Another fantastic bike from BMW, but I think the wind screen adjustment knob would have been more useful on the left hand side than the right so you don't have to reach across to turn the knob which, in my opinion, is awkward. Much respect for a great review.
I want to thank you guys for the comments. I apologize if I made a few errors with information provided, or mis worded something. Please keep in mind these videos are not scripted, I am speaking and explaining things as I ride, all in real time. Unfortunately I make mistakes. I will do my best in newer videos to make less and less of those mistakes. I appreciate all the feedback given, minus a few who felt the need to post some ridiculous things, I look forward to hearing more from you guys. Thanks again. Fluxx43
+Fluxx43 What do U mean by "riding the bike crossed-up" &/or "letting it move underneath U"?? I ask cos I'm going back to bikes after a few years (previously having ridden Ducati Darmah, Moto Guzzi SP1000 etc) & am somewhat curious as I haven't come across these terms before.
It is a pleasure to see reviews where the picture is high quality, and where one can hear the motor of the bike, which I, and I think many with me find very important. Also its nice to see you take the time on the bike, instead just rushing it. About the Super Tenere, I understand it is not easy to find at dealers in the States. But maybe you could find a user of one, that has had the ECU flash mod made, it is said to be a totally different bike then, with much more power in the first 3 gears
Thank you for your review and for the time you spent doing it. I've ordered my GS 6 months ago (!!!) and I should get it next week. Your comments just confirmed my choice. Cheers
Great job! You helped me to make the decision to upgrade to the GSW from my '12 GS. Now that I've placed my order I can use your review video to help me with the wait. Due 1/31/14. Can't wait.
Thank You Very Much! I agree with you on the camera height, I need to get a bit more creative on my mounting locations. Thanks for the feedback. I will try to do every bike I can. Id love to review and Super Tenere, getting my hands on one will be the trouble. I will start looking. Thanks for the feedback
I have been on a 2013 super tener and it is truly an amazing bike. All over and less gizmos and sensors which means less headache and easier to maintain. Rides like a bmw gs with Japanese ease.
Great job my friend I have been getting ready to place an order for one just holding off for the second year of production hoping BMW would have sorted out any issues by then. I wish you could give a in depth review of this base model in the off road setting especially in regards to the throttle response would this be on the verge of dangerous or is it manageable
Now this is what you call a review. Absolutely brilliant video, man. One small 'complaint' about the bike is the dash, compared to the Multistrada's it looks a bit dated.
Thnx. In regards to the F800GS, I have ridden it and I think its a great bike. In comparison to the 1200, it excels in off road performance, and city use, mostly due to its smaller size and weight. It lacks however on the highway, is more unstable and has much more vibration. However its a great bike with all that being said.
yep, I tried one couple of weeks back (BMW roadshow in Belgium), awesome bike, very comfy and enough power, love it, though gear shifting felt a bit clunky, my Honda Transalp 700 cc shifts much smoother. Thx for sharing !
All my videos I narrate while riding, everything is live. I have a set up in my helmet to where it will reduce breathing, and wind noise. Glad to hear you like it. In the video I am wearing a Schuberth S2. Primary helmet is an Schuberth SR1
How about engine vibrations? I recently did a demo on a 2014 R1200GS. When riding at freeway speeds (65-70 mph) there seemed to be alot of low frequency vibrations in the handlebars, seat and foot pegs. I'm concerned how annoying those vib's might become on a long ride. Some magazine reviews say how smooth the bike is vs. others that complain about too much vibration. Thx
Good work fella. Its a great motorbike, had mine now for 18months and love it. Cant wait to get some off road training and use. I believe it is the daddy of off road, but only used so far on tarmac. Got to say its fantastic on road.
I have the 2007...no cruise...I'm jealous. I noted that your height is 5'8", does the bike's height pose much difficulty for you in heavy in-town traffic?
Great review. I just ordered mine! Can't wait. I live in the North Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Its about 10 degrees here right now. I look forward to those all "too powerful" heated grips. Tired of painful fingers that feel like they have frost bite. San Diego looks amazing.
Really nice review, a very complete one. One small question though: Being 5 feet 8 how confortable are you with the seat height ? (86cm) Both feet flat on the ground ?
I can not flat foot both feet, however I did not struggle with the height at all on the road, on dirt I found some discomfort given the weight of the bike.
