Harley Davidson Street Glide vs BMW R1250GSA (if you could only have one)
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- Опубликовано: 18 ноя 2023
- Here I talk about the pros and cons of each bike and hopefully I make it easier for you to pick which bike would best fit your style of riding/adventure.
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I thought I was only one who tryed to choose between GSA and HD Street Glide
I thought the exact same thing until a few of my subscribers asked for this video. Both are such awesome bikes so I totally get it haha. Thank you for watching!
I really like his this video. I have owned Kawasaki, Honda, Harley ( for 6 months) and several BMW GSAs. My biggest complaint on Harley is what you stated was the biggest pro. The Harley Culture!! When riding my Honda Shadow or VTX or the Kawasaki KLR the majority of the looked down on me and refused to ride with me. Their attitude was everyone wants a Harley and the only reason you don't ride one was because you could not afford one. Now on my GSA they still cannot understand why I do not ride a Harley. A Friend started riding the same time as me and got a Kawasaki Vulkan. All was good and we rode together till he got a Street Glide. He dumped me and started going to biker bars and the drunken bike rally's. I belong to a BMW riders club and we ride all over the country. We also welcome all brands. I like my GSA best because it is just a better all around bike.
Unfortunately, those types of riders are out there, and I do not understand that mentality. I don't care what you ride just that we enjoy the ride and the company. I have been to a few rallies but it's not really for me. I usually park check out all the bikes and then hit the road. I have never been a big partier. To me the KLR is an amazing motorcycle that could take you across the world and in many place the Harley could never go and it cost 1/4 of the touring H-D bikes haha. Thank you for watching and commenting. I really enjoy the conversation!
There are lots of snooty BMW riders too. I have been riding BMW’s since 1988 and HD since 1974. You see elitist on all bikes. Look at all the Harley haters.
You are correct There are S-heads ,every where. BUT in the National BMW group all brands are welcome and in our local BMW group we have all the Japanese brands, 2 Harleys and even an electric. 3 years ago I was taking an advanced riding class with all Harleys except me. Funny because there were several wives with them. As we all waited our turn to run the next evolution ALL those "Elitest" women and I mean all would send constant insults my way. Once while camping with a friend at "two Wheels only" the only other person there was a Harley dude. No lie every almost every 30 minutes or so he would have to show us how loud his pipes were and then blare the radio. Lasted almost all night. Another time camping at Iron Horse in NC a group of 6 Harley riders harassed us with loud music and all the other issues that come with being drunk. They got kicked out. You are right about there being other obnoxious people but it think the Harley dudes take ( as a group) take the win. I did just spend this weekend with 100+ bikers of all brands and all were great to be around. @@MrGus4440
I had a Harley Ultra Limited, a Pan America Special (That I rode to Deadhorse Alaska, Baja California and Sturgis, S.D. on) and I just bought a BMW GS 1250 Adventure (Trophy). I decided to reduce to just one bike and the BMW was the bike I chose to keep. I rode all over the USA several times on the Harley Ultra (62,000 Miles) and it was great. However, I think I made the right choice sticking with the BMW.
I think you made the right choice too. The BMW really can go anywhere. The more I think about it the BMW would be my pick too except for the fact that my wife and one of my daughters love the H-D. Thank you for watching.
Great video, in 2021 I bought my first Harley, a RD King Special. Love that bike to this day but to your point I spent some $$$ making it my own. I became frustrated with HD because items like heat grips and seats should be standard equipment especially on the Special editions. My frustration led me to BMW, in September 2023, I purchased a new K1600B from MAX BMW in CT. I still had the RD KIng but I went back earlier this month (November) and trade it in for a new 2023 BMW R1250 GS Trophy and haven't looked back. I'm not anti HD, just pro getting a great value for my $$$ and the Bimmers are kool as hell!
Totally agree with this! The BMW is way more bike and options for the price and like you said I am not anti H-D at all. My biggest thing with the H-D is the love my wife and one of my daughters have for it. There is no reason a touring bike for 30K shouldn't come with heated grips...... Thank you for watching!
