Software update (125_011_030) seems to have fixed the "no start" problem, since getting the update it has not happened again. If it does, then I'll make another video 🤨
I believe that a bike’s “character” is in the rider’s head. Performance and monetary value, on the other hand, is measurable. However, even after fifty years of riding, what gets a bike from the showroom floor to my garage remains a mystery.
of course soul and character are all in one's head but it is still valid it is what it is......yes a mystery why we finally pull the trigger on one as we pass up others which might be better in more ways or smarter ...but its like women sometimes a guy falls for who he falls for even when everyone is yelling "NO! dont do it bro! She is gonna sh!t ALL over you!" What is the saying? "the heart wants what the heart wants"
You can call it "character' or you can call it "emotion" or "love", but you are absolutely right about this. And it weighs heavier than all the rational stuff!
My mate and I test rode one together with a 1250 GSA, whoever was on the 1300 just disappeared with no effort. The 1250 felt like a boat by comparison and I found the seat was too soft and I was bouncing on it. The 1300 had the comfort seat which I found was in the Goldilocks zone, in Australia it's a free option. The automatic ride height puts me back in the market for a GS as I'm on tippy toes on the 1200/1250. My mate has ordered the Tripple Black with everything, I'm going to sell my F900XR and K1300GT and work out which organs to sell and life insurance policies to cash to get one. I had a 1200 air-cooled but it got too tall for me at 60yo, and I dropped it a few times in the driveway and carparks so I traded it on the F900XR. Now at 64, if I get one, it will probably be my last bike, so hopefully it lasts15-20 years.
Scott, we really appreciate your honesty in your reviews back here in the states. I traded my 2015 1200GS with 21K miles for the 1300 and you’re absolutely right, the 1300 lacks the soul and character of the 1200GS. Yes, the 1300 is lighter, has the tech gadgetry and the upgraded suspension, but I never heard engine noise when I pushed the 1200GS between 3500 to 5500 ROM. This is my 4th boxer with my original one being a 91 R100RT which had 135K on the clock! You hit the nail on the head, the 1300 lacks the soulful connection between the rider and the boxer motor. You shouldn’t have to start the motor 5X to get it to stay operational, at least not for a bike you paid $31K for. Overall, the 1300 is an incredible bike and it’s a keeper but I sure do miss the hell out of the old 1200GS. Thanks for all that you do to honestly inform your audience! Much appreciated!
I’m still rocking an 1150GSA that has taken me all over across the continent. I’ve been on the fence of replacing it, but the more 1300 videos I see, the more I think I’m going to keep the 1150. Maybe when the 1300GSA comes out, I’ll try it out.
Me too. And I’m still upgradig it. And when there is an issue, it’s simple to fix. But, other than annual maintenance which I do myself, there hasn’t been any issues!
The problem is the 1300 being design from the ground up all the issues it has were bound to happen, just like any Gen 1 product. For 25 or 26 models there will be some improvements.
Love my 1150GS too... since this season i supplemented it with a 1997 Honda Transalp. Between the two bikes i have everything i want from a bike. Feeling like munching some kilometers on the Autobahn? I'll take the 1150GS. Feeling like taking some backcountry roads, potentialy unpaved, i'll take the Transalp. All together both bikes cost me less than 5000€. Never in my life would i spend something like 25 000€ on a bike to be an early adopter... Without these cheap but good used bikes i could never afford to ride a bike anyways. Like who has 25k to spend just like that? Loan or lease? Never in my life...
@@ThiagoRaposo Olha só, tive sim, a nova GS 1.300cc ela é mais agil,menor,mais leve,motor mais potente, mas ainda curto as 1.250cc , preciso me apegar com a mudança que fiz , acho que daqui alguns meses o meu gosto irá mudar de véz....
I wouldn’t change my Honda ATAS for any other bike. Might not be the fastest, might not be the nimblest, but is a great all-rounder and I know it will start each time I want. That’s a peace of mind.
The new software does not solve the starting problem, but it does occur less frequently. A corresponding message appears on the display - not visible to the vehicles waiting behind you at the railroad crossing for you to finally drive off. But driving is pure fun!
"Soul and character" of the motor. And almost always that means vibrations and rattling. Don't know why I would want that. I love my soulless Triumph Tiger 800... Edit: Posted too soon 😉 Very informative video and helpful. Looking forward to the next one with your wife. Not many people cover the topic riding pillion.
I ride a Guzzi and I ain't disagreeing with you, albeit there's a difference between good vibes and bad ones related to throttle position and engine speed.
I never thought I would ever purchase a GS. I traded my 2022 RT for it and absolutely love the bike. I wish BMW would produce a bike with a flat seat and not have it tipped toward the front of the bike. Even with the lever pulled to flatten the seat its still to tipped forward. My USA delivered GS starts 100% perfect. No issues. The number one thing I love about the new 1300 is the mid corner feel at a sporting pace is 10X better than previous RT or GS. Also the buzz from the motor is gone. If I want character I will grab the keys of a Moto Guzzi V85TT. BTW I sold my V85TT when I got the GS. The RT and V85 were replaced with one bike.
@@JUFFAIR101 I think it will be the best RT ever. That front end feel was missing and the new 1300 does not buzz at high speeds like the older 1250. Should be a winner for those looking for a true tourer that can also humiliate lesser riders on sport bikes.
20,000 miles on the 1250, 1700 on my 1300. For me the real differentiators have been: the adaptive ride height and the new ESA suspension. I keep it on DYNAMIC and am amazed how it can smooth out the road while maintaining complete body control. The biggest negative for me is that the throttle is not as silky smooth at the bottom end as the 1250. It’s not snatchy but much more abrupt.
Thanks for the honest review. While the 1300 might be a "little better" than the 1250 in some aspects, I personally think that the new GS has lost its "chunky, powerful & tough" look. It resembles a V-Strom or Honda DCX. The 1250 GSA is so much more aggressive looking.
Now, after "soul character and emotion" we complain about the look? not "Aggressive" enough? Are you joking? How about "the choice of colors and hues does not reflect the true me in a more inclusive understanding and supportive way".
“Lost soul and character” is all I had to hear, Scott. Now looking forward to the 2025 R12GS, reminds me of my earlier GSs. 110 hp or so is plenty for me. I may struggle between that and the new Guzzi Stelvio, but think I’ll stick with the BMW. Thanks for this update
Akso took the 1300 for a test: Agere with most. Character, meh, still very much a boxer Better sounding engine with less vibes; not as smooth at low revs (
I read this week that (MCN UK) later this year BMW plan to release a 1300GS with an automatic gearbox as an option. Seemingly it will have no clutch lever but will retain a gearshift.
I also have a 1300 after my 1200 and 1250. Fully agree with your comments. Better all the way but not having the character of the older GS. Without a doubt I would buy it again. No better bike to ride!
Excellent story, Scott! I think you help a lot of 1200 and 1250 owners to make up their mind and that's very useful. Honesty first at Nothing to Prove! Personally I like the looks of the 1250 much more than the 1300. I know, it's subjective and personal, but I love tubular frames; I had the same feeling about the Ducati's when they changed to their new aluframes (Panigale, Multistrada and so on)
I own a 1250 gs rally version and tried many others (Multistrada, Africa twin, ktm 1290) but no one can reach its level. Absolutely amazing. The only defect is the not retro light handlebar
I would never downgrade from R1200GS, R1250GS to this... R1200GS beats in reliability all that new junk. Regarding performance, most riders cannot handle even 100HP motor and they still want more, silly..
Remember that sometimes when the bike won't start it's because the owner left the keyfob in the tank storage pouch when stopped, and the key turns itself off after about five minutes. To wake it up you have to move it fair amount or even give it a shake to wake it from its dormant state - its a good thing for both theft and not running your battery flat.
My s1000xrs engine noise dominated the bike so I added a sound deadening instead the panels and it’s worked a treat, and I added a bar bag. To quieten the tunnel.
Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Your wife´s comments were very interesting. My wife is often riding with me. Besides the extra vibrations on the SAS1290, she liked the 1250GS better....so did i, to be honest.
18:06 start issue: it has been a long time problem, I have a '94 RS and sometimes it takes minutes until it gives the neutral light, and you can't start the bike unless the neutral light is on. There is an option to pull the clutch in but on most of these bikes the clutch switch also goes bad after years, so unless you replace your clutch switch with a new one sometimes you're stuck waiting for minutes until you can get your bike started. Nice review Scott, thank you!
Thanks for the video. This bike is really tempting. I tend to avoid 1st generations of new products. The electrical/software problems you've experienced, not having lit handlebar buttons nor Apple/Android connectivity in a premium bike makes me pause. This review helps a lot. Thanks again!
