Now this is a 'proper' test of a bike... Thanks. A quick spin on a bike is one thing but on this test you've been able to give so much more info about what it's like to live with a bike and highlight any 'niggles'. Now all you have to do is persuade manufacturers to give you bikes for at least a week at a time!
Thanks so much for the review, I’ve been considering replacing my Harley Street Glide with the BMW after a 4000 miles trip I just finished with a friend. The Harley-Davidson was so uncomfortable and beat me up so much that after 3 days I was about to quit the ride and head home. I’m mostly interested in long range touring in comfort but with a bike that can also handle rough roads if needed. Tomorrow I’m going to see the BMW dealer to check it out and a demo ride.
thanks for the detailed review. I've got the same bike 2017. Love it and agree with many of your comments. Keep those earplugs in, otherwise the bucket of bolts will alarm you every time, shocking at times really. I've not yet experienced discomfort from this particular seat but I've only got about 1500 km on mine. Too bad about the panniers but the wrap is the way to go now. I ended up getting the Bumots and couldn't be happier. cheers
I recognise these roads :) good vid, cheers. I was talking to my advanced test examiner (didn't pass :( ) and he gave me a timely reminder. I was talking about safety and how far you go before the freedom of riding is lost and he said "if I wanted to be that safe I wouldn't ride a motorcycle' and this is where I'm at with the seat comfort issue. We ride motorcycles, we're gonna get wet, cold, have close calls and....... have to get off every now and then for a lil arse relief :) :) :)
they are good roads indeed, by taking the advanced test it will make you more vigilant and not only enjoy your ride more but hopefully see things before they happen. nothing will take away that riding is not the safest things, but if you equip yourself with as many tools as you can it makes it much safer. best to be cautious on the roads and like you say to get off regularly to rest the posterior is always good :) ride safe buddy and best of luck for the retest :)
Hi Toby. I have just paint on waxoiling on my centre stand on all the bikes in have had. Still need to do it on my bike now 1250s suzuki bandit 16 plate. I enjoy watching all your videos mate. Keep up the great work. See you and Mark in your next video.
Thanks Toby, a totally honest review as always. My GSA is 7 months old with 2700 miles, though that will increase very shortly as my partner and I are taking it to the Highlands of Scotland at the end of the month. I bought Bumot panniers as they fit the OEM racking and come in black; they look awesome as do yours with the vinyl. Agree with all of your comments, though i have no problem with discomfort; maybe that's down to the seamless underwear I use!! Have put similar accessories on mine including the Mudsling; again annoying have to put that on a £16k bike. Looking forward to your touring videos. Cheers, Andy
Thanks Andrew, made me chuckle that you wear seemless underwear.. hehehe... totally agree matey, wish (like the RT i had a couple of years ago) that we didnt have to add so much. The odd thing here and there is ok, but its cost rather a lot to add all of this stuff...... still GSA all the way!! Have a fab time in the Highlands matey, ride safe..... im so looking forward to a tour.... watch this space (sorry shameless plug as couldnt resist) hahaha
Glad my comment made you chuckle, we all need a bit of humour😃 Like you, I had the RT before I got a GS and then the GSA; I would never go back to an RT, the GSA just does it all for me and really suits my 6'2" frame.
I've had my GSA now for 5 months and your pretty spot on with your assessment except comfort, it's far superior than my K1600 as I tend to get leg and knee cramps and I'm 6"2' like my mate Andy Tofts except I don't use seamless undies - Andy that mental image has damaged me for life 😂. I didn't go with the OEM panniers instead I purchased from Givi in Italy and had them shipped to Australia saving about AUD $300.00. Oh and about the GPS position, I made weird and strange noises as not to hear what your comment entailed as it will send my OCD into overdrive if I ever learned the truth 😱, all in all a great review and yes both my girls (K16 & GSA) give me the widest smile on my dial every time we enjoy a ride together. I look forward to your touring vlog - ride safe 👍
Hey matey, thanks so much for those comments. Made me chuckle as i had to same damaged image of seemless undies hhahaha. That was a massive saving on the panniers, good stuff! Great to have you along for the journey... ride safe matey :)
Yes all my Panniers have gone the same way, only out a few times in the salt as well.. Will be going to Touratech next for the anodised ones.. The centre stand i used self emalgamated tap on it from new, as my last GSA went the same.. Ow and please put a 90 degree air valve on then so i can blow the tires up with out ripping the skin off my hands.. Good vids mate will be watching for the update on your trip.. Thanks Paul
Enjoyed the video as always Toby, very well done. I have a 2015 GSA and noticed the sat nav was off centre on the ride home, first thing I adjusted. I have recently changed the seat settings to low at the back and high at the front, makes a huge difference, as it levels the seat out. Not sure if you have tried that yet but it tends to move my weight more to the rear of the seat which, for me at least works a treat! Looking forward to the trip videos.
hi, had mine for 20 months now bike 23000 miles and absolutely solid. so much fun the torque is great fun. running on k60s tyres still noisy, nature of the bike.
