Having owned many BMW GS/GSA’s including my current 1250 GSA, I think many people mistakenly think the GS/GSA is an off road bike! It’s a superb road bike/tourer, that is also capable of Offroad riding, but ultimately its a road bike, thats absolutely superb on road, daily commute or touring. Good luck to those that want to take them Offroad, the extent that I’m happy to do this, is down gravel tracks, while out exploring the back roads on my travels. Ultimately, the 1250 GSA is just a brilliant touring bike, that can handle virtually anything, you can throw at it.
Very true Paul. For me personnlly I just felt the GS would be great all rounder but the adventure model was just a bit overkill, heavy, bulky for general commuting etc. I'd like to try the standard version for this reason.
I believe the seat adjusts about 1-1.5” from high to low position. Awesome bike. Beautiful bike. 80% of this bike lives on the super slab. Off road is not necessary if you don’t care for it. It’s just an awesome “do it all” bike that looks and performs in all elements so well compared with anything else out here. To say this bike is heavy my friend, you need to get back into the gym. This bike is not heavy compared to any bike with this level of displacement or touring of similar displacement for that matter. This bike checks off many boxes if you are inclined. Life’s short, just buy the damn bike.
Exeter rider you answered some of my concerns, I'm now leaning towards a 1250 than a 850 due to having a trip booked to Norway next year and this bike will be a better ride. Great review and footage.
Thankyou. Yes it's a great bike for what it's designed for the 850 and 1250 both are very good bikes for where they are place on the market. Any questions anytime I will do my best to answer them.
Hi, Just found your channel, good review. I know you mentioned that you can get various seat heights, but what was the actual seat height of the bike you reviewed. I ask that because I have a similar inside leg measurement. Thanks
Hi Colin, I cant remember now I think it was the 880mm seat option but I could be wrong. It felt a bit too high for me to be honest. The stanard GS would suit me more. Thanks for watching it E.R
Nice review, nice bike with lots of bells & whistles, would love one but can't justify it for a 5 mile commute. C 400 review next please, followed by xmax 300 as more affordable & practical?
Intresting Steve ,I was looking into doing a C400 but I am unsure what the demand for it would be like. Also the Forza 300 (which I may still try) Thanks for watching
The rt for sure, it's lower, decent screen, better rider triangle, turns in better, nimble, and better pillion comfort. The RT is probably my favourite bike😏🍻
Thanks! I'd have the 850 I reckon. Having said that if I tried the standard 1250GS with out the height and bulk of the adventure I might change my mind. Do you miss yours? What do you prefer. Over all I preferred the RT to be honest fir the type if riding I do. That one is coming up 👍
I just test rode both 850 and 1250 this weekend and would say the 850 is more my speed. The 1250 was incredible and smooth but I felt the 850 had plenty of power for me to do what I want to do with it. Although my biggest complaint about the 850 is the missing low end torque to get off the line nicely and worry about starting off any dirt incline 😬
Hi Exeter that is a nice bike you can see where the weight is on it but as soon as you are moving that melts away and the share power and torque of the engine does the job nice review as always .it would be nice if the nc750 had cruise control as well maybe as they have put it on the Africa twin it will work it's way down the range see you soon in the next vlog
How does it behave in the city? For a real bang on the buck, I'd like to use it as frequent as possible. How hard would it be as a commuter with city jams?
City Jams would after a while become hard work bearing in mind height and even though it handles very well at low speed it is still in essence the "GSA" is a heavy bike . The standard GS would be slightly better for that type of work. The 850 GSA would be even better and maybe a happy medium. It's what I would go for if it was for 50 % or over city work.
I found the SOS feature to be a PITA at times as it keeps flagging warning messages up on the TFT screen every time you loose the mobile signal, typically when I ride into Wales which is distracting so I won't have it on my next GS. Although it doesn't have the auto contact function the free mythreewords app can do a similar thing on your phone if you ever need it.
That's really intresting. I recently looked into the my three words but think I will look more into it. Seems a really good idea. Info like that about the GS is really intresting for me thanks.