I took a demo ride on one and found the upshifts as clunky as an upshift can be 0/10. Down were pretty good. Not the best ever but nothing I would complain about 7.7/10. I can’t imagine people ride it say anything other than the upshifts are dog shit bad. Maybe it was just my bike. It’s not torquey as I thought it would be. Maybe because it’s so linear🤷🏾♂️. On off throttle was a lil jerky. Handling is certainly good. Really nothing bad to say about the suspension or riding position. Both very comfortable. Overall I wasn’t impressed. Maybe because it’s built up by so many that my expectations were high. Feels like you have to ride it a certain way to enjoy it.
I’ve had mine for several months now and have had absolutely zero problems with mine, starts first time every time. The lithium battery and associated technology has been fitted in other BMWs for several years with no issues so I can’t understand why you’re having the issues you’re having, it seems strange !
Looks like a nice bike. I like my 1200. What I really like about my 1200 is the comfort for long rides. I don't do a lot of them. I do like to do at least 1 long tour every year. Some of it off road. So I mostly just ride around town going for coffee with the option to hit the road and ride the length or breadth of the continent. I've been for Coffee in Tuk, Anchorage, Skagway Jasper, San Francisco, LA, Ect. If its not as comfortable for long rides, maybe the 1300 is not the right bike for me. Oh dropping a $10000 dollar bike in the dirt hurts a lot less than dropping a $20000 dollar bike in the dirt.
Hi, I got mine in December 2023. I gave up on the lithium battery and got the AGM fitted. No problem ever since. UK bike. No software update available yet for me but I don't think I'll go back to lithium battery. It also cured heated grip memory problem. Can I recommend the Dunlop trailmax mission tyres on this bike. I've just done 1000 miles to the south of France and they've been brilliant on all road conditions.
Thanks for offering your review. Traded a 2018 RS, very happy with decision. Wanted more upright position and more leg room (64 yrs old ) and comfort after 8h-10hrs in the saddle was not there on the RS. Had a choice, 2023 1250 or the 1300; I’m 5’10” , 31” inseam the 1300 is much more manageable (less weight located lower, and I can flat foot). These are big as I get older and want to keep riding.
It's a great bike, but it won't stop me from saying that it feels like they ruined the GS. It looks like they tried to make it cheaper to build and moved toward the model of keeping people from being able to work on it themselves (to go with their business model) under the guise of less weight and more power. The 1250 is an icon. Sometimes you leave things behind when you move forward. .
I cannot remember a bike or car redesign where a percentage of owners of the previous model didn't whine about the changes. They did not ruin the GS. It is not cheaper / lower quality. You can still work on it. 😩
We just got a 1300 Trophy for our rental fleet. Haven’t gotten out on it yet to do the break in miles, but I’m looking forward to it! Great info on what to look out for and what to expect! I’m working on getting this process done on our 2 new 1250 Rally’s. We have a fleet of BMW 750, 850, mostly 1250’s and the one new 1300.
I love my 1150GS... since this season i supplemented it with a 1997 Honda Transalp. Between the two bikes i have everything i want from a bike. Feeling like munching some kilometers on the Autobahn? I'll take the 1150GS. Feeling like taking some backcountry roads, potentialy unpaved, i'll take the Transalp. All together both bikes cost me less than 5000€. Never in my life would i spend something like 25 000€ on a bike to be an early adopter... Without these cheap but good used bikes i could never afford to ride a bike anyways. Like who has 25k to spend just like that? Loan or lease? Never in my life...
I just got a 2023 AT, and beside the fact that it rides very well and feels rock solid, there are 2 things unique I love; the DCT and Apple car play. So nice that I wouldn’t even consider the GS as long it doesn’t have those 2 things.
thank you! Wow you described the way I feel about this bike "to the letter". But to add, I love the tractor sound 😉, it is definitely noisier than my 1250 and it's not as comfortable, perhaps an aftermarket seat may fix this? But the main feature I love, which is consistent to your conclusion is the handling and the weight. On paper it's only 12kg lighter, but it feels much much more than that, and that got me hooked. I always enjoy and appreciate your reviews, thanks again.
I just spent a week on the r2300gs through the Pyrenees. Loved the handling. Loved the wind protection. BMW cases were ordinary (central locking is just much slower & less convenient than a key). Shift cam noise is terrible, and occurs at a rev range you'd otherwise happily lumber along at. Electronics were patchy. I kept getting complaints that the lights weren't working (they were) with only 700km on the clock. A few starting issues too. I did find the seat comfortable though, doing 1800+km in the week
Thanks for such a nice and honest review! I don’t know what it is with the GS, the bikes keep getting better and better yet this seems to be negatively correlated with charm and character. I still sigh when I spot an 1150 on the road, even some 1200s like the Rallye… When I realized this, having already watched a ton of reviews about the 1300, I rushed and bought one the last 1250s still up for grabs in March. I had to travel 600 kms to go get it from the only dealer who was still offering them brand new. I figured it was now or never for the 1250 whereas I could still get a 1300 later if I wanted to. When I got the dealer to pick up my new bike, there had a 1300 Trophy available on the showroom floor and I thought this was going to mean trouble as I still could get out of the 1250 and opt for the 1300 instead… Then, when I laid my eyes on the brand new 1250 Rallye that was waiting for me, my heart started pounding. That’s the one I brought back home taking the long way around all the winding roads I could find. It arrived there with almost 1000 kms on the clock and ready for its first inspection. I must say I still look back each time I park it in my garage and walk away.
I have over 2,000 miles on mine. I am a little different in two aspects of your video. The seat to me is more comfortable and it has tons of character. I traded in my 2022 R1250GSA. Off-road I am way quicker and the suspension is great. I do have a high seat with the sport suspension. It is the tallest version you can purchase. I do agree that on the road it is very quick. It is like my 2020 S1000XR and my 2022 R1250GSA had a baby. So far zero issues. I am heading out on a 6,000 round trip across the US and back in June.
I have the triple black 1300, overall a great bike, only real disappointment for me is the sound, as you mentioned. Engine noisy and lost the nice boxer brap. Had a 1200, didn’t like it as too agricultural, sloppy and wallowy with no sporty feel. 1300 has a much sportier feel, it’s slimmer and suspension is soooo good. Does all I need from a bike. Nice review video👍
Thanks! Great and informative video. I have the R 1250 GSA 2022. This is 20240609. i have about 15,000 miles on it. Am going in for third inspection soon. Only four times have I ever tried to start her and she made me do it twice. That's the very worst thing. i like to think of the Navigator as a Garmin issue not a BMW issue. However, I have sent my Garmin (navigator) in twice. I like having it as a back up to the iphone now. It makes me feel good I am not losing much in the upgrade. The starting issue is very noticeable to me because I tried a Harley ADV first. It takes a Harley about five times everytime to crank. Something about top dead center (and being a Harley in General). So i don't gloat so much when my bike starts damn near everything without an issue. The bike exceeds my talents and I hope to improve my skill level to be worthy of the bike. I get on about an hour a day of course there are days I push my endurance. I looked at the mpg today and it was at 47mpg. My Harley heritage Softail gets 30 mpg and only has a range of 120 miles. My Harley looks nice and shiny sitting in my garage. I miss the rumble and noise a little bit. In the US there is a different psychology about Harley vs everything. For me I learned the hard way with a Harley, that ride and wrench is for real. But you can slowly see the change coming over the world. Where Police stations are switching over to BMWs. Some Die Hard harley riders aren't so quick to give me a hard time and I don't mind pulling up right next to them. I stopped to help a guy just off the interstate. He said, You know, they don't make em like you anymore. He was a Hell's Angel and had some kind of Screamin' Eagle jacked up on a smaller body. He took off and disappeared down the interstate. He blasted off in a rumble. I hit 80 and couldn't spot him. I hit 100mph twice on mine and backed off only because that speed was new to me. I'm 260 lbs and I don't feel the bike struggles with me at all. Thank you for the video comparison! Knees to the Breeze!
Just came back from cycling trip in Spain. Santander to Gijón in 6 days. Same as you’ve run into. The most lovely people, best cheapest wine and food and spectacular country. A motorbike trip is in my dreams but I’m afraid I need to win the lottery first. And with that we’re moving to Llanes.
Would love you to do a deep comparo between the RT and GS for on-road applications now that you've owned and ridden both and which one you would buy if you could only have one. Thanks for the great content as always!
I second that. Sold my RT (and the house) about 5 years ago when we moved onto our boat full time. Am on the cusp of getting a new bike and would love to see that comparison. I’m about 95% sure it’s going to be the new GS 1300. In triple black of course.
Excellent synopsis of your ownership. Many of your experiences are a mirror of mine . Thoroughly enjoyed this . Roll on the bug fix with the starting 😄👍
Hey Scott, congratulations on your new bike. I've been watching your videos for several years now and had a 750GS (great bike for the money), a 1250 GS and a 1250 RT. I love the brand, but I rode a Ducati Multi Strada V4 Pikes Peak and it ruined me. Sold the RT and bought a Pikes Peak. You need to ride one!! It rides almost as comfortable as the GS, but handles much better and the enigine!! That V4 is the best motorcycle engine made today. Tons of power from 4K up, super linear power band, very smooth all the way to redline. My RT popped, groaned and sounded like it was pinging under heavy loads and buzzed like crazy if you held it at 5 or 6K. Anyway, nice to see you in another video, as I really respect your opinion.
