Hi Ross. Me and the wife have toured Europe for the last 3 summers on our GSA1250. 35k miles in 3 years. We need the luggage capacity and actually have a Givi 46l topbox on it. I’ve ordered the new bike with all the luggage and we’re going to Romania next year and will need that luggage capacity. We’re going for a month. Your review is probably the most negative on TH-cam compared to the majority of others who give a balanced review of positive and negative. I am buying the bike because I can as you say, but not for the reasons you say and we will be touring and adventuring on all sorts of terrain. The K1600 as you say is a good bike but way heavier and not as versatile but it is down to personal choice.
HI there, i think my review is balanced, in as much as, objectively its a great bike, but subjectively its not, and the user case for most is no more than because i can, folks like you are the exception and the bike perfectly meets your need
I have bought the 1250 GSA my first BMW this year and it’s a great bike we use it for me and the wife for are main holidays touring. And the bike is perfect for two up touring and all your luggage and we pack has little has possibly. And what a comfortable bike for long distance Adventures. So we also have bought the bike for what it’s designed for. But I must admit the bike now are get so expensive and a lot of dealerships are going bust. Interesting review 👍
I had the 1250GS for three years, and it took me all over Europe with no problems. I never found the need to upgrade it to the 1300 versions, which are also ugly. When I changed bikes, I decided to get the RS1250. But I will be interested in seeing the 1300RS when it comes out to see what they have done to it.
Love the comment about who needs to take or carry that much luggage! Great bike though and would have one, but for what I do in the UK and the EU my 1300GS is perfect.
Yep my spring garage is getting the same, though 25.5k after I spec'd it.... I remember when a top sports bike was 8k! Its mental now! But that ASA is just amazing! Parts bin? I would argue its part of the industrial look and done with purpose, the design philosophy is clear. But one mans scrap is another gold, I love it. And all that luggage space is a problem? Get in the car? Odd comments, we bike for the feeling, I don't want to be in a car going down some far flung mountain pass overlooking a breath taking view from a car, and having plenty of luggage to either camp out under the stars or have a nice set of clothes to change into at the hotel? IDK I think you missed the point of the bike totally. But that's the beauty of being human we all like and love different things.
Excluding the money from the equation and the social motive for the choice, I find the bike a fine piece of kit. What’s made for? The same the precedent GSA was made. And it sold in big numbers. I think this one will do probably so well like the dated bike it replaces. The standard 1300 GS is a different bike. It almost behaves like a super moto bike. And the difference between the two bikes is now very clear. This is a more touristic bike for bigger riders and bigger pillion. The suggestion for the K1600 is a good one. I agree with that view, but the GSA can have an automatic gearbox and the K1600 doesn’t, besides the fact of the quick shifter is smooth like butter it hasn’t that gadget yet. In general l, the bike makes every sense, since you value the stability and the road presence effects. It makes a lot of sense to me. Nice video. Thanks. 👍🏻
Yes, and? It’s a review based upon my opinion. I hope those that buy it love it, and those that don’t buy something they do. It’s just a motorbike and a light hearted review
You should probably change the headline to The Best Bike I Don't Need.😅 Claiming that nobody needs that bike, that amount of luggage and people buy it just because they can, is just silly. I am 6ft. 4", have an 39" inseam, live in Norway and tour quite a lot together with my girlfriend. We bring our tent, all the clothing / equipment we need and travel both on motorways and on gravel across mountain passes. The 1600 is comfy, but definitely not suitable for my long legs or doing gravel rides among norwegian mountains. Also, the suspension of the GSA provides much better comfort on bumpy roads than the 1600. You had the rally / enduro windscreen, so naturally it will not give a good protection. The GSA is also better suited for a passenger than the 1300, with its longer rear subframe and bigger seats. Adjustment of the rider seat is also better, as you can individually adjust the height front and rear. Those are nice features on long distance touring. You say your scorecard takes your bias away. Well, using criteria like styling, coolness, practicality and comfort aren't exactly neutral measurements. Giving the 1600 a 10 on practicality and the gsa a 8, tells me, again, that different people have different needs. The GSA is not the bike for you, simple as that. What others need, that's for them to decide. 🙂
Thank you for your comment, there is a full video detailing the scoring system so hopefully you will see that and you will understand that it does mostly take my bias away. My review of this bike is from a UK perspective, and most of the folk that will get this because they can not because the need it, and thats a fine reason, but its the only reason. Of course every rule has exceptions a people like you are an exception. I know the 1300GSA is not for me, neither was the 1300 GS, as for me the engine noise and the gearbox are too flawed. Honestly, i really dont care what people buy, and my opinion is that of just some guy. Would be great if you would consider subscribing
I think you are sort of right. It is to do with choice. Here in the UK there are some local off road trails, where you can get really muddy. I have never seen a 1150/1200/1250/1300 on these trails KTM, AJP, RE, yes. The GS is a marketing success for BMW playing on the "dream" that you will travel to Africa, come across some tribe that is having a meal, they'll invite you to sit down, you'll exchange pleasantries, you will get the iconic photo of a smiling tribesman with spear and shield, next to your GS and you'll leave and be home by 5.00pm. In reality, 98% of will never go off road, they will have 3 box's, 100% road tyres and go on a BMW organised world of adventure trip to the "Black Forest". These bikes are now more than ever a way of flashing the cash and removing the sheer pleasure of motorcycling.
