I will disagree with you . They are quite heavy bikes and the boxer is an outdated concept.. Oh how we laugh when another cam cover gets an extra hole because his poor driver slipped.... And let's not get started about the unnecessarily high running costs..
I had 2 GS and being 5'8" with a low seat I was always on the edge of dropping it with the limited foot down and weight. I had a few near misses when putting my foot down on some unseen gravel ....and like you with dodgy knees, I ended up in pain for days. I finally traded in my last GS for a lowered suspension XR ....fantastic machine.
Kryten L so far mate I'm loving the tiger and now with the new exhaust it sounds amazing , do miss the GS for comfort but just to heavy, thanks for watching bud ,mark
A bike can be to big and heavy. But one can't really be too light except for stability. Sometimes wish i had a verseys 300x. Or a g310gs. You can just wheel them around like bicycles.
can't go wrong with the explorer. I got the 1200 very reliable. heavily anodised black frame really easy to clean. and I prefer the triple to the twin. smooth and Torquey with a lovely pop from the exhaust. and come with a lot of extras. cheaper too!
I've done a few more videos on these bud have a little look at my channel and i'll keep updating info as I go along, thanks for watching please like and subscribe , mark
mark savage you said you got some fog lights on ebay do you mind telling me what they were and how did you wire them? I've heard the GS has a complicated wiring loom/can bus system and I don't want to void the warranty. cheers!
On my other video I take about them and where I got them ( e bay ) , yes your right the wiring is a pain so I wired mine it to the aux plug in the front next to the clocks!!. wiring into the battery would mean you turn them on any time and leave them on or some little bugger turning them on when you left it also killing the battery. so with the aux it shuts off the power after 10 seconds after you turn it off so it was the best place to do it. I used simple power clamps on to the live and negative so I could put on without cutting wirers and not voiding the warranty. hope that help buds .please like share and subscribe . mark
I have owned a F800 for 6 1/2 years. My next bike will a Triumph 800. Its so much easier to ride and its great out of the box, unlike the F800 which needed a windshield, seat and fork springs to ride anywhere.
I owned a 2014 Tiger for three years. It had a quick rot engine casing despite cleaning twice a week during winter riding. I got rid of it after three years because it had started to look tatty and Triumph have terrible customer service. When the bike was running well it was a fantastic machine which did everything well. My wife loved riding pillion on it as it was comfortable to ride long distances on, but that said it did have a lot of warranty work done to it. One of the things I've noted is that you get weaker as you get older so the bigger bikes do feel a little bit overwhelming. I'm in my early fifties. Thanks for a great review. I hope the Triumph lives up to expectation, and as you say. Safe riding.
NOTAFULLUN well on here is the video of my triumph and after winter riding , then back to Bmw Lol Worth a watch bud but have to agree with the rust issue and power Many thanks for watching I have many more good videos you may want to watch Please like share and sub Mark
Mark, I'm 5'9", 30" inseam and I don't find the GS height a problem. I have the lowered seat like you. The trick for me is how you use the brakes in slow speed maneuvering. Anything under 20mph should be back brake only. This leaves your left leg free to put down (which I can do flat footed) and your right foot covering your back brake. Hands are also fully in control of the bars with no grabbing the front brake which can be destabalising at slow speed. Good luck with the new bike.
I'm used to riding any thing and have since 1983, it was really my knees that was the problem, just on the odd occasion that I stopped and due to the road camber the bike would lean over to the right and my bad knee could not handle the weight. didn't want to be that idiot that drops the bike lol. but thanks for your comment . mark
Old video, sorry. I'm same as you. 5'8" with no cartilage left in my left knee. I do like s GS, but out of league. too tall and heavy. I hate being on tip toe, I know lots of guys who just get used to it fine. But I hate putting my foot down on very cambered roads. (dropped a brand new GSX650) It takes a lot of strength in your knees to hold the bike up. Like the channel. Subbed.
I'm back on a triumph tiger, a lot lighter and to be honest more fun and value for money, thanks for subbing I bought another gs and as in the video left the disc lock on and you can guess what happened there no laughing there!! take care bud and loads of good videos to watch on my channel bloody knee's !!
good luck with the XC Mark. I have the lowered GS and there is wuite a difference bs the standard bike even with the lowered seat. I was going to suggest you try some Daytina M star boots as they add an extra inch to your inside leg and would have been cheaper than trading the GS in but looks as you've already done the deed on the Triumph unless you have issues with that there's no point. Good luck
I just traded in my K1600GTL on a 2018 GSA and talk about a lite bike compared to the 1 I just got rid of. I am 6' 3" 260 pounds and it is nothing to me but I do enjoy riding it. It is my first boxer and I understand why people like them.
I must be doing really well then as I have a 2015 1200GSA/LC with no suspension adjustments or low seat nonsense and I get on fine with it and I'm only 5'7". I've got everything standard just the seat on the lower setting but that's it. Yes your on your toes if you want both feet down and the only time I had a problem is when I was on a weird camber and stopped and put my foot in a drain. Its a heavy beast for sure with a full tank but once you get going it absolutely fine
oh yes defo once your going there fine but that's what happened to me on a few times on wet or uneven camber and as I have bad knees I didn't want to be the fool to drop it, 5.7 on a gsa wow best you get measured again bet you find your 5.10 ha haha any way bud you enjoy but as I ride all year round I needed a lighter bike so went for the tiger 800 and so far i'm loving , thanks for watching bud
I totally agree about the unnecessarily high running running costs of these bikes. And they still haven't sorted the flakey paint & corrosion issues out on the engines & final drive unit, or fixed the left switch cluster. That said, I keep on buying them because they ride superbly, and I find them the most balanced bike ever. I'm 5'10 and regularly filter through traffic without the twitchiness you describe, but maybe I've become accustomed to this over the many years of riding boxers. 2 up, fully loaded for 2 weeks in Germany I reckon there must be 400kg to balance on the toes... you don't want that weight catching you out at the traffic lights😐
Don't let the height put you away from the GS. I'm only 5'7" and I have no issues using the bike every day. You can always get the lower seat to gain a few more inches, but other than that it's all about learning how to use it. They are heavy, but the weight is very well distributed for a tall bike. Just my two cents
Ramiro Tarrico Villafañe It was more to do with my knees with the weight , my 35 years riding can't help me with that , I know they are great bikes I loved it and so did the wife , it's more a case of knowing what's best at my time of life with my faults , however thanks for the comments bud happy you love yours too , take care on the roads and please like and subscribe , mark
If you want heavy try a big cruiser like a Harley at 750-850lbs, I don't feel the GS is heavy for what it is, but if you aren't tall and have any leg/knee problems most 1000-1200cc bikes will give you a work out.
