining your relationship or lack thereof with suppliers. We know you have integrity. Your videos are honest, unbiased, and much appreciated. Really gives people a good look at the accessories as installed. Keep doing what you are doing.
the fact that it crumple or deformed once dropped i think is a good thing, they take the energy of the fall and absorbed into crumple points, these can then be replaced relatively cheaply. Bending the parts back into place or shape after a drop and putting back on is risky in my opinion, as the integrity has been compromised so the next time the bike has a drop, there is a much greater chance of damage being transferred directly to the bike components. thank you for this video, I think we are all with you emotional when let the bike fall . I love your videos and your unique personality, you rock
I am running the same cases on my R1300GS. I have the 41L version of the cases to include the side and top case. So far I have been impressed with how light and strong they are.
Your crashing tests have been soooo good, thx for those!!!! This answers many questions about those SW-Motech cylinder protectors. I guess for more serious offroading they are not the best choice! In my opinion only good for slides on the road.... Imagine it is not just soft gras but rocks. I think it needs more serious protection, meaning a solid steel cache around the cylinders... In my opinion this is (and always have been) one of the really weak points of the GS, and i have not seen only one GS with a destroyed cylinder, but a lot! Also destroyed engine blocks because of the mounts of the guards, they are ripped of in serious crashes, destryoing the engine block in those cases. A serious issue in my opinion. You are the first one that addresses this important issue! All others are throwing some kind of guard on the boxer, and think (because they do not test!) it will be fine, it will definitly not in a serious situation, i know for sure because i've seen it not just once!
Hey Ian, A lot of people use SW, without knowing it. A lot of manufactures use SW and slap their own name on it. They make a locking pin and kit for security.
Thank you for the demonstration of the removable carriers. I finally made my decision, and tradet in my 1250 GSA, and ordered a 1300 GS Trophy with BMW topcase (for solo ride), and SW Motech TRAX ADV aluminium side panniers (45 liters), because they can be opened from the top side. I only use the side panniers on trips with my wife. So, when solo riding, I can remove the carriers. It looks a lot better without them. Now waiting for delivery begin oktober… (Europe, Belgium)
Honestly if you get paid I would be glad and hopefully happens, good for you since you do a really good job reviewing motorcycles. In my opinion what you provide is top quality information.
Thanks Ian. This is excellent stuff. Although I ride a KTM 890, it's great to be informed about these products. I'll be buying one of those small tank bags. The way that you've provided chapters for each product is very helpful. Thanks again.
When you said you would drop your bike a 2´nd time, was like - "youd better do it on the other side!!". That metal plate that was bent - I would get a new one due to possible metal fattigue. When you bend metal you causes stress in the material. If the metal is kind of soft, you harden it when you work on it. If it is hard already it might start to crack. Allready after the first hit i would recommend you to get new ones, but sertainly after two impacts - get new head cover plates! Beside that - if I would comment your video: Dont you ever change! (I know life means that things changes, but what you do is awesome!!!) You are the best!
Tell you what I'd like to see--as a guy who owns a '22 R1250 GSA, I'd like to see a spread sheet where you price out all of the SW-Motech parts/accessories you added to your 1300GS, that came standard on my bike. I didn't have to buy upper or lower crash bars and I certainly didn't have to pay for luggage mounts. You can omit the price for side cases--that's a personal choice (I chose Bumont), and my bike came with a skidplate too. You've owned both, so no BS, compare the equipment that came with a GSA vs the CASH a guy would have to add to create an equivalent R1300GSA!
Ian, a suggestion is to return the components when finished and purchase them if you want them for personal use. DC Rainmaker does this for athletes and it preserves his objectivity and is completely transparent to viewers. Keep up the great work!
Great how you explain that you don’t have a sponsorship with SW motech with a sweater with SW motech logo on it 😀 Just kidding, we do trust you. Keep on going like this, very usefull reviews. Thanks.
I'm also a soft luggage person. But as far as hard luggage go those panniers are the best I've ever seen. Not a fan of the cylinder covers though. Great video. Thanks.
why not just say you got free stuff to test? if you read the sponsorship law it obviously says exchange of goods, free stuff and so on is part of that. just saying it free for testing makes a lot of sense and you don’t need to make any excuses for this
What “sponsorship law” are you suggesting he read? I am an attorney so a statutory citation would be very educational for me. I assume you also are an attorney since you are apparently comfortable giving legal advice.
You don't need to be an attorney to be able to judge this. It's very simple. We will get the most truthful test if the tester pays for the items tested. If the items are given to the tester, he is more likely to be loyal (in some way), so we should assume some biased. Partly because the chances of being given more test products in the future will be increased. It's simply human nature. I don't blame Ian at all. As long as we know that the parts tested have been given to him free, it's fine.
Why does it matter? Having watched Ian for a long time, whether it’s free or not I trust that his opinion/impression will be his honest truth. I couldn’t care less if he gets it free or not. It allows him to review more products and is a win for everyone.