Excellent real world review. It confounds me why motorcycle manufacturers get seat comfort and buffeting wrong so often. Interesting the ATAS comments. Oddly when I tried a GS at the ABR festival last year I wondered what the hype was about, I way preferred my ATAS for smoothness DCT, fit and ‘cockpit’.
Fantastic review! Love the new look, long, simetric and stylish machine at last. And love the new adventure too. Designers should think more about passengers anyway.
Bmw need to alter the back lights it Needs a dedicated break light that break indicator combo doesn’t work, you can’t see the indicator when breaking and can’t see either in strong sun period
I just rented a R1300GS for an 8-day, 1850KM Alpine Moto tour in July. My personal bike at home is a '22 Multistrada V4S, and after those 8 days on the 1300GS, I can say I would not buy the R1300GS over my Multistrada. I encountered 4 issues with my rental 1300GS: First and largest: The electronic suspension broke on the second day on my trip. I had constant error messages to clear on the display, and the suspension was stuck on the lowest and softest setting. It felt awful in corners. The error proudly pronounced that "Onward journey possible." A quick Google search told me the this was a common error on these. Secondly, the Hill control/hill hold (whatever BMW calls it) was WAY too easy to activate by accident. I found my self stalled a half dozen times because of the hill control. Thirdly, although you mention engine noise several times in your review, you're still WAY underselling it. This engine sounds like a diesel truck engine, and I say that coming from a V4 Ducati. Lastly is that seat, oh my god that seat. My right foot kept falling asleep, and my bottom was constantly sore. BMW should be embarrassed about that seat. If you're considering an R1300GS, a comfort seat is a MUST. A few gripes that aren't specific problems: 1) The spinny control ring on the left grip is awkward at best to use. Just give me arrow keys and an OK button. 2) There is no way to adjust radar cruise follow distance on the fly. Very frequently the staggered rider in front of me would cause the 1300GS to apply braking. 3) The shift light is a flashing tachometer animation, and for some reason my bike would flash like crazy at ~6,000 RPM (well below marked redline) going through the switchbacks. 4) The Sport screen is a neat gimmick/feature, but it resets all the performance history to 0 every time you turn off the motorcycle. Things I liked: 1) the vibration through the seat, footpegs, and handlebars was deep into what I would call comfortable. 2) The long swingarm and front heavy nature kept the front wheel on the bike. My V4S is a comparative wheeeeelie machine. 3) Even with the broken and stuck suspension, the bike was very flickable and felt nimble in corners. 4) the electronic windscreen and the protection it offers is very impressive. You can drop it all the way down in hot weather to get clean air in your helmet and chest. All the way up it completely eliminated wind noise around my helmet. 5) The OEM exhaust is much deeper and louder than the OEM exhaust on my MS V4S. It sounded especially nice with a hard surface on your right to bounce the noise back at you.
One of your most poignant videos to date Scott answering a lot of concerns and being very candid about the 1300. I have a GSA1250 and took a test ride on the 1300 and agree with everything you say. My opinion on the shift-assist was that there wasn’t ‘much’ of a difference. Ride an XR and that has a proper buttery smooth quickshifter. My bike has 30k on it and my wife has been on the back for most so I’m sure a lot of us out here would love to hear your wife’s opinion. Keep the videos coming. 👍
Thanks for the review! I'd love to hear more from your wife's perspective, as the main criterion for my next bike purchase is whether my wife would enjoy it. (There are not enough 2-up reviews on YT, generally!)
Yea, I'd like to do more videos with my wife with her on the back and with just her opinion in the video (without me influencing her) just let her say what she feels. The first one should be done editing sometime this coming week 👍👍
Hi Scott, great video. I just bought my 1300, it has software 125-13-030, but the dealer left in the AGM (BMW's temp fix). I'll get them to retrofit the Li at first service, hopefully no problem. Thanks for the tip
I have a Multistrada V4S and I have no problem. Made 6k km from this February. I don't know about GS but RT was on my mind when I was choosing my bike for this year. I have a lot of soul and character in my Ducati 😅
Good review, thank you. It will be another 20 years before I'm in the market for a 1300 GS... One remark. To me the beauty of the oilheads and older Boxers is their simplicity. I have done a service on a 1200LC of a mate of mine, it is just harder to work on than on my 1150s. Of course the LCs are quiter, less mechanical noise. Yet a big 2 cilinder engine will never be as smooth as a 4 or 6 cilinder. If I'll stick to Beemers, I'll stick to oilheads. Saves a lot of money too! Which is not unimportant...
Nice review. 21' R1250gsa in the stable. Just back back from 2k trip over 3 days (austin - taos - gunnison -taos - home) and hit 10k miles. I think it just got broke in so dont see the need to upgrade just yet. Maybe I am getting old and my bike junkie habit is settling. We will see when the adventure hits. Per my bike, I like the range, and apparently the saddle, sore butt was not a problem. Regardless, thanks for taking the time.
I have a Kawasaki SX 1000 just over 7 years old it’s never failed to start on the button, That’s why I still have it ,Japanese bikes generally are so reliable , I like BMW and the Tiger 1200 , but for me I’ve always had great service and reliability from Japanese bikes in just over of 51 years, It’s a lot £££ if the bike is still throwing up issues, and it’s not that much better than the outgoing 1250 , even The Triumph is still struggling with a few issues and a screen that’s slow in stating , I was hoping for a great review with no issues and you smiling saying how good it is 😊 , it’s not for me 🏴
I bought a "demonstrator" model with some miles on it, in a 2023 1250 GS Trophy, in late 2023, from a dealership trying to move some product to make room for the 2024 1300 GS. At 6'5" and 275#, having ridden both now, I'd think very long and hard, being tall, stepping up to the 1300. I always keep my battery on a battery tender, when not riding, and have had zero problems with my bike not starting. Part of your lithium battery problem might be caused by cold weather. A Lithium battery needs to be "warmed up" to function properly, so cold weather starts below 50F external can be kind of rough on the battery. Leave the ignition turned on for 20 or 30 seconds before you try to start the bike, with the fuel pump running, to warm up the battery. 65 years old, this was a retirement reward motorcycle for me... it's that good, it's probably my last new motorcycle. BMW has had this bike in production for 5 model years, 2019-2023, so I'd think that by now, the Beta testing phase is over, BMW has this lineup debugged. There's ttle thing I do on my bike when decelerating, way in advance.... I do not shut the throttle all the way off. The bike decelerates so aggressively when doing that , so I keep the throttle the slightest bit rolled on still and get off the throttle way sooner than before, coming up on a red light, trying to time it to hit it when green again.
Well, when I filmed my self with the drone, it was 68F and sunny, you can see by the shots from the drone in this video, so fairly warm and have been riding the bike 2 to 3 times a week since March and putting on some serious miles and it kept happening to me over 5 times in just a half hour. Drone would lose me, I'd have to stop riding, shut bike off, left it in gear so it won't roll, didn't turn off ignition, usually didn't get off bike, sat on bike and get the drone focused back on me, usually about a minute, give or take, and it sometimes took 2 to 3 tries to start. Why? Warm day, warm bike, warm everything. No start. Frustrating.
Great informative, well described bike video. To me, I feel like Triumph has been catching BMW and is pretty much neck and neck now for the two best ADV mid and large segments today. I'll likely buy again after evaluating on the NEXT new model prob 2028 or 2030 just guessing.
Great review and I really appreciate your style. However I am kind of struggling to justify the upgrade over the 1250 especially if you are losing the comfort. I would love to hear your thoughts comparing it to the KTM SAS 1290 that you rode recently. Would you swap if you had the chance?
Thanks for the nice overview. I also got now update for the starting problem yet. Sometimes the fuel cap doesn‘t open. The topcase, the cases and the cylinder guards are not available until now. I had a 1200 GS LC before. Exept the sound I’m really enthusiastic about the new GS and would buy it again.
Excellent review Scott, covering the major issues and differences. I agree that an upgrade from my 2021 fully loaded triple black is not justified even considering selling the 2021 model and still having to shell out another 8 to 10,000 Euros for the 1300. Convincing my wife would be the next problem 😂. Thank you for your honest review…greetings from Berlin, Jim
Nice one Scott. Thank you. I’m glad I waited until the end to write this as at the start when the bike wouldn’t start all I was thinking was due to it being in first gear! However, I take it now that you simply did that to show what it occasionally does. Interesting comment though about the change of direction mid corner compared to sports bikes. If you have the required skill set then nothing will change direction quicker, mid corners, than a sports bike. Perhaps me being an ex Australian Superbike Racer is one reason why I can say this as I do also own a 1250GS. I could be on say a CBR650R and be miles in front on a set of twisties than I could riding my GS and I’m using this particular Honda as a reference due to it not being “a real stortsbike”. As my son has one so I have gone back to back on these. My race bikes? No comparison however they aren’t street legal.
