BMW R1300GS vs R1250GS - Performance test, full tank range, dyno & more!
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- čas přidán 21. 05. 2024
- BMW R1300GS vs R1205GS | Performance testing, measuring, dyno run, and full tank range - Simon Hargreaves and Michael Mann take the king of the sales charts and its successor and pitch them head-to-head.
⏩ The full review with all the data is at BikeSocial.co.uk
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - What's new on the 1300
04:09 - Dyno (Power & Torque)
07:56 - Performance testing on a runway
12:07 - Measuring ergonomics
13:17 - Tank range & economy
16:27 - In-depth Verdict
44:15 - Which do we prefer?
50:45 - BikeSocial Membership
51:10 - Outtakes
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The main thing this tells me is that I’ll likely enjoy my ‘23 1250 GSA for about 10 more years.
I kept my 2021 GSA when I bought the new one and I find myself using the 1300 more and more. It's really good.
@@fredjansen7451 well, your 1300 is technically much more nimble than a GSA so that makes sense. I think that as long as you have a 1250 specced as you like it there is not a major reason to spring for the new one right away
If you are not looking to rush the change, this was such a big change that there will be benefits to waiting on the mid-cycle refresh.
Exactly, don’t be fooled by the hyped language and crap twisted pseudo scientific BS. Both are great, the newer is newer and the older isn’t old, by far.
@@fredjansen7451 So you're telling me you bought a 1300 and you're using it. Woah! What a surprise. Lol, of course you are, you bought it 🤣 You're not going to buy it and not use it are you? Your comment is about as useful as a waterproof teabag.
Great comparison indeed. A few weeks ago, after watching many reviews about the 1300, I concluded that it was certainly a (slightly) better bike than the 1250. Then I asked myself “if I were to own one of these two bikes with the intention of racking on it 100,000 kms and keeping it for many years to come, which of them would make me feel more ownership pride after let’s say 10 years and a few scratches?” I concluded that for me it was definitely the 1250 so I ran out and got my hands on one of the last (maybe even the last!) brand new units I found. I figured if I changed my mind a few years down the road I could still buy a brand new (and probably even better!) 1300 whereas this was the last time I could buy a brand new 1250!
1300 looks like pumped up supermoto, however 1250 looks like original gangster !!!
They both look like boring old man bikes
Original gangster 😂😂😂😂 you need to get out more pal
or tall person bike.
@@gpzfan5272You need to ride the 1300…
@@jirihorsky9600Not with the electronic ride height adjuster, makes the 1300 much more accessible for non-taller riders.
I bought the 1250 Rallye after riding the 1300 , I love the substantial feel of the 1250 and the road presence .
How much coast in dollars
Forget the bikes, what about the review video, amazing!! Well done you BB team!! 👍👍
If I were going back to a GS I'd pick the 1250 and save myself around 6k on the price. The look of the 1300 is the problem for me as it reminds me too much of the Honda NC750x. Good review guys.
Thanks for an excellent comparison. As a BMW rider for over 40 years starting on a ratty 1979 R100RT I’ve loved and loathed some in between. I had a 2003 R1150R for a short time. One ride on the 1200 was enough. I had the 1150 as long as it took to get a 1200RT. Three years later I rode an R1200GSA and was utterly smitten. The RT was pxed in 2008. Then the LC arrived. One ride and the GSA was traded in for a 1200GS. Then a GSA which was much more what I liked in terms of presence and a much more planted feel. The GS felt almost skittish. However, it was much smoother than the GSA and others I rode. I’ve never ridden a 1250 but suspect that the 1300 is more my thing. My GSA used to get 67 mpg (real world) on my 40 mile town/A3/backroad ride. It had a staggering tank range. The 1300 keeps the DNA but updates as it probably needed to. What’s been lost over the years, though, is the low down grunt of the big twin in search of more outright power that is never actually used. My aged R100RT would pull top at 1,000 rpm and accelerate cleanly (ok and gently). Also a concern is fuel economy or at least the potential of better figures. We live in a time of economic-zealotry where the net zero Puritans are on a crusade. I worry that our passion for two wheels will be threatened unless there is more emphasis on the environmental benefits. Metal health alone won’t cut it. I’m 65 so I’ve had many years of fun on two wheels and intend to carry on but we all need to fight our corner against a tide of do-gooders (that do no good……).
