At seventy years old my fully farkled AT, especially with an upgraded seat, suspension and other ergonomic and functional adjustments ($!) suits me fine. Just put 5000 kilometers on it this month . . . plenty comfortable. I owned the BMW, put 160 000 kilometers on that beast, but I couldn’t stand the local dealership and ridiculous expenses for maintenance and parts. Both bikes have pros and cons, both are amazing.
The dealers pissed me off too. I’m also 70. The GSAs got too heavy for me, so I traded my last one for a Husqvarna Norden 901. I love it! Of course, I considered and test rode a AT.
I'm also 70 years old. I'm in Alaska half the year and Utah the other half. Have BMW 1200GS in Utah. KTM 890A in Alaska. What do I like best? It's a toss up. Pros and cons of both
I have a 2023 R1250GSA. My first GSA, and the wife and I are in love with it. I put a set of Mitas e-07+ and we can do all the gravel roads and 2 tracks. We have to go a little slower and more careful 2up but it works really well.
I bought a used 2007 GSA 1200, It is only 535 lbs with a half tank of gas. It is a mile crusher and I don't need rain gear until it is pouring. It pairs with my dualsport 2-stroke perfectly. I appreciate your work on this post!
I bought a used 2013 1200GS. I understand now why everything else is compared to these. I love the bike for exactly this kind of riding and motocamping.
Bro you killed it with all of the camera angle and integrated drone footage. You ride that thing like a boss already, can’t wait to see how you treat it in coming year. #BigGirlsFly Solid work, great video Kyle 🇺🇸👌🏽
This is one of the best GSA 1250 videos. You skillfully demonstrate the way this bike is designed to be ridden. I road my GSA 1250 12,000 miles last year across the USA. Some off-road, some gravel and some camping, mostly Highway and hotels. I confess I haven’t boogied down a dirt road at that clip on my BMW. I am braver doing that type of riding on my KTM 500 XC-W. You have inspired me to go to the next level on my GSA. Thank you.
Agreed, on this young man's video! I've never had an adventure bike, and I'm really excited and think I'm going to get the GS. I've watched many, many videos, and this man's video was what I really need to see. Living near Yosemite, his video reminded me of what it looks like where I'm at. So all those roads are mostly off limits for a guy like me who has ridden street bikes all his life. He just seems sincere, and it's not like he's relying on the dealership, or the manufacturer, therefore coming off way too phony. Not this young man. Anyhow, thank you for writing and sharing!
Love my GS. It is more capable than I am and has carried me through BDRs, Smokey 500, and lots of long highway miles throughout US and Canada. Enduro Pro mode is fun and the power is great for lofting a wheel over ruts and small obstacles. I would like to get something smaller to ride the really rough stuff but the GS will stay in the stable regardless of what else I buy.
I went from a GSA to a 790R. I then took an ADV Rider class with Bill Dragoo and completely changed my mindset. I bought the first GS Trophy in Oklahoma and never looked back. They are just simply amazing motorcycles.
Welcome - I own a GSA and have ridden an AT to WYBDR....no comparison...the GSA hands down...Suspension, Comfort and once you get the Tractiv on there for both ends...just wait...I do wish they had an option for a 21' front...I did like that on the AT....but now you know why they are the king
Absolutely love my GSA. It’s great for adventure touring and is more capable than you would think in the rough technical stuff. You just have to remember it’s a heavy bike. On the long days in the saddle it’s amazingly comfortable and doesn’t wear you out like other bikes.
Most durable,bulletproof and easiest bike to maintain is BMW GS/GSA. Mine has only 130.000km on ! P.S BMW has best warranty and service in industry, i just got recall on driveshaft and swingarm,everything is free and BMW is paying for pick-up and drop off after recall repairs. What other brand has that level of service??? NONE!!!
I have ridden sport bikes forever I’m looking at one of these bmw. I can’t afford a new one but I’ve found some older ones in great shape for under 10k. 2006 to 2013 era. Is there anything that’s red flags about them? The ones I’ve seen look great owner says they are good they have around 23k to 40k miles on them
@@alanluscombe8a553 Throttle position sensor(sometimes fail) and if bike was ridden on non premium fuel it can damage exhaust valves developing misfires, other than that they are built like Tanks!
@@alexstan5358 My GSA had several issues not least a rotting frame and subframe at under 4 years of gentle use and dry garaging. They were eventually replaced after a pack of lies told to me and 4 months loss of use. The final straw was the exhaust flap valve which failed at 7,500 miles and part of the header/cat assembly and £1,800 plus fitting. The Honda behaved itself but I’m well aware of its problems.
Congratulations, torque in this bike keeps you in love with it 24/7, I own the 2023 Honda Africa Twin Adventure ES manual and I can't stop thinking about the GS after testing it🙄🙄🙄
Pretty darned awesome! The Mosko Moto bags in that green color look sweet against the bike graphics. Like they were color coordinated to the bike. Great practical upgrades. 👍 Side note; Nice to see you change up bikes. Keeps things fresh, and gives a lot more opportunity for product/perspective videos in the future.
Great Video demonstrating the GS capabilities. I really like all the Add Ons you put on the Bike. I’m going to adapt a few of them to my GS. I Ride a 2006 R1200GS and Love it. I do all my own Maintenance and Repairs, so I don’t have that Costs of taking it to the Shop for anything. I’m 62 and have 4 Fusions in my Neck, and 2 in my lower Back. The GS is the only Bike I can Ride, and not Hurt. I really think the GSs are the best Bikes on the Market. I have Ridden everything just about in my 50 Yrs of Riding. Thanks for the Video.👍👍❤️
Thanks for sharing about your body. I have major issues in my neck and back as well. I’ve had two GSAs. Currently have a KTM and missing the comfort of my last GSA. Although my previous RT was even more comfortable.
