Aiden killed it with the wildcard this week, I really wanted Tom to be swept off his feet by the H2 SX, but fair play to him for giving them all a good go!
He was careful not to outright say it, but I'm guessing he was saying that he disliked the Triumph triple on the Tiger 1200 he rode, compared to his Tracer triple. The Yamaha triples are the best in the world right now, since I think only one Triumph engine has their original correct crankshaft configuration; Triumph switched to a T-Plane crankshaft to make their engines rougher, more obtuse, more raspy, coarser, hoarser, more rumbly, less refined, more shaky, more uneven, less smooth... And they did this (sabotaging their own engines) despite having a reputation for having the best triple engines in the world.
Hmm, not so sure. I own both a GS Adv and a newer version of the H2 SX (22) and I’m 6ft 5ins (about 198 cms) and I have no problem with the H2 and have toured very comfortably on it. I’ve toured on the GS as well and it is an amazing tourer but the H2 will put a massive smile on your face. However, in his defence, he is heavier than me and perhaps that would make the GS far more suitable for him. Don’t discount the H2 though, it’s an amazing tourer, frugal and quite fast on the German autobahns 😉
I'm 5'5 weigh next to nothing all my bikes have been kept standard. CBR600 CBR1100XX CBR1000RR Gen1 ZZR1400 Gen2 ZZR1400 Performance Sport which I've just traded in for a 2018 H2 SX just like the one Tom rode here.
I think it's difficult to be comfortable on a bike when you can barely reach the ground. Anything off camber on a lot of adventure style bikes can be worrying to shorter riders.
@@MikeTheBike58all quite low seat heights. Not one adventure bike in there. I like yourself and not very tall. I find kicking my leg over the pillion seat sometimes difficult. Even contemplating a Bonneville for its flat bench seat
A piece of input: I find the wildcard bike better when chosen by a third party compared to the previous episode where you chose it together. This way it acts as more of a surprise imo.
Superbike Factory? They don't allow test rides, and you even have to ask a sales person if you want to sit on one to try for size. Add on the £199 'processing fee', questionable warranty, and plenty of horror stories from victims, and you're literally gambling your hard-earned.
I was amazed when I discovered that they do not allow rest rides. They told me I have 14 days to change my mind but I doubt it’s that simple! To be able to ride 2 or 3 bikes like in this series would be perfect as I am now down to vfr800 cross runner, triumph tiger 1050 or a more conventional bike with the cbf1000 but struggling to get a test ride. Another company , Robinson in Oldham, don’t really do them either. You effectively come to a deal, put a deposit on it, and they get the psi done and then you can hav😂e a ride when you go to collect a week or so later. Having been in car sales I know there is intense pressure on customers when they “cock” on the day of collection. Bikes are so individual in style and riding that a test ride is much more important than when purchasing a car/
I’m 6’2” / 130kg. So many things do work for me. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 was really nice to play with. These days I ride a BMW R1200RT which I can ride all day.
It's just so weird. Here in the States, in the Northwest, every person rides a Harley. Nearly every demographic, even people you'd never think would like Harley motorcycles, just ends up buying a Harley. It's like some kind of status symbol, and people are embarrassed to ride a motorcycle unless it's a Harley. I only saw one BMW last weekend when out riding, the rest were Harley bikes, or cruisers. A man from Canada even pulled aside of me and started showing me his Harley that he brought all the way from Canada on a trailer, so apparently the Canadians even own Harleys. WTF. But I see the BMW GS1250 and it's obviously so much better as a motorcycle, it's bizarre how the BWM GS bikes are totally unknown here in the Northwest USA.
Great video yet again boys. I am 6ft4 and 125ish kgs and have all the same issues as Tom and tried 2 of the 3 bikes here (among others) when i was shopping last. I ended up on an XR, had all the toys and comfort i liked about the GS and Versys etc but still had the madness i'm not quite ready to give up yet :).
Speaking as a 6’4” 100kg rider I’m not surprised the GS hit the spot for the tall guy. Back in the day I had an 1150 GS (just pre Charley and Ewan…). I kept it for 12 years, it held its value better than a block of gold. It went all over Europe and only let me down when a coil pack failed coming off the cross channel ferry at Dover on my way home. Thank god the ferry ramp had some grip to it and it fired into life and I didn’t turn it off until I got home. It was effortlessly comfortable solo or two up, about the only addition to improve it was one of those AirHawk inflatable seat covers. That was a godsend to reduce “numbum” Here’s an array of “good for a tall bloke bikes” X1 Lightning (2001) FXDCI (2005) MT-01 (2007) Heritage Softail Classic (2004) R1200R (2016) R1250 GS (2019) the standard, not the Adventure. There is a noticeable difference. And of course the FS1-E about the time of my “growth spurt”….
I had the same dilemma, had my heart set on the KTM 1290SAS, I initially dismissed the GS as I thought it was an old mans bike, went for a test ride just to see what the fuss was about... came back and signed on the dotted line for one. Not regretted it one bit, brilliant at touring, playing on the gravel tracks and riding like a div on a fast Sunday blast, the best all rounder I've ridden👌
This is a awesome series and at 6’4” 235# myself the gs is hard to beat (current bike), the Ducati MTS (previous bike) is also a great choice and don’t leave out the Suzuki V-Strom 1050
Great review. I'm 6'5" and it was between the 1300GS and V4S Multistrada for me. The Ducati won it for me. Yes, it is more expensive to buy but the difference is small and you get a lot of it back on resale.
