You can tour on a Honda 90 if you want to, or a Harley, and take a few hours, or a few months. There are no rules. You make your own adventure. Ten miles, or ten hundred. Me, I like the GS and would like to own one. Maybe this summer.
Put your hand close as you can to the pivot point, push down with your foot at the same time. You put your hand high on the top rack, the job becomes a lot harder.
I've done a fair bit of touring. First of all it sucks in England...go to mainland Europe. Second...I never do mega miles if I can avoid it. You're not touring if you do 5 hours straight...that's travelling. Always leave time for stopping and having a look around. My last tour bike was a Triumph 900 Sprint that I paid a grand for with all the luggage. Not sure it would have been the same on a GS...never ridden one. Thanks for your thoughts. I was a happy budget biker until Moto Guzzi brought out the V85TT...now I'm lusting after an 11k bike...not good =)
The V85TT Is a real "Marmite Bike" isn't it, people either love it, or hate it, I am kind of in the middle, as I do love a Moto Guzzi (had One for a while back in the 90s) but the Colour scheme is not for everyone, if you can get past that, then most reviews I have seem or read are very positive on the bike :)
Just like you I am an older biker and bought exactly the same bike from 2010 in May-19. I had never ridden a BMW before, only read tests and heard people talking well about the GS 1200. I actually wasn't sure I would get on with it and didn't so much in the beginning. However, I got more and more into it the more I used it and got to absolutely love it towards the end of the season. I suppose it depends a lot on what you want and what you expect of a bike, weather you like it or not. I have never been into touring. Only take day cruises. I am sorry to hear you are disappointed and hope you find a bike that is more in line w. what you want.
I think you're doing it right. Beautiful bike and beautiful gear. I will say that I own two sets of long wrist or long sleeve gloves and both are from Harley Davidson. One is a heated set and one is not heated. But I've driven in 20 degrees F weather and no issues with either set of them. No heated grips either, just the gloves. The carpal tunnel is usually an issue with your spine. Do you have a good chiropractor nearby? Most doctors just want to do surgery but I had this issue in my right wrist once and went to my chiropractor and just a minor back adjustment and the pain was gone in a day and has never returned. I'd check that out before I let anyone cut on me. My mother-in-law had bilateral wrist surgeries and has had problems with the pain ever since. Surgeries didn't work. Lots of people say it doesn't work. But hey, I'm a registered nurse but I study holistic healing sometimes, but I am no expert. Just know what worked for me. I think the color scheme of your bike is awesome! Looks like you found a good one! The 1200 is still a great bike. Sure the new 1300 is a beast in power, but my 1250 is good enough that I won't be looking for any upgrading until they come out with a 1500 GSA. Unless you want to ride on the rear wheel all day long, the 1200 will do perfectly. It's also good for a local and daily rider with the luggage. I mount mine by standing on the left peg and swinging my right leg over. I have the BMW panniers with the top box too. I'm sure I look crazy mounting it but hey, it works. Dismount the same way. Thanks for the video.
Really appreciate this video, and looking forward to watching more about this bike! I bought a 2012 R1200GS a month ago, and I also love the vario cases; the topcase is handy as well! The only other motorcycle I've owned was a burly beast, but with about the same power, a 1986 Honda Magna V65. That was easily fifteen years ago, but this bike is way better and easy to handle in comparison!
Ha! now that I've finished the video I get what you mean. It's an amazing tool and a better tourer than the Magna, but in no way a great touring bike as a regular GS. For me I want a bike that takes the highways and curves well, but can go anywhere; just love the idea that I can ride off road and my area has lots of gravel roads which are proving to be a lot of fun!
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes I have after you've pointed them out! I considered a Multistrada and V4 is my favorite engine type, but I'm fearful of Italian reliability, and the further you get from Rome the worse it gets (US east coast here). I like the big luggage and relative simplicity of oil cooling and shaft drive. Speaking of eating a sandwich and listening to the radio, it's powerful and light enough to not be embarrassed by giant American baggers, and that's enough for me!
