Why Do I Ride this OLD Bike? My BMW R 1200 GS + Mods
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ธ.ค. 2017
- Wondering how Bret Tkacs ended up with a ten year old BMW? Here's his detailed explanation plus a short list of necessary and not-so-necessary adventure bike modifications.
Lots more to learn at MOTOTREK.net/
Produced by Tim Tyler - timtyler.com/
Bret Tkacs - bretTkacs.com
Music by Matt Jorgensen - mattjorgensen.com/
#ADV #AdventureMotorcycle #MotorcycleTouring #bmw gs
#AdventureMotorcycling #AdventureBike #WorldTravel
#AdventureRider #MotorcycleTraining #HowToRide #LearnToRide
#BMWgs
Hearing a 2008 called a old bike hurts xD
Nice video. I’m on a 2010 GS I bought new. It has 75,000 on it and has never been in a shop. A new 1250 is tempting but I can’t give up my bike. Besides, I’m 75.
I've got a 2010 too. I am "only" 60 years old. The new ones are amazing but our bikes are pretty amazing too!
I bought a clean, used 2007 R1200GS Adventure 3 years ago with 26k miles on it and couldn't be happier. I use it to commute regularly, riding Death Valley and local desert trails, camping trips here and there - etcetera.
I made the same upgrades as you did (Incl. Touratech suspension, Clearwater lights and more) and haven't spent half the money of a new GSA yet.
Sure it is nice to have the latest and greatest, but I never feel too bad dropping it as much, as I would, with a shiny new model. Besides, I have money left for my other 3 (used) bikes. The activity is more important than the latest "gadgets" but most people can't enjoy things unless its new and perfect. I think you did a great choice!
I agree wholeheartedly
Just bought a 2011 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure!
Whew! 2008 - bought a 2010 last year and still think of it as NEW!!!
I ride a 1989 Honda Transalp, It fits me, is reliable as an anvil and most importantly, I can fix anything short of a catastrophic engine failure in a ditch. 0 electronics and I carry 2 spare CDI units. I have ridden it solo to extremely remote places with complete confidence! Fuel is limited so I carry Rotopax.
Why? Well, the new one costs as much as a decent car.
Not sure about decent. If you compare new with new you get a great bike vs a rather small budget car.
@@chrishart8548 in indonesia the price goes up 3.5 times
@@chrishart8548 not sure about that. Here in South Africa I can buy a VERY decent car for the price of a new GS.
@@reynardtterblanche708 what sort of car can you buy brand new for the price of a GS ? Make /model ?
@@chrishart8548 Mazda CX-5, CX-3, 3, Honda Civic and any similar vehicles from Toyota, Nissan, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia etc……..might not be to your taste but very definitely a match on reliability, fuel economy and comfort.
Here in Canada you’re looking at $33000 plus taxes, pdi, freight and panniers if you want it kitted out as an Adventure like this one.
I just bought my wife a base model 2022 CX-5 with AWD and more gadgets than the GS and all in (taxes, freight etc) it was $32000
Have a 2010 GS1200 that I love, it does everything well and I do not foresee replacing her any time soon. Just a wonderful
Machine. Ride on Brett.
My bike is OLD. It's CZ 175 and was made in 1983😀. And I'm using it as daily driver.
Nice to know they’re amphibious, too.
+Christian M. Frank lol
Thank you for the information I just bought a 2007, 1200 GS and believe me with you providing tips I must say thank you
Thank You for all the Work you do Teaching People how to Ride Correctly. I have learned a lot of things from your Videos that make me a better and Safer Rider. I grew up Riding Motorcross, Lots of Enduro Riding, to Street Racing. I now have a R1200GS and love it. I have learned how to handle a Big Bike a lot better Thanks to you. Please keep them coming. I really appreciate it. 👍❤️🇺🇦
2008 GS .Rrecorded in 2017. "Old bike"... "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
Sir you are so knowledgable & thorough. I just acquired a 2019 BMW GSA 1250. So far with the whole 100 miles I have put on the odometer I just love the machine. When I get back from my travels I will continue my journey. Thanks for sharing your adventures and experiences.
I appreciate your support. And also would like to mention that I love the tone and the tuche of Matt the drummer. It has ans extremely musical feel. Thanks for the music / percussive music too. I love him listening while watching you. High class. Thanks Guys.
Thanks for the nice comment!