I really dislike the lack of a dedicated brake light on the 1300. Big miss for me.
For me the styling really evolved. The og GS looks like a tank,while the new one decided to try and become a sporty suv
2 bike testers at the top of there game, testing 2 bikes at the top of there class. Outstanding vid.
You’re too kind, thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video.
What he said!!
I bought the ultimate 1250 as the 1300 is ugly they should have stuck with the rugged look..if I wanted speed, I'd go multistrada or ktm... comfort wise GS all day. That new headlight looks like they ran out of ideas and thought, "Hurry up. we need this bike out now ££££££
Good in-depth review thou lads keep up the good work.
Seeing them together makes me realise how handsome and purposeful the 1250 looks. 1300 ?? It's a no from me 😢
From the day one i saw this new 1300 i said no for this bike,, 1250 is the legend
Same here, I couldnt spend that sort of money on a bike thats so ugly and cheap looking, no matter how well it goes
@@GPR111 I agree with u , i have gsa1250 and just received my multistrada v4 rally,, thought of switching my gsa with the new 1300 but after testing the bike and seeing it in real life i can say i will not buy this ugly bike for sure even if my gsa engine broke down 😅
The 1250 is fugly
I tested the 1300 yesterday and the engine makes a terrible knocking noise from the top end. For 32,295$ OTD there’s just no way I would buy it.
Mine doesn’t.
But it will shortly.
BS
Great review guys, thanks!
The definitive comparison that outshines all others. Brilliant! Thanks guys.
Excellent guys, thoroughly enjoyed your discussions
Moved to Ducati after three GSs, not going back, it’s the whole ownership experience, V2S now V4S next time.
Legend
Thanks for the detailed and thorough comparison. Very interesting and informative
Brilliant as usual, looking forward to watch this epic series. Well done on a great opening episode. ❤
Brilliant video boys really enjoyed it 👍👍
The best comparison I've heard. Thanks. I'm a R1250GS owner. Never ridden the 1300 but know many who have. Power and Performance were not the driving factors in my decision to buy the 1250GS. Handling, physical size (I'm 6'3) and the Boxer Engine were. I'm very happy with it. The additional power, torque and lighter weight are not factors I consider important. I love technology, but to a certain point on bikes. I rather retain control and skill on certain aspects of riding. Plus, I guess you're waiting to hear this; I still don't like the 1300 appearance!
Neither do I!
Great job on the video
Such a great test guys....thank you so much for the quality content!
You’re more than welcome, and thank you for taking the time to comment. Cheers, Michael
The 1250 Looks so much nicer (from the front). My 1250 is due for replacement this year but based on the nasty front end styling alone, I won't be getitng the 1300. Not sure what to do, R9T Scrambler maybe. Great video team, thanks. 😎
I agree. The 1300 is an eye-sore to me as well. Unless they change something, I currently own my last GS.
Top testing, it was like our beloved Performance bikes ❤ thanks Simon and Michael thoroughly enjoyable and factual 👍🏻
You’re most kind, we appreciate the love.
Cheers, Michael
Great information and great video thank you
Just bought ‘24 R1300GS tramontana, test rode both bikes and loving the newer one. Great review and comparison 👍🏾👍🏾
You’re very welcome, thanks for the comment!
Now this is a REAL REVIEW.....thanks guys so much.
Excellent review video!!