Fiveo waf I’ve had the vn1600 as in my other videos on here so agree 450 kg as my kawasaki was the gs is lighter but from the floor I’ve seen many guys not lift them But with the wife stuck under it it’s amazing what you can lift Thanks for watching and give my other videos a watch Mark
Any bike over about 300lbs can be quite a handful when it gets a bit off centre in the right conditions, loose gravel, a dip where you foot goes down and so on. I think with bikes like the GS, physical size makes a big difference, because they are high etc. being 6' 4" makes a big difference as to where the whole machine sits relative to you body and means you have better leverage through not having to stretch and reach. It's not all about pure strength, rather you naturally have a better "technique" when bigger i stature. Weight wise the GS is on parr with my old BMW R series road bike, just taller. All bikes are fun though, so many to choose from, just bought a new GS today, hope it continues to feel "light" after my cruiser.
It's a shame you are getting rid of it but I can understand why. I am a very vertically challenged person 5'5" tall but quite lucky that I have 30inch inseam which helps. I have actually recently bought a Tiger 800 XR and had it lowered with "lustracing" lowering dogbone. I find the Tiger to be perfectly adequate. I commute to east London daily - even in this weather!! I had to also fit heated grips which are just wonderful. I am already looking at video's of R1200RS and R1200GS and the weight issue really does play on my mind. I hope you enjoy your Tiger.
I did a few video's on my GS maybe have a look at them, it's a great bike and as you say the do a small frame one with a low seat but they are still heavy lol , I'm of to Dartford tomorrow to pick up the triumph and I'm getting the XRT so it has everything and i'll let you know how it goes, just got to buy some luggage for it and maybe an exhaust lol. thanks for watching bud and your advice .. mark
I'm 5'8 and getting on in years, I have the 2014 model, I think if you had bought the lowered suspension mode; you would have been very happy. I am. Just for the record the bloke in the shop tried to flog me the standard version with a lower seat height. Having experienced the towering seat height on the first Triumph Tiger I insisted on the lower version and I have never regretted it. I do think they try to push the bog standard version.
How about a knee brace my friend? also you said you did not want another twin engine, may I ask why? I thought most people like the boxter twin. Also is the Triumph chain driven or shaft?
hi thanks for watching my knee it a lot better now and am back on a little versys, worth a catch up of my videos as I do have over 400 and since this video I have had many more motor bikes including another GS which did not go so well lol yes the triumph was a chain drive but later I had the trophy 1215 which was shaft mark
I'm riding a twin now all but a parallel twin, I really just like riding inline fours as in my other videos they pull back when you knock down a gear, more rev's ,not so lumpy, sound great with a good end can on ( check out my b king video and others) the boxer engine is good and all and to be honest fine in this bike and as in my newer videos I bought another and liked it, just comes down to me being a short ass lol
hey mark, quick question. I bought a Chinese scooter with a 50cc GY6 motor. I can't get power from turning the key switch on it's dead. The inline fuse is good I have power to the red wire going into the key switch but I don't know which one should have power coming out. thanks.
ignitions are funny things , if you watch my Yamaha ybr videos you will see how much or a mare i had normally you would have two of four wires coming out unless its a immob one. if two it's just power in and out. four two black would be to ecu and the red and brown power. think if you have tested power in to it but not out you may have to take it out of get to the underside of it and test. i had this on my sons ajs125 which the video is on here worth a watch, it was just the ignition play up and good old wd40 sorted it hope you get it sorted bud please watch then videos as they should help and like share and sub mark
Funny thing how bikes feel so different depending on the size of the rider. I'm 6'5" 37" inseam the GS/A is a bit cramped even, but it feels _the_most_balanced_ of any bike I've owned and I believe that is a lot to do with my weight and height vs how the chassis geometry works. In my case, it's the easiest to ride bike I've ever owned, where my typical enduros like my KTM, feel spindly and wobbly because I have so much weight so high over the bike. Had to be a tough choice to swap out bikes for you but truly there is a bike to fit everyone, best of luck with the Triumph, they are cool bikes.
Chris Esser they are great bikes I really can't take that away from them just for me height and due to my knees weight otherwise I think I would still have one to keep , the wife loved it and she said it was the best to sit on , thanks for you view bud , take care mark
Thanks for the tip Mark. my inseam is 30 too and I will buy a BMW in about a year as I am saving up for it I have 2/3 of the money already. Was going for a BMW 800 or a 1200 GS/GSA but maybe will go will a R NineT or a R1200R. Great info.
sweetcostarica Don't forget that BMW have "low" models with dropped suspension for even lower seat heights, also the seats generally have a low and high setting.
Chris Esser Ok, I check them out too. I owned a BMW Dakar 650cc and it was so tall that I sometimes pulled a leg muscle getting on & off of it. Not so pleasant. Thanks Chris.
I'm 6'5". My 2017 r1200gs would be perfect if the seat was 2 inches higher(37 inch inseam). But... I wear size 15 shoes and all motorcycle pants and all jackets (even tall sizes ) are too short...so there's that.