It's ironic running across this video. I've owned Harleys, it was actually the first MC I ever bought and rode. Then I found European bikes...hello lean angles! It's a struggle for me b/c my wife has nothing to do with riding and spending $30k on a hobby only I participate in can be a touchy subject so it's 1 bike at a time for me. My current ride is a '23 GSA Trophy like yours.
HD holds a special place in my heart. I love them and think they are the best looking and sounding bikes on the road. I do not like the HD culture though, so much so, it keeps me from the brand. I ride with some guys who own/ride HDs and they are not the "typical" HD rider. These folks also own European bikes so I don't know what it is that's different. I would love to buy another Road Glide (would be my 3rd) and I still may do it. But what ultimately stops me is that constant wondering if I should've stuck with the BMW. The other main negative to me that you didn't mention is how limited HDs are on lean angle. I scraped floorboards left and right constantly when I had my HDs.
I have a small group of folks I ride with and where I live and that's great for me. I don't tend to search people out to ride with and honestly, if I see someone asking in a group about finding someone to ride with, it's a red flag for me. I prefer to meet people "the old fashioned way" so I can make a judgement call based on talking to them in person.
BMW isn't the only one who wants you to go to a dealer for any service. Ducati is even worse about it. In the part about chain adjustments, they tell you to see the dealer. At least it was on my Multistrada V4S. Fortunately, I have the Motoscan app with a cheap Android device so I can reset the service light on my GSA. You can pony up and get the GS-911 if you want more functionality.
You are absolutely right I drag floorboards all the time on the Glide. The BMW feels so much lighter and more nimble too. I find myself riding the BMW a bit more because of this although I think it would be the first to be sold.I find myself questioning why I own both as it’s a lot of money tied up that could be invested but like you said I am worried about missing the BMW. 1st world problems for sure. Thank you for watching and I appreciate your comment.
@@HowiesAdventures it’s amazing that there’s something about the allure of an HD. Keep both wheels down whatever you’re riding!
Good food for thought. I'll add that here in California, despite the great weather, we have the worst roads and they are getting worse all the time. This is probably true for most of the Country so I'm leaning toward the Beemer. Had a 2012 Road King Police with the Police seat that really helps with potholes, the police model is the only one I would consider for our roads. They also have smaller diameter wheels and taller sidewall tires that probably helps also. Thanks for the video.
On rough roads you simply can’t beat the Beemer. It’s an incredible bike. Thank you so much for watching!
You should join BMW MOA. It is very large and active community. I owned 1200 GS and GSA, 1250 GS and GSA in the past and loved all of them. Unfortunately, I did not like the new 1300 GS. I'll wait to see how the new GSA will look.Otherwise, I'll keep riding my 1250RT which I absolutely love! Congrats, you have 2 good looking bikes.
Thank you! I will definitely check out the BMW MOA. I have yet to ride a RT but I am sure I would love it. The new 1300 just doesn't do it for me either, I'll stick to my 1250.
I have road glide limited and a gsa. I have the same delima.Everything you said is spot on. I have had so many people come up and say nice bike on the Harley. The community is amazing. Don’t get that on bmw. I ride about 30,000 miles a year on my Harley. All my riding is done by myself. For right now I’m keeping both. The bmw I think is an overall better bike but it’s not a Harley.
Thank you so much and same for now I am keeping both just because of how different they are and the different style of riding they offer. Thank you for watching!
I have owned 5 Harley baggers, a Pan America Special and a BMW 1250 GSA low. Since I usually ride long distances mostly on pavement I finally settled on going back to one bike. The 2023 Harley SGS is my bike of choice for comfort and the number of dealerships in case of an issue.
I totally understand that! H-D makes the perfect machine for what you are doing. I love my bagger.
I would take my GSA all day over my CVO HD better suspension @@HowiesAdventures
I had a 09 Ultra Classic and then purchased a 14 GSA. After owning both at the same time I eventually sold the Harley. The Harley had thousands of dollars of upgrades and the BMW only had a taller windshield. What I liked most about the BMW was in traffic, on bumpy roads and bad weather conditions the BMW with its lighter weight and rider aids gave me more confidence than the Harley. I now currently own a 23 BMW 1250 RT. The reason I bought it was for the added wind protection. No bike can do it all, you just have to get what works best for what type of riding you’re doing.
