Of all the offerings on YT, I like your prog more than all the others. We need a show about bikes like this in England. Love the attitude and the content.
I agree for sure with the view that a short test ride reveals nothing. In fact I'd say there's more chance of a wrong impression of any bike really. My 1250 was to me a huge bike to get to grips with those first few rides. The power and torque available from very low down the rev range and the feeling of trying control a big physical machine was daunting. A few weeks later in my ownership and I grew to love it, not fear it. Definitely not the bike to get for new riders with little experience but just such an easy bike to ride and manoeuvre at slow speed. The track footage was excellent and fair play to you for demonstrating the bike's ability. Other vids show it can be ridden more aggressively but why would you? Just a great way of showing its Swiss Army knife capabilities. Thanks for posting 👍 and best wishes from a very damp and cold UK....
When i got mine a year ago i wanted to lower the hight a bit . I discovered you could bring it down by going into the tft menu and putting the suspention on low. I then found a shop that sold the bungs that help adjust the seat hight, the new bungs helped lower it by a further 5mm...Problem solved for my vertically challanged legs. Insted of being on tiptoe i can now plant approx 3/4 of my foot on the ground. I love my GS 1250. and cant wait to get back touring.
I really enjoy watching Matt and Donovan test ride all types of bikes. Great content mixed with humour attracts a lot of riders, both new and life-time riders. Appreciate the views on the GS as I will be getting either the GSA or the RT. Really torn between the two at the moment! I would have both, but I really don't want to get divorced. Not yet anyway!! LOL. Thanks for the videos guys, two thumbs up.
Great video. When I bought my first GSA, the BMW dealer let me take the demonstrator out for 8 hours; this really gave me the opportunity to ride it on a range of roads, which is what you've described and what a test ride should be. Cheers, Andy
After a week it's even better i got the GSA with the 30lt tank can get 340 miles to a tank now before fuel light come on. Done the land's end to John O'Groats challenge...... just under 1000 miles in 24 hours on the GSA, walk in the park, did it with an hour 20 mins to spare lol
Was discussing this very subject with mate no one can judge a bike after a short ride dealer need a proper ride setup ie pay for a week if you like and buy take it off the price....so I did a 20 minute ride on a 1050 xt vstrom and bought one thankfully I was proved right after 1200mile Scottish trip....brilliant bike for me....
I owned one. I rode it from Fall 2007 to spring 2010. After 45000 miles, not owning a car for a year and a half and trailing it from NC TO RENO, THIS is the swiss Army knife of motorcycles. Mine was a 1200.
Most people that hate the GS have never ridden one. I'm not the greatest of riders but the GS made it so easy to be fast and safe. Without doubt the greatest bike I have ever owned. And the weight? Forget it. Low down and much easier to move around than my current (and cheaper) Versys 650. If you can afford one, do yourself a favour and try one.
I had an R1100GS for 14 years and 92,000 miles. It felt right as soon as I rode it, although I'd been told it would take time to grow on me. A brilliant bike but the longevity of some of the parts is questionable. The only GS I'd buy now is the RNineT Urban G/S.
i decided to buy my baby GS after seeing the review on this channel. most probably i would upgrade to R1250 GS again after watching this video . kudos mate for the good contents
Good short review and though it highlights why you need to spend a bit of time to bond with any bike, the GS so so left of centre it really takes some extended time to understand what it offers. Give it time. I went from the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S to the 1250GS Rallye. I really liked the KTM (I know you are a KTM fanboy too !) and did plenty of miles around Europe on it, but ultimately it made me tired riding fast over days of riding. It always made me felt like I'd had one too many espressos. Unless the roads are really open, you start getting into 3 figures mph and don't care for your licence, on the street I don't think there is much difference in pace, particularly in marginal weather, but so much more relaxing on the GS. Maybe I'm just getting old! If you want to feel fire in your pants it's the 1290 engine every day, but if you want to keep it up for longer try the GS :-).
If you think the GS is wide, then the GSA will make you laugh. I bought the GSA mostly for the extra range but the GS is sublime and in reality just as wide as the GSA, it’s just the GSA’s tank that makes it feel HUGE ! Until you get a hustle on and then as you’ve noticed, it just seems to shrink around you and oh my, you really can hustle the big girl.