Thank you Scott for the awesome and honest review! I just rode one for a few miles, but my observations echo yours. I rode the trophy edition. I had trouble turning the power back on after I shut it off. Good thing I was at the dealer. They told me to hold the Fob up to the power switch. THAT was silly! I'm not sure the ESA ever changed, could it have been turned off? The front end dove when braking and lifted under throttle, and that was in Road mode. It was like a cheap used 1990's bike. What's the point of the Telelever again? (Rhetorical). It was without feeling on dirt, as they are, and I'm ok with that! The throttle was snatchy, especially in second gear, (also in Road mode). Typical for BMW, the engine lugged noticeably if you entered a round-about in third. That didn't change. BMW Boxers don't have much gear overlap in my opinion. My other twins don't notice a one-gear difference. HOWEVER, this new make-over felt instantly at home. It's like they copied the styling of the Honda NC700X or NC750X. It felt as light as those (except for getting it off the side stand), and even looks like them a little! The comparison ends there. Can the windshield be programmed to remember the preferred height? I had to set the "Sandwich" button to Windshield because it I had to raise the shield to full height every time I started the bike. BMWs have as many quirks as my Moto Guzzi. The Guzzi has a button for the heated grips though, and ride modes change instantly.
Interesting - thanks for posting this. I tried the 1300 a few weeks back and came to more or less the same conclusion - it hasn’t really got any better, more sort of moved sideways. Comfort-wise it has definitely got worse - the stock bars were too wide, the angle of my back was a little uncomfortable and the seat wasn’t great. Ride-wise I felt it was very similar to the 1250 (I only used Dynamic mode). The quick shifter/auto-blipper has improved slightly but by more or less any other bike’s standards it’s really poor. And here’s the weirdest thing (and very subjective I know) - I found it less chuckable/forgiving with less of a planted feel. Might be the transition to something different but weird all the same. I’ll give it a pass and try a different brand for a while I think. Thanks again.
I’m impressed with mine after 18 months of my 2021 R1250GS and definitely wouldn’t go back, the 1250 felt ponderous compared to this. I initially thought the 1300 was more uncomfortable, higher more forward position but after just over 1000 miles I prefer it. On my 1250 it felt right when I set off and uncomfortable as the ride progressed, this is just the opposite.
Ifcmy 2018 r1200gs rallye had adaptive suspension, I'll never change it. Is the only negative for me.and I love my rallye looks, is the 1300 better at (almost) everything? Of course, but not that much ! I still think my rallye looks better than thecnew one!
Looking forward to hearing about it after owning it over the summer season too. Agree with your conclusions regarding trading up from the 1250, but still a great bike if you are entering the ADV market from another premium bike.
IMO, great review & transparency - WELL DONE!!!. IMO the new GS1300 is "overall" top of the heap in the big adventure category (BMW did it again). However, for me, "fortunately" these days there are quite a few very good, lesser-cost middle-weights that will satisfy my riding needs/ get the job done (thank you trickle-down technology)
Glad to hear that my '21 GSA is still a very worthy steed in comparison haha. I have no plans to move to the 1300 anytime soon, but maybe I'll be ready at the first facelift within the 1300 range. I reserve my thoughts on that until I see what they do with the Adventure model next year.
Nice video and agree with most of your points, except for the Navigation. You say the Connected Ride Navigator (CRN) is better than the Nav 6. The reason I disagree with this is because the CRN does not support non-announcing shaping points. If you create a route in BaseCamp or whatever and use a lot of shaping points to ensure the route takes you on the roads you want to take, all those shaping points are announced. And to me this can get very annoying - JMHO...
we just returned from a 10 days journey from Italy. My 1300 GS has the same issues with not starting. I felt like it’s worse after long trip when everything was very hot down there. then, I overtook a lorry and had to stop at the red light, freakin lorry behind me again! I switched off the engine off and could not restart! what an embarrassment! the lorry left me standing!Really hope the Softwareupdate is coming soon. greetings from Switzerland
I’m looking right now. My 2018 R1200GS (I really loved that bike) got T-boned at an intersection 7 weeks ago today. I’m fine, walked away with a concussion and some bruises. That’s it. Bike didn’t do so well, totaled. Hmmm, I was not in the market for a bike 7 weeks and 1 day ago, but now I am and the 1300 mostly fits the bill for me. I have some panniers I don’t want to have to replace (keeping them helps mitigate some other costs as I only need to buy a rack for my Bumot luggage which will work). Your review has pushed me over the edge as my other options are to get R1250GS or a used R1200GS (don’t want to go that far back though). Guess all I need to do now is finalize the trim I want. Something else about the battery/start issues. I’ve got a couple of Huskies that have Lion batteries. One of the problems with these batteries is when they are cold. It’s not unusual for them not to start a bike on the first or even second try if done too quickly. Lion batteries get more juice flowing when they get warmer. The trick is to give them an initial start try when cold. If no start then wait 5 to 10 seconds and try again. The battery will heat up internally and by the third time will generally give much better cranking amps. This is a known problem with Lion batteries over the lead acid variety which delivered good cranking amps out of the gate, but were heavier. Take my input for what it’s worth.
I own a 1250GS, did a test drive with the 1300 and it feels indeed much lichter. I am 1,75m but my legs are shorter so the adaptive height was a dream. Pity that my 1250 is only 2 years old. The CRN you find it better, well me not. Sold it again. The software is TomTom and i am a Garmin fan. So I0m more happy with the nav6.
I've had my Trophy for a little over a week. I took it on it's first trip/voyage during the break in mileage. I had the no start happen once during that first 750 miles. Took it in for the 1st service, and they said it would also be getting a software update. I didn't ask what for, but I am now on the 2nd trip . Have 1100 miles so far. I have not experienced the no start yet. But then I only had it happen once so far, before that 1st service.
Great video, thanks Scott. Would I change my Multistrada V4s for the 1300GS? HELL NO! The GS is a good bike, but the Multi is so much better. I guess it all depends on the type of rider we are and what we want out of our motorcycles.
Software update (125_011_030) seems to have fixed the "no start" problem, since getting the update it has not happened again. If it does, then I'll make another video 🤨
@@NothingToProve how does one obtain the update please, is it a visit to dealer?
I believe that a bike’s “character” is in the rider’s head. Performance and monetary value, on the other hand, is measurable. However, even after fifty years of riding, what gets a bike from the showroom floor to my garage remains a mystery.
The first sentence is the answer to your mystery in the last sentence.
of course soul and character are all in one's head but it is still valid it is what it is......yes a mystery why we finally pull the trigger on one as we pass up others which might be better in more ways or smarter ...but its like women sometimes a guy falls for who he falls for even when everyone is yelling "NO! dont do it bro! She is gonna sh!t ALL over you!" What is the saying? "the heart wants what the heart wants"
You can call it "character' or you can call it "emotion" or "love", but you are absolutely right about this. And it weighs heavier than all the rational stuff!
Stupidity 🤔😂😂
Keeping my '14 1200GS... It makes me happy, it's paid for, and I have "Nothing to Prove". Love your channel, by the way.
Best bike is paid for bike! Enjoy it
My mate and I test rode one together with a 1250 GSA, whoever was on the 1300 just disappeared with no effort. The 1250 felt like a boat by comparison and I found the seat was too soft and I was bouncing on it. The 1300 had the comfort seat which I found was in the Goldilocks zone, in Australia it's a free option. The automatic ride height puts me back in the market for a GS as I'm on tippy toes on the 1200/1250. My mate has ordered the Tripple Black with everything, I'm going to sell my F900XR and K1300GT and work out which organs to sell and life insurance policies to cash to get one. I had a 1200 air-cooled but it got too tall for me at 60yo, and I dropped it a few times in the driveway and carparks so I traded it on the F900XR.
Now at 64, if I get one, it will probably be my last bike, so hopefully it lasts15-20 years.
Did you get one ? How is it ?
Scott, we really appreciate your honesty in your reviews back here in the states. I traded my 2015 1200GS with 21K miles for the 1300 and you’re absolutely right, the 1300 lacks the soul and character of the 1200GS. Yes, the 1300 is lighter, has the tech gadgetry and the upgraded suspension, but I never heard engine noise when I pushed the 1200GS between 3500 to 5500 ROM. This is my 4th boxer with my original one being a 91 R100RT which had 135K on the clock! You hit the nail on the head, the 1300 lacks the soulful connection between the rider and the boxer motor. You shouldn’t have to start the motor 5X to get it to stay operational, at least not for a bike you paid $31K for. Overall, the 1300 is an incredible bike and it’s a keeper but I sure do miss the hell out of the old 1200GS. Thanks for all that you do to honestly inform your audience! Much appreciated!
