12 months of BMW R1250GS ownership | The likes-The dislikes 🤪
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- čas přidán 25. 06. 2024
- After 1 year of BMW R1250GS ownership, here's my likes and dislikes, plus a bit about the new 1300 GS. Click on the playlist for all the gear I have put on the GS.
00:00 Introduction, talk about the new 1300 GS
03:19 The dislikes
13:50 The likes
20:56 And finally....
Further info from:
www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/en/mod...
Purchased from my local BMW dealer:
www.themansellcollection.co.uk
Helmet cam and microphone :
www.dji.com/global/osmo-action-3
www.dji.com/global/mic - Zábava
Thank you for another good video. I am a 2022 R1250 GS owner (Rallye version) and love everything about it. Maybe my love affair with my GS has taken over my senses. I do not have any issues with brakes, gear changes, vibrations, or anything else that some well-intending folks describe as 'dislikes'. My experience is that this is a very well-manufactured motorcycle. Ride safely and enjoy. Cheers.
Many thanks 👍
Really enjoy your channel. Great practical advice, always.
Bought a 2023 1250 GSA a few weeks ago. I tried to convince myself to hold off for the new 1300 but I just couldn’t do it.
I absolutely love this bike! I would buy it again in a heartbeat.
I'm in a same boat. Thinking to go tomorrow and get a 2023 one. R1300GS it's going to be even more overpriced. I'm not sure if extra 5k is worth it for what you get
Bought an r1250gs Ultimate a few months ago….couldn’t be happier! I’ll skip the 1300 for the future
My dealer explained it to me as "Quickshifters are not to be used from 1st -> 2nd as you go through Neutral", which makes sense as you have throttle open when going up the gears and neutral would cause it to jump.
Riding around the Brecon Beacons at the moment with the boss on the back ! I should have said”shift assist “…. Working great from 3rd and up with a nice pop as you change up . 👍
Best thing about the bike is the boxer over run sound! It just has so much character 👍
Great pros & cons video. Thank you for taking the time and effort to produceall these quality video's.
I was recently talking with a dealer in Montreal, Canada, who said BMW has enough 1250 engines to last two more years...how accurate is that...I don't know.
Looking forward to your next video's & stay safe!
Thanks 👍
Great vid as always! I'm getting my "new" (2023 demo model with 1064km's on the clock) 1250GSA this week, and cannot wait! This will be my first BMW (coming from superbikes), and man am I excited, even more so after watching all your videos. Keep up the good work.
Enjoy👍
Another great video. Ref the self cancelling indicators, my 2021 GSA has been doing my head in since day one. Quite often, I would be half way a round a roundabout, and they would cancel. I spoke to the tech guy when it was in for the recent software update, and he changed the setting to something like 500mtrs / 22 seconds. Far better to the random behaviour as standard.
You're right about the accessories: we have to add a lot of them, and that's a lot of extra money. Good job! (Quebec, Canada)
😂
Great review and most points spot on. My #1 complaint is the after market is just too darn good. I have spent way too much adding the fun tweaks and upgrades. My favorite like is you can add a Hex EZCan and really do some nice stuff like lights and a sound bomb. Will not be giving up my 22 GS any time soon.
Great video, one more like is that all is easy accessible, spark replacement, valve cheching, etc... without removing all plastic pannels from motorcycle....
Still my dream bike. Maybe the new 1300 when they make the Adventure model. Thanks for sharing!
Couldn’t agree more great bike 👍
Totally agree with everything you are saying. Have had mine for a year now, commuting to job and back and it's brilliant!
Will install a Hex EZCan and some Denali D4:s for the winter.