I own a 2016, and what I did with the center stand is place two rubber blocks with double-sided tape. This absorbs the metal clunk sound. Give it a try. Nice vid thx 👍
It is wild to see what you can do with such a heavy and big bike. You ride this thing like it is a dirt bike! Really impressive, and a testament to not only your riding ability, but the quality of the bike!
They’re real nice and all. I rode R1100 and R1200 GSAs for many years. But I traded my last one on a Husqvarna Norden 901 over a year ago, and I’m glad I did. It’s about 150 lbs lighter, and the center of gravity is low, because the fuel tank is low down by the engine. And it has a 21” front wheel. It’s got 105 hp and 100 lbs torque. I don’t need 150 hp off-road. I’ve got the Explorer mode and all the extras the Expedition model has, except the heated seat and suspension upgrade. And I don’t need them. I’ll never go back to the GSA. I do, however, own a BMW F 650 GS Dakar. I love BMWs!
Great vid two years ago i found out how good a bmw GS is i admit i used to bash them as being to big and heavy for off road ive been riding dual sports i traded my 07 heritage softail straight trade for 2006 GS with some great upgrades after riding and i do run two track and fs roads i love the beast ended up selling the honda Bmw has built a machine that can do about any task they are mules pack em up and go! God bless
I Traded my Harley FXDWG straight up for my 2006 R1200GS and have never looked back. I have yet to feel any Engine Heat when I’m Riding. My Harley would just about Cook my Legs. I think BMW made the best Bike on the Road. I Love my 2006 GS. Just get on and go.👍👍❤️
Great bike. Can't wait to see what you say when you install the Tractive suspension on the rear. After my original suspension blew up (60,000 miles fully loaded) I went with Tractive front and back and I am so pleased with the way the bike handles now. It feels like being on a sailboat on a smooth/flat sea. Fantastic review.
I should hope it's better than the AT, given how much more expensive it is. $5k-$6k. It had better be. As for myself, I have a '22 ATAS DCT and considered the R1250GSA. The AT was/is much more fun to ride and is ultimately more capable off road, stock vs stock. The GS feels less top heavy but that's the only superior aspect I noticed.
Ride to Alaska yeah do it! I had a ‘20 1250 GS HP. In ‘22 and did the Utah BDR and Continental divide route from Jackson to the border and then rode the Alcan home. Traded it for a KTM 1290 super adventure R with the intent of doing more BDRs on that bike because it seemed more BDR appropriate. Last year I rode that bike to Tuktoyaktuk, NWT. But this year I decided I needed to leave a bike in the states and bought an 890 adventure R and rode that from Anchorage to Jarbige, NV and did Idaho BDR. Was fantastic! You can tell your buddy Josh at Yellow Pine Mercantile that we did go up burnt knob with our gear. Epic!Rode over Cinnamon Corkscrew Cottonwood passes before I finally stashed that bike in Pueblo for future BDR‘s. So now I’m looking at going back to a GS for my Alaska bike, swap for my 1290 but they have a triple black GSA. Trying to talk myself into the extreme girth of that bike, but here in Alaska, most of the use on dirt would be gravel roads and two track so I might do it. The 1290 is fine, but I missed the refinement of BMW. My 1250 GS on the Alcan North was fantastically comfortable. My KTM 890 S. was like riding a sawhorse, but I was impressed that I could go 80 with my gear but yet do what it was able to do on the steeps and chunky Rocky bits. Perfect BDR whip.
Yeah, my AT became a pain in the butt after 30 minutes. I switched to a DesertX and love it. And if it makes you feel better about the exhaust note, the AT doesn't have a V-Twin either :D
Great looking GS. Loved seeing it in the air. 👍 I put a Puig Sport Touring screen on my 890 Adventure for those long road trips. I got it in a dark tint so I can duck behind it at night when idiots have their brights on.
Here is the challenge on both the GS and the GSA. You have to learn how to ride it as its different from the mid capacity bikes. Once you do, you can travel the world!! Great film!
@@backcountryadvmoto that was meant rhetorically ie not related to your adjustment, as you have already shown your chops. It was meant for us “muggles” out here. Great film!
A lot of thought and effort into this video and the key advantages and disadvantages of the GSA. I have owned two GSes, both pre water boxers and put around 60K miles on each. Very DIY friendly for maintenance and quite capable. With my size, age and skill I have moved to smaller adventure bikes for more off-road confidence but at the cost of on-road comfort. Thanks for sharing.
wow. so now that I have my 2020 Honda Africa Twin fully loaded with gear, what your videos really helped u got a GSA. Ok, I will check that bike out at my BMW dealer... Looks just perfekt for me. And what you said I think is really true... I have done a 5000km trip with my Honda through Romania, Bulgaria, Greece etc and after 10 hours on the seat I was really hurt by the Honda.... Long day touring it is just not made for.... Thanks Bro.
Great review 👍 I’ve been a GS fan since 2018. All your opinions match my experience. Happy to see you made the switch. Look’n’ forward to watching more vids. I may consider your tire selection👍👍
Hi Nice review of your bike 👍 A little tip that works well for me. I have changed the hose clips on the tank bag out with magnets. It makes getting a sip of water an easy one hand of operation. 👍😁
I’d be interested in videos of installing some of those accessories. If you do a new build in a few years, please consider some basic “how-to” videos of installation. Great bike, can’t wait to see some of your adventures. Cheers!