@@Expo2K314 Well I've had both the GS and the Multistrada now, they are very different bikes, my personal opinion is that the GS is aimed at slightly older riders, super sensible and pretty reliable (but pretty heavy servicing bills) where as the Ducati is for the more experienced rider of faster bikes (possibly younger riders) as the power is just insane! and it looks amazing too. So if I were to choose again, I think I would still choose the Ducati, the newer generation DVT and V4 engines are no less reliable then most other bikes now, big services are around 18k miles... but it's just the feeling you get on a Ducati, and that 160bhp never gets boring! 😁
I rode sports bikes for 20years and bought a 2009 GSA last year as a 2nd bike as a bit wary about it like you. I found that it's awesome for riding down the back roads, away from the cars and where the roads are 'old skool'...riding like it would have been 50 years ago on B roads, bouncy... and it's awesome for that. With other bikes, sports bikes in particular, you need good roads (fast A/trunk roads to make the most of them) and all the cars just ruin it for me... these will work anywhere and you can have loads of fun in the back roads all without risking your license and hardly any cars around!... It's slower point to point but so much more fun. Be interested to see if you got on with it after this? Try plotting a route with calimoto... that will give you a proper ride :-)
had too many of these now from 2005 2011 and bought a new 2016 water cooled one , the wife loved it and we did many many miles on it and gave it a pillion review lol I did a review on my black duc and vn1600 and she came out with she wanted another gs hahahah take care fella
Buy a map before you set off to the IOM lol. If you sail from Portsmouth you may supriseed how long it will take. Try going north on M5 and the North on M6 and ignore any signed for Portsmouth. This may help. Also your bike is " air cooled " not water cooled and the lack of rads should give that away. Enjo your GS
If the BMW is putting you off than have a look at KTM. I went to the superduke GT and it makes a great long distance machine while still being fun on the twistys. The 990 SMT would also be a great shout.
ktm are good to cook egs on the engine. I've had tiger xcx 800 (2 starter motor in a bike of 7000kms out of warranty, triumph don't pass warranty) and a ktm 990. In summer (pratically from april 'til september) was IMPOSSIBLE to drive the 2 bikes for HIGH temperature problems. I live in italy. Now i have a gs 1200 and is a suv.
@@Okke-j2n hi, I live in Italy and was thinking about a 1050 Adventure. Can you tell me more about the heat problem? Only in traffic or almost anywhere you took those bikes? Thanks, greetings from Firenze :)
I imagine the ST is worth more than the GS Shaun? I would think £6k for the Triumph, but only around £5k for the GS. This is all dependent on condition, mileage, extras etc etc. The GS can be a great choice, but totally different riding experience to the ST 😉
@@shaunhowell5418 Yeah a 13k miles GS with the panniers is a decent deal at £6k to be fair, and the ST is probably around the same price , so a nice deal I guess if you're after a tourer, just make sure all servicing and recalls are up to date, including rear shaft service, as that's quite expensive 🙂
We might be bringing a Harley to the channel soon too 😁 So stay tuned for my more than likely "controversial thoughts" on that too. You might like the Ducati Multistrada videos we did too, as a comparison 🙂
My Brother has a Diavel. He doesn't ride far, and doesn't want to venture off road. He likes to keep his bike nice and shiny. Perfect for him. I have a 2008 GS, and am the complete opposite. Different bikes suit different people is what i suppose i am getting at. I love vintage bikes but i am not a good mechanic @@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes
Why didn't you test ride it? Never ridden a GS, will do at some point if I can get a test ride at my local motorrad dealership. I have no interest in buying one, too damn expensive.
I just couldn't find the time to test One out, and I went for it based on popular opinions, just goes to show not everyone thinks the same about a certain bike, or perhaps I just needs something different ;)
I actually did Brian! I had to sell as the property I live in was having new fencing and gates put in, and after taking measurements.... it turned out the GS would no longer fit into the back yard for safe storage 😔
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes Sorry I didn’t see your reply. I’ve sold my 2018 GS and was wanting to buy a less complicated 2011 GS with 12k miles hence my interest in you video. How many miles did you manage before you sold and did you have any problems with it. I live in South Devon also.
