Life was so less complicated in the old days, didnt even have computers when i went to school. This new technology is gonna be a nightmare when something goes wrong. Good review ,thanks
Picked mine up this morning....LOVE IT!!! The TFT screen really is gorgeous. One thing I want to make clear....there was a lot of rumours that you needed to have a BMW helmet and comms to be able to connect and use it via bluetooth. Im happy to say, mine connected straight away to my Schuberth SC10U, and music, phone etc is loud and clear!
Not sure why lots of people seem to have a downer on this. I've just bought one and it's GREAT! It's not a 'distraction', if anything BMW have done a good job of making key info like speed and revs super clear and an upgrade on previous clocks. In terms of the other screens, in my view they are not really for looking at when you're riding but just a great way to access the various information and settings for your bike when you need to.
In regards to using the menu button to gain access to the different tft pages, my guess is that bmw wanted a more deliberate action to be taken as opposed to the whiz wheel which can be accidentally bumped while riding. One you are are in the system then the wheel takes over. Either way I love the new display!
TMF Thank you so much for this video. I have just purchased a R1200GS Adventure like the one in this video. I have just put about 100 plus miles on it and needed the display set up with the info I want to see all the time. While I realize this was just a review, your demo accompanied with a tutorial I found made the TFT clear to me. Also your review of this exact bike was the seal to the deal in my deciding to purchase this bike. A GS had been my dream bike for about a decade or longer, I am finally in a position in life where I could buy one and so I did. It is my second BMW, my first (which I still have, and despite what my youngest son is hoping for, plan to keep) is the S1000XR. I bought it new in October of 2017, it was a left over 2016 model so I got a great deal. I have put over 11,000 miles on it as of putting it up for the winter. Wow what a bike. Its now December 18, I live in Ohio, and I found my GS about two weeks ago. We have had some good rain to wash the salt off the roads and the last two days it's been sunny and mid 30's to mid 40's (Fahrenheit) so I have been out riding. Actually I just got back, I've warmed up with a shot of Tellamore Dew, a bowl of chicken and dumpling soup and a kale salad. I do have a question, if by some odd chance you see this but I will pose it to anyone reading these comments that might know. While riding I have noticed a noise, its a wirrring sound, at first I started to worry something was rubbing but I cant find anything. Now I am wondering if it is not the sound of the transmission being focused up do to the skid plate? Any one out there know what this noise is? Should I be concerned or is it what I suspect, the transmission noise being reflected up towards me by the skid plate. Anyway, I enjoy all your videos thank you D. Spicer
I'm 50 and I also really would like this bike :) You never actually get older on the inside; just the outside. Note, that there's the 310GS just come out (A2 license compatible) and the new F850 GS (with that TFT display, or something similar), is being debuted at the the Milan Bikeshow on the 6th or 7th of this month (November 2017). At 16, though, I had a moped!
I've had mine a couple of weeks now and still getting my head round the TFT screen. The sat nav app on the screen is very basic nothing like my nav 6 which by the way has a similar screen so you can see it in the sun light a lot better than my nav5. I like the fact it streams music to both mine and the wife's helmet and music selection is all from the wheel. Work as always gets in the way of using the bike much this time of year hopefully have some free time soon to spend the time needed. Mean while its TH-cam.
Thanks for another great review! I saw the same model at my local dealer this past weekend. I have the 2017 GS Ralley, and I like the way they carried the color theme over to this bike. I enjoyed both of your videos on the new GSA, and I have to say that I think the setup with the TFT display and the Nav 5 (or 6) is great. When I first saw the combination in a BMW video, I thought the Nav would be redundant. Now, I think the Nav is still the way to go, leaving the TFT display for all the bike-related information. It may be my German ancestry talking, but I think the menu button and selection wheel do make sense. First, I think the up/down function of the menu button was chosen in order to avoid unintentionally changing away from the TFT main display (speed, rpm, etc.). I find that I do that (select other screens) with my Nav 6 and the selection wheel sometimes. It’s no big deal in that situation, but it would be bothersome with the TFT, I think. Also, the deeper menu choices, requiring the right/left function on the spinning wheel, appear to be for more detailed screens that you would probably not use while riding. In fact, I wonder if some of them are unavailable when the bike is in motion. I agree that the function on the rev counter in which the current number (3,000 revs, 4,000 revs, and so on) gets bigger is very handy. My Ducatis have that as well, and it is a very handy way to watch the revs out of the corner of your eye without looking down at the gauge. By the way, I’ve written to you about the Panigale S before, and I wanted to let you know I sold that and took delivery of the new Panigale R Final Edition (which I saw when it was unveiled in Monterey). What a treat! Finally, I am the same height as you and I wondered whether you find the GSA a bit of a handful-as far as backing up or moving it around goes. The regular GS suits me perfectly, and I was a bit apprehensive about getting the “bigger” bike (even though that is partly an illusion due to the tank cover).
Gave up Beemers almost ten years ago; rarely missed a meeting of my Beemer Madness Withdrawal support group. Really, I thought my addiction was in check . . . and now this!! Damn this TFT is seductive, it has a glow and the machine upon which it’s mounted is too shabby either!
I appreciate your explanation on how to use the TFT. I just got my HP11250 and was confused how to use the TFT. Thank you very much for the clarification!
Thankful for the giant bright analog gauges and simple but thorough information computer on my 2009 K1300GT. That along with my Android phone mounted to a Ram mount gives me live navigation and anything I want very, very simply. Cheers!
Have just been reading some of the comments re the video, you handled the non constructive criticism like a pro....I think your diplomatic skills are outstanding 👍
Think the screen looks great, no doubt, but i do wonder about all these menus and sub menus being a little to distracting when riding. Obviously its down to the rider to use it sensibly but ill hold my hands up that i have, on occaision, been looking at my GPS a split second to long and nearly come a cropper. Wondering, does it restrict usage while the bike is in motion or is every screen available when moving?
Mr Flyer: Thanks a Lot for the video. I have a question. I intend to buy a GS 750 in a few weeks. My thought is that TFT and Navigator 6 overlap in many features and makes no sense buying both. TFT is no brilliant in navigation but you can use your mobile phone with google maps connected to TFT. So buying TFT and no buying Navigator VI would be my preliminar decision. ¿¿Is my thinking right?? TFT and Navigator VI are attractive and expensive devices and I would like to make a wise decision and not over spend any money. Thanks a lot...!
Mr flyer Sir, call me cynical but is the phone connectivity issue related to handing over even more 💷💷💷 to your BMW dealer so he can switch on the option. To my way of thinking, they could combine all Nav 5 functions into the new screen but once again they don't so they can extract more cash from their brand victims! Sorry, customers. Keep up the quality work chap, appreciate what you and Barron, 44 Teeth, Teapot1 and WildbadTouring guys produce 😎✊🏼🏁
+John Barton No I think it should have worked, just that I couldn't get it too and the manual was no help - if I'd had the bike for longer I could have dug deeper, probably user error on my part but seemed a bit naff to me...
Just bought a new GS with the TFT screen. Currently BMW are giving the TFT screen free so it was too good to miss. Anyway, I traded in my 2016 model for the 2018 model. Apart from the TFT screen, the gearbox has had a complete makeover and it is now super smooth. The engine feels smoother too, and they have added hill start control which is brilliant.
Congratulations Robin - I wonder what sort of deal you got and therefore how much that smoother engine, nicer gearbox and TFT screen is worth to you? Enjoy your new bike, fabulous machine!
Thanks MF for another interesting vignette. I've never been that impressed with the wiz wheel on my GS - I always seem to to catch it and end up with the compass display, instead of the map. That said, I wouldn't be without it...
The BMW Navigator is a must have, can't go without. That's where money should be at least spend on. As far as the TFT screen goes, I thought "you don't need this screen", but seeing this video..wow, looks great, definitely an option to consider (well considering the hefty prices, this extra budget does not matter anymore INMHO). It even looks better than the KTM screen. Again, great video TMF, just order one of these instead of the Oranje one.