I love my '21 GSA. You've got some great add-ons! That rear seat delete from SW Motech is on my radar. I hardly ever have a passenger and typically carry a small cooler on my trips. That's something I'm definitely going to look into. Cheers!
Thanks for another good review. In 2019 I went shopping for an Africa Twin and came home with a 1200 GS. I like everything about it other than the dealer maintenance experience. For example the 30k service is just an oil change, for which any BMW dealer wants $400. (I did it myself for $60 in parts.) Thanks again.
Yeah, I refuse to take motorcycles to the dealership. I can do just about anything myself unless it involves a specific software that’s not available to me as a DIY person
Low maintenance shaft drive, good reliability, quality construction, supreme comfort, good aftermarket support, good dealer network, tons of torque... hard to beat a GS. I always wondered what it would be like with quality aftermarket suspension.
Better than the Africa twin unless you have one leg like me and need the automatic transmission because you don’t have a left foot. I lost my left in a freak accident on a 2016 bmw r12200rt. I really miss that bike. It was totaled along with my left leg. Pretty much stick to riding my spyder now. I’ve gone back and forth thinking about an Africa twin since I don’t need a foot to change gears.
I just picked up a pretty accessorized R1250 GS non-adventure. It's got all the Touratech doo-dads already bolted to it. I plan to use for 90% road touring. Very similar story to yours. I was looking at geting an Africa Twin Adventure Sports and they are just unobtainium and have been for a while. Really sours the experience. Unless you want to pick up a DCT from someone that unfortunately bought one and is uninspired by the DCT and is now selling it. Then I saw a GS come up on FB marketplace and just executed. EPIC motorcycle. The AT has it's merits, but I'll be damned if GSes aren't better in many many ways, not much more money, and WAAAY more obtainable. R1250 GSes are available all over the place if you are willing to spend the money. And if you don't quite have the money R1200's are very available as well. Beautiful motorcycle! I don't think there is one with more area under the curve of capabilities as the GS and on top of this the GS is probably the most luxurious and comfortable for street touring among all the ADV bikes.
You have some really cool add-ons to a already very capable bike, as far as the center stand you might try using a spring puller on it and see if you can give the spring a twist or two, that might help it stay up on the bumpy stuff
Love the vids!!! Just getting back on two wheels. Looking to buy a used gsa. Always had HD done cross country trip and always wanted to be able to get off the beaten path. Spent lots of time in WY and CO backpacking….cant wait to hit the road. Drone shots are incredible! Planning to buy a drone for my fall hike from Denver to Durango on Colorado trail.
This is too long, don't read (however that saying goes). First time seeing this young gentleman. At about 16 minutes in, I thought I'd pause to write that every bit of footage here is what I really needed to see. I've watched many videos of people's impressions, riding on the freeway, riding on the street, options for the bike... just a bunch of great information however, I don't know where he's riding, but it does remind me of Yosemite, the area at least near Yosemite, where I live. I'm 61 and not as physical as I once was, even compared when I was 45, I surely was stronger and had tons of energy back then. However, this young man said that he wanted to be able to ride his bike to the adventure spot, have fun there, and ride back home. I could relate because, while I don't track my Corvette ZO6 (c6), when I read someone say about the same thing with the car, I knew I wanted to buy it. And I'm extremely glad I did, it's an absolute thrill to have that 427! Anyhow, apologies. I know this is longer than all posts, but I really wanted to compliment this young gentleman, I'm grateful I stumbled across him. I enjoy his demeanor, it's not like he's crazy over the top to where he seems phony and, I don't know, just fake like he's trying to do good in the manufacturer's eyes. Many videos I've watched, I really have to sift through what I consider just BS. I just really appreciate the down to earth experience I'm having here in the last 16 minutes. I'm looking forward to the last 10 minutes, and hopefully he has more videos. Anyhow, thank you young man! Oh, subbed with the bell!
The GS is quite more expensive than teh AT and it really depends on the country you ride in. Here in Sout East Asia teh Honda is a no brainer as BMW dealership are few and far between. Add to this the legendary reliability of the Hondas and the better choice might not be what you consider to be the better bike.
This video,and a test ride at Touratech Rally ,helped me make the decision to trade my 690 in on a brand new GSA..I’m excited but nervous to learn how to ride it properly off-road. So much to learn. So little time.
The biggest problem with the GS is once you do track days and get hooked on it’s nimbleness you up-fit it with road pilots. Then you need another GS for off-roading.
I have two bikes. In the USA I have your bike, 1200. I have ridden 17 hours at a time. It’s the perfect U.S.A. bike. In Europe I have a Yamaha T700. The perfect bike for Europe. I’ve also had it in Morocco. The Yamaha is the bike I would have if I could have only one and I had to use it all over the world.
Glad you like the GSA, it’s just not for me. I’ve seen and ridden new GSA’s and new AT’s but the AT’s performed better overall. Have also had to turn both bikes around on a tight trail and the AT’s were far easier to manage. Another thing is the huge fuel tank on the GSA’s, even though the engine is low that fuel is up high. Finally cost!
Fair enough, after putting 50k miles on my AT and a large amount of those being off road I can say that the GSA (for me) handles about the same. The big girl just requires more technique in the right stuff
Damn great video! I have a 1250 gas and I love it but thinking of getting rid of it to get something smaller like a Norden 901 expedition. I also have a2021 690 enduro r ktm which might be my first bike to sell instead of the gsa.
Excellently edited video. I really like your variation of camera angles. The overview/summary of your mods at the end of the video was unexpected by really appreciated. I really like the color coordinated Mosko bags to the bike. When they released that color, I was instantaneously envious. I have a 2018 R1200GS A Rally and love it! I’ve wanted a GSA since 2010 and don’t know why I waited 12 years before I bought one. It is absolutely a phenomenal bike! I am interested in eventually getting a Skydio 2 drone. Where did you find that remote mount? It would be a pleasure to run into you someday. Keep flying with the rubber side down!