I’m still rocking an 1150GSA that has taken me all over across the continent. I’ve been on the fence of replacing it, but the more 1300 videos I see, the more I think I’m going to keep the 1150. Maybe when the 1300GSA comes out, I’ll try it out.
Me too. And I’m still upgradig it. And when there is an issue, it’s simple to fix. But, other than annual maintenance which I do myself, there hasn’t been any issues!
I still have my ‘02 1150R but it’s so much heavier than my ‘05 1200 GS. That redesign shed like 50 lbs!
The problem is the 1300 being design from the ground up all the issues it has were bound to happen, just like any Gen 1 product. For 25 or 26 models there will be some improvements.
Love my 1150GS too... since this season i supplemented it with a 1997 Honda Transalp. Between the two bikes i have everything i want from a bike. Feeling like munching some kilometers on the Autobahn? I'll take the 1150GS. Feeling like taking some backcountry roads, potentialy unpaved, i'll take the Transalp. All together both bikes cost me less than 5000€.
Never in my life would i spend something like 25 000€ on a bike to be an early adopter...
Without these cheap but good used bikes i could never afford to ride a bike anyways. Like who has 25k to spend just like that? Loan or lease? Never in my life...
I'm from Brazil and I have just bought a GS 1.300cc triple black, I am very proud of that.
Nice congrats and greetings to Brazil!
Teve uma 1250 antes? O que tá achando de uma em comparação à outra?
wait till it breaks
@@ThiagoRaposo
Olha só, tive sim, a nova GS 1.300cc ela é mais agil,menor,mais leve,motor mais potente, mas ainda curto as 1.250cc , preciso me apegar com a mudança que fiz , acho que daqui alguns meses o meu gosto irá mudar de véz....
I wouldn’t change my Honda ATAS for any other bike. Might not be the fastest, might not be the nimblest, but is a great all-rounder and I know it will start each time I want. That’s a peace of mind.
Love my 2021 atas!
@@AT2021RockerYep, I’ve owned the Beemer and liked it a lot. But, my (fully farkled) Africa Twin DCT is better in 80% of my performance indicators.
yes and wind buffeting kills you if you are taller then 185cm. No wind protection on shoulders etc etc. I happy that works for you.
I had a 2021 AT. I hated it. So top heavy. I now have 2018 r1200gs. Easiest. Best balanced bike I’ve ever ridden.
Just bought an ATAS 2022 dct. It's not the best at anything, yet it is great on everything. I will never buy another bike unless it's another ATAS
The new software does not solve the starting problem, but it does occur less frequently. A corresponding message appears on the display - not visible to the vehicles waiting behind you at the railroad crossing for you to finally drive off.
But driving is pure fun!
"Soul and character" of the motor. And almost always that means vibrations and rattling. Don't know why I would want that. I love my soulless Triumph Tiger 800...
Edit: Posted too soon 😉
Very informative video and helpful. Looking forward to the next one with your wife. Not many people cover the topic riding pillion.
So I my Honda 🙂
I ride a Guzzi and I ain't disagreeing with you, albeit there's a difference between good vibes and bad ones related to throttle position and engine speed.
Thank-you Scott for confirming my decision…….. to keep my ‘22 fully-optioned 1250. Maybe once the 2nd or 3rd gen. has hit the market.
I never thought I would ever purchase a GS. I traded my 2022 RT for it and absolutely love the bike. I wish BMW would produce a bike with a flat seat and not have it tipped toward the front of the bike. Even with the lever pulled to flatten the seat its still to tipped forward. My USA delivered GS starts 100% perfect. No issues. The number one thing I love about the new 1300 is the mid corner feel at a sporting pace is 10X better than previous RT or GS. Also the buzz from the motor is gone. If I want character I will grab the keys of a Moto Guzzi V85TT. BTW I sold my V85TT when I got the GS. The RT and V85 were replaced with one bike.
What do you think of coming RT1300 ?
@@JUFFAIR101 I think it will be the best RT ever. That front end feel was missing and the new 1300 does not buzz at high speeds like the older 1250. Should be a winner for those looking for a true tourer that can also humiliate lesser riders on sport bikes.
The most balanced review on a bike. Another plus ➕️ is that it wasn't a sponsored bike ❤
20,000 miles on the 1250, 1700 on my 1300. For me the real differentiators have been: the adaptive ride height and the new ESA suspension. I keep it on DYNAMIC and am amazed how it can smooth out the road while maintaining complete body control. The biggest negative for me is that the throttle is not as silky smooth at the bottom end as the 1250. It’s not snatchy but much more abrupt.
That’s easily solved with mapping
...still loving my 2021 RT....
Thanks for the honest review. While the 1300 might be a "little better" than the 1250 in some aspects, I personally think that the new GS has lost its "chunky, powerful & tough" look. It resembles a V-Strom or Honda DCX. The 1250 GSA is so much more aggressive looking.
I too prefer the more agricultural/masculine look of the 1250
Now, after "soul character and emotion" we complain about the look? not "Aggressive" enough? Are you joking? How about "the choice of colors and hues does not reflect the true me in a more inclusive understanding and supportive way".
“Lost soul and character” is all I had to hear, Scott. Now looking forward to the 2025 R12GS, reminds me of my earlier GSs. 110 hp or so is plenty for me. I may struggle between that and the new Guzzi Stelvio, but think I’ll stick with the BMW. Thanks for this update
Akso took the 1300 for a test: Agere with most. Character, meh, still very much a boxer
Better sounding engine with less vibes; not as smooth at low revs (
I read this week that (MCN UK) later this year BMW plan to release a 1300GS with an automatic gearbox as an option. Seemingly it will have no clutch lever but will retain a gearshift.
Yep I heard that too.
@@mikedignum1868 just watched a video from BMW launch of this in the new R1300RS saying will be offered in all R models
That sounds like what Honda has done with the e clutch on the 650. I am curious and I have to test ride one.
Is the next one going to ride by itself?
I also have a 1300 after my 1200 and 1250. Fully agree with your comments. Better all the way but not having the character of the older GS. Without a doubt I would buy it again. No better bike to ride!
Excellent review 👍 I have a 2014 1200gs and love it. Enough power for me and extremely reliable. Very easy to work on.
Excellent story, Scott! I think you help a lot of 1200 and 1250 owners to make up their mind and that's very useful. Honesty first at Nothing to Prove! Personally I like the looks of the 1250 much more than the 1300. I know, it's subjective and personal, but I love tubular frames; I had the same feeling about the Ducati's when they changed to their new aluframes (Panigale, Multistrada and so on)
I own a 1250 gs rally version and tried many others (Multistrada, Africa twin, ktm 1290) but no one can reach its level. Absolutely amazing. The only defect is the not retro light handlebar
I'm not impressed enough to even consider selling the GSA1250 for the GS1300.
Good review, as always. I also liked the separate review on the opinion from the pillion perspective, comparing it with the R1250GS.
I would never downgrade from R1200GS, R1250GS to this... R1200GS beats in reliability all that new junk. Regarding performance, most riders cannot handle even 100HP motor and they still want more, silly..
I concur
Real owner long term reviews are the most important reviews. Thanks for this.
Remember that sometimes when the bike won't start it's because the owner left the keyfob in the tank storage pouch when stopped, and the key turns itself off after about five minutes. To wake it up you have to move it fair amount or even give it a shake to wake it from its dormant state - its a good thing for both theft and not running your battery flat.
My s1000xrs engine noise dominated the bike so I added a sound deadening instead the panels and it’s worked a treat, and I added a bar bag. To quieten the tunnel.
Test drove this as an option to replace my 2022 Ducati Multistrada V4S and I was disappointed. Happily staying with my Ducati therefore.
Disappointed how?
@@Porsche996driver well, maybe underwhelmed is the better word. Lack of refinement and emotion as well.
Always a pleasure to watch your videos.
Your wife´s comments were very interesting. My wife is often riding with me. Besides the extra vibrations on the SAS1290, she liked the 1250GS better....so did i, to be honest.
18:06 start issue: it has been a long time problem, I have a '94 RS and sometimes it takes minutes until it gives the neutral light, and you can't start the bike unless the neutral light is on. There is an option to pull the clutch in but on most of these bikes the clutch switch also goes bad after years, so unless you replace your clutch switch with a new one sometimes you're stuck waiting for minutes until you can get your bike started. Nice review Scott, thank you!
Sehr differenzierter und strukturierter Bericht über das erste halbe Jahr mit der neuen GS 1300! Grüße aus Bremen! 😊
Thanks for the video. This bike is really tempting. I tend to avoid 1st generations of new products. The electrical/software problems you've experienced, not having lit handlebar buttons nor Apple/Android connectivity in a premium bike makes me pause. This review helps a lot. Thanks again!
Yeah the buttons should be backlit on this new model. Was that just a cost decision or what. LEDs are so much cheaper and compact I don’t get it.