I ride a 1200 GSa from 2010 and think it's a marvellous bike. Have you owned a 1200 GS previously and if so, what do you find is the best improvement on your 1250 GS?
@@arnarne I have not owned a 1200GS/GSA but have ridden them over the years. The biggest difference is in the improved smoothness and power of the 1250 engine and the improved smoothness of thee transmission, shifts better than the 1200. Other than that most else is the same as the 1200
@@arnarne Oh for sure, take a test ride and I'm sure you will buy one. BUT, you may want to wait for the 2023 R1300GS as it will be a very big upgrade even over the 1250..
I think the most memorable thing you said is, "The more you ride it, the less big it feels." I definitely agree. I can't believe the dealership let you leave without lowering the seat for you, though.
Thanks for the inspiration! I am waiting for the new triple black gs graduating from the r1200r, which i rode and loved for years. I did get the lower suspension being a short rider ( how tall are you?). Thanks for the the honest review and having a bike over an extended time definitely changes your outlook. Now i know what to expect...
That off-road evaluation would have been much better in the Enduro or EnduroPro modes vs the Dynamic Pro mode you did it in. Either way though, a great review of the bike I plan to get sometime next year!
Interesting report, but (please...), you need to learn how to get on a bike like this: left foot on the left peg, both hands on the grips, then up, bend/lean forward and swing your right leg to the other side ---- yes, like on a horse; especially recommended when topcase is mounted!
Brilliant video Donovan - really enjoyed it and very informative! I live in Zimbabwe so it was great seeing a bike presentation from closer to home, especially now when I am considering buying either a R1200 or R1250 GSA to replace my XL1000V Varadero which is also a heavy bike (around 250 kg without luggage). I'm 1.72m tall but only weigh around 67kgs so initially my Varadero was a handful, especially when parking it or on off camber gravel roads when coming to a stop. Do you mind telling us your height as it will put the size of the 1250GS into perspective even with the lowered seat? Some guys have suggested that I should go for the F800 or F850GS instead but I fear that it won't perform that great 2 up with luggage which is how I like to ride most of the time. Will definitely follow you on your videos and also link up with the guys at Fire it Up when I'm ready to buy my bike - keep well!
How does it compare to Ducati Multistrada 1260 and KTM 1290 GT? I ride the Multistrada 1200S but I am looking for upgrade, don’t know which one to choose. I want usable power no less than my Multistrada 1200S have. Which one should I buy?
Probably going to come out best on pricing and the power you want with the ktm. But servicing and quality to the duc. Really depends on what type of riding you'll be doing. Ktm is a honing toy. Duc is more serious.
I went from the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S to the 1250GS Rallye. I really liked the KTM and did plenty of miles around Europe on it, but ultimately it made me tired riding fast over days of riding. It always made me felt like I'd had one too many espressos. Unless the roads are really open, you start getting into 3 figures mph and don't care for your licence, on the street I don't think there is much difference in pace, but so much more relaxing on the GS. Maybe I'm just getting old! If you want to feel fire in your pants it's the 1290 engine every day, but if you want to keep it up for longer try the GS :-).
@@triedproven9908 If I only had QS on my 1200S, I wouldnt trade it. And I want the power to scare me when I open full throtle. So 1260S or 1290 SD GT will most likely be next on my list.
@@biker_marinator5696 the GS can lift its skirt and run when she wants to, but if you want to be scared you'll need a 1290 KTM over the GS. Good luck with the shopping!
In the pre-pandemic days spent 5 days on a 1250 GS on a fly and ride in Spain. If you're thinking about dropping $23K USD on a bike it was money well spent. It made me realize that I didn't need to spend any more time or brian cells comparing between the 1250 GS and other "competitors" because there are none
Happened to me last week. It's caused by the latch under the seat falling out of position when the seat was being out back on. I had to take it to the dealer and they pulled the bike apart to get it all back to normal and release the key.
