I'm 6'1" and trust me when it comes to motorcycles, 5'9"-5'10" is probably the sweet spot hehe Too short and many bikes are tall, too tall and many bikes feel cramped.
Biggest mistake of my life was a few weeks ago when I test rode a 1250 GS. Made me realise how much time and money I've wasted on other bikes over the years. Now I know why it's so popular.
@@jgdub5833 That's a nice bike and a different genre too so you must have been impressed by the GS! I have a triumph speedmaster too but I've wasted so much time and money over the years buying and selling tracers, Africa Twins, Trans alp, V strom, Versys but not a patch on the GS for what I'm looking for at least.
Ten years ago a mate let me take a ride on his r1150gs. When I returned he said to me “I know what you are going to say”. I said “ok tell me?” “ you now realise you have been riding the wrong bike your whole life!” And he was right. Immediately bought one and never regretted it. Now looking to change to a newer one.
Having tested the vstrom 1050 and waiting for 1 to come in which i missed Sat a bmw amongst the triumphs Try this 1 gs1200te and thats all history now oh what a bike
The only thing that has always swayed me away from the GS is the fact that I don’t want to be labelled a “Starbucks frequenting GSer” but then I realised that when I had my Africa Twin I was an AT clone so I really don’t give a hoot as I ride what I want to ride and sod what folk think of me. I’m going to be a right rebel when I obtain my GS and continue to wave to other bikers as I always have and watching this vid has totally convinced me so thank you Billy as I am now on the search for my 46th bike at 56yrs young 😀👍
Mate, its such a good bike you’re gonna love it, like you i will nod at any biker, I especially like nodding at them as i ride past them at the petrol station as there filling for the 4th time that week… 😂😂✊
It’s a bike that is maligned by so much of the adv community. I bought mine used instead of a new Africa twin. The ride is so sublime I don’t care what other people think. It’s the only bike I have never put more than 15k on a bike before I got the itch to sell. 30k on my 2018gsa and I have ZERO intentions of ever selling. The balance, torque, comfort, and smoothness is superb.
Never rode a bmw after riding an 650 bm frightened the living daylights out of me So going for an eventure tourer I rode a few Missed out on a vstrom 1200 bm te sat there Road tested and bought it What a bike Excellent review billy
Nicely done, Billy . As a GS man myself, I agree with all you said, EXEPT... 1) Knob is in perfect place for my gorilla hands.. 2). Pop into Park Lane BMW service ( in Battersea) and ask the nice service geezer, who knows everything bout BMers to change the settings. Will take abiut 5 seconds, no charge. 3). Silly sods who have negative feelings about GSs have never ridden one. I have never met a single person who has actually ridden a GS, who was not impressed. There is good reason why these bikes are such phenomenal success. I remember my first 20 yards on a GS. I 'got it' straight away. Felt like riding a bicycle. Still does. Just gets better. Ride Safe!!
Great review Billy, I enjoyed your whole video. Last year I 'upgraded' from my 2001 F650GS to a 2015 R1200GS. I love this bike for alle the reasons you mentioned. And I always give a nod to all other riders. 😉
I've just bought a 2013 GS in Australia. Loving it. Your comment about the indicators being combined must be something on the newer models. Mine has individual indicator lights on the dash. Yours is also the GS Adventure with the 30 litre tank and upper crash bars, and wider bodywork. Mine has a 20 litre tank, lower crash bars only, and narrower bodywork. I spotted the BikerBits card on your USA map. 👍🏻 I have the alloy wheels which have 90⁰ valves built-in to the spokes. My tyre pressures are in PSI.
I just traded my 2019 Honda goldwing dct in for a 2013 bmw r1200gs and I love it… that bike was upwards 850 plus pounds and just got to heavy for me… the r1200 had two great things for me one it’s much lighter and two it only had 4000 miles on it… I’m going to put an aftermarket tft on it but other then that your video I agree with mostly everything u said… my indicators change individually… overall a great bike and probably the last one I will own as I’m not one to want to keep upgrading bike just because they change the number… lol… I’ll stick to my 1200gs… great video…
@@olmate6935 there’s a few manufacturers that offer them, its like apple car play for bikes. Chigee is one such company, they offered me a screen but i know i would never use it, and i dont need another thing to distract me, i ride a bike to get away from all that….and it makes me look sexy as well.
@@billy4rocks, a lovely add on part for you GS would be the Headlight guard kit. It has a lovely Amber ring around the daylight running side or your light cluster. Nice bit of bling. 😎
Congrats on the new bike. You had that triumph for a long time. I had plans to buy one myself but now im looking at a gs. Thanks for the videos and keep the paint side up
Cheers Miles, yeah the old Triumph was a good old friend, the gs is a different beast altogether, not better or worse, just different. Whichever you choose, you’re gonna love. 🙏
@Billy4rocks I sure will. From what people tell me the bmw is easier to work on due to the position of the engine. As long as you have a scan tool and the right tools you can do most of the work yourself. Enjoy the ride and thanks for responding 😀
Excellent one there mate well done I have been checking and you don't actually have to spend a fortune to get one of these iconic adventure bikes really , they can be good value bikes if your not a number plate snob good one 😊👍
good stuff..thanks for putting the effort into this. Im right now considering one and this really helped. Just to let you know its over two years but as relevant as ever for someone like me and many more All the best
Love my std GS12 2016, the small numbers on the speedo continue to annoy though. I have a Nav 6 which helps as it can display speed…and of course it works perfectly with the well positioned jog wheel. I get 50mpg hammering down through France and 60mpg on my weekend rides around mid Wales (I have some ‘top gear’ routes within 5 miles of home). Servicing I get done by bmw independent approved workshop at less than half the price of main stealers. Nice video, pretty scary living up the road of bones there buddy, take it easy off-roading! 😅
Thanks for the video Billy. Found it really great, love how funny your are( the fly in your garage or got it in one take) brilliant. I’m looking to buy one in Australia. Ps I have now subscribed 👍🏼
I have an ‘08 RT and was hitting neutral from first at 3000 RPM. Now I shift at 5000 RPM and it goes right into second easily. Try that. Great video by the way.