Great in sight thanks guys outtakes should have stayed in
Currently running my 8th GS (1250 triple back) they are great bike. I’m collecting a 2024 S1000XR, in a week! I do like the 1300, but will wait a few years. Great comparison, chaps, very comprehensive.👍🏻
Brilliant review guys 👍👍 I have just bought a new 1250 Adventure for me and the wife for long touring which is just perfect for us. And the new 1300 has more teething problems at the moment. I now it’s not an Adventure the 1300 but it felt to small for us for two up riding. Looking forward to seeing the new Adventure bike and test riding it. Thanks again great video 👍👍
Great video. Love the new R1300GS 👍
Cheers guys a very interesting and thorough comparison. I'm looking forward to the fiest episode of 'Old Man Chat'
Good review and,yes some of us like a deep dive into the numbers and figures! I've not yet ridden the 1300 but what I found very interesting was that Simon picked up on the new bike lacking that feeling of "mass" that-to my mind- defines a lot of the character of the 1250. Sure,I've cursed the weight and size at times-pushing it about or if it's leaning more than planned- but I've had enough rides in poor conditions-wet,windy,poor roads- or over big miles to be glad of its solid unflappable feel. My previous Tiger Explorer had the same vibe and it's perhaps one of the positives of adventure style bikes. I can understand why BMW has perhaps went in the more sports tourer direction it has with the 1300 as it will pull in more riders vs my niche of riding style.
It will be interesting to see what direction they go with the GSA replacement- still surprisingly elusive in both info and spy shots...- and what sort of riding character it has. Thanks Michael and Simon for putting in the time and miles for this video.
Some really interesting and useful tests for users out in the real world.. 👍
What a wonderful comparison. Really great job guys!
Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed!
Thank you for doing this comparison. I have (had) a 2021 BMW R1250 GS triple black, I've been very happy with bike but the new R1300 GS has a lot of new features that I would like to have on a bike that I will be using for long trips. So I've placed an order for a new BMW R1300 GS Trophy with the forged wheels & the auto height control. I configured it on the BMW motorcycles website. My local dealer has received 6 of the new R1300 GS so far, but not my bike yet (2 weeks more), this is due to it being a custom configuration. Your comparison has confirmed that I made the right decision to upgrade to the 2024 BMW R1300 GS. 👍👍👍
Great stuff, glad we could help. Please do let us know how you get on with the 1300.
Cheers, Michael
Congratulations on the bike!! I was looking at one too, but after I road it, I wasn’t sure it was an upgrade. Different for sure, but upgrade? I know the physical numbers call it an upgrade, but it’s starting to feel like a sports bike to me… the problem is that there are a plethora of sports bikes that are so much better than a GS.
Anyway, what made you decide that it was an upgrade?
1250 every time. The stats are not impressive enough for the 1300 and it’s hideous looks up front.
The small amount of performance lets me honest is lost on 99% of GS riders. Who cares the 1300 is slightly more powerful, slightly more quick. Most GS riders really couldn’t care less.
Indeed and the 0-60 is identical and that's the range of speed that matters most on the road. But, if the wind management is that much better on the 1300 I'd pick that. For long distance riding the wind can be tiring...
Exactly.
Precisely the point we made in the video - GS owners don’t care about 0-60 time but for the purposes of a thorough test, performance data was a must. The wind protection makes a huge difference, remarkable how two added deflectors can help so much.
How is it 1250 every time? 1250 every time if you don’t want to spend extra money perhaps! The testers say wind protection is not as good on 1250 the 1300 is superb there on the motorway and it is a GS on steroids, a real characterful beast performance wise , packed with tech, and it makes you want to ride more.
1300 every time, thats why i have one in my garage.
@@johnnyblue4799 Maybe, but not enough to make me take a loss and trade my 2022 1250.
Excellent video folks, I watched the lot, even the corporate messaging despite already being a member 😁 Now I'm speculating the BMW have under-reported their power figure for the 1300 which is why it appears to have done something revolutionary in terms of reducing drivetrain losses. I reckon the bike is doing 150hp at the crank and in a couple of years time, a mid-life refresh will bump the claimed figure from 143 to 155ish, but without the corresponding jump in results at the wheel 😉 With all that said, can't wait to ride one! I hope the claimed weight losses continue with the revised R and RS
Good Review...well done.