@@squid148 100% agree with what you said that no bike can do it all. You have to get the bike that fits what you need. I have yet to ride the RT but I am sure I would absolutely love it! Thank you for watching.
@@danvalerio7949 Hands down the suspension is a million times better on the BMW! I love it.
For me biggest regret to go BMW from Harley was dealership network. Going for maintenance is hour away.
This I understand as well. My dealer is just under an hour away.
I have a ‘20 EGS, and added all my goods ( Legends in the rear, Klockwerks werks shield, saddleman step up seat etc.) and doing this was a lot more cost effective than purchasing a Street Glide special also had BMW’s ( R1150 R) Old goldwing Aspencade, etc. Just purchased a ‘16 R1200GS, and love it.. My whole thing is motorcycles are like shoes my BMW is my running shoe, the Harley is my dress shoe.. I am fortunate to have both..Both the Harley & BMW are the best of both worlds the best American, and best European Bikes..
I totally agree! Even with both these bikes I still need another pair of shoes lol. Now I need a dual sport or dirtbike for the tighter trails.
I agree with everything you said, I have had Harleys since 2003 before that was all dirt since I was 10 years old, Believe me I have been looking at the adventure bikes for the last two years because I like the back and dirt roads and the BDR's that are being documented now but none of the folks I ride with would get an adventure bike they are too old and half the fun is riding with others, So for you keep them both enjoy them both and I would try to hook up with folks that are riding the NEBDR and also like the 100 mile roads in Me all through the lakes ane remote camping areas Good content brother Happy thanksgiving to you and family!!
I totally agree that half the fun is riding with others. Yes, fortunately for me at this time I am able to keep both, and I am looking forward to NEBDR rides next season. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well brother!
Good points all around. 1250 GSA and a Road Glide Limited. They compliment each other very well. I wish the 932 lb RGL rode as well as the 600 lb GSA, and I wish the GSA was as easy to work on and had as good a dealer support network in the US as HD. GSA is an awesome road touring bike, but right now I think I need both 😆. I’d be happy to ride GSAs with you, but you’d need to move to NC!
Gosh I wish I could move south haha. The wife is adamant on staying put until the kids are done with school. So soon enough, I am ready for the longer riding season!
I never understand people saying the bmw is difficult to work. Basically is one of the easiest bikes ever to maintain!
@@12masterr I don't think it's so much difficult as it is just harder to find information on it. The H-D bikes are super easy to work on though in comparison to most motorcycles.
An excellent video! Thanks!
Glad you liked it! Thank you for watching.
I just got the GSA. I’ll bring the Harley back in 5years.🎉🎉🎉🎉
You will love the GSA such an amazing machine!
I got a Harley Davidson Road glide CVO and the exact same BMW GSA , everything you said I agree 100% , the Harley Davidson is a fun, comfortable group bike that lets you feel free,
Yes , the BMW can do it all but very boring to do it alone , its a grocery getter and a loner bike, I sold the BMW three weeks ago
I totally understand why you sold it. having friends to ride with can really change the experience. Thank you for watching!
Not into group riding AT ALL... that is hands down the reason for going with a BMW~
Totally understand that! I go back and forth. Sometimes I love to ride with people and sometimes the alone time is exactly what I need. Thank you for watching!
Unless you feel that you MUST have a Harley because of peer pressure, club rules like to make noise, pretend you are somebody you are not or some Ego thing, why HARLEY anyway? I have had Harleys for years and some of the above were for that reason. Just sold a 1 year old 2022 ST Street Glide that I bought new. Can not even hear the thing, throttle response is terrible, cable clutch never felt right and lever would jump back at you, gear indicator is blank when I need to see it, need new mufflers, tuner, shocks would be nice, rear cylinder runs real hot, uses oil every 500 miles or so and was told was normal. Being in California you have to BOOT LEG the things in to make it run right because vendors will not ship to California. Yes it is fun to modify a Harley but all people talk about is more sound, power, need bigger motor and the list goes on. So sold it and got a BMW 1250 GSA and it is just wonderful. Will do everything, has everything you could want and more, does not burn up oil like the Harley, runs great, throttle is great, cooling great and the insurance was HALF of what the Harley was. Pretty much done with Harleys. May get a BMW 1250 RT like the cops ride. No reason to do hours of training for ''U'' turns because unlike the Harley this thing is just so easy. Plus if you go to the Daily City Hells Angels club house in Palo Alto, you will see more than a few members with the BMW 1600 Bagger and another member Rides a Gold wing and of coarse many know the Late Sonny Barger hated Haley and rode Indian as some others do also. So its not just me.