I got a '13 GS this month after not riding for 15 years and I found the clutch didn't engage close enough to the grip for me. I also don't like the rear brake feel or lack of feel. I also have issues with my foot fitting under the shifter but above the knob for the side stand. The way the shifter is I find I naturally keep my toes pointed out the get to it. Wish there was more room, probably going to the aftermarket for solution. The people complaining about the snappy throttle confused me until I got mine, it is not something I am used to. For relearning to ride I run around in Rain mode, seems less snappy and still plenty of acceleration for a smart rider. It's nice to know if your gravel road gets steep or rutted you can still handle it.
You can loosen and remove the Shift Lever, angle it up where you want it and mount it back on. It only take a Couple of Minutes. There’s only one Bolt holding it on. You have to pull the Bolt all the way out, put it how you like it, then reinsert the Bolt and Tighten it back down.👍
@@joeybobbie1 Good point but the room you add to bottom for upshift you take away from top for down shift. Thanks for the suggestion it may be that a small adjustment makes a big difference. I was very comfortable on an 83 V65 Magna and 2006 Road King Classic, I just figured I'd adapt and I have for the most part.
@@thereplacementfordisplacementYou can also change the clutch to engage earlier. Its the allen 2mm underneath the lever and T8 screw right in the heart. Loossen the Allen (loctite afterwards!) And counterclockwise 1 turn on the T8.
@@joost1183thanks, I did that shortly after this post and it was the trick. What confused me is my father rode it with the clutch like that for years. Only thing I haven't adjusted to is the bike could use a 7th higher gear for the highway, I always look for it and that is what annoyed me about the 5 speed Harley.
@@thereplacementfordisplacement i agree. I've ridden Supersport prior to my gsa and now '14 gs and they faired better on the hiway. You could attach a '14 RT final drive iirc. I did recently got my throttle bodies reset and it improved low speed twitching. I don't ride much anymore, 600 km last year. Going for triple that thisyear, still aint too much. Gl with your bike, still enjoying?
Great review Billy, glad you're liking the Bavarian beast - a GS would be my next choice of bike... but I'm sticking with the Triumph for the foreseeable future! 😋😁
Great, extensive review Billy, glad you are enjoying the new bike 👍 . So nice to see you appreciating the smooth, comfortable, unexciting, stable ride characteristics, (and the adequate storage for your 'Polite' vest, pipe and slippers). So convenient as you won't notice the difference when they slide you into the armchair at the home. You are of course quite correct that BMW put the current speed in mph on a VERY LARGE digital display on the later models as they learned the age demographic of GS owners. It's a shame that this isn't the model with BMWs 'fall alarm' on it for added safety (my old Mum has one on her wrist, so perhaps you can get an aftermarket one fitted?) 👍😂🤣😂. Don't worry, many, many oldies have issues with adopting new technology/ gadgets, get a 7 year old to explain how to use the whizz-wheel . Good review, stay safe. - not quite sure what you mean about the GS prejudices 😊
Great overview. Don't recall you covered servicing? Steep, 650 euro for a major every 12k. Will you be servicing it yourself and getting that dongle to reset service reminder, change abs for brake fluid .... might be able to update the bar to psi?
Cheers Paul, good point. Have not got round to servicing it yet, I’ll do the filters, fluids, and plugs, wheel bearings if need be, anything else it will go to the dealership. And whilst it’s in there, like you say, they can change the bar to psi. Hopefully.
Checked that a few months back, this was about a year after getting the rubber plug fitted under the recall notice. All good, bit dry but no rust, re-greased it. Will check again once a year. Takes about 45 mins to do. Might do a vid on it actually.
I have a 1200 GS. Great bikes for sure, although the gears are clunky on all the GS models and they have very severe engine breaking and need a slipper clutch. The dry clutch is fine open until it needs to be changed and then it’s a massive expensive job The boxer piston head stick out quite a bit on the side and can whack into things when you’re moving it in and out of the garage. Not particularly fast bikes plus a few foibles I’ve mentioned. I have a ktm 1050 adventure also which I must prefer the handling ofplus it’s much smoother gears. The GS has a peculiar idol and is very Vibey. However, the handing is quite good although they are quite heavy. The older GS servo breaks is a major issue and can be downright dangerous. I had my brakes changed back to non-ABS and a servo removed. Steel bolts on the bike throughout. BMW parts and servicing are very expensive compared to other bikes. Hi in the driveshaft needs to be changed quite often or they can fail. They can also fail if you hit them off a rock or something. Go rusty very quickly. If you’re happy to live with the things I’ve mentioned, then they are a good Bike
As for the dislikes: - I have the hard bags so storage is great. - The windscreen seems solid to me. - the scroll wheel is in a great spot if (and I do) have the Nav. And if it were on the right side of the left-side controls, it would be really hard to use. - My (USA) tire pressure is in psi so it’s perfect. I really have no negatives (this is my 3rd GSA) other than the weight when off-roading/picking it up. As for range: I’ve been sightseeing/cruising at around 45-55mph where I’d get close to 60mpg so 400+ mi on a tank is doable. But even at my ‘lifetime avg’, at just over 42mpg, 300+ is great. Ride safe! *oh, the only negative is when adjusting the valve clearance. You have to remove the cams/gears to get to the shims.