+gregtriumphrat amazing machine. Mines just coming up to 6000 now and I've loved every one of those miles and looking forward to many more on it too :)
Having had my bike for a couple of months with 1500 miles I concur with your thoughts 100% though not been out in bad enough weather to test the panniers but it's pretty bad when you pay all that money for stuff that looks shabby in a few months. I've had a few GS's over the years and a little tip I've found to protect the main stand (yes the paint is thin and in the direct line of fire for stones and other road debris thrown up by the front tyre) is to wrap black electric insulating tape round the cross tube which protects it from stones etc and thereby reduces rust. Oh and was it aerodynamics rather than egonomics😀😀
Hey Nick, thanks for the kind words and also the advice about the electrical tape on the stand. will try that when i have it sorted again :) Oh and yeah...... mixup of words again hahhaha, thanks for letting me know :)
My first reaction when I tested this bike, was what a fantastic bike! But after some hours riding, I felt that there was something that began feeling totally wrong with the ergometry of this bike. The wide tank gets your knees pointing outwards, which also transfer to your feets pointing outwards away from the gear pedal. So reaching the gear pedal felt like forcing the left foot into a position where I could not relax.
interesting points mate, thanks for the comments. i find it really comfortable and am wondering how much of that 'feeling comfortable' is having got used to the bike? but for me it just works well with seating position, although i did get the 'up and back' handlebar risers as this makes my back straighter and more comfortable on long journeys. ride safe
I tend to ride 200-300 mile days on my GSA every weekend. If I start to feel my backside getting numb, I just stand up as I'm riding along for a few hundred feet and then I'm good to continue for another 30-60 mins again.
You're welcome. AC50 will keep the rust away from the center stand (and panniers in winter) too. Just keep it off the flat bit where you place your foot on it.
The centre stand was rusty on my 2014 GS after just 700 miles. I had it replaced under warranty. Other areas were also showing early signs of corrosion. I took that as a sign of problems to come, so it and I parted company. My Hondas didn't show any corrosion even after 25K miles or so. Shame really, because its put me off BMWs.
Great video, as always! I picked up my R1200GSA (same colour and spec as yours) three months ago...and I love it as much as you! HOWEVER! I totally agree with your points regarding the PANNIERS! I am so disappointed with the finish! I am looking at wrapping mine as well - where did you get yours from? Thanks again!
+MAPPED thanks for the kind words mate. Glad you love yours as much as we love ours :) We bought some vinyl wrap material and did them ourselves. There is a kit you can buy on eBay but it's a bit expensive so we opted for a roll of it and then crated templates and then cut them out. Look much better :)
Great video, upgraded mine to a GSA same as yours. Totally agree about the seat, my other 2013 1200 lc seat was a bit more comfortable. So I am going to try the seat trick from the comments high front and low at the back. Did it work for you or are you riding with a air hawk now.👍🏻
Very interesting review - many thanks for making/posting. I'm in the market for a GS and have 2 questions: 1) Do I really need the quick-shifter? I've never ridden a bike with one but my old GS1100 would let me shift up (sometimes down) without a clutch anyway. 2) Please tell me more about how to get the GPS from Germany and save money - presumably I'd need to spec' the installation for the GPS when I place my order (?). Season's greetings from Phuket, Mike.
thanks matey, glad you enjoyed it. The quickshifter is immense but will be totally fine without it, but if you get one with a quickshifter you wont look back. its like chalk and cheese! I searched online for the GPS and found a great deal and they happened to be in Germany, i think they advertised on ebay but i cant remember their name unfortunately. the installation is easy as the GS's and GSA's should already come with the cradle on it so its just a case of clipping it in the cradle and your good to go! Hope this helps.... Ride Safe :)
Here in Germany the Navigator V was 599 € in 2016. I m not sure how much the Navigator VI is... I d recommand a quick shifter... it is so comfortable. And in case you sell the bike in the future it is a "must have"... Cheers Tom
Just got back from doing the NC500 on mine, 1750 miles in 6 days. I averaged 55mpg overall. I agree you need to get off every 90 mins to stretch the legs. I have no problem with reach to the bars, what height are you? Ditto I have done 4500 miles in 5 months and my brake discs have gone rusty at the mounting points, I have never had that before and will complain at the service. It has used no oil unlike my previous Street Triple and Tiger 800XRx.