Yr probably right on the majority that will buy it 😄 I wont though, I think it looks a dog turd no matter how well it goes. You seem to be the only youtuber thats not telling people they suddenly need auto transmission, blind spot detect, rear collision avoidance, cotton wool wrap etc etc... And people are sucking it up like hoovers, apparently.
Thank you for watching it again! I deleted it by accident like a dick. The gearbox really did drive me crazy, as for me, I just couldn’t understand how they could get everything else so nearly perfect and fuck this 1 thing up
@@RRGS78 When I had my 1200 I used to just bang up and down and mate said I was gonna fuck it up, I replied, I won't own it long enough, it'll be someone else's problem 😅
Great video and commentary. My first observation from your video was the unbelievable amount of engine noise. Was the mic inside the engine casing? I can afford one of these but this is the first GS by judging from your video, that has not ticked all my get it boxes! Namely - 1) it is heavier than the R1250 GSA, 2) engine sounds very bag of bolts like, 3) you were not impressed with the wind protection. I really can’t see the big advantage comparing it to the R1250GSA which is a dream to ride bike. I’m sticking to the 1250 until I get my monies worth out of it. However …. never say never😊👍
BMW will offer FREE of charge mileage-based driveshaft replacement for the lifetime of the bike even if the mileage threshold is reached several times. The measure also applies to the R and RT bikes.
lol that’s funny! I deleted it by accident like a melt, and the video did really well. So I have lost all the views and hours it got me 7.2k views and over 700 hours
I have a 1300gs, and I drove a friend's f900gs for an hour on the highway, and the f900gs have like 3 times more buffeting and wind noise than the 1300 . It made the f900gs unbearable on the highway! Also, I used to have a k1600, and that bike was even worse at the buffeting level! I dont know how you measure buffeting, lol! I have to sell that 1600 because unless you use a barn door, the buffeting wasn't going away!. I do have a inners ear problem from the time in the military, and I'm very sensitive at wind buffeting, to the point that is the most important thing in deciding which bike to buy!. I'm 5'11, so not that much difference from you!
. I do agree on the transmission on the 1300, In the range of 3k/4k rpm is perfect, bit outside of that is even worse than the 1250, maybe I got a bike made a Friday too!
Hi Ross. Me and the wife have toured Europe for the last 3 summers on our GSA1250. 35k miles in 3 years. We need the luggage capacity and actually have a Givi 46l topbox on it. I’ve ordered the new bike with all the luggage and we’re going to Romania next year and will need that luggage capacity. We’re going for a month. Your review is probably the most negative on TH-cam compared to the majority of others who give a balanced review of positive and negative.
I am buying the bike because I can as you say, but not for the reasons you say and we will be touring and adventuring on all sorts of terrain. The K1600 as you say is a good bike but way heavier and not as versatile but it is down to personal choice.
HI there, i think my review is balanced, in as much as, objectively its a great bike, but subjectively its not, and the user case for most is no more than because i can, folks like you are the exception and the bike perfectly meets your need
I have bought the 1250 GSA my first BMW this year and it’s a great bike we use it for me and the wife for are main holidays touring. And the bike is perfect for two up touring and all your luggage and we pack has little has possibly. And what a comfortable bike for long distance Adventures. So we also have bought the bike for what it’s designed for. But I must admit the bike now are get so expensive and a lot of dealerships are going bust. Interesting review 👍
I had the 1250GS for three years, and it took me all over Europe with no problems. I never found the need to upgrade it to the 1300 versions, which are also ugly. When I changed bikes, I decided to get the RS1250. But I will be interested in seeing the 1300RS when it comes out to see what they have done to it.