Glad your enjoying the gsa. They are awesome machines probably that’s why they divide opinion. My likes would also include road presence and weather protection. Just been to France on mine not massive mileage but I visited the fuel station the least 😂😂.
@@billy4rocks about 320 but it Said on the dash 50 miles. On the newer ones with the tft it comes up as a warning ⚠️ when you need fuel something I’m not keen on a light and a message would suffice.
Can you not get a moto scan on this bike and change bar to psi through the moto scan. Think I have seen this on the old mechanic sight. The screen problem you have is it moving on lose fixing but I am sure you have checked this. All the best .👍🏻😎
Do you have the ‘quick shift’ option on this bike? It makes gear changes even more easy! Great bike, i have the same, also 2016. I changed the seat for a Touratec ( a little bit softer)
I do, but rarely use it…i need to get out of old habits and force myself to use it more, because it is brilliant. Yeah i like the look of those touratech seats, horrendously expensive, like all there stuff.
@@billy4rocks It is hard in the beginning. (After 30 years riding without it) Once in a while I still use the clutch ( from 1 to 2 gear is better with clutch handle) but overall i up and downshift without the cluthhandle much easier and faster! I enjoyed your video 👍
Hi Billy. As someone else said earlier I was looking for an Explorer since watching your 10 year video but it had a fueling problem so didn't buy it. And coincidentally now thinking why not go for a bit older GS? I love my 21 plate 5-Series car and I know it's a different vehicle but I'm so impressed with build quality and ride. Question.... Why did you go for the Adventure and not a standard GS?
Hi Billy, just seen your video on the GS, im coming from a ZX12R , my knees are giving me loads of grief and looking for something more relaxing for my knees, Im 6!4 with 33 inside leg, Am drawn to the explorer but think the BM might be better, what i want to know from you, is the riding position se4at to footpeg, which in your experience is the better position for legs, Im in a quandrey at the moment, i love my 12R but not getting any younger and slowing down a bit now, i dont have any rider aids so not sure if i will like everything that modern bikes throw up, Have been riding for 50 years, Cheers in advance, Rafe
Hello Rafe, the ZX12r is one of my all time favourite bikes, especially in black and gold, never ridden one, but for looks… perfect. So if my memory serves me correctly, the seat to footpeg position is pretty much the same, what is different is my legs are a little wider apart on the GS, due to massive tank… you have similar dimensions to me, the Gs is a more palatial machine, better wind protection… better range, not as raucous as the triple, in terms of noise. The GS is easier to work on as well. Hope that helps mate.
I'm curious what a smart rider like you does about bike theft and jackings. Is this as common as RUclips might suggest? Any stories or close calls you could vlog? Great video!
hello, well, im lucky enough never to have had a bike stolen, its rarely out of my sight and when it is i always put a disc lock on it and apply the steering lock, even if im just popping into a shop for two mins. I've seen videos of bike jacking in London, never in person thankfully, i would say the theft of parked bikes is way more common than jacking. The only story i could tell which ive done already on here is when the clocks got stolen from my bike out side work. Cheers.
Look are a personal prefrance, but its hands down one of the most comfy bikes l have ridden. The flapping screen are also a thing on the 2018 2020 explorer, and on my 2011 tiger800xc oem screen. Hope your knee are okay, that is pain😄😄 By the way, first bike with the beak was the suzuki DRBIG😉😉
Great vid Bill. Do you ride in the snow? I’m after swapping my car for a bike and just getting to work in the snow is the only thing holding me back. Last bike I had was in 2011
@@MrTwister86660 cheers 🙏 i do indeed, on the rare occasions that is does snow here i have been out on it, bit scary on local roads as there not salted, but it still handles great.
How do you find you family jewels get on with the tank? I sat on one today and felt as though the seat was too angled towards the tank and wouldn’t be comfy after a few hours
The old meat and two veg are ok, the seat can be adjusted. For me initially it was my butt that hurt after a while, which for a bike like this, really surprised me.
@@t-rex4211 yeah take the seat off and turn the adjuster around to “high” and apparently it can be height adjusted at the rear as well, though I’ve never tried it.
