Mark, I just completed my first twelve hundred kilometres on the RS. I have spent most of my trip fiddling around toying with it, being exhilarated whilst noticing certain rough edges on the riding side. I´ve thoroughly enjoyed your video, you truly did justice to this machine. You covered the topics every biker wants to hear and described them in an excellent and comprehensive way. It´s been really useful to watch a competent rider using its new technology to its full extent. I think you just smoothed out those rough edges for me. Deceivingly quick describes it perfectly. Una puta maquina. Thanks.
Nice report. Thank you. I have just ordered one. I've had a 2017 GS for a month. Just did not get on with it, too tall for me. But I like the engine, the gizmos, the cruise control, quick shift etc.
I have this bike. I bought it new in 2017 and it is brilliant. It’s the perfect daily rider. I intend to keep it forever, however, I do want to get an ADV bike, probably a GS. I spent a few days camping on my RS in California last year and it was a little tight luggage wise. I love the way it sounds, it is smooth as silk and it just feels like an extension of my brain!
Mark, Great review as usual! I bought the identical bike 2 weeks ago. I already put 200 miles around town and loving every moment. Amazing breaks - one finger is more than enough. Corners well. Quick shift is fantastic but, it makes me ride faster than I should. Extremely well balanced in slow speeds. Traditional boxer Sounds great! Best,
Becker Inal Becker, I agree with you both, Quick shift is incredible! I never thought i would shift up cornering before! And every roundabout swinging at slow speed puts a smile on my face... coming from an air cooled R1200R I find the engine super smooth from 3K onwards but a little spotty below... but it may be my ghost Telelever feeling. I am not used to feeling the front so much at slow speeds... regardless its an incredible machine, awesome ride with cruise control on motorways and fearless cornering at any speed. Saludos.
Excellent review. I haven't had a bike in 50 years but I gotta tell you when I see a review like this it makes want to go out and start riding again. Always loved BMWs.
I to test rode one of these whilst my 2014 GS was in for 6000 mile service and was very impressed, it made me wish my 'identical' engine and transmission is as smooth as on the RS, as it isn't!
A great real world comfy sporty bike. Not many of those these days. I am not a fan of tall adventure bikes and feel this sector of the market has been sadly neglected by the manufacturers lately. Things could be changing though with the 2017 models soon to be reveled. Ducati have the 939 supersport coming and Kawasaki have a new Z1000 SX type also arriving and Triumph are to reveal their new sporty half faired 765 hopefully and maybe we could see a proper M10 Tracer from Yamaha as well.Roll on 2017.
My only criticism is the "sticky-out front indicators" in the sides of the fairing. They should have put them in the mirrors, as on the K1300S. Aside from that minor niggle, it's possibly the best bike on the planet.
The main reason I gave up BMW (Boxer) ownership was the high cost of ownership per mile. Aside from the thousand dollar "major maintenance" schedules I also had wonky tire wear issues. God help me if anything actually broke, I'd just give Otto my credit card, sell off my assets and return in a week to find out when I could pick up the bike. Not to say they're not sweet rides, but they're not for the light of wallet. I've owned three new bikes since my last Beemer and the cost per mile - for all three bikes - has been less than the one BMW. Just my experience, or common - I don't know, before I take another gamble, I'd love to hear from other high mileage owners . . . .
Renowned for high cost of maintenance and high purchase price. I have friends who own them. They all tell me how expensive they are to keep going. I go Japanese. Cheaper, powerful, reliable, and huge dealer network.
Bang on with the running costs of a beemer, it would be nice if reviewers like Mark and tmf included service costs in their reviews, you need big money to own a BMW bike, no doubt!
thats a great bike, and an awesome review, i have gs adventure at present not following the trend but after 35 years on sportsbikes fancied something different bit more upright!!!
nice review I will never ever ever buy another BMW .for one reason when they sell dealers are super helpful one they go wrong .they don't wanna know even customer service . servicing bloody expensive as well quickshifter is the worst in whole market
Many thanks for the review Mark. Good to see a sensible review and it's much appreciated. I'm taking one out on Thursday. Oh and I think you can select a digital speed readout too.