I know many people love these bikes Steven, and now I have had a chance to own the 1200 Multistrada, I have to admit I have somewhat changed my mind about the GS! Actually I am seriously considering getting another One for a re-visted review :)
I think the G.S. thing has well passed In my humble opinion back then if you could afford one you were a rich twatt and rich twatts can be a pain in the ass can they not "sorry to all rich twatts " Just wish I was one !!!!!!!!
@@SkibbidyYibbidy I really need to try One of those bikes out! almost bought One this Year then I decided on something else in the end, but I will 100% get a VFR800 at some point
![[SFM] Risky Recital](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RzNkY1_Nk3o/mqdefault.jpg)
![BMW R1200GS [2010] Modifications and Accessories Walk Around.. done by: The Old Mechanic 👨🔧---🏍](/img/1.gif)
You can tour on a Honda 90 if you want to, or a Harley, and take a few hours, or a few months. There are no rules. You make your own adventure. Ten miles, or ten hundred. Me, I like the GS and would like to own one. Maybe this summer.
Put your hand close as you can to the pivot point, push down with your foot at the same time. You put your hand high on the top rack, the job becomes a lot harder.
Great Advice 😉
I've done a fair bit of touring. First of all it sucks in England...go to mainland Europe. Second...I never do mega miles if I can avoid it. You're not touring if you do 5 hours straight...that's travelling. Always leave time for stopping and having a look around. My last tour bike was a Triumph 900 Sprint that I paid a grand for with all the luggage. Not sure it would have been the same on a GS...never ridden one. Thanks for your thoughts. I was a happy budget biker until Moto Guzzi brought out the V85TT...now I'm lusting after an 11k bike...not good =)
The V85TT Is a real "Marmite Bike" isn't it, people either love it, or hate it, I am kind of in the middle, as I do love a Moto Guzzi (had One for a while back in the 90s) but the Colour scheme is not for everyone, if you can get past that, then most reviews I have seem or read are very positive on the bike :)
Just like you I am an older biker and bought exactly the same bike from 2010 in May-19. I had never ridden a BMW before, only read tests and heard people talking well about the GS 1200. I actually wasn't sure I would get on with it and didn't so much in the beginning. However, I got more and more into it the more I used it and got to absolutely love it towards the end of the season. I suppose it depends a lot on what you want and what you expect of a bike, weather you like it or not. I have never been into touring. Only take day cruises.
I am sorry to hear you are disappointed and hope you find a bike that is more in line w. what you want.
Soft luggage all the way. Ditch the hard panniers. Also, you want to know what big is? Ride the adventure version. I had one and I’m only 5ft 9;)
I think you're doing it right. Beautiful bike and beautiful gear. I will say that I own two sets of long wrist or long sleeve gloves and both are from Harley Davidson. One is a heated set and one is not heated. But I've driven in 20 degrees F weather and no issues with either set of them. No heated grips either, just the gloves. The carpal tunnel is usually an issue with your spine. Do you have a good chiropractor nearby? Most doctors just want to do surgery but I had this issue in my right wrist once and went to my chiropractor and just a minor back adjustment and the pain was gone in a day and has never returned. I'd check that out before I let anyone cut on me. My mother-in-law had bilateral wrist surgeries and has had problems with the pain ever since. Surgeries didn't work. Lots of people say it doesn't work. But hey, I'm a registered nurse but I study holistic healing sometimes, but I am no expert. Just know what worked for me. I think the color scheme of your bike is awesome! Looks like you found a good one! The 1200 is still a great bike. Sure the new 1300 is a beast in power, but my 1250 is good enough that I won't be looking for any upgrading until they come out with a 1500 GSA. Unless you want to ride on the rear wheel all day long, the 1200 will do perfectly. It's also good for a local and daily rider with the luggage. I mount mine by standing on the left peg and swinging my right leg over. I have the BMW panniers with the top box too. I'm sure I look crazy mounting it but hey, it works. Dismount the same way. Thanks for the video.