Ohh there called “polite notice vests” there basically designed to make you look like a policeman…the benefits of which are only known to the wearer. There awful, for so many reasons. 😂
I tried a lot of other bikes and some of them were very good and never complained because sincerely I never had big issues except with the SDGT that I had a relationship of passion and hate due to the not so well managed electronics of the bike by KTM, which was a pity because that engine and overall quality was there. Unfortunately the Electronics are not their strongest points and it ruined for me what could have been a long pleasant relation to that tremendous machine. Had a Triumph, a modern retro iteration of the Bonneville family, only can say good things about it, and in the end I felt wrong when I sold it. Several Yamahas and also every each one, steady and predictable machines, only can say well about those bikes. Never took the step to buy Italian brands… lots of sad stories and didn’t wanted to take the plunge. Recently I tested the Multistrada V4S, that is a great bike but didn’t built that feeling of confidence to place one in my garage. Today, about seven years now, I only had BMW’s. Expensive but well built and steady motorcycles. Service to customer above average and that made the difference for the others too. I’m now getting one 1250 GSA on the Rally iteration, until they do the big change to the model as it is expected to be launched on 2024. Love the 1250 RT in the winter, there is nothing better than that bike. Have also a crush on the R NineT that I find a stunning modern retro bike. Also find as a fast bike very well designed the S1000 XR in the M pack, is wonderful, but is also coming to the Market a new one with all the bells and whistles of the RR model, so, there I’ll wait to see the new bike. But my friend when I ride my BMW’s I feel the same joy that you’ve showed on this video riding yours. I really don’t know why are so many haters about the BMW GS’s but I can assure you that they aren’t of any inconvenience to my sleeping at night 🤣 Go on bringing content to the channel as it was a pleasure to watch the video and know your impressions about your ride that in fact is running like new. Perfect 👌🏻
My triumph scrambler 1200xe has a similar fork issue, think it’s a triumph thing. I need to take one of these for test ride, as the size is frightening?? But think it will be better suited for my style of ride. Love your reviews and accessories 👍
Cheers mate, I appreciate that. I wont lie its a pretty imposing bike, size wise. But it handles the weight so well, much much better than i thought it would initially.
The only reason I don’t get one is the lack of respect I’ll get on the road from other bikers here in Milwaukee. I ride a Harley Fatboy now. Also looking at a KTM Adventure bike. We’ll see.
Which is crazy really, why do they care what you ride? Surely the fact you’re on a bike is good enough, better on a gs than another car on the road ( though to be fair the gs is bigger than most cars) 😂
Hi from Texas. Beautiful Bike. I would Love to go Riding there but I think I would have a big problem staying on the Correct side of the Road. I would have everyone there Honking at me. Beautiful Scenery. I think any Bike Rider who doesn’t like someone because I’m riding a GS can just Kiss my Ass. It’s like you said, if it puts a Smile on your Face, it’s the Greatest Bike. Anyway, Great Video and I look forward to more.👍😁
Hey Joey, thanks mate much appreciated. Yeah i had similar concerns when i rode across your beautiful country, so much so i gaffer taped an arrow on the inside of my screen pointing right, to remind me 😂😂.
It’s been over a year since i rode the tiger, so I couldn’t tell you for sure, but one thing i can be sure of is neither bike is uncomfortable in terms of leg position.
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![R1200GS / R1250GS | Complete Buyer's Guide [2005-2020]](/img/tr.png)
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6 foot 3 ...now you're just bragging Mate!! 😅😂
Not sure if you noticed but im also outrageously attractive.
I'm 6'1" and trust me when it comes to motorcycles, 5'9"-5'10" is probably the sweet spot hehe Too short and many bikes are tall, too tall and many bikes feel cramped.
Biggest mistake of my life was a few weeks ago when I test rode a 1250 GS. Made me realise how much time and money I've wasted on other bikes over the years. Now I know why it's so popular.
I love those sort of mistakes!
I literally just did the same thing and now I am looking to trade my road glide special in for one.
@@jgdub5833 That's a nice bike and a different genre too so you must have been impressed by the GS! I have a triumph speedmaster too but I've wasted so much time and money over the years buying and selling tracers, Africa Twins, Trans alp, V strom, Versys but not a patch on the GS for what I'm looking for at least.
Ten years ago a mate let me take a ride on his r1150gs. When I returned he said to me “I know what you are going to say”. I said “ok tell me?”
“ you now realise you have been riding the wrong bike your whole life!” And he was right.
Immediately bought one and never regretted it. Now looking to change to a newer one.
Having tested the vstrom 1050 and waiting for 1 to come in which i missed
Sat a bmw amongst the triumphs
Try this 1 gs1200te and thats all history now oh what a bike
The only thing that has always swayed me away from the GS is the fact that I don’t want to be labelled a “Starbucks frequenting GSer” but then I realised that when I had my Africa Twin I was an AT clone so I really don’t give a hoot as I ride what I want to ride and sod what folk think of me.
I’m going to be a right rebel when I obtain my GS and continue to wave to other bikers as I always have and watching this vid has totally convinced me so thank you Billy as I am now on the search for my 46th bike at 56yrs young 😀👍
Mate, its such a good bike you’re gonna love it, like you i will nod at any biker, I especially like nodding at them as i ride past them at the petrol station as there filling for the 4th time that week… 😂😂✊
It’s a bike that is maligned by so much of the adv community. I bought mine used instead of a new Africa twin. The ride is so sublime I don’t care what other people think. It’s the only bike I have never put more than 15k on a bike before I got the itch to sell. 30k on my 2018gsa and I have ZERO intentions of ever selling. The balance, torque, comfort, and smoothness is superb.
Who gives a damn where you ride it?
I commute on mine
Some people do give a damn, which is more there issue than mine.
@@billy4rocks I use mine like a sports bike.
2 up most of the time, standard bikes are small for me however.
R1150GS though
Awesome feedback about this awesome machine, so far, I’m very happy with my bike. It’s super reliable and comfortable!
Never rode a bmw after riding an 650 bm frightened the living daylights out of me
So going for an eventure tourer
I rode a few
Missed out on a vstrom
1200 bm te sat there
Road tested and bought it
What a bike
Excellent review billy
Nice dude, thanks very much. ✊✊
Nice one Billy. Agree with about people's perceptions about GS riders, stuff em, I wave at everybody 🤣🤣 Cheers mate 👍
Nice one, yeah that’s the attitude to adopt i reckon.