Oh man you need a training to get the most off that GS. Balance, pegs up, maneuvers etc. :) And you have the HIGH seat... there is a Low cushioned seat as well :)
Nahh. After pouring over the reviews you’ll know immediately what a bike is capable of with a 20 min flogging. After 48hrs and beyond it merely gets confirmed. Now the bike has to make you want to look back at it as you walk away. This is not complicated.
20 min test.. yeah im the stupid one, that comes back, and thiks its a wierd bike. i think about it for half an hour, and buy it anyway. and i always fall in love still. no regrets.. thats how i buy bikes :-)
@@gvdl7569 the point of it is not that it's not a great motorcyle but the actual point was that , does the rider finds his fancy with it or not , which is not possible in 20 mins , yeah it might be the mighty GS but one must truly know it to love it
I won't give you a 'thumbs down' (as generally, only twats do that for reasonable vids), but you didn't genuinely put the bike through its paces, considering you had it to test ride for TWO DAYS! That 'off road' bit was literally a bit of gentle (totally gay) 'green laning'..... (or 'red' laning, in Africa). Didn't 'sell' the bike, at all, and yes, I am qualified to comment - I raced motocross (aged 14 - 42, on CCM, Maico and KTM), and recently owned two GS 1200s (16 year 'triple black' & 18 year Rallye TE). They were (are) both awesome bikes, BUT they are NOT enduros - they are WAY too heavy and the ergonomics are just NOT right for motocross or enduro. End of story.
this bike is trash. i bought mine in 2019 summer. bike engine broke after 12000km - loud clanking noise from left cylinder. bmw refused to repair by warranty claiming that loud clanking noise in left cylinder is normal. while trying to sort this out lost 2020 season. all attempts to complain to bmw headquarters went nowhere. in december 2020 dealer agreed to buy it back from me for 13500 euro. as a result i lost a lot of money and a season just because they refused to repair broken engine by warranty. please note i had bmw warranty and dealer extended 5 years warranty on it which i bought as well. so bmw you suck and your newer bikes are trash. btw this was my 4th bmw bike and 3rd new bought from this dealer. worst customer experience, worst service ever.
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I love how you just hopped right off the bike at the end! Nice review! ❤️👏🏻😊🔥
Of all the offerings on YT, I like your prog more than all the others. We need a show about bikes like this in England. Love the attitude and the content.
I agree for sure with the view that a short test ride reveals nothing. In fact I'd say there's more chance of a wrong impression of any bike really. My 1250 was to me a huge bike to get to grips with those first few rides. The power and torque available from very low down the rev range and the feeling of trying control a big physical machine was daunting. A few weeks later in my ownership and I grew to love it, not fear it. Definitely not the bike to get for new riders with little experience but just such an easy bike to ride and manoeuvre at slow speed. The track footage was excellent and fair play to you for demonstrating the bike's ability. Other vids show it can be ridden more aggressively but why would you? Just a great way of showing its Swiss Army knife capabilities. Thanks for posting 👍 and best wishes from a very damp and cold UK....
That was by far the best video about the gs I have seen, well done Sir!!!
Excellent video with great info. Just what I was looking for the GS, thanks for taking the time to make this video. Ride safe, Cheers
When i got mine a year ago i wanted to lower the hight a bit . I discovered you could bring it down by going into the tft menu and putting the suspention on low. I then found a shop that sold the bungs that help adjust the seat hight, the new bungs helped lower it by a further 5mm...Problem solved for my vertically challanged legs. Insted of being on tiptoe i can now plant approx 3/4 of my foot on the ground. I love my GS 1250. and cant wait to get back touring.
I really enjoy watching Matt and Donovan test ride all types of bikes. Great content mixed with humour attracts a lot of riders, both new and life-time riders. Appreciate the views on the GS as I will be getting either the GSA or the RT. Really torn between the two at the moment! I would have both, but I really don't want to get divorced. Not yet anyway!! LOL. Thanks for the videos guys, two thumbs up.
best GS review ever.