BRET, YOUR VIDEOS ARE ALWAYS TEACHING US SOMETHING USEFULL AND SIMPLE AT THE SAME TIME. THIS CHANNEL HAS DEFINITELY BECOME ONE OF MY FAVOURITES. THE IMAGE FOOTAGE AND SOUND QUALITY ARE AWESOME, TOO. THANKS FOR SHARING. HAPPY NEW FROM VILLA DOLORES, CÓRDOBA, ARGENTINA.
I still have a 2003 1150GSA. Still love the very last of the German analogue engineering. I did just pickup a 2020 1250GSA in addition because a deal came up that i just could not refuse or pass up.
Love your videos and I share them with other riders. That bike is almost exactly my last bike for three years and it wa amazing and a perfect choice for this type of riding.
Right on! What bike you riding now, William?
I ride the same model. Happy with it.
Loving all the videos. Super helpful. Excellent filming and scenery and super inspiring too!
As a new rider altogether, starting out with a R1200 GSA, my 2015 bike is pretty large. If you continue the channel and eventually change bikes it would be awesome to see you guys wrangle around a full sized GSA through all this terrain.
Until then, your 2008 GS is totally awesome man.
Awesome video and thanks for explaining/showing how "Old" bikes can still be useable. I have a hard time justifying to my wife the money to buy a new one of these and I've been eyeing a 2016 - this video cynches the deal. Thanks for all your great videos.
I bought a 2017 Rallye and it’s the best bike I’ve ever owned, the bike I’ll grow old with and also it’s insanely fast!
What an truly brilliant video :) currently looking at the 1150's an the 1200's at the moment. Had the 1200 gsa te 2014 and the f800gs in the past.
Hi Bret, great and informative videos I ride my 2005 GS off road ,mainly duel track in the Pyrenees in France and Spain and yes it is a heavy bike for off road trails but I can go touring on road all over Europe in comfort and after 14 years I'm getting use to it! Keep up the good work
Very sensible choice and buying old means you didn't take the initial depreciation hit. If you lived over here I would book a place on your courses. happy New Year. 👍☘
Just buying an old ‘06 GS in perfect shape with Öhlins suspension. Smooooth and powerful on the Highway, responsive in the city, and feels light over the bumps. How does BMW do it. 🇩🇪🏁
Yeah, I have a 2009 1200GSA and thats my NEW bike. I have a 1974 r90/6 and a 1994 Honda Shadow as well.
You're killing me. My wife and I ride old(er) Harleys. This year a friend and I are planning a bucket list ride to NWT Canada and Alaska from the Cincinnati area. My current bikes are not tools for that job. I have been looking at USED S/A bikes. I am definitely lacking in knowledge with these types of bikes. I have been looking at a Honda AT, BMW F850GS and Tiger 900 GT (love this bike). All of these bikes are 2020 and 2021s. Then I found a lonely 2011 R1200GS with 16000 miles and it is, and what I believe, is reasonably priced, where I could put some basic additions on it. Watching this video really through a monkey wrench into my decision making. It's like this poor bike is on the showroom floor, waiting for a new lease on life, while all these new fangled bikes, with all the new and improved gizmos are going out the door. Thanks for video.
I loved the subtitles!!!
Great video, thank you!
Love the video and really glad to see it. I'm looking to get a 'new' bike this summer or next and this model is on my radar. Great to hear your thoughts on it, why you chose it and the mods you've done. Thanks.
I have 07 except MVAgusta. It's a problem with abs/servo, but it can be solved for pennies. Disassembling everything is about an hour. Remove the motor carefully and instead of changing brushes just buy a second hand one from ford focus. On long journeys, you can fix it on the way.
Mine is at 120,000km and I just got back from a 4500km tour of Asia. 07 is great and will never leave you in the middle of the road
Beautifully shot. Another great, to the point video. 👍
+crusing275 thanks!
well done that was my 1st gs same colour and same year ;) and I have changed the suspensions as well ... the old engine has definitely more character
Mine is a 07 R1200 G/S. It ISthe perfect bike for me. Owned since new, it has 62,000 miles and runs as good as the day I have owned it.
Happy new year to the Mototrek / Inventive Pictures staff! ✌🏻 This is a great bike for sure, and this is SO NICE to see it being ridden off-road in your videos. In Paris where I live, the R1200GS is one of the best-selling bikes, but it makes me a bit sad to think that most of them will only be used daily for filtering in the urban traffic, and will certainly never be used off-road...
+MrKiddo happy new year to you too.