Thank you kindly!
Firstly thanks for the hard work in putting together such a high quality, in depth comparison. Secondly, the 1250 has more presence in the showroom, I’ll be curious when I ride the bikes, lastly ..as an ageing speccy biker.. have you tried varifocal constant lenses? The centre focuses up close and the rest of the distance is unaffected. I don’t like contacts so I wear varifocal Wyllie’s on the bike (bit of eye protection too) but the vari contacts work really well. Keep up the great work.
Something TMF went into in a bit of detail - Pillion comfort suffers on the new bike. For those couples touring this would be a consideration.
Stand by! That’s coming too. I have Mr & Mrs Milbank lined up - they’ve filmed a few Pillion Opinion videos before on our channel.
Best video ever! 👍
Well done. Very comprehensive. The 1300 headlight doesn't bother me as much as the billboard-size black plastic above it.
Nice review,watched a few videos comparing these two bikes but this is the best I’ve seen, only problem that I can see is the absolute crazy price of the new BMW when you start to spec it up 😢,
Thanks chaps, 'really enjoyed that. :-)
Our pleasure!
Great review guys. I have just purchased the 1300 after owning the 1250GSA , only for about a year and not for me. For me personally, if BMW had not introduced the 1300, I would have probably switched to Ducati or KTM. But that is my own opinion coming from a history of sports bikes.
Great review - thanks for putting all that effort in. I've tested the 1200 and 1250 a number of times over the years but never felt able to pull the trigger - I'm in my early 60's and still have sports bikes in my system (although my knees and wrists are well over them) - the GS just felt a little ploddy for want of a better word. Maybe the 1300 will address that. I'm riding one this afternoon and then a MS V4S in fortnight's time so that will be an interesting comparison for me. A key point will be pillion comfort - which is not possible to evaluate on test rides - it's a shame you are covering that separately but later as I'll probably need to buy before it comes out. Early reports seem to suggest that the 1300 is a step backwards for pillions... Anyway, many thanks for an enjoyable video.
Please come back and let us know what you think of the 1300 GS and Multi V4 - be interested to hear your opinion.
@@writestuffmedia well, after a 90 minute ride I would say the R1300GS is a bit better than the last one but not by much. It was a bit vibey around 80mph actually which surprised me as the last one wasn’t. The gear change is better but still worse than most non-boxer bikes and the ride - in dynamic - was ok but hardly a magic carpet given all the tech. And the bars are too wide and ever so slightly too much a reach (for me- 5ft 10/178cm). Auto ride height lowering is brilliant though. But sadly it still doesn’t light a fire so not for me…
After test riding them back to back I bought the 1250.
Interesting. What made you choose the 1250? Have you owned a GS before?
Cheers, Michael
Definitive
Thanks guys
Really interesting and thorough comparison. Re the headlight... I have no problem with the X shape, its the position that irks me. If the position of the radar and the headlight were swapped, the front end would look so much better imho. 👍
This is some top tier content. Thorough, in depth, accurate, fair, objective and entertaining from a geeky point of view. Cracking bit of journalism, although it shouldnt come as a surprise from these two. Well done gents. Only comment is lets get Mufga involved more on the tube.
Thanks for that. Mufga did the Honda 650 EClutch launch recently so we’ll have that video soon. He’s also lined up for a few group tests coming soon too!
Over £20k and still no backlit switch gear. BMW are taking the piss.
That is a very good point. Can't argue.
No carplay/andord auto either
I know that feature is cool but it is just that. People ride 1% of the time during the night. That feature is useless.
Best in-depth review I have seen so far on the GS comparison. Would love to see a GS 1300 vs KTM 1290 S vs Ducati Multistrada vs new XR 1000 review in similar detail.