Great video. When I bought my first GSA, the BMW dealer let me take the demonstrator out for 8 hours; this really gave me the opportunity to ride it on a range of roads, which is what you've described and what a test ride should be. Cheers, Andy
After a week it's even better i got the GSA with the 30lt tank can get 340 miles to a tank now before fuel light come on. Done the land's end to John O'Groats challenge...... just under 1000 miles in 24 hours on the GSA, walk in the park, did it with an hour 20 mins to spare lol
“The more you ride it, the less big it feels”… that’s what she said 😂
Zing!
Was discussing this very
subject with mate no one can judge a bike after a short ride dealer need a proper ride setup ie pay for a week if you like and buy take it off the price....so I did a 20 minute ride on a 1050 xt vstrom and bought one thankfully I was proved right after 1200mile Scottish trip....brilliant bike for me....
I owned one. I rode it from Fall 2007 to spring 2010. After 45000 miles, not owning a car for a year and a half and trailing it from NC TO RENO, THIS is the swiss Army knife of motorcycles. Mine was a 1200.
Great idea for a video, well executed.
Most people that hate the GS have never ridden one.
I'm not the greatest of riders but the GS made it so easy to be fast and safe.
Without doubt the greatest bike I have ever owned.
And the weight? Forget it. Low down and much easier to move around than my current (and cheaper) Versys 650.
If you can afford one, do yourself a favour and try one.
Great video!!!! Loved it, love your style.
I had an R1100GS for 14 years and 92,000 miles. It felt right as soon as I rode it, although I'd been told it would take time to grow on me. A brilliant bike but the longevity of some of the parts is questionable.
The only GS I'd buy now is the RNineT Urban G/S.
i decided to buy my baby GS after seeing the review on this channel. most probably i would upgrade to R1250 GS again after watching this video . kudos mate for the good contents
Good short review and though it highlights why you need to spend a bit of time to bond with any bike, the GS so so left of centre it really takes some extended time to understand what it offers. Give it time.
I went from the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S to the 1250GS Rallye. I really liked the KTM (I know you are a KTM fanboy too !) and did plenty of miles around Europe on it, but ultimately it made me tired riding fast over days of riding. It always made me felt like I'd had one too many espressos. Unless the roads are really open, you start getting into 3 figures mph and don't care for your licence, on the street I don't think there is much difference in pace, particularly in marginal weather, but so much more relaxing on the GS. Maybe I'm just getting old!
If you want to feel fire in your pants it's the 1290 engine every day, but if you want to keep it up for longer try the GS :-).
Best review ever !!
You looked and sound confused about what the bike is about after the short ride, I wonder if was just for the video.
If you think the GS is wide, then the GSA will make you laugh. I bought the GSA mostly for the extra range but the GS is sublime and in reality just as wide as the GSA, it’s just the GSA’s tank that makes it feel HUGE ! Until you get a hustle on and then as you’ve noticed, it just seems to shrink around you and oh my, you really can hustle the big girl.
Incredible local and honest review.... thumbs up boet
"Theirs a million buttons, a millions switches, I dont know how any of them work. Its a bit weird." - classic!
I LOVE my R1250GS.might be the best I have owned.
I ride a 1200 GSa from 2010 and think it's a marvellous bike. Have you owned a 1200 GS previously and if so, what do you find is the best improvement on your 1250 GS?
@@arnarne I have not owned a 1200GS/GSA but have ridden them over the years. The biggest difference is in the improved smoothness and power of the 1250 engine and the improved smoothness of thee transmission, shifts better than the 1200. Other than that most else is the same as the 1200
@@robb8773 Interesting! I might have to take a 1250 for a test ride some day soon. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
@@arnarne Oh for sure, take a test ride and I'm sure you will buy one. BUT, you may want to wait for the 2023 R1300GS as it will be a very big upgrade even over the 1250..
Sorry to be pedantic, floors are indoors, ground is outdoors.
The mighty boxer is super formidable, but Donovan is very correct in that it takes a moment to get used to. after That it is a slice of heaven
I think the most memorable thing you said is, "The more you ride it, the less big it feels." I definitely agree. I can't believe the dealership let you leave without lowering the seat for you, though.
Thumbs up for BMW ❤️💚💕
I secretly miss my GS Rally as an all rounder but the KTM 1290 SDGT is even more fun .
Great vid little bear !
Now owning a GT for the Adventure 1290 S and feeling same.
