2019 BMW R1250 GSA | Our first look and review 

I have a 2016 GSA, I have done almost 42000 miles (nearly 67000 KM). Last week I did a test ride on the 1250 GSA, the new 1250 has more power than my 1200 but my 1200 with 42000 miles is lot smoother than the new 1250.

As my 2015 GS was in for a service I was lent a 1250 GS Rallye for a couple of hours. Immediately noticed the engine improvements and sharper handling...very impressed. So much so that I’m waiting for delivery of a GSA Exclusive just like the one you reviewed. I found it far more refined and stronger in all gears, They’ve just made the best all round bike even better, the most impressive thing is the throttle control at low revs, faultless. If I had a 2017 onwards version with an improved gearbox and auto suspension I’m not so sure I’d change. Looking forward to riding my new GSA, the first Adventure version I’ve owned, going to take me a day to remove all the extras off my present bike though, most fit the new model thank goodness😀.

Kalamata is a town / region in Greece, famous for the olives and olive oil produced

When you get to my age you'll appreciate that lovely BIG TFT screen. Saves squinting, looking down your nose through varifocals or trying to guess what speed you're doing. I had the same colour convo with the dealer when I thought about getting a 1200RS, what no lupin blue anymore... so I got another GS..with the TFT that cost me extra that they now include in the price. Thanks BMW! Is the 1250 smoother and better than the 1200. No doubt it is. Is it worth swapping just because it replaces the 1200...probably not unless money's no object or you have a very understanding wife/partner/husband.

With a bike at that price, it should include SAT Navigation, Heated seat, backlit control buttons, a radio and a more stable wind screen.

Really looking forward to the 'first ride' video when the two of you buy one of these new R1250's ;-) Thanks for the first look video.

"It knows what it's doing." An excellent description. I've always said, you will know why you bought the GSA as opposed to the GS, when you pull out of the dealership.

Good review, I subscribed … I just purchased a 19 GSA myself. If it had back lighted switch gear and heated seats , that would make a perfect bike just a little more stellar.

Great review, totally agree about including a heated seat at that price point.

Agree with heated seat but I would also like a USB charging port under the saddle and backlight on buttons.

Again another great video, you guys make it hard to decide to buy a GS or RT. Had a 2011 GS loved it but had to let that one go wanted the comfort of the RT but that GSA is damn good looking.

Well done chaps, decisions decisions. I love my 2017 GSA but................... I do miss my 2012 RT, been wondering whether to go and have a test ride, only thing that’s worrying me is if I really like the new RT either 1200 or 1250 and I need to buy one then the bollocking I will get from the wife will be monumental. Keep up the good work chaps. PS, I’m 3 observed rides into my IAM and loving it 👍🏍

Brilliant review. The heated seat should be part of a bike in this price range.

Hi Guys, Liked the review. I completely agree with the rand of the screen and power socket. I am riding a 2016 model, and I am tempted to upgrade to a 1200 gsa 2019 instead of the 1250 gsa just because of the price advantage being it a outgoing model and all bugs are out of it. Also a new engine is always a bit of a risk in mine opinion, Hear about bad connector cause shiftcam issues already. Was easy to fix, but these kind of bugs will be sorted out if it’s in production for a couple of years I think. But issues like that on a brand new bike gives a bad feeling about your bike, that is not easy to loose. The reason to upgrade would be for, color scheme, TFT, and presumably better shifting (test dive would confirm that). Although the more km are on mine bike the better it’s shifting. I use the little compartment to store mine ear plugs, and some change to pay for toll or river crossing by boat. Don’t think its to store your keyless fob, that would make no sense, BWW engineers are better than that. Cheers

Heated seats, Electric wind screen and backlit handlebar switches would be nice.

Totally agree, why just 3 colours ! By the way, still got my marmite olive GSA lc.! Your so right , new model for 2019, actually means new colour! Keep up the great videos guys

" kalamata" is a type olive ! I purchased this model in January , love it . Keep looking at your tours and deliberating making a booking !

Thanks Toby.. your answer helps a lot ! cheers

Another great video - as a Landrover mechanic even though customers have a £100k+ Range Rover with built in sat nav they have a garmin or Tomtom on the windscreen they can do update, it’s Easier too use and removable for uploading routes also easier too see and adjust while driving so having the garmin separate make sense it also make it transferable between bikes

Having just test ridden the new 1250 GS adventure, i agree a heated seat would have been nice as standard. My wifes first question was does it have a heated seat.