@@jefft137 on the ftc website there s a document named: Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers which states: If a brand gives you free or discounted products or other perks and then you mention one of its products, make a disclosure even if you weren’t asked to mention that product. is this enough for you?
@@jefft137 on the FTC website there a document called Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers which states that:" If you endorse a product through social media, your endorsement message should make it obvious when you have a relationship (“material connection”) with the brand. A “material connection” to the brand includes a personal, family, or employment relationship or a financial relationship - such as the brand paying you or giving you free or discounted products or services.
Ian I have no issue in what you do. I really enjoy your videos. That being said I would think since you sell your test bikes I would think the after market parts would help recoup your purchase price you paid. Keep doing what you are doing, it’s great
I didn't put any crash bars on my 890 because everyone says the skid plate covering the tank catches the ground, which it does on flat surfaces, my first real tip over was in a big ditch and the faring's got cracked. To be fair no major damage to the rads or anything but I imagine it's going to cost a bit more to replace the faring's on that bike.
lol I've just noticed you moved (or you changed where you shoot) Motech does really good stuff and, I think they have the largest range of bike to put equipment on (had a hard time finding anything for my 800DE and they were the ones doing the most the most quickly)
That's a scary sight watching your new (AUD) $30k motorcycle falling over. Twice! I have SW-MOTECH sump guard and lower crash bars on my F750GS, and I hope to never have to test them, but I'm sure they will do the job. Well done, Ian, for testing it out.
Ian, another great review. There is a product line I would appreciate you doing and that is dash cameras. I have been looking at the INNOVV K3, which gets great reviews, but your opinion on the various offerings would be nice.
dropped my tank bag on the road there was tear in the bag from one drop and zipper on the extender broke my opinion look good but not great for durability bag is 1 month old I don’t know if i would recommend
Loving the job title "easter eggs" - LOL ... Carry on Mr Vice Chancellor of Laundry Services 😂😂😂 A nice little extra on top of your best-in-class reviews - thank you sir !
It is possible to have expandable waterproof luggage. Touratech Extreme Edition tank and tail bags are both expandable and waterproof. Downside is the tank bag is strapped on.
I tested SW bars on my GS1200 Triple Black, they were great but the heads protruded and were sprung, I fitted X Heads after that, luckily I stayed upright from then on. I love SW-Motech kit but those guards seem flimsy. By the way I don’t care who supplies your kit, if it was sub standard you say so😉wish we had the Californian weather as here in northern England we’ve had the wettest Winter on record!
Like how sturdy those bags are and very impressed that they can double up as top cases. So you could just buy 2 with one or 2 big duffle bags across the top and save money by not buying a top case. However, I once had a Goldwing that had the same side opening bags and one of them just opened up and I didn't notice until much later. All my stuff that was in it fell out. I rode back and tried to find the stuff but it was gone. So personally I just can't get that out if my head and would therefore NEVER again buy side opening bags.
Thank you so much for videos, it helps a lot doing my own choices. I've already the low crash bars from SW Motech, and I was wondering to know what would happen to cylinders covers in case of real crash, now it sounds clear, it makes sense to add a protection. SW Motech cylinder covers seems not perfect, but it's a solution. I don't like the big crash bars very larges and visible. There is by design a balance to find between very protective and not to big nor visible. Agree with you about the upper crash bars, it's great to keep the regular light mount.
Looks like good quality stuff. I do wonder if it would be better off just having an additional tube on the crash bars to protect the engine than the plate that they have.
I wish SW Motech would make some cool crash bar protectors. Wunderlich, which is another German brand that makes accesories, have them. Unfortunatly those are 14.5 cm long so it's hard to find places to put them on, especially on the SW Motech bars. I know bars can be sanded and painted if the damage is not too big but why not protect them in the first place.
I had no idea the racks were quick release. I've been struggling to find something to replace the oem bags on my africa twin. Sometimes I like to take everything off and have no racks. Just sold me on this system
I wouldn't trust those cylinder guards, I prefer the ones that mount on the crash bar (I have a 1250). I had used that style from 'another manufacturer', and I found they shifted all over the place and deformed quite easily - I spend a lot of time hammering them back into shape. When I went to replace them, I went with black dog - those are super heavy and can take a lot of abuse without shifting or deforming - I know, I have tried :) I also got the black dog supports that connect the back side of the guard to the frame. I am running the stock GSA lower crash bars, but found that I had bent mine. I had to have a machine shop straighten them before I could put on the cylinder guards, so adding the extra support to the frame makes sense. BTW the machine shop guy told me the stock crash bars were extremely tough and were hard to straighten if anyone is interested in that. For the other stuff you reviewed, I had the opportunity to test ride the 1300 and one thing I liked was the re-design of the brake pedal, as you mentioned it flips up and down pretty easily and is a huge improvement over the old design, but I just seem to leave mine in the offroad position all the time so I don't know how much that matters. Anyway, great review and tests keep it up!