Thanks for the inspiration! I am waiting for the new triple black gs graduating from the r1200r, which i rode and loved for years. I did get the lower suspension being a short rider ( how tall are you?). Thanks for the the honest review and having a bike over an extended time definitely changes your outlook. Now i know what to expect...
Great vid…ty
The real question…ktm 1290s or that GS 1250?
Great test idea.
How tall are you? I'm 5,8 and looking at 1 of these.
I have a 2018 ADV Rallye TE is it worth me changing up? is it that much improved? I can't stomach the gold wheels either.
Such a great idea letting riders take a bike for 48 hours.
Shame that doesn't happen in the UK
Couldn't agree more !!!
Every bike review ought to be a 20m then an 48hr test review. If only !
That off-road evaluation would have been much better in the Enduro or EnduroPro modes vs the Dynamic Pro mode you did it in. Either way though, a great review of the bike I plan to get sometime next year!
Interesting report, but (please...), you need to learn how to get on a bike like this: left foot on the left peg, both hands on the grips, then up, bend/lean forward and swing your right leg to the other side ---- yes, like on a horse; especially recommended when topcase is mounted!
This guy can drive!
Brilliant video Donovan - really enjoyed it and very informative! I live in Zimbabwe so it was great seeing a bike presentation from closer to home, especially now when I am considering buying either a R1200 or R1250 GSA to replace my XL1000V Varadero which is also a heavy bike (around 250 kg without luggage). I'm 1.72m tall but only weigh around 67kgs so initially my Varadero was a handful, especially when parking it or on off camber gravel roads when coming to a stop. Do you mind telling us your height as it will put the size of the 1250GS into perspective even with the lowered seat? Some guys have suggested that I should go for the F800 or F850GS instead but I fear that it won't perform that great 2 up with luggage which is how I like to ride most of the time. Will definitely follow you on your videos and also link up with the guys at Fire it Up when I'm ready to buy my bike - keep well!
Pretty clever BMW sales technique...you were asked to convince people that although they might hate it but should buy it any way...clever!
What's the brand of panniers? It's look cool in white colour
The bike is very nice, but the insurance it’s wayyyyy tooo much after 1000cc. So I bought a 2020 BMW F900R it has 900 cc
Would you still say it’s not great for filtering?
I am interested in the GS 1250 Triple Black. But 270 kg ... that is already a tank.
How does it compare to Ducati Multistrada 1260 and KTM 1290 GT?
I ride the Multistrada 1200S but I am looking for upgrade, don’t know which one to choose. I want usable power no less than my Multistrada 1200S have. Which one should I buy?
Probably going to come out best on pricing and the power you want with the ktm. But servicing and quality to the duc.
Really depends on what type of riding you'll be doing. Ktm is a honing toy. Duc is more serious.
I went from the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S to the 1250GS Rallye. I really liked the KTM and did plenty of miles around Europe on it, but ultimately it made me tired riding fast over days of riding. It always made me felt like I'd had one too many espressos. Unless the roads are really open, you start getting into 3 figures mph and don't care for your licence, on the street I don't think there is much difference in pace, but so much more relaxing on the GS. Maybe I'm just getting old!
If you want to feel fire in your pants it's the 1290 engine every day, but if you want to keep it up for longer try the GS :-).
@@MrEunuch I want to be scared when I open full throtle, like on my 1200S :)
@@triedproven9908 If I only had QS on my 1200S, I wouldnt trade it. And I want the power to scare me when I open full throtle. So 1260S or 1290 SD GT will most likely be next on my list.
@@biker_marinator5696 the GS can lift its skirt and run when she wants to, but if you want to be scared you'll need a 1290 KTM over the GS. Good luck with the shopping!
Nice review bru!
In the pre-pandemic days spent 5 days on a 1250 GS on a fly and ride in Spain. If you're thinking about dropping $23K USD on a bike it was money well spent. It made me realize that I didn't need to spend any more time or brian cells comparing between the 1250 GS and other "competitors" because there are none
love the show! be great to catch up for a chat sometime
wonderful bike
LOL.... shorty.... great video. Thanks for the insight.