No not just too short bud!!, it really is a great bike like I say in my video. it's my knees and can't support the bike, being 6.5 would of been a dream for me but i'm a short ass , now riding a fjr again as it's lower and does the job , maybe check out my other videos bud, mark
Hi Mark,Thanks for your insights on the BMW 1200 GS TE Alpine,I may consider one but I am struggling with my own inner demons namely brand loyalty to Kawasaki.However even my GTR1000 is not without its minor niggles.The weight being number one,I have to look and constantly think about where to park as most bikers know too much camber or downhill gradients make it hard work to reverse .That said I hanker for a Kawasaki 1000 SX but have not ridden one. My reasons are the best of two worlds nippy performance and acceptable touring ability,I am told.I would value your opinion then, on whether a BMW 1200GS is a smarter choice ? Update,I now no longer have the GTR 1000.
I do love Kawasaki's and had a Kawasaki sx1000 in 2011 new and after 80miles you have to stop for aching legs and bum, so not a good bike for long journeys. I also had the zzr1400 and the gtr1400 now they are great bikes the zzr more sport but the gtr was so heavy and wide for me but a long journey bike easy!!. as for the bmw you just have to test ride one but today I have just picked up my tiger and done a short review if you want to take a look I will upload it later today.. thanks for watching bud. mark
Hi Mark the bike looks stunning in white get some AC50 spray ,better still, a bottle atomized via a air compressor spray pot to slow down the ravages of winter.The bike appears to have a lot of well thought out tech and ergonomic function.Much of the marketing these days always has a bias one way or another. If a bike is promoted as touring and sporty, you kind off know its unlikely to be just that.This has been my problem finding one that does both and to date with my history I am still searching.Compromise seems inevitable ,e.g. heated hand grips are only best used if you have bark busters or hand guards to lesson the wind chill at speed as a back up.Maybe I have become soft in my years but your concentration is compromised when cold.I look forward to see your next vid on the Triumph,cheers.
did one yesterday of when I first picked it up and rode home so your welcome to have a view, will upload another next week after a weeks riding and just bought a new MTC exhaust so putting that on Monday as very very quite lol
I did answer you bud on your other comments But its on the floor left hand side of the brake But they only work when the lights are on , you don't have a flash that's why i fitted spot lights bud
i had one of the earley 1,000 bm,s it could go into right tank slappers scarey bike, a vav pulled out on me when i was doing 60.mph, the bike destroyed the van i walked away..
you were lucky to walk away bud I'm not hearing god things about the 1250 gs but all in I've had a few bmw's now and they are great bike but very heavy loving my multi now , video worth a watch take care bud
well as in my new video ruclips.net/video/Gzzn9XKjUxg/видео.html I've gone and bought another and I love this one, give this video a watch and thanks for watching please like share and sub mark
They say in too young !! 49 and since this video my other knee went but not as bad To be honest years on I have lots more good days than bad as long as I don't over do it Thanks for watching bud
hi bud I show it my last few videos on the variator and in my speedfight video on variator it's the onw with 3 teeth but you can use a claw hammer as I show in my of my videos bud mark
5.8" bud this bmw was really a tall bike, if you watch my newer bmw videos you will see I bought another 2011 model and like it better as it rode much smoother, thanks for watching please do check out my other bmw videos and even yes I did drop it and went touring on it too to another youtuber. they are great bikes and I know you can get the low frame and seat versions too, at the moment I have a triumph trophy and love it also worth a watch on the video thanks for watching please like and sub mark
One of the things you complained about was the weight of this bike. However, the Triumph Trophy weighs considerably more. That is why I asked you about your height.
siting lower so both feet are on the ground makes me feel much more confident on the trohpy, yes the trophy is heavier but the weight in much lower down as the 2016 bmw was a high bike as you see in the video. also hard for me to push out of my garage. I love the bmw gs and have had 3 please don't think I don't like them as I do, it was me as I say in my video with my knee's and my height. I bought a tiger 800 which was lighter but didn't love it as much as the bmw and have had many other bikes since then and ended up with the trophy 1215 and ride it every day and on tour and get the thumbs up from me ( did I mention about the radio lol) mark
Didn't want a twin? That's what you've got anyway and you're praising it to the heavens. I'm amazed at the number of short guys who buy GS's. I see them on tip toes trying to paddle out of parking spaces at the Ponderosa (North Wales bike meet) and I wonder why? I've got a BMW1200R (oil head, 2012). It's lower, it handles better than a GS and it's much lighter and cheaper. Wind protection not so good, but I've got a good screen on it from Madstad engineering in Florida. CofG feels lower on Beemers because of the flat twin. MIne feels like a 250 hooligan's bike. Triumphs are great bikes (I've had one, a large tourer) but big upright cylinders tends to put the weight a bit higher. I'll be interested to see how you get on with yours. Funnily enough I also once had a Funduro, and agree with all your comments. Boring, slowish (not bad for a single I suppose) and as you say annoying around slow corners because they die in second gear.
ive ended up now having 3 in total and now back on to a tiger800 which yes for short ass like me its great, I have many more videos on my channel you might like to watch, another gs1200 which I liked better AC, a few tigers and even a multistrada -tall but amazing plus many other tourers like the trophy , pan , etc thanks for your comments bud and I agree
Thats not a bad rule! Prob with me is most of the time I'm OK as in some of the other big bikes I've had on my channel Pan1300, trophy, and a few more GS's Do love tourers Take care bud
123JumpingJacks thanks bud as for my knees I’m left with BOB (Bone on bone ) on both knees but as long as I take it easy and don’t push too much it’s fine and ok for ridding Take care bud
123JumpingJacks it was a good bike I did 3 reviews over the winter and really rode well just a bit of rust issues On a fjr this winter let’s see how that goes Thanks for watching Mark
Extaun hi bud this will be perfect you you maybe even try the GSA as they are a bit taller, enjoy the test ride and thanks for watching , I do have a few more on this bike to watch , mark
R1200 GS.... Fantastic bikes but it's a shame Mottorad dealers are rip- off merchants. They told me my old gs's gear sensor could not be over-ridden which made the bike unrideable. I fixed it myself... Wankers!