I think you might be right!
Would be great if you’d subscribe
Love the comment about who needs to take or carry that much luggage! Great bike though and would have one, but for what I do in the UK and the EU my 1300GS is perfect.
thank you very much!
Would be great if you subscribed!
Love the bike. Ordered TE ASA version. Can’t wait
I genuinely hope you love it and can make the most of it!
Would be great if you’d subscribe!
Yep my spring garage is getting the same, though 25.5k after I spec'd it.... I remember when a top sports bike was 8k! Its mental now! But that ASA is just amazing! Parts bin? I would argue its part of the industrial look and done with purpose, the design philosophy is clear. But one mans scrap is another gold, I love it. And all that luggage space is a problem? Get in the car? Odd comments, we bike for the feeling, I don't want to be in a car going down some far flung mountain pass overlooking a breath taking view from a car, and having plenty of luggage to either camp out under the stars or have a nice set of clothes to change into at the hotel? IDK I think you missed the point of the bike totally. But that's the beauty of being human we all like and love different things.
The ASA is great tbh, I hope you love it when it arrives!
Excluding the money from the equation and the social motive for the choice, I find the bike a fine piece of kit. What’s made for? The same the precedent GSA was made. And it sold in big numbers. I think this one will do probably so well like the dated bike it replaces. The standard 1300 GS is a different bike. It almost behaves like a super moto bike. And the difference between the two bikes is now very clear. This is a more touristic bike for bigger riders and bigger pillion. The suggestion for the K1600 is a good one. I agree with that view, but the GSA can have an automatic gearbox and the K1600 doesn’t, besides the fact of the quick shifter is smooth like butter it hasn’t that gadget yet. In general l, the bike makes every sense, since you value the stability and the road presence effects. It makes a lot of sense to me.
Nice video. Thanks. 👍🏻
Thank you for your feedback it would be great if you’d subscribe
@ I will. Thanks!
You aren't in a position to know what people need or don't need. We are all different with different likes snd needs.
Yes, and? It’s a review based upon my opinion.
I hope those that buy it love it, and those that don’t buy something they do.
It’s just a motorbike and a light hearted review
You should probably change the headline to The Best Bike I Don't Need.😅
Claiming that nobody needs that bike, that amount of luggage and people buy it just because they can, is just silly.
I am 6ft. 4", have an 39" inseam, live in Norway and tour quite a lot together with my girlfriend.
We bring our tent, all the clothing / equipment we need and travel both on motorways and on gravel across mountain passes.
The 1600 is comfy, but definitely not suitable for my long legs or doing gravel rides among norwegian mountains.
Also, the suspension of the GSA provides much better comfort on bumpy roads than the 1600.
You had the rally / enduro windscreen, so naturally it will not give a good protection.
The GSA is also better suited for a passenger than the 1300, with its longer rear subframe and bigger seats.
Adjustment of the rider seat is also better, as you can individually adjust the height front and rear.
Those are nice features on long distance touring.
You say your scorecard takes your bias away.
Well, using criteria like styling, coolness, practicality and comfort aren't exactly neutral measurements.
Giving the 1600 a 10 on practicality and the gsa a 8, tells me, again, that different people have different needs.
The GSA is not the bike for you, simple as that.
What others need, that's for them to decide. 🙂
Thank you for your comment, there is a full video detailing the scoring system so hopefully you will see that and you will understand that it does mostly take my bias away.
My review of this bike is from a UK perspective, and most of the folk that will get this because they can not because the need it, and thats a fine reason, but its the only reason.
Of course every rule has exceptions a people like you are an exception.
I know the 1300GSA is not for me, neither was the 1300 GS, as for me the engine noise and the gearbox are too flawed.
Honestly, i really dont care what people buy, and my opinion is that of just some guy.
Would be great if you would consider subscribing
@RRGS78 Did you try the ASA?