I am the same size 6 foot 3 and 20 st with creaky knees. Immediately so many bikes off the list if you want to do more than an hour of riding. Is a bit of a miss from manufacturers, people are not all under 6 ft. Good to see I am not the only guy who has to go down the adventure bike route.
Versys, S1000XR, Multistrada Rally/enduro… there’s a fair bit of choice still. Even HD Pan America or Gold Wing. If you need any help, just shout. Cheers, Michael
@@bennettsbikesocial , Thanks, love my Tiger. On my third one. Ticks all the boxes. Next to keep it company will be a Triumph Scrambler when the values come down a bit. Not a mega Triumph nut, but BMWs look fantastic but too much £ for me. Same for Ducati. Japanese are fabulous but I look for a bike a little bit different. Hence the Tiger. I totally respect that different people have different opinions. Definitely a good time to be a biker!
I was looking forward to this feature as I have a similar problem finding a suitable bike for my frame. Unfortunately learnt nothing. A couple of 5’10 blokes sent a 6’4 bloke with a 36” inside leg out on a KTM and BMW with the seat height set low and a Kawasaki that’s clearly physically too small 🥴
I’ll just correct you there, Simon and I are both 6ft, and he ended up buying a near-identical BMW. Feel free to apply to be on the show and I’ll be sure to prioritise your application 🤔
Another great episode in one of the best biking series 👍 There’s a reason why the GS is the best seller that it is, it has been honed to perfection over many years and is the ‘Range Rover’ of the biking world, it just does everything well. For a larger chap it just ticks every box!
GS is for people with too much money to burn who only want to ride on roads but want you to think they can ride off road too. No way they can. The GS is just bland as a bike. It’s boring as a bike and the owners are up their own asses. You have the GS crowd and you have the everybody else who can actually ride a bike for more than an hour without stopping for a Starbucks crowd.
GS is for people with too much money to burn who only want to ride on roads but want you to think they can ride off road too. No way they can. The GS is just bland as a bike. It’s boring as a bike and the owners are up their own asses. You have the GS crowd and you have the everybody else who can actually ride a bike for more than an hour without stopping for a Starbucks crowd.
This series has always been great, but this really ramps up the production values! Hats off to your videographer and editing people for making it a visual triumph.
I love this series & have rewatched them a few times. Great to see someone go with an obvious choice for a change. Although I really like to see the options it's good to see you get a bit closer to the brief. Excellent work as always guys!!
Cheers, thanks for the comments. Overall it’s part entertainment and part real help, we could of course each offer half-a-dozen options but we’d be there for days and the show would be an hour long! One choice each means Simon, myself and whoever is representing SBKF have to think hard! Cheers, onto the next one! Michael
@@bennettsbikesocial Cool, thanks Michael. I'm very late at getting into bikes being in my 40's & only had my CBT for a few months but if I end up getting my full licence I may well give you guys a shout. 😁👍🏻
Well, he is certainly not hurting for choice here. Adv style go just for the Godfather and get the BMW 1200/1250GS or a more budget friendly V-Strom 1000. If he's leaning towards the sport tourer the BMW K1600GT, FJR1300, and the Honda ST1300 would all suit him well. Though I think the BMW K1600 offers him the most luggage space. Can't wait to see what the boyz cooked up. And like all worthy British endeavors its starts with a cuppa tea lol! He did look a bit scrunched up on the KTM, maybe if you can get midset controls would be better. Yeah, GS was my first thought for Tom as well. Obvious? Maybe but could also be perfect. WOW and I thought Tom looked uncomfortable on the KTM. I think the H2 missed the mark entirely. I think he goes GS. Love this show, keep em coming.
I tend to be buggered for the style I like, sport tourers work best for me, I like the sporty look, yet require the comfort as well. At the time, I am 6.2 and was 19 half stone, now around 18st..i chose the zzr1400, lowered the footpegs and fitted handle bar raises, made the difference. A good looking bike with a bit of oomph, so looking for bikes with taller riders I mind, works for me.. Great show.. 👍👍
Simon and Michael, we really enjoy what you do 🙃🙂🏍🛵 Always look forward to the next episode.... wish we could have tea (seems that is a thing) and talk motorbiking....
So do I - as in love it and wish it happened more oftern! Trouble is, it costs to make it and as loving as our wonderful sponsors are, we can only ask so muhc of them. Thanks for the comment, it means a lot that the series is liked. Cheers, Michael
BMW have absolutely nailed it with the modern GS. And now the 13 is coming very soon and you just know it will be even a bit better yet than the present, already totally brilliant, package 😮
Great watch. Possibly predictable but there is a reason people buy them and I see so many on the road. Sure ge won't be disappointed. Ride safe and happy travels 👍
A bit of a forgone conclusion this time around, I think he was going to buy a GS whatever you showed him. It would have been fun to really challenge that with 3 options that were totally different. The GS is a bit too common for my taste but it does make sense for a man of his size.
Did well getting bikes to try out...I went to look at one and they wouldn't let me test ride it ..and took them almost an hour to give me a rubbish part ex price...also no service offered and 6 months warranty....only go to cafe now. Got better deal at Motorad dealer with 2 years used warranty.