@@exeterrider No probs, I'm about to get my 3rd GS so I'm a bit of a fanboy LOL. The problem for me is the warning message comes up as a massive yellow square that covers nearly the whole of the TFT screen and typically comes on when you least want it. The obvious advantage of the SOS system is if you come off the bike recognises it automatically and contacts the BMW call centre. They know exactly where you are and try to contact you via the little speaker in the button to see if you're ok. If they can't get a reply they call the emergency services which if you're injured or unconscious is a real advantage. If the mobile coverage was 100% across the UK I'd have it but it isn't and I'm concerned it could lead to me having an off. In other news BMW are now fitting DataTrak trackers at the factory on all new bikes except the 310 in an effort to improve their insurance rating with the 1st 12 months subscription being free
@@exeterrider The couch. 6-times with 5 different cancers since 2014. You purchased the 750 dct, correct? Love that bike...have sneaked a test ride[ok, lotsa!] on several over this time...finally feeling better. I'm 61 now, been playing on motorbikes since aged 8...do love them so. You are one of 5 or so visits I take to heal my spirit, and to feel alive once again...Shawn(and, Kelly) Smoak, Sean at SRK Cycles, Adam Sandoval, MVDBR from Australia, Bennetts Bike Social and a few others on the continent...rambling, sorry...Tolleson Life also!
@@billdumanch6237 ramble on all you want. Sorry you have had a rough time. You sound a top chap! Thanks everso for letting me be one of the few you watch, I'm humbled by that to say the least! I still cock it up in places but getting there! Thanks for watching the vids, really appreciate it 🙏
Thank you for taking the time to watch it. Doing that keeps the channel moving forward and make's the time and effort I put into it worthwhile and as time goes on I will get better at it 😊
I am 5/8 with a 30inch inside leg. It was a bit too high fir me but they do have 2x lower seat option which will be worth looking into. I think they can take it down to 780mm
More bike than most could do justice if I am honest. To me it's a touring bike the term adventure bike annoys me ,reason being a adventure bike should be light weight easy to pick up when you drop it and no having to take out a second mortgage when you damage it. I prefer a bike where I am it's master and the bike is not mastering me . Good review be that may, was down your neck of the woods last week on my way to Padstow.
Yes I agree but many like it just for everyday use. The 850 is more me but the next BMW is right up my street but not up for a couple weeks yet unless I bring it forward. I love Cornwall!! Id like to do a coast tour there next year maybe.
Just viewed your channel, nice job,,, However we would appreciate it if you could cut down on your ‘ummms’, it does get a little irritating after awhile. Will consider Subscribing in the near future, regards.🍺🍻
Top heavy? The gs is one of the least top heavy bikes I have ever ridden lol. My tenere is lighter but feels heaver because that actually is top heavy.
@@exeterrider Aye I mean to look at it looks top heavy. I feel like my GSA is pretty well balanced though. I suppose it's all relative to what bikes you ride!
You reckon? I think it's superb at doing the work its designed for but I appreciate it's not for everyone . But for carrying luggage and long distance touring its very good. Not something I would use alot but it's a good bike for it's niche. The RT is a better bike on tarmac I personnally think. Infact the RT is one of the best bikes I have ever ridden .. I appreciate your view on it though.
@@exeterrider Thanks, the RT is a purposeful machine, me and so many had bad experiences with BMW in general to the extent that we probably think any BMW is overrated, once you ride a japanese adventure, you will really appreciate the peace of mind, it's aka reliability
Having owned many BMW GS/GSA’s including my current 1250 GSA, I think many people mistakenly think the GS/GSA is an off road bike! It’s a superb road bike/tourer, that is also capable of Offroad riding, but ultimately its a road bike, thats absolutely superb on road, daily commute or touring. Good luck to those that want to take them Offroad, the extent that I’m happy to do this, is down gravel tracks, while out exploring the back roads on my travels. Ultimately, the 1250 GSA is just a brilliant touring bike, that can handle virtually anything, you can throw at it.
Very true Paul. For me personnlly I just felt the GS would be great all rounder but the adventure model was just a bit overkill, heavy, bulky for general commuting etc. I'd like to try the standard version for this reason.
I only use my GSA for off road (not gravel roads, thats not off road). It’s an excellent bike off road, very capable.