Very slick and also honest. I've also heard the same complaints re phone integration. As you say, best to wait a few months for a s'ware update... Thanks Rgds Glenn
Cheers Glenn - only my opinions of course and I could be wrong, but after a day playing with the bike, that was my summary! Still an amazing bit of kit on an amazing bike though!
Just picked up my new R1250GSA and this was very helpful. You're correct the manual is not particularly helpful. Ultimately you just need to sit in the garage with it for a 1/2 hour and play with it. Too complex to try to learn on the fly. But a fantastic screen once you get used to it.
Great video. For the Nav to work you need to sync the Bluetooth in your helmet to the tft (as well your phone). One of the best benefits for the tft which you might have missed is that you can change the units over from imperial to metric. A must for touring and reduces dependency on the Nav 5. With the old analogue clocks it wasn’t possible to change the small digital units unless the dealer did it for you for a few more ££!
TheMissendenFlyer I never figured a way to change the small digital display from analogue clocks to show kmh. Even Bahnstormer could not help me! I now have a tft 1200TE Rallye with Yoshimura pipe..v pleased.
Go go gadget overload ? Can't help but think this is starting to get a bit silly, TFT/OLED display, separate Satnav screen, iGadget in your pocket connected to the iGadget on your wrist and Bluetooth helmet communicators. Now we are starting to see HUD helmets with builtin front and rear cameras - ( hope you can review some of these :-). Not to mention a few GoPros to control and to top it off iGadget full leathers with builtin airbags ! Could go on and mention app's for bikes with Canbus etc, no wonder riders / drivers are so distracted, least your bike will call the emergency services when the sensors detect a fall... ;-)
Being an app developer myself, I do love the odd bike gadget. But I'm going to draw the line when my bike refuses to start cos I haven't tapped in my credit card details so that it can automatically deduct money from my account for instant ticket fines and take points from my license, or make realtime adjustments to my insurance premium based on riding profiles and events... Next we'll have AI critiquing/spying (if we don't already) nagging us about riding conditions & performance, no thanks big brother !
Having just bought a GSA I’ll not be changing just yet. Interestingly, I not iced that you had a slight glitch removing the key from the satnav mount. Somewhere along the line , my key got itself stuck , either with the satnav or the panniers, and I managed to actually bend the key. As mine is keyless ignition a replacement doesn’t come cheap, so I would warn others to take care.
Haven't actually used a "whizwheel" myself, but from a previous video where you explain the Nav V functionality, the controls really seem very intuitive. With that in mind, I agree with all the points you make about the TFT screen controls. A simple "SET/OK" button would do just fine, instead of the up/down MENU button. Go through the various screens and options with the wheel and use a SET button to confirm any changes or go deeper into menus. This would also work better in changing the controls from TFT to Nav. Instead of pressing two different buttons (the Nav is above so you press the MENU up button, the TFT is below it so you press the MENU down button) you would just press and hold the SET button. The way they handled the "whizwheel" is a missed opportunity imo.
I agree - not the slick implementation I was expecting (unless I'm missing something). Still an amazing screen though and I would tick the TFT option just for the "home" screen with nothing else!
You make some great points about inconsistencies in the tech operations and I’m actually surprised that BMW didn’t pick that up during testing. Seems to me that the less buttons you have to use to make changes the better so I would expect a fix will be coming in the near future as they get more user feedback.
Fantastic video again, thanks! I may be in the market for one of these so it's great to see your reviews on here. The guys at the dealership get frustrated because I don't have much to ask them since I know what there is to know when I walk in.
It's a very nice Motorcycle. And to be honest, I miss the sport. Winter is coming to the US. And its hard to bet a car that has heater and you are covered from all the elements. And sir like you, I've been through all the elements that mother nature has to offer. So I know exactly what you are going on your bike. Going through all that gives you experience as a motorcyclist and builds your character as a person....especially being a true Motorcyclist. I think that the coldest that I've been in with my motorcycle was 8 degrees, according to my 2007 Yamaha FJR1300. So I know what you are going through brother. Sorry for rant lol. Love your vids
TFT tech is moving forward at a blistering pace. I look at that (through your video) and just *wish* my '13 Street Triple R had that sort of 'window' into the bike's working state in real time (I have to use bluetooth ODBII and TuneECU for an almost caveman version of it). I love information about inner workings, and the sat nav (I use my phone). Interesting. Pretty darn cool!
Great video again .... as always. Just gotten my new GS Rallye with analogue instruments. The TFT is very nice but in my opinion it is more suited to the likes of the K1600. Personally, I think the analogue clocks suit the GS a lot better.
Fair enough Leigh, I must admit as nice as those new TFT's are it wouldn't be enough to make me chop in my "old" GS with the analogue clocks, with the Nav fitted I have all the electronic information I need! Enjoy your new bike, lovely machine!
I expect the screen is polarising - the Navigator VI is the same. Re the TFT nav not seeming to work; I believe you have to have a comms device connected to it.
That TFT is a thing of beauty and I bet it would look great with the new fancy Nav6 screen but yeah the inconsistent control interface would set my OCD off, LOL. I wonder though how much you'd actually be moving in and out of he different screens on the TFT display, especially when a lot of stuff is displayed on the Navigator. Nevertheless, good video. Would love to upgrade my 2014 GSA LC for the updated model but not I'll probably wait until they've been out a year or two first.
Have to say the more I see of BMW product the more I am impressed, wouldn't be surprised if they introduce a heads up display soon for the machines that have screens. Was surprised to hear you come from a software background, had you down for ex military for some reason. Any as always fab honest review. Cheers TMF
I was in the BMW workshop and they updated the software of the bike. Also, I updated the software of the Bluetooth SENA (New 10S) and I updated the software of my new iPhone 11 Pro. None of this has helped. BMW Connected App is downloaded in my iPhone a active during my ride. The Favorites option still does not appear in the Telephone Menu.
The TFT certainly looks wonderfull. If BMW had integrated the Navigator I would have opted for one. The little numbers on your GS are necessary to be able to show both mph and km/h I believe. Choices have consequences...
I’m totally nerding out on this screen, I don’t need it really, but I do want it... Thanks for the heads up on this, I’m off to my local dealer to order my new GSA, but it’s likely to be a 6 month wait. Cheers TMF.
Thanks for lighting the way, I was trying to use the wiz wheel to change menu and nothing seem to work there are not many run through tutorials, for this later TFT screen models. so thanks a lot.
Awesome screen. Thanks for sharing. BTW - it's not just GS owners who get ignored by other bikers, seems my S1000XR gets the same treatment from quite a few "fellow" bikers! Odd!
Looks nice but as an optional extra it brings the price of a R1200 GSA TE up to over £17700 on the road. That's without panniers or Nav 6 so probably close to twenty grand by the time you've signed the order sheet. Makes me wonder where the price ceiling is for motorcycles. It's a shame that they don't offer 3 years warranty for bikes in this price bracket, I've just forked out an extra £450 for the the 3rd years warranty cover (although does include breakdown cover) on my 1200gs. My Hyundai city car came with 5 years warranty and breakdown for less than half the price of a GSA.
If you mean you wonder why Hyundai come with a 5 year warranty then I suppose it's because they have some confidence in their products. Mines been faultless with no warranty issues. However, my GS have left me stranded once with a clutch failure and is now waiting for the fork recall work that they can't get the parts for.
Mike Sturgess yep I had that fork issue too. Trick is to tell garage to call when parts arrive and then tell them to put your name on them so you don’t end up with the bike booked in and no parts.. x2. Very frustrating .
Hi there great vid as always. I as said before I watched the BMW vid on the new screen and surprise, surprise none of the issues you identified here were discussed. However, there was plenty of marketing-wank/esoteric stuff about how it will change the way we think about motorcycling. Re the whiz- wheel function, It would be interesting to see (given a longer term loan of the bike) how you would adapt to same. Kindest regards. Joe.