@@Porsche996driver BMW has no excuse. Look at the price they are charging. Those do not even come as an optional. Lower cost bikes have that.
I took a demo ride on one and found the upshifts as clunky as an upshift can be 0/10. Down were pretty good. Not the best ever but nothing I would complain about 7.7/10. I can’t imagine people ride it say anything other than the upshifts are dog shit bad. Maybe it was just my bike. It’s not torquey as I thought it would be. Maybe because it’s so linear🤷🏾♂️. On off throttle was a lil jerky. Handling is certainly good. Really nothing bad to say about the suspension or riding position. Both very comfortable. Overall I wasn’t impressed. Maybe because it’s built up by so many that my expectations were high. Feels like you have to ride it a certain way to enjoy it.
I’ve had mine for several months now and have had absolutely zero problems with mine, starts first time every time. The lithium battery and associated technology has been fitted in other BMWs for several years with no issues so I can’t understand why you’re having the issues you’re having, it seems strange !
Looks like a nice bike. I like my 1200. What I really like about my 1200 is the comfort for long rides. I don't do a lot of them. I do like to do at least 1 long tour every year. Some of it off road. So I mostly just ride around town going for coffee with the option to hit the road and ride the length or breadth of the continent. I've been for Coffee in Tuk, Anchorage, Skagway Jasper, San Francisco, LA, Ect. If its not as comfortable for long rides, maybe the 1300 is not the right bike for me. Oh dropping a $10000 dollar bike in the dirt hurts a lot less than dropping a $20000 dollar bike in the dirt.
Hi, I got mine in December 2023. I gave up on the lithium battery and got the AGM fitted. No problem ever since. UK bike. No software update available yet for me but I don't think I'll go back to lithium battery. It also cured heated grip memory problem. Can I recommend the Dunlop trailmax mission tyres on this bike. I've just done 1000 miles to the south of France and they've been brilliant on all road conditions.
Wow too bad you had to pull the Li Ion battery. I’ve got one in my 1200 ha.
You didn't like the original tires? What didn't you like about them
I'd done 3500 miles on original road based tyres (tourance next) and was coming on a long trip so swapped to a long lasting 50/50 tyre
@@ValentinoRotti Long lasting yes, but more a 80/20 tire here, state side.
Thanks for offering your review. Traded a 2018 RS, very happy with decision. Wanted more upright position and more leg room (64 yrs old ) and comfort after 8h-10hrs in the saddle was not there on the RS. Had a choice, 2023 1250 or the 1300; I’m 5’10” , 31” inseam the 1300 is much more manageable (less weight located lower, and I can flat foot). These are big as I get older and want to keep riding.
It's a great bike, but it won't stop me from saying that it feels like they ruined the GS. It looks like they tried to make it cheaper to build and moved toward the model of keeping people from being able to work on it themselves (to go with their business model) under the guise of less weight and more power. The 1250 is an icon. Sometimes you leave things behind when you move forward. .
Same for the Ducati Monster
@@johannhans678 100% agreed, they killed the Monster many moons back.
🤡
I cannot remember a bike or car redesign where a percentage of owners of the previous model didn't whine about the changes. They did not ruin the GS. It is not cheaper / lower quality. You can still work on it. 😩
We just got a 1300 Trophy for our rental fleet. Haven’t gotten out on it yet to do the break in miles, but I’m looking forward to it! Great info on what to look out for and what to expect! I’m working on getting this process done on our 2 new 1250 Rally’s. We have a fleet of BMW 750, 850, mostly 1250’s and the one new 1300.
I love my 1150GS... since this season i supplemented it with a 1997 Honda Transalp. Between the two bikes i have everything i want from a bike. Feeling like munching some kilometers on the Autobahn? I'll take the 1150GS. Feeling like taking some backcountry roads, potentialy unpaved, i'll take the Transalp. All together both bikes cost me less than 5000€.
Never in my life would i spend something like 25 000€ on a bike to be an early adopter...
Without these cheap but good used bikes i could never afford to ride a bike anyways. Like who has 25k to spend just like that? Loan or lease? Never in my life...
I just got a 2023 AT, and beside the fact that it rides very well and feels rock solid, there are 2 things unique I love; the DCT and Apple car play. So nice that I wouldn’t even consider the GS as long it doesn’t have those 2 things.
thank you! Wow you described the way I feel about this bike "to the letter". But to add, I love the tractor sound 😉, it is definitely noisier than my 1250 and it's not as comfortable, perhaps an aftermarket seat may fix this? But the main feature I love, which is consistent to your conclusion is the handling and the weight. On paper it's only 12kg lighter, but it feels much much more than that, and that got me hooked. I always enjoy and appreciate your reviews, thanks again.
You are so clear one the first two points. Thank you! You really have a way with words.
I just spent a week on the r2300gs through the Pyrenees. Loved the handling. Loved the wind protection. BMW cases were ordinary (central locking is just much slower & less convenient than a key).
Shift cam noise is terrible, and occurs at a rev range you'd otherwise happily lumber along at.
Electronics were patchy. I kept getting complaints that the lights weren't working (they were) with only 700km on the clock. A few starting issues too.
I did find the seat comfortable though, doing 1800+km in the week
Thanks for such a nice and honest review! I don’t know what it is with the GS, the bikes keep getting better and better yet this seems to be negatively correlated with charm and character. I still sigh when I spot an 1150 on the road, even some 1200s like the Rallye… When I realized this, having already watched a ton of reviews about the 1300, I rushed and bought one the last 1250s still up for grabs in March. I had to travel 600 kms to go get it from the only dealer who was still offering them brand new. I figured it was now or never for the 1250 whereas I could still get a 1300 later if I wanted to. When I got the dealer to pick up my new bike, there had a 1300 Trophy available on the showroom floor and I thought this was going to mean trouble as I still could get out of the 1250 and opt for the 1300 instead… Then, when I laid my eyes on the brand new 1250 Rallye that was waiting for me, my heart started pounding. That’s the one I brought back home taking the long way around all the winding roads I could find. It arrived there with almost 1000 kms on the clock and ready for its first inspection. I must say I still look back each time I park it in my garage and walk away.
I have over 2,000 miles on mine. I am a little different in two aspects of your video. The seat to me is more comfortable and it has tons of character. I traded in my 2022 R1250GSA. Off-road I am way quicker and the suspension is great. I do have a high seat with the sport suspension. It is the tallest version you can purchase. I do agree that on the road it is very quick. It is like my 2020 S1000XR and my 2022 R1250GSA had a baby. So far zero issues. I am heading out on a 6,000 round trip across the US and back in June.
I have the triple black 1300, overall a great bike, only real disappointment for me is the sound, as you mentioned. Engine noisy and lost the nice boxer brap. Had a 1200, didn’t like it as too agricultural, sloppy and wallowy with no sporty feel. 1300 has a much sportier feel, it’s slimmer and suspension is soooo good. Does all I need from a bike. Nice review video👍
Great 6 month report Scott!
I’d buy one no problem. 1st & probably 2nd batch issues will be sorted.
However, I’d wouldn’t sell the RT just in case😉
Thanks! Great and informative video. I have the R 1250 GSA 2022. This is 20240609. i have about 15,000 miles on it. Am going in for third inspection soon. Only four times have I ever tried to start her and she made me do it twice. That's the very worst thing. i like to think of the Navigator as a Garmin issue not a BMW issue. However, I have sent my Garmin (navigator) in twice. I like having it as a back up to the iphone now. It makes me feel good I am not losing much in the upgrade. The starting issue is very noticeable to me because I tried a Harley ADV first. It takes a Harley about five times everytime to crank. Something about top dead center (and being a Harley in General). So i don't gloat so much when my bike starts damn near everything without an issue. The bike exceeds my talents and I hope to improve my skill level to be worthy of the bike. I get on about an hour a day of course there are days I push my endurance. I looked at the mpg today and it was at 47mpg. My Harley heritage Softail gets 30 mpg and only has a range of 120 miles. My Harley looks nice and shiny sitting in my garage. I miss the rumble and noise a little bit. In the US there is a different psychology about Harley vs everything. For me I learned the hard way with a Harley, that ride and wrench is for real. But you can slowly see the change coming over the world. Where Police stations are switching over to BMWs. Some Die Hard harley riders aren't so quick to give me a hard time and I don't mind pulling up right next to them. I stopped to help a guy just off the interstate. He said, You know, they don't make em like you anymore. He was a Hell's Angel and had some kind of Screamin' Eagle jacked up on a smaller body. He took off and disappeared down the interstate. He blasted off in a rumble. I hit 80 and couldn't spot him. I hit 100mph twice on mine and backed off only because that speed was new to me. I'm 260 lbs and I don't feel the bike struggles with me at all. Thank you for the video comparison! Knees to the Breeze!
Just came back from cycling trip in Spain. Santander to Gijón in 6 days. Same as you’ve run into. The most lovely people, best cheapest wine and food and spectacular country. A motorbike trip is in my dreams but I’m afraid I need to win the lottery first. And with that we’re moving to Llanes.
