Agreed. For me and my money, this is the absolutely best motorcycle. The engine, suspension, engineering and ability to ride anywhere places it in a class by itself. Like you, I like the weight. It gives a stability in the wind, rain and difficult road situations I love.
I’ve been riding for over 40 years and have owned nearly every style and brand bike you can name, and I keep going back to my GSA. Sold past ones multiple times to try something new, yet keep going back. It truly is the best all around bike you can get.
Hey Austin, Ricardo here! We met today at Padaria Portuguesa! Nice and informative video as always!Like we talked about, I’m waiting for my R 1250 GS Triple Black to arrive here in Lisbon. From our conversation, as well as watching these videos, it gives me a bigger perception about this bike and learning about its characteristics helps me getting ready for the absolute beast that’s about to come! Thank you for being awesome, hope we get to meet again for a ride! Enjoy the twisties and wish all the best for this channel! ✌🏻
Hey Ricardo! It was great to get to meet you yesterday. It's always fun to talk bikes with like-minded enthusiasts. Thanks so much for supporting the channel and let's ride when you get the new bike! Ride safe and see you on the pavement!
I have been looking at the 1250 GS. It is a really nice bike. I been thinking about getting one, for my second bike and something different. Nice video 👍
Thanks for a great review. Could not agree more. This is the best bike I have ever owned. Love the balance and torque, Smooth ride and just plain fun. Bought a 22 this year and am excited to keep this and ride for years to come. I too added a Hex can and it makes a great difference. Allowed me to add a sound bomb and rear Denali lights. Enjoy.
Man, I couldn’t agree more. Man I just think its the best all-a-rounder out there. Some people complain about the weight, but I love it. It’s been my dream bike for so long. Yeah Cansmart is the way to go. Any issues so far?
I've had both an R1100RT and GS. I loved those bikes, put over a 100,000 miles on both combined. I know they are both still running for the next owners. Those were oil cooled. They also sounded like lawn mowers. The new 1250"s have a flap in the exhaust system that help them sound better.
Nice video, people don't realise how long these take to do!. I found the quick shifter works better for upshifts if you position the gear shifter rubber bit so its level with the footrest, but everyone is different. You should spend a bit of time adjusting the gear shift, bars , levers , to fit you. Many people don't bother and don't get the best experience they can from the bike. The QS also gets better with miles. Downshifts aren't that great and 1-2nd, I use the clutch. Just waiting for my SC Project adventure exhaust to arrive 😁Brilliant bike and am considering selling my KTM890R Duke as it just doesn't get used!!!
Love to see a video hearing about your wife’s perspective as a passenger. How she feels about comfort, experience, and accessories (backrest, communication, helmet) riding on the gs & compared to her experiences on the Harley. I ask because I have had Harleys and a BMW K1300 GT previously. Ready to get a bike again and she is pushing for Harley over BMW 1250 GS. I think I would prefer the BMW!
I didn’t buy it for adventure off road… I just love the feel of the riding position. It feels natural. And the bike doesn’t lack power. So, when you need to go… it goes. I must admit, I bought mine without even a test ride. But, knew from riding the Honda Africa Twin, it was the style bike I needed. I’m not a crotch rocket kind of rider… but I want a bike with that kind of power. I’m not a street cruiser either. That position doesn’t feel safe when things go wrong.
I completely agree. On a motorcycle I want to see and be seen. This tall upright seated position seems right to me. And you can still lean pretty far on the GS. I still scrape pegs on it occasionally
haha yeah its amazing! AND yes the accessories seem to be more expensive on the GS. I will say that the Adventure Motorcycle space has overall gotten to be quite expensive. More so on the accessory side. Bike wise you still have great deals out there. I tend to have seasons where I get FARKLE FEAVER and I find a slew of new Farkles I want to add … I recently went through one and dropped quite a bit on bits and bobs. Other than that I am so in love with this bike.
It amazes me how many people talk about how unreliable these bikes are, yet there are tens of thousands of people who put tons of miles on the GS with no issues.
I also am currently living in Portugal 3 weeks from the US. Just wondering about how much does it cost you for the yearly registration or whatever they call it. I read it was bases on engine size so wondering if it's expensive for the 1250 gs? Thinking about buying and GS also thanks.
Some nice points there, I have recently bought a new 1250gs and love it. Absolutely no reason not to own one . I am hoping to ride from Scotland to Portugal next year some awesome looking roads .
It’s definitely a workhorse. There are always some people who just hate it and say its not reliable, but I know tons of people with nothing but great things to say.