The Multistrada v4s is more fun. Handles better, faster, just as comfortable. Downsides are the fuel consumption and the cost. Drinks like a sailor on shore leave. Oh and the GS has better fuelling at slow speeds, with the Multi a bit "chuggy" when you are going slow. It filters very well though, very nimble and a good turning circle. I filter just about every time I ride it and it is such a well balanced bike. I just did a tour of southern Spain on the GSA 1250 and when I got home and jumped back on the Multistrada I immediately noticed how much better the performance and handling was. When you open the throttle and go "Whoosh" through some twisties, you remember why you love bikes. Cars? Bah!.
The V4S has a sporty leg position, ADV top half, sports lower half. Typical Italian long arms short legs. Also a pig to maintain - you think the GS is expensive..
Tom, watch this back and have a look at your feet when you're riding. Your toes are hanging out in a somewhat dangerous way. I have no doubt that's the reason you were hitting them on the ground while riding the GS. Tuck those in if you're going to be cornering aggressively lest you snag a foot on something.
Interesting stuff. I am 6'5 and a touch lighter than him... and I am on a 2017 R1200RS, which can leave me feeling cramped on long rides but it is a great bike.
Another great episode, guys. It strikes me that almost none of the people that have participated knew what it was they were looking for, which I find surprising. Personally, not being a BMW person I would have gone for the H2. I am 6'3 and-a-half (much like our friend over at 44 Teeth!) weigh 18 stone and I fit beautifully on the bike. Unfortunately, the dealer would not let me ride it, so I told them to shove off. The very next day I bought my Trophy SE, which they DID let me ride. But Tom got his GS, so Michael, technically you win this one! Anyway, on to the next!
When the oddball choice mentioned engine configuration, I thought it would have been a gold wing! Although perhaps not peppy enough. Another one on my mind was the triumph rocket, but that's maybe too 'choppery'.
The Rocket 3 made it to my initial shortlist but there wasn’t one at SBK Factory on the day we were filming. There was a good Gold Wing and I hoped the mystery bike chooser picked it because the GSA was an obvious win! Cheers, Michael
Versys should fit him nicely. I'm 6'2" @ ~ 100kg, and my Versys 1000 is a touring beast. It costs less than BWM ( both in the purchase and upkeep ), and I can ride it for 1000 km a day with slight discomfort that starts around 600km mark. BMW is not a bad choice, though :)
I'm exactly 6ft @ 100kgs and the only bike I wanted and liked and fit good on is the gen3 Hayabusa, which I ordered in a heartbeat, there's literally NOTHING else that I like or sit good on, the 1000ccs seems so small and the R1 was feeling like I was doing 45degrees pushups
Tom scraping the front of his boot is down to rider error not ground clearance. I even saw his feet in the corners and he hangs his toes off the bike. This is dude to incorrect foot position. I believe there's a term for this but I can't remember the name. He needs to have his toes up on the pegs and his heels up against the heel gaurd when cornering.
When will this trend for Long Way round daftness end... ive been riding since the age of 2 years old off road and I'm now 59 years old... i currently just ride a 2000 plate Honda hornet 600 with no car derived gadgets such as abs, heated seats , electric tooth brushes etc etc....i ride 6000 miles a year all year around rain, sleet, snow, sun.... Itchy Boots Norally goes around Africa on a 300 cc Honda, the main reason is so she can pick the bike up when it falls over, even Claudio von Planta the camera man in longway around when his GS 1200 frame broke and had to ride a 200cc local 2 stroke said , the little 200 skips along while the 1200 sinks in the mud.... most old men who now ride these GS 1200's spend mose of the year polishing them or riding on tarmac roads and iv their GS fell over they would never be able to pick it up again, (at least the guy in the video may stand a chance) ...... Rant over , the Motorbike industry needs to go back to basics...a Bicycle with a Motor on it a motorbike, not a car on two wheels! An SUV car ( Supermarket Utility Vehicle) on two wheels!
When you get off a bike with that look Tom had getting off the GS you might aswell just buy it because you're going to sooner or later. If it makes you happy its the bike for you.
Gold Wing, maybe. He said he wasn’t into Harley’s so even though there was a decent GW in stock, I steered away mainly because the GSA was the obvious choice too. I’m sure Tom would have been chuffed to try another handful of options too!
Seems as though it’s adventure bikes, cruisers, Harleys or maybe a Hypermotard are the choices, but is there a particular style or genre that you’d like… if it fitted?
@@bennettsbikesocial TBH the Tracer 900, a reasonable upright sportish tourer. I’m as tall as Tom but not as built. Don’t think I ride as aggressive as he does either. Lowering pegs and bar risers should do me:
@@bennettsbikesocial Sorry I forgot to answer your question. To be honest what I’d love is something like the Trail or Super Cub 125. I’ve realised that my entire two wheeled life is trying to replicate what I felt on my first two-stroke moped I inherited when I was 15. I was as tall then as I was now but I guess I was more flexible or just didn’t care - I had wheels. The 40kg I’ve picked up since then can’t help either.
Obvious but the GSA is the correct one, sorry Simon, i did 119.500 km with mine (same as this down to the year, i just had the natural aluminium tank) ad just exchange it for.... another one! Plus mine has already been resold by the dealer (and no, id did not do a rollback!)
I'd love something like this as I'm planning to book my test in the next few weeks and so far have only found the SV650 as a suitable first big bike. You guys should do a 'What (first) bike next?'