Cheers Joe, yes I'd love one of these to borrow long term so I could properly get used to it, I was only scratching the surface here - thanks for watching as ever - TMF
Hello friends. I have a 2020 R 1250 GS. The TFT screen is correctly connected to my iPhone and my SENA 10S Intercom. However, in the Telephone Menu: The Phone Book and Call List appear correctly but FAVORITES do not appear. This makes making a call very cumbersome because the contact list is very large.
Nice vid as usual! I ordered my BMW R1200 GSA Rallye TE with TFT on Friday! Looking forward to getting it more now!!! I think the jog wheel/menu button issue you mentioned is not a bad thing as when I've been riding my 2015 GSA, i sometimes press or toddle the wheel by mistake and i think that if you where to use the jog wheel initially for the TFT that could become highly enoying... So to have a positive action on the menu button for me is a good thing! Great that you brought it up though!
Could it be that the menu switch is used for screens a person wants to remain displayed and not be bumped off inadvertently, and the whiz (sp) wheel take a rider to sub menus that will get changed and not referred to again during the ride? If so I think it is another mark of genius!!! And I admire you for your incorporation of a work out into you every day life. Why else would a person put the heaviest ladder highest on the wall other than to gain a good workout? More clear genius!!! :>)
Miss Enden, heard that on a Richie Vida blog, cracked me up, but anyway, that TFT thingy makes my analog speedo on my DR look so last century, so pretty, be curious to how many people run off the road looking at there big iPad instead of looking at the road. There is this big problem with car drivers playing with phones when driving and motorcyclists hate that, so what do they put on bikes ? big bloody screens to give you something to look at when riding, what's next ? USB port so you can watch a movie ? No wonder you need so many SAFETY devices on modern bikes. Sorry for the rant but I am old school, back in the day when a speedo and trip meter were all you ever needed. In the words of Golden Earring, keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel, some radar love for you Miss Enden. 👍👍👍😂😂😂
I think you are absolutely right re the safety aspects, my own car has a large central screen for all of the controls, it requires the user to keep their eyes off the road whilst making adjustments to everything. it is potentially dangerous and the very latest cars are getting quite ridiculous in this respect. cheers
Thanks for the great video. It seems that BMW did not get it right with this TFT kit yet. I am talking of the functionality of the kit, not of the TFT screen quality which seems to be excellent. I am wondering if BMW did not go into a desperate rush to produce some sort of TFT for the new BMW Adventure simply because they did not want to be left out of the game as Triumph and KTM already released their own TFT dashboards. I hope software upgrades will soon be available to fix the awkward features such as those highlighted by TMF in this video.
I owned a 2015 GSA and have to say apart from the clunky gearbox and Michelin Annakee 3 tyre drone it was perfect.. I covered over 6,000 miles with it. Better than my 2013 F800GS (with desierto screen etc) Better than my 2010 R1200GS, although the engine sounded sweeter and gearbox was sweeter on that one. All owned from new and carefully run in.
I just bought one of those lovely bikes deliberately without the TFT screen! I don't want to play a computer game whilst I'm riding, and instead I ordered the lovely (old-style) analogue dials that tell me in an instant and very clearly everything I need to know. Digital displays of speed with a progression of numbers (27,31, 35, 48, 54 ...) mean I have to think hard when I look at them. I certainly don't want that! (Who here wears a digital watch?). Anyway, some people here will love this new screen. It wasn't for me.
I see that the speedo on your bike shows MPH and KM. My (Canada Spec) shows only KM. This makes the speedo much easier to read... larger font etc. I suspect that's Euro compliance for you 😊
First!!! Holy crap the new GS looks twice the size of your one, it's a brute. Maybe optical illusion. "Possibly one of the best bikes I've ever ridden.." Eat your hearts out KTM fanboys, hope windows are sealed to avoid jumpers!!
Thanks for the techie video Missenden Flyer ~ i'm surprised you don't like the spinnie-wheel/toggle up-down functionality .. seems like it would save a few clicks if you're deep in the tree Very cool BMW.
Hi, just taken delivery of my 2021 Triple Black GS 1250. Fully agree about the navigation with the wheel and button not being intuitive. Starting to get the hang of it though. Now got to master the navigation app on the phone. Loving the bike so far. The only thing I've found, not having big hands, is that the horn and even the indicators are hard to reach when keeping my hand on the grips and fingers in reasonable distance of the clutch. Much of my riding is in the city so it"s a bit challenging for now. Is this common for new BMW riders? I had a Triumph Tiger GT Pro before and it seemed better set up in this way.
I just bought this same bike a few weeks ago and have had similar issues with the connectivity between the phone and usage of the navigation feature. In addition, the Bluetooth connection between phone-bike-helmet is not as reliable as would be desired. It seems that the bike needs to be powered before the helmet Bluetooth is turned on. In most cases, this will allow the proper connection. However, if you stop to fuel and turn the bike off (which you have to do in order to open the electronic fuel cap) and then re-power the bike, the Bluetooth connection often becomes corrupted and the system will no longer port music to the helmet. At this point you can sometimes turn the helmet off/on and this will sometimes correct it. Overall, I like the TFT and the functionality but the connectivity needs to be improved.
I hate it when this sort of thing happens, I have similar issues with the BT connection on my BMW Nav 5, iphone and BT headset, if you don't get everything right it fails.....gets to the point where I just cant be bothered in the end! Such a shame because the 2018 GSA is a beautiful machine to ride (as you know)....
Hi, i have bought a BMW Helmet so i can get the intercom fitted. Wish i hadnt now its not that user friendly,neither was the BMW dealership that installed it without giving me a quick run through on how to use it... Not cheap either £550 helmet & £400 intercom thats crap.. Not sure if you have this with your bike but any pointers much appreciated? Good videos very intuitive .
I wrestled with the TFT trying to understand how to use to its full capability. The navigation can be slow to load but I noticed with my device it is very slow when the battery level on the phone is low.
In looking at your excellent video, thank you very much, doesn't the MENU button have the same symbols that are on the display pointing up and down? Hard to tell from this distance but if they do that should be the linkage between the button and the symbols on the TFT display. Can someone who has one verify? Thanks again for the excellent video.
I have exactly the same bike, the navigation works fine for me, you should turn on the mobile app every time you need to use the navigation in order to be able to choose the nav option on the tft display.(i think this counts only for ios devices) What i found as an issue is that the app recognizes my bike as unknown, i asked bmw through an email(not my dealer) and the responded telling me that an update of the app will solve everything.
All this info at your fingertips! My current 'bike has toys ,after the first couple of days the novelty wears off and you set everything the way you want it and leave it at that. Did the same with the car. Is the real reason for riding a motorcycle being lost behind all this technology ,brilliant as it is, is it really adding to the motorcycling experience? I can see motorcyclists crowded around each others 'bikes in car parks comparing tech , saves on the fuel bills i suppose.
100% agree Johnston - I love my Street Triple no less because it doesn't have any electronics, at the end of the day it's the riding experience that counts., Just as well that's brilliant too on the mighty GS!
I love tech and I'm very open to it all but I do agree, we tend to play around with it all initially then when the novelty wear off and we find our desired settings we rarely change things.
Great to have the function explained. I like the way you present and this was great idea. However, Did I miss it? or Did you omit to say what the TFT means? Sorry to complain but many journalists assume their audience know what abbreviations stand for, but I am new to reviews and ignorant of many details? Like what the "K" stands for in"WSBK"? and what the difference is between "Traction Control" and "ABS"? Your style of presentation is one of the best I have found so please include every detail as you have previously done Thank you TheMissendenFlyer.
Great vid TMF. Awesome bike. You can't connect your phone for the navigation on the TFT because you need the BMW intercom for the audio, otherwise you can't connect to listen to directions or music. BMW intercoms are only compatible with BMW helmets. Total price for intercom and helmet over £600.
TheMissendenFlyer That's what I understood. Was in the dealers over the weekend, I'm considering getting one and I was surprised (but then not surprised) about the connectivity.