Would love you to do a deep comparo between the RT and GS for on-road applications now that you've owned and ridden both and which one you would buy if you could only have one. Thanks for the great content as always!
Yea, been thinking about doing a video like this for a while now...thank you for the suggestion!
I second that. Sold my RT (and the house) about 5 years ago when we moved onto our boat full time. Am on the cusp of getting a new bike and would love to see that comparison. I’m about 95% sure it’s going to be the new GS 1300. In triple black of course.
Excellent synopsis of your ownership. Many of your experiences are a mirror of mine . Thoroughly enjoyed this . Roll on the bug fix with the starting 😄👍
Hey Scott, congratulations on your new bike. I've been watching your videos for several years now and had a 750GS (great bike for the money), a 1250 GS and a 1250 RT. I love the brand, but I rode a Ducati Multi Strada V4 Pikes Peak and it ruined me. Sold the RT and bought a Pikes Peak. You need to ride one!! It rides almost as comfortable as the GS, but handles much better and the enigine!! That V4 is the best motorcycle engine made today. Tons of power from 4K up, super linear power band, very smooth all the way to redline. My RT popped, groaned and sounded like it was pinging under heavy loads and buzzed like crazy if you held it at 5 or 6K. Anyway, nice to see you in another video, as I really respect your opinion.
nice review with clear facts and figures ..Two Thumbs up :)
Excellent real world review. It confounds me why motorcycle manufacturers get seat comfort and buffeting wrong so often.
Interesting the ATAS comments. Oddly when I tried a GS at the ABR festival last year I wondered what the hype was about, I way preferred my ATAS for smoothness DCT, fit and ‘cockpit’.
Fantastic review!
Love the new look, long, simetric and stylish machine at last.
And love the new adventure too.
Designers should think more about passengers anyway.
Bmw need to alter the back lights it Needs a dedicated break light that break indicator combo doesn’t work, you can’t see the indicator when breaking and can’t see either in strong sun period
I just rented a R1300GS for an 8-day, 1850KM Alpine Moto tour in July. My personal bike at home is a '22 Multistrada V4S, and after those 8 days on the 1300GS, I can say I would not buy the R1300GS over my Multistrada. I encountered 4 issues with my rental 1300GS: First and largest: The electronic suspension broke on the second day on my trip. I had constant error messages to clear on the display, and the suspension was stuck on the lowest and softest setting. It felt awful in corners. The error proudly pronounced that "Onward journey possible." A quick Google search told me the this was a common error on these. Secondly, the Hill control/hill hold (whatever BMW calls it) was WAY too easy to activate by accident. I found my self stalled a half dozen times because of the hill control. Thirdly, although you mention engine noise several times in your review, you're still WAY underselling it. This engine sounds like a diesel truck engine, and I say that coming from a V4 Ducati. Lastly is that seat, oh my god that seat. My right foot kept falling asleep, and my bottom was constantly sore. BMW should be embarrassed about that seat. If you're considering an R1300GS, a comfort seat is a MUST.
A few gripes that aren't specific problems: 1) The spinny control ring on the left grip is awkward at best to use. Just give me arrow keys and an OK button. 2) There is no way to adjust radar cruise follow distance on the fly. Very frequently the staggered rider in front of me would cause the 1300GS to apply braking. 3) The shift light is a flashing tachometer animation, and for some reason my bike would flash like crazy at ~6,000 RPM (well below marked redline) going through the switchbacks. 4) The Sport screen is a neat gimmick/feature, but it resets all the performance history to 0 every time you turn off the motorcycle.
Things I liked: 1) the vibration through the seat, footpegs, and handlebars was deep into what I would call comfortable. 2) The long swingarm and front heavy nature kept the front wheel on the bike. My V4S is a comparative wheeeeelie machine. 3) Even with the broken and stuck suspension, the bike was very flickable and felt nimble in corners. 4) the electronic windscreen and the protection it offers is very impressive. You can drop it all the way down in hot weather to get clean air in your helmet and chest. All the way up it completely eliminated wind noise around my helmet. 5) The OEM exhaust is much deeper and louder than the OEM exhaust on my MS V4S. It sounded especially nice with a hard surface on your right to bounce the noise back at you.
One of your most poignant videos to date Scott answering a lot of concerns and being very candid about the 1300. I have a GSA1250 and took a test ride on the 1300 and agree with everything you say. My opinion on the shift-assist was that there wasn’t ‘much’ of a difference. Ride an XR and that has a proper buttery smooth quickshifter. My bike has 30k on it and my wife has been on the back for most so I’m sure a lot of us out here would love to hear your wife’s opinion. Keep the videos coming. 👍
If I were going back to a GS I would still stay with 1250 considering their used prices here in the UK. You would save around 6k.
Used BMWs are a great value.
Thanks for the review! I'd love to hear more from your wife's perspective, as the main criterion for my next bike purchase is whether my wife would enjoy it. (There are not enough 2-up reviews on YT, generally!)
Yea, I'd like to do more videos with my wife with her on the back and with just her opinion in the video (without me influencing her) just let her say what she feels. The first one should be done editing sometime this coming week 👍👍
Hi Scott, great video. I just bought my 1300, it has software 125-13-030, but the dealer left in the AGM (BMW's temp fix). I'll get them to retrofit the Li at first service, hopefully no problem. Thanks for the tip
I have a Multistrada V4S and I have no problem. Made 6k km from this February. I don't know about GS but RT was on my mind when I was choosing my bike for this year. I have a lot of soul and character in my Ducati 😅
Good review, thank you. It will be another 20 years before I'm in the market for a 1300 GS... One remark. To me the beauty of the oilheads and older Boxers is their simplicity. I have done a service on a 1200LC of a mate of mine, it is just harder to work on than on my 1150s. Of course the LCs are quiter, less mechanical noise. Yet a big 2 cilinder engine will never be as smooth as a 4 or 6 cilinder. If I'll stick to Beemers, I'll stick to oilheads. Saves a lot of money too! Which is not unimportant...
Nice review. 21' R1250gsa in the stable. Just back back from 2k trip over 3 days (austin - taos - gunnison -taos - home) and hit 10k miles. I think it just got broke in so dont see the need to upgrade just yet. Maybe I am getting old and my bike junkie habit is settling. We will see when the adventure hits. Per my bike, I like the range, and apparently the saddle, sore butt was not a problem. Regardless, thanks for taking the time.
I really enjoy your videos and content!
I have a Kawasaki SX 1000 just over 7 years old it’s never failed to start on the button, That’s why I still have it ,Japanese bikes generally are so reliable ,
I like BMW and the Tiger 1200 , but for me I’ve always had great service and reliability from Japanese bikes in just over of 51 years,
It’s a lot £££ if the bike is still throwing up issues, and it’s not that much better than the outgoing 1250 , even The Triumph is still struggling with a few issues and a screen that’s slow in stating , I was hoping for a great review with no issues and you smiling saying how good it is 😊 , it’s not for me 🏴
I bought a "demonstrator" model with some miles on it, in a 2023 1250 GS Trophy, in late 2023, from a dealership trying to move some product to make room for the 2024 1300 GS. At 6'5" and 275#, having ridden both now, I'd think very long and hard, being tall, stepping up to the 1300. I always keep my battery on a battery tender, when not riding, and have had zero problems with my bike not starting. Part of your lithium battery problem might be caused by cold weather. A Lithium battery needs to be "warmed up" to function properly, so cold weather starts below 50F external can be kind of rough on the battery. Leave the ignition turned on for 20 or 30 seconds before you try to start the bike, with the fuel pump running, to warm up the battery. 65 years old, this was a retirement reward motorcycle for me... it's that good, it's probably my last new motorcycle. BMW has had this bike in production for 5 model years, 2019-2023, so I'd think that by now, the Beta testing phase is over, BMW has this lineup debugged. There's ttle thing I do on my bike when decelerating, way in advance.... I do not shut the throttle all the way off. The bike decelerates so aggressively when doing that , so I keep the throttle the slightest bit rolled on still and get off the throttle way sooner than before, coming up on a red light, trying to time it to hit it when green again.
Well, when I filmed my self with the drone, it was 68F and sunny, you can see by the shots from the drone in this video, so fairly warm and have been riding the bike 2 to 3 times a week since March and putting on some serious miles and it kept happening to me over 5 times in just a half hour. Drone would lose me, I'd have to stop riding, shut bike off, left it in gear so it won't roll, didn't turn off ignition, usually didn't get off bike, sat on bike and get the drone focused back on me, usually about a minute, give or take, and it sometimes took 2 to 3 tries to start. Why? Warm day, warm bike, warm everything. No start. Frustrating.
Great informative, well described bike video. To me, I feel like Triumph has been catching BMW and is pretty much neck and neck now for the two best ADV mid and large segments today. I'll likely buy again after evaluating on the NEXT new model prob 2028 or 2030 just guessing.