Thanks Ian, very informative video. A question for later on when the Machineart Moto or other similar cylinder head cover guards become available... It would be great to see a drop test of the Machineart Moto covers with either the the stock or popular aftermarket lower crash bars. I use the Machineart Moto cylinder head cover guards on my current 1250GS Adventure and my R1250R. They do fit with the stock 1250 GSA lower crash bars and they performed well in an (unintentional in my case) drop test similar to yours. I realize that the combination matrix for fit compatibility among all types of aftermarket lower crash bars with all types of cylinder head cover guards would likely be untenable to test but, since you mentioned the Machineart Moto ones (which I assume are somewhat popular) perhaps a small sampling of test combinations might be of general interest.
I am curious about your thoughts on the Hepco and Becker handlebar guards. Looks like great protection, but with mounting to the handlebar risers it restricts the owners ability to make adjustment to the handlebars. It may also restrict the owners ability to add risers.
Great video Ian! I assume from the looks of the bike you got the premium package, which come with the Vario case locking/hardware mechanism if I’m not mistaken. So before you installed the SW pannier racks, did you have to remove any of the Vario related mounting hardware or wiring harness for the case locks, or were the SW racks basically a simple bolt on? I’m asking because another TH-cam’er (Nothing Left to Prove) in Germany had to remove the Vario case lock components, including the wiring harness, just to install new Touratech pannier racks on his 1300. Im guessing there was some interference, but I don’t know for sure.
I guess I totally don't understand the point of their crash bars then since it doesn't protect the cylinder heads? I thought that was the whole reason for those bars! I think the oem enduro ones DO protect fully? Mine didn't come with any so I'm still shopping around.
Great videos. Thanks from the UK. Could you do me a favour and see how the giant loop mojave saddle bags sit on the 1300GS? We struggle to find stockists in the UK to try things.
The practicality of your review is immeasurable. The drop was "gentle, for the reasons you gave, therefore I would wonder how resilient the engine crash bars would be on a slow speed drop. Certainly the engine cover piece that deformed for your would be destroyed and maybe that's its purpose. I don't feel that style, form fitting to the cylinders, gives much real world protection as ones that would stand out a bit more. On my RT1250 I chose Illium front and red bar. They have successfully saved my bike in 3 low speed drops on asphalt with no damage, other than scuff marks on the bars.
Hi, thank you for the great video. Can you tell me which topcase mount you have on your bike there please? Haven't seen that one before, but looks nice. Does it need a mounting plate for the dusc topcase? Thank you and kind regards, Wim, Belgium
It would be interesting if you updated the net weight gain with the accessories. That’s probably a bit more work and, frankly, GS owners probably aren’t concerned with weight so take my suggestion for what it’s worth.
Great review of these products. I like the looks of the panniers myself and side open is really a problem when they detach so easy, I don't remember if they lock on or not but if the price is right! The crash bars work even if the part bent a little bit at least it didn't ruin the screw hole so you can't replace it. Hopefully they let you buy just the pieces you need so you don't have to buy the whole set again. Haven't kept up on videos so how is the 1300 compared to the other GS's? The power hasn't changed much but have they changed any other features or service intervals on the new bike? If you haven't done a video on that are you planning on it? Glad to see your channel has grown quite a bit and it's successful, congrats! Have a good one and be safe!
I really like the Touratech pannier rack you previously showed (and would use soft bags with that). Would the Dusc rack/top case work with the TT pannier rack? I'd like a smaller hard/locking top case and the 31 l Dusc looks small and light.
Great to see the drop test on the SWM Pro racks (side carriers) which I also have on my lighter Tiger 900 Rally Pro. 👍 Any comments on whether they actually touched the ground and whether they got any damage? My Tiger would fall flatter so the side carriers would see more impact load. Those DUSC panniers are great also. I had MachineArt Moto cylinder guards on my R1200RS until I fitted the SWM crash bars then there was not sufficient clearance, but those guards / covers were great.
Hey Ian, I have the SW crash bars on my Touareg same colour as on that BMW and they scratched any recommendations on how to repaint them or anything I should do. Thanks for another amazing video really love the content.
Damn actually dropped +31k$ worth of motorcycle , and shows if the protection works or not. Who the hell does that? Fantastic review as always. Did you weight the bike with all the accessories?
I like what you do Ian, so this isn’t a dig at you but when you say “if they can’t handle a minor drop they’re not an adventure bike,” how far should one go adding aftermarket protection before that applies? Every bike would survive the test if sufficiently protected by third party add ons.
The silly thing about those cylinder head guards is they stick out past the crash bar! They take the brunt of a focused impact especially because of the slider. I'd rather have the crash bar just include coverage for the head. Yes, I know you may have to then remove the crash bar for maintenance but how often are you doing valves and plugs.
Tested the 1300 GS and it did not convince me at all. Today I got my Tiger 1200 Rally Pro. The deal was stunning. Man, the Tiger is better on so many different levels. Completely convinced me. Shaft drive and a 21inch front wheel. Unique combination. Such a great bike! It also feels more substantial than a GS and I did not have to pay for stupid packages. Everything comes with the bike...