They did not use the wizz wheel because since its inception it was mainy used to navigate the nav unit. Most people didnt opted for it, so most late model GS users will most likely be used to hitting the “menu” button like the old dash to go through computer systems. Thats my opinion
Mr flyer Sir, thanks for another great review! `I'm thinking about this new really lovely GS... I have a question. What do You think about the Akrapovic exhaust on this bike? Is it absolutely necessary?
The controls make sense to me. The menu buttons are changing which menu/screen you are on, and the jog wheel is only ever controlling what is within that menu/screen. I think it would be more inconsistent if the jog wheel sometimes changed current menu, and sometimes only changed what stuff within that menu. I bet my explanation doesn’t make sense, ha
Great review, it really makes me think that if you have the Nav 5 or 6, other than looking nice what is the point or benefit of the TFT? You surely get all the info and connectivity with the Nav 5/6? Seems a lot of money just to look nice when the Nav does everything and more, just my opinion.
I have a 2014 GSA with the Nav 5, that was expensive enough and the 2018 model doesn't seem much different, a facelift rather than a new model for me. But as you say money no object I would be in the dealer ordering one now :)
Just like yourself, I haven't managed to connect to the navigation. Some people say you have to have a bluetooth helmet to connect, which is very strange, as the connectivity should be done through the phone, not the helmet. And I don't find any guidance on BMW's websites on this, does anyone have a link?
Thanks for the video. Great job. I do have a quick question. When I ride my bike, every time I refuel I like to reset the trip odometers, the avg speed, and the avg miles/gal settings. It usually takes an extra minute or so to reset them. How convenient is it to do the resets on the TFT screen? I love BMW's in general, but it seems like they get carried away with the electronics. Many menus, sub-menus, sub-sub-menus, etc...
great review ,,, a double push on the wizzy wheel would have been a better option or even a long push ,,,, hey ho , next software upgrade , shame the sat nav isnt working from your phone , it would be nice to have the map behind the graphics on the main tft ,,, also a shame that the main tft doesnt just open up like a lap top to give you the sat nav screen , then the sat nav and the main screen would be on the same plane distance wise , and a lot nicer to glance at ,,, although the tft option is nice , i think its not as nice as it could have been. great review all the same
Just let my 2014 red GS go and upgraded to a 68 Exclusive GS with 2.5k miles. It's has TFT screen. Didn't want the 1250 too many engine issues, the 1200 is a proven mill.
TMF. I ABSOLUTELY HATE the TFT. Might as well have an ipad up there. Yes, the 2013-17 Speedo isn’t that clear, but you know perfectly well that when the needle is at 9 o clock, your doing 60! Lovely old fashioned Rev Counter too. All info needed is in the old Dash & it’s handsome…..!, put on your Satnav, I can use my four big windows if I’m obsessed with my speed, or the map, which also has my speed too and turns red if I’m over the limit. I don’t need 2 TFT’s. If I mount my iphone I can have 4!!….. Jeff, you are so right! Two reasons why I didn’t buy a 1250GS, that TFT thing and they took away the nice rumble of the Engine. Trick Valves etc, someone called the new GS Japanese!……
I hope you don't mind my saying, but the that new GSA has some styling cues that are better looking than your GS. Time for you to upgrade. Anyway, I love the new TFT screen. That is bright and crystal clear. I wanted to see the Nav lite function, because that sounds really cool. And could save $700 if it's good enough to forgo the real Nav. Thanks for another really good review.
This is the problem with BMW 1) this screen is an extra, not standard and around £600 if you want one (and most will want it) 2) It dosnt take the place of the Sat Nav so you end up forking out around £1200 for the two I fully accept the GS is arguably the best in its class but this nonsense from BMW jumping on a tech bandwagon to keep up with KTM is exactly why I bought an Explorer, well that and the better engine, screen, look and standard equipment. If BMW just made that screen standard (sure they will) and be done with it. Great Vid as usual.
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Life was so less complicated in the old days, didnt even have computers when i went to school. This new technology is gonna be a nightmare when something goes wrong. Good review ,thanks
I saw you you know. Trying to rev the engine with the left hand grip!
Love all your reviews TMF.
😁
Picked mine up this morning....LOVE IT!!! The TFT screen really is gorgeous. One thing I want to make clear....there was a lot of rumours that you needed to have a BMW helmet and comms to be able to connect and use it via bluetooth. Im happy to say, mine connected straight away to my Schuberth SC10U, and music, phone etc is loud and clear!
are you using a nav aswell
Yes, I have both on. Only ridden the bike back from the shop so cant comment how they work together though.
I heard the navigation doesn't work unless you have a bluetooth helmet. That's very strange, as it should be enough to connect your phone to the TFT.
Not sure why lots of people seem to have a downer on this. I've just bought one and it's GREAT! It's not a 'distraction', if anything BMW have done a good job of making key info like speed and revs super clear and an upgrade on previous clocks. In terms of the other screens, in my view they are not really for looking at when you're riding but just a great way to access the various information and settings for your bike when you need to.
In regards to using the menu button to gain access to the different tft pages, my guess is that bmw wanted a more deliberate action to be taken as opposed to the whiz wheel which can be accidentally bumped while riding. One you are are in the system then the wheel takes over. Either way I love the new display!
TMF
Thank you so much for this video. I have just purchased a R1200GS Adventure like the one in this video. I have just put about 100 plus miles on it and needed the display set up with the info I want to see all the time. While I realize this was just a review, your demo accompanied with a tutorial I found made the TFT clear to me. Also your review of this exact bike was the seal to the deal in my deciding to purchase this bike. A GS had been my dream bike for about a decade or longer, I am finally in a position in life where I could buy one and so I did. It is my second BMW, my first (which I still have, and despite what my youngest son is hoping for, plan to keep) is the S1000XR. I bought it new in October of 2017, it was a left over 2016 model so I got a great deal. I have put over 11,000 miles on it as of putting it up for the winter. Wow what a bike. Its now December 18, I live in Ohio, and I found my GS about two weeks ago. We have had some good rain to wash the salt off the roads and the last two days it's been sunny and mid 30's to mid 40's (Fahrenheit) so I have been out riding. Actually I just got back, I've warmed up with a shot of Tellamore Dew, a bowl of chicken and dumpling soup and a kale salad.
I do have a question, if by some odd chance you see this but I will pose it to anyone reading these comments that might know. While riding I have noticed a noise, its a wirrring sound, at first I started to worry something was rubbing but I cant find anything. Now I am wondering if it is not the sound of the transmission being focused up do to the skid plate? Any one out there know what this noise is? Should I be concerned or is it what I suspect, the transmission noise being reflected up towards me by the skid plate.
Anyway, I enjoy all your videos thank you
D. Spicer
Thanks for the comment David / M’fraid I have no idea what that whirring sound might be!
Is it weird I'm only 16 and this is my dream bike. Why do they call the gs an old bikes man. Looks awesome.
The F800GS is very good and quite a bit smaller / cheaper.
G = Gelande = off road
S=Strasse= street
GS=off road and street bike (dual sport)
thats everyone's dream bike son
I'm 50 and I also really would like this bike :) You never actually get older on the inside; just the outside. Note, that there's the 310GS just come out (A2 license compatible) and the new F850 GS (with that TFT display, or something similar), is being debuted at the the Milan Bikeshow on the 6th or 7th of this month (November 2017). At 16, though, I had a moped!
Its An Old Mans Bike because it takes along time to save up enough money to buy it. So most owners are over forty years old.
I've had mine a couple of weeks now and still getting my head round the TFT screen. The sat nav app on the screen is very basic nothing like my nav 6 which by the way has a similar screen so you can see it in the sun light a lot better than my nav5. I like the fact it streams music to both mine and the wife's helmet and music selection is all from the wheel. Work as always gets in the way of using the bike much this time of year hopefully have some free time soon to spend the time needed. Mean while its TH-cam.