I traded my 2014 GSA for a 2020 ATAS DCT ES and began to regret it soon after. For me, the GSA is the better machine. I was influenced by a desire to change and mostly great reviews of the Honda. The DCT was much less user friendly than I’d expected and the various modes either revving the engine too hard or changing up too soon. My expectation of opening the throttle and the DCT changing down automatically was not fulfilled. That led to the other issues of being top heavy, low seating, seat to footrest relation wrong for me (too little and too far forward respectively). A hand brake for the rear would have allowed better low speed control and, as with other DCT equipped bikes there are aftermarket mods to do just this. The handling seemed vague to me after the GSA. Some blame the 21” front wheel but the Tiger 900 and KTM 890 similarly equipped are “planted”. The front brake is wooden and not what I’d expect. The panniers are too far forward and made getting on an off a chore. For me ultimately a very nice looking bike (red/white/blue) with lots of promise but not for me. I wasn’t sad to see it go.
I doubt BMW will ever go to a 21” front tire. Too many of us old farts use these on the highway 90% of the time with an occasional trip down a dirt road. 😂
Riders talk about the Ducati and KTM „power“… this bike wants you to get in trouble on the roadway consistently… sometimes you don‘t know it… you also can’t use all the hp on the trail and the chances are even there… the bike is wonderful (I got the 1200GSA)… I hate the original windshield… not big enough for touring and distorts the view… also parts are speedy… even similar Triumph parts and maintenance cost half… but the bike is wonderful ❤
I fricking knew it that’s was the new road they’re making to Starbucks… I hope it’s close to me so I can go with my 23 GSA Trophy🤣🤣🤣 good stuff brother. Greetings from balmy Arizona🌵🌵🌵
Nice video and content and man that scenery! I have a 2018 AT base, but am looking at a GSA. I test rode one a couple of months ago and it was like riding on a magic carpet, haha. Anyway, the only thing I noticed was the QS is a little rough at lower speeds.
@@chamade166 that could be related of the place you live in, i live in spain and i see only ads related to spain, but a lot of them... like rows of 2 and 3 ads on the first 5 mins of video.
Sorry about the ads TH-cam likes to throw them in on the longer ones. I can’t control how many they do. If you go to a TH-cam premium account there are no adds.
At seventy years old my fully farkled AT, especially with an upgraded seat, suspension and other ergonomic and functional adjustments ($!) suits me fine. Just put 5000 kilometers on it this month . . . plenty comfortable. I owned the BMW, put 160 000 kilometers on that beast, but I couldn’t stand the local dealership and ridiculous expenses for maintenance and parts. Both bikes have pros and cons, both are amazing.
What is an AT?
@@L5man Africa Twin
@@L5man Africa Twin. Given my abhorrence for acronyms I’m embarrassed I used AT!
The dealers pissed me off too. I’m also 70. The GSAs got too heavy for me, so I traded my last one for a Husqvarna Norden 901. I love it! Of course, I considered and test rode a AT.
I'm also 70 years old. I'm in Alaska half the year and Utah the other half. Have BMW 1200GS in Utah. KTM 890A in Alaska. What do I like best? It's a toss up. Pros and cons of both
I have a 2023 R1250GSA. My first GSA, and the wife and I are in love with it. I put a set of Mitas e-07+ and we can do all the gravel roads and 2 tracks. We have to go a little slower and more careful 2up but it works really well.
Great call on the Mitas tires.....Come MEET US at the Touratech Rally. Kevin
I bought a used 2007 GSA 1200, It is only 535 lbs with a half tank of gas. It is a mile crusher and I don't need rain gear until it is pouring. It pairs with my dualsport 2-stroke perfectly. I appreciate your work on this post!
I bought a used 2013 1200GS. I understand now why everything else is compared to these. I love the bike for exactly this kind of riding and motocamping.
A dual sport and a GS is a great combo. I just got a 2023 1250 GSA and I have a Honda CRF 300L Rally. Different tools for different jobs.
Bro you killed it with all of the camera angle and integrated drone footage. You ride that thing like a boss already, can’t wait to see how you treat it in coming year. #BigGirlsFly
Solid work, great video Kyle 🇺🇸👌🏽
Without a doubt the best GSA video I’ve ever seen….well done! Really enjoyed it.
Well thanks!
This
This is one of the best GSA 1250 videos. You skillfully demonstrate the way this bike is designed to be ridden. I road my GSA 1250 12,000 miles last year across the USA. Some off-road, some gravel and some camping, mostly Highway and hotels. I confess I haven’t boogied down a dirt road at that clip on my BMW. I am braver doing that type of riding on my KTM 500 XC-W. You have inspired me to go to the next level on my GSA. Thank you.
Agreed, on this young man's video! I've never had an adventure bike, and I'm really excited and think I'm going to get the GS. I've watched many, many videos, and this man's video was what I really need to see. Living near Yosemite, his video reminded me of what it looks like where I'm at. So all those roads are mostly off limits for a guy like me who has ridden street bikes all his life.
He just seems sincere, and it's not like he's relying on the dealership, or the manufacturer, therefore coming off way too phony. Not this young man. Anyhow, thank you for writing and sharing!
Love my GS. It is more capable than I am and has carried me through BDRs, Smokey 500, and lots of long highway miles throughout US and Canada. Enduro Pro mode is fun and the power is great for lofting a wheel over ruts and small obstacles. I would like to get something smaller to ride the really rough stuff but the GS will stay in the stable regardless of what else I buy.