Thanks for the video guys, interesting thoughts as always. I’ve just fitted those Bridgestone tyres to my current GSA as they were highly recommended and so far, they are very good indeed; time will tell if they deliver the 9500 miles the Metzelers did. I sat on this bike at the NEC and did think the seat is a little more comfortable; not fussed about having it heated. I agree with your thoughts on colour, none of them currently float my boat, thought this is probably the best; certainly do not like the gold wheels on the HP model. I never use the storage on the tank as I always ride with a tank bag. I like it that there are no changes to the rear as all my current accessories would still fit if I was to change. One little change I do like that you did not mention is the wheels are now fitted with angled valves; a very small change, but it makes a big difference. As has been pointed out by someone else, if you had been going faster on more open roads, I think you would have noticed the power difference more. A question regarding the SOS button; is it a one off charge or annual subscription? Looking forward to seeing you powering the bike up. Cheers, Andy.

A very good review again mate , And such a good looking bike .

Should have an electric screen and heated seats , they have missed a trick there

I had the opportunity to drive both the R1200GS & the R1250GS, and there is a clear difference in acceleration! My guess why you didn't notice such a big difference, is because you should have accelerated harder. But seen the fact this GSA was brand new, with new tyres, I understand you couldn't ride it too hard.

I’ve just ordered my 2019 1250GSA, should be get in by October, I had my 2015 1200GSA about 30K km now, is a perfect! I just hope I can put all the modified pieces from old bike to the new one before I try to sell the old bike!

Gave to agree with your view..Just px my 2014 RT for my first ever GS Exclusive 1250. Dont tell anyone but i kind of like it. Bridgestone tyres came as standard and the engine is silky smooth. Still having fun playing with all the bells and whistle on the TFT, but the only two negatives (nit pick time) are the two stage heated grips (i miss the RT set up and five stages of heat) and the indicator switch which i find vague and i sometime it hasn't activated after ive pushed to the right/left. Thanks to you video's i've added a few extra's as well (you guys have cost me a small fortune at NN & ebay. Yep im blaming RiderCamTV. lol.

On a top tier motorcycle back-lighted buttons are a must at night. BMW just doesn’t have this feature on any of their bikes.

The pocket on the top I´d say if best for the credit card for tolls. & definitely they should already have the GPS inbuilt in the screen...but it is probably about making more $$$

This is a tick in the box for the RT for me, heated seat and panniers included for the same bike. Only thing your loosing is a bit of range. I need to get rid of my ZZR14 after the closest of close shaved with having my collar felt by the police (came up behind one and got rear reds as a "knock it off you muppet") so was looking at an older GS but will be going for an RT, until I can afford a K1600

Took one out last week test ride and placed order today. love it but I agree missing a trick with the heated seat.

Great video! I use the front "glove box" for my garage door opener :D

I use the little box of the tank to put in it my remote for the garage’s door and also for putting highway tickets when traveling on the French highways, as I am not a fan of tank bags. For the rest, I don’t see why I would change my 2015 GSA. Actually a lot of people think the same

The little storage box on top of the tank, for US market it would be ideal for toll pass or a garage opener providing its deep enough

Really good presentation, I think you didnˋt leave anything out. Btw: Hornig offers a shield stabilizer

Lucky me, I’ve recently bought this exact model, same colour plus a few bits and bobs. Unlucky me, I can’t pick it up from the dealer, because of the shutdown. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before I the thing up, I’m just waiting for the sun to stop shining. I’ve even booked a holiday to Romania with your people, but it looks like that isn’t going to happen. All in all it’s a bit of a bummer. Years ago, I spent a lot of time in Falmouth - I was in the Merchant Navy.. it is a lovely part of the world, but I live in North Yorkshire, so life could be a lot worse.. Ride safe, ATB

Well done again.....I enjoyed the review and some of the smaller things you pointed out. But, I did notice when you were discussing the increased power and whether you could feel it or not, you made no mention of the differing riding modes? My understanding is the Dynamic mode gives a sharper throttle response, but is this detectable in normal use? You weren’t pressing on during the ride, which is perfectly understandable given the conditions and the fact it wasn’t your bike! I suspect that were you to be working the engine harder on twisty roads then the power differences may start to reveal themselves. Of course, if someone is generally a gentle rider, then a lot of the new engine characteristics will be of little interest, which is fair enough. Regarding The changes over the 2018 model, BMW may take issue with you in regards to what’s changed! From the 40 page press release for the standard GS (the one I’m interested in) theres a lot of information on what’s changed (as well as the usual fluff), some changes are very technical and some not so. Plus various things that were optional extras before (LED headlights,TFT dash) are now standard! The GS and the GSA are perhaps BMW’s most important bike so they don’t want to upset existing owners, or potential new owners, when updating. So the old adage if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it certainly does apply here in regards to geometry, capability, general styling et cetera. The majority of the changes are highly technical and improvements to performance and safety of the engine, the suspension, the traction control, automatic load compensation, future emission standards and so on. I can perfectly understand why existing owners of the model may not be interested in upgrading at this time as a lot of the changes as perceived by the rider could be regarded as marginal if detectable at all, again, depending on the type and style of writing you do and they main remain more than happy with their existing model. Cheap bikes they ain’t! For future bike reviews I would recommend reading up on the press releases, where available, as this will furnish you with what’s changed from the horses mouth, and help guide what to test while riding plus enable you to give more useful information and whether you feel the changes are worthwhile, useful and/or detectable!