Thanks 👍
Great review of the bike with the pros and cons. Can’t agree more about the gearshift pro but like anything you get used to not using it for the first two gears. Fitting the back box with padding for the mrs was a game changer for her. I find another brilliant useful device is the hill assist especially with a passenger on board and luggage. Only thing I don’t like is the weird wind noise from the front area of the bike? Like you I’m an ex sports rider and over 55 now! 🤦♂️. Love the bike overall but cost for the extras ie Akra exhaust is expensive but all in all agree with all your likes and dislikes. Thanks for taking the time to do these videos really informative and helpful 👍
Enjoy . My wife didn’t particularly enjoy getting soaked over the Brecon Beacons today , but she was comfortable and had a warm bum courtesy of the heated seats , in June 😂
My 1250 GS is identical to yours - bought new in December 2022. I already have 5550 on the clock having just completed a 3159 solo trip to Norway and the Arctic Circle. I really wouldn't want to have done the trip on anything else, it is such a comfortable, reassuring place to be. Agree with all your likes - the only issues have been "Emergency Call Error - call your dealer" (or similar), which kept appearing and not something you want to see when miles from anywhere. Same as the "hissy fit" in your earlier video I think - my dealer tells me it is when the SOS system loses signal for prolonged periods. Tyre noise is awful on certain road surfaces but I am too tight to change until the Bridgestones wear out (which won't be long). The speed limit indicator driven by the Connect app didn't update when I first got the bike (same as my previous GS) but that was fixed with the 4 hour software update. I now use the smartphone Satnav attachment but don't use the Connect app, preferring the trip planning capabilities of Calimoto. Not entirely happy with the size of display and brightness (a phone thing) so should really look at a dedicated satnav install again, just not the over-priced Nav VI (and possibly the worst software implementation on the planet - Basecamp). Keep up the good work, excellent videos - and yes, buy a Speed Twin, you won't regret it (I have one too :-) )
Appreciate the post …. Now just got to convince the wife 😂
Looks great in black.
Good video covering good and bad.
Thanks!
I think like you, I only find the gearbox to improve but otherwise it's really incredible. I just returned from a tour of Europe a few days ago and in every situation she was truly impeccable. great bike! 👍
Great to hear!
As fans of BMW Flatwin motorcycles say from the start, “a Flatwin can be tamed, it must be earned…! “What must be understood and integrated is that a Flatwin, moreover, of such a large displacement, has its own natural characteristics, and what's more, cannot be used like a Japanese engine! Even if BMW has worked to improve things, has evolved a lot... A Flatwin is rougher, will grip more when changing gears etc... On the other hand, a Flatwin gets better as the kilometers go by! A Flatwin, even the latest generation, will never be an English or Japanese three or four cylinder... It's like a Harley Davidson, we buy it knowingly! 😉✌🏽
Thanks for another great video! Absolutely love my R1250GS too - it’s three months old and I still can’t stop checking out the after market extras for it!!! 🫰💷
😂😂😂😂😂😂
I’ve had my 1250 HP TE for around 6 months now and I’m still not convinced. I’m 5ft 9ins and weigh 11st 4lb. By God this is the heaviest bike I have ever had and is a real pain in the ass to lumber about plus I have to have both feet on the centre stand to get it on it.
The sidestand is too much of a stretch plus you have to really think how and where to stop to put it down as any upward camber is a red flag.
As you stated it attracts dirt and is horrible to get clean and dry.
The quick shifter is agricultural at best plus getting neutral sometimes is difficult but that maybe me. The downshift is not something I use too much as it ain’t that good.
Comfort and ride ability are spot on. All day ability with no fuss or groans.
The TFT whilst good is very prone to glare. I fitted a Wunderlicht tinted screen protector and hood. Useless!!
It’s definitely a money pit plus the costs of BMW genuine bits is OTT.
The worst thing is, as far as I’m concerned, biking is a fun thing. Is this bike “fun”? I don’t think so. I raise the garage door and it’s there but it doesn’t put a smile on my face which surely is what it should be about.
As a workhorse it’s 9/10. As a bike to ride for fun it’s 2/10.
I don’t see our relationship lasting unfortunately 😢
I borrowed a 1200gs a while ago before I got mine . To be honest I don’t get what all the fuss was about . So left the itch at that . A year or so later I revisited the itch with a 1250 demo ride and was blown away . Maybe I had reached the gs age threshold 😂. If the bikes not doing it for you the time for a change? Currently in wales Brecon beacon got soaked with wife on the back , heated seats and grips on in June !! Lovely 😂🏴
Buy a Ducati
@@mikemerrill175 😂
When I got mine I was told that 1st to 2nd gear was seen as low speed maneuvers so no point in quick shifting. Not ever having one I didn't bother but have noticed the odd jump down a gear when aggressive and lever sticking. I'm on about 4k miles.