Those panniers look like warranty issue to me. It looks like the alluminium only got a slight transparent finish. moisture get underneath and it start to rust. They should have proper anodized the panniers. The centerstand has indeed a thin finish but you also must be aware that during riding that stand is constantly being rain/sand blasted coming from the front tire blasting water/ stuf on the road against that stand.
thanks matey. We covered the boxes to make them look better now and the stand and side stand although take a lot of abuse from the weather etc, should have thicker paint on them, very thin paint makes for very quick wearing...... eek!
No. Alluminium is a pain to maintain. Another thing. You complain a bit about engine noise. I had that in the beginning also. But I also discovered with these GS engines that you have to ride them with higher revs. The engine seems to like that more. Also the sound is better/smooter from the engine. I noticed that most riders like to shift up as soon as possible. With a four cylinder that is ok but a two cylinder needs a bit more revs to run smooth. I always like to keep it around 4000rpm and up. Smooth as a kitten and I drive without earplugs. I had this discussion with TheMissendenFlyer. His bike really sounds bad. He is constantly driving it in lower gear. Well, love to hear your point of view.
+Dan Engels I had started to use different ear plugs and the engine sounded completely different, but i ride in mid range revs as I agree with you that this is its sweet spot. Now that the bike has done 6000 miles it seems to have found itself and is much smoother. I agree that you shouldn't change up quickly, gears are there to be used and I do use them. Very rarely on top gear unless on the dual carriageway. :)
The gearbox of mine is such a crap.Visited several BMW dealers to check the bike, but they say everything is like the lc is. As soon as the engine is in the right temperatur, clutch an gearbox deteriorate. I'll sell mine again and maybe get the 2017 model or downgrade to an aircooled.
I've bought some pinlock earplugs. they have a filter in them so you can still hear your satnav etc and are much more comfy than the foam ones and are under £20 on ebay. for you backside...have you tried cycling shorts as normal undies have seams in them which create pressure points. cheers Ade
+adrianbarrie13 hey matey, that's a very good thought. I have some cycling shorts somewhere too. Gonna look then out and try them. That's for the idea. 👍
Hi there Touratech make those panniers and when you buy from them they offer anodized version as well, do BMW? because the anodized version does not get that oxidation on them.
I know, just been looking through the new specs of the new screen. Ill probably be changing the bike next year anyway as i'm clocking up the miles this year already!! They will keep improving the bike... eek!! hehehe
+Simon Oldfield thanks Simon, glad your enjoying the vids. I have been thinking of an RT as have had a liquid cooled RT before but I love the gsa too. Such a hard decision, although after reviewing all the bikes, every time I look forward to getting back on the GSA. So for me would be a toss up between the RT or another GSA. :)
RiderCamTV cheers fella, good to know, was wondering if something from the dark side (ktm) had tempted or maybe the 160 ponies of the XR? I need to get out and test the KTM offerings myself and re-ride the XR and GS. Keep up the sterling work 👌🏻
the KTM was awesome and the screen on the 1290 Super Adventure S was the best that ive seen. The power and looks are so good, but even so (and i know very fickle) i like the fact that the GSA has a shaft drive more than anything really. I loved the XR but the range isnt as good as the GSA, coupled with the fact that the GSA luggage, although going mottled and having to cover it with vinyl, they are so much more functional and rugged than other bikes ive looked at :)
I had the aircooled 1200r , changed it to the liquid 1200 Gs and then the Liquid GSA after borrowing the XR for a ride in the Alps. I really doubted because the XR was so much more exciting to ride although the GS is less top heavy. At the end I made the decision with my head instead of my heart. The point is, the GS is more comfortable, better for travelling really long distances ( I drove non stop from Andorra to Amsterdam, 1500 km on the GS and I bet the GSA is even better for that) and handles better, therefore fits my needs better, but I miss the power of the XR and how it screams.
+vriendelijkegroet totally agree mate. I loved the sound and fun of the XR but the practicality and versatility of the GSA won me over. Just does everything very very well :) Thanks for the comments and ride safe
Great review! What mileage do you get when normal road riding and when doing highways? I will be doing both, so would be nice to get some info on that.
RiderCamTV That is pretty impressive, sounds better than what I would have expected. Do you have info about pure motorway speed riding, though I guess it's only 70mph in the UK, but here in Hungary we can easily do 87 mph?
+Attila Varga, Dr. I was impressed although that's the only info I have as whenever we ride there are a mixture of motorways and normal roads. But on a long trip that was what I was getting. From the last tour I did which was about 2000 miles that was the average mpg. Hope that helps :)
What brand/type of bar risers did you get? I've put 1400 miles on my GSA Triple Black '17 and love it. Great job on the video, thank you! ps - what is your name?