KTM are funny bikes. Remember testing a RC8 in 2010 and in hindsight, I made a mistake and didn’t go for it, went with Aprilia. Aprilia was a good bike, but not memorable like the KTM.
Loving this series, but hoping somebody finally says they are interested in something other than the same style bikes from the previous 6 episodes lol. Guessing cruisers are just not popular over there.
Well there is not a lot of point in me putting my name in. I would like to buy a bike to tour Uk and maybe a bit Europe. The choice is easy. The GS which fits my budget.
As a 5’6” rider, I’m the exact opposite. I’m nearly settled on a Kawasaki N1k because I simply can’t fit on the ADV bikes. I’d love one, my riding experience and inseam simply aren’t there. (Yes, yes, I know about Jocelyn Whatsherface, but I’m not that skilled)
I agree, did you see the bit where I looked at them but decided the examples in stock weren’t good enough? I think he’s like a V4 Rally once he’s done with the bike he ended up with. Cheers, Michael
Buying a bike? Be subjective/pragmatic. I like the Tiger sport 660, but is it a £7k better bike than my lovely CBF600? Probably not. I'd sacrifice fancy electronics for a centre stand every time. Bike won't fall over with a puncture and no paddock stand accidents.
@@bennettsbikesocial Yes, the K1600 would have been a solid option as well. I wonder if either the K1600 or the Gold Wing would have 'pricked' the GSA bubble? 😇
It was an obvious choice. I'm a shorter gentleman and after watching all the reviews I'm contemplating the R1250r or maybe rs for my next purchase. I like the look of some of the R9T models. Does this 1259 engine suit the scrambler model in your honest opinion?
Interesting one this. Similar wants and needs to me though i am much lighter and almost as tall. Versys or XR are foremost in my mind when i get my next bike in the spring. Burned by A bad BMW gs and not trusting the Italian option.
Wished Moto Guzzi would come up with a 1200cc ADV bike. Love the character of their engines. But just like Tom, being as tall etc., I ended up with a BMW GSA. Simply love it. Like so so many others......boring 🙂.
It's a shame, adjustment of the rear brake lever and gear selector is too often overlooked and in this case has completely ruled a bike out. Ergos matter, and many are adjustable.
Check out the other episodes in the 'What Bike Next?' series by clicking the playlist link: ruclips.net/video/EdamqUrpc-U/видео.html
Aiden killed it with the wildcard this week, I really wanted Tom to be swept off his feet by the H2 SX, but fair play to him for giving them all a good go!
He was careful not to outright say it, but I'm guessing he was saying that he disliked the Triumph triple on the Tiger 1200 he rode, compared to his Tracer triple. The Yamaha triples are the best in the world right now, since I think only one Triumph engine has their original correct crankshaft configuration; Triumph switched to a T-Plane crankshaft to make their engines rougher, more obtuse, more raspy, coarser, hoarser, more rumbly, less refined, more shaky, more uneven, less smooth... And they did this (sabotaging their own engines) despite having a reputation for having the best triple engines in the world.
Hmm, not so sure. I own both a GS Adv and a newer version of the H2 SX (22) and I’m 6ft 5ins (about 198 cms) and I have no problem with the H2 and have toured very comfortably on it. I’ve toured on the GS as well and it is an amazing tourer but the H2 will put a massive smile on your face. However, in his defence, he is heavier than me and perhaps that would make the GS far more suitable for him. Don’t discount the H2 though, it’s an amazing tourer, frugal and quite fast on the German autobahns 😉
If you’re 5ft 3 or 6ft 4 the most important thing is to get a bike that is comfortable and fits. That is where confidence comes from.
Well said.
If you ‘struggle’ with a bike - no matter how skilled you are, you’re going to want to use it less than a bike that fits you well.
I'm 5'5 weigh next to nothing all my bikes have been kept standard.
CBR600
CBR1100XX
CBR1000RR
Gen1 ZZR1400
Gen2 ZZR1400 Performance Sport which I've just traded in for a 2018 H2 SX just like the one Tom rode here.
I think it's difficult to be comfortable on a bike when you can barely reach the ground. Anything off camber on a lot of adventure style bikes can be worrying to shorter riders.
@@MikeTheBike58all quite low seat heights. Not one adventure bike in there. I like yourself and not very tall. I find kicking my leg over the pillion seat sometimes difficult.
Even contemplating a Bonneville for its flat bench seat
Great video, thank you. I'm glad there's some attention for the 6ft++ riders among us.
I bought a R1250 R/S as I’m 6 ft 4ins
A piece of input: I find the wildcard bike better when chosen by a third party compared to the previous episode where you chose it together. This way it acts as more of a surprise imo.
the way youre suggesting is exactly how they did it all the way through lol
@@nova-co3bpIn other episodes, they chose it themselves I think
Superbike Factory? They don't allow test rides, and you even have to ask a sales person if you want to sit on one to try for size. Add on the £199 'processing fee', questionable warranty, and plenty of horror stories from victims, and you're literally gambling your hard-earned.
Bennett's prove they are not to be taken seriously if they endorse companies like this.
I was amazed when I discovered that they do not allow rest rides. They told me I have 14 days to change my mind but I doubt it’s that simple! To be able to ride 2 or 3 bikes like in this series would be perfect as I am now down to vfr800 cross runner, triumph tiger 1050 or a more conventional bike with the cbf1000 but struggling to get a test ride. Another company , Robinson in Oldham, don’t really do them either. You effectively come to a deal, put a deposit on it, and they get the psi done and then you can hav😂e a ride when you go to collect a week or so later.