I went from a GSA to a 790R. I then took an ADV Rider class with Bill Dragoo and completely changed my mindset. I bought the first GS Trophy in Oklahoma and never looked back. They are just simply amazing motorcycles.
Absolutely agree. I feel like they can do just about anything with the right rider
Taking a course with Bill Dragoo is a 2024 goal of mine.
I love my GS! They’re made for exactly this, big trips, gravel roads, two track. That’s my type of riding and why I love the big bikes!
You can't go wrong with a GS. Thanks for sharing.
You bet. Thanks for watching
Welcome - I own a GSA and have ridden an AT to WYBDR....no comparison...the GSA hands down...Suspension, Comfort and once you get the Tractiv on there for both ends...just wait...I do wish they had an option for a 21' front...I did like that on the AT....but now you know why they are the king
Absolutely love my GSA. It’s great for adventure touring and is more capable than you would think in the rough technical stuff. You just have to remember it’s a heavy bike. On the long days in the saddle it’s amazingly comfortable and doesn’t wear you out like other bikes.
Couldn't agree more!
Absolutely love the kalamata olive color of this bike. Best looking GSA BMW has ever done!
Couldn't agree more!
Lots of practical info, you are a great ambassador for the sport and your sponsors. Thanks, Allan
I appreciate that!
Most durable,bulletproof and easiest bike to maintain is BMW GS/GSA. Mine has only 130.000km on ! P.S BMW has best warranty and service in industry, i just got recall on driveshaft and swingarm,everything is free and BMW is paying for pick-up and drop off after recall repairs. What other brand has that level of service??? NONE!!!
I have ridden sport bikes forever I’m looking at one of these bmw. I can’t afford a new one but I’ve found some older ones in great shape for under 10k. 2006 to 2013 era. Is there anything that’s red flags about them? The ones I’ve seen look great owner says they are good they have around 23k to 40k miles on them
@@alanluscombe8a553 Throttle position sensor(sometimes fail) and if bike was ridden on non premium fuel it can damage exhaust valves developing misfires, other than that they are built like Tanks!
Sadly not my experience and left BMW after almost 40 years. Ironically I swapped my 2014 GSA for an ATAS DCT ES. Truth be told I regretted it.
@@ianross225 I have hard time believing that… Honda Atas has tons of issues with water pumps,fork seals, corrosion, fuel pumps,etc…
@@alexstan5358 My GSA had several issues not least a rotting frame and subframe at under 4 years of gentle use and dry garaging. They were eventually replaced after a pack of lies told to me and 4 months loss of use. The final straw was the exhaust flap valve which failed at 7,500 miles and part of the header/cat assembly and £1,800 plus fitting. The Honda behaved itself but I’m well aware of its problems.
Congratulations, torque in this bike keeps you in love with it 24/7, I own the 2023 Honda Africa Twin Adventure ES manual and I can't stop thinking about the GS after testing it🙄🙄🙄
Love the GSA. I bought a barely used one as well in Boise and cannot get enough of it!
Dream build…… great riding too…. Looking forward to the content.
Pretty darned awesome! The Mosko Moto bags in that green color look sweet against the bike graphics. Like they were color coordinated to the bike. Great practical upgrades. 👍
Side note; Nice to see you change up bikes. Keeps things fresh, and gives a lot more opportunity for product/perspective videos in the future.
Good to hear your input. Thanks
At the beginning of the video you mention a 2016 Honda, was it an Africa Twin ? Thanks ! Loved the video
Great Video demonstrating the GS capabilities. I really like all the Add Ons you put on the Bike. I’m going to adapt a few of them to my GS. I Ride a 2006 R1200GS and Love it. I do all my own Maintenance and Repairs, so I don’t have that Costs of taking it to the Shop for anything. I’m 62 and have 4 Fusions in my Neck, and 2 in my lower Back. The GS is the only Bike I can Ride, and not Hurt. I really think the GSs are the best Bikes on the Market. I have Ridden everything just about in my 50 Yrs of Riding. Thanks for the Video.👍👍❤️
Thanks for sharing about your body. I have major issues in my neck and back as well. I’ve had two GSAs. Currently have a KTM and missing the comfort of my last GSA. Although my previous RT was even more comfortable.
man that drone shots are too good 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thank you 🙌
I own a 2016, and what I did with the center stand is place two rubber blocks with double-sided tape. This absorbs the metal clunk sound. Give it a try. Nice vid thx 👍
Great tip! Thanks
It is wild to see what you can do with such a heavy and big bike. You ride this thing like it is a dirt bike! Really impressive, and a testament to not only your riding ability, but the quality of the bike!
Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed the video
Awesome review on the R1250 GSA... great setup, I too love the 35L Backcountry saddle bags 🤠👍
Right on
They’re real nice and all. I rode R1100 and R1200 GSAs for many years. But I traded my last one on a Husqvarna Norden 901 over a year ago, and I’m glad I did. It’s about 150 lbs lighter, and the center of gravity is low, because the fuel tank is low down by the engine. And it has a 21” front wheel. It’s got 105 hp and 100 lbs torque. I don’t need 150 hp off-road. I’ve got the Explorer mode and all the extras the Expedition model has, except the heated seat and suspension upgrade. And I don’t need them. I’ll never go back to the GSA. I do, however, own a BMW F 650 GS Dakar. I love BMWs!
Your bike is as nice as they get! Mosko Moto can’t be beat! ♥️
The Norden doesn't have "100 lbs of torque". It has 100 nm. That's 74 ft lbs of torque.