It is a lovely thing for sure Billy. Ah the memories of those bygone times with World of Hat.
You spotted it! I was thinking any new viewers will be wondering what the bloody hell im on about. 😂🎩👒🧢🎓
Nicely done, Billy . As a GS man myself, I agree with all you said, EXEPT...
1) Knob is in perfect place for my gorilla hands..
2). Pop into Park Lane BMW service ( in Battersea) and ask the nice service geezer, who knows everything bout BMers to change the settings. Will take abiut 5 seconds, no charge.
3). Silly sods who have negative feelings about GSs have never ridden one. I have never met a single person who has actually ridden a GS, who was not impressed.
There is good reason why these bikes are such phenomenal success. I remember my first 20 yards on a GS. I 'got it' straight away. Felt like riding a bicycle. Still does. Just gets better. Ride Safe!!
Ohh nice one Mr Polli, im not that far from Battersea, thanks for the tip! 🙏
Great review Billy, I enjoyed your whole video. Last year I 'upgraded' from my 2001 F650GS to a 2015 R1200GS. I love this bike for alle the reasons you mentioned. And I always give a nod to all other riders. 😉
Cheers Karl, there are some nice Gs riders out there! 🙏🙏
I've just bought a 2013 GS in Australia. Loving it.
Your comment about the indicators being combined must be something on the newer models. Mine has individual indicator lights on the dash.
Yours is also the GS Adventure with the 30 litre tank and upper crash bars, and wider bodywork.
Mine has a 20 litre tank, lower crash bars only, and narrower bodywork.
I spotted the BikerBits card on your USA map. 👍🏻
I have the alloy wheels which have 90⁰ valves built-in to the spokes. My tyre pressures are in PSI.
I just traded my 2019 Honda goldwing dct in for a 2013 bmw r1200gs and I love it… that bike was upwards 850 plus pounds and just got to heavy for me… the r1200 had two great things for me one it’s much lighter and two it only had 4000 miles on it… I’m going to put an aftermarket tft on it but other then that your video I agree with mostly everything u said… my indicators change individually… overall a great bike and probably the last one I will own as I’m not one to want to keep upgrading bike just because they change the number… lol… I’ll stick to my 1200gs… great video…
Thanks alot, much appreciated 🙏
Where do you get a tft screen???
@@olmate6935 there’s a few manufacturers that offer them, its like apple car play for bikes. Chigee is one such company, they offered me a screen but i know i would never use it, and i dont need another thing to distract me, i ride a bike to get away from all that….and it makes me look sexy as well.
A damn fine review Billy. 🤟
Thanks mate, bit of an epic one. Great cure for insomnia though.
@@billy4rocks, a lovely add on part for you GS would be the Headlight guard kit. It has a lovely Amber ring around the daylight running side or your light cluster. Nice bit of bling. 😎
@@stevesteve1965 ahh yes, the Lone rider one?
@@billy4rocks, yep. There are cheaper ones and probably more expensive ones but thats the baby. 👍
Congrats on the new bike. You had that triumph for a long time. I had plans to buy one myself but now im looking at a gs. Thanks for the videos and keep the paint side up
Cheers Miles, yeah the old Triumph was a good old friend, the gs is a different beast altogether, not better or worse, just different. Whichever you choose, you’re gonna love. 🙏
@Billy4rocks I sure will. From what people tell me the bmw is easier to work on due to the position of the engine. As long as you have a scan tool and the right tools you can do most of the work yourself. Enjoy the ride and thanks for responding 😀
Excellent one there mate well done I have been checking and you don't actually have to spend a fortune to get one of these iconic adventure bikes really , they can be good value bikes if your not a number plate snob good one 😊👍
Great review video Billy.
Cheers✊ much appreciated.
Really great video..I don't think I've ever watched a bike overview video to the end before..
Cheers Terry 🙏
good stuff..thanks for putting the effort into this. Im right now considering one and this really helped. Just to let you know its over two years but as relevant as ever for someone like me and many more All the best
@@mwng5186 cheers, bike is still going strong, using it everyday.
Love my std GS12 2016, the small numbers on the speedo continue to annoy though. I have a Nav 6 which helps as it can display speed…and of course it works perfectly with the well positioned jog wheel. I get 50mpg hammering down through France and 60mpg on my weekend rides around mid Wales (I have some ‘top gear’ routes within 5 miles of home). Servicing I get done by bmw independent approved workshop at less than half the price of main stealers.
Nice video, pretty scary living up the road of bones there buddy, take it easy off-roading! 😅
Thanks for the video Billy.
Found it really great, love how funny your are( the fly in your garage or got it in one take) brilliant.
I’m looking to buy one in Australia.
Ps I have now subscribed 👍🏼
Thanks mate, i appreciate that. ✊✊
Billy, I found this really helpful and entertaining. Top Man 👏🙂.
Cheers Mark, I appreciate that mate. ✊✊
I have an ‘08 RT and was hitting neutral from first at 3000 RPM. Now I shift at 5000 RPM and it goes right into second easily. Try that. Great video by the way.
Cheers James 🙏
Lovely wheels Billy, the analogue clocks are nice and clean looking too. I like the simplicity of the suspension setup.