Great advice thanks 😁
“Not exciting “ that sounds like a really honest comment.
Really appreciate this video, and looking forward to watching more about this bike! I bought a 2012 R1200GS a month ago, and I also love the vario cases; the topcase is handy as well! The only other motorcycle I've owned was a burly beast, but with about the same power, a 1986 Honda Magna V65. That was easily fifteen years ago, but this bike is way better and easy to handle in comparison!
Ha! now that I've finished the video I get what you mean. It's an amazing tool and a better tourer than the Magna, but in no way a great touring bike as a regular GS. For me I want a bike that takes the highways and curves well, but can go anywhere; just love the idea that I can ride off road and my area has lots of gravel roads which are proving to be a lot of fun!
@@Expo2K314 Thanks for your comments Tim, did you get a chance to see my videos on the Ducati 1200 Multistrada yet? that's a great bike too!
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes I have after you've pointed them out! I considered a Multistrada and V4 is my favorite engine type, but I'm fearful of Italian reliability, and the further you get from Rome the worse it gets (US east coast here). I like the big luggage and relative simplicity of oil cooling and shaft drive. Speaking of eating a sandwich and listening to the radio, it's powerful and light enough to not be embarrassed by giant American baggers, and that's enough for me!
That said my dream bike is still a Multistrada V4 :D
@@Expo2K314 Well I've had both the GS and the Multistrada now, they are very different bikes, my personal opinion is that the GS is aimed at slightly older riders, super sensible and pretty reliable (but pretty heavy servicing bills) where as the Ducati is for the more experienced rider of faster bikes (possibly younger riders) as the power is just insane! and it looks amazing too. So if I were to choose again, I think I would still choose the Ducati, the newer generation DVT and V4 engines are no less reliable then most other bikes now, big services are around 18k miles... but it's just the feeling you get on a Ducati, and that 160bhp never gets boring! 😁
I rode sports bikes for 20years and bought a 2009 GSA last year as a 2nd bike as a bit wary about it like you. I found that it's awesome for riding down the back roads, away from the cars and where the roads are 'old skool'...riding like it would have been 50 years ago on B roads, bouncy... and it's awesome for that. With other bikes, sports bikes in particular, you need good roads (fast A/trunk roads to make the most of them) and all the cars just ruin it for me... these will work anywhere and you can have loads of fun in the back roads all without risking your license and hardly any cars around!... It's slower point to point but so much more fun. Be interested to see if you got on with it after this? Try plotting a route with calimoto... that will give you a proper ride :-)
Thanks for your comments Matthew :)
had too many of these now from 2005 2011 and bought a new 2016 water cooled one , the wife loved it and we did many many miles on it and gave it a pillion review lol
I did a review on my black duc and vn1600 and she came out with she wanted another gs hahahah
take care fella
Buy a map before you set off to the IOM lol. If you sail from Portsmouth you may supriseed how long it will take.
Try going north on M5 and the North on M6 and ignore any signed for Portsmouth. This may help. Also your bike is " air cooled " not water cooled and the lack of rads should give that away.
Enjo your GS
Best bike on the planet🔥✊🏼✊🏼
If the BMW is putting you off than have a look at KTM. I went to the superduke GT and it makes a great long distance machine while still being fun on the twistys. The 990 SMT would also be a great shout.
ktm are good to cook egs on the engine. I've had tiger xcx 800 (2 starter motor in a bike of 7000kms out of warranty, triumph don't pass warranty) and a ktm 990. In summer (pratically from april 'til september) was IMPOSSIBLE to drive the 2 bikes for HIGH temperature problems. I live in italy. Now i have a gs 1200 and is a suv.
@@Okke-j2n hi, I live in Italy and was thinking about a 1050 Adventure. Can you tell me more about the heat problem? Only in traffic or almost anywhere you took those bikes? Thanks, greetings from Firenze :)
So i have a triumph speed triple R 2017 and im being offered a 2010 r1200gs is it worth while doing?