Thanks for that. Yes that’d be a whopper of a test. I’d imagine the Ducati would shine but it all boils down to what you want your bike to do.
I went from a first Gen S1000XR and was about to buy a 2nd Gen. After 3 test rides back to back I wanted both. 😂 However, bought the R1300 non Trophy with all the electronics and really love it. S1000XR is also just very very hard to pass and certainly has the performance edge at higher revs and certainly an intoxicating character. It just wants to to go crazy at all times and that's where I just felt the R1300 GS won for me because you can be as relaxed as you want and still push when needed.
I also have a K1600 GTL and for me that's the ultimate touring bike.
I have the test rides on my channel.
@bennettsbikesocial Amazing, fantastic and the best companion. Thanks
The biggest issue I am running into with the 1300 is finding the accessories. In the USA they have stopped selling even the Vario Panniers. Even for the engine guards, I have to wait till May.
“Probably wouldn’t have it in the green colour “ 45:33
Totally agree, I ticked every option , with the white colour !
Hello everyone from Italy.
Congratulations for the test/video, really precise and complete.
I have been riding an R1200GS LC for nine years and in July they will me deliver a new R1300GS Trophy.
I wanted a more modern bike but one that maintained a family feeling, with the same touring vocation but a little sportier (I had also thought about the S1000XR, but it's too sporty and consumes more).
Our pleasure, thanks for the comment.
Cheers, Michael
Our pleasure, thanks for the comment.
Cheers, Michael
I like both bikes but at the moment I’ll stick with the 1250. Sometimes we can make comparisons that in the real world don’t really make a big enough difference. I have a 1250 but also have one of the last of the air cooled 1200’s, they’re very different in lots of ways but I can’t say the 1250 is the better bike because I get different things from each bike, they are the same in many respects but different to ride at the same time so I enjoy them both.
Very interesting and professional comparison between these 2 bikes. I was thinking of buying the new GS to replace my 2016 GS1200 but the price is off the scale, i tested a Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer and bought that one instead and its not a BMW GS but compared to my old GS it is better on everything and the most comfortable bike i ever ridden. Maybe when the new GSA arrives it will be interesting to make a comparison?
Simon is a terrific guy .. what ever BMW try, he always spit out the truth. Most people still love the 1250 gs over the Honda looking 1300
In my opinion he is very biased to the 1300, defending it nonwhatsoever.
THIS is why Bennetts BikeSocial is my favorite motorcycle channel👍
That’s the best comment of the day, thanks! ☺️
I noticed the tail bag on the 1250 mileage test was quite a bit wider than the one on the 1300. There's your efficiency delta.
Thank you very much for a very good video. Yes, they are indeed very different, one is cumbersome and heavy and the other modern and agile. It is the option to compete with the Multistrada, which is now the queen of big sports trails.
Great job guys. More Bruce Dunn please
Not until he can make a decent brew! 😜
So strange just been trying to decide as we speak . Been speaking with dealers and trying to part with my 1000GT. I think after riding the 1250 GSA and the fact they have 2.9 Apr atm, made the decision even harder. I love the way the big GSA makes u feel on the road is like no other bike out there! I have ridden and owned quite a few! Speed isn't and issue as u cant utilise this in the UK anyway , off road ability will be slightly better on the 1300 due to size etc. However, the presence and the looks of the 1250 is why I choose this bike. Maybe in a few years the 1300GSA might look better. After all I think biking is very much about how u feel and not about performance or tech ! Great review btw
These two blokes are awesome 😎
this is the test i have been waiting for and it did not disappoint.
When you tested the 1250 against the 1200 a few years back the 1250 measured 128 on the Dyno. Any idea as to why such a difference? I was surprised how well the 1250 did against the new bike especially being apparently well down on power. Overall I am struggling to like the looks of the 1300, particularly the Tramuntana version with all that green and gold.
I couldn't bring myself to spend $30K on the new bike and I still prefer the 1250's looks and the Adventure model so I ended up with a 1250 GSA and I couldn't be happier. I'll wait for the mid-cycle refresh in a few years before I consider the 1300.