2022 & watching this. I currently ride a CB600 Hornet with carbs. Looking at a used sports tourer next albeit I want something chuckable, no surging in town and friendly for my continual slow speed manouvere polishing. Good that you don't ride daft....I can relate to your riding pace & got a good feel for this bike. Many reviews don't give such insight. I am also 5'8" so the seat info of interest. Early FI Blackbird also on radar but aware of more power and absence of rider aids (CBS notwithstanding). Thanks for decent review👍
Hi Mark, test rode a blackbird in 99, owned a vfr800fi. I scared myself to death in 3rd gear wide open was like a rocket. Decided to keep my vfr. Didn’t like corners like vfr either. Only bike I’ve walked away from thinking this could end in tears
Gearing is different to the GS and they have an improved damper on the primary drive so it feels less agricultural and smoother than the GS but doesn’t bizarrely have the autoblipper on the gear shift assist. Good, tractable motor let down by slight hesitant fuelling at 29mph in 2nd so noticeable in town. Handling is sure footed and planted. ESA only has two damping settings (road and dynamic) and 4 preload options. It’s under damped in road and over-damped in dynamic but you get used to it. Sport version has higher seat and is best touring option. Needs bar risers and benefits from grip puppies. Standard screen won’t suit everyone. Best compromise is the MRA Vario screen. For those moaning about running costs, they’re the simplest bike made to home service. Less moaning and do the minor fluid and filter changes yourselves and put the savings towards the major service. Do annual drive oil changes and remove dry final drive shaft and relube every 12k miles and the bike will run trouble free. It’ll outlast most owners! High build quality but a few things to watch for. Left switch cluster can get sticky if not periodically treated with switch cleaner. Self priming cam chain tensioner seals can sometimes leak. When warm this can result in knocking from the rhs cylinder although all 1200’s sound like a blacksmiths forge on overtime. 1250 is quieter but jury’s out on early models some of which exhibited premature cam wear on the shift cam. Sorted niw I think on new bikes. Last of the 1200’s from 2018 onwards should be bullet proof and make the best used buy in sport se spec with all the options boxes ticked. Good review Mark. I went from a GSA to the RS and it’s simply a better all rounder and better looking too. Seems everyone rides a GS. The RS is the thinking man’s option😉
@@markpulling12 I was going to say the same as Simon. I am dithering between buying the 1250 RS and now recently the Kawasaki 1000 SX Tourer, which I saw you also reviewed not long ago. I would love to hear how you feel the two stack up against each other. It seems to me that other reviewers are complaining quite a lot about the quickshifter on the 1250 model; you seemed quite happy here, so I wonder if it feels different on the new one.
@@nickthequick hi ref the BMW to the z1000sx 2020,the BMW has the great boxer engine very good low down pull from it's flat twin ,no issues with any quickshifters for me, personally I'd go for the Kawasaki and it will be my next bike,it's just such good value for money , especially now it's got tft cruise and quickshifter all the best mark
@@markpulling12 Yeah, I just scheduled a test ride on the Kawa (and the Ducati 950 S ..) Not only that, the Kawa dealer offered me 10% discount on a new 1000SX Touring. He attached the offer to the catalogue which I made sure the Ducati dealer saw, which made him shave 1055 Euro off his price...
Hi Mark. Very nice review as always. I have also seen your review and how excited you were with the new Multistrada DVT. How does the R1200RS compares to it? I have at the moment an (otherwise amazing) GSXR 750 K8 but I think I want something more relaxed now. What do you think? Thanks. Michael
+MegaMika1975 Hi michael,I like you came off a gsxr1000k5 (awesome) because i wanted to go touring in europe ,I still wanted looks and power but comfort aswell,queue my 2010 ducati multistrada 1200,as exciting to ride as the gixxer but ten times more comfort ,,ill never go back now.the r1200 rs is a lovely bike sporty position but very low revving boxer engine but if you want more comfort than yours def go for a duke 1200 as it will thrill you like a gixxer but in a vtwin way..hope this helps all the best mark
To be honest with you Mark, every time I look at the new Multi i say to myself I am in love... :-) And one of the reasons I want to change the gixxer is to go back to the Alps. Last time I was there on the GSXR, I envied my mates on their upright riding position bikes! :-) Keep up the good work! Amazing videos!