subbed, just got mine (gsa low frame, standard seat), it's tall, I'm not. Beautiful to drive compared to my fatbob. My knees are fairly knackered but not to your degree. Will have to start a youtube channel one day. Ride safe
David Richards yea maybe I needed to look into a low frame one just not many about I do have a few other bmw videos to might like to watch as bought another 11 plate one and liked that till I dropped it !! Video chat n here lol Thanks for watching bud take care
Irish descent then maybe lol and yes you did 6'5 lol, dad was 5'11 but my mum was only 4.10 , I ride all year round so need a all year round bike can you imagine all the chrome you would have to polish !!, thanks for watching bud
T Sav I did have a look at the Honda and the storm before I got the triumph but I don't really like twins lol , find out he tiger lots of fun and just the right height and weight with a nice sound with the mtc , exhaust but thanks for the thought . Take care bud , mark
Be sure to check out and compare the Yamaha 1300 FJR, and the BMW 1600 GTL . Just be careful, that FJR is quite responsive to throttle touch. Actually both are. The FJR is half the price of the BMW. A friend of mine who posts videos on here actually chose it over the BMW, and he is not a Sunday only, dry pavement only rider either.
I've had a few fjr's and like them for touring along with the gtr 1400 zzr1400 but the gtr was also just too heavy for me. loving the tiger at mo while I was in the shop I did look at the bmw 1600 but a lot of money and I'd already paid out loads on the gs1200. but thanks for the advice bud and thanks for watching . mark
regarding your knees... were you perscribed statins during your life time ? Statins is a drug supposed to lower cholesterol but alas the side effect is......they destroy your knee joints :( bet your doc didn't tell you that
wow no i never knew that , my cholesterol is fine . i used to dance skate 3 to 4 nights a weeks for 25 years ( yes ok no laughing !!!) and that damages you knees as i used to side surf a lot and back wards , oh the good old days down roller city in southend then rollerworld in colchester!!, i still go but only in 5 mins roll around then my leg falls off lol. b as long as i can get my leg over a bike i will keep riding but have to go down a bit on size so ridnig a fjr which at the moment is fine, maybe check out my other videos, take care bud . mark
You need to watch a few more of my videos bud There’s a few more on the BMW’s and let’s see if you were right !!!! Over 400. More Bmw , triumph , Honda , kawasaki !!
The triumph is a better bike by far, and you'll notice more people will talk to you, because BMW riders are a bit elitest and don't even nod at riders coming the other way( unless your on another BMW) .
now that is very true with the nodding, ive been riding for over 30 years and always found that, I used to nod to other riders who would ni-on fall off there bikes as for a bmw rider to nod to them pmsl I have since this video owned another 2011 one and have to say it rode better than this one with a much smoother gear box and gear change - go figure thanks for watching bud, I have many more videos you might like to watch on my channel mark
@@marksavage I owned a BMW for 6 months, but the dealer had it for 4 of them, I had a loan bike. But 18k on a 1200RT With accessories. And in the end had to get a solicitor involved to settle out or court. I will never entertain another. I only ride selective bikes now, no more trends for me.
wow that was really bad, i have to say cannons that were in braintree were very good all round, not good bud and see why you would not want another safe riding bud mark
thanks for the suggestion bud they are very nice and sexy looking bikes but never rode one, maybe ill have to put it my list for the summer. thanks for watching bud .mark
Pip Pipster ha ha well there you go ! , me I really don't like them and never have , the look nor the servicing but I have spoke to a lot who love them , I guess each to their own , thanks for watch bud
i went to my bmw dealer first and looked at all of them but it came down to the weight of the bikes due to my knee injury!, they gave me a good deal on the 800gs yes lighter but another 3 inch taller and I liked the gsa and thats even taller !!, however they are a twin 800 and under powered for me. i'll always love bmw's and the gs but for now it's the triumph that ticks the boxes . mark
Test drive a RT! You will be surprised. Its seat is low and the weight is much much better distributed than at GS800. The weight on a paper doesn't tell much, if you don't try. I would definitely buy a RT over a GS, of I wouldn't go offroad.
AdamH123 there's over 50 videos on the Speedfight bud and All in one place on my other channel, however what video of the Speedfight are you after and I'll make it , still got to sort out the piston problem as they sent me out a 70cc piston lol mark
Takes a brave man to actually put his hands up and say it's just too heavy for me. Fair one buddy.
You need to learn how to handle the weight, it's more about skill than physical force.
I will disagree with you . They are quite heavy bikes and the boxer is an outdated concept.. Oh how we laugh when another cam cover gets an extra hole because his poor driver slipped.... And let's not get started about the unnecessarily high running costs..
Barney Andrews I.y
ALIENdrifter66 more about rider height than physical force.
I had 2 GS and being 5'8" with a low seat I was always on the edge of dropping it with the limited foot down and weight. I had a few near misses when putting my foot down on some unseen gravel ....and like you with dodgy knees, I ended up in pain for days. I finally traded in my last GS for a lowered suspension XR ....fantastic machine.
Kryten L so far mate I'm loving the tiger and now with the new exhaust it sounds amazing , do miss the GS for comfort but just to heavy, thanks for watching bud ,mark
A bike can be to big and heavy. But one can't really be too light except for stability. Sometimes wish i had a verseys 300x. Or a g310gs. You can just wheel them around like bicycles.
I’m sorry to hear that Mark. You’re a cool guy! Wish you the best!
can't go wrong with the explorer. I got the 1200 very reliable. heavily anodised black frame really easy to clean. and I prefer the triple to the twin. smooth and Torquey with a lovely pop from the exhaust. and come with a lot of extras. cheaper too!
Looking forward to hearing more about this. Cheers!
I've done a few more videos on these bud have a little look at my channel and i'll keep updating info as I go along, thanks for watching please like and subscribe , mark
Cheer pal' Im on it.
mark savage you said you got some fog lights on ebay do you mind telling me what they were and how did you wire them? I've heard the GS has a complicated wiring loom/can bus system and I don't want to void the warranty. cheers!