Great vid two years ago i found out how good a bmw GS is i admit i used to bash them as being to big and heavy for off road ive been riding dual sports i traded my 07 heritage softail straight trade for 2006 GS with some great upgrades after riding and i do run two track and fs roads i love the beast ended up selling the honda Bmw has built a machine that can do about any task they are mules pack em up and go! God bless
I Traded my Harley FXDWG straight up for my 2006 R1200GS and have never looked back. I have yet to feel any Engine Heat when I’m Riding. My Harley would just about Cook my Legs. I think BMW made the best Bike on the Road. I Love my 2006 GS. Just get on and go.👍👍❤️
i also had a deposit on an africa twin but it never arrived. bought a new 23 gsa and no regrets, it's amazing.
Awesome !
Great bike. Can't wait to see what you say when you install the Tractive suspension on the rear. After my original suspension blew up (60,000 miles fully loaded) I went with Tractive front and back and I am so pleased with the way the bike handles now. It feels like being on a sailboat on a smooth/flat sea. Fantastic review.
The drone shots were awesome! Hate to see you not on an africa twin (I ride a 2017) but happy you like the gsa!
I should hope it's better than the AT, given how much more expensive it is. $5k-$6k. It had better be. As for myself, I have a '22 ATAS DCT and considered the R1250GSA. The AT was/is much more fun to ride and is ultimately more capable off road, stock vs stock. The GS feels less top heavy but that's the only superior aspect I noticed.
Ride to Alaska yeah do it! I had a ‘20 1250 GS HP. In ‘22 and did the Utah BDR and Continental divide route from Jackson to the border and then rode the Alcan home. Traded it for a KTM 1290 super adventure R with the intent of doing more BDRs on that bike because it seemed more BDR appropriate. Last year I rode that bike to Tuktoyaktuk, NWT. But this year I decided I needed to leave a bike in the states and bought an 890 adventure R and rode that from Anchorage to Jarbige, NV and did Idaho BDR. Was fantastic! You can tell your buddy Josh at Yellow Pine Mercantile that we did go up burnt knob with our gear. Epic!Rode over Cinnamon Corkscrew Cottonwood passes before I finally stashed that bike in Pueblo for future BDR‘s. So now I’m looking at going back to a GS for my Alaska bike, swap for my 1290 but they have a triple black GSA. Trying to talk myself into the extreme girth of that bike, but here in Alaska, most of the use on dirt would be gravel roads and two track so I might do it. The 1290 is fine, but I missed the refinement of BMW.
My 1250 GS on the Alcan North was fantastically comfortable. My KTM 890 S. was like riding a sawhorse, but I was impressed that I could go 80 with my gear but yet do what it was able to do on the steeps and chunky Rocky bits. Perfect BDR whip.
Next time you come through Idaho shoot me a message
@@backcountryadvmoto you got it
Can we just appreciate the work that drone put in
It’s pretty awesome isn’t it? I love that thing
Yeah, my AT became a pain in the butt after 30 minutes. I switched to a DesertX and love it. And if it makes you feel better about the exhaust note, the AT doesn't have a V-Twin either :D
Great looking GS. Loved seeing it in the air. 👍
I put a Puig Sport Touring screen on my 890 Adventure for those long road trips. I got it in a dark tint so I can duck behind it at night when idiots have their brights on.
Best bike I've ever ridden! i went from a Super 10, i road a mates GSA and bought one the next week!!!
Good choice!
Before I go back to watching the rest of this video, lol, going down through many of the comments, and all I got to say is thank you guys!
Here is the challenge on both the GS and the GSA. You have to learn how to ride it as its different from the mid capacity bikes. Once you do, you can travel the world!! Great film!
Challenge accepted 😁 thanks for watching
@@backcountryadvmoto that was meant rhetorically ie not related to your adjustment, as you have already shown your chops. It was meant for us “muggles” out here. Great film!
If it's better, it's because you built what you needed. That's how I do it too. But then, I would be building up the Africa Twin for my platform.
Everyone has their own dream bike. This is just mine. I love my Africa twin, but this has been a good replacement for me.
@@backcountryadvmoto it's not a slam or anything negative. No judgment meant. I was backing up what you were saying.
I used to ride a BMW K100 sport touring. Absolutely loved it. Recently went with the 2017 AT because of the dealer and service network.
A lot of thought and effort into this video and the key advantages and disadvantages of the GSA. I have owned two GSes, both pre water boxers and put around 60K miles on each. Very DIY friendly for maintenance and quite capable. With my size, age and skill I have moved to smaller adventure bikes for more off-road confidence but at the cost of on-road comfort. Thanks for sharing.
wow. so now that I have my 2020 Honda Africa Twin fully loaded with gear, what your videos really helped u got a GSA. Ok, I will check that bike out at my BMW dealer... Looks just perfekt for me.
And what you said I think is really true... I have done a 5000km trip with my Honda through Romania, Bulgaria, Greece etc and after 10 hours on the seat I was really hurt by the Honda.... Long day touring it is just not made for.... Thanks Bro.
Mosko Moto bags are the BEST!!! I love mine!!! 🏍🤙🍻
Great review 👍 I’ve been a GS fan since 2018. All your opinions match my experience. Happy to see you made the switch. Look’n’ forward to watching more vids. I may consider your tire selection👍👍
Thanks! 👍
I've done 9 plus hour rides on a Suzuki vstrom to New Orleans, and continued to party for the next 12 hours straight.. oh yeah, and that was 2up!
Hi
Nice review of your bike 👍
A little tip that works well for me.
I have changed the hose clips on the tank bag out with magnets.