Especially in manual mode, i found it much more smooth than the qs on the manual gearbox. 🙂
I think you are sort of right. It is to do with choice. Here in the UK there are some local off road trails, where you can get really muddy. I have never seen a 1150/1200/1250/1300 on these trails KTM, AJP, RE, yes. The GS is a marketing success for BMW playing on the "dream" that you will travel to Africa, come across some tribe that is having a meal, they'll invite you to sit down, you'll exchange pleasantries, you will get the iconic photo of a smiling tribesman with spear and shield, next to your GS and you'll leave and be home by 5.00pm.
In reality, 98% of will never go off road, they will have 3 box's, 100% road tyres and go on a BMW organised world of adventure trip to the "Black Forest". These bikes are now more than ever a way of flashing the cash and removing the sheer pleasure of motorcycling.
I did a review on the 1300 ASA, and that is an exceptional gearbox, I was genuinely impressed!
Put beautifully!
I would love it if you’d subscribe
Nice video, try KTM 1290 super adventure S or the new one 1390 super adventure S.
i would love to try that bike±
Would be great if youd subscribe?
Yr probably right on the majority that will buy it 😄 I wont though, I think it looks a dog turd no matter how well it goes. You seem to be the only youtuber thats not telling people they suddenly need auto transmission, blind spot detect, rear collision avoidance, cotton wool wrap etc etc... And people are sucking it up like hoovers, apparently.
Thank you for your kind comment!
It would be great if youd subscribe
Watched it all again and again I agree with what you say, the gearbox doesn't bother me one bit, for me, it is what it is and just accept it.
Thank you for watching it again! I deleted it by accident like a dick.
The gearbox really did drive me crazy, as for me, I just couldn’t understand how they could get everything else so nearly perfect and fuck this 1 thing up
@@RRGS78 When I had my 1200 I used to just bang up and down and mate said I was gonna fuck it up, I replied, I won't own it long enough, it'll be someone else's problem 😅
That’s the spirit!
Great video and commentary. My first observation from your video was the unbelievable amount of engine noise. Was the mic inside the engine casing? I can afford one of these but this is the first GS by judging from your video, that has not ticked all my get it boxes! Namely - 1) it is heavier than the R1250 GSA, 2) engine sounds very bag of bolts like, 3) you were not impressed with the wind protection. I really can’t see the big advantage comparing it to the R1250GSA which is a dream to ride bike. I’m sticking to the 1250 until I get my monies worth out of it. However …. never say never😊👍
The engine does sound that bad, there is no real reason to buy one over the 1250GSA
£23000 and the shaft drive is a consumable at the owners expense. No thanks.
An interesting take on it, thank you for sharing!
I hope you’d consider subscribing
BMW will offer FREE of charge mileage-based driveshaft replacement for the lifetime of the bike even if the mileage threshold is reached several times. The measure also applies to the R and RT bikes.
That is interesting thank you!
Would be great if you’d subscribe!
That's for the 1200 and 1250, not for the 1300!@davidaikman3047
@@davidaikman3047 yes because its another fault they cant quite seem to nail
How do you find the Klim boots? They look good.
They are great, i have the Outlanders as well, and the BOA system really makes a difference!
Does this mean someone else has missed their test ride for a second time, there will be fireworks!🤣
lol that’s funny! I deleted it by accident like a melt, and the video did really well. So I have lost all the views and hours it got me 7.2k views and over 700 hours
@ lol well I watched it again just in case I missed anything first time around 😄
Thank you sir!
Cost 1 ?
Not sure these scores have any relevance as most will buy on a PCP
There is a video explaining the scoring system
th-cam.com/video/jO9AKFjPBlI/w-d-xo.html
I have a 1300gs, and I drove a friend's f900gs for an hour on the highway, and the f900gs have like 3 times more buffeting and wind noise than the 1300 . It made the f900gs unbearable on the highway! Also, I used to have a k1600, and that bike was even worse at the buffeting level! I dont know how you measure buffeting, lol! I have to sell that 1600 because unless you use a barn door, the buffeting wasn't going away!. I do have a inners ear problem from the time in the military, and I'm very sensitive at wind buffeting, to the point that is the most important thing in deciding which bike to buy!. I'm 5'11, so not that much difference from you!
It’s nice you have a buffeting meter!
I find it ok, but I’m not very tall!
Thank you for your comment
. I do agree on the transmission on the 1300, In the range of 3k/4k rpm is perfect, bit outside of that is even worse than the 1250, maybe I got a bike made a Friday too!
Would be great if you would consider subscribing
No ASA no sense.. cheers
I think you’re right
But not ASA.
Interesting!