Hi Jim, they are Rizoma Risers - did a vid not long ago which may help you decide if they are right for you ruclips.net/video/HaROg5JKPaU/видео.html our names are Mark and Toby :) Ride safe matey
Toby - just to compare, I put on a larger footer for the side stand from TouraTech, radiator guards from GoGravel and a Ztechnik V Stream wind screen which is taller than the stock. I also have Bumot panniers rather than the BMW panniers. All these mods are great and help out a lot
+Jim Crawford cool, thanks Jim. Always good to hear what different things people have fitted. There is so much that you can get for the bike it's a mindfield as to what is best :)
RiderCamTV Toby - how do you feel about the directional - it feels like it's quite the stretch for my thumb, especially for signaling left with the clutch pulled in....
The GSA is an amazing bike, the road presence is brilliant. I used to get pins and needles in my throttle hand and a number of people recommended Grips Puppies. Since fitting I've not had pins and needles, did take a bit of getting used to, plus it does take longer for the heated grips to get up to temperature. How long ago did you apply the vinyl to the panniers? I'll be interested to see if the wrap looks as good in a years time. Thanks!
+DervMan thanks matey, I tried grip puppies some time ago but found they made my hand ache. I can't win lol! Might try them again as perhaps didn't persevere long enough. Did the panniers about 2 months ago I think, so hope they will look as good in a few months. Will keep you posted :)
+DervMan not very long I have to admit. My hands ached as it made the bars quite thick to hold onto, but I'll have to try them again as it is a pain getting a numb hand.
Hey matey, thanks for the question. Both are exceptional bikes and both have their merits. For me though, i like the way the BMW is built and performs as it matches my riding style and needs better. Having said that if i had the 1290 i would be equally as happy. But as i already have the BMW, i wouldnt change it for the KTM. :)
i use the Interphone Tour bluetooth headset connected to my iPhone and Garmin. All works a treat, although i have turned off voice prompts from the sat nav as i find it annoying :)
ive tried to find which one i used, but it was found through ebay and then rather than buying on there i went to their website, but cant for the life of me find the website... :(
+SirJon not usually. In extreme heat such as in Portugal when I was riding at 35 degrees I have warmth coming from the lots but nothing out of the ordinary. :)
I own a gsa 1200 2018 model had many bikes over 41yrs these are the best all rounder money can buy excellent at everything
I am placing my order for one in the morning and i am bloody excited. Thanks for this good vid mate
+Buddy's Insight you will love it :) glad you enjoyed the vid.
Now this is a 'proper' test of a bike... Thanks. A quick spin on a bike is one thing but on this test you've been able to give so much more info about what it's like to live with a bike and highlight any 'niggles'. Now all you have to do is persuade manufacturers to give you bikes for at least a week at a time!
+Paul Smith that would be great. Imagine having a garage full of bikes to keep for a while. Hehhee
Thanks so much for the review, I’ve been considering replacing my Harley Street Glide with the BMW after a 4000 miles trip I just finished with a friend. The Harley-Davidson was so uncomfortable and beat me up so much that after 3 days I was about to quit the ride and head home. I’m mostly interested in long range touring in comfort but with a bike that can also handle rough roads if needed. Tomorrow I’m going to see the BMW dealer to check it out and a demo ride.
you will love the GSA im sure... great all rounder :) Ride safe
thanks for the detailed review. I've got the same bike 2017. Love it and agree with many of your comments. Keep those earplugs in, otherwise the bucket of bolts will alarm you every time, shocking at times really. I've not yet experienced discomfort from this particular seat but I've only got about 1500 km on mine. Too bad about the panniers but the wrap is the way to go now. I ended up getting the Bumots and couldn't be happier. cheers
+Henry Mah cool, thanks for your comments matey. It's a great bike. Love it :)
Henry Mah Bumots for me next time....
I recognise these roads :) good vid, cheers. I was talking to my advanced test examiner (didn't pass :( ) and he gave me a timely reminder. I was talking about safety and how far you go before the freedom of riding is lost and he said "if I wanted to be that safe I wouldn't ride a motorcycle' and this is where I'm at with the seat comfort issue. We ride motorcycles, we're gonna get wet, cold, have close calls and....... have to get off every now and then for a lil arse relief :) :) :)
they are good roads indeed, by taking the advanced test it will make you more vigilant and not only enjoy your ride more but hopefully see things before they happen. nothing will take away that riding is not the safest things, but if you equip yourself with as many tools as you can it makes it much safer. best to be cautious on the roads and like you say to get off regularly to rest the posterior is always good :)
ride safe buddy and best of luck for the retest :)
The small storage place is very good too keep your ear plugs so you wont forget too bring them whan you go out 😉
Good tip!
Hi Toby. I have just paint on waxoiling on my centre stand on all the bikes in have had. Still need to do it on my bike now 1250s suzuki bandit 16 plate. I enjoy watching all your videos mate. Keep up the great work. See you and Mark in your next video.