Thanks for great review, I'm a 6'2 rider, after spending time on the gs 1300 and 1250 on and off road. 1300 wins on the road, 1250 wins offroad both in ergonomics and in engine/gearbox, especially in slow technical. 1300 is cramped and doesn't have the same tractor like drive of the 1250. I will 100% be keeping my 23reg 1250 maybe replacing in a few years with a newer 24reg 1250gsa.
There is some correlation between dyno and performance testing on a runway. The 1300 lacks the bottom end by small margin compared to 1250 but 1300 beats it everywhere else especially at top end.
1300 is a GS in name only
Not for me and no more BMW's for me I suspect
Enjoyed riding the 1300 but the 1250 is much roomier for taller/ larger riders from my point of view.
Cracking bike if it fits you !
The autonomy test that would be interesting for most of us is running the engine in Dynamic, riding bend after bend, always above 4,500 rpm and all the way up to the rev limiter, as that's the normal backroads weekend ride for most of us.
There is where the 1300 dries out a lot faster than a 1250, when you are not using the top gears at all or the eco mode.
The annoying part is that with the 1300 you will always be the one in the group that asks for a petrol station when everyone else still has at least 20 additional miles.
Can't agree at all. I don't need to let the hooligan out all the time. That's what a crotch rocket is for, sitting in the Garage waiting to play. I'm more looking in something more chilled, relaxed that can go if I want it to, but initial goal with a possible puchase is nowhere near pinning it all the time. If I was into the mentioned by you, I would Stick to my multistrada.
Firstly - thanks both for an excellent review of both motorcycles using a mix of objective and subjective data . Quite professional. I purchased a new R1250 Rallye GSA TE September 2023. I traded in my R1200GSA TE which I had for 9 years. It never once gave any trouble. I purchased the R1250GSA because it was a mature design. In my opinion it's a brilliant bike. I did not wait on the R1300GS arrival because I know the way manufacturers market and optimise capital income. I recently had a test ride on the R1300GS - it was just as you guys described, an excellent design but different from the R1250GSA. I know that I will purchase one once the bike gets over it initial production phase and has whatever updates ensue from user feedback, say in a couple of years. It's a great bike now but will be an even better bike in a couple of years, plus there will be more 3rd party accessories by then. Cheers, Wm.
Interesting comparison ! Owned a Triumph Tiger 1050, Honda CrossTourer , Harley Pan America and owned three 1200GS and although I would buy a 1250 if I could afford to, I just love my current GS. I tried the Pan America and I am not about to slag it off but ok it was fast but having over the years owned three Blackbirds that no longer appeals and I would rather have the character of a Boxer engine. The 1300 to me is in the Multistrader market rather than the Adventure Bike market imo. To be fair though I am aged 73 so speed really does no longer matter to me.
The conclusions here are a bit disappointing: to say that the 1300 provides more confidence due to the weight saving is simply a shenanigan. If they actually took the time to be more accurate and weighted the bike, they would understand that the weight difference between the 2 models they were analyzing is actually around 7 to 8 kg and in a 240kg bike, you won’t notice any difference in the handling. It was over for me when comparing these bikes to the competition, that the multistrada was the preferred choice.
Interesting comparisons. I always thought the 1150 I had in 2001 felt revvy and buzzy at 70/80 mph. Not the low revving, torquey, characterful big twin I was hoping for. Never had or wanted another Boxer engined bike since.
With the way this bike is priced, if you include the side cases in this Green Scheme, it will be over $30K USD (before Tax, Title, Registration). If the history is an indication, the GSA will be another $2K above the GS. I don't know how European riders feel, but It is getting way out of many American's bike budget. I think it makes more sense to get one of the remaining 24 1250 GSAs at a discount along with the factory subsidized finance rate.
Great video . Don't know if I missed you saying but what mode where the bikes in on dyna and drag strip I'm assuming dynamic ?