Having been in car sales I know there is intense pressure on customers when they “cock” on the day of collection. Bikes are so individual in style and riding that a test ride is much more important than when purchasing a car/
@adejames88 out of those the Tiger sport would be my choice, great electronics package with modes and cruise control, and that triple engine
Oh! That paints a different picture 😮
Surprised no one mentioned the BMW R1250RS. I am 6ft 3in and love it.
Guys loved this concept and you smashed it. The intros were fun and the filming was great. So nice to see content that relates to the real world too.
Thanks for the fab comment, glad you’re enjoying the series. There’s more to come!
Cheers, Michael
About time we started looking a bikes that don’t have lowering kits 😂
I’m 6’2” / 130kg. So many things do work for me. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 was really nice to play with. These days I ride a BMW R1200RT which I can ride all day.
It's just so weird. Here in the States, in the Northwest, every person rides a Harley. Nearly every demographic, even people you'd never think would like Harley motorcycles, just ends up buying a Harley. It's like some kind of status symbol, and people are embarrassed to ride a motorcycle unless it's a Harley. I only saw one BMW last weekend when out riding, the rest were Harley bikes, or cruisers. A man from Canada even pulled aside of me and started showing me his Harley that he brought all the way from Canada on a trailer, so apparently the Canadians even own Harleys. WTF. But I see the BMW GS1250 and it's obviously so much better as a motorcycle, it's bizarre how the BWM GS bikes are totally unknown here in the Northwest USA.
I would have thought the Yamaha Super Tenere might have been a good choice for him.
Great bike, but less adventurey than some, and great value
Great video yet again boys. I am 6ft4 and 125ish kgs and have all the same issues as Tom and tried 2 of the 3 bikes here (among others) when i was shopping last. I ended up on an XR, had all the toys and comfort i liked about the GS and Versys etc but still had the madness i'm not quite ready to give up yet :).
Mega job! Thanks for sharing, are you still enjoying the XR? Wonder if a Tiger 12 or MTS V4/Rally would give you the thrills too.
Cheers, Michael
Might be the first one where the rider actually buys the recommended bike! And of course it's a GS...
Speaking as a 6’4” 100kg rider I’m not surprised the GS hit the spot for the tall guy.
Back in the day I had an 1150 GS (just pre Charley and Ewan…). I kept it for 12 years, it held its value better than a block of gold. It went all over Europe and only let me down when a coil pack failed coming off the cross channel ferry at Dover on my way home. Thank god the ferry ramp had some grip to it and it fired into life and I didn’t turn it off until I got home. It was effortlessly comfortable solo or two up, about the only addition to improve it was one of those AirHawk inflatable seat covers. That was a godsend to reduce “numbum”
Here’s an array of “good for a tall bloke bikes”
X1 Lightning (2001)
FXDCI (2005)
MT-01 (2007)
Heritage Softail Classic (2004)
R1200R (2016)
R1250 GS (2019) the standard, not the Adventure. There is a noticeable difference.
And of course the FS1-E about the time of my “growth spurt”….
I had the same dilemma, had my heart set on the KTM 1290SAS, I initially dismissed the GS as I thought it was an old mans bike, went for a test ride just to see what the fuss was about... came back and signed on the dotted line for one. Not regretted it one bit, brilliant at touring, playing on the gravel tracks and riding like a div on a fast Sunday blast, the best all rounder I've ridden👌
This is a awesome series and at 6’4” 235# myself the gs is hard to beat (current bike), the Ducati MTS (previous bike) is also a great choice and don’t leave out the Suzuki V-Strom 1050
Great review. I'm 6'5" and it was between the 1300GS and V4S Multistrada for me. The Ducati won it for me. Yes, it is more expensive to buy but the difference is small and you get a lot of it back on resale.
I am the same size 6 foot 3 and 20 st with creaky knees. Immediately so many bikes off the list if you want to do more than an hour of riding. Is a bit of a miss from manufacturers, people are not all under 6 ft. Good to see I am not the only guy who has to go down the adventure bike route.
Versys, S1000XR, Multistrada Rally/enduro… there’s a fair bit of choice still. Even HD Pan America or Gold Wing. If you need any help, just shout.
Cheers, Michael
@@bennettsbikesocial , Thanks, love my Tiger. On my third one. Ticks all the boxes. Next to keep it company will be a Triumph Scrambler when the values come down a bit. Not a mega Triumph nut, but BMWs look fantastic but too much £ for me. Same for Ducati. Japanese are fabulous but I look for a bike a little bit different. Hence the Tiger. I totally respect that different people have different opinions. Definitely a good time to be a biker!
I was looking forward to this feature as I have a similar problem finding a suitable bike for my frame. Unfortunately learnt nothing.
A couple of 5’10 blokes sent a 6’4 bloke with a 36” inside leg out on a KTM and BMW with the seat height set low and a Kawasaki that’s clearly physically too small 🥴
I’ll just correct you there, Simon and I are both 6ft, and he ended up buying a near-identical BMW. Feel free to apply to be on the show and I’ll be sure to prioritise your application 🤔
😂👍
Another great episode in one of the best biking series 👍 There’s a reason why the GS is the best seller that it is, it has been honed to perfection over many years and is the ‘Range Rover’ of the biking world, it just does everything well. For a larger chap it just ticks every box!