Hey James, thanks for the info and thank you for the kind words, it means a lot to Mark and I as we love making the videos... :) Ride safe buddy
Thanks Toby, a totally honest review as always. My GSA is 7 months old with 2700 miles, though that will increase very shortly as my partner and I are taking it to the Highlands of Scotland at the end of the month. I bought Bumot panniers as they fit the OEM racking and come in black; they look awesome as do yours with the vinyl. Agree with all of your comments, though i have no problem with discomfort; maybe that's down to the seamless underwear I use!! Have put similar accessories on mine including the Mudsling; again annoying have to put that on a £16k bike. Looking forward to your touring videos. Cheers, Andy
Thanks Andrew, made me chuckle that you wear seemless underwear.. hehehe...
totally agree matey, wish (like the RT i had a couple of years ago) that we didnt have to add so much. The odd thing here and there is ok, but its cost rather a lot to add all of this stuff...... still GSA all the way!!
Have a fab time in the Highlands matey, ride safe..... im so looking forward to a tour.... watch this space (sorry shameless plug as couldnt resist) hahaha
Glad my comment made you chuckle, we all need a bit of humour😃 Like you, I had the RT before I got a GS and then the GSA; I would never go back to an RT, the GSA just does it all for me and really suits my 6'2" frame.
Yeah, I bought the Bumot panniers as well. Really rugged, water tight, locks included, and a great value!
Andrew Tofts iiii
An encouraging review, critical too reg the paniers, right so. Still my aim to get one! after my early 1995 GS, again.
I've had my GSA now for 5 months and your pretty spot on with your assessment except comfort, it's far superior than my K1600 as I tend to get leg and knee cramps and I'm 6"2' like my mate Andy Tofts except I don't use seamless undies - Andy that mental image has damaged me for life 😂. I didn't go with the OEM panniers instead I purchased from Givi in Italy and had them shipped to Australia saving about AUD $300.00. Oh and about the GPS position, I made weird and strange noises as not to hear what your comment entailed as it will send my OCD into overdrive if I ever learned the truth 😱, all in all a great review and yes both my girls (K16 & GSA) give me the widest smile on my dial every time we enjoy a ride together. I look forward to your touring vlog - ride safe 👍
Hey matey, thanks so much for those comments. Made me chuckle as i had to same damaged image of seemless undies hhahaha.
That was a massive saving on the panniers, good stuff!
Great to have you along for the journey... ride safe matey :)
Yes all my Panniers have gone the same way, only out a few times in the salt as well.. Will be going to Touratech next for the anodised ones.. The centre stand i used self emalgamated tap on it from new, as my last GSA went the same.. Ow and please put a 90 degree air valve on then so i can blow the tires up with out ripping the skin off my hands..
Good vids mate will be watching for the update on your trip..
Thanks Paul
+TheFozzy222 very good point about the 90 degree valve. Why didn't they think about it !
Enjoyed the video as always Toby, very well done. I have a 2015 GSA and noticed the sat nav was off centre on the ride home, first thing I adjusted. I have recently changed the seat settings to low at the back and high at the front, makes a huge difference, as it levels the seat out. Not sure if you have tried that yet but it tends to move my weight more to the rear of the seat which, for me at least works a treat! Looking forward to the trip videos.
+Mick Smith thanks Mick, sat nav not being central does annoy me, but I'm going to try the trick with the seat today, see if it helps, thanks matey :)
Exactly what I’ve done with the seat after years of owning the 2016 Triple Black GSA.. you nailed it.
hi, had mine for 20 months now bike 23000 miles and absolutely solid. so much fun the torque is great fun. running on k60s tyres still noisy, nature of the bike.
+gregtriumphrat amazing machine. Mines just coming up to 6000 now and I've loved every one of those miles and looking forward to many more on it too :)
Great review buddy. The vinyl is a brilliant idea, looks so much cooler.
+Paul Jones thanks dude. I love it
Having had my bike for a couple of months with 1500 miles I concur with your thoughts 100% though not been out in bad enough weather to test the panniers but it's pretty bad when you pay all that money for stuff that looks shabby in a few months. I've had a few GS's over the years and a little tip I've found to protect the main stand (yes the paint is thin and in the direct line of fire for stones and other road debris thrown up by the front tyre) is to wrap black electric insulating tape round the cross tube which protects it from stones etc and thereby reduces rust. Oh and was it aerodynamics rather than egonomics😀😀
Hey Nick, thanks for the kind words and also the advice about the electrical tape on the stand. will try that when i have it sorted again :)
Oh and yeah...... mixup of words again hahhaha, thanks for letting me know :)
Great honest video matey, and I have booked a test ride for next Saturday 😎👍🏻
Thanks for the kind words. Great machine too! Hope the test ride goes well. Ride safe :)
Should be collecting my 2018 1200 GSA Rally TE on Thursday - can't wait - snow dependent though !!!