Thanks, yes both were in Dynamic Pro. You should be able to see the mode from the on-board GoPro shots.
Interesting review, I haven't ridden the new GS 1300 so can't comment on what it's like to ride however I have a good look at one at my local BMW dealer , first impressions were it looks small parked next to the 1250 GS ( tiny next to a GSA) it's also not a looker either (really don't like the headlamp) the looks might grow on me but for now I would stick to the GS 1250 ( would have to be a GSA)
Thank You…
👌
Great side by side comparison and review.
Two aspects you didn't mention relate to noise:
1. engine noise - from what I've seen and heard the 1300 is noisier, more clattery, and
2. road noise - when I got my 1250 it came on Anakees and the road noise was horrendous and was only improved by changing the tyres; is it any better on the 1300?
I was so comfortable on the 1300 from an engine note and wind protection point-of-view. Because I can’t recall the road noise probably means that I didn’t note it as being an issue. Simon didn’t mention anything either, but then I was talking to him via the Cardo system most of the time!
It's horrendous. Mine has the Metzler Tourance Next 2. Much noisier then my 2021 GSA on Continental Road Attack 4.
Hi Michael, I picked up my 2024 BMW R1300 this past Saturday. I absolutely love it. In my opinion it is substantially better than my old 2021 BMW R1250 GS. The motor for one, is so powerful and torque, you can be in a higher gear entering a turn and when you exit, just a twist of the wrist will drive you out of the turn quite nicely. This was a problem on my R1250 GS, I live in the foot hills of the Serra mountains in California and I'm riding on the twisty roads here most of the time. On my old 1250 GS when I'm trying to trail the brakes in to a turn and go to down shift while turning the R1250 GS just would not do this on it's quick shifter, this always pissed me off as it screws up the turn. The R1300 GS doesn't have a problem with this, it fact using the quick shifter to down shift is one of the nice features on the new model GS. Also the bike with the new forged aluminum wheels turns nice and quickly, a big improvement over my old bike. The suspension is a bit on the firm side but not unpleasant. The seat also is a bit firmer but so far its been very comfortable. The motor is so much better than the R1250 GS in that it's smoother and more powerful which is a delight when your rolling on the throttle coming out of the turns. My 2021 R1250 GS had a flaw (suspension or chassis - unknown), which you would feel when going over small sharp bumps where it felt like the bottom of the frame was getting hit with a bat and you would feel this through the foot pegs. I had always wanted to bring this up to my local dealer and one day while having the bike serviced I needed to get something at my house and the dealer let me his R1250 GS, while riding up the hill to my house and back down I felt the very same sharp hit through the foot pegs. Well I'm very happy to say that this is gone in the new R1300 GS. Another feature that I love is the electric windscreen, when it gets windy, I just move it up until the wind is no longer a problem. When I'm up in the hills, I just move the screen all the way down as wind is not an issue. So far I find the fuel economy to be slightly better than my old R1250 GS. And quite of few people are complaining about having to faff around too much to get to items on the screen... get over it, you'll adapt just like you will with every bike you've had before. Most riders will get the bike setup to how they want it and then rarely ever touch the controls again... and just ride and enjoy the bike. No illuminated control buttons, well that would be nice but since I don't ride at night it's not an issue. Another thing I've noticed, is that you sit a little bit more forward on the bike, to the point where you don't see the engine heads protruding out from the frame. This I think adds to the feeling that the bike is much thinner than it really is. One thing that is a negative on a bike this expensive, is when using the quick shifter to shift in 1st & 2nd gear is just as clunky as the previous models, although I think this transmission is substantially smoother than the previous models, I can't help and wonder why BMW hasn't fixed this clunkyness, perhaps it's the nature of the BOXER motor and can't be made silky smooth for that reason. The work around is just to manually shift the bike in the first two gears, then after that using the quick shifter is great, actually smoother than the old bike's quick shifter. There's more but I don't want to be writing a book.