Great video as always, I am a new biker and looking to get a GS as my first bike, I'm 28 and 6 foot 2, so size wise it is pretty perfect, also love the fact that people say that the GS pivots beneath you rather than leaning with arc tracing. How would you compare the 2 as I love this engine. Personally I have seen the engine perform fantastically at high revs as well as be grunty lower down. Love your channel!
Patrick Tomlinson hi patrick ,if your 6ft 2 then id say get the gs as its a bigger taller bike ,the gs suspension is amazing ,the rs is a sportier alternative with the same engine but not quite as good an all rounder ..all the best mark
Patrick Tomlinson I'm 6ft 2 and I've had both bikes (the LC version GS too). Both are extremely comfortable although I did get a bad back riding an upright bike as I prefer more weight on my arms. If you prefer a more sporty ride like I do then the RS wins hands down in terms of handling. You really cant compare the 2 in handling terms but if your just plodding around then maybe the GS will suit you? I now have the RS and it's the best bike I've ever had. I've gad an S1000RR and R too.
Hi Mark. finding your reviews really helpful but I'm struggling to decide on a new bike TBH. In the mix are the Tiger 800xrx, Tiger Explorer, BWM lc R1200GS and the new R1200RS. I'm a similar height to you at 5'7" so what would you say wrre the pros and cons of these 4 compared to each other. I'd like a Triumph but due to my lack of height think the BMWs may be a better option but would be interested in your views. I'll use my bike as a play thing the enjoy for days out and maybe some touring possibly 2 up. cheers Ade
+adrianbarrie13 Hi adrian ,all the bikes youve listed are just brilliant,id rule out the explorer for you as its really heavy ,personally id go down the adventure route,the gs is available in a low chassis ,see my review and is one of the best allrounders ever..the xrx is alot cheaper but is probably 90% as good in most situations and still loads of fun with that glorious triple engine...tough choice ..all the best mark :)
+mark pulling Thanks Mark. I was a bit concerned about the weight of the Explorer so thanks for the heads up. Having sat on a couple now with my size or lack of it I really feel the extra weight of it compared to the others just trying to get it off the side stand which is a pity because I really did fancy a Triumph this time round. What impressed me with the BMWs is they are now both around the same weight as my old R1150R and even without the low suspension option the GS was markedly easier to handle than the TEX. The downside is the GS is a lot more expensive than the others and its not worth getting the base spec model as the depreciation compared to the TE version is a lot higher and there's about a 3 month build time delay on all beemers. looks like getting some kit and a test ride on all 4 before the Bike show at the NEC is in order so I can get something ordered ready for the spring. keep up the helpful work mate and ride safe. Ade
Hi, great review of the Bmw R1200RS impressed with the bike as an alternative too an adventure bike, my current motorcycle being a Tiger XRX 800 , I will have to give this some serious thought. regards, colin.
I prefer Ducati but wouldn't be put off of a stylish German bike. For someone who likes nakeds but needs more highway protection and practicality and generally loves the idea of Sport Touring and living on the bike, but finds a large inadequacy in that market would you suggest this bike or something like this? All the reviews I hear are very positive but no one is recommending buying it very much or with enthusiasm so much as admiration. I kind of fall between naked and sport tourers, as well as falling between brands of Ducati and BMW. I think my passion would be a Monster 821 fully fitted out and customized but due to inexperience I don't know how that would pan out you know?