Kalamata is a region in Greece, also the name of an olive from the same area

Excellent review, I have a 1200 GS exclusive and will keep it for a few years yet...ps..I think it weighs more than 217 kg

Looking forward for more 1250 gsa videoss

Nice review gents. I use the little storage area for my card, to pay for the tolls.

Hi guys, nice review, I think they put the BMW socket in instead of a USB, because you can get a USB adapter, if you only had a USB socket you couldn't get a BMW socket adapter. I use the socket for charging/conditioning the battery, and I use it also to charge my Phone, (with a usb adapter) But I do think they should have both. Hope that explanation makes sense.

Cool bike and good video, I just bought a similar one. You should be happy that you live in England and don't have to pay the tax that we have to here in Denmark, a brand new R1250 GSA costs DKK 450,000 in Denmark. which is equivalent to £52,000, so yes, every Dane would probably have bought both an RT and a GS if he didn't have to pay the ridiculous taxes we have over here😂

Great vid, as always Gents. So when are you getting one? Agree with your points Toby, I changed from an RT back to a GSA but with the discounts on the 2018 1200 and a bit of negotiating, I ended up with a total of $5500 off so a no brainer for me. Besides, it’s always good to let all the teething problems get sorted before buying a “new model” I recon. Take care!

Agreed about the heated seat, I went for an after market version on my previous gsa, but the seat was less comfortable than stock and I am wondering whether this new version has been rolled out so quickly compared to previous model release to recover some of the money invested in the new engine before the an electric versions start to appear, I will stick with my current version!

I use the storage for the garage opener

Yep I would prefer heated seats like my 2019 K16 just purchased. Shame you had a “minder” on the ride with you, I refuse to test ride any motorcycle that includes the minder leading the way, just tinges the experience a little but a great vlog 😎👍

They don’t have a sat nav built into the TFT because the have lots of Nav VI units to sell. 🙄

I believe the reasons for limited colour choice is that it’s more cost effective for the manufacturer in a few ways. They sell well and know which models will sell more, so manufacture numbers of stock for dealers in the colours available, rather than wait for individual orders to come in. You can of course (limited colour aside) go to your dealer and order a definite specification, but then there’d be ‘a wait’ involved, but on the whole, most people will order a particular model SE/TE and just add options. So the whole procedure creates a production line that they can crack on with. As a comparison, their cars are a different story. If you sit down with a sales person and start ticking the boxes for a specific spec, there’ll be a delay - you get told when your car has actually gone into production. Anyway, back to bikes... I think the other reason for limited colour choice is also economically based, with a twist of a psychological effect on the customer. Limited colours immediately marks the bike you buy as being from a certain year. It means that owners don’t have as much exclusivity, which means that some will be running back to their dealers after a few years to get the latest new colour. It happens! Let’s face it, we all know that they’ve not really changed very much, visually, since the first LC’s came out. This year, it’s a choice of grey, kalamata, or a rallye. Next year, will be something different. The dealer I use (best shop in the.................world) offers a huge range of individual paint colours (by a top paint shop), so if you have plans to keep your bike (long term) you’ll probably have something unique and different to everyone else. With regards to the combined TFT and Nav, I think that there’s probably an economic reason for that, too. I’d say that the TFT would probably need to grow in size, which would have a knock on effect. Maybe one day we’ll see it in some form, but it’d have to be updatable. There are already many products that become obsolete because the software outgrows the hardware.

Toby , you can change your Nav 6 to show Kph and the display numbers (when you make the selections) are huge !

Yes they are better but they cost a lot more . I’d be interested in seeing a review on a more basic version with no more than $1,500 worth of extras.