On my other video I take about them and where I got them ( e bay ) , yes your right the wiring is a pain so I wired mine it to the aux plug in the front next to the clocks!!. wiring into the battery would mean you turn them on any time and leave them on or some little bugger turning them on when you left it also killing the battery. so with the aux it shuts off the power after 10 seconds after you turn it off so it was the best place to do it. I used simple power clamps on to the live and negative so I could put on without cutting wirers and not voiding the warranty. hope that help buds .please like share and subscribe . mark
I have owned a F800 for 6 1/2 years. My next bike will a Triumph 800. Its so much easier to ride and its great out of the box, unlike the F800 which needed a windshield, seat and fork springs to ride anywhere.
I owned a 2014 Tiger for three years. It had a quick rot engine casing despite cleaning twice a week during winter riding. I got rid of it after three years because it had started to look tatty and Triumph have terrible customer service.
When the bike was running well it was a fantastic machine which did everything well. My wife loved riding pillion on it as it was comfortable to ride long distances on, but that said it did have a lot of warranty work done to it.
One of the things I've noted is that you get weaker as you get older so the bigger bikes do feel a little bit overwhelming. I'm in my early fifties.
Thanks for a great review. I hope the Triumph lives up to expectation, and as you say. Safe riding.
hi bud thanks for watching
yes I agree as in my tiger video give that a watch as I had rust problems
please like share and sub
mark
NOTAFULLUN well on here is the video of my triumph and after winter riding , then back to Bmw Lol
Worth a watch bud but have to agree with the rust issue and power
Many thanks for watching I have many more good videos you may want to watch
Please like share and sub
Mark
Mark, I'm 5'9", 30" inseam and I don't find the GS height a problem. I have the lowered seat like you. The trick for me is how you use the brakes in slow speed maneuvering. Anything under 20mph should be back brake only. This leaves your left leg free to put down (which I can do flat footed) and your right foot covering your back brake. Hands are also fully in control of the bars with no grabbing the front brake which can be destabalising at slow speed. Good luck with the new bike.
I'm used to riding any thing and have since 1983, it was really my knees that was the problem, just on the odd occasion that I stopped and due to the road camber the bike would lean over to the right and my bad knee could not handle the weight. didn't want to be that idiot that drops the bike lol. but thanks for your comment . mark
Old video, sorry. I'm same as you. 5'8" with no cartilage left in my left knee. I do like s GS, but out of league. too tall and heavy. I hate being on tip toe, I know lots of guys who just get used to it fine. But I hate putting my foot down on very cambered roads. (dropped a brand new GSX650) It takes a lot of strength in your knees to hold the bike up. Like the channel. Subbed.
I'm back on a triumph tiger, a lot lighter and to be honest more fun and value for money, thanks for subbing I bought another gs and as in the video left the disc lock on and you can guess what happened there no laughing there!!
take care bud and loads of good videos to watch on my channel
bloody knee's !!
good luck with the XC Mark. I have the lowered GS and there is wuite a difference bs the standard bike even with the lowered seat. I was going to suggest you try some Daytina M star boots as they add an extra inch to your inside leg and would have been cheaper than trading the GS in but looks as you've already done the deed on the Triumph unless you have issues with that there's no point. Good luck
I just traded in my K1600GTL on a 2018 GSA and talk about a lite bike compared to the 1 I just got rid of. I am 6' 3" 260 pounds and it is nothing to me but I do enjoy riding it. It is my first boxer and I understand why people like them.
I must be doing really well then as I have a 2015 1200GSA/LC with no suspension adjustments or low seat nonsense and I get on fine with it and I'm only 5'7". I've got everything standard just the seat on the lower setting but that's it. Yes your on your toes if you want both feet down and the only time I had a problem is when I was on a weird camber and stopped and put my foot in a drain. Its a heavy beast for sure with a full tank but once you get going it absolutely fine
oh yes defo once your going there fine but that's what happened to me on a few times on wet or uneven camber and as I have bad knees I didn't want to be the fool to drop it, 5.7 on a gsa wow best you get measured again bet you find your 5.10 ha haha any way bud you enjoy but as I ride all year round I needed a lighter bike so went for the tiger 800 and so far i'm loving , thanks for watching bud
I totally agree about the unnecessarily high running running costs of these bikes. And they still haven't sorted the flakey paint & corrosion issues out on the engines & final drive unit, or fixed the left switch cluster. That said, I keep on buying them because they ride superbly, and I find them the most balanced bike ever. I'm 5'10 and regularly filter through traffic without the twitchiness you describe, but maybe I've become accustomed to this over the many years of riding boxers. 2 up, fully loaded for 2 weeks in Germany I reckon there must be 400kg to balance on the toes... you don't want that weight catching you out at the traffic lights😐
and last bit really is the only reason for me that I had to move away from the GS, many thanks for your comments bud take care and enjoy. mark
Don't let the height put you away from the GS. I'm only 5'7" and I have no issues using the bike every day. You can always get the lower seat to gain a few more inches, but other than that it's all about learning how to use it.
They are heavy, but the weight is very well distributed for a tall bike.
Just my two cents
Ramiro Tarrico Villafañe It was more to do with my knees with the weight , my 35 years riding can't help me with that , I know they are great bikes I loved it and so did the wife , it's more a case of knowing what's best at my time of life with my faults , however thanks for the comments bud happy you love yours too , take care on the roads and please like and subscribe , mark
If you want heavy try a big cruiser like a Harley at 750-850lbs, I don't feel the GS is heavy for what it is, but if you aren't tall and have any leg/knee problems most 1000-1200cc bikes will give you a work out.