Can't get over the styling and colors. If I lived in a city where I only went out at night riding for a secret paramilitary branch out of a japanese graphic novel in the rain it would probably be great. Looks like that TV show Dark Angel from the 90s or whatever - which is not bad I'm just not in the market.
Hi Mark,I just tried two more bikes in the Triumph Tiger 800 market. The Yamaha Tracer -pants !! And the KTM 1050 Adventure - proper serious quality machine.
I appreciate this is an older video. I ha e a 2019 GSA 1200, which I am currently selling. It's just too unnecessarily big for 99.9% of road riding that i do. I paid 12k for it. The equivalent 1200RS minus the TFT is coming in at 7k... I'm hoping to get out on the 1200R and 1200RS to make a decision on either 2 to replace the big donkey GSA. Thanks for the video many many years ago.
+Paul Bright yes mounted to the inside of the helmet then plugs into the side of the gopro but you need the skeleton housing for the gopro which has the opening in the side for the mic plug ..All the best mark
true..but I see his point, I actually ride the r1200r, and if it had a analog rpm and then a digital speedo but also giving you all the info that you get in style 0.....that would have been perfect for me. Style 2 is ok, but then you miss all that other great info.....shame.
HGV Biker no I'm still here and riding my own bike but just been very busy with life stuff at the moment soon as the weather improves I'll be back to the dealers for demos :). All the best mark
My friend refers to BMW as bring my wallet everytime he has to get his bike serviced. People always review new bikes and dont mention the high operating costs and parts of these bikes when they need servicing and parts after some time. Also renowned for drive shaft problems. Too bad because they are nice bikes.
5"8!?,I didn't know you were still a growing boy mark!?,in every other video you're 5"7or170cm!do you still have a 30inch inside leg oris that 31inches now!?😊
![2016 BMW R 1200 R QUICKSHIFTER [RAW Onboard]](/img/1.gif)
Mark,
I just completed my first twelve hundred kilometres on the RS. I have spent most of my trip fiddling around toying with it, being exhilarated whilst noticing certain rough edges on the riding side. I´ve thoroughly enjoyed your video, you truly did justice to this machine. You covered the topics every biker wants to hear and described them in an excellent and comprehensive way. It´s been really useful to watch a competent rider using its new technology to its full extent. I think you just smoothed out those rough edges for me. Deceivingly quick describes it perfectly. Una puta maquina. Thanks.
+Enrique “Keekay” Cano Hi enrique..glad your enjoying your rs ...its a great bike :)
Nice report. Thank you.
I have just ordered one. I've had a 2017 GS for a month. Just did not get on with it, too tall for me. But I like the engine, the gizmos, the cruise control, quick shift etc.
I have this bike. I bought it new in 2017 and it is brilliant. It’s the perfect daily rider. I intend to keep it forever, however, I do want to get an ADV bike, probably a GS. I spent a few days camping on my RS in California last year and it was a little tight luggage wise. I love the way it sounds, it is smooth as silk and it just feels like an extension of my brain!
Thanks for the great comment kevin :)
You are great at reviews. Very insightful and you talk about things that matter. Thanks!
Alexis Robles thankyou Alexis :)
Mark, Great review as usual! I bought the identical bike 2 weeks ago. I already put 200 miles around town and loving every moment. Amazing breaks - one finger is more than enough. Corners well. Quick shift is fantastic but, it makes me ride faster than I should. Extremely well balanced in slow speeds. Traditional boxer Sounds great!
Best,
Becker Inal good choice becker ...I really enjoyed the demo ride ..regards mark
Becker Inal Becker, I agree with you both, Quick shift is incredible! I never thought i would shift up cornering before! And every roundabout swinging at slow speed puts a smile on my face... coming from an air cooled R1200R I find the engine super smooth from 3K onwards but a little spotty below... but it may be my ghost Telelever feeling. I am not used to feeling the front so much at slow speeds... regardless its an incredible machine, awesome ride with cruise control on motorways and fearless cornering at any speed. Saludos.