Thanks for the tips
I bet your excited mate. That is a fab choice of bike. Enjoy and ride safe buddy :)
I am truly very excited. Delivery is delayed until Saturday 10th March - gutted but at least the weather will be better by then !!
I bet mate. Both at being excited and gutted at the same time. I wouldn’t be sleeping, I’d be so excited. Good on ya mate. Enjoy buddy :)
My first reaction when I tested this bike, was what a fantastic bike! But after some hours riding, I felt that there was something that began feeling totally wrong with the ergometry of this bike. The wide tank gets your knees pointing outwards, which also transfer to your feets pointing outwards away from the gear pedal. So reaching the gear pedal felt like forcing the left foot into a position where I could not relax.
interesting points mate, thanks for the comments. i find it really comfortable and am wondering how much of that 'feeling comfortable' is having got used to the bike? but for me it just works well with seating position, although i did get the 'up and back' handlebar risers as this makes my back straighter and more comfortable on long journeys. ride safe
Bjørn Birkeland .... does the center stand lever catch your foot on the RHS?
Nope. Never had that issue :)
I tend to ride 200-300 mile days on my GSA every weekend. If I start to feel my backside getting numb, I just stand up as I'm riding along for a few hundred feet and then I'm good to continue for another 30-60 mins again.
+Richard Dunn good tip thanks matey :)
You're welcome. AC50 will keep the rust away from the center stand (and panniers in winter) too. Just keep it off the flat bit where you place your foot on it.
+Richard Dunn cool, thanks matey :)
The centre stand was rusty on my 2014 GS after just 700 miles. I had it replaced under warranty. Other areas were also showing early signs of corrosion. I took that as a sign of problems to come, so it and I parted company. My Hondas didn't show any corrosion even after 25K miles or so. Shame really, because its put me off BMWs.
Yeah is a shame but in the long run I think they fair a lot better than other makes, although it would be great for them to use premium parts again
David Allen most bikes will last a long time if you clean them regular
Nice video, as always. Thanks, RiderCam.
Great video, as always! I picked up my R1200GSA (same colour and spec as yours) three months ago...and I love it as much as you! HOWEVER! I totally agree with your points regarding the PANNIERS! I am so disappointed with the finish! I am looking at wrapping mine as well - where did you get yours from? Thanks again!
+MAPPED thanks for the kind words mate. Glad you love yours as much as we love ours :)
We bought some vinyl wrap material and did them ourselves. There is a kit you can buy on eBay but it's a bit expensive so we opted for a roll of it and then crated templates and then cut them out. Look much better :)
Hey...picked up my vinyl from Amazon/eBay...I like the 'hazard' style vinyl at the back, where did that come from?
+MAPPED great stuff. I bought a roll and then cut the templates out. All on eBay :)
Great video, upgraded mine to a GSA same as yours. Totally agree about the seat, my other 2013 1200 lc seat was a bit more comfortable. So I am going to try the seat trick from the comments high front and low at the back. Did it work for you or are you riding with a air hawk now.👍🏻
Very interesting review - many thanks for making/posting. I'm in the market for a GS and have 2 questions: 1) Do I really need the quick-shifter? I've never ridden a bike with one but my old GS1100 would let me shift up (sometimes down) without a clutch anyway. 2) Please tell me more about how to get the GPS from Germany and save money - presumably I'd need to spec' the installation for the GPS when I place my order (?). Season's greetings from Phuket, Mike.
thanks matey, glad you enjoyed it. The quickshifter is immense but will be totally fine without it, but if you get one with a quickshifter you wont look back. its like chalk and cheese! I searched online for the GPS and found a great deal and they happened to be in Germany, i think they advertised on ebay but i cant remember their name unfortunately. the installation is easy as the GS's and GSA's should already come with the cradle on it so its just a case of clipping it in the cradle and your good to go!
Hope this helps.... Ride Safe :)
Here in Germany the Navigator V was 599 € in 2016. I m not sure how much the Navigator VI is...
I d recommand a quick shifter... it is so comfortable. And in case you sell the bike in the future it is a "must have"...
Cheers Tom
Thank you.
Just got back from doing the NC500 on mine, 1750 miles in 6 days. I averaged 55mpg overall. I agree you need to get off every 90 mins to stretch the legs. I have no problem with reach to the bars, what height are you? Ditto I have done 4500 miles in 5 months and my brake discs have gone rusty at the mounting points, I have never had that before and will complain at the service. It has used no oil unlike my previous Street Triple and Tiger 800XRx.