Fiveo waf I’ve had the vn1600 as in my other videos on here so agree 450 kg as my kawasaki was the gs is lighter but from the floor I’ve seen many guys not lift them
But with the wife stuck under it it’s amazing what you can lift
Thanks for watching and give my other videos a watch
Mark
Any bike over about 300lbs can be quite a handful when it gets a bit off centre in the right conditions, loose gravel, a dip where you foot goes down and so on. I think with bikes like the GS, physical size makes a big difference, because they are high etc. being 6' 4" makes a big difference as to where the whole machine sits relative to you body and means you have better leverage through not having to stretch and reach. It's not all about pure strength, rather you naturally have a better "technique" when bigger i stature. Weight wise the GS is on parr with my old BMW R series road bike, just taller. All bikes are fun though, so many to choose from, just bought a new GS today, hope it continues to feel "light" after my cruiser.
It's a shame you are getting rid of it but I can understand why. I am a very vertically challenged person 5'5" tall but quite lucky that I have 30inch inseam which helps. I have actually recently bought a Tiger 800 XR and had it lowered with "lustracing" lowering dogbone. I find the Tiger to be perfectly adequate. I commute to east London daily - even in this weather!! I had to also fit heated grips which are just wonderful. I am already looking at video's of R1200RS and R1200GS and the weight issue really does play on my mind. I hope you enjoy your Tiger.
I did a few video's on my GS maybe have a look at them, it's a great bike and as you say the do a small frame one with a low seat but they are still heavy lol , I'm of to Dartford tomorrow to pick up the triumph and I'm getting the XRT so it has everything and i'll let you know how it goes, just got to buy some luggage for it and maybe an exhaust lol. thanks for watching bud and your advice .. mark
Tiger 800 good choice low version available now
I'm 5'8 and getting on in years, I have the 2014 model, I think if you had bought the lowered suspension mode; you would have been very happy. I am. Just for the record the bloke in the shop tried to flog me the standard version with a lower seat height. Having experienced the towering seat height on the first Triumph Tiger I insisted on the lower version and I have never regretted it. I do think they try to push the bog standard version.
How about a knee brace my friend? also you said you did not want another twin engine, may I ask why? I thought most people like the boxter twin. Also is the Triumph chain driven or shaft?
hi thanks for watching
my knee it a lot better now and am back on a little versys, worth a catch up of my videos as I do have over 400 and since this video I have had many more motor bikes including another GS which did not go so well lol
yes the triumph was a chain drive but later I had the trophy 1215 which was shaft
mark
@@marksavage Sure, you still did not tell why you did not want a twin engine?
I'm riding a twin now all but a parallel twin, I really just like riding inline fours as in my other videos
they pull back when you knock down a gear, more rev's ,not so lumpy, sound great with a good end can on ( check out my b king video and others)
the boxer engine is good and all and to be honest fine in this bike and as in my newer videos I bought another and liked it, just comes down to me being a short ass lol
hey mark, quick question. I bought a Chinese scooter with a 50cc GY6 motor. I can't get power from turning the key switch on it's dead. The inline fuse is good I have power to the red wire going into the key switch but I don't know which one should have power coming out. thanks.
ignitions are funny things , if you watch my Yamaha ybr videos you will see how much or a mare i had
normally you would have two of four wires coming out unless its a immob one.
if two it's just power in and out. four two black would be to ecu and the red and brown power.
think if you have tested power in to it but not out you may have to take it out of get to the underside of it and test.
i had this on my sons ajs125 which the video is on here worth a watch, it was just the ignition play up and good old wd40 sorted it
hope you get it sorted bud
please watch then videos as they should help and like share and sub
mark
Funny thing how bikes feel so different depending on the size of the rider. I'm 6'5" 37" inseam the GS/A is a bit cramped even, but it feels _the_most_balanced_ of any bike I've owned and I believe that is a lot to do with my weight and height vs how the chassis geometry works. In my case, it's the easiest to ride bike I've ever owned, where my typical enduros like my KTM, feel spindly and wobbly because I have so much weight so high over the bike. Had to be a tough choice to swap out bikes for you but truly there is a bike to fit everyone, best of luck with the Triumph, they are cool bikes.
Chris Esser they are great bikes I really can't take that away from them just for me height and due to my knees weight otherwise I think I would still have one to keep , the wife loved it and she said it was the best to sit on , thanks for you view bud , take care mark
Thanks for the tip Mark. my inseam is 30 too and I will buy a BMW in about a year as I am saving up for it I have 2/3 of the money already. Was going for a BMW 800 or a 1200 GS/GSA but maybe will go will a R NineT or a R1200R. Great info.
sweetcostarica Don't forget that BMW have "low" models with dropped suspension for even lower seat heights, also the seats generally have a low and high setting.
Chris Esser Ok, I check them out too. I owned a BMW Dakar 650cc and it was so tall that I sometimes pulled a leg muscle getting on & off of it. Not so pleasant.
Thanks Chris.
I'm 6'5". My 2017 r1200gs would be perfect if the seat was 2 inches higher(37 inch inseam). But... I wear size 15 shoes and all motorcycle pants and all jackets (even tall sizes ) are too short...so there's that.
No not just too short bud!!, it really is a great bike like I say in my video. it's my knees and can't support the bike, being 6.5 would of been a dream for me but i'm a short ass , now riding a fjr again as it's lower and does the job , maybe check out my other videos bud, mark
Hi Mark,Thanks for your insights on the BMW 1200 GS TE Alpine,I may consider one but I am struggling with my own inner demons namely brand loyalty to Kawasaki.However even my GTR1000 is not without its minor niggles.The weight being number one,I have to look and constantly think about where to park as most bikers know too much camber or downhill gradients make it hard work to reverse .That said I hanker for a Kawasaki 1000 SX but have not ridden one. My reasons are the best of two worlds nippy performance and acceptable touring ability,I am told.I would value your opinion then, on whether a BMW 1200GS is a smarter choice ? Update,I now no longer have the GTR 1000.