I imagine the ST is worth more than the GS Shaun? I would think £6k for the Triumph, but only around £5k for the GS. This is all dependent on condition, mileage, extras etc etc. The GS can be a great choice, but totally different riding experience to the ST 😉
The gs has 13k miles on it and hes selling it for £6000 he will straight trade it for the triumph no money extra.
@@shaunhowell5418 Yeah a 13k miles GS with the panniers is a decent deal at £6k to be fair, and the ST is probably around the same price , so a nice deal I guess if you're after a tourer, just make sure all servicing and recalls are up to date, including rear shaft service, as that's quite expensive 🙂
Different strokes for different folks If you want a radio, and short trips, you might like a Harley. Vrod or something.
Ducati Diavel maybe.
We might be bringing a Harley to the channel soon too 😁 So stay tuned for my more than likely "controversial thoughts" on that too. You might like the Ducati Multistrada videos we did too, as a comparison 🙂
@@AnonYmous-gg3op Never been certain on the Diavel, but have considered One MANY times, as I do love my big Italian bikes 🙃
My Brother has @@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes
My Brother has a Diavel. He doesn't ride far, and doesn't want to venture off road. He likes to keep his bike nice and shiny. Perfect for him. I have a 2008 GS, and am the complete opposite. Different bikes suit different people is what i suppose i am getting at. I love vintage bikes but i am not a good mechanic @@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes
It looks like the air-cooled version, not like the water/liquid cooler.
Yes I got a bit confused after my long ride ;)
Actually the oil-cooled one.
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes its a Twin Cam
Nice job on the GPS
Cheers - there is always a cheaper way than buying dedicated bike GPS :)
Why didn't you test ride it? Never ridden a GS, will do at some point if I can get a test ride at my local motorrad dealership. I have no interest in buying one, too damn expensive.
I just couldn't find the time to test One out, and I went for it based on popular opinions, just goes to show not everyone thinks the same about a certain bike, or perhaps I just needs something different ;)
Better bike in the world. others are full of ENVY
I like those GS ,,
watercooled vs liquid cooled??? @1:30
Yes I know, sorry... I tripped over my tongue a bit in this video!
Did you sell this bike in the end?
I actually did Brian! I had to sell as the property I live in was having new fencing and gates put in, and after taking measurements.... it turned out the GS would no longer fit into the back yard for safe storage 😔
Is that a yes or a no ?
@@brianrundle9219 well yes 😂
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes Sorry I didn’t see your reply. I’ve sold my 2018 GS and was wanting to buy a less complicated 2011 GS with 12k miles hence my interest in you video.
How many miles did you manage before you sold and did you have any problems with it.
I live in South Devon also.
@@brianrundle9219 no problems Brian, I hope you find something suitable, at least you'll be buying at the right time of the year for the best prices 😁
Its the winter now! Try it again in the spring :)
Nevermind, spoke too soon :(
Rode an 1150 gs. Just not my thing
r1000s is your best bike
I have one of these, I love it and I’m much more exciting than you, explain that captain negative.
I know many people love these bikes Steven, and now I have had a chance to own the 1200 Multistrada, I have to admit I have somewhat changed my mind about the GS! Actually I am seriously considering getting another One for a re-visted review :)
I think the G.S. thing has well passed In my humble opinion back then if you could afford one you were a rich twatt and rich twatts can be a pain in the ass can they not "sorry to all rich twatts " Just wish I was one !!!!!!!!
I actually just reviewed another One on the channel if you get the chance, and the Multistrada 1200s Ducati as well :)
Treated yourself hey!
I just had to try it for myself :)
@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes just upgraded from my A2 to my full licence so I am on the hunt for a VFR800 Vtec
@@SkibbidyYibbidy I really need to try One of those bikes out! almost bought One this Year then I decided on something else in the end, but I will 100% get a VFR800 at some point