I think plate doesnt strong enough protec engine while you are riding in stone areas and if you drop the bike ,this is really small impact, in reality people can see boxer engine will take lots of impact so it needs powerful plate outside engine ,good test
I don't think those lower crash bars should allow the cilinder heads to stick out, offroad it might not make a difference since terrain is irregular but on road it would do a much better work protecting
Thanks for the detailed review, the panniers do look sturdy. I would like to ask a small question regarding the upper crash bars due to personal experience. Does the connecting point under the beak, where they join together with 2 screws line up properly? In my case on a different bike, there was a 1/2 inch gap and force was needed to connect them. In the end I returned them to SW Motech as I did not want the resulting stress on the engine mounts. Thanks in advance for your answer.
Point for improvement. You used your blogging camera to give us a close and clear look at the protective gear etc. But when you explained the excellent pannier frame quick release, the camera was 10 m away and viewers couldn’t see how it works. I had those racks on a BMW XChallenge and they are superb and worth seeing in closeup.
If I was planning to buy SW Motech crash protection that video would have made me go elsewhere. For the cylinder guards to deform on grass is a clear indication that 1. They are too Iightweight and 2. The actual crash bars don’t extend far enough out past the cylinder heads. it will be interesting to see Outback Motortek bars on the bike. I suspect the protection will be far greater.
I was interested in these panniers but when i contacted SW Motech they said the dusc panniers would not fit with the vario top case but i notice you have them fitted with the vario rack ?
First class as always. Thank you. I have the same exhaust, but no panniers. You didn't show or mention if the back of the exhaust took any of the brunt of the 2nd fall. Did you notice any marks?
Why didn't you mention the inner carry case that makes the DUSC luggage very easy to use. Leave your cases on the bike and walk in to the hotel with clean luggage !
Here's a question that I'll probably get ripped apart. Have you considered buying a GS without the Premium pack? I would like to see the comparsion between the GS1300 with and without. All I see is reviews with it added, but what about those that opt out for it. Does it really make a difference?
As noted in the video, this is not sponsored (paid) by SW-MOTECH, but I did receive the parts for free so I can show how they work. I'll be switching to another manufacturer soon, so stay tuned for more testing with other companies. I am trying to show what's out there for the new GS.
SW-MOTECH USA:
sw-motech.us/
** SW-Motech have updated the design of the heel guards to fix the clearance issue.
NOTES: 1. They do make a dual height brake lever! 2. The quick release fasteners are called "Quick Lock". 3. Inner bags for the DUSC cases are coming soon!
➕SUPPORT➕
[I may receive commissions which are invested back into the channel]
⚡ Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia
⚡ Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/33kgRIz
⚡ Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN
⚡ Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto
⚡ Pacific Powersports (Motoz Tires, Barkbusters): pacificpowersports.com/ USE CODE BRM2024
⚡ 3D Cycle Parts: www.3dcycleparts.com/?aff=3
⚡ Taco Moto : tacomoto.co/?ref=fi6gv640
⚡ Denali Lighting: tinyurl.com/9746het9
⚡ Cyclops Adventure Sports: tinyurl.com/2kaknpfn
⚡ Amazon: amzn.to/3viGZ0A
⚡ Merchandise: big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/
That's awesome! vendors always give things for honest reviews like this, that's your job and don't have to explain yourself. Keep it up I like this kind of content also!
Ian it's ok you don't have to explain all that, your viewers know your integrity and your motivation on product reviews. You are appreciated more than you know!
So Ian, finaly I seriously have to admit that i love your videos. Honest, humble and I really have the feeling that you mean what you say!
Continue your great work! One of the very best out there!
Thank you so much!
Free gear still results in bias or at minimum a lack of harsh scrutiny, particularly if you want the partnership to continue.
So I really appreciate your honesty when you criticise products. Something that is rare. Keep up the great work.
Been watching for a while now. You are one of the best motorbike channels on youtube. The reviews and tests are so in depth and i like how honest you come across. Cheers from London UK
man the video quality from new camera and sharpness in 4k is immaculate, the best quality i see on youtube
Ian, I’m impressed. The SW- MOTECH package adds what looks like a damn nice looking accessories that are durable. Their boxes are good looking as strong and the crash protection devices really makes the BMW look better than naked. Impressive
Ian,
Great video. You don't need to spend so much time explaining your relationship or lack thereof with suppliers. We know you have integrity. Your videos are honest, unbiased, and much appreciated. Really gives people a good look at the accessories as installed. Keep doing what you are doing.
Thanks for that!
2:03 - Appreciate the honesty. Luckily, I suspect most of your watchers quickly come to trust your journalistic integrity anyway. 🙂🤜🤛
Impressive how hard you work to get these excellent reports out on multiple bikes. Solo no less!
the fact that it crumple or deformed once dropped i think is a good thing, they take the energy of the fall and absorbed into crumple points, these can then be replaced relatively cheaply. Bending the parts back into place or shape after a drop and putting back on is risky in my opinion, as the integrity has been compromised so the next time the bike has a drop, there is a much greater chance of damage being transferred directly to the bike components. thank you for this video, I think we are all with you emotional when let the bike fall . I love your videos and your unique personality, you rock
its not designed as acrumble zone. just bend it back
I am running the same cases on my R1300GS. I have the 41L version of the cases to include the side and top case. So far I have been impressed with how light and strong they are.