It makes getting a sip of water an easy one hand of operation. 👍😁
Mate awesome video , love my GSA , your drone work was fantastic. Thanks for sharing 👍
I’d be interested in videos of installing some of those accessories. If you do a new build in a few years, please consider some basic “how-to” videos of installation. Great bike, can’t wait to see some of your adventures. Cheers!
Sure thing!
I love my '21 GSA. You've got some great add-ons! That rear seat delete from SW Motech is on my radar. I hardly ever have a passenger and typically carry a small cooler on my trips. That's something I'm definitely going to look into. Cheers!
Thanks for another good review. In 2019 I went shopping for an Africa Twin and came home with a 1200 GS. I like everything about it other than the dealer maintenance experience. For example the 30k service is just an oil change, for which any BMW dealer wants $400. (I did it myself for $60 in parts.) Thanks again.
Yeah, I refuse to take motorcycles to the dealership. I can do just about anything myself unless it involves a specific software that’s not available to me as a DIY person
Love the bike. Love my GSA and I think you’ll be rewarded for your choice. They are just great bikes!
I think so too!
watching the drone dodge all the obstacles was nice
Wow, same reason why I got my GS… thanks for sharing this vid!
@23:12 “I’ve moved it to the tail, and I absolutely love it there”. I feel like there’s a juvenile joke to be said here but not sure.
Great video man… keep up the good work!! Adventure rider like me love this content especially about our GSA’s!!
Great video Kyle! Handling that Big Ass bike like a boss.
Haha thanks bro
Low maintenance shaft drive, good reliability, quality construction, supreme comfort, good aftermarket support, good dealer network, tons of torque... hard to beat a GS. I always wondered what it would be like with quality aftermarket suspension.
It definitely makes it a little easier to ride.
Welcome to the club 😆
Have fun be safe !
I love my 2018 GSA.
I have the same. It’s a great bike!
Had a Crosstourer! Now GSA ,better in all ways ,a engineering masterpiece for sure!
Great video man, great looking machine! Headed out that way late summer and can't wait!!!
Have fun!
@backcountryadvmoto will do man. We'll come in the store if we make it that far north!
Dude! I wish they still did that color. Really sick…..
Great vid. Big GS fan, and you highlighted all the reasons why.
Glad you enjoyed!
This is on of the best review that I have ever seen! Thanks mate
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you
Better than the Africa twin unless you have one leg like me and need the automatic transmission because you don’t have a left foot. I lost my left in a freak accident on a 2016 bmw r12200rt. I really miss that bike. It was totaled along with my left leg. Pretty much stick to riding my spyder now. I’ve gone back and forth thinking about an Africa twin since I don’t need a foot to change gears.
I just picked up a pretty accessorized R1250 GS non-adventure. It's got all the Touratech doo-dads already bolted to it. I plan to use for 90% road touring. Very similar story to yours. I was looking at geting an Africa Twin Adventure Sports and they are just unobtainium and have been for a while. Really sours the experience. Unless you want to pick up a DCT from someone that unfortunately bought one and is uninspired by the DCT and is now selling it. Then I saw a GS come up on FB marketplace and just executed. EPIC motorcycle. The AT has it's merits, but I'll be damned if GSes aren't better in many many ways, not much more money, and WAAAY more obtainable. R1250 GSes are available all over the place if you are willing to spend the money. And if you don't quite have the money R1200's are very available as well. Beautiful motorcycle! I don't think there is one with more area under the curve of capabilities as the GS and on top of this the GS is probably the most luxurious and comfortable for street touring among all the ADV bikes.
Best motorcycle!
I love my triple black édition
You have some really cool add-ons to a already very capable bike, as far as the center stand you might try using a spring puller on it and see if you can give the spring a twist or two, that might help it stay up on the bumpy stuff
Thanks for the tip. I’ll give it a try
That bike it is very capable to do single track.. I have a 2016 GSA I have a 2016 GSA.. I've ride in some single tracks..
great video
Love the vids!!! Just getting back on two wheels. Looking to buy a used gsa. Always had HD done cross country trip and always wanted to be able to get off the beaten path. Spent lots of time in WY and CO backpacking….cant wait to hit the road. Drone shots are incredible! Planning to buy a drone for my fall hike from Denver to Durango on Colorado trail.
Nice video thanks, now back to my 22KLR :)
Absolutely great review!
Glad you liked it! Thank you
Also a good opportunity to work with multiple cameras and camera types , looks good.
Thanks. Always fun shooting these videos
Nice video! Can I ask what drone you’re using? It seems to do a great job avoiding those trees.
This is too long, don't read (however that saying goes).
First time seeing this young gentleman.
At about 16 minutes in, I thought I'd pause to write that every bit of footage here is what I really needed to see.
I've watched many videos of people's impressions, riding on the freeway, riding on the street, options for the bike... just a bunch of great information however, I don't know where he's riding, but it does remind me of Yosemite, the area at least near Yosemite, where I live.
I'm 61 and not as physical as I once was, even compared when I was 45, I surely was stronger and had tons of energy back then. However, this young man said that he wanted to be able to ride his bike to the adventure spot, have fun there, and ride back home. I could relate because, while I don't track my Corvette ZO6 (c6), when I read someone say about the same thing with the car, I knew I wanted to buy it. And I'm extremely glad I did, it's an absolute thrill to have that 427!
Anyhow, apologies. I know this is longer than all posts, but I really wanted to compliment this young gentleman, I'm grateful I stumbled across him. I enjoy his demeanor, it's not like he's crazy over the top to where he seems phony and, I don't know, just fake like he's trying to do good in the manufacturer's eyes.
Many videos I've watched, I really have to sift through what I consider just BS.