Yeap with perfectly matched torque mapping for it 👌🍻
I believe the seat adjusts about 1-1.5” from high to low position. Awesome bike. Beautiful bike. 80% of this bike lives on the super slab. Off road is not necessary if you don’t care for it. It’s just an awesome “do it all” bike that looks and performs in all elements so well compared with anything else out here. To say this bike is heavy my friend, you need to get back into the gym. This bike is not heavy compared to any bike with this level of displacement or touring of similar displacement for that matter. This bike checks off many boxes if you are inclined. Life’s short, just buy the damn bike.
Fair enough road glide. Yes it's an awesome bike for sure. It would suit many people for sure. Thanks for watching 📺👍🍻
Exeter rider you answered some of my concerns, I'm now leaning towards a 1250 than a 850 due to having a trip booked to Norway next year and this bike will be a better ride. Great review and footage.
Thankyou. Yes it's a great bike for what it's designed for the 850 and 1250 both are very good bikes for where they are place on the market. Any questions anytime I will do my best to answer them.
Hi, Just found your channel, good review. I know you mentioned that you can get various seat heights, but what was the actual seat height of the bike you reviewed. I ask that because I have a similar inside leg measurement. Thanks
Hi Colin, I cant remember now I think it was the 880mm seat option but I could be wrong. It felt a bit too high for me to be honest. The stanard GS would suit me more. Thanks for watching it E.R
Nice review, nice bike with lots of bells & whistles, would love one but can't justify it for a 5 mile commute. C 400 review next please, followed by xmax 300 as more affordable & practical?
Intresting Steve ,I was looking into doing a C400 but I am unsure what the demand for it would be like. Also the Forza 300 (which I may still try) Thanks for watching
I can see my house, from where you parked up for your walk around.
GS looks lovely. That's all I'll manage to do, is to look at it.
Ha, I should have popped round for a cuppa!
@@exeterrider always welcome
The Puig windscreen is a big improvement over the stock screen.
For sure 👍🍻
Hi, out of interest for road riding which do you prefer and why? The RT or GSA. Thanks
The rt for sure, it's lower, decent screen, better rider triangle, turns in better, nimble, and better pillion comfort. The RT is probably my favourite bike😏🍻
@@exeterrider Many thanks for your comments. I agree entirely.
Great review mate. So what would you go for 850gs or 1250gs. ? 👍
Thanks! I'd have the 850 I reckon. Having said that if I tried the standard 1250GS with out the height and bulk of the adventure I might change my mind. Do you miss yours? What do you prefer. Over all I preferred the RT to be honest fir the type if riding I do. That one is coming up 👍
Yes mate my was the 1150 love it. Thinking about going back to GS type bike which one have not got a clue too much choice out there .
I just test rode both 850 and 1250 this weekend and would say the 850 is more my speed. The 1250 was incredible and smooth but I felt the 850 had plenty of power for me to do what I want to do with it. Although my biggest complaint about the 850 is the missing low end torque to get off the line nicely and worry about starting off any dirt incline 😬
Hi Exeter that is a nice bike you can see where the weight is on it but as soon as you are moving that melts away and the share power and torque of the engine does the job nice review as always .it would be nice if the nc750 had cruise control as well maybe as they have put it on the Africa twin it will work it's way down the range see you soon in the next vlog
Yeap, the nc could do with it really. It was a nice bike. Thanks as ever for watching!
How does it behave in the city? For a real bang on the buck, I'd like to use it as frequent as possible. How hard would it be as a commuter with city jams?
City Jams would after a while become hard work bearing in mind height and even though it handles very well at low speed it is still in essence the "GSA" is a heavy bike . The standard GS would be slightly better for that type of work. The 850 GSA would be even better and maybe a happy medium. It's what I would go for if it was for 50 % or over city work.
I found the SOS feature to be a PITA at times as it keeps flagging warning messages up on the TFT screen every time you loose the mobile signal, typically when I ride into Wales which is distracting so I won't have it on my next GS. Although it doesn't have the auto contact function the free mythreewords app can do a similar thing on your phone if you ever need it.
That's really intresting. I recently looked into the my three words but think I will look more into it. Seems a really good idea. Info like that about the GS is really intresting for me thanks.