Hi how did you get the key out that was stuck in the seat lock please
Happened to me last week. It's caused by the latch under the seat falling out of position when the seat was being out back on. I had to take it to the dealer and they pulled the bike apart to get it all back to normal and release the key.
Wow, you really are short legged. Ok, maybe get the low suspension and low seat ? Which I actually prefer anyway, and I am not short legged.
An impressive lightning strike at 2:28.
Wow you ride on the correct side of the road I love my Gsa just wished I could ride it UK lockdown
You are good rider......
Even getting off after 48 hrs changed. Looked more confortable
Whats you lenght?
Yes, i'd like to know that too. He could barely touch the ground.
Nice show That’s how I fillet on my first big monster bike Cher’s ✅🌈👌
Channel is great - Donovan is awesome - Fire It Up has been a let down recently! The service is not what it use to be -> (salesmen on the floor)
Oh man you need a training to get the most off that GS. Balance, pegs up, maneuvers etc. :) And you have the HIGH seat... there is a Low cushioned seat as well :)
If you put it in Off Road pro it would have been so much better on the gravel as well. Dynamic Pro on gravel is terrible
Ver good 😊👍
Nahh. After pouring over the reviews you’ll know immediately what a bike is capable of with a 20 min flogging. After 48hrs and beyond it merely gets confirmed. Now the bike has to make you want to look back at it as you walk away. This is not complicated.
20 min test.. yeah im the stupid one, that comes back, and thiks its a wierd bike. i think about it for half an hour, and buy it anyway. and i always fall in love still. no regrets.. thats how i buy bikes :-)
Why ate the lights so yellow? 🙂
head light protector with yellow trim. other colours available.
It would be nice if GS had a reverse gear.
Coool video 😂
That macks no sens! try putting your foot done on a negtif camber, Your going DOWN!
You need a pair of 1970s platform boots - painful to watch you trying to paddle that thing backwards.
How tall are you?
About 1.78m with very short legs.
open the cargo, there is nice surprise for Y......step ladder !!
Stand on pegs to mount-- dismount
And that wy I ride a VFR 800 !
Must have been exhausting
Loose 30 kgs and the bike will fly.
Καλά ταξίδια
The 20 minute test was more honest.
Too big, tall, heavy, wide and expensive.
If you are short in stature,ride in traffic mostly and can't afford it then yes.Otherwise the bike is one of the best
I found the same thing as the video states. After owning mine for a season, it seems small and light ( ish ) now. I do agree , it wasn't cheap.
@@gvdl7569 the point of it is not that it's not a great motorcyle but the actual point was that , does the rider finds his fancy with it or not , which is not possible in 20 mins , yeah it might be the mighty GS but one must truly know it to love it
Me in front of don at 12min! 😂😂😂
He is acting, right?
That was way too scripted
I won't give you a 'thumbs down' (as generally, only twats do that for reasonable vids), but you didn't genuinely put the bike through its paces, considering you had it to test ride for TWO DAYS! That 'off road' bit was literally a bit of gentle (totally gay) 'green laning'..... (or 'red' laning, in Africa). Didn't 'sell' the bike, at all, and yes, I am qualified to comment - I raced motocross (aged 14 - 42, on CCM, Maico and KTM), and recently owned two GS 1200s (16 year 'triple black' & 18 year Rallye TE). They were (are) both awesome bikes, BUT they are NOT enduros - they are WAY too heavy and the ergonomics are just NOT right for motocross or enduro. End of story.
this bike is trash. i bought mine in 2019 summer. bike engine broke after 12000km - loud clanking noise from left cylinder. bmw refused to repair by warranty claiming that loud clanking noise in left cylinder is normal. while trying to sort this out lost 2020 season. all attempts to complain to bmw headquarters went nowhere. in december 2020 dealer agreed to buy it back from me for 13500 euro. as a result i lost a lot of money and a season just because they refused to repair broken engine by warranty. please note i had bmw warranty and dealer extended 5 years warranty on it which i bought as well. so bmw you suck and your newer bikes are trash. btw this was my 4th bmw bike and 3rd new bought from this dealer. worst customer experience, worst service ever.