Excellent review. I haven't had a bike in 50 years but I gotta tell you when I see a review like this it makes want to go out and start riding again. Always loved BMWs.
go for it ken ! its a cracking bike ;)
I to test rode one of these whilst my 2014 GS was in for 6000 mile service and was very impressed, it made me wish my 'identical' engine and transmission is as smooth as on the RS, as it isn't!
Very fun bike. I ride a K1300GT and this bike flicks around corners with a very light turn in. Enjoyed my test ride too. Nice review!
Speedo should be digital,revs analog.Rest is brilliant
A great real world comfy sporty bike. Not many of those these days. I am not a fan of tall adventure bikes and feel this sector of the market has been sadly neglected by the manufacturers lately. Things could be changing though with the 2017 models soon to be reveled. Ducati have the 939 supersport coming and Kawasaki have a new Z1000 SX type also arriving and Triumph are to reveal their new sporty half faired 765 hopefully and maybe we could see a proper M10 Tracer from Yamaha as well.Roll on 2017.
I kinda wish they made a 750-900 version of this bike. It is still a bit more than I need.
My only criticism is the "sticky-out front indicators" in the sides of the fairing. They should have put them in the mirrors, as on the K1300S. Aside from that minor niggle, it's possibly the best bike on the planet.
Very nice review. Jealous of that ride and lack of traffic!
Thanks for the Demo.I've got a GS TE 1200,think I'll have to book myself a test ride.Cheers
The main reason I gave up BMW (Boxer) ownership was the high cost of ownership per mile. Aside from the thousand dollar "major maintenance" schedules I also had wonky tire wear issues. God help me if anything actually broke, I'd just give Otto my credit card, sell off my assets and return in a week to find out when I could pick up the bike. Not to say they're not sweet rides, but they're not for the light of wallet. I've owned three new bikes since my last Beemer and the cost per mile - for all three bikes - has been less than the one BMW. Just my experience, or common - I don't know, before I take another gamble, I'd love to hear from other high mileage owners . . . .
Renowned for high cost of maintenance and high purchase price. I have friends who own them. They all tell me how expensive they are to keep going. I go Japanese. Cheaper, powerful, reliable, and huge dealer network.
Bang on with the running costs of a beemer, it would be nice if reviewers like Mark and tmf included service costs in their reviews, you need big money to own a BMW bike, no doubt!
Excellent, thorough review. Thanks for posting
thats a great bike, and an awesome review, i have gs adventure at present not following the trend but after 35 years on sportsbikes fancied something different bit more upright!!!
Thank you for your mature, rational, and thoughtful review
of this machine.
nice review I will never ever ever buy another BMW .for one reason when they sell dealers are super helpful one they go wrong .they don't wanna know even customer service . servicing bloody expensive as well quickshifter is the worst in whole market
I love this bike, definitely a favorite of mine. Thanks!
Many thanks for the review Mark. Good to see a sensible review and it's much appreciated. I'm taking one out on Thursday. Oh and I think you can select a digital speed readout too.
+Peter Burridge I think youll like it peter ..try the 1000xr if you can too :) all the best mark
2022 & watching this. I currently ride a CB600 Hornet with carbs. Looking at a used sports tourer next albeit I want something chuckable, no surging in town and friendly for my continual slow speed manouvere polishing.
Good that you don't ride daft....I can relate to your riding pace & got a good feel for this bike. Many reviews don't give such insight.
I am also 5'8" so the seat info of interest.
Early FI Blackbird also on radar but aware of more power and absence of rider aids (CBS notwithstanding).
Thanks for decent review👍
Picked my rs up on the 10th. What a bike
+Toby Duke enjoy toby ...awesome bike
PS what is that shirt lifter you're talking about?