GS is for people with too much money to burn who only want to ride on roads but want you to think they can ride off road too. No way they can. The GS is just bland as a bike. It’s boring as a bike and the owners are up their own asses. You have the GS crowd and you have the everybody else who can actually ride a bike for more than an hour without stopping for a Starbucks crowd.
GS is for people with too much money to burn who only want to ride on roads but want you to think they can ride off road too. No way they can. The GS is just bland as a bike. It’s boring as a bike and the owners are up their own asses. You have the GS crowd and you have the everybody else who can actually ride a bike for more than an hour without stopping for a Starbucks crowd.
This series has always been great, but this really ramps up the production values! Hats off to your videographer and editing people for making it a visual triumph.
Best one yet, and loving the outtakes at the end 😂
Thank you!
Great show!! Hopefully we get a sportsbike selection soon 🙏
Me too!
I love these shows keep them coming.
Fingers crossed! We’re certainly planning them on a monthly basis.
Very well done lads, most enjoyable and informative, thank you!
Very kind of you, thanks!
Michael
I am 6ft 3" and on my 2nd H2, I find the fit perfect and all day comfort. Just completed 2800 around Europe with no complaints or issues!
Mega series, top notch Friday night viewing 👍🏻
I'm 6'3" and 120 kg and i am very happy on the s1000xr, for 25 to 30 k kms a year, year round all weather in Belgium.
I love this series & have rewatched them a few times. Great to see someone go with an obvious choice for a change. Although I really like to see the options it's good to see you get a bit closer to the brief.
Excellent work as always guys!!
Cheers, thanks for the comments. Overall it’s part entertainment and part real help, we could of course each offer half-a-dozen options but we’d be there for days and the show would be an hour long!
One choice each means Simon, myself and whoever is representing SBKF have to think hard!
Cheers, onto the next one!
Michael
@@bennettsbikesocial Cool, thanks Michael. I'm very late at getting into bikes being in my 40's & only had my CBT for a few months but if I end up getting my full licence I may well give you guys a shout. 😁👍🏻
Well, he is certainly not hurting for choice here. Adv style go just for the Godfather and get the BMW 1200/1250GS or a more budget friendly V-Strom 1000. If he's leaning towards the sport tourer the BMW K1600GT, FJR1300, and the Honda ST1300 would all suit him well. Though I think the BMW K1600 offers him the most luggage space. Can't wait to see what the boyz cooked up. And like all worthy British endeavors its starts with a cuppa tea lol! He did look a bit scrunched up on the KTM, maybe if you can get midset controls would be better. Yeah, GS was my first thought for Tom as well. Obvious? Maybe but could also be perfect. WOW and I thought Tom looked uncomfortable on the KTM. I think the H2 missed the mark entirely. I think he goes GS. Love this show, keep em coming.
Another excellent episode in the series gents. The GSA was a good choice given his initial comments. I thought maybe a K1600GT might have sufficed.
Great shout, he’d have probably loved that. Though I get the sense that the GSA has a more youthful guise.
Cheer, Michael
@@bennettsbikesocialhave you ever met a GSA owner?
Nothing youthful about them!
I'm only 2 mins in, your man wants a Super Tenere 😊
I tend to be buggered for the style I like, sport tourers work best for me, I like the sporty look, yet require the comfort as well.
At the time, I am 6.2 and was 19 half stone, now around 18st..i chose the zzr1400, lowered the footpegs and fitted handle bar raises, made the difference.
A good looking bike with a bit of oomph, so looking for bikes with taller riders I mind, works for me..
Great show.. 👍👍
Simon and Michael, we really enjoy what you do 🙃🙂🏍🛵 Always look forward to the next episode.... wish we could have tea (seems that is a thing) and talk motorbiking....
‘Has Aiden blown it?’ We see what you did there 😂😂😂
Simon’s humour shining through!
Loving this series, would love to see one around cruisers
That GS looks like it got drop on the right handle bar. Look at that drooop 😯
Interesting choice the kawasaki, considering he was interested in a adventure bike ,
Great video,
Pyyy getting a little nervous when I see this video 😱 Take care on this new bike. It's awesome 🙏🇩🇰
Love watching what bike next,wish it was on weekly or just a lot more often 🏍
So do I - as in love it and wish it happened more oftern! Trouble is, it costs to make it and as loving as our wonderful sponsors are, we can only ask so muhc of them.
Thanks for the comment, it means a lot that the series is liked.
Cheers, Michael
BMW have absolutely nailed it with the modern GS. And now the 13 is coming very soon and you just know it will be even a bit better yet than the present, already totally brilliant, package 😮
Holly Molly! He is a Giant!!!!! Love the series... keep it up!
Great watch.
Possibly predictable but there is a reason people buy them and I see so many on the road.
Sure ge won't be disappointed.
Ride safe and happy travels 👍
Here in the states a guy with that stature would go with a Harley Road glide,
A bit of a forgone conclusion this time around, I think he was going to buy a GS whatever you showed him. It would have been fun to really challenge that with 3 options that were totally different. The GS is a bit too common for my taste but it does make sense for a man of his size.
It’s common for a reason, it’s the best by far.
@@GadgetMart Nothing wrong with a bit of variety, else we would all wear grey suits
Did well getting bikes to try out...I went to look at one and they wouldn't let me test ride it ..and took them almost an hour to give me a rubbish part ex price...also no service offered and 6 months warranty....only go to cafe now.