Great video ! , I bought a 2002 1150gsa with only 23k miles on it and lots of upgrades about a year ago, and she runs and looks like almost new, at least to me, I love her strength forward simplicity, but I think in a few years my next new bike will be a 2008 -2010 1200gs, like this one, and one thing I love about living in the USA is that you can get amazing deals on used clean, well maintain, low miles motorcycles from guys that had put a lots of upgrades but no longer have the time to ride 😁
bret.. I am getting addicted to your videos ! always a pleasure to see, always learn something new... and I love your editing and the rythmes of video.. keep them coming ! and.. happy new year from france ;-)
So kind. Thank you! Happy new year!
It's like wine, that is a good year :)
the best bike made ever
Subscribed~! What a great video! Best on the BMW R1200GS by FAR
came across this channel by accident, kind of a coincidence since i'm a ARR listener. Its nice to a face to the voice and nice to see the things you teach in action.
Thanks, Tom.
+tomjayzen We like ARR!
Had a 2008 R1200gsa... best bike I ever had...
United States - High speeds on Interstate - Sending you a big LOL from Germany!
Air oil cooled > Air water cooled
That's why I prefer the old to the ones. The less electronics, radiators, systems the better.
Agreed, I can still fix my 09 1200GS with a wrench.
Really good to hear this! I am about to buy the bike I fell in love with 12 years ago! It's finally gonna happen!!
I like the way you say "old" to a bike that's just slightly over 10 years old.
Considering the frame is the only irreplaceable thing, and everything that breaks is being replaced, the only "aging" thing is engine. And as far as I know, these engines are capable of insane mileage if serviced properly. Motorcycles are not as much of a subject to "aging" as cars due to how they are made.
I am riding a Honda VFR800 2004 and I'm not even close to considering it's an "old" bike.
Or is it just a local habit to disqualify things as soon as a "newer" one releases to the market?
You're right, Maxim.
06 GS owner here. All the bike I’ll ever need.
Surprising how well the dry clutches held up
...I'm with you - I've an 06 R1200GS, mostly stock that has been to the Arctic Circle and countless other places, much of it's travels off-road. However, I'm approaching 90k miles on it and though its showing little in the way of ware and pulls like the dickens, burning no oil at all while doing it, I should probably be thinking about selling it for a bit new model with a lot less miles then my current baby...
Wow great episode in such difficult conditions. Looking forward details about winch :)
Yeah, please do a video on the winch.
Done! th-cam.com/video/xplkeemgzbI/w-d-xo.html
Damn, that was quick!
Old Is Gold
Nice bike, and what a weather for shooting... 😉
+Moto Trips yes! Testing out the weather sealed Panasonic GH5.
Great video and fantastic channel! Cheers from Chile!
I want to go back to Chile!
welcome again!
Just love the r1200gs models (and 1250's). But IMO, these air/oilheads are the best. Lighter, less advanced electronics, reliable/tough and has that nice GS feeling.
I agree, I ride a 2006 with 38,000 Miles and 0 Problems. I just keep the Maintenance up.
I have a 2002 Adventure model,with 200.000 miles,I think i will custom paint it, either flat black with semigloss black engine,or OD green(army green)and keep it for ever,and get me the Bmw bagger…1600cc💪💪gs was my dream bike and after 7 year’s of owning it I can’t let tot go.I’m 37 now and owned BmW cars and bike’s since I was 18.
I just bought a gs1200 from 2005 with 65,000 kilometers on it. It was owned by a retiree who only went for coffee on it within city limits. It looks, sounds and drives like a brand, spanking new bike. I was also lucky that the previous owner replaced the ABS which crapped out on him. All this for 6,000 euros....I can't stop riding.
Amazing deal! Where are you located? Let’s go for a ride ha.
@@Porsche996driver Piraeus, Greece! Getting ready for lots of camping trips this summer. Beaches and mountains!
@@Porsche996driver come on down!!!
nice dude, i got a 2004 model, 78k km for 5500 about the same time you did...already have 2k+ on it :D. How's it going?
@@CristianCiupe it is going great!! First camping trip this weekend up in the mountains behind Delphi. Should be a fantastic weekend. I also have put on close to 2000 klm's. Like I said, I can't stop riding!!!
It's the best Bike off all helo from México!
The best bike ever!
Thanks for this 👍🏻
You're welcome!
MOTOTREK did the spoked wheels come with it ?
Totally get it. I have a 2012 r1200gsa with ölins mechatronic system and a nice seat, otherwise factory. I’ve looked and ridden newer ones but I just like the way I don’t even feel the bike it’s so familiar, it’s like being sort of weightless when on a good day you have the bike moving on whatever and tractoring onward with momentum and gyros. I like that model engine, Etc etc. I think they last on and on and for now I can get parts. Africa twin is enticing once this is somehow past efficient repair, but chains are a bit of a drag in the real world. But anyway. Yep. Old shoes.