Would love to see and hear experience from all riders of BMW's of those who own them long term 10 years for example and those who get rid as soon as the warranty expires due to them been a potential money pit should the onboard tech stops working. Also what dealerships in the UK are the best and which ones are best avoided. Would like these guys do a full run down of running cost and any problems of there bikes during there ownerships. Really want to take the plunge on one of these but so many say steer clear,these include ex sales staff and service technicians. On the other hand there the biggest selling bike around so if they were that bad they wouldn't sell any!

I get the impression that you quite like the bike. I had a 1200 gs Triple Black and loved it, but due to my declining years, I got rid. A decision I really regret. For two pins I would get another.

Great review Toby. One major change over older GSAs besides all the engine stuff is also tyres. A41s are fitted to about half the new ones along with some panickees on others and after putting up about 750 miles on my new set of '41s they're a great tyre and have transformed the way the bike rides over my older pr4s. Hardly any wear showing yet. One major improvement they haven't done is to add backlit buttons which on an £18k bike is unforgiveable penny pinching. My old tiger had them and it is an essential safety feature on a bike with so many buttons and controls. Heated seat is a nice to have so wouldn't bother me but seats are still not firm enough for comfort. Triumph put a lot if effort into seat design and the comparison with the Tiger is stark. BMW...get some effort into seat design! Long trips can become a fidgety experience as my std gsa seat is too squishy. Your experience of the seat may be just its newer and firmer with a different set up? Extra power is more about keeping up with the competition but at the expense of greater complexity. I cant say the 1200 LC ever feels underpowered but fuelling could be more refined which the new one is. Lower crash bars still wont save the cylinder heads and still is a cantilevered design so Touratech will be pleased to learn their reinforcing struts will still be needed! The crash bars could have undergone a design improvement on the 1250...a lost opportunity for more peace of mind? All in all I cant see myself going to a 1250 yet as I love my 16 plate gsa warts and all. Keep up the good work!

We have many tollgates and the cubby hole on-top of the tank is a very handy for your petrol card

Very good review lads. I have subscribed. Amongst other bikes over the years, I've had 2 R1200RT's and 3 R1200GSA's and I've just ordered a 1250 Rallye. You are quite right, the bikes are in the same market. Most people riding these aren't really off roaders, they are on roaders. It should have a heated seat but I also think it should have a higher overdrive 6th like the RT and better wind protection options to raise the comfortable cruising speed. Again you are right that the sat nav should be integrated or alternatively & preferably make the Garmin mount into a phone mount so we can use google maps. I do wish BMW would listen to their customers more. I like the look of your clothing, what is it?

Great and sensible review. That's one fine piece of machinery. Btw, was that audio from the Ghost X?!

Breaks are NOT as good as the 1200 GSA. 1250's front brakes cause 3 Meters (almost 9') more distance to stop 70 mph to 0. That is a huge mistake on BMW's design dept. That is one big reason I'd not switch to 1250 until this is corrected. Here is the Video reveals that fact min 14:00 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5WgugJQmRJA.html

If the primary difference between buying the RT and the GS is the way it looks, you should stick with the RT. I would never choose a GSA over the RT, except for the fact I want to tour and then do some gnarly off-road too.

Hey guys, I think the difference between GS/GSA and an RT will come out after 200km in the saddle in one day. Or on the second day of a week long trip. RT will be the obvious choice. So then, for shorter trips, an Africa Twin or VStrom is not 9 months pregnant, much less expensive, and you can pick it up if you really go “adventuring.” And, BTW BMW, I would trade 134hp for old engine and 50 less kg. IMO!!

Mmmm u guys have me hungry for Kalamata blue cheese and garlic stuffed olives and a dirty martini.

Shift Cam system is the huge thing that's different from the older model .. lol

Great review. I uploaded my first RU-vid video a couple of weeks ago. I tested the KTM 1290 Super Adventure, The GSA1250 & Triumph Tiger XCA. I ordered a GSA 1250 TE Exclusive like the one your riding here. I did think about heated seats too. Also one thing I think they should of added is back lit buttons. Other than those two things the bike is perfect. I wondered what the compartment on tank was actually for. What editing software are you using? Also what cam on helmet. I'm going to bin my gopro 3.

Thanks for the nice review Toby .. but, as I have a 2018, identical to Mark’s bike, may I get Mark’s opinion of the 2019 and let me know if he would consider the difference’s to be worthy of trading in his , sooner then later ? Thanks again.

Love the idea of the SOS button when it works. Which is very hit and miss. To me launched without a full test as far as I can understand they all show faults Mine does on every ride

Unbroken and unheated, so what do we do? Do we fix it