No issues connecting the phone? Do you find the user interface intuitive? (I didn't)??
I've a new Adventure coming to my garage, and your videos are among the best. I appreciate that you get right to it.
Excellent work, TMF!
Thanks for another great review! I saw the same model at my local dealer this past weekend. I have the 2017 GS Ralley, and I like the way they carried the color theme over to this bike. I enjoyed both of your videos on the new GSA, and I have to say that I think the setup with the TFT display and the Nav 5 (or 6) is great. When I first saw the combination in a BMW video, I thought the Nav would be redundant. Now, I think the Nav is still the way to go, leaving the TFT display for all the bike-related information. It may be my German ancestry talking, but I think the menu button and selection wheel do make sense. First, I think the up/down function of the menu button was chosen in order to avoid unintentionally changing away from the TFT main display (speed, rpm, etc.). I find that I do that (select other screens) with my Nav 6 and the selection wheel sometimes. It’s no big deal in that situation, but it would be bothersome with the TFT, I think. Also, the deeper menu choices, requiring the right/left function on the spinning wheel, appear to be for more detailed screens that you would probably not use while riding. In fact, I wonder if some of them are unavailable when the bike is in motion. I agree that the function on the rev counter in which the current number (3,000 revs, 4,000 revs, and so on) gets bigger is very handy. My Ducatis have that as well, and it is a very handy way to watch the revs out of the corner of your eye without looking down at the gauge. By the way, I’ve written to you about the Panigale S before, and I wanted to let you know I sold that and took delivery of the new Panigale R Final Edition (which I saw when it was unveiled in Monterey). What a treat! Finally, I am the same height as you and I wondered whether you find the GSA a bit of a handful-as far as backing up or moving it around goes. The regular GS suits me perfectly, and I was a bit apprehensive about getting the “bigger” bike (even though that is partly an illusion due to the tank cover).
Gave up Beemers almost ten years ago; rarely missed a meeting of my Beemer Madness Withdrawal support group. Really, I thought my addiction was in check . . . and now this!! Damn this TFT is seductive, it has a glow and the machine upon which it’s mounted is too shabby either!
I appreciate your explanation on how to use the TFT. I just got my HP11250 and was confused how to use the TFT. Thank you very much for the clarification!
Thankful for the giant bright analog gauges and simple but thorough information computer on my 2009 K1300GT. That along with my Android phone mounted to a Ram mount gives me live navigation and anything I want very, very simply. Cheers!
Have just been reading some of the comments re the video, you handled the non constructive criticism like a pro....I think your diplomatic skills are outstanding 👍
Thank you Shane - I regard it as a bit of sport sometimes....of course if it's that bad I have the power of the delete function!! :0)
I agree with you on the use of the Whiz wheel for the TFT navigation
Think the screen looks great, no doubt, but i do wonder about all these menus and sub menus being a little to distracting when riding. Obviously its down to the rider to use it sensibly but ill hold my hands up that i have, on occaision, been looking at my GPS a split second to long and nearly come a cropper. Wondering, does it restrict usage while the bike is in motion or is every screen available when moving?
I love the blue and white colour scheme
Mr Flyer:
Thanks a Lot for the video.
I have a question. I intend to buy a GS 750 in a few weeks.
My thought is that TFT and Navigator 6 overlap in many features and makes no sense buying both. TFT is no brilliant in navigation but you can use your mobile phone with google maps connected to TFT. So buying TFT and no buying Navigator VI would be my preliminar decision.
¿¿Is my thinking right?? TFT and Navigator VI are attractive and expensive devices and I would like to make a wise decision and not over spend any money.
Thanks a lot...!
Good, honest review (as usual) and this weeks winner of the Tidy Garage award.
Mr flyer Sir, call me cynical but is the phone connectivity issue related to handing over even more 💷💷💷 to your BMW dealer so he can switch on the option. To my way of thinking, they could combine all Nav 5 functions into the new screen but once again they don't so they can extract more cash from their brand victims! Sorry, customers.
Keep up the quality work chap, appreciate what you and Barron, 44 Teeth, Teapot1 and WildbadTouring guys produce 😎✊🏼🏁
Brand victim... I like it, and will appropriate that, if I may, in the future.
Gerhard Symons Consider it yours fella, use it freely 😎👍🏼
+John Barton No I think it should have worked, just that I couldn't get it too and the manual was no help - if I'd had the bike for longer I could have dug deeper, probably user error on my part but seemed a bit naff to me...
Just bought a new GS with the TFT screen. Currently BMW are giving the TFT screen free so it was too good to miss. Anyway, I traded in my 2016 model for the 2018 model. Apart from the TFT screen, the gearbox has had a complete makeover and it is now super smooth. The engine feels smoother too, and they have added hill start control which is brilliant.
Congratulations Robin - I wonder what sort of deal you got and therefore how much that smoother engine, nicer gearbox and TFT screen is worth to you? Enjoy your new bike, fabulous machine!
Not a spectacular deal, just enough to keep me happy from our friends at Bahnstormer. I decided to spoil myself.
Thanks MF for another interesting vignette. I've never been that impressed with the wiz wheel on my GS - I always seem to to catch it and end up with the compass display, instead of the map. That said, I wouldn't be without it...
The BMW Navigator is a must have, can't go without. That's where money should be at least spend on. As far as the TFT screen goes, I thought "you don't need this screen", but seeing this video..wow, looks great, definitely an option to consider (well considering the hefty prices, this extra budget does not matter anymore INMHO). It even looks better than the KTM screen. Again, great video TMF, just order one of these instead of the Oranje one.
Thank you! Answered my issue in 3 minutes. Couldn't remember how to get the use of my wheel to operate the GPS. Hold down the menu button!
Very slick and also honest. I've also heard the same complaints re phone integration. As you say, best to wait a few months for a s'ware update...
Thanks
Rgds
Glenn
Cheers Glenn - only my opinions of course and I could be wrong, but after a day playing with the bike, that was my summary! Still an amazing bit of kit on an amazing bike though!
Just picked up my new R1250GSA and this was very helpful. You're correct the manual is not particularly helpful. Ultimately you just need to sit in the garage with it for a 1/2 hour and play with it. Too complex to try to learn on the fly. But a fantastic screen once you get used to it.
...that's half the fun though isn't it....
Nice bike but that left hand throttle isn't very responsive is it at 4:14 lol. Great review as always mate..atb Dixie
Very nice explanation, thank you. Been looking forward to a comprehensive review of the 2018 model year.
Never been a GS fan but must say they have some interesting features and their new paint scheme is nice!
Great video. For the Nav to work you need to sync the Bluetooth in your helmet to the tft (as well your phone). One of the best benefits for the tft which you might have missed is that you can change the units over from imperial to metric. A must for touring and reduces dependency on the Nav 5. With the old analogue clocks it wasn’t possible to change the small digital units unless the dealer did it for you for a few more ££!
You sure about the imperial/metric thing - I've never had a problem selecting either???
TheMissendenFlyer I never figured a way to change the small digital display from analogue clocks to show kmh. Even Bahnstormer could not help me! I now have a tft 1200TE Rallye with Yoshimura pipe..v pleased.
Go go gadget overload ? Can't help but think this is starting to get a bit silly, TFT/OLED display, separate Satnav screen, iGadget in your pocket connected to the iGadget on your wrist and Bluetooth helmet communicators. Now we are starting to see HUD helmets with builtin front and rear cameras - ( hope you can review some of these :-). Not to mention a few GoPros to control and to top it off iGadget full leathers with builtin airbags !
Could go on and mention app's for bikes with Canbus etc, no wonder riders / drivers are so distracted, least your bike will call the emergency services when the sensors detect a fall... ;-)
+SharpBends I agree - I did actually get sent a front/rear camera but I declined reviewing it partly for the reasons you mentioned!
Totally agree, Too much over complicated junk to go wrong and it will! Who wants all this shit on a bike just get on and ride!!!