The first 1200 is really good. You can easily get it under 500lbs and it has pretty darn good suspension
Good vid bro
Hey!! I bougth a used BMW 650 GS, 2008, just a few month ago. It has 49000 km route. The funny is that 8 days ago, I got my first time license!!!!🤪🤪
Congrats!
Nice video
Little know fact. Bret acquired trench foot filming this episode.
XD
OLD bike? Not if you ask my 1983 Yamaha XJ900 31a! x'D
Nice scenario for a video. :)
+Miguel Viamonte thanks. Currently editing another episode shot at the same place. Very wet, muddy and scenic.
I understand you completely )) I don’t want the new 1250 with its 260kg😁
parked it in a puddle mate
The definitive bike
Hi there. Been following your videos for a while and I must say that you have the best and most informative ones. Well done. Now, I have been riding road bikes for over 15 years and I am looking to get into adventure riding. My question is what is your opinion about the BMW 800 gsa 2013 model. Thank you in advance . Cheers from Australia.
hi brett
love your vids, i was after some replacement levers and wonder what u use,
all the best
henry
Chinese... Ebay
Even with this having been uploaded 2 years ago, I still don't consider an '08 GSA to be an "old bike"
It isn't a GSA
Well, just came off the COBDR and ended up snapping the tip off my brake lever. Time for an upgrade! I'm strongly considering going with shorty's but a little worried about losing leverage for aggressive stopping (not that I do that, just a precaution) Thoughts? I'm liking Pazzo's. Figured I'd skip the folding type and just go ahead and upgrade to Barkbuster hand guards.
I rode 06 model From UK to Africa Nigeria never had issue kept it there now my love holidays bike in Africa ,I hope to a avoid the water cool type good bike .
I have a 1990 Honda Transalp 600, this is new, compared, LOL. Kind regards.
Love your video and your sensible approach to customise your bike. I wonder what that thing is (4:29) under your key barrel, like a velrco to attach sth.?
Alan Seetwo that is for a USB power port I use to power my iPhone when using it for navigation
Old? That's not old!
I have wondered this for a long time now: Is there a story behind the idea of playing mostly percussion instruments in your videos?
I enjoy the originality of it.
DRM free music, video wont get taken down because of the music. But it makes the audio more interesting.
Hi Brett having stumbled upon this
2 year old vid of yours, I just wanted to add that I decided last year to buy one of the last 2018 - 1200 (rallye version) instead of the new 1250 just because of what you mentioned. It’s reliable and has a sound track record overall. After having tried both, I’m definitely not sure that the new engine is worth the additional investment. What a ride, it’s just perfect for me. And as we say “The better is the enemy of the good” ! BTW thanks for sharing all your very valuable knowledge, very inspiring. A Swiss alpine rider. Stay safe!
As with all BMW its best to buy the last model in that production run prior to new model release because all the faults have been found and a fix developed best model years are 2009, 2012, 2017
"Winter like this" (c). Jeezus. We have meter snowpiles here. "Winter". Actually looks like late summer. Hate ya. :P
Bret, just bought a 2012 R1200GS everything is stock right now. I really like your low profile tip over guards for the engine. what make are those ?
The cameraman always arrives first and leaves last.
08 baby!!
LOL a winch! Show us how you use it
Albert Tran I plan on it
What boots and pants are you wearing and how have you layered them such that water doesn't get in?
Hi Bret, awesome videos! Would you recommend the GS1200 for a beginner? Seems like I could get a used one for the price of a new GS700 or 800?
Awaiting Ed March to laugh in C90
He's been through quite a number of those though, I think.
They're so ubiquitous and cheap, they're almost disposable.!!
Wouldn't want to do that with the GS.
Great Videos Bret, I really enjoy them. Are you still liking your Shinko 804/805 Combo tires (Stinko's?) I've been a TKC80 guy for years and am considering trying a set of 804/805's on my AT. Just wondered what your thoughts were.
Bbanker1974 the shinkos are great on mileage and not bad off road. TKC80 are still the standard others are judged against but I really like the Kenda Big Blocks as a high performing economy knobbie.
To be honest I'm not really that picky.
Great video. What boots ya got on?
After watching many of your videos, I jist picked up a 2007 GSA with 8700 miles on it. That's right 8700
That is an amazingly low amount of miles. Congrats on that score.