Yes! U was watching the video of the new headlight cover. Looks awesome! I may be getting one when they come out. Something I won’t like about the one I have now is I feel that the metal cover blocks some of the light from getting through. Thanks for the info
BMW started making the boxer in 1980? Do some research. Look up Max Fritz. Originally they sold the boxer for use as an industrial engine after WW1. Other companies were buying it to put in their motorcycles. BMW task Max to build a bike around it in 1923. The story goes he was rewarded with a stove for his office.
@@Crsf84 BMW war history? I referenced a time period, post WW1. Watching the video I must have mis heard boxer instead of GS. Now go genuflect behind your GS with your palms on the possum scraper.
Yeah I have ridden the 2021 ADV model. Not super keen on the steering of the 2021 ADV. They changed the rake ever so slightly. I think to make it more off road…but I prefer the handling on the 2019 Adventure model. But of course this is personal preference . Anything GS 2019 and above are dreams. Thanks for your comment!
@@AmericanAbroad1 i jest my friend i have experience with any other gs only my 5 week old gsa rallye. Except 2 2005 r1200rt which despite thier age werr decent. But the 1250 is amazing. I came from a gen 2 xr so the gsa was always going to be a slow steerer. But even with the annakaees i can make her hussle have no fear and i can tell any difference between near empty fuel and full tank
@@austinmatthews347 yeah some people say they feel a difference between full and empty tank but I barely feel it. The bike handles great! As an all arounder you just cannot beat it
@@AmericanAbroad1 they imo are amazing bits of kit i only wanted gsa over gs cos of the madmax styling also the extras are great. It gets gold brembos over the hayes brakes full bars and i think bash plate is only on gsa as standard chrome headers frame and rad guards. It also is averaging 60mpg now its run in at 900miles. Whats not to like
@@austinmatthews347 Yeah I definitely love long trips with the GSA tank. YOu can go SOOOOOO far without filling up. Only issue is that if your the only one with a big tank, you still end up stopping with your buddies. I did a long solo trip on a GSA and man I went so freaking far with one tank. These bikes are so fun man. So fun
too heavy, too ugly, too expensive, too boring. But worse of all, it's German, so probably my grandparents and their children were slave laborers in these same factories only 80 years ago. How quickly people forget.
The best in the world? One's opinion. I think the new KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is way way better. Again my opinion. I also would take the new Ducati Multistrada V4S and especially the Pikes Peak V4 over this even though the PP is in another stratosphere for comparison. I think the GS is a little too old man. I think they're very good, but lacks the sex appeal.
Yes, of course its my opinion. If you dont think your motorcycle is the best in the world for you, then you have the wrong bike. Thanks for the comment and ride safe!
1923....100 years of the Boxer engine. Not 43.
Yes yes…. I know, but I mixed up my words and uploaded to fast. I have to respond to this same message every week lol.
GS came out in 1980 boxer is 100years old.
Agreed. For me and my money, this is the absolutely best motorcycle. The engine, suspension, engineering and ability to ride anywhere places it in a class by itself. Like you, I like the weight. It gives a stability in the wind, rain and difficult road situations I love.
100% I Don't think I spoke about the suspension here, but man its one of the things I love most.
I’ve been riding for over 40 years and have owned nearly every style and brand bike you can name, and I keep going back to my GSA. Sold past ones multiple times to try something new, yet keep going back. It truly is the best all around bike you can get.
I just got my GSA and I absolutely agree with you bro
They did not come out with the boxer engine in 1980. It has been a thing for waaaaay longer. The GS came out in 1980.
Correct
Hey Austin, Ricardo here! We met today at Padaria Portuguesa! Nice and informative video as always!Like we talked about, I’m waiting for my R 1250 GS Triple Black to arrive here in Lisbon. From our conversation, as well as watching these videos, it
gives me a bigger perception about this bike and learning about its characteristics helps me getting ready for the absolute beast that’s about to come! Thank you for being awesome, hope we get to meet again for a ride! Enjoy the twisties and wish all the best for this channel! ✌🏻
Hey Ricardo!
It was great to get to meet you yesterday. It's always fun to talk bikes with like-minded enthusiasts. Thanks so much for supporting the channel and let's ride when you get the new bike!
Ride safe and see you on the pavement!
@@AmericanAbroad1 Deal! Will look forward to it! 🤜🏻🤛🏻
I have been looking at the 1250 GS. It is a really nice bike. I been thinking about getting one, for my second bike and something different. Nice video 👍
You wont regret it!