I do love Kawasaki's and had a Kawasaki sx1000 in 2011 new and after 80miles you have to stop for aching legs and bum, so not a good bike for long journeys. I also had the zzr1400 and the gtr1400 now they are great bikes the zzr more sport but the gtr was so heavy and wide for me but a long journey bike easy!!. as for the bmw you just have to test ride one but today I have just picked up my tiger and done a short review if you want to take a look I will upload it later today.. thanks for watching bud. mark
Hi Mark the bike looks stunning in white get some AC50 spray ,better still, a bottle atomized via a air compressor spray pot to slow down the ravages of winter.The bike appears to have a lot of well thought out tech and ergonomic function.Much of the marketing these days always has a bias one way or another. If a bike is promoted as touring and sporty, you kind off know its unlikely to be just that.This has been my problem finding one that does both and to date with my history I am still searching.Compromise seems inevitable ,e.g. heated hand grips are only best used if you have bark busters or hand guards to lesson the wind chill at speed as a back up.Maybe I have become soft in my years but your concentration is compromised when cold.I look forward to see your next vid on the Triumph,cheers.
did one yesterday of when I first picked it up and rode home so your welcome to have a view, will upload another next week after a weeks riding and just bought a new MTC exhaust so putting that on Monday as very very quite lol
how do you adjust hi low beam on headlights on the f150 ? oh and my bike is a 1983 ty 250 trials bike
I did answer you bud on your other comments
But its on the floor left hand side of the brake
But they only work when the lights are on , you don't have a flash that's why i fitted spot lights bud
i had one of the earley 1,000 bm,s it could go into right tank slappers scarey bike, a vav pulled out on me when i was doing 60.mph, the bike destroyed the van i walked away..
you were lucky to walk away bud
I'm not hearing god things about the 1250 gs but all in I've had a few bmw's now and they are great bike but very heavy
loving my multi now , video worth a watch
take care bud
why burn ignition coil on scooter?
Did you try a lower framed model BMW 1200 GSA?
well as in my new video
ruclips.net/video/Gzzn9XKjUxg/видео.html
I've gone and bought another and I love this one, give this video a watch and thanks for watching
please like share and sub
mark
If your knee is bone on bone there is only one solution, a total knee replacement. I've had both mine done, never looked back
They say in too young !!
49 and since this video my other knee went but not as bad
To be honest years on I have lots more good days than bad as long as I don't over do it
Thanks for watching bud
Plus I ended up buy another BMW gs lol but older ,video on here
Can i have the exact name for the stator tool you use on the speedfighter as theres many on ebay :( many thanks
hi bud I show it my last few videos on the variator and in my speedfight video on variator it's the onw with 3 teeth but you can use a claw hammer as I show in my of my videos bud
mark
same wavelength you and me ford f150 and motorbike although im no mechanic
Thanks bud and it only takes a fee tools and a little bit of youtube lol
I'm curious how tall you are? You look very short compared to the bike.
5.8" bud this bmw was really a tall bike, if you watch my newer bmw videos you will see I bought another 2011 model and like it better as it rode much smoother, thanks for watching please do check out my other bmw videos and even yes I did drop it and went touring on it too to another youtuber.
they are great bikes and I know you can get the low frame and seat versions too, at the moment I have a triumph trophy and love it also worth a watch on the video
thanks for watching please like and sub
mark
One of the things you complained about was the weight of this bike. However, the Triumph Trophy weighs considerably more. That is why I asked you about your height.
siting lower so both feet are on the ground makes me feel much more confident on the trohpy, yes the trophy is heavier but the weight in much lower down as the 2016 bmw was a high bike as you see in the video.
also hard for me to push out of my garage.
I love the bmw gs and have had 3 please don't think I don't like them as I do, it was me as I say in my video with my knee's and my height.
I bought a tiger 800 which was lighter but didn't love it as much as the bmw and have had many other bikes since then and ended up with the trophy 1215 and ride it every day and on tour and get the thumbs up from me ( did I mention about the radio lol)
mark
Makes perfect sense. That lower center of gravity can offset the weight.
Didn't want a twin? That's what you've got anyway and you're praising it to the heavens. I'm amazed at the number of short guys who buy GS's. I see them on tip toes trying to paddle out of parking spaces at the Ponderosa (North Wales bike meet) and I wonder why? I've got a BMW1200R (oil head, 2012). It's lower, it handles better than a GS and it's much lighter and cheaper. Wind protection not so good, but I've got a good screen on it from Madstad engineering in Florida. CofG feels lower on Beemers because of the flat twin. MIne feels like a 250 hooligan's bike. Triumphs are great bikes (I've had one, a large tourer) but big upright cylinders tends to put the weight a bit higher. I'll be interested to see how you get on with yours. Funnily enough I also once had a Funduro, and agree with all your comments. Boring, slowish (not bad for a single I suppose) and as you say annoying around slow corners because they die in second gear.
ive ended up now having 3 in total and now back on to a tiger800 which yes for short ass like me its great, I have many more videos on my channel you might like to watch, another gs1200 which I liked better AC, a few tigers and even a multistrada -tall but amazing plus many other tourers like the trophy , pan , etc
thanks for your comments bud and I agree
So Heavy bike, average height rider, bad knees. After decades of riding I have a rule: "I try to stay away from bikes I can't push".
Thats not a bad rule!
Prob with me is most of the time I'm OK as in some of the other big bikes I've had on my channel
Pan1300, trophy, and a few more GS's
Do love tourers
Take care bud
Ma786sai
Great review. I have a 2006 R1200GS,
Cyrus
India
Thanks bud , theres a few more GS videos on my channel
Liked and,subbed. Can't wait to,see the triumph. Sorry about your, knees.
hi bud and thanks all back on my feet now, Triumph videos are on here with a few others that are worth a watch.
mark
mark savage I will check them out. Hope the knees are doing ok
One day I will get my hands on a tiger and do a review. For now I will follow your lead
123JumpingJacks thanks bud as for my knees I’m left with BOB (Bone on bone ) on both knees but as long as I take it easy and don’t push too much it’s fine and ok for ridding
Take care bud
123JumpingJacks it was a good bike I did 3 reviews over the winter and really rode well just a bit of rust issues
On a fjr this winter let’s see how that goes
Thanks for watching
Mark
I enjoyed your honest review however i really like f800/850s
Thanks for watching and to be honest I do like the look of them too
I'm 6"7, i will try this bike
Extaun hi bud this will be perfect you you maybe even try the GSA as they are a bit taller, enjoy the test ride and thanks for watching , I do have a few more on this bike to watch , mark
R1200 GS.... Fantastic bikes but it's a shame Mottorad dealers are rip- off merchants.