I get it we all have our opinions on different bikes. I personally feel the H-D is a great bike and I didn't have the issues you did but I absolutely agree the GS is a wonderful bike. Never owned a Gold Wing but I know if I ever test ride one that I will want one lol.
Nice info! I was on the fence about this . I was gearing towards a used BMW, i guess ill stick with my klr650😊
You really can’t beat the KLR for the price. They are such a great bike!
BTW I have a ‘19 Road King too. I don’t need music.
Totally understand that. They are amazing bikes.
Yes, really good one…. Good video…👍
Thank you!
I bought the GS911 to help service the bike too.
This is definitely a great idea and on my list.
I don't mind visiting the dealership and looking at beautiful machinery. If Harley folk are going to dissuade me from an outing because I'm riding a BMW....they're not worth hanging out with....
I agree. If anyone won’t ride with you regardless of brand then that’s just silly in my opinion
Look up the GS Giants. There is a ton of members in your area that do a ton of riding up there in the White Mountains.
Awesome! I will definitely Check them out
I have a ‘15 GSA and I bought the service DVD. It does require internet though.
I didn't even know this was an option. My dealer didn't mention it. Did you purchase yours through the dealer?
BMW stoped selling the DVD manual sometime after my 2015 model. There is a guy on the GS forum at ADVRIDER that sells maintenance videos.
forgot ask you, how comfortable is off road bmw tires on a roads? Is it worth is you 80-90 highway rider?
For the first 150-200 miles I hated them. After that they are totally fine. I don't know if they needed to wear in a bit or if I needed to adjust.
This is a simple answer. Can you do all the things a GS can do with a Harley SG ? I think not.
The GS is 100% the do it all bike. I was super impressed of how well it does everything as well.
I really don't understand this comparison. Those two bikes have NOTHING in common.
It would make more sense a comparison between a BMW R18 Bagger or Transcontinental and the HD Street Glide.
It was never meant to be a head-to-head comparison but rather the differences between a H-D Touring bike and a bigger adventure bike. If you read some of the comments on this video, you can see many people like owning both or decided on one of the two.
Actually I am considering replacing my 22 SGS with a GSA and this video is very relevant to me. Prior owner of a GS and RKS and fortunately I can afford two bikes. (In addition I have a R1250R now along with the SGS but am considering the GSA to replace one as my main touring rig.). I agree with all of your points and this is an excellent topic and video.
Interesting to hear your cons on the Harley sounded pretty big, but the BMW were relatively minor. I’ve had two GSAs, an RT, Dyna low rider S, and a victory cross country tour. Yes, the Vtwin is so cool and fun, but it came with so many problems for me and my wife. The shear size and weight, breaks not as good, suspension terrible, intense heat of the motor, and all the weight on the tail bone really made it hard for us. I like Harley’s for local good weather, everything else, adventure. Currently have a monster KTM 1290 SAS… told wife, let’s go cross country. Rent a Harley or RT? Hell no, she said - GSA or KTM! Keeper for sure. (Really cool you have both, btw)
Thank you for watching and I totally think the Harley is a great bike, but the BMW is hands down a better bike. It all depends on what you are doing and what you want to experience. Having the better bike isn't always the best thing. You will experience things on a Harley you will not on any other brand in my opinion. My wife has no interest in riding an adventure bike lol. So fortunately for me I am able to have both. It would be a really tough choice to narrow it down to one!
Both are awesome. To keep it short, I’d pick the Street Glide. Ride ugly.
Can't go wrong either way. Thank you for watching!!