Those panniers look like warranty issue to me. It looks like the alluminium only got a slight transparent finish.
moisture get underneath and it start to rust. They should have proper anodized the panniers. The centerstand has indeed a thin finish but you also must be aware that during riding that stand is constantly being rain/sand blasted coming from the front tire blasting water/ stuf on the road against that stand.
thanks matey. We covered the boxes to make them look better now and the stand and side stand although take a lot of abuse from the weather etc, should have thicker paint on them, very thin paint makes for very quick wearing...... eek!
you are absolutely right that for the money you need the to pay, you may expect better quality.
+Dan Engels definately but I guess it add to the fun of maintenance. Heheheh
No. Alluminium is a pain to maintain. Another thing. You complain a bit about engine noise. I had that in the beginning also. But I also discovered with these GS engines that you have to ride them with higher revs. The engine seems to like that more. Also the sound is better/smooter from the engine. I noticed that most riders like to shift up as soon as possible. With a four cylinder that is ok but a two cylinder needs a bit more revs to run smooth. I always like to keep it around 4000rpm and up. Smooth as a kitten and I drive without earplugs. I had this discussion with TheMissendenFlyer. His bike really sounds bad. He is constantly driving it in lower gear. Well, love to hear your point of view.
+Dan Engels I had started to use different ear plugs and the engine sounded completely different, but i ride in mid range revs as I agree with you that this is its sweet spot. Now that the bike has done 6000 miles it seems to have found itself and is much smoother. I agree that you shouldn't change up quickly, gears are there to be used and I do use them. Very rarely on top gear unless on the dual carriageway. :)
Can you put up a link for where you bought the Sat Nat in Germany..thanks
We haven’t got a specific link as the part number is a Bmw one so head into your local branch and they should be able to find it and order it
The gearbox of mine is such a crap.Visited several BMW dealers to check the bike, but they say everything is like the lc is. As soon as the engine is in the right temperatur, clutch an gearbox deteriorate. I'll sell mine again and maybe get the 2017 model or downgrade to an aircooled.
+columbo74 blimey that doesn't sound good. On my 2017 it's been so smooth it's unreal. :)
I've bought some pinlock earplugs. they have a filter in them so you can still hear your satnav etc and are much more comfy than the foam ones and are under £20 on ebay. for you backside...have you tried cycling shorts as normal undies have seams in them which create pressure points. cheers Ade
+adrianbarrie13 hey matey, that's a very good thought. I have some cycling shorts somewhere too. Gonna look then out and try them. That's for the idea. 👍
Hi there Touratech make those panniers and when you buy from them they offer anodized version as well, do BMW? because the anodized version does not get that oxidation on them.
+Bill Fraser thanks for the info Bill. Didn't know that and not sure BMW offer that. I'll find out, thanks again :)
Had my BMW paniers now for 5 years. No oxidation on them. Very sturdy, too. I prefer them over the TT ones.
+Carsten Mueller mine oxidised after only a few months :(
You mentioned that, but that is certainly not the norm. Perhaps too much salt on the air crossing the channel? ;-)
hey toby,,,,full TFT screens for next years model...you gonna have to change again...lol
I know, just been looking through the new specs of the new screen. Ill probably be changing the bike next year anyway as i'm clocking up the miles this year already!! They will keep improving the bike... eek!! hehehe
Enjoying the videos Sir, one quick question is with all of your recent reviews would you change the Adventure for anything else at this stage?
+Simon Oldfield thanks Simon, glad your enjoying the vids. I have been thinking of an RT as have had a liquid cooled RT before but I love the gsa too. Such a hard decision, although after reviewing all the bikes, every time I look forward to getting back on the GSA. So for me would be a toss up between the RT or another GSA. :)
RiderCamTV cheers fella, good to know, was wondering if something from the dark side (ktm) had tempted or maybe the 160 ponies of the XR? I need to get out and test the KTM offerings myself and re-ride the XR and GS. Keep up the sterling work 👌🏻
the KTM was awesome and the screen on the 1290 Super Adventure S was the best that ive seen. The power and looks are so good, but even so (and i know very fickle) i like the fact that the GSA has a shaft drive more than anything really. I loved the XR but the range isnt as good as the GSA, coupled with the fact that the GSA luggage, although going mottled and having to cover it with vinyl, they are so much more functional and rugged than other bikes ive looked at :)
I had the aircooled 1200r , changed it to the liquid 1200 Gs and then the Liquid GSA after borrowing the XR for a ride in the Alps. I really doubted because the XR was so much more exciting to ride although the GS is less top heavy. At the end I made the decision with my head instead of my heart. The point is, the GS is more comfortable, better for travelling really long distances ( I drove non stop from Andorra to Amsterdam, 1500 km on the GS and I bet the GSA is even better for that) and handles better, therefore fits my needs better, but I miss the power of the XR and how it screams.
+vriendelijkegroet totally agree mate. I loved the sound and fun of the XR but the practicality and versatility of the GSA won me over. Just does everything very very well :)
Thanks for the comments and ride safe
Great review! What mileage do you get when normal road riding and when doing highways? I will be doing both, so would be nice to get some info on that.