They told me my old gs's gear sensor could not be over-ridden which made the bike unrideable.
I fixed it myself... Wankers!
subbed, just got mine (gsa low frame, standard seat), it's tall, I'm not. Beautiful to drive compared to my fatbob. My knees are fairly knackered but not to your degree. Will have to start a youtube channel one day. Ride safe
David Richards yea maybe I needed to look into a low frame one just not many about
I do have a few other bmw videos to might like to watch as bought another 11 plate one and liked that till I dropped it !!
Video chat n here lol
Thanks for watching bud take care
I wonder if we are distant relatives? If so I got the height genes somewhere.
6'5 here. Why not a Harley if you are shorter? Unless you off road.
Irish descent then maybe lol and yes you did 6'5 lol, dad was 5'11 but my mum was only 4.10 , I ride all year round so need a all year round bike can you imagine all the chrome you would have to polish !!, thanks for watching bud
mark savage Maybe the Honda Africa Twin would be a good option for you? I hear the narrow tank makes it easy to get both feet down Mark.
T Sav I did have a look at the Honda and the storm before I got the triumph but I don't really like twins lol , find out he tiger lots of fun and just the right height and weight with a nice sound with the mtc , exhaust but thanks for the thought . Take care bud , mark
mark savage Enjoy your new Triumph!
T Sav thanks bro 😄
Be sure to check out and compare the Yamaha 1300 FJR, and the BMW 1600 GTL . Just be careful, that FJR is quite responsive to throttle touch. Actually both are. The FJR is half the price of the BMW. A friend of mine who posts videos on here actually chose it over the BMW, and he is not a Sunday only, dry pavement only rider either.
I've had a few fjr's and like them for touring along with the gtr 1400 zzr1400 but the gtr was also just too heavy for me. loving the tiger at mo while I was in the shop I did look at the bmw 1600 but a lot of money and I'd already paid out loads on the gs1200. but thanks for the advice bud and thanks for watching . mark
Good honest review 🖒🖒🖒
Good video
regarding your knees... were you perscribed statins during your life time ?
Statins is a drug supposed to lower cholesterol but alas the side effect is......they destroy your knee joints :(
bet your doc didn't tell you that
wow no i never knew that , my cholesterol is fine . i used to dance skate 3 to 4 nights a weeks for 25 years ( yes ok no laughing !!!) and that damages you knees as i used to side surf a lot and back wards , oh the good old days down roller city in southend then rollerworld in colchester!!, i still go but only in 5 mins roll around then my leg falls off lol. b as long as i can get my leg over a bike i will keep riding but have to go down a bit on size so ridnig a fjr which at the moment is fine, maybe check out my other videos, take care bud . mark
Not true in my case. 30 years on the drug and running 4000 km a year with no issues whatsoever. I have just sold a XRx for a GS. I will let you know.
ok bud well enjoy
So what's the price
Dany Herrera when I bought this one £15.750
Thanks for watching
if you drop it...have to call wife and naighbur to help to get it up! :)
But it's exellent bike when ride it! Well distributed waight.
there's a way to pick it up if you do drop it with the handle bars but I never had to and didn't want to lol thanks for watching
It's a BMW. Once you've ridden one, you know there is no better alternative for all round riding. He'll be back on a Beemer sooner or later :)
You need to watch a few more of my videos bud
There’s a few more on the BMW’s and let’s see if you were right !!!!
Over 400. More
Bmw , triumph , Honda , kawasaki !!
The triumph is a better bike by far, and you'll notice more people will talk to you, because BMW riders are a bit elitest and don't even nod at riders coming the other way( unless your on another BMW) .
now that is very true with the nodding, ive been riding for over 30 years and always found that, I used to nod to other riders who would ni-on fall off there bikes as for a bmw rider to nod to them pmsl
I have since this video owned another 2011 one and have to say it rode better than this one with a much smoother gear box and gear change - go figure
thanks for watching bud, I have many more videos you might like to watch on my channel
mark
@@marksavage I owned a BMW for 6 months, but the dealer had it for 4 of them, I had a loan bike. But 18k on a 1200RT With accessories. And in the end had to get a solicitor involved to settle out or court. I will never entertain another.
I only ride selective bikes now, no more trends for me.
wow that was really bad, i have to say cannons that were in braintree were very good all round, not good bud and see why you would not want another
safe riding bud
mark
try a mv agusta turismo veloce
thanks for the suggestion bud they are very nice and sexy looking bikes but never rode one, maybe ill have to put it my list for the summer. thanks for watching bud .mark
Why sell a GS?
Easy:
KTM Super Adventure 1290 S / R / T.
Next question.
Pip Pipster ha ha well there you go ! , me I really don't like them and never have , the look nor the servicing but I have spoke to a lot who love them , I guess each to their own , thanks for watch bud
A BMW R1200RT is nice for shorter guys and mostly overlooked bike.
i went to my bmw dealer first and looked at all of them but it came down to the weight of the bikes due to my knee injury!, they gave me a good deal on the 800gs yes lighter but another 3 inch taller and I liked the gsa and thats even taller !!, however they are a twin 800 and under powered for me. i'll always love bmw's and the gs but for now it's the triumph that ticks the boxes . mark
Test drive a RT! You will be surprised. Its seat is low and the weight is much much better distributed than at GS800. The weight on a paper doesn't tell much, if you don't try. I would definitely buy a RT over a GS, of I wouldn't go offroad.
More speed fight videos
AdamH123 there's over 50 videos on the Speedfight bud and All in one place on my other channel, however what video of the Speedfight are you after and I'll make it , still got to sort out the piston problem as they sent me out a 70cc piston lol mark