Re: the multi function indicators (rear) I live in Singapore and also have the 2022 GS over here the rear indicators are tail light and indicators only, no brake light function. I was told that this is because the brake light function was not approved by LTA the governing body here for vehicle related matters. So if they can be "switched off" for Singapore then why not other counties too. It certainly makes the indicator portion more visible from the rear if your also braking.
I believe it’s the same in the USA too ?
Having had 5 Beemers over the years i am currently riding a Harley Sport Glide, which is actually a great fun and characterful bike to ride. However, i am thinking of coming back to BMW in the future , mainly because i want better wind protection, and a few bells and whistles like heated grips, and tyre pressure control. Your honest reviews have been a great help to help me choose. I did actually demo a GS1250 a few weeks back and loved it. I get your point entirely about spending too much money on aftermarket parts, you should try owning a Harley. You spend a fortune on it just so that it rides like it should in the first place.
Enjoy whatever the ride may be.....and stop looking on the internet then!😂
Can confirm, own a 2018 Sport Glide with 22k miles on it. Looking at a 2021 to 2022 used GS. Two completely different styles of rides. I did put a 57mm Showa TALL rear shock from a Fat Bob on the back of my Sport Glide to increase travel to 4.4" from 3.5" . It really makes a big difference on poorly maintained bumpy roads.
I have the same model,and pretty much agree with all your comments.I just find the heated seat(rider)takes an age to warm up..level 5 or I don't feel anything.And the fact that barely anyone nods at you when you pass them..how fickle we are
Yes I thought that but when it’s up to temperature , lovely 👍 heated jacket too and that’s a game changer .
Self cancelling indicators can be turned off in the setting...Page 77 of the Riders Manual bottom right of the page. Turn comfort turn indicator off.
Sadly not an option on my Uk model 🙈
Could you share what the wee screen is you are using while riding ? I’m looking for something small for warm days if we get any more in the UK haha. Thanks
Sure , it’s the BMW Rallye screen . 👍
Your bike is absolutely beautiful, what do you use to clean and polish it?
I don’t polish it much I tend to use the autoglym rapid detailer as and when , it gets a good snow foam too from time to time but the best thing is an air drier 👍
I have a 2019 R1250GS Exclusive with 22,000 miles and do agree with your dislikes but they are minor. I love my bike, BMW has a big job to make the R1300 better, we will see shortly if they have succeeded!
I love my ‘22 GSA. Have you dropped the rear of the drive shaft to check the spline grease, or have you had it done by the service department? Wondering how necessary it is.
Don’t know , I will ask them 👍
I am glad to have brembo ´s front & rear on my GS 1250 2022. I always use the clutch from 1st to second. As per 2nd to third, quickshifter seems ok above 4000 revs, how about you? I have Bridgestone batlax a41 tires, I will switch to Michelin road 6…do you advise me to do so( no off-road) Thanks, Marc Quebec, Canada 🇨🇦😉🏍
@@marcfalardeau6058 road 6’s great tyre but a few have had an issue with the bike just veering to the left when hands off the bars . Mine is the same , even when riding in France in the other side of the road so camber is not the issue . Not sure whether to put a new front r6 on to see if it was a bad batch or go back to Pirelli str’s which I had on my Africa Twin which were great , or out the oem Anakee adventure tyres back on and see what they do , but they made a lot of noise for my liking . I may do a quick video and ask what other riders are using for the road ??
you can now get plug & play dongles for the multi function lights that convert them into normal lights, much safer, bought mine from the bike thing 👍
💪👍
I feel your pain, being a KTM owner too. So many extra,s 🥺
Bought my 2021 GS new one year ago last week, 12,000 mile service just done $1000 wow.
I agree with your dislikes specifically the headlight as I commute daily and ride in the dark every morning. Low beam is crap, high beam is really good.
Low beam seems to only light up the road 20 feet in front of you, I installed Denali D7s, B6 taillight incredible difference. Also got their horn, little better...
Self cancelling turn signals... I have to re-engage them all the time they constantly turn off before I've completed my turn.
The anakees it came with (bike had 4 miles new) lasted 8,000 miles. I installed Road 6s (Florida wet season) and they're awesome so far 3,000 miles on them.
I cannot get on with the quickshifter at all, I never use it just too clunky.