Thabks for sharing
Some nice parts there on your bike iain. Thanks for the indepth test
Your crashing tests have been soooo good, thx for those!!!!
This answers many questions about those SW-Motech cylinder protectors. I guess for more serious offroading they are not the best choice!
In my opinion only good for slides on the road....
Imagine it is not just soft gras but rocks. I think it needs more serious protection, meaning a solid steel cache around the cylinders...
In my opinion this is (and always have been) one of the really weak points of the GS, and i have not seen only one GS with a destroyed cylinder, but a lot!
Also destroyed engine blocks because of the mounts of the guards, they are ripped of in serious crashes, destryoing the engine block in those cases.
A serious issue in my opinion.
You are the first one that addresses this important issue! All others are throwing some kind of guard on the boxer, and think (because they do not test!) it will be fine, it will definitly not in a serious situation, i know for sure because i've seen it not just once!
That setup of that BMW looks amazing you have Ian.
Looks like Darth Vader on wheels. Just epic. My 310GS looks like a skateboard compared to this.
I love my SW Motech gear, everything is engineered to fit perfectly
Hey Ian,
A lot of people use SW, without knowing it. A lot of manufactures use SW and slap their own name on it. They make a locking pin and kit for security.
Thank you for the demonstration of the removable carriers. I finally made my decision, and tradet in my 1250 GSA, and ordered a 1300 GS Trophy with BMW topcase (for solo ride), and SW Motech TRAX ADV aluminium side panniers (45 liters), because they can be opened from the top side. I only use the side panniers on trips with my wife. So, when solo riding, I can remove the carriers. It looks a lot better without them. Now waiting for delivery begin oktober… (Europe, Belgium)
Honestly if you get paid I would be glad and hopefully happens, good for you since you do a really good job reviewing motorcycles. In my opinion what you provide is top quality information.
Thanks Ian. This is excellent stuff. Although I ride a KTM 890, it's great to be informed about these products. I'll be buying one of those small tank bags. The way that you've provided chapters for each product is very helpful. Thanks again.
SW Motech makes some of the most premium motorcycle accessories. They aren't cheap, but very well engineered
When you said you would drop your bike a 2´nd time, was like - "youd better do it on the other side!!".
That metal plate that was bent - I would get a new one due to possible metal fattigue. When you bend metal you causes stress in the material. If the metal is kind of soft, you harden it when you work on it. If it is hard already it might start to crack.
Allready after the first hit i would recommend you to get new ones, but sertainly after two impacts - get new head cover plates!
Beside that - if I would comment your video:
Dont you ever change! (I know life means that things changes, but what you do is awesome!!!)
You are the best!
As long as you keep the gear(or sell it, or give it away) it legally is sponsored content. No question about it.
Fantastic kit...great concept for ease of removal... Thank you 👍
Hi Ian. Thanks for honest review and drop test.
Tell you what I'd like to see--as a guy who owns a '22 R1250 GSA, I'd like to see a spread sheet where you price out all of the SW-Motech parts/accessories you added to your 1300GS, that came standard on my bike. I didn't have to buy upper or lower crash bars and I certainly didn't have to pay for luggage mounts. You can omit the price for side cases--that's a personal choice (I chose Bumont), and my bike came with a skidplate too. You've owned both, so no BS, compare the equipment that came with a GSA vs the CASH a guy would have to add to create an equivalent R1300GSA!
Always enjoyed your review. Thanks.
Thanks for doing this Ian. It's very helpful. 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Ian, a suggestion is to return the components when finished and purchase them if you want them for personal use. DC Rainmaker does this for athletes and it preserves his objectivity and is completely transparent to viewers. Keep up the great work!
Great how you explain that you don’t have a sponsorship with SW motech with a sweater with SW motech logo on it 😀 Just kidding, we do trust you. Keep on going like this, very usefull reviews. Thanks.
The sweater is super comfortable
I'm also a soft luggage person. But as far as hard luggage go those panniers are the best I've ever seen. Not a fan of the cylinder covers though.
Great video. Thanks.
Thanks again for this great review love the great content, interesting to see all the accessories added to the GS and a very good drop test.
A beautiful bike. Well balanced. Love it. Can’t wait for the GSA. Nice job.
why not just say you got free stuff to test? if you read the sponsorship law it obviously says exchange of goods, free stuff and so on is part of that. just saying it free for testing makes a lot of sense and you don’t need to make any excuses for this
What “sponsorship law” are you suggesting he read? I am an attorney so a statutory citation would be very educational for me. I assume you also are an attorney since you are apparently comfortable giving legal advice.
You don't need to be an attorney to be able to judge this. It's very simple. We will get the most truthful test if the tester pays for the items tested. If the items are given to the tester, he is more likely to be loyal (in some way), so we should assume some biased. Partly because the chances of being given more test products in the future will be increased. It's simply human nature. I don't blame Ian at all. As long as we know that the parts tested have been given to him free, it's fine.