Thanks for a great review. Could not agree more. This is the best bike I have ever owned. Love the balance and torque, Smooth ride and just plain fun. Bought a 22 this year and am excited to keep this and ride for years to come. I too added a Hex can and it makes a great difference. Allowed me to add a sound bomb and rear Denali lights. Enjoy.
Man, I couldn’t agree more. Man I just think its the best all-a-rounder out there. Some people complain about the weight, but I love it. It’s been my dream bike for so long. Yeah Cansmart is the way to go. Any issues so far?
Great overview. Improved gearbox, ABS pro, etc. started with the 2017.5 R1200GS. I bought one used and it’s an amazing bike.
Yes 2017.5 is where they really started improving. Much much better.
Enjoy your awesome bike and thanks for the comment!
I've had both an R1100RT and GS. I loved those bikes, put over a 100,000 miles on both combined. I know they are both still running for the next owners. Those were oil cooled. They also sounded like lawn mowers. The new 1250"s have a flap in the exhaust system that help them sound better.
Also i bought a grmoto can and its transformed the bike it sounds amazing and feels lively
Nice video, people don't realise how long these take to do!. I found the quick shifter works better for upshifts if you position the gear shifter rubber bit so its level with the footrest, but everyone is different. You should spend a bit of time adjusting the gear shift, bars , levers , to fit you. Many people don't bother and don't get the best experience they can from the bike. The QS also gets better with miles. Downshifts aren't that great and 1-2nd, I use the clutch. Just waiting for my SC Project adventure exhaust to arrive 😁Brilliant bike and am considering selling my KTM890R Duke as it just doesn't get used!!!
Yes does take a lot of work to edit and gather footage haha, but I love it.
Yeah I hardly ever QS down. Only up. Good tips on positioning the 🦶pegs.
Definitely sell the KTM HAHAH
@@AmericanAbroad1The GS is just so good , does almost everything ! Some may say it’s annoyingly good 👍
The gs was conceived in 1980, however, the boxer engine was first offered in 1920. Details.
Love to see a video hearing about your wife’s perspective as a passenger. How she feels about comfort, experience, and accessories (backrest, communication, helmet) riding on the gs & compared to her experiences on the Harley.
I ask because I have had Harleys and a BMW K1300 GT previously. Ready to get a bike again and she is pushing for Harley over BMW 1250 GS. I think I would prefer the BMW!
I think we can make that happen!
Why would you let your passenger decide on the bike? 🤨
@@chamade166 Trust me, I’m getting a 1250. But, a great video from a passenger’s perspective will help with the happy wife happy life mentality…lol
@@AmericanAbroad1 awesome!
@@chamade166 not just a passenger - it is the BOSS - his wife.
I feel tje same as you i got my gsa rallye new in sept
MATE, I think I want to buy a R1250GS after this video!
And then I can go "German urffff" when shifting
Bro go in!
I didn’t buy it for adventure off road… I just love the feel of the riding position. It feels natural.
And the bike doesn’t lack power. So, when you need to go… it goes.
I must admit, I bought mine without even a test ride. But, knew from riding the Honda Africa Twin, it was the style bike I needed.
I’m not a crotch rocket kind of rider… but I want a bike with that kind of power.
I’m not a street cruiser either. That position doesn’t feel safe when things go wrong.
I completely agree. On a motorcycle I want to see and be seen. This tall upright seated position seems right to me.
And you can still lean pretty far on the GS. I still scrape pegs on it occasionally
I kind of brushed off the sales guy saying it would be the last bike I would ever need….
He was right. My only complaint is the price of accessories.
haha yeah its amazing! AND yes the accessories seem to be more expensive on the GS. I will say that the Adventure Motorcycle space has overall gotten to be quite expensive. More so on the accessory side. Bike wise you still have great deals out there. I tend to have seasons where I get FARKLE FEAVER and I find a slew of new Farkles I want to add … I recently went through one and dropped quite a bit on bits and bobs.
Other than that I am so in love with this bike.
It amazes me how many people talk about how unreliable these bikes are, yet there are tens of thousands of people who put tons of miles on the GS with no issues.
I also am currently living in Portugal 3 weeks from the US. Just wondering about how much does it cost you for the yearly registration or whatever they call it. I read it was bases on engine size so wondering if it's expensive for the 1250 gs? Thinking about buying and GS also thanks.
Welcome to Portugal! Rego is around 100 Euros. It’s definitely worth the money. Also, try the Tiger 1200.
Some nice points there, I have recently bought a new 1250gs and love it. Absolutely no reason not to own one . I am hoping to ride from Scotland to Portugal next year some awesome
looking roads .