BACKLIT SWITCHGEAR!!! Wake up BMW a premium machine like this it should be default.
Apart from all that this is the best motorcycle I've ever owned. Just did a 5 day 3000 mile trip, when I got home it felt like I stepped out of a car it's so comfortable.
The engine is shredded silk lovely torque.
That seems a bit pricey ! Did some flying training at Vero Beach many years ago . Remember it being flat and being asked for ID when we went out drinking , was 35 at the time …. Really enjoying my GS and it will be interesting to see what the new one is like . Don’t want to take one out for a demo ride though ….. just in case !! Ride safe 👍
A very annoying problem for me was that the TFT interferes with the reception of the Zumo XT. You can easily test this by turning on the sat nav with the ignition off and going to the satellite overview page (press and hold on the bar icon at the top left of the home page) and observing how high each bar is in the graph and what GPS accuracy is displayed. And then just switch on the ignition and you will immediately see how the bars shrink. Especially when you are driving in the mountains, the navigation system becomes so inaccurate that you can no longer tell exactly where you are. This problem did not occur with the BMW Navigator V. It also takes a long time until the first fix is available after driving off.
Fortunately, I found a solution: the lockable holder from Touratech is made of metal and shields the radiation of the TFT to such an extent that the reception is hardly disturbed any more. So it solves the problem and in addition the Zumo is protected against theft.
I hope I haven't put a flea in your ear to spend money. You just have to do the test, maybe your motorbike is not affected by the problem.
Thanks for posting . Not had an issue , (yet) currently in the Brecon Beacons for a few days . Did the Alps last year and no problem . I just pop the xt into my pocket of top box . 👍
I bought exactly the same bike 4 months after you…love it ..but here is my take ..hate the hill hold ..never used cruise control hate it on all my bikes ..use only 1 riding mode . ..I think sadly BMW and all motorcycle manufacturers are in a constant war in tech ..not that many people use it ..most people just set it up once and leave it ..but its pushed on us by reviewers saying it’s falling behind if it hasn’t got adaptive cruise control or 170 bhp etc etc ..I just wanted a comfy reliable touring bike
Indeed . I am happy with only 136 hp to be honest . I did enjoy the heated grips and seats whilst getting soaked riding over the Brecon Beacon Black Mountain road today . Not sure if my wife liked the weather though !! Hopefully the shaft drive will be around for years yet and not some fancy e drive motor with a belt 😂 👍
I've a 2019 1250 hp it the best bike I've ever owned fast comfortable reliable I've put a can on and it sounds bloody awesome, i don't have any issues with the quick shifter i have just purchased the new moto 2 street triple and the quick shifter is like butter , but i probably prefer the BMW for the character and comfort ❤
Moto2 nice 👍
Hi there, do you use a Bluetooth headset that connects into the bike? If so, which one and do you get full functionality or do you have to buy a BMW one for that? Cheers.
hi. I was using the sena 10s. which worked fine. I have now got the cardo packtalk edge and am just getting to grips with it. certainly much better audio quality. haven’t used it much on the gs yet as have literally just got it and am trying to work out the best way to interstate it with a carpuride w702 that they sent me free to test. as always instructions don’t tell all the story….but a superb apple car play unit .
You forgot the misalignment of the right foot peg! 🙂
Ive had a few 1200’s and a 1250, my biggest gripe was slow handling two up fully loaded. On my own it was fine but with a pillion and luggage it feels like the front wheel is just skimming the ground and there is no control over the steering. We went to Spain a few years ago and I felt like an idiot getting on/off the ferry with the front wheel seeming to waggle around. It was great once going but that slow speed thing was terrible, I’ve also got a 750 and maybe because it has a longer wheelbase it has more stable steering at slow speed. Have to agree about the dirt as well road a bit damp the bike looks as if it’s been through a field. The quick shifter does seem to be different bike to bike some smoother than others. My last 1200 the gears were a bit clunky but then after a 4000 mile tour it became so much smoother and quite different to how it had been previously👍
Currently in Wales with wife on the back (my wife 😂). Her first time really after many years of not pillioning, it’s definitely a brace brace job when she gets on and off and slow moving traffic the bike at times drifts from left to right as though I don’t know how to control it 😂 but maybe she’s doing her make up or something . No idea if tyre selection has anything to do with it ? Road 6’s currently but the front does veer to the left hands off so I don’t know if the tyre is a factor . Changing them soon .