Why does it matter? Having watched Ian for a long time, whether it’s free or not I trust that his opinion/impression will be his honest truth. I couldn’t care less if he gets it free or not. It allows him to review more products and is a win for everyone.
@@jefft137 on the ftc website there s a document named: Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers which states: If a brand gives you free or discounted products or other perks
and then you mention one of its products, make a disclosure
even if you weren’t asked to mention that product. is this enough for you?
@@jefft137 on the FTC website there a document called Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers which states that:" If you endorse a product through social media, your endorsement message should make it obvious when you have a relationship (“material connection”) with the brand. A “material connection” to the brand includes a personal, family, or employment relationship or a financial relationship - such as the brand paying you or giving you free or discounted products or services.
Ian I have no issue in what you do. I really enjoy your videos. That being said I would think since you sell your test bikes I would think the after market parts would help recoup your purchase price you paid. Keep doing what you are doing, it’s great
Thanks for that!
SW Motech makes some great stuff.
I didn't put any crash bars on my 890 because everyone says the skid plate covering the tank catches the ground, which it does on flat surfaces, my first real tip over was in a big ditch and the faring's got cracked. To be fair no major damage to the rads or anything but I imagine it's going to cost a bit more to replace the faring's on that bike.
lol I've just noticed you moved (or you changed where you shoot) Motech does really good stuff and, I think they have the largest range of bike to put equipment on (had a hard time finding anything for my 800DE and they were the ones doing the most the most quickly)
Like the way bike looks now it shows it's presence as a GS supposed to be.
That's a scary sight watching your new (AUD) $30k motorcycle falling over. Twice! I have SW-MOTECH sump guard and lower crash bars on my F750GS, and I hope to never have to test them, but I'm sure they will do the job.
Well done, Ian, for testing it out.
I had wind blow my GS over on the kickstand side. It had Touratech boxes and no barwork. Most unusual drop and no damage.
Ian, another great review. There is a product line I would appreciate you doing and that is dash cameras. I have been looking at the INNOVV K3, which gets great reviews, but your opinion on the various offerings would be nice.
dropped my tank bag on the road
there was tear in the bag from one drop and zipper on the extender broke my opinion look good but not great for durability bag is 1 month old
I don’t know if i would recommend
Your content is above reproach. I wouldn't care if the manufacturers showered you with stuff.
Im actually glad to see they bend i was looking at them and didnt like the idea of adding all that inpact force on the bolt locations
That's an impressive side case design with the versatility and quick release. I wonder how tough they'd be if dropped off-road.
Loving the job title "easter eggs" - LOL ... Carry on Mr Vice Chancellor of Laundry Services 😂😂😂
A nice little extra on top of your best-in-class reviews - thank you sir !
Glad you enjoyed it
It is possible to have expandable waterproof luggage. Touratech Extreme Edition tank and tail bags are both expandable and waterproof. Downside is the tank bag is strapped on.
I tested SW bars on my GS1200 Triple Black, they were great but the heads protruded and were sprung, I fitted X Heads after that, luckily I stayed upright from then on. I love SW-Motech kit but those guards seem flimsy. By the way I don’t care who supplies your kit, if it was sub standard you say so😉wish we had the Californian weather as here in northern England we’ve had the wettest Winter on record!
Like how sturdy those bags are and very impressed that they can double up as top cases. So you could just buy 2 with one or 2 big duffle bags across the top and save money by not buying a top case.
However, I once had a Goldwing that had the same side opening bags and one of them just opened up and I didn't notice until much later. All my stuff that was in it fell out. I rode back and tried to find the stuff but it was gone. So personally I just can't get that out if my head and would therefore NEVER again buy side opening bags.
Thank you so much for videos, it helps a lot doing my own choices. I've already the low crash bars from SW Motech, and I was wondering to know what would happen to cylinders covers in case of real crash, now it sounds clear, it makes sense to add a protection. SW Motech cylinder covers seems not perfect, but it's a solution. I don't like the big crash bars very larges and visible. There is by design a balance to find between very protective and not to big nor visible.
Agree with you about the upper crash bars, it's great to keep the regular light mount.
Looks like good quality stuff. I do wonder if it would be better off just having an additional tube on the crash bars to protect the engine than the plate that they have.
I wish SW Motech would make some cool crash bar protectors. Wunderlich, which is another German brand that makes accesories, have them. Unfortunatly those are 14.5 cm long so it's hard to find places to put them on, especially on the SW Motech bars. I know bars can be sanded and painted if the damage is not too big but why not protect them in the first place.
So if I understand it right. You can steal the racks in under 60 seconds with just a normal screwdriver?
I had no idea the racks were quick release. I've been struggling to find something to replace the oem bags on my africa twin. Sometimes I like to take everything off and have no racks. Just sold me on this system
Also my eyes got big when you picked it up so easily that weight must be low. Big fan, keep it up!