Got better deal at Motorad dealer with 2 years used warranty.
BMW R1250 RT could have been another option…..after all it is a tourer. Thanks guys great show much appreciated 👍
The Multistrada v4s is more fun. Handles better, faster, just as comfortable. Downsides are the fuel consumption and the cost. Drinks like a sailor on shore leave. Oh and the GS has better fuelling at slow speeds, with the Multi a bit "chuggy" when you are going slow. It filters very well though, very nimble and a good turning circle. I filter just about every time I ride it and it is such a well balanced bike.
I just did a tour of southern Spain on the GSA 1250 and when I got home and jumped back on the Multistrada I immediately noticed how much better the performance and handling was. When you open the throttle and go "Whoosh" through some twisties, you remember why you love bikes. Cars? Bah!.
The V4S has a sporty leg position, ADV top half, sports lower half.
Typical Italian long arms short legs.
Also a pig to maintain - you think the GS is expensive..
Tom, watch this back and have a look at your feet when you're riding. Your toes are hanging out in a somewhat dangerous way. I have no doubt that's the reason you were hitting them on the ground while riding the GS. Tuck those in if you're going to be cornering aggressively lest you snag a foot on something.
great video excellent camera work look forward to the next episode.
Interesting stuff. I am 6'5 and a touch lighter than him... and I am on a 2017 R1200RS, which can leave me feeling cramped on long rides but it is a great bike.
Best one yet! Loving the outro roll ❤
Let's be honest, that's the best bit, right?!
Well done fellas! Another great result 🙌
Another great episode, guys. It strikes me that almost none of the people that have participated knew what it was they were looking for, which I find surprising. Personally, not being a BMW person I would have gone for the H2. I am 6'3 and-a-half (much like our friend over at 44 Teeth!) weigh 18 stone and I fit beautifully on the bike. Unfortunately, the dealer would not let me ride it, so I told them to shove off. The very next day I bought my Trophy SE, which they DID let me ride. But Tom got his GS, so Michael, technically you win this one! Anyway, on to the next!
When the oddball choice mentioned engine configuration, I thought it would have been a gold wing! Although perhaps not peppy enough. Another one on my mind was the triumph rocket, but that's maybe too 'choppery'.
The Rocket 3 made it to my initial shortlist but there wasn’t one at SBK Factory on the day we were filming. There was a good Gold Wing and I hoped the mystery bike chooser picked it because the GSA was an obvious win!
Cheers,
Michael
Love this series ❤
BMW owe Long Way Round everything.
Hahah well we’ll call that obvious, but what a fun wildcard
Versys should fit him nicely. I'm 6'2" @ ~ 100kg, and my Versys 1000 is a touring beast. It costs less than BWM ( both in the purchase and upkeep ), and I can ride it for 1000 km a day with slight discomfort that starts around 600km mark. BMW is not a bad choice, though :)
I'm exactly 6ft @ 100kgs and the only bike I wanted and liked and fit good on is the gen3 Hayabusa, which I ordered in a heartbeat, there's literally NOTHING else that I like or sit good on, the 1000ccs seems so small and the R1 was feeling like I was doing 45degrees pushups
Tom scraping the front of his boot is down to rider error not ground clearance. I even saw his feet in the corners and he hangs his toes off the bike. This is dude to incorrect foot position. I believe there's a term for this but I can't remember the name.
He needs to have his toes up on the pegs and his heels up against the heel gaurd when cornering.
Finally, a normal sized man.
I'd have agreed with whatever he said!
Normal? 😅
Median height of UK male is 5'9". By the time you hit 6'4", you're in the 99th percentile.
@@SirOsisofLiver Manlets, when will they learn...
Define Normal
When will this trend for Long Way round daftness end... ive been riding since the age of 2 years old off road and I'm now 59 years old... i currently just ride a 2000 plate Honda hornet 600 with no car derived gadgets such as abs, heated seats , electric tooth brushes etc etc....i ride 6000 miles a year all year around rain, sleet, snow, sun.... Itchy Boots Norally goes around Africa on a 300 cc Honda, the main reason is so she can pick the bike up when it falls over, even Claudio von Planta the camera man in longway around when his GS 1200 frame broke and had to ride a 200cc local 2 stroke said , the little 200 skips along while the 1200 sinks in the mud.... most old men who now ride these GS 1200's spend mose of the year polishing them or riding on tarmac roads and iv their GS fell over they would never be able to pick it up again, (at least the guy in the video may stand a chance) ...... Rant over , the Motorbike industry needs to go back to basics...a Bicycle with a Motor on it a motorbike, not a car on two wheels! An SUV car ( Supermarket Utility Vehicle) on two wheels!
I own the 1260 Enduro, great bike
Great series. More please
When you get off a bike with that look Tom had getting off the GS you might aswell just buy it because you're going to sooner or later.
If it makes you happy its the bike for you.
GSA, Goldwing, and Street Glide would have been a nice comparison as well. All great for big riders who like to go touring as well
Gold Wing, maybe. He said he wasn’t into Harley’s so even though there was a decent GW in stock, I steered away mainly because the GSA was the obvious choice too.
I’m sure Tom would have been chuffed to try another handful of options too!
This is a great concept for youtube biking
Bmw OK until it needs to go into the garage but such an amazing bike to ride
While the BMW is quite the house choice I get it. Us big guys have these issues of not fitting most bikes, big ADVs it is!