@@exeterrider No probs, I'm about to get my 3rd GS so I'm a bit of a fanboy LOL. The problem for me is the warning message comes up as a massive yellow square that covers nearly the whole of the TFT screen and typically comes on when you least want it. The obvious advantage of the SOS system is if you come off the bike recognises it automatically and contacts the BMW call centre. They know exactly where you are and try to contact you via the little speaker in the button to see if you're ok. If they can't get a reply they call the emergency services which if you're injured or unconscious is a real advantage. If the mobile coverage was 100% across the UK I'd have it but it isn't and I'm concerned it could lead to me having an off. In other news BMW are now fitting DataTrak trackers at the factory on all new bikes except the 310 in an effort to improve their insurance rating with the 1st 12 months subscription being free
Love your reviews-Bill in Arizona USA
Awesome Bill. 👌
Thanks for tuning in. What do you ride?
@@exeterrider The couch. 6-times with 5 different cancers since 2014. You purchased the 750 dct, correct? Love that bike...have sneaked a test ride[ok, lotsa!] on several over this time...finally feeling better. I'm 61 now, been playing on motorbikes since aged 8...do love them so. You are one of 5 or so visits I take to heal my spirit, and to feel alive once again...Shawn(and, Kelly) Smoak, Sean at SRK Cycles, Adam Sandoval, MVDBR from Australia, Bennetts Bike Social and a few others on the continent...rambling, sorry...Tolleson Life also!
@@billdumanch6237 ramble on all you want. Sorry you have had a rough time. You sound a top chap! Thanks everso for letting me be one of the few you watch, I'm humbled by that to say the least! I still cock it up in places but getting there! Thanks for watching the vids, really appreciate it 🙏
Top reveiw again bud 👍
Thanks Gav, thanks for watching it!
Thanks for sharing the review.
Thank you for taking the time to watch it. Doing that keeps the channel moving forward and make's the time and effort I put into it worthwhile and as time goes on I will get better at it 😊
What's the O.T.R. on this bike compared to a N.C. and servicing costs . Think the 850 would be your choice.
It would be yes, Its alot more than the NC even for the standard version but gaining the cruise control etc would be superb!
Just out of interest how tall are you ? Inside leg as I dubious about the height of these.
I am 5/8 with a 30inch inside leg. It was a bit too high fir me but they do have 2x lower seat option which will be worth looking into. I think they can take it down to 780mm
More bike than most could do justice if I am honest. To me it's a touring bike the term adventure bike annoys me ,reason being a adventure bike should be light weight easy to pick up when you drop it and no having to take out a second mortgage when you damage it. I prefer a bike where I am it's master and the bike is not mastering me . Good review be that may, was down your neck of the woods last week on my way to Padstow.
Yes I agree but many like it just for everyday use. The 850 is more me but the next BMW is right up my street but not up for a couple weeks yet unless I bring it forward. I love Cornwall!! Id like to do a coast tour there next year maybe.
Just viewed your channel, nice job,,,
However we would appreciate it if you could cut down on your ‘ummms’, it does get a little irritating after awhile.
Will consider Subscribing in the near future, regards.🍺🍻
Consider lol OK. I'm only an amateur. Thanks anyway. It's free to you at the end of the day but costs me alot of time.
No offense to you Sir, much respect.
🙏🙏🙏
Rt or GS?
Personal preference but for me I rarely do heavy offroad so RT
How about you? which one are you leaning too?
Top heavy? The gs is one of the least top heavy bikes I have ever ridden lol. My tenere is lighter but feels heaver because that actually is top heavy.
I think it was filled with fuel and its quite a big tank, also I was on tip toes👍🍻
@@exeterrider Aye I mean to look at it looks top heavy. I feel like my GSA is pretty well balanced though. I suppose it's all relative to what bikes you ride!
I think I would rather choose 1250RS instead.
Fair enough Michael 👍🍻
The most overrated bike in history
You reckon? I think it's superb at doing the work its designed for but I appreciate it's not for everyone . But for carrying luggage and long distance touring its very good. Not something I would use alot but it's a good bike for it's niche.
The RT is a better bike on tarmac I personnally think. Infact the RT is one of the best bikes I have ever ridden .. I appreciate your view on it though.
@@exeterrider Thanks, the RT is a purposeful machine, me and so many had bad experiences with BMW in general to the extent that we probably think any BMW is overrated, once you ride a japanese adventure, you will really appreciate the peace of mind, it's aka reliability