Picking mine up next Tuesday. Same model, same colour,
I still love it, done 7000km this year :)
You missed the main thing about the RS! Does the faring work? At what temperature? How much wind did it keep off your legs?
yes i did at 5:45 :) could hardly feel any wind on my legs ,what a great bike cheers mark
Hi Mark, test rode a blackbird in 99, owned a vfr800fi. I scared myself to death in 3rd gear wide open was like a rocket. Decided to keep my vfr. Didn’t like corners like vfr either. Only bike I’ve walked away from thinking this could end in tears
Gearing is different to the GS and they have an improved damper on the primary drive so it feels less agricultural and smoother than the GS but doesn’t bizarrely have the autoblipper on the gear shift assist. Good, tractable motor let down by slight hesitant fuelling at 29mph in 2nd so noticeable in town. Handling is sure footed and planted. ESA only has two damping settings (road and dynamic) and 4 preload options. It’s under damped in road and over-damped in dynamic but you get used to it.
Sport version has higher seat and is best touring option. Needs bar risers and benefits from grip puppies. Standard screen won’t suit everyone. Best compromise is the MRA Vario screen.
For those moaning about running costs, they’re the simplest bike made to home service. Less moaning and do the minor fluid and filter changes yourselves and put the savings towards the major service. Do annual drive oil changes and remove dry final drive shaft and relube every 12k miles and the bike will run trouble free. It’ll outlast most owners!
High build quality but a few things to watch for. Left switch cluster can get sticky if not periodically treated with switch cleaner. Self priming cam chain tensioner seals can sometimes leak. When warm this can result in knocking from the rhs cylinder although all 1200’s sound like a blacksmiths forge on overtime. 1250 is quieter but jury’s out on early models some of which exhibited premature cam wear on the shift cam. Sorted niw I think on new bikes. Last of the 1200’s from 2018 onwards should be bullet proof and make the best used buy in sport se spec with all the options boxes ticked.
Good review Mark. I went from a GSA to the RS and it’s simply a better all rounder and better looking too. Seems everyone rides a GS. The RS is the thinking man’s option😉
Thanks for the great comment Paul 🙂 best wishes mark
The GS is the old man's bike. It's stereotyped for a reason... your weekend a 'Adventures' consists of a Starbucks and 50-mile round trip 😂
No LED headlamps? Those are getting pretty standard on Yamahas and Hondas.
Hi Mark, would love to see your review of the new BMW R1250RS when it’s released later this year.
Yes will definitely be doing it Simon 😊
@@markpulling12 I was going to say the same as Simon. I am dithering between buying the 1250 RS and now recently the Kawasaki 1000 SX Tourer, which I saw you also reviewed not long ago. I would love to hear how you feel the two stack up against each other.
It seems to me that other reviewers are complaining quite a lot about the quickshifter on the 1250 model; you seemed quite happy here, so I wonder if it feels different on the new one.
@@nickthequick hi ref the BMW to the z1000sx 2020,the BMW has the great boxer engine very good low down pull from it's flat twin ,no issues with any quickshifters for me, personally I'd go for the Kawasaki and it will be my next bike,it's just such good value for money , especially now it's got tft cruise and quickshifter all the best mark
@@markpulling12 Yeah, I just scheduled a test ride on the Kawa (and the Ducati 950 S ..) Not only that, the Kawa dealer offered me 10% discount on a new 1000SX Touring. He attached the offer to the catalogue which I made sure the Ducati dealer saw, which made him shave 1055 Euro off his price...
Hi Mark. Very nice review as always. I have also seen your review and how excited you were with the new Multistrada DVT. How does the R1200RS compares to it? I have at the moment an (otherwise amazing) GSXR 750 K8 but I think I want something more relaxed now. What do you think? Thanks. Michael
+MegaMika1975 Hi michael,I like you came off a gsxr1000k5 (awesome) because i wanted to go touring in europe ,I still wanted looks and power but comfort aswell,queue my 2010 ducati multistrada 1200,as exciting to ride as the gixxer but ten times more comfort ,,ill never go back now.the r1200 rs is a lovely bike sporty position but very low revving boxer engine but if you want more comfort than yours def go for a duke 1200 as it will thrill you like a gixxer but in a vtwin way..hope this helps all the best mark
To be honest with you Mark, every time I look at the new Multi i say to myself I am in love... :-)
And one of the reasons I want to change the gixxer is to go back to the Alps. Last time I was there on the GSXR, I envied my mates on their upright riding position bikes! :-) Keep up the good work! Amazing videos!
How would you compare the r1200rs to the k1300s? I have the k1300s and I'm considering either the r1200rs or the S1000Xr.
Great video as always, I am a new biker and looking to get a GS as my first bike, I'm 28 and 6 foot 2, so size wise it is pretty perfect, also love the fact that people say that the GS pivots beneath you rather than leaning with arc tracing. How would you compare the 2 as I love this engine. Personally I have seen the engine perform fantastically at high revs as well as be grunty lower down. Love your channel!
Patrick Tomlinson hi patrick ,if your 6ft 2 then id say get the gs as its a bigger taller bike ,the gs suspension is amazing ,the rs is a sportier alternative with the same engine but not quite as good an all rounder ..all the best mark
I Ordered A Black/Grey One On Monday.
Patrick Tomlinson I'm 6ft 2 and I've had both bikes (the LC version GS too). Both are extremely comfortable although I did get a bad back riding an upright bike as I prefer more weight on my arms.
If you prefer a more sporty ride like I do then the RS wins hands down in terms of handling. You really cant compare the 2 in handling terms but if your just plodding around then maybe the GS will suit you?
I now have the RS and it's the best bike I've ever had. I've gad an S1000RR and R too.
Hi Mark. finding your reviews really helpful but I'm struggling to decide on a new bike TBH. In the mix are the Tiger 800xrx, Tiger Explorer, BWM lc R1200GS and the new R1200RS. I'm a similar height to you at 5'7" so what would you say wrre the pros and cons of these 4 compared to each other. I'd like a Triumph but due to my lack of height think the BMWs may be a better option but would be interested in your views. I'll use my bike as a play thing the enjoy for days out and maybe some touring possibly 2 up. cheers Ade
+adrianbarrie13 Hi adrian ,all the bikes youve listed are just brilliant,id rule out the explorer for you as its really heavy ,personally id go down the adventure route,the gs is available in a low chassis ,see my review and is one of the best allrounders ever..the xrx is alot cheaper but is probably 90% as good in most situations and still loads of fun with that glorious triple engine...tough choice ..all the best mark :)
+mark pulling Thanks Mark. I was a bit concerned about the weight of the Explorer so thanks for the heads up. Having sat on a couple now with my size or lack of it I really feel the extra weight of it compared to the others just trying to get it off the side stand which is a pity because I really did fancy a Triumph this time round. What impressed me with the BMWs is they are now both around the same weight as my old R1150R and even without the low suspension option the GS was markedly easier to handle than the TEX. The downside is the GS is a lot more expensive than the others and its not worth getting the base spec model as the depreciation compared to the TE version is a lot higher and there's about a 3 month build time delay on all beemers. looks like getting some kit and a test ride on all 4 before the Bike show at the NEC is in order so I can get something ordered ready for the spring. keep up the helpful work mate and ride safe. Ade
I am close to pulling the trigger on a Kawasaki Z1000SX and now ive seen this video. Reevaluating everything!
Hi, great review of the Bmw R1200RS impressed with the bike as an alternative too an adventure bike, my current motorcycle being a Tiger XRX 800 , I will have to give this some serious thought. regards, colin.
Another good real world review thanks
I prefer Ducati but wouldn't be put off of a stylish German bike. For someone who likes nakeds but needs more highway protection and practicality and generally loves the idea of Sport Touring and living on the bike, but finds a large inadequacy in that market would you suggest this bike or something like this? All the reviews I hear are very positive but no one is recommending buying it very much or with enthusiasm so much as admiration. I kind of fall between naked and sport tourers, as well as falling between brands of Ducati and BMW. I think my passion would be a Monster 821 fully fitted out and customized but due to inexperience I don't know how that would pan out you know?
have a look at the Yamaha mt10 maybe All the best mark
Can't get over the styling and colors. If I lived in a city where I only went out at night riding for a secret paramilitary branch out of a japanese graphic novel in the rain it would probably be great. Looks like that TV show Dark Angel from the 90s or whatever - which is not bad I'm just not in the market.
Hi Mark,I just tried two more bikes in the Triumph Tiger 800 market. The Yamaha Tracer -pants !! And the KTM 1050 Adventure - proper serious quality machine.
David JebsonHi david, yes the ktms are awesome the 1200 was insanely brill ....tracer ill have to wait and see !
I appreciate this is an older video. I ha e a 2019 GSA 1200, which I am currently selling. It's just too unnecessarily big for 99.9% of road riding that i do.
I paid 12k for it.
The equivalent 1200RS minus the TFT is coming in at 7k...
I'm hoping to get out on the 1200R and 1200RS to make a decision on either 2 to replace the big donkey GSA.
Thanks for the video many many years ago.
Mark, your audio quality is very good. Could you tell me what set up you use? Thanks
just a cheap £3 lapel mic from ebay with my gopro 2 :)
Mounted inside the helmet? Take it the GP2 has an external mic socket then?
+Paul Bright yes mounted to the inside of the helmet then plugs into the side of the gopro but you need the skeleton housing for the gopro which has the opening in the side for the mic plug ..All the best mark
mark pulling i
can this bike be used urban everyday ?
Where are you riding? Great looking road.
Nice review Mark, the only thing that annoys me about the boxer range is the lack of a digital speedo! Come on BMW sort it out!
+Neil Cole (Smoothound675) The R1200RS does have a digital speedo, it's just hidden in the default setting. It's Style 2 in the display settings.
+mobit76 yes but then you loose the tacho , unacceptable these days and a deal breaker for as the anolog speedo is hard to read at a glance
+Brian Cummings Is a tacho even necessary on a twin cylinder road bike ? Plenty of twins don't have a tacho at all.
true..but I see his point, I actually ride the r1200r, and if it had a analog rpm and then a digital speedo but also giving you all the info that you get in style 0.....that would have been perfect for me. Style 2 is ok, but then you miss all that other great info.....shame.
Enjoy your reviews, any chance you could do the BMW R1200R with low seat
+Alistair Etherington ill have a look next time im in cw at dorchester alistair
Lovely video this one, mate
Great review Mark... are you not doing bike reviews now mate? You seem to have gone off the radar.
HGV Biker no I'm still here and riding my own bike but just been very busy with life stuff at the moment soon as the weather improves I'll be back to the dealers for demos :). All the best mark
mark pulling Nice one Il look forward to your new uploads Mark 😊
and what is the high from the ground to the seat ?
+Ioan Charger Seat height, unladen weight 820 mm (rider seat low*/high* 760 / 840 mm) *OE
im five ft 8 in tall ...mark
Nice review... Starting to think about my next bike ;)
I’m torn between the rs, and the r
Thks Mark,nicely done
Argh, I desperately want one! How awesome can a bike be?
Love this bike! I did also a demo-ride and I have to say you're 100% right. But... expensive :(
Test ride Friday me thinks? I anyone else finding the seat a little hard?
My friend refers to BMW as bring my wallet everytime he has to get his bike serviced. People always review new bikes and dont mention the high operating costs and parts of these bikes when they need servicing and parts after some time. Also renowned for drive shaft problems. Too bad because they are nice bikes.
I love the dash on this model compared, to the new ones look cartoonish.
don't like the non adjustable handlebars
Great detailed review
Thanks :)
5"8!?,I didn't know you were still a growing boy mark!?,in every other video you're 5"7or170cm!do you still have a 30inch inside leg oris that 31inches now!?😊
Good review dude.
and what is your hight ?
MrSelfDef if it was too difficult for u to answer u shouldn't have answered
Thank you for this video!
Very nice and interesting! :)
Like! ♥
Great review ,thanks
Amazing bike !