Seems as though it’s adventure bikes, cruisers, Harleys or maybe a Hypermotard are the choices, but is there a particular style or genre that you’d like… if it fitted?
@@bennettsbikesocial TBH the Tracer 900, a reasonable upright sportish tourer. I’m as tall as Tom but not as built. Don’t think I ride as aggressive as he does either. Lowering pegs and bar risers should do me:
@@bennettsbikesocial Sorry I forgot to answer your question. To be honest what I’d love is something like the Trail or Super Cub 125. I’ve realised that my entire two wheeled life is trying to replicate what I felt on my first two-stroke moped I inherited when I was 15. I was as tall then as I was now but I guess I was more flexible or just didn’t care - I had wheels. The 40kg I’ve picked up since then can’t help either.
I think the Versys / VStrom and other adventure-inspired street bikes get it right for us big dudes. The H2 should get a street-ADV treatment.
Love the series.. well done 👍
Obvious but the GSA is the correct one, sorry Simon, i did 119.500 km with mine (same as this down to the year, i just had the natural aluminium tank) ad just exchange it for.... another one! Plus mine has already been resold by the dealer (and no, id did not do a rollback!)
I'd love something like this as I'm planning to book my test in the next few weeks and so far have only found the SV650 as a suitable first big bike. You guys should do a 'What (first) bike next?'
Nice idea, we could certainly plan an episode like this if you’re keen!
Write to us at enquiries@bikesocial.co.uk
Get a street triple
@@lolzlarkin3059as first bike ?
@@robertmifkovic6325 👍
KTM are funny bikes. Remember testing a RC8 in 2010 and in hindsight, I made a mistake and didn’t go for it, went with Aprilia.
Aprilia was a good bike, but not memorable like the KTM.
Good lad. Considering one myself
Lads I love this segment of the bike social wicked great idea
Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying it. There’s more to come too.
Cheers, Michael
Loving this series, but hoping somebody finally says they are interested in something other than the same style bikes from the previous 6 episodes lol. Guessing cruisers are just not popular over there.
I would have put Tom on a Guzzi V85TT and said "now give us your money and get on with that."
More... What bike next! Please.
Baseball analogies in the UK?
Surprised they found 3 bikes in the whole store that aren’t scratched to shit. And they charge a you £200 admin fee for the privilege.
😂😂😂
The GS was the right bike for him for sure.
Man you left both bikes on the low seat setting for a giant
I like the Beemer.
Well there is not a lot of point in me putting my name in. I would like to buy a bike to tour Uk and maybe a bit Europe.
The choice is easy.
The GS which fits my budget.
As a 5’6” rider, I’m the exact opposite. I’m nearly settled on a Kawasaki N1k because I simply can’t fit on the ADV bikes. I’d love one, my riding experience and inseam simply aren’t there. (Yes, yes, I know about Jocelyn Whatsherface, but I’m not that skilled)
Did you see our recent video with tips, tricks and advice for the shorter riders?
She would be Jocelin Snow.
Moto Guzzi V7
I think he would have enjoyed the Ducati multi strader
I agree, did you see the bit where I looked at them but decided the examples in stock weren’t good enough? I think he’s like a V4 Rally once he’s done with the bike he ended up with.
Cheers, Michael
Buying a bike? Be subjective/pragmatic. I like the Tiger sport 660, but is it a £7k better bike than my lovely CBF600? Probably not. I'd sacrifice fancy electronics for a centre stand every time. Bike won't fall over with a puncture and no paddock stand accidents.
Kawa Versys 1000 should have done the trick, but why pass on the GS?
He should definitely have tried the Tiger and ZZR1400.
Wonder what his reaction / take would have been if the mystery bike was a Honda Gold Wing?
It was an option, apparently. There was a really good example in the showroom on the day we were there. Either that, or a K1600.
Cheers, Michael
@@bennettsbikesocial Yes, the K1600 would have been a solid option as well. I wonder if either the K1600 or the Gold Wing would have 'pricked' the GSA bubble? 😇
@@bennettsbikesocial
Both very fine bikes but you cant stretch out on them when you very tall. Unfotunately !! 😢
You should gave given him a 1290/1250RT from BMW
It was an obvious choice. I'm a shorter gentleman and after watching all the reviews I'm contemplating the R1250r or maybe rs for my next purchase. I like the look of some of the R9T models. Does this 1259 engine suit the scrambler model in your honest opinion?
The 1300 GS might fit you better
😂😂 only if the peg were his legs
Interesting one this. Similar wants and needs to me though i am much lighter and almost as tall. Versys or XR are foremost in my mind when i get my next bike in the spring. Burned by A bad BMW gs and not trusting the Italian option.
XR is a great shout - I was close to picking one. Or the Multi V4.
Let us know if you fancy coming on the show.
Cheers, Michael
Wished Moto Guzzi would come up with a 1200cc ADV bike. Love the character of their engines. But just like Tom, being as tall etc., I ended up with a BMW GSA. Simply love it. Like so so many others......boring 🙂.
It's a shame, adjustment of the rear brake lever and gear selector is too often overlooked and in this case has completely ruled a bike out. Ergos matter, and many are adjustable.
What bike for this dude ? Let’s compare and contrast a few models…Time for a big fact hunt!
GS all day long 😊 just my opinion Pete 😃😃👍