I totally agree. Yeah man the roads here re awesome. If you get over this way hit me up and ill show you some awesome roads!
2007 BMW1200GS i rode from Spring 2007 to winter 2010. I rode it as a primary vehicle and 6 miles to 44,000. Swiss army knife of bikes
It’s definitely a workhorse. There are always some people who just hate it and say its not reliable, but I know tons of people with nothing but great things to say.
@@AmericanAbroad1 once it didn't start. 19degrees in an unheated shed. Parked in sun and at 33 fired right up.
@@stephenfricke9298 Man I love to hear people loving their bikes. Especially this bike haha
Where are you living brother abroad?
Sunny Portugal! ☀️
Want More 😊✌️
Love it! Haha anything in specific you would like to see?
🇬🇧 UK based 'a bike thing' on YT ..is all about GS lighting solutions and has a new interesting headlight protection product coming out soon.
Yes! U was watching the video of the new headlight cover. Looks awesome! I may be getting one when they come out. Something I won’t like about the one I have now is I feel that the metal cover blocks some of the light from getting through.
Thanks for the info
Fully water cooled NEW GS1300 comes out next year !!🤔
Let’s see how heavy it is haha. Always excited for new bikes
The 2023 is already out and it’s a 1250.
Also no LED headlight due to chip shortage
@@chriscatron2978 Doesn't mean the new 1300 isn't coming out next year
I’ve owned 6 of these over the years but I don’t think it’s the best at all…… you clearly haven’t ridden many bikes
BMW started making the boxer in 1980? Do some research. Look up Max Fritz. Originally they sold the boxer for use as an industrial engine after WW1. Other companies were buying it to put in their motorcycles. BMW task Max to build a bike around it in 1923. The story goes he was rewarded with a stove for his office.
Correct! The boxer is over 100 years old but the GS was birthed in 1980.
@@AmericanAbroad1 My younger brother has a barn find 1980 R80 G/S with 4000kms. on it, lucky bugger. 😁
@@hoofhearted1955 Wow what a find!
Gus do some research and listen before trying to be smart. The dudes talking about the GS not bmw war history. We all know that it’s not new.
@@Crsf84 BMW war history? I referenced a time period, post WW1. Watching the video I must have mis heard boxer instead of GS. Now go genuflect behind your GS with your palms on the possum scraper.
Adventure is better and 2021 on is much better
Yeah I have ridden the 2021 ADV model. Not super keen on the steering of the 2021 ADV. They changed the rake ever so slightly. I think to make it more off road…but I prefer the handling on the 2019 Adventure model. But of course this is personal preference . Anything GS 2019 and above are dreams.
Thanks for your comment!
@@AmericanAbroad1 i jest my friend i have experience with any other gs only my 5 week old gsa rallye. Except 2 2005 r1200rt which despite thier age werr decent. But the 1250 is amazing. I came from a gen 2 xr so the gsa was always going to be a slow steerer. But even with the annakaees i can make her hussle have no fear and i can tell any difference between near empty fuel and full tank
@@austinmatthews347 yeah some people say they feel a difference between full and empty tank but I barely feel it. The bike handles great!
As an all arounder you just cannot beat it
@@AmericanAbroad1 they imo are amazing bits of kit i only wanted gsa over gs cos of the madmax styling also the extras are great. It gets gold brembos over the hayes brakes full bars and i think bash plate is only on gsa as standard chrome headers frame and rad guards. It also is averaging 60mpg now its run in at 900miles. Whats not to like
@@austinmatthews347 Yeah I definitely love long trips with the GSA tank. YOu can go SOOOOOO far without filling up. Only issue is that if your the only one with a big tank, you still end up stopping with your buddies.
I did a long solo trip on a GSA and man I went so freaking far with one tank. These bikes are so fun man. So fun
too heavy, too ugly, too expensive, too boring. But worse of all, it's German, so probably my grandparents and their children were slave laborers in these same factories only 80 years ago. How quickly people forget.
Nope..is heavy and unreliable..
No such thing as the best motorcycle in the world all hype
The best in the world? One's opinion. I think the new KTM 1290 Super Adventure S is way way better. Again my opinion. I also would take the new Ducati Multistrada V4S and especially the Pikes Peak V4 over this even though the PP is in another stratosphere for comparison. I think the GS is a little too old man. I think they're very good, but lacks the sex appeal.
Yes, of course its my opinion. If you dont think your motorcycle is the best in the world for you, then you have the wrong bike. Thanks for the comment and ride safe!