The Luddites said the same thing about power steering, ABS, traction control, cruise control ad infinitum but now we wouldn't be without them.
Being an app developer myself, I do love the odd bike gadget. But I'm going to draw the line when my bike refuses to start cos I haven't tapped in my credit card details so that it can automatically deduct money from my account for instant ticket fines and take points from my license, or make realtime adjustments to my insurance premium based on riding profiles and events... Next we'll have AI critiquing/spying (if we don't already) nagging us about riding conditions & performance, no thanks big brother !
but these don't distract you while you're riding. Different things really.
Having just bought a GSA I’ll not be changing just yet.
Interestingly, I not iced that you had a slight glitch removing the key from the satnav mount. Somewhere along the line , my key got itself stuck , either with the satnav or the panniers, and I managed to actually bend the key. As mine is keyless ignition a replacement doesn’t come cheap, so I would warn others to take care.
Yes good point, when I first got my GS the whole barrel used to come out! (put right under warranty)...
Haven't actually used a "whizwheel" myself, but from a previous video where you explain the Nav V functionality, the controls really seem very intuitive. With that in mind, I agree with all the points you make about the TFT screen controls. A simple "SET/OK" button would do just fine, instead of the up/down MENU button. Go through the various screens and options with the wheel and use a SET button to confirm any changes or go deeper into menus. This would also work better in changing the controls from TFT to Nav. Instead of pressing two different buttons (the Nav is above so you press the MENU up button, the TFT is below it so you press the MENU down button) you would just press and hold the SET button. The way they handled the "whizwheel" is a missed opportunity imo.
I agree - not the slick implementation I was expecting (unless I'm missing something). Still an amazing screen though and I would tick the TFT option just for the "home" screen with nothing else!
You make some great points about inconsistencies in the tech operations and I’m actually surprised that BMW didn’t pick that up during testing. Seems to me that the less buttons you have to use to make changes the better so I would expect a fix will be coming in the near future as they get more user feedback.
I hope so - or I fundamentally misunderstood what was going on....could just be me...
TheMissendenFlyer never make mistakes! 😂
Fantastic video again, thanks! I may be in the market for one of these so it's great to see your reviews on here. The guys at the dealership get frustrated because I don't have much to ask them since I know what there is to know when I walk in.
Excellent! :0)
Keep up the good Work TheMissendenFlyer. Absolutely amazing BMW Engineering!
Agreed - what a bike eh?
It's a very nice Motorcycle. And to be honest, I miss the sport. Winter is coming to the US. And its hard to bet a car that has heater and you are covered from all the elements. And sir like you, I've been through all the elements that mother nature has to offer. So I know exactly what you are going on your bike. Going through all that gives you experience as a motorcyclist and builds your character as a person....especially being a true Motorcyclist. I think that the coldest that I've been in with my motorcycle was 8 degrees, according to my 2007 Yamaha FJR1300. So I know what you are going through brother. Sorry for rant lol. Love your vids
8 degrees! That's warm mate!!
TheMissendenFlyer I think he means F not C...
TFT tech is moving forward at a blistering pace. I look at that (through your video) and just *wish* my '13 Street Triple R had that sort of 'window' into the bike's working state in real time (I have to use bluetooth ODBII and TuneECU for an almost caveman version of it). I love information about inner workings, and the sat nav (I use my phone). Interesting. Pretty darn cool!
Cheers Scott - agreed!
Great video again .... as always. Just gotten my new GS Rallye with analogue instruments. The TFT is very nice but in my opinion it is more suited to the likes of the K1600. Personally, I think the analogue clocks suit the GS a lot better.
Fair enough Leigh, I must admit as nice as those new TFT's are it wouldn't be enough to make me chop in my "old" GS with the analogue clocks, with the Nav fitted I have all the electronic information I need! Enjoy your new bike, lovely machine!
Menu button makes sense to me. Stops maybe hitting the whizz wheel by accident while riding imo. Well explained though 👍🏼
To repeat what I felt when I saw the first impressions video of the new GS with the TFT... WOW! and WOW!
I expect the screen is polarising - the Navigator VI is the same.
Re the TFT nav not seeming to work; I believe you have to have a comms device connected to it.
That TFT is a thing of beauty and I bet it would look great with the new fancy Nav6 screen but yeah the inconsistent control interface would set my OCD off, LOL. I wonder though how much you'd actually be moving in and out of he different screens on the TFT display, especially when a lot of stuff is displayed on the Navigator. Nevertheless, good video. Would love to upgrade my 2014 GSA LC for the updated model but not I'll probably wait until they've been out a year or two first.
Have to say the more I see of BMW product the more I am impressed, wouldn't be surprised if they introduce a heads up display soon for the machines that have screens. Was surprised to hear you come from a software background, had you down for ex military for some reason. Any as always fab honest review. Cheers TMF
There's all sorts of things people assume about me :0)
I was in the BMW workshop and they updated the software of the bike. Also, I updated the software of the Bluetooth SENA (New 10S) and I updated the software of my new iPhone 11 Pro. None of this has helped. BMW Connected App is downloaded in my iPhone a active during my ride. The Favorites option still does not appear in the Telephone Menu.
The TFT certainly looks wonderfull. If BMW had integrated the Navigator I would have opted for one.
The little numbers on your GS are necessary to be able to show both mph and km/h I believe. Choices have consequences...
I’m totally nerding out on this screen, I don’t need it really, but I do want it...
Thanks for the heads up on this, I’m off to my local dealer to order my new GSA, but it’s likely to be a 6 month wait. Cheers TMF.
You're welcome Marc - lovely machine eh?
Oh yes, a fantastic machine.
Thanks for lighting the way, I was trying to use the wiz wheel to change menu and nothing seem to work
there are not many run through tutorials, for this later TFT screen models. so thanks a lot.
Glad to help!
Awesome screen. Thanks for sharing. BTW - it's not just GS owners who get ignored by other bikers, seems my S1000XR gets the same treatment from quite a few "fellow" bikers! Odd!
Really? Must be a BMW in general thing!
Looks nice but as an optional extra it brings the price of a R1200 GSA TE up to over £17700 on the road. That's without panniers or Nav 6 so probably close to twenty grand by the time you've signed the order sheet. Makes me wonder where the price ceiling is for motorcycles. It's a shame that they don't offer 3 years warranty for bikes in this price bracket, I've just forked out an extra £450 for the the 3rd years warranty cover (although does include breakdown cover) on my 1200gs. My Hyundai city car came with 5 years warranty and breakdown for less than half the price of a GSA.
I know it's nuts isn't it.....these bikes are too expensive for me...
Wonder why....
If you mean you wonder why Hyundai come with a 5 year warranty then I suppose it's because they have some confidence in their products. Mines been faultless with no warranty issues. However, my GS have left me stranded once with a clutch failure and is now waiting for the fork recall work that they can't get the parts for.
Mike Sturgess yep I had that fork issue too. Trick is to tell garage to call when parts arrive and then tell them to put your name on them so you don’t end up with the bike booked in and no parts.. x2. Very frustrating .
price a blade or a r1 ,,, actually these days the gs is starting to look like a bargain ,,,,,,,,, 20k for a blade ,,, thats ducati money
Hi there great vid as always. I as said before I watched the BMW vid on the new screen and surprise, surprise none of the issues you identified here were discussed. However, there was plenty of marketing-wank/esoteric stuff about how it will change the way we think about motorcycling. Re the whiz- wheel function, It would be interesting to see (given a longer term loan of the bike) how you would adapt to same. Kindest regards. Joe.
Cheers Joe, yes I'd love one of these to borrow long term so I could properly get used to it, I was only scratching the surface here - thanks for watching as ever - TMF
Hello friends. I have a 2020 R 1250 GS. The TFT screen is correctly connected to my iPhone and my SENA 10S Intercom. However, in the Telephone Menu: The Phone Book and Call List appear correctly but FAVORITES do not appear. This makes making a call very cumbersome because the contact list is very large.