I love this review, post more videos! Your comment on engine heat is interesting. I came from a Tiger 800, and found the engine heat bothersome -- especially on hot days in traffic. But I don't feel it at all on the GS -- not at all, and that's whether I wear riding jeans, mesh pants, or an Aerostich suit. Maybe my boots come up high enough to block the heat... How is the engine heat on the FJ-09? That's a bike I gave a lot of consideration to.
Ah, glad to know some of my complaints of the F700 carry on to this bike and I'm not crazy. My friend lent me an F700 for the winter months and I've been riding it for the past 4 or so. Aside from the engine (a parallel twin) it seems all of the strengths and weaknesses carry right over to its older brother here. They have similar frames, brakes, etc., but the F700 rocks the 800cc parallel twin from the F800. The lack of storage thing bothers me a bit too, but outside of the sport bike and sport touring bike category, paniards aside, most bikes have nothing. That being said, putting the cases on gives you a plethora of storage and they're of really high quality, love them. On the F700 I noticed it the throttle complaints too, it is very twitchy. Also yes, needs gas, not as eager to roll off based on just the clutch as most 600cc+ sport bikes. That being said...yeah, it's really a great bike. Quite smooth, mirrors are really awesome, the F700 only has a fly screen, so you get the brunt of the wind, but I've heard awesome stories of the 1200 wind protection. The cruise control is an awesome bonus (not avail I don't think on the F700, unlike the tcs, while abs is std on all models), I've used the cruise features of hard bagger harleys many times and it's simply epic. You can just relax on the hwy and be free, very nice. I really love the 1200 & the 700, the only thing is that on the center stand the 1200 feels about as big as an SUV, lol. I'm sure you get used to it, but it's just so intimidating...! Great bike, great review.
Great video and review.Love the new Bmw. Side note , i am a fellow rider, as well as a proud owner of a new Toyoya Rav4. ( I am a good car driver as well) haha.
Hi, great Video. Great weather and nice location. What Camera and mount do u use? Searching for a ActionCam (waiting for my 1200 GS / 2014 modell). Greetings from Germany.
Love your vids man, but this one I would have liked to have the camera a bit higher. Keep them Coming. ps Could you do a video of the Yamaha Super Tenere, I think that bike is a sleeper. Thanks.
your consumption is high cause of the way you ride with 125nm torque shift at 2.5k rpm and it will get better. on the freeway I get 5.9L to 100 km at 160 kph.
Great review! I believe you fuel consumption will improve as the miles rack up and the motor breaks in. Funny you say its very heavy, I have a Harley and it weighs in at 850-900 lbs. NOW thats a heavy bike..lol.
Fluxx43 Differences? Performance-altering or just GPS/gadgets added? Also, I am fine with using the Garmin, but are there specific models I can and can't use? If I buy an American 1200GS then ship the bike to Europe/NZ, would the Garmins sold locally work with the "buttons"? Which leads me onto the second point, what are the "buttons"/supported features?
Hey come on guys someone must have some offroad experience on this machine without the ride modes. What I would like to know is this. With the base model without any riding modes what would the throttle response be closest to in comparison to any of the riding modes. I.e road mode or enduro mode .please help. Cheers
In Denmark BMW R1200GS cost nearly the same as a Kawasaki Z1000SX (33.500 euro incl. taxes) I am in doubt what to choose ??? These are 2 different bikes. It makes more sense to buy the BMW because it keep the prices better than the Kawasaki, but I do like more the design of the Kawasaki . Thank you for a good test ride.
Yeah, pretty sure a shaft drive introduces MORE unsprung weight into a motorcycle chassis than a basic chain and sprocket setup. Shaft drive has its advantages...weight reduction isn't one of them. Still a good and thorough review, though.
One hour? I am sure it is very detailed, but even me that I am sick to get a new GS (I have a 2007 GS) do not have the patience to go through it all. :)
+Fluxx43 does she ride with you on the big bike. I had a Yamaha Super Tenere but had to sell it. Couldn't keep two bikes a the time. Perhaps I'll replace it with the R12000GS
You need to work on your speaking to eliminate all the uh, uh, uh. It makes it difficult to listen for any length of time. Listen to your video and count the number of times you say UH, uh, uh ,uh. Better to say nothing than to say uh.