Cheers Terry, yeah it’s growing on me very quickly. Like monkeypox. 😂
@@billy4rocks 😲
I got a '13 GS this month after not riding for 15 years and I found the clutch didn't engage close enough to the grip for me. I also don't like the rear brake feel or lack of feel. I also have issues with my foot fitting under the shifter but above the knob for the side stand. The way the shifter is I find I naturally keep my toes pointed out the get to it. Wish there was more room, probably going to the aftermarket for solution. The people complaining about the snappy throttle confused me until I got mine, it is not something I am used to. For relearning to ride I run around in Rain mode, seems less snappy and still plenty of acceleration for a smart rider.
It's nice to know if your gravel road gets steep or rutted you can still handle it.
You can loosen and remove the Shift Lever, angle it up where you want it and mount it back on. It only take a Couple of Minutes. There’s only one Bolt holding it on. You have to pull the Bolt all the way out, put it how you like it, then reinsert the Bolt and Tighten it back down.👍
@@joeybobbie1 Good point but the room you add to bottom for upshift you take away from top for down shift. Thanks for the suggestion it may be that a small adjustment makes a big difference. I was very comfortable on an 83 V65 Magna and 2006 Road King Classic, I just figured I'd adapt and I have for the most part.
@@thereplacementfordisplacementYou can also change the clutch to engage earlier. Its the allen 2mm underneath the lever and T8 screw right in the heart. Loossen the Allen (loctite afterwards!) And counterclockwise 1 turn on the T8.
@@joost1183thanks, I did that shortly after this post and it was the trick. What confused me is my father rode it with the clutch like that for years. Only thing I haven't adjusted to is the bike could use a 7th higher gear for the highway, I always look for it and that is what annoyed me about the 5 speed Harley.
@@thereplacementfordisplacement i agree. I've ridden Supersport prior to my gsa and now '14 gs and they faired better on the hiway. You could attach a '14 RT final drive iirc. I did recently got my throttle bodies reset and it improved low speed twitching. I don't ride much anymore, 600 km last year. Going for triple that thisyear, still aint too much. Gl with your bike, still enjoying?
Great review Billy, glad you're liking the Bavarian beast - a GS would be my next choice of bike... but I'm sticking with the Triumph for the foreseeable future! 😋😁
Great, extensive review Billy, glad you are enjoying the new bike 👍 . So nice to see you appreciating the smooth, comfortable, unexciting, stable ride characteristics, (and the adequate storage for your 'Polite' vest, pipe and slippers). So convenient as you won't notice the difference when they slide you into the armchair at the home. You are of course quite correct that BMW put the current speed in mph on a VERY LARGE digital display on the later models as they learned the age demographic of GS owners. It's a shame that this isn't the model with BMWs 'fall alarm' on it for added safety (my old Mum has one on her wrist, so perhaps you can get an aftermarket one fitted?) 👍😂🤣😂. Don't worry, many, many oldies have issues with adopting new technology/ gadgets, get a 7 year old to explain how to use the whizz-wheel . Good review, stay safe. - not quite sure what you mean about the GS prejudices 😊
Great overview. Don't recall you covered servicing? Steep, 650 euro for a major every 12k. Will you be servicing it yourself and getting that dongle to reset service reminder, change abs for brake fluid .... might be able to update the bar to psi?
Cheers Paul, good point. Have not got round to servicing it yet, I’ll do the filters, fluids, and plugs, wheel bearings if need be, anything else it will go to the dealership. And whilst it’s in there, like you say, they can change the bar to psi. Hopefully.
And how often do you have to tear down the drive line to gease it?
Checked that a few months back, this was about a year after getting the rubber plug fitted under the recall notice. All good, bit dry but no rust, re-greased it. Will check again once a year. Takes about 45 mins to do. Might do a vid on it actually.
6’3”? 😯😎😎
Btw, another great review video Billy!!
Yep… only in heels though. 😂 Thank you very much✊
Ohh sorry Sara, I deleted your previous comment by mistake, what a bastard!! 😂
I have a 1200 GS. Great bikes for sure, although the gears are clunky on all the GS models and they have very severe engine breaking and need a slipper clutch. The dry clutch is fine open until it needs to be changed and then it’s a massive expensive job The boxer piston head stick out quite a bit on the side and can whack into things when you’re moving it in and out of the garage. Not particularly fast bikes plus a few foibles I’ve mentioned. I have a ktm 1050 adventure also which I must prefer the handling ofplus it’s much smoother gears. The GS has a peculiar idol and is very Vibey. However, the handing is quite good although they are quite heavy. The older GS servo breaks is a major issue and can be downright dangerous. I had my brakes changed back to non-ABS and a servo removed. Steel bolts on the bike throughout. BMW parts and servicing are very expensive compared to other bikes. Hi in the driveshaft needs to be changed quite often or they can fail. They can also fail if you hit them off a rock or something.
Go rusty very quickly. If you’re happy to live with the things I’ve mentioned, then they are a good Bike
As for the dislikes:
- I have the hard bags so storage is great.
- The windscreen seems solid to me.
- the scroll wheel is in a great spot if (and I do) have the Nav. And if it were on the right side of the left-side controls, it would be really hard to use.
- My (USA) tire pressure is in psi so it’s perfect.
I really have no negatives (this is my 3rd GSA) other than the weight when off-roading/picking it up.
As for range: I’ve been sightseeing/cruising at around 45-55mph where I’d get close to 60mpg so 400+ mi on a tank is doable. But even at my ‘lifetime avg’, at just over 42mpg, 300+ is great.
Ride safe!
*oh, the only negative is when adjusting the valve clearance. You have to remove the cams/gears to get to the shims.