Nice vid as usual! I ordered my BMW R1200 GSA Rallye TE with TFT on Friday! Looking forward to getting it more now!!!
I think the jog wheel/menu button issue you mentioned is not a bad thing as when I've been riding my 2015 GSA, i sometimes press or toddle the wheel by mistake and i think that if you where to use the jog wheel initially for the TFT that could become highly enoying... So to have a positive action on the menu button for me is a good thing! Great that you brought it up though!
Cheers Paul and congratulations on your new bike!
Could it be that the menu switch is used for screens a person wants to remain displayed and not be bumped off inadvertently, and the whiz (sp) wheel take a rider to sub menus that will get changed and not referred to again during the ride? If so I think it is another mark of genius!!!
And I admire you for your incorporation of a work out into you every day life. Why else would a person put the heaviest ladder highest on the wall other than to gain a good workout? More clear genius!!! :>)
Miss Enden, heard that on a Richie Vida blog, cracked me up, but anyway, that TFT thingy makes my analog speedo on my DR look so last century, so pretty, be curious to how many people run off the road looking at there big iPad instead of looking at the road.
There is this big problem with car drivers playing with phones when driving and motorcyclists hate that, so what do they put on bikes ? big bloody screens to give you something to look at when riding, what's next ? USB port so you can watch a movie ?
No wonder you need so many SAFETY devices on modern bikes.
Sorry for the rant but I am old school, back in the day when a speedo and trip meter were all you ever needed.
In the words of Golden Earring, keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel, some radar love for you Miss Enden.
👍👍👍😂😂😂
I think you are absolutely right re the safety aspects, my own car has a large central screen for all of the controls, it requires the user to keep their eyes off the road whilst making adjustments to everything. it is potentially dangerous and the very latest cars are getting quite ridiculous in this respect. cheers
I do agree with that too - my car is particularly bad in that respect...
Many thanks from Fabio, Milan , Italy.......just waiting my new gs adv rally 2018 that is going to' be in my Hands in a copule of weeks :)
Congratulations!
Thanks for the great video. It seems that BMW did not get it right with this TFT kit yet. I am talking of the functionality of the kit, not of the TFT screen quality which seems to be excellent. I am wondering if BMW did not go into a desperate rush to produce some sort of TFT for the new BMW Adventure simply because they did not want to be left out of the game as Triumph and KTM already released their own TFT dashboards. I hope software upgrades will soon be available to fix the awkward features such as those highlighted by TMF in this video.
Me too...
I owned a 2015 GSA and have to say apart from the clunky gearbox and Michelin Annakee 3 tyre drone it was perfect.. I covered over 6,000 miles with it. Better than my 2013 F800GS (with desierto screen etc) Better than my 2010 R1200GS, although the engine sounded sweeter and gearbox was sweeter on that one. All owned from new and carefully run in.
I just bought one of those lovely bikes deliberately without the TFT screen! I don't want to play a computer game whilst I'm riding, and instead I ordered the lovely (old-style) analogue dials that tell me in an instant and very clearly everything I need to know. Digital displays of speed with a progression of numbers (27,31, 35, 48, 54 ...) mean I have to think hard when I look at them. I certainly don't want that! (Who here wears a digital watch?). Anyway, some people here will love this new screen. It wasn't for me.
Fair enough! I must admit I’m not rushing out to upgrade for one....do you have the nav unit? That really does enhance the bike...
Yes, I have the Nav VI. BTW I also have gas dials in my TB20 rather than an Aspen.
Great video, I have one and TFT Connectivity is poor. It will not connect to my Schubert C3Pro with src collar and dealer has no fix....
+greenwizard1 I hate it when that sort of thing happens...
I see that the speedo on your bike shows MPH and KM. My (Canada Spec) shows only KM. This makes the speedo much easier to read... larger font etc. I suspect that's Euro compliance for you 😊
That screen looks amazing, I wish my Nav IV screen didnt glare . Maybe they will use that on the new Nav when its upgraded !
I think the current Nav VI will be here for a while yet!
Oh yes there is a Nav vi already. Maybe I need to check that out. 👀
Ehhhh cant wait to finance one the moment im off my provisional license. Currently riding a versys 650L
First!!!
Holy crap the new GS looks twice the size of your one, it's a brute. Maybe optical illusion.
"Possibly one of the best bikes I've ever ridden.." Eat your hearts out KTM fanboys, hope windows are sealed to avoid jumpers!!
Yeah I think it's an illusion, it is bigger, but not twice the the size! :0)
Gregory Peck tried the low chassis version at the weekend, couldn’t believe how balanced it felt
MARTYN ISSITT
Lucky bugger
You're also seeing the difference between a GS and GS Adventure. The tank is huge on the GSA and gives it a larger silhouette.
Thanks for the techie video Missenden Flyer ~ i'm surprised you don't like the spinnie-wheel/toggle up-down functionality .. seems like it would save a few clicks if you're deep in the tree Very cool BMW.
I love the spinnie wheel - I just don't like that sometimes you use it, sometimes you use the buttons....
Hi, just taken delivery of my 2021 Triple Black GS 1250. Fully agree about the navigation with the wheel and button not being intuitive. Starting to get the hang of it though. Now got to master the navigation app on the phone. Loving the bike so far. The only thing I've found, not having big hands, is that the horn and even the indicators are hard to reach when keeping my hand on the grips and fingers in reasonable distance of the clutch. Much of my riding is in the city so it"s a bit challenging for now. Is this common for new BMW riders? I had a Triumph Tiger GT Pro before and it seemed better set up in this way.
Nice one Tony - and I'm sure you'll get used to it, I don't have any issues with mine....
I just bought this same bike a few weeks ago and have had similar issues with the connectivity between the phone and usage of the navigation feature. In addition, the Bluetooth connection between phone-bike-helmet is not as reliable as would be desired. It seems that the bike needs to be powered before the helmet Bluetooth is turned on. In most cases, this will allow the proper connection. However, if you stop to fuel and turn the bike off (which you have to do in order to open the electronic fuel cap) and then re-power the bike, the Bluetooth connection often becomes corrupted and the system will no longer port music to the helmet. At this point you can sometimes turn the helmet off/on and this will sometimes correct it. Overall, I like the TFT and the functionality but the connectivity needs to be improved.
I hate it when this sort of thing happens, I have similar issues with the BT connection on my BMW Nav 5, iphone and BT headset, if you don't get everything right it fails.....gets to the point where I just cant be bothered in the end! Such a shame because the 2018 GSA is a beautiful machine to ride (as you know)....
Hi, i have bought a BMW Helmet so i can get the intercom fitted. Wish i hadnt now its not that user friendly,neither was the BMW dealership that installed it without giving me a quick run through on how to use it... Not cheap either £550 helmet & £400 intercom thats crap.. Not sure if you have this with your bike but any pointers much appreciated? Good videos very intuitive .
I wrestled with the TFT trying to understand how to use to its full capability. The navigation can be slow to load but I noticed with my device it is very slow when the battery level on the phone is low.
In looking at your excellent video, thank you very much, doesn't the MENU button have the same symbols that are on the display pointing up and down? Hard to tell from this distance but if they do that should be the linkage between the button and the symbols on the TFT display. Can someone who has one verify? Thanks again for the excellent video.
Cheers Black997tt - in my day of playing with it I never spotted that correlation but you may be right - maybe someone else can confirm!
I have exactly the same bike, the navigation works fine for me, you should turn on the mobile app every time you need to use the navigation in order to be able to choose the nav option on the tft display.(i think this counts only for ios devices) What i found as an issue is that the app recognizes my bike as unknown, i asked bmw through an email(not my dealer) and the responded telling me that an update of the app will solve everything.
Glad to hear it!
All this info at your fingertips! My current 'bike has toys ,after the first couple of days the novelty wears off and you set everything the way you want it and leave it at that. Did the same with the car. Is the real reason for riding a motorcycle being lost behind all this technology ,brilliant as it is, is it really adding to the motorcycling experience? I can see motorcyclists crowded around each others 'bikes in car parks comparing tech , saves on the fuel bills i suppose.