Another fantastic bike from BMW, but I think the wind screen adjustment knob would have been more useful on the left hand side than the right so you don't have to reach across to turn the knob which, in my opinion, is awkward. Much respect for a great review.
this is the best Motorcycle Review I ever saw in long time!
Thank You!!!
Thank You!!!
I want to thank you guys for the comments. I apologize if I made a few errors with information provided, or mis worded something. Please keep in mind these videos are not scripted, I am speaking and explaining things as I ride, all in real time. Unfortunately I make mistakes. I will do my best in newer videos to make less and less of those mistakes. I appreciate all the feedback given, minus a few who felt the need to post some ridiculous things, I look forward to hearing more from you guys. Thanks again.
Fluxx43
Great video Fluxx, much appreciated
+Fluxx43
What do U mean by "riding the bike crossed-up" &/or "letting it move underneath U"??
I ask cos I'm going back to bikes after a few years (previously having ridden Ducati Darmah, Moto Guzzi SP1000 etc) & am somewhat curious as I haven't come across these terms before.
It is a pleasure to see reviews where the picture is high quality, and where one can hear the motor of the bike, which I, and I think many with me find very important.
Also its nice to see you take the time on the bike, instead just rushing it.
About the Super Tenere, I understand it is not easy to find at dealers in the States.
But maybe you could find a user of one, that has had the ECU flash mod made, it is said to be a totally different bike then, with much more power in the first 3 gears
Thank you for your review and for the time you spent doing it. I've ordered my GS 6 months ago (!!!) and I should get it next week. Your comments just confirmed my choice. Cheers
Great job! You helped me to make the decision to upgrade to the GSW from my '12 GS. Now that I've placed my order I can use your review video to help me with the wait. Due 1/31/14. Can't wait.
Thank You Very Much! I agree with you on the camera height, I need to get a bit more creative on my mounting locations. Thanks for the feedback. I will try to do every bike I can. Id love to review and Super Tenere, getting my hands on one will be the trouble. I will start looking. Thanks for the feedback
Agreed. Thnx for the feedback
wonderful review. Great to see a real world view of this bike.
Thank you, I appreciate the feedback
Looks fantastic and your weather looks like nirvana for biking.. stuck here in the cold winter of Scotland. Good video.
Haha yea cant complain
Great review. just wondering if you have driven the BMW 800? If yes, what did you think?
I have been on a 2013 super tener and it is truly an amazing bike. All over and less gizmos and sensors which means less headache and easier to maintain. Rides like a bmw gs with Japanese ease.
Nice to have your impressions from a previous sport bike rider.
+rcpmac Thank you for the feedback
Thanks for an absolutely first-rate review.
Great job my friend I have been getting ready to place an order for one just holding off for the second year of production hoping BMW would have sorted out any issues by then. I wish you could give a in depth review of this base model in the off road setting especially in regards to the throttle response would this be on the verge of dangerous or is it manageable
Thanks for a very comprehensive review. Enjoyed your humour and insights. "V" as we 'sign' here in France!
ridicule35 Thank you!!
Thanks for the perspective coming from a sport bike rider.
Why so much hate on the Prius?
I too am someone who rides a sport bike (S1000RR) and seriously considering something more practical. Great video, good to see.
Now this is what you call a review. Absolutely brilliant video, man.
One small 'complaint' about the bike is the dash, compared to the Multistrada's it looks a bit dated.
Thnx. In regards to the F800GS, I have ridden it and I think its a great bike. In comparison to the 1200, it excels in off road performance, and city use, mostly due to its smaller size and weight. It lacks however on the highway, is more unstable and has much more vibration. However its a great bike with all that being said.
yep, I tried one couple of weeks back (BMW roadshow in Belgium), awesome bike, very comfy and enough power, love it, though gear shifting felt a bit clunky, my Honda Transalp 700 cc shifts much smoother. Thx for sharing !
Love your digs on Toyota. Funny. Wish I had the backstory. Nice review.
wow this video explained everything I wanted to know about this bike! Thanks for that! I will be getting one of these very soon! Ride safe!
All my videos I narrate while riding, everything is live. I have a set up in my helmet to where it will reduce breathing, and wind noise. Glad to hear you like it. In the video I am wearing a Schuberth S2. Primary helmet is an Schuberth SR1
euphemism on a prius, sir please take my like. SD for the win!