I just really appreciate the down to earth experience I'm having here in the last 16 minutes. I'm looking forward to the last 10 minutes, and hopefully he has more videos.
Anyhow, thank you young man!
Oh, subbed with the bell!
Wish I had a fraction of your skills 👍 great video.
The GS is quite more expensive than teh AT and it really depends on the country you ride in. Here in Sout East Asia teh Honda is a no brainer as BMW dealership are few and far between. Add to this the legendary reliability of the Hondas and the better choice might not be what you consider to be the better bike.
Sorry to hear that you just built your Dream Adventure bike, and the 1300 GS came out.
But is cool af
This video,and a test ride at Touratech Rally ,helped me make the decision to trade my 690 in on a brand new GSA..I’m excited but nervous to learn how to ride it properly off-road. So much to learn. So little time.
Heavier is not better I would say. In this category, the Honda AF and KTM 's big adventure are way friendly when manage.
Your drone shots are really nice! Well done.
GOODLUC2U
Cable tie your swing arm up . Cut cable ties when needed 👍🏻
The biggest problem with the GS is once you do track days and get hooked on it’s nimbleness you up-fit it with road pilots. Then you need another GS for off-roading.
I have two bikes. In the USA I have your bike, 1200. I have ridden 17 hours at a time. It’s the perfect U.S.A. bike. In Europe I have a Yamaha T700. The perfect bike for Europe. I’ve also had it in Morocco. The Yamaha is the bike I would have if I could have only one and I had to use it all over the world.
Thumbs up for Africa twin 2023 dct
i agree, nav 6 is rubbish.. great video mate. cheers from Guanajuato, México.
Glad you like the GSA, it’s just not for me. I’ve seen and ridden new GSA’s and new AT’s but the AT’s performed better overall. Have also had to turn both bikes around on a tight trail and the AT’s were far easier to manage. Another thing is the huge fuel tank on the GSA’s, even though the engine is low that fuel is up high. Finally cost!
Fair enough, after putting 50k miles on my AT and a large amount of those being off road I can say that the GSA (for me) handles about the same. The big girl just requires more technique in the right stuff
You don't have to fill the tank to the top
The way you ride those whoops, you may need to start filing flight plans with the FAA to be in compliance.
lol! They are so much fun
Damn great video! I have a 1250 gas and I love it but thinking of getting rid of it to get something smaller like a Norden 901 expedition. I also have a2021 690 enduro r ktm which might be my first bike to sell instead of the gsa.
Congratulations! Why am I not surprised?
Congrats! Nice machine!
Thanks!
Great video! I've got a 19 1250 GSA and same color! Best decision of my life! ( I hope my wife doesn't find this comment...)
I hope so too! 😂
Excellently edited video. I really like your variation of camera angles. The overview/summary of your mods at the end of the video was unexpected by really appreciated. I really like the color coordinated Mosko bags to the bike. When they released that color, I was instantaneously envious. I have a 2018 R1200GS A Rally and love it! I’ve wanted a GSA since 2010 and don’t know why I waited 12 years before I bought one. It is absolutely a phenomenal bike! I am interested in eventually getting a Skydio 2 drone. Where did you find that remote mount? It would be a pleasure to run into you someday. Keep flying with the rubber side down!
The Skydio 2 mount was off of Etsy of all places
Welcome to the GS Adventure Club.
I traded my 2014 GSA for a 2020 ATAS DCT ES and began to regret it soon after. For me, the GSA is the better machine. I was influenced by a desire to change and mostly great reviews of the Honda. The DCT was much less user friendly than I’d expected and the various modes either revving the engine too hard or changing up too soon. My expectation of opening the throttle and the DCT changing down automatically was not fulfilled. That led to the other issues of being top heavy, low seating, seat to footrest relation wrong for me (too little and too far forward respectively). A hand brake for the rear would have allowed better low speed control and, as with other DCT equipped bikes there are aftermarket mods to do just this. The handling seemed vague to me after the GSA. Some blame the 21” front wheel but the Tiger 900 and KTM 890 similarly equipped are “planted”. The front brake is wooden and not what I’d expect. The panniers are too far forward and made getting on an off a chore. For me ultimately a very nice looking bike (red/white/blue) with lots of promise but not for me. I wasn’t sad to see it go.
I doubt BMW will ever go to a 21” front tire. Too many of us old farts use these on the highway 90% of the time with an occasional trip down a dirt road. 😂
Riders talk about the Ducati and KTM „power“… this bike wants you to get in trouble on the roadway consistently… sometimes you don‘t know it… you also can’t use all the hp on the trail and the chances are even there… the bike is wonderful (I got the 1200GSA)… I hate the original windshield… not big enough for touring and distorts the view… also parts are speedy… even similar Triumph parts and maintenance cost half… but the bike is wonderful ❤
Good for you. 😎👍 Be safe!
I fricking knew it that’s was the new road they’re making to Starbucks… I hope it’s close to me so I can go with my 23 GSA Trophy🤣🤣🤣 good stuff brother. Greetings from balmy Arizona🌵🌵🌵
Nice video and content and man that scenery! I have a 2018 AT base, but am looking at a GSA. I test rode one a couple of months ago and it was like riding on a magic carpet, haha. Anyway, the only thing I noticed was the QS is a little rough at lower speeds.
its just my idea, or this video has A LOT of ads?
Mostly for Made in China products too.
@@chamade166 that could be related of the place you live in, i live in spain and i see only ads related to spain, but a lot of them... like rows of 2 and 3 ads on the first 5 mins of video.
Sorry about the ads TH-cam likes to throw them in on the longer ones. I can’t control how many they do. If you go to a TH-cam premium account there are no adds.