I wouldn't trust those cylinder guards, I prefer the ones that mount on the crash bar (I have a 1250). I had used that style from 'another manufacturer', and I found they shifted all over the place and deformed quite easily - I spend a lot of time hammering them back into shape. When I went to replace them, I went with black dog - those are super heavy and can take a lot of abuse without shifting or deforming - I know, I have tried :) I also got the black dog supports that connect the back side of the guard to the frame. I am running the stock GSA lower crash bars, but found that I had bent mine. I had to have a machine shop straighten them before I could put on the cylinder guards, so adding the extra support to the frame makes sense. BTW the machine shop guy told me the stock crash bars were extremely tough and were hard to straighten if anyone is interested in that. For the other stuff you reviewed, I had the opportunity to test ride the 1300 and one thing I liked was the re-design of the brake pedal, as you mentioned it flips up and down pretty easily and is a huge improvement over the old design, but I just seem to leave mine in the offroad position all the time so I don't know how much that matters. Anyway, great review and tests keep it up!
Givi has similar fast release side mounts. I had them on the Africa Twin.
Thanks Ian, very informative video. A question for later on when the Machineart Moto or other similar cylinder head cover guards become available... It would be great to see a drop test of the Machineart Moto covers with either the the stock or popular aftermarket lower crash bars.
I use the Machineart Moto cylinder head cover guards on my current 1250GS Adventure and my R1250R. They do fit with the stock 1250 GSA lower crash bars and they performed well in an (unintentional in my case) drop test similar to yours.
I realize that the combination matrix for fit compatibility among all types of aftermarket lower crash bars with all types of cylinder head cover guards would likely be untenable to test but, since you mentioned the Machineart Moto ones (which I assume are somewhat popular) perhaps a small sampling of test combinations might be of general interest.
I really enjoyed this one. Thanks
I am curious about your thoughts on the Hepco and Becker handlebar guards. Looks like great protection, but with mounting to the handlebar risers it restricts the owners ability to make adjustment to the handlebars. It may also restrict the owners ability to add risers.
Great video Ian! I assume from the looks of the bike you got the premium package, which come with the Vario case locking/hardware mechanism if I’m not mistaken. So before you installed the SW pannier racks, did you have to remove any of the Vario related mounting hardware or wiring harness for the case locks, or were the SW racks basically a simple bolt on? I’m asking because another TH-cam’er (Nothing Left to Prove) in Germany had to remove the Vario case lock components, including the wiring harness, just to install new Touratech pannier racks on his 1300. Im guessing there was some interference, but I don’t know for sure.
Yes, the side mounts for the varios have to come off. Took me maybe 10 minutes.
I guess I totally don't understand the point of their crash bars then since it doesn't protect the cylinder heads? I thought that was the whole reason for those bars! I think the oem enduro ones DO protect fully? Mine didn't come with any so I'm still shopping around.
Great videos. Thanks from the UK. Could you do me a favour and see how the giant loop mojave saddle bags sit on the 1300GS?
We struggle to find stockists in the UK to try things.
The practicality of your review is immeasurable. The drop was "gentle, for the reasons you gave, therefore I would wonder how resilient the engine crash bars would be on a slow speed drop. Certainly the engine cover piece that deformed for your would be destroyed and maybe that's its purpose. I don't feel that style, form fitting to the cylinders, gives much real world protection as ones that would stand out a bit more. On my RT1250 I chose Illium front and red bar. They have successfully saved my bike in 3 low speed drops on asphalt with no damage, other than scuff marks on the bars.
Hi, thank you for the great video. Can you tell me which topcase mount you have on your bike there please? Haven't seen that one before, but looks nice. Does it need a mounting plate for the dusc topcase? Thank you and kind regards, Wim, Belgium
Love the titles on the intros 😂
It would be interesting if you updated the net weight gain with the accessories. That’s probably a bit more work and, frankly, GS owners probably aren’t concerned with weight so take my suggestion for what it’s worth.
I even cringed watching you drop your brans new bike- Thanks for the info!
Great review of these products. I like the looks of the panniers myself and side open is really a problem when they detach so easy, I don't remember if they lock on or not but if the price is right! The crash bars work even if the part bent a little bit at least it didn't ruin the screw hole so you can't replace it. Hopefully they let you buy just the pieces you need so you don't have to buy the whole set again. Haven't kept up on videos so how is the 1300 compared to the other GS's? The power hasn't changed much but have they changed any other features or service intervals on the new bike? If you haven't done a video on that are you planning on it? Glad to see your channel has grown quite a bit and it's successful, congrats! Have a good one and be safe!
I really like the Touratech pannier rack you previously showed (and would use soft bags with that). Would the Dusc rack/top case work with the TT pannier rack? I'd like a smaller hard/locking top case and the 31 l Dusc looks small and light.
Great to see the drop test on the SWM Pro racks (side carriers) which I also have on my lighter Tiger 900 Rally Pro. 👍 Any comments on whether they actually touched the ground and whether they got any damage? My Tiger would fall flatter so the side carriers would see more impact load.