How about engine vibrations? I recently did a demo on a 2014 R1200GS. When riding at freeway speeds (65-70 mph) there seemed to be alot of low frequency vibrations in the handlebars, seat and foot pegs. I'm concerned how annoying those vib's might become on a long ride. Some magazine reviews say how smooth the bike is vs. others that complain about too much vibration. Thx
Good work fella. Its a great motorbike, had mine now for 18months and love it.
Cant wait to get some off road training and use. I believe it is the daddy of off road, but only used so far on tarmac. Got to say its fantastic on road.
Thanks for the review. Great job and beautiful area to ride.
Thank you!
the best review about this bike :)
Thank you!! I appreciate it
Were you narrating live during the ride? There was hardly any wind noise! What kind of helmet were you wearing? Nice review!
Heeeyyy 1600 miles at 15:13 !!! Great video tks
I am also around 5'8-5'9. Did you have any issues with the seat height? I glanced at the BMW website and saw they had varying seat heights.
I have the 2007...no cruise...I'm jealous. I noted that your height is 5'8", does the bike's height pose much difficulty for you in heavy in-town traffic?
Great review. I just ordered mine! Can't wait. I live in the North Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Its about 10 degrees here right now. I look forward to those all "too powerful" heated grips. Tired of painful fingers that feel like they have frost bite. San Diego looks amazing.
Wow, what a comprehensive video, thanks very much for sharing your thoughts
and experience, much appreciated.
Ride safe.
cheers
tony
+antonoat Thank you! Same you to.
Really nice review, a very complete one. One small question though: Being 5 feet 8 how confortable are you with the seat height ? (86cm) Both feet flat on the ground ?
I can not flat foot both feet, however I did not struggle with the height at all on the road, on dirt I found some discomfort given the weight of the bike.
Fluxx43 Nice to know, thanks for the time you took to answer me ;-)
I love this review, post more videos!
Your comment on engine heat is interesting. I came from a Tiger 800, and found the engine heat bothersome -- especially on hot days in traffic. But I don't feel it at all on the GS -- not at all, and that's whether I wear riding jeans, mesh pants, or an Aerostich suit. Maybe my boots come up high enough to block the heat...
How is the engine heat on the FJ-09? That's a bike I gave a lot of consideration to.
Ah, glad to know some of my complaints of the F700 carry on to this bike and I'm not crazy. My friend lent me an F700 for the winter months and I've been riding it for the past 4 or so. Aside from the engine (a parallel twin) it seems all of the strengths and weaknesses carry right over to its older brother here. They have similar frames, brakes, etc., but the F700 rocks the 800cc parallel twin from the F800.
The lack of storage thing bothers me a bit too, but outside of the sport bike and sport touring bike category, paniards aside, most bikes have nothing. That being said, putting the cases on gives you a plethora of storage and they're of really high quality, love them.
On the F700 I noticed it the throttle complaints too, it is very twitchy. Also yes, needs gas, not as eager to roll off based on just the clutch as most 600cc+ sport bikes.
That being said...yeah, it's really a great bike. Quite smooth, mirrors are really awesome, the F700 only has a fly screen, so you get the brunt of the wind, but I've heard awesome stories of the 1200 wind protection. The cruise control is an awesome bonus (not avail I don't think on the F700, unlike the tcs, while abs is std on all models), I've used the cruise features of hard bagger harleys many times and it's simply epic. You can just relax on the hwy and be free, very nice.
I really love the 1200 & the 700, the only thing is that on the center stand the 1200 feels about as big as an SUV, lol. I'm sure you get used to it, but it's just so intimidating...! Great bike, great review.
Great video and review.Love the new Bmw. Side note , i am a fellow rider, as well as a proud owner of a new Toyoya Rav4. ( I am a good car driver as well) haha.
I'm also an avid motorcyclist...as well as the proud owner of a new 2014 Toyota RAV 4. And I"m a good driver too!
How was the riding height compared to your fj 09.
excellent review. im @work, i just let the video play, hear the boxer engine and your review. It'slike listening to an audiobook :D
nice job.
Great review, thank you. Mine will come next month, hope to enjoy with her like you.
Thank you!! Enjoy yours its a great bike
Thank you!! Enjoy yours its a great bike
Great review, enjoyed watching thanks!
you're simply the best man!