Nice, cheers for the mpg info, very handy. 👍
Your left thumb certainly wields a lot of power with this particular bike!
Just found your vids lad. Very good, very honest no bs. Keep going
Cheers Richard, much appreciated. ✊
You chose the sensible option of removing the panier racks, I don’t know how many times Iv whacked my knee on them 😂
Yeah im not a fan of those at all, triumphs rackless panniers are a way better system in my opinion.
Great video mate 👍
I'd consider powder coating the crash bars black or mid electric blue
🤔 happy days mate 😃
Cheers Troy, yeah based on how well the explorer crash bars came out, i might give that bash.
@@billy4rocks Mate study the electric blue as a colour
You'll be very happy with the colour 😊
The Strom was the first bike that had a beak. That was back in 1988.
Look at cymarc to stiffen your screen. I've got one and it does the job brilliantly
Nice, cheers. ✊
Glad your enjoying the gsa. They are awesome machines probably that’s why they divide opinion. My likes would also include road presence and weather protection. Just been to France on mine not massive mileage but I visited the fuel station the least 😂😂.
Cheers Ian, whats the most mileage you’ve ever got from a full tank, any ideas?
@@billy4rocks about 320 but it Said on the dash 50 miles. On the newer ones with the tft it comes up as a warning ⚠️ when you need fuel something I’m not keen on a light and a message would suffice.
@@iancharlton5530 yeah a bit over intrusive the ones i think.
Can you not get a moto scan on this bike and change bar to psi through the moto scan.
Think I have seen this on the old mechanic sight.
The screen problem you have is it moving on lose fixing but I am sure you have checked this. All the best .👍🏻😎
Possibly, but the dealership changed it free of charge. All sorted.
Do you have the ‘quick shift’ option on this bike? It makes gear changes even more easy! Great bike, i have the same, also 2016. I changed the seat for a Touratec ( a little bit softer)
I do, but rarely use it…i need to get out of old habits and force myself to use it more, because it is brilliant. Yeah i like the look of those touratech seats, horrendously expensive, like all there stuff.
@@billy4rocks It is hard in the beginning. (After 30 years riding without it) Once in a while I still use the clutch ( from 1 to 2 gear is better with clutch handle) but overall i up and downshift without the cluthhandle much easier and faster! I enjoyed your video 👍
Hi Billy. As someone else said earlier I was looking for an Explorer since watching your 10 year video but it had a fueling problem so didn't buy it. And coincidentally now thinking why not go for a bit older GS? I love my 21 plate 5-Series car and I know it's a different vehicle but I'm so impressed with build quality and ride. Question.... Why did you go for the Adventure and not a standard GS?
I prefer the look of the adventure to the standard GS, better colour options as well. Plus the longer tank range.
Great Vid Billy. Do you have any anxiety leaving it parked up in London, is it a theft magnet, or do you not worry?
Thanks man 🙏 I’m lucky enough to have off street gated parking, with eyes on the bike at all times, that said, it’s still a worry.
Brilliant review just bought a gs r1200 te 👍🏻
Thanks dude. 🙏
Hi Billy, just seen your video on the GS, im coming from a ZX12R , my knees are giving me loads of grief and looking for something more relaxing for my knees, Im 6!4 with 33 inside leg, Am drawn to the explorer but think the BM might be better, what i want to know from you, is the riding position se4at to footpeg, which in your experience is the better position for legs, Im in a quandrey at the moment, i love my 12R but not getting any younger and slowing down a bit now, i dont have any rider aids so not sure if i will like everything that modern bikes throw up, Have been riding for 50 years, Cheers in advance, Rafe
Hello Rafe, the ZX12r is one of my all time favourite bikes, especially in black and gold, never ridden one, but for looks… perfect. So if my memory serves me correctly, the seat to footpeg position is pretty much the same, what is different is my legs are a little wider apart on the GS, due to massive tank… you have similar dimensions to me, the Gs is a more palatial machine, better wind protection… better range, not as raucous as the triple, in terms of noise. The GS is easier to work on as well. Hope that helps mate.
I'm curious what a smart rider like you does about bike theft and jackings. Is this as common as RUclips might suggest? Any stories or close calls you could vlog?
Great video!
hello, well, im lucky enough never to have had a bike stolen, its rarely out of my sight and when it is i always put a disc lock on it and apply the steering lock, even if im just popping into a shop for two mins. I've seen videos of bike jacking in London, never in person thankfully, i would say the theft of parked bikes is way more common than jacking. The only story i could tell which ive done already on here is when the clocks got stolen from my bike out side work. Cheers.
Look are a personal prefrance, but its hands down one of the most comfy bikes l have ridden.
The flapping screen are also a thing on the 2018 2020 explorer, and on my 2011 tiger800xc oem screen.
Hope your knee are okay, that is pain😄😄
By the way, first bike with the beak was the suzuki DRBIG😉😉
Ohh so BMW ripped off Suzuki!? The cheating lazy bastards! Haha….still if your gonna name a bike DrBig then your asking for trouble
@@billy4rocks haha.. Who knew they was sutch bastars😄.
Hi from Greece… may i ask please. Is that the standard chassis or the low? I cant spot the differences!..
Γειά σου This is the standard chassis.
Great vid Bill. Do you ride in the snow? I’m after swapping my car for a bike and just getting to work in the snow is the only thing holding me back. Last bike I had was in 2011
@@MrTwister86660 cheers 🙏 i do indeed, on the rare occasions that is does snow here i have been out on it, bit scary on local roads as there not salted, but it still handles great.