The self cancelling indicators can be turned off in the settings!
Hoping that any software updates will give me this option as it’s not in my settings 🙈
How do you find the Clutch Lever Spread, I have small hands, and find the Friction Zone is on the very limit of my Fingers, similarly when riding the clutch, it’s hard to operate the Indicator stalk, in agreement with everything you’ve said
Clutch is fine , riding along miles of narrow sketchy Brecon Beacon roads today with the wife on the back , gravel across the road , 1-2 nd gear stuff , poor clutch was extremely busy . The indicator intend to go from 2 fingers covering clutch and brakes lever to using the whole hand over the clutch which then allows me to operate the indicator when I come to a stop /near stop and then it’s back to “2 fingers “ on the nicest possible way ! 😂
@@gsd32i9
They do give you an option to work the indicators, just press the button again😂
Too much for my little brain to take in 😂
Partly due to your vids I was very interested in the 1250 GS, but after being offered a much better trade-in deal from my KTM dealer plus 2k from KTM themselves, I ended up with a 1290 Adventure S.
Did you consider the big KTM or was the shaft drive a deal-maker for the big BM?
Really like the GS engine , low down torque is great . Shaft drive is definitely a must for me . Currently in Wales , Brecon Beacons, 2 up with luggage the thing pulls so well from way down low . Must say though when the boss gets on and off the bike it’s a major incident waiting to happen 😂
@@gsd32i Hah, I had my first ever pillion this week (a mate who weighed more than me) and it was a challenge up to 15mph. Everything after that was simple though. Getting on/off though 😳🤪
@@YarekBalear 😂
7:15 this could also be to do with the balance of the front tyre. A less well balanced tyre can lead to significant handlebar vibration. Same as it leads to steering wheel vibration in a car. Or if it was balanced at the shop maybe the weights fell off..
Hi, no it was all balanced . No issues with the current tyres on the bike, Next 2"s ,
. Hands off at motorway speeds straight as an arrow.
Standard windscreen is really noisy and loads of buffeting.
Is your screen smaller?
yes I have the standard and rallye screen, rallye screen is smaller and does produce buffet but it’s fine, 600+ miles in a day was ok.
@@gsd32i good to know!
You mentioned bar vibration , I put a version of grip puppies (14€) on most of my bikes and eliminate any bad vibes 👍 and yes your comment on head lights at night ! Bit disappointed to be honest I installed colight riding lights superb 👍
bar ends worked a treat, got small hands so I’ll keep the original grips 😂. colognes are good for the price. 👍
Same problem with vibs on the right hand. Added bar end weights and grip puppies, but still feel it a bit. Never been a problem on the left. No idea why
I own the same bike only with Bremen front calipers. I guess it all depends on what's laying in the parts bin. Performance wise I don't think it matters. The only dislike I had for the bike was the TFT learning curve. That's strictly personal because I've always been somewhat tech shy. Being an older rider (66) I can say this is my first bike loaded with tech. Fortunately, with time and experimentation , I've become quite adept at manipulating the settings. As far as the quick shifter goes, I'm not much of a fan. Not because of how it functions but more because it just doesn't feel natural. Again, in many ways I'm just an old school rider. I did try it a couple of times to see if it worked. It did. Since then I'm strictly a clutch shifter because that's what I've done for 52 years. I might add that the clutch pull and shift action are the best I've ever experienced. It's a real joy to run up and down the gears. Good job BMW. The shaft drive is excellent. The typical drive line lash is essentially gone. The engine is the real masterpiece. As you mentioned, between 2 and 6 thousand revs it gets all manner of job done. Instantaneous power when you need it and excellent engine braking manners. Ergonomics are so good I often wonder why it took me so long to get one of these. I appreciate your honest and straight forward reviews.
hi.thanks for taking the time to add those comments 👍
Mate, you should be proud of your efforts and BMW should appreciate it, I just bought your bike 🚲 🚲
Hope you enjoy it!👍
@@gsd32i strange that I cannot post a pic here! it's 2023 !
You can cancel self cancel indicators ! I can on mine same bike as yours this February model 2023 👍
The option of deactivating the automatic indicator switch-off will not be available until model year 2023.