Great overview. Thanks for the detail and I hope those who’ve come here for some thoughts on how both bikes compare will read your comment.
All the best, Michael
So the conclusion is the new GS is less GS than the outgoing one but buy the Ducati because its better than both. 😂😂😂
Well, you have to take the cost running costs into account... those Ducati's aren't cheap to run! Mind you, neither is a big BMW.
I will be sticking with my 1250. I think the GS ADV character is diluted in the 1300 and it seems that a lot of the features that appeal to those that are or have switched can be found in spades in the XR or other high performance generic sports tourers. BMW know their market but I think they are making a mistake here. Maybe the GSA1300 will prove me wrong😅
I prefer the older style and look personally.
But interesting review.Cheers Guys
Great indepth review guys, enjoyed it
Thanks a lot, I’m glad you did.
1300GS for me please.
Great work team!!!
Not that it mattters, but notised in the perfomancetest, that the 1300 had way more fuel. So maybe it could have had a better 0-60. Anyway….great review guys👍
I test rode a 1300 while I was waiting for a tire change. I felt a big difference in the engine, particularly the throttle response. Yes, it does feel more sporty. And yes, the shifts were smoother. But I kept reminding myself that I was comparing a GS with a GSA so was wondering how many of those differences will evaporate once they release a 1300 GSA with a bigger tank and have it loaded down with luggage and gear. Like someone commented below, while I liked it I don't see any reason to get rid of my 2022 GSA anytime soon. Another thing is that I just turned 22K miles on the clock, and it has a few dings on the skid plate and wear marks on the frame from the heels of my boots. When I get on it to ride, I feel like I am putting on my favorite jeans. And that after only 2 years, so I expect the longer I keep it the more unlikely I will be to part with it.
One a Defender the other a Range Rover. Great comparison guys
Just a query. In the standing starts why was the R1300 in second gear for the start and not 1st when the R1250 was in 1st?
5 years later and the starting price has increased like 8000... wtf
Inflation… cost of parts and manufacturing… but as you know, nobody buys a GS at the “starting price”.
Loved this great test BUT what about comfort for pillions, my wife needs to know!
I believe some companies don’t allow it on test review bikes
Don’t worry, we have it planned. I have Mr & Mrs Milbank lined up for a ‘Pillion Opinion’ video later this year. They’ve done several already on this channel.
If you do a lot of two up touring make sure you give the 1300 a good go with the pillion first plus a top box. My wife found the 1300 much less comfortable and needed a break after 45 mins rather than the 2 hour stretch we can do.
Subjective I know …. But she found the arm position hard to take.
At 168cms, I'm too small to fit on either so I've never ridden a GS. I'm not really a fan of the BMW brand either but I know that certain people love them. It was a very thorough comparison with lots of facts and opinions.
I am under 160, 27” inseam, ride a 23 GSA. You can do it.
How do you know if you’ve never ridden one? They have loads of lowering options anyway.
Try a R1250R, just add a screen it's a lower lighter disaster version of the GS
What I’m saying is the “ claimed weight of the GS1300 “ is actually heavier than what is stated
What do you think about the shima giro 2.0 jeans? They are just A, but they feel and suit me very well.
What do you think / do you know the brand? Would wear them for urban riding and small tours.
Am biking since 2 weeks :)
Here's a fun fact Bennett: you insured my 1250GSA but couldn't quote for my 1300. Computer says no.
same here, wouldn't quote despite me having clean licence and full no claims.
My 1300 is insured through Bennetts, it cost me £12 more than my 1250 (plys admin charge of course 🙄), insured it on 1st March!
Great review 👍😊 I think for 50+ drivers i believe how can afford this kind of exklusive Bikes ,the comfort,manageabiliti and power is very important. After many different motorcyckles i bought a R1250 Gs and it,s amazing.It has looks,reliability that makes it unique So if the 1300 will be the same succes as the 1250 we have to vait and see .