Those DUSC panniers are great also. I had MachineArt Moto cylinder guards on my R1200RS until I fitted the SWM crash bars then there was not sufficient clearance, but those guards / covers were great.
Givi does the 1/4 zues fasteners for their racks as well😊
honest work well done🎉
Great video! That was actually kinda painful to watch you drop your bike!
Hey Ian, I have the SW crash bars on my Touareg same colour as on that BMW and they scratched any recommendations on how to repaint them or anything I should do. Thanks for another amazing video really love the content.
Starting to look to nice for the off-road driving...even to nice for a Starbucks run....😁😁
Damn actually dropped +31k$ worth of motorcycle , and shows if the protection works or not. Who the hell does that? Fantastic review as always. Did you weight the bike with all the accessories?
Thank you. Weight coming later
I like what you do Ian, so this isn’t a dig at you but when you say “if they can’t handle a minor drop they’re not an adventure bike,” how far should one go adding aftermarket protection before that applies? Every bike would survive the test if sufficiently protected by third party add ons.
The silly thing about those cylinder head guards is they stick out past the crash bar! They take the brunt of a focused impact especially because of the slider. I'd rather have the crash bar just include coverage for the head. Yes, I know you may have to then remove the crash bar for maintenance but how often are you doing valves and plugs.
Agreed, the crash bar should be the one thing in front of the engine, not some thin cover that will bend at contact.
Tested the 1300 GS and it did not convince me at all. Today I got my Tiger 1200 Rally Pro. The deal was stunning. Man, the Tiger is better on so many different levels. Completely convinced me. Shaft drive and a 21inch front wheel. Unique combination. Such a great bike! It also feels more substantial than a GS and I did not have to pay for stupid packages. Everything comes with the bike...
Good choice!
@@BigRockMoto Thanks, man! Very happy.
I think plate doesnt strong enough protec engine while you are riding in stone areas and if you drop the bike ,this is really small impact, in reality people can see boxer engine will take lots of impact so it needs powerful plate outside engine ,good test
It looks like the handlebars would hit the side pockets on the City Tank Bag . Please comment if this a problem. Thanks.
Ian - I like this bag for a top case. I have a GS1300 on order. What rack do I need to use this as a top case?
Do these bags require a rack or do they attach to the existing mounting points also on a 2023 RS?
I don't think those lower crash bars should allow the cilinder heads to stick out, offroad it might not make a difference since terrain is irregular but on road it would do a much better work protecting
Thanks for the detailed review, the panniers do look sturdy. I would like to ask a small question regarding the upper crash bars due to personal experience. Does the connecting point under the beak, where they join together with 2 screws line up properly? In my case on a different bike, there was a 1/2 inch gap and force was needed to connect them. In the end I returned them to SW Motech as I did not want the resulting stress on the engine mounts. Thanks in advance for your answer.
Mine lined up perfectly
Point for improvement. You used your blogging camera to give us a close and clear look at the protective gear etc. But when you explained the excellent pannier frame quick release, the camera was 10 m away and viewers couldn’t see how it works. I had those racks on a BMW XChallenge and they are superb and worth seeing in closeup.
Noted!
If I was planning to buy SW Motech crash protection that video would have made me go elsewhere. For the cylinder guards to deform on grass is a clear indication that 1. They are too Iightweight and 2. The actual crash bars don’t extend far enough out past the cylinder heads. it will be interesting to see Outback Motortek bars on the bike. I suspect the protection will be far greater.
My thoughts exactly. So much for R&D
May I have a question? Are the DUSC cases wider than handlebar or not?
I was interested in these panniers but when i contacted SW Motech they said the dusc panniers would not fit with the vario top case but i notice you have them fitted with the vario rack ?
I wonder if there is a cylinder cover that attaches to the crash bar instead of the cylinder directly.
Bmw oem
The new camera is outstanding. Did you get a new mic with the camera? I hear the lip-smacking more clearly, and more often.
Great job 👏
First class as always. Thank you. I have the same exhaust, but no panniers. You didn't show or mention if the back of the exhaust took any of the brunt of the 2nd fall. Did you notice any marks?
Nope
The drop test! 🫣😂 Thoughts on those wheels? Thinking of adding to my 1200gsa if I can get rid of some weight I will. Good review as usual!
Love the wheels so far
Why didn't
you mention the inner carry case that makes the DUSC luggage very easy to use. Leave your cases on the bike and walk in to the hotel with clean luggage !
18:50
Awe... Come on, Ian. Get that thing on the driveway for the drop test. 😁
yea,
it must weigh 300kg now with all that scaffolding on lol, perhaps some cotton wool would help
Here's a question that I'll probably get ripped apart. Have you considered buying a GS without the Premium pack? I would like to see the comparsion between the GS1300 with and without. All I see is reviews with it added, but what about those that opt out for it. Does it really make a difference?
Which size Pannier is this? I noticed SW has two different versions.
We've already heard that the weight of this bike is more than BMW's specs imply. How much extra weight do these parts add?