100% agree Johnston - I love my Street Triple no less because it doesn't have any electronics, at the end of the day it's the riding experience that counts., Just as well that's brilliant too on the mighty GS!
I love tech and I'm very open to it all but I do agree, we tend to play around with it all initially then when the novelty wear off and we find our desired settings we rarely change things.
Great to have the function explained. I like the way you present and this was great idea. However, Did I miss it? or Did you omit to say what the TFT means? Sorry to complain but many journalists assume their audience know what abbreviations stand for, but I am new to reviews and ignorant of many details? Like what the "K" stands for in"WSBK"? and what the difference is between "Traction Control" and "ABS"? Your style of presentation is one of the best I have found so please include every detail as you have previously done Thank you TheMissendenFlyer.
+Dallas Cuthbertson Thank you Dallas!
Great vid TMF. Awesome bike. You can't connect your phone for the navigation on the TFT because you need the BMW intercom for the audio, otherwise you can't connect to listen to directions or music.
BMW intercoms are only compatible with BMW helmets. Total price for intercom and helmet over £600.
That can't be right surely Julian??
TheMissendenFlyer
That's what I understood. Was in the dealers over the weekend, I'm considering getting one and I was surprised (but then not surprised) about the connectivity.
....I can't believe that is correct.....someone is misinformed!
TheMissendenFlyer
If the next time you chat with the beemer guys you could ask them?...I'm pretty sure that's the info I received.
Thanks for the in depth review of the Display.
+James ES44AC -2 You’re welcome...
Nice screen. Thanks for the 'how to' video. Is it possible to retrofit the TFT screen to older Wethead Boxers?
I don't know, I doubt it....
They did not use the wizz wheel because since its inception it was mainy used to navigate the nav unit. Most people didnt opted for it, so most late model GS users will most likely be used to hitting the “menu” button like the old dash to go through computer systems. Thats my opinion
...and you're entitled to it, just as I'm entitled to disagree with it ;0) Thanks for watching - TMF
TheMissendenFlyer solid review. Keep the shiny side up from across the pond!
Your reviews are fantastic, thank you. 👍
Great info mate realy enjoy your presentation look forward to more reviews thanks tony
Mr flyer Sir, thanks for another great review! `I'm thinking about this new really lovely GS... I have a question. What do You think about the Akrapovic exhaust on this bike? Is it absolutely necessary?
+Marcin Pierchała No it’s not - in fact when touring I prefer a quieter exhaust (I changed the aftermarket one on my GS back to stock!)....
I ride an S1000XR. Analogue taco is fine by me. I'm happy to pull over and punch in coordinates in gps. I value my life too much.
A good insight into the new TFT Screen.
So helpful you dedicate whole videos to these things.
Excellent review for one more time!!! Congratulations. Which screen do you prefer more? KTM or BMW? For their clarity , functionality, colours etc.
+GIORGOS KARAVAS Well I’m a bit of a fan of the KTM one but that might only be because I’ve used it more...
The controls make sense to me. The menu buttons are changing which menu/screen you are on, and the jog wheel is only ever controlling what is within that menu/screen.
I think it would be more inconsistent if the jog wheel sometimes changed current menu, and sometimes only changed what stuff within that menu.
I bet my explanation doesn’t make sense, ha
Nope! ;0)
I do software but there are a few apps for BNW but only one that I can find for the bike and not the one you show.
Great review as always, many thanks. So and if buying the 2018 GS/GSA with Nav6, would you spec up for the TFT screen or not?
Yes I would, just for the standard "home" screen if nothing else - great looking display.....
Great review, it really makes me think that if you have the Nav 5 or 6, other than looking nice what is the point or benefit of the TFT? You surely get all the info and connectivity with the Nav 5/6?
Seems a lot of money just to look nice when the Nav does everything and more, just my opinion.
I tend to agree...if money was no object then fine, but these are getting pricey machines!
I have a 2014 GSA with the Nav 5, that was expensive enough and the 2018 model doesn't seem much different, a facelift rather than a new model for me. But as you say money no object I would be in the dealer ordering one now :)
Just like yourself, I haven't managed to connect to the navigation. Some people say you have to have a bluetooth helmet to connect, which is very strange, as the connectivity should be done through the phone, not the helmet. And I don't find any guidance on BMW's websites on this, does anyone have a link?
Thanks for the video. Great job. I do have a quick question.
When I ride my bike, every time I refuel I like to reset the trip odometers, the avg speed, and the avg miles/gal settings. It usually takes an extra minute or so to reset them. How convenient is it to do the resets on the TFT screen?
I love BMW's in general, but it seems like they get carried away with the electronics. Many menus, sub-menus, sub-sub-menus, etc...
I don't know - I didn't try...sorry!
You have a different to mine it’s just called connected BmW Motorrad
great review ,,, a double push on the wizzy wheel would have been a better option or even a long push ,,,, hey ho , next software upgrade ,
shame the sat nav isnt working from your phone , it would be nice to have the map behind the graphics on the main tft ,,, also a shame that the main tft doesnt just open up like a lap top to give you the sat nav screen , then the sat nav and the main screen would be on the same plane distance wise , and a lot nicer to glance at ,,, although the tft option is nice , i think its not as nice as it could have been.
great review all the same
Cheers Tom - don’t disagree with your points, all the best - TMF
Great review but i wish you would have kept the camera closer
Just let my 2014 red GS go and upgraded to a 68 Exclusive GS with 2.5k miles. It's has TFT screen. Didn't want the 1250 too many engine issues, the 1200 is a proven mill.
Really? What engine issues have you heard, I've not heard anything???
Great review!
I just dont get it why BMW offers a tft and a navigator? They could have combined both in one big thing...
Cheeky answer: so their bottom line is better ;) - from an engineering point of view: change one thing at a time ...
Yes I think combining the two properly is inevitable...
TMF. I ABSOLUTELY HATE the TFT. Might as well have an ipad up there. Yes, the 2013-17 Speedo isn’t that clear, but you know perfectly well that when the needle is at 9 o clock, your doing 60! Lovely old fashioned Rev Counter too. All info needed is in the old Dash & it’s handsome…..!, put on your Satnav, I can use my four big windows if I’m obsessed with my speed, or the map, which also has my speed too and turns red if I’m over the limit. I don’t need 2 TFT’s. If I mount my iphone I can have 4!!….. Jeff, you are so right! Two reasons why I didn’t buy a 1250GS, that TFT thing and they took away the nice rumble of the Engine. Trick Valves etc, someone called the new GS Japanese!……
I think they do not want to use the wiz-wheel because you can touch it without noticing while riding.
the best review of entire universe 👍. I see SOS button is like the car ? Y hope cause that display will put in rt1200 .
+Andrés “Best review of entire universe” - possibly an exaggeration but thanks!
I hope you don't mind my saying, but the that new GSA has some styling cues that are better looking than your GS. Time for you to upgrade.
Anyway, I love the new TFT screen. That is bright and crystal clear. I wanted to see the Nav lite function, because that sounds really cool. And could save $700 if it's good enough to forgo the real Nav.
Thanks for another really good review.
Money no object this si the bike I'd buy I reckon - the GSA is an amazing machine....
This is the problem with BMW
1) this screen is an extra, not standard and around £600 if you want one (and most will want it)
2) It dosnt take the place of the Sat Nav so you end up forking out around £1200 for the two
I fully accept the GS is arguably the best in its class but this nonsense from BMW jumping on a tech bandwagon to keep up with KTM is exactly why I bought an Explorer, well that and the better engine, screen, look and standard equipment.
If BMW just made that screen standard (sure they will) and be done with it.
Great Vid as usual.
Cheers FB!
Nice video! What to do if the wiz wheel is not taking the menu up and down ? It’s the case for my 2018 gsa
Pop it back to a dealer?