Hi, great Video. Great weather and nice location. What Camera and mount do u use? Searching for a ActionCam (waiting for my 1200 GS / 2014 modell). Greetings from Germany.
This is a Go Pro Hero 3
This is a Go Pro Hero 3
How are the headlights at night? Maybe you already covered this but i missed it...
+Mickey Bauer They work quite well, have great coverage with few dead spots in the beam pattern.
Awesome review, thanks! I am seriously considering getting one.
Thanks very much
Thanks very much
Love your vids man, but this one I would have liked to have the camera a bit higher.
Keep them Coming.
ps Could you do a video of the Yamaha Super Tenere, I think that bike is a sleeper.
Thanks.
Great review, thank you!
It is an amazing bike and great review
Thank you!!
Very good review. Thank you!!
Thank you sir
Your the man! Amazing review
Please return your tray tables to their upright and locked position
Nice review dude.
Next time around I will
great vid. I might buy the engine in the new R1200R.
Great review !
Xenos Xanthippe Thank you
your consumption is high cause of the way you ride with 125nm torque shift at 2.5k rpm and it will get better. on the freeway I get 5.9L to 100 km at 160 kph.
very good review, thanks.
Great review! I believe you fuel consumption will improve as the miles rack up and the motor breaks in. Funny you say its very heavy, I have a Harley and it weighs in at 850-900 lbs. NOW thats a heavy bike..lol.
Is this the regular version or the adventure version?
Regular
Fluxx43 Differences? Performance-altering or just GPS/gadgets added?
Also, I am fine with using the Garmin, but are there specific models I can and can't use? If I buy an American 1200GS then ship the bike to Europe/NZ, would the Garmins sold locally work with the "buttons"? Which leads me onto the second point, what are the "buttons"/supported features?
How is the reliability of these bike long term?
Your question is stupid. The bike is 2013,how the fuck are we supposed to know,the reliability in long term ?
George Hactivsm wow someone is a little hostile chill man... I meant to say how reliability would this be going cross country?
Ride4life You can't really tell unless you have one :)
George Hactivsm Well then I guess I have to go get one then. Do you have one if so what year and mileage?
Hey come on guys someone must have some offroad experience on this machine without the ride modes. What I would like to know is this. With the base model without any riding modes what would the throttle response be closest to in comparison to any of the riding modes. I.e road mode or enduro mode .please help. Cheers
No surprisingly the seat height did not bother me at all.
GREAT job!! Sub'd.
In Denmark BMW R1200GS cost nearly the same as a Kawasaki Z1000SX (33.500 euro incl. taxes) I am in doubt what to choose ??? These are 2 different bikes. It makes more sense to buy the BMW because it keep the prices better than the Kawasaki, but I do like more the design of the Kawasaki . Thank you for a good test ride.
id go with the BMW
Fluxx43 I will try to test them both...
Good job.
Thank You!!
Yeah, pretty sure a shaft drive introduces MORE unsprung weight into a motorcycle chassis than a basic chain and sprocket setup. Shaft drive has its advantages...weight reduction isn't one of them. Still a good and thorough review, though.
You are correct, the drive shaft does in fact create more unsprung weight, my apologies with the mis information there.
One hour? I am sure it is very detailed, but even me that I am sick to get a new GS (I have a 2007 GS) do not have the patience to go through it all. :)
+NULUSIOS There are other shorter reviews that cover very little you can refer to.
I agree with you, but if it was on the left it wouldn't be a BMW! :D they have to do one odd thing at least :)
You're a wife aren't you? I can't believe how much you can talk. Lol. Excellent vid great bike.
+solostream I have one yes.
+Fluxx43 great to hear!
+Fluxx43 does she ride with you on the big bike. I had a Yamaha Super Tenere but had to sell it. Couldn't keep two bikes a the time. Perhaps I'll replace it with the R12000GS
👍
good job.
(28.16min) prius gets me so angry every time i see it
hear you there
+manyang5 Haha
good video, you talk like them aps that read what you type!
Hints of a german accent?
Negative
Watercooling 35% Windcooling 65% !!!
I would put the camera elsewhere.
You need to work on your speaking to eliminate all the uh, uh, uh. It makes it difficult to listen for any length of time.
Listen to your video and count the number of times you say UH, uh, uh ,uh. Better to say nothing than to say uh.
sorry haha
Take a breath
+david t just did, im good
Ugh