Great review and I really appreciate your style. However I am kind of struggling to justify the upgrade over the 1250 especially if you are losing the comfort. I would love to hear your thoughts comparing it to the KTM SAS 1290 that you rode recently. Would you swap if you had the chance?
Chuckles. I ride an 1150. I’ll just see you when I get there, if I don’t decide to go somewhere else.
1150...sigh...road one back in the day...great motor...simple...easy to maintain...keep it, it's a great bike!
Yeah. I chuckled about the videos comments on the 1300’s electricals. Pretty sure one 1150 could power the eastern seaboard of the US. At idle.
Thanks for the nice overview. I also got now update for the starting problem yet. Sometimes the fuel cap doesn‘t open. The topcase, the cases and the cylinder guards are not available until now. I had a 1200 GS LC before. Exept the sound I’m really enthusiastic about the new GS and would buy it again.
Great review! I’m waiting for the new 1300 GSA with the new ASA, which for me is a must! Ride safe…
Excellent review Scott, covering the major issues and differences. I agree that an upgrade from my 2021 fully loaded triple black is not justified even considering selling the 2021 model and still having to shell out another 8 to 10,000 Euros for the 1300. Convincing my wife would be the next problem 😂. Thank you for your honest review…greetings from Berlin, Jim
As usual, great and honest review! Leaving soon for a big trip, still no software update for my 1300, hope no issues riding it…Take care.
Nice one Scott. Thank you. I’m glad I waited until the end to write this as at the start when the bike wouldn’t start all I was thinking was due to it being in first gear! However, I take it now that you simply did that to show what it occasionally does. Interesting comment though about the change of direction mid corner compared to sports bikes. If you have the required skill set then nothing will change direction quicker, mid corners, than a sports bike. Perhaps me being an ex Australian Superbike Racer is one reason why I can say this as I do also own a 1250GS. I could be on say a CBR650R and be miles in front on a set of twisties than I could riding my GS and I’m using this particular Honda as a reference due to it not being “a real stortsbike”. As my son has one so I have gone back to back on these. My race bikes? No comparison however they aren’t street legal.
Thank you Scott for the awesome and honest review! I just rode one for a few miles, but my observations echo yours. I rode the trophy edition. I had trouble turning the power back on after I shut it off. Good thing I was at the dealer. They told me to hold the Fob up to the power switch. THAT was silly! I'm not sure the ESA ever changed, could it have been turned off? The front end dove when braking and lifted under throttle, and that was in Road mode. It was like a cheap used 1990's bike. What's the point of the Telelever again? (Rhetorical). It was without feeling on dirt, as they are, and I'm ok with that! The throttle was snatchy, especially in second gear, (also in Road mode). Typical for BMW, the engine lugged noticeably if you entered a round-about in third. That didn't change. BMW Boxers don't have much gear overlap in my opinion. My other twins don't notice a one-gear difference. HOWEVER, this new make-over felt instantly at home. It's like they copied the styling of the Honda NC700X or NC750X. It felt as light as those (except for getting it off the side stand), and even looks like them a little! The comparison ends there. Can the windshield be programmed to remember the preferred height? I had to set the "Sandwich" button to Windshield because it I had to raise the shield to full height every time I started the bike. BMWs have as many quirks as my Moto Guzzi. The Guzzi has a button for the heated grips though, and ride modes change instantly.
Interesting - thanks for posting this. I tried the 1300 a few weeks back and came to more or less the same conclusion - it hasn’t really got any better, more sort of moved sideways. Comfort-wise it has definitely got worse - the stock bars were too wide, the angle of my back was a little uncomfortable and the seat wasn’t great. Ride-wise I felt it was very similar to the 1250 (I only used Dynamic mode). The quick shifter/auto-blipper has improved slightly but by more or less any other bike’s standards it’s really poor. And here’s the weirdest thing (and very subjective I know) - I found it less chuckable/forgiving with less of a planted feel. Might be the transition to something different but weird all the same. I’ll give it a pass and try a different brand for a while I think. Thanks again.
I’m impressed with mine after 18 months of my 2021 R1250GS and definitely wouldn’t go back, the 1250 felt ponderous compared to this. I initially thought the 1300 was more uncomfortable, higher more forward position but after just over 1000 miles I prefer it. On my 1250 it felt right when I set off and uncomfortable as the ride progressed, this is just the opposite.
Ifcmy 2018 r1200gs rallye had adaptive suspension, I'll never change it. Is the only negative for me.and I love my rallye looks, is the 1300 better at (almost) everything? Of course, but not that much ! I still think my rallye looks better than thecnew one!
Looking forward to hearing about it after owning it over the summer season too. Agree with your conclusions regarding trading up from the 1250, but still a great bike if you are entering the ADV market from another premium bike.
STILL haven’t seen anything to take me off my Super Tenere. Just can’t see it.
A standard manual 4 year old Africa Twin, give one a try
IMO, great review & transparency - WELL DONE!!!. IMO the new GS1300 is "overall" top of the heap in the big adventure category (BMW did it again). However, for me, "fortunately" these days there are quite a few very good, lesser-cost middle-weights that will satisfy my riding needs/ get the job done (thank you trickle-down technology)
I am not gonna lie. I do not always like your videos. But this one is really nice!
BMW R 1300 GS - BENTLEY /// BMW R 1250 GS - ROLLS ROYCE. Never driven these brands but my choice is RR.
Glad to hear that my '21 GSA is still a very worthy steed in comparison haha. I have no plans to move to the 1300 anytime soon, but maybe I'll be ready at the first facelift within the 1300 range. I reserve my thoughts on that until I see what they do with the Adventure model next year.
Nice video and agree with most of your points, except for the Navigation. You say the Connected Ride Navigator (CRN) is better than the Nav 6. The reason I disagree with this is because the CRN does not support non-announcing shaping points. If you create a route in BaseCamp or whatever and use a lot of shaping points to ensure the route takes you on the roads you want to take, all those shaping points are announced. And to me this can get very annoying - JMHO...
we just returned from a 10 days journey from Italy. My 1300 GS has the same issues with not starting. I felt like it’s worse after long trip when everything was very hot down there. then, I overtook a lorry and had to stop at the red light, freakin lorry behind me again! I switched off the engine off and could not restart! what an embarrassment! the lorry left me standing!Really hope the Softwareupdate is coming soon. greetings from Switzerland
Nice video, with a lot of information! Thank you very much!
Excellent video. Appreciate the advice!
I think I will keep my 1250because it does look better as well
I’m looking right now. My 2018 R1200GS (I really loved that bike) got T-boned at an intersection 7 weeks ago today. I’m fine, walked away with a concussion and some bruises. That’s it. Bike didn’t do so well, totaled. Hmmm, I was not in the market for a bike 7 weeks and 1 day ago, but now I am and the 1300 mostly fits the bill for me. I have some panniers I don’t want to have to replace (keeping them helps mitigate some other costs as I only need to buy a rack for my Bumot luggage which will work). Your review has pushed me over the edge as my other options are to get R1250GS or a used R1200GS (don’t want to go that far back though). Guess all I need to do now is finalize the trim I want.
Something else about the battery/start issues. I’ve got a couple of Huskies that have Lion batteries. One of the problems with these batteries is when they are cold. It’s not unusual for them not to start a bike on the first or even second try if done too quickly. Lion batteries get more juice flowing when they get warmer. The trick is to give them an initial start try when cold. If no start then wait 5 to 10 seconds and try again. The battery will heat up internally and by the third time will generally give much better cranking amps. This is a known problem with Lion batteries over the lead acid variety which delivered good cranking amps out of the gate, but were heavier. Take my input for what it’s worth.
No start electrical nannys. Thats completely unacceptable. Still on a 2010. I don't want to ride an Ipad.
I own a 1250GS, did a test drive with the 1300 and it feels indeed much lichter. I am 1,75m but my legs are shorter so the adaptive height was a dream. Pity that my 1250 is only 2 years old.
The CRN you find it better, well me not. Sold it again. The software is TomTom and i am a Garmin fan. So I0m more happy with the nav6.
I've had my Trophy for a little over a week. I took it on it's first trip/voyage during the break in mileage. I had the no start happen once during that first 750 miles. Took it in for the 1st service, and they said it would also be getting a software update. I didn't ask what for, but I am now on the 2nd trip . Have 1100 miles so far. I have not experienced the no start yet. But then I only had it happen once so far, before that 1st service.
Great video, thanks Scott. Would I change my Multistrada V4s for the 1300GS? HELL NO! The GS is a good bike, but the Multi is so much better. I guess it all depends on the type of rider we are and what we want out of our motorcycles.
Very valuable information; thanks for sharing.
First year bugs...the GS sets the standard, its a heck of a bike, definitely the industry leader.
I canr wait for the RS ...Im sort of done with the dirt so I am thinking the RS for sport touring....my focus is the twisties