@@mmaaddict78 thanks its an amazing bike
Nice, how is it doing so far? Regards.
@@marktwain..1972 it's the best bike I have ever owned
Have you replaced the left multi function switch? Is it common for this switches to be replaced?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge in so many great videos... May I ask your opinion of the Ducati Multistrada 1260 as a bike for mainly on road use, with occasional light off road?
I did the press launch of the first Multi Enduro in Italy and I loved the bike. Competant off road and pure magic on the pavement.
The maintenance would be a deal breaker to me but I'd money isn't an issue go for it!!!
The 07/08 GS's are probably second best GS's they ever made other than the 1100GS 😛 No valve shims, no ESA.
The only real issues in those years are the alternator cover corrosion and the fuel gauge getting stuck on full. No show stoppers.
@@mmaaddict78 dont forget the servo breaks on the 07
08 has ESA optional.
@@semvv8638 Not all 07 bikes have servo brakes. They had a weird transition period that model year. My bike is an 07 and does not have the servos. You can tell by the abs ring on the wheel. The servo models have way more notches in the ring.
@@semvv8638 Servos ended for the most part with the 2006 models.
Could have been a terrific roost at the end. *sigh*
Hi Bret,
First of all: I really like your show and it has taken my adventure riding to a whole other level because of it! Keep it going!
I'm currently comparing the 1200GS and 1200GSA for becoming my new bike.
In regards to you choosing the 2008 R1200GS you mentioned that the reasons good onroad and offroad capabilities, good comfort, good fueleconomy and tanksize. So I was wondering why you choose the GS instead of the GS Adventure. What's your opinion in windprotection and movebilaty between the two?
Just ordered a GSA after test drives of both. It’s the best bike I’ve had and its my 29th so that goes for something
Hello Bret,
I noticed what to me looks like the front tire is mounted backwards just by looking at the tread pattern. Am I seeing it wrong or is there more to it?
I just bought an 08 GS, first non-sports bike I've had since my z-1100 20 years ago. Also bargain price so went for it.
How do you like it bro? I'm looking at Vstroms and R1200R and even R1200RT from that vintage. The price is right right now. Vstrom 1000 is really calling me though.
@drewmorg I am surprised how agile and fun to ride the GS is after many sports bikes. My other bike is a CBR600RR which I would not like to do long runs on, especially motorway/freeway miles. GS also hustles down the lanes in some ways faster because it doesn't get upset over bad road surface and you can see further ahead over hedges & stuff. It feels planted and solid, never nervous or unsure and it goes when you open the tap. Been a long time since I rode a Vstrom so can't really compare and RT is more touring focused but seems to be well liked. Overall I think BMW are better built than Suzuki and hold their money better.
@@cliveadams7629 Here (so cal) it appears to be the opposite as far as resale! A 3rd gen Vstrom 650 for instance will be $8000 USD used. It's completely crazy. I can buy a (high mileage) 2014+ GS for that!!!! Not even joking! The difference between those 2 bikes is night and day in technology and capability, lol. So because of this I am really considering the GS despite the potential "risks" of maintenance. I have done countless hours of research on all of this stuff so I am aware of their specific quirks of this year. I am not really worried because I always take care of my stuff and don't beat on it too hard, as well as don't baby it. You have to ride these bikes and I think a lot of owners induce their own problems with poor clutch management and intentional lugging. I also do not plan to tour on the bike or "strap it down" for an Alaska tour. I just want to play and have something which can do 2 hours at highway speed without a sweat. This is why I worry about the smaller 650 class bikes for getting the job done for me.
What you said about bad road stability is something people don't often talk about. This is what makes the ADV bikes so appealing to me not just the seating position and light off road capabilities. Around town, you can just smash bad roads and driveways with the throttle open and have fun. This is what I want!!!
@drewmorg It's personal choice at the end of the day, gotta try them both if you can. The GS really surprised me, I love riding it and can see why they're so popular. Maintenance is not expensive on the Beemer from what I can make out, they're simple beats. We'll, the pre-watercooled version I have is. ABS pumps can be expensive but then you would replace the whole braking system with Brembo or something g unless you desperately want ABS. I personally don't like it but I have it so not much I can do there.
@@drewmorg. you will Love the GS. As soon as you start rolling, all the weight is gone. Plus it’s really comfortable.
I'd like to know where did you get the headlight cover... Enjoyed the video. I have a 2009.
Easily home made by the look, and much cheaper than the rip-off piece of mesh!!