Typical ! Hopefully if there is any new software to put on the bike when it goes in for a service on Friday then fingers crossed it will add this option ! 👍
@@gsd32i My bike will also be a year old next week. Had it serviced at the beginning of June where the latest software was installed. But this option is not added. BMW would rather service multiple software versions than add a feature for free. The bike is good, but the manufacturer is terrible.
@@christiantoth7959 🙈 I will ask the manager on Friday
Recall, take it in, get Brembo up front
Igen en god og objektiv video og jeg er fuldstændig enig....tak !
👍
U right .. i spent my budget on Wunderlich Accessories......And i don't like the seat..
🙈
I’ve exact same bike as you ( cast wheels aside).
I’d agree with much of what you’ve said. I’m on 2 years and just turned 12000 miles.
The biggest negative for me and the thing that would possibly stop me buying another is the paint finish on the engine. I noticed at 18 months that the paint is bubbling in several areas , especially around the head to crankcase joining face. To be fair the bike is going into the dealers in August for all new cases. Do wonder what they’ll be like in two years from now.
Surrounded by sea air and salt . Loads of GS’s where I live and haven’t heard of any case issues locally . Hopefully get all the new ones fitted and bike will be as good as new 👍
@@gsd32i Also noticed you had the standard screen fitted again, can i ask why, i was toying with going for the shorter one.
Hi, apologies for late reply. Just got back from a mini tour with the boss on the back. I have never had the oem screen on, as when I collected it from the showroom floor the rallye screen was fitted as per my request , so I thought let's give it a go. To be honest the dark screen will be going back on after its had its 12 month service later today, as we only got back home last night. Having done 100 mph plus with the short screen and 600 miles in a day on some of my trips, for me at 5'9 it's perfectly fine and I prefer the look.🤪 once again apologies for late reply. ride safe.
Thanks for the reply, and sorry for my slow response, I’m away in the Alps at the mo. I use an MRA screen and I’ve found that I’ve had it on its lowest setting for a lot of this trip so I’m considering giving a short screen a whirl.
Ive found , if you shut the throttle totally it is harder to auto shift down .
Only if your a bit low in revs is my take on this otherwise butter smooth😊
I'm doing everything right. I know what I'm doing 😂
indeed 😂
Why "vonderlick",their name is Wunderlich?
No idea and indeed it is.....was that the subtitles?
5,9!! .. GS1200 4,0l/100km….
Gearbox = shocking: Hill start assist = potentially dangerous: gear shift pro - same as the gearbox - shocking: rear light or lack of - bizarre: windshield adjustment - primitive: horn/headlight flasher/cruise control/ 'wizz wheel' - all jokes: rear brake pedal - tiny!! HOWEVER, engine, suspension, handling, brakes, exhaust note (Arrow can) love it...shaft drive - a pleasure. Ride all day - comfort and it will go if you push it. Check out what Terence O'keefe says!
Currently having fun in Wales with the boss on the back . Wouldn’t say the gearbox is shocking . Windshield adjustment is fine, hill start is good up/down/level although steep upslopes u have to rev it a bit more ( so could be an issue for smooth getaways !) whizz wheel no issue, size 8 boots so rear brake spot on . Horn is crap( sound bomb fitted) cruise control great , rear lights crap . Comfort is great as the wife fell asleep on the back 😂 my sc project exhaust melted my first number plate !!!! Ride safe 👍
@@gsd32i Enjoy the ride - I can see where the hill start comes in - two-up and loaded. First gear selection when warm is the real issue on mine - dealer says 'it's normal!' - even with my gripes, it's the best ride ever. Keep the videos coming. Regards
The title should have been "just a bit of a moan.."
😂
Hold the indicator switch for over 2 seconds and it will not self cancel on that occasion….. thank me later 😂
4000 miles in a year?? 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Oh dear!
He’s only on a tiny island 😂😂
😂they were 4000 miles of total fun though 👍👍 I only live on an island 8x5 miles 😂
How can someone comment on the ownership owning a bike for a year doing om;y 4,5k .,,,,just saying
Hi Dave, pretty easily after 40 plus years of riding in all weathers and numerous track days on sports bikes....ride safe👍
Aliexpress 😂
Never !! 😂