+Attila Varga, Dr. Hey mate thanks for the kind words. Normal road riding on highways I'm getting 56 mpg (ish) :)
RiderCamTV That is pretty impressive, sounds better than what I would have expected. Do you have info about pure motorway speed riding, though I guess it's only 70mph in the UK, but here in Hungary we can easily do 87 mph?
+Attila Varga, Dr. I was impressed although that's the only info I have as whenever we ride there are a mixture of motorways and normal roads. But on a long trip that was what I was getting. From the last tour I did which was about 2000 miles that was the average mpg.
Hope that helps :)
+Attila Varga, Dr. That was travelling at about 70mph but if you travel at 80 Plus I did notice the mpg drop quite a lot.
RiderCamTV Thanks a lot for your insights, it does help a lot! Keep up the good work, cheers!
What brand/type of bar risers did you get? I've put 1400 miles on my GSA Triple Black '17 and love it. Great job on the video, thank you!
ps - what is your name?
Hi Jim, they are Rizoma Risers - did a vid not long ago which may help you decide if they are right for you ruclips.net/video/HaROg5JKPaU/видео.html
our names are Mark and Toby :)
Ride safe matey
Toby - just to compare, I put on a larger footer for the side stand from TouraTech, radiator guards from GoGravel and a Ztechnik V Stream wind screen which is taller than the stock. I also have Bumot panniers rather than the BMW panniers. All these mods are great and help out a lot
+Jim Crawford cool, thanks Jim. Always good to hear what different things people have fitted. There is so much that you can get for the bike it's a mindfield as to what is best :)
RiderCamTV Toby - how do you feel about the directional - it feels like it's quite the stretch for my thumb, especially for signaling left with the clutch pulled in....
+Jim Crawford I really wished they had kept with the individual indicators as I liked them. Ugh much better
Can post the link for where you purchased the sat nav from? Keep up the good work
i bought it from eBaY from a German store, but i have looked and they are not on there anymore :(
@@RiderCamTV thanks for getting back to me and taking the time to check.
with oem windshield I've wind on my shoulders,it's wunderlich screen good to eliminate this?
yes it gets rid of it all
So...What I hear is that your next "upgrade" is a new saddle?
+E. Simons it may be, but for now I'll have to keep the stock seat until the pennies have built up again. ;)
+Stacey Schroeder will try that :)
The GSA is an amazing bike, the road presence is brilliant. I used to get pins and needles in my throttle hand and a number of people recommended Grips Puppies. Since fitting I've not had pins and needles, did take a bit of getting used to, plus it does take longer for the heated grips to get up to temperature. How long ago did you apply the vinyl to the panniers? I'll be interested to see if the wrap looks as good in a years time. Thanks!
+DervMan thanks matey, I tried grip puppies some time ago but found they made my hand ache. I can't win lol! Might try them again as perhaps didn't persevere long enough. Did the panniers about 2 months ago I think, so hope they will look as good in a few months. Will keep you posted :)
How long did you have the Puppies on for? I nearly took mine off a few times as I wasn't convinced. But now, 3 months on, I'm pleased with them.
+DervMan not very long I have to admit. My hands ached as it made the bars quite thick to hold onto, but I'll have to try them again as it is a pain getting a numb hand.
I think the circumference has reduced as they've broken in, but that might be my imagination! :-o
+DervMan thanks matey, I'll definately try them again then :)
Where did you get the vinyl for the panniers?
+Patrick Allen hey mate, got it from eBay :)
Having tested the 1290 Super Adventure S, which do you prefer?
Hey matey, thanks for the question. Both are exceptional bikes and both have their merits. For me though, i like the way the BMW is built and performs as it matches my riding style and needs better. Having said that if i had the 1290 i would be equally as happy. But as i already have the BMW, i wouldnt change it for the KTM. :)
Thanks.
+EP VB no probs :)
Hi, what do you use for your audio?
i use the Interphone Tour bluetooth headset connected to my iPhone and Garmin. All works a treat, although i have turned off voice prompts from the sat nav as i find it annoying :)
Out of 10 how heavy is the bike
id say about 6-7 really but all depends on your perspective. its so well balanced that when manoeuvring and riding it feels more like a 2-3.
Hey Toby. Which company Germany did you buy your sat nav?
ive tried to find which one i used, but it was found through ebay and then rather than buying on there i went to their website, but cant for the life of me find the website... :(
Haha no worries. Thanks for looking
RT has taller gearing.
Thanks for the info
Have you experienced right leg heat issues?
+SirJon not usually. In extreme heat such as in Portugal when I was riding at 35 degrees I have warmth coming from the lots but nothing out of the ordinary. :)