Thank you, Billy.
No problem mate! 🙏
How do you find you family jewels get on with the tank? I sat on one today and felt as though the seat was too angled towards the tank and wouldn’t be comfy after a few hours
The old meat and two veg are ok, the seat can be adjusted. For me initially it was my butt that hurt after a while, which for a bike like this, really surprised me.
@@billy4rocks Ok cheers. I’ll give it a second chance then 👍
@@t-rex4211 yeah take the seat off and turn the adjuster around to “high” and apparently it can be height adjusted at the rear as well, though I’ve never tried it.
Thx for the review! Looking for a 1200GSA to replace my F800GS
@@uzico No worries, hopefully it helped.
Very good review,can l ask 2016 gs adv is it euro3 or euro4 ????
You know what… i have no idea! I know its ULEZ compliant
Excellent review, I enjoyed the entire video, I'm looking for one gs right now, to ride in california
Cheers Carlos, Glad you like it. 🙏
Great video!!! I have the identical bike and absolutely love it!!!
Thanks mate, yeah still got it, still using it everyday. 🙏
Billy.....what kind of vest are you talking about at the end there?
Ohh there called “polite notice vests” there basically designed to make you look like a policeman…the benefits of which are only known to the wearer. There awful, for so many reasons. 😂
"They're" not "there". Enjoyable review, thanks. 👍@@billy4rocks
Nice video thanks for posting
Yeah dude, no worries. Bones brigade for life!! ✊✊
Love the G S R 1200 Adventure
Im thoroughly enjoying it i must say.
I tried a lot of other bikes and some of them were very good and never complained because sincerely I never had big issues except with the SDGT that I had a relationship of passion and hate due to the not so well managed electronics of the bike by KTM, which was a pity because that engine and overall quality was there. Unfortunately the Electronics are not their strongest points and it ruined for me what could have been a long pleasant relation to that tremendous machine. Had a Triumph, a modern retro iteration of the Bonneville family, only can say good things about it, and in the end I felt wrong when I sold it. Several Yamahas and also every each one, steady and predictable machines, only can say well about those bikes. Never took the step to buy Italian brands… lots of sad stories and didn’t wanted to take the plunge. Recently I tested the Multistrada V4S, that is a great bike but didn’t built that feeling of confidence to place one in my garage. Today, about seven years now, I only had BMW’s. Expensive but well built and steady motorcycles. Service to customer above average and that made the difference for the others too.
I’m now getting one 1250 GSA on the Rally iteration, until they do the big change to the model as it is expected to be launched on 2024. Love the 1250 RT in the winter, there is nothing better than that bike. Have also a crush on the R NineT that I find a stunning modern retro bike. Also find as a fast bike very well designed the S1000 XR in the M pack, is wonderful, but is also coming to the Market a new one with all the bells and whistles of the RR model, so, there I’ll wait to see the new bike. But my friend when I ride my BMW’s I feel the same joy that you’ve showed on this video riding yours. I really don’t know why are so many haters about the BMW GS’s but I can assure you that they aren’t of any inconvenience to my sleeping at night 🤣
Go on bringing content to the channel as it was a pleasure to watch the video and know your impressions about your ride that in fact is running like new. Perfect 👌🏻
My triumph scrambler 1200xe has a similar fork issue, think it’s a triumph thing. I need to take one of these for test ride, as the size is frightening?? But think it will be better suited for my style of ride. Love your reviews and accessories 👍
Cheers mate, I appreciate that. I wont lie its a pretty imposing bike, size wise. But it handles the weight so well, much much better than i thought it would initially.
Enjoyed that thank you..
My pleasure, Cheers Jim. ✊
My dream machine. Please pray that I will have it someday.😊🙏
“Stirring a bucket full of spammers!” 😂
The only reason I don’t get one is the lack of respect I’ll get on the road from other bikers here in Milwaukee.
I ride a Harley Fatboy now.
Also looking at a KTM Adventure bike. We’ll see.
Which is crazy really, why do they care what you ride? Surely the fact you’re on a bike is good enough, better on a gs than another car on the road ( though to be fair the gs is bigger than most cars) 😂
Hi from Texas. Beautiful Bike. I would Love to go Riding there but I think I would have a big problem staying on the Correct side of the Road. I would have everyone there Honking at me. Beautiful Scenery. I think any Bike Rider who doesn’t like someone because I’m riding a GS can just Kiss my Ass. It’s like you said, if it puts a Smile on your Face, it’s the Greatest Bike. Anyway, Great Video and I look forward to more.👍😁
Hey Joey, thanks mate much appreciated. Yeah i had similar concerns when i rode across your beautiful country, so much so i gaffer taped an arrow on the inside of my screen pointing right, to remind me 😂😂.
So, are you saying the seat to footpeg height is no different on the BM and explorer to my 12R, cheers Rafe
It’s been over a year since i rode the tiger, so I couldn’t tell you for sure, but one thing i can be sure of is neither bike is uncomfortable in terms of leg position.
Like i said, I’ve never ridden a ZX.
Who’s Billy??
@@johnbradley5236 I’m Billy.
How far do you have to ride to find a dirt road? 😂
One that I’m legally allowed to ride on? 86 miles. A dirt road in general? About 26 feet.
“Box standard”
Or “Bog”. Definition. Bog-standard
adjective DEROGATORY•INFORMAL
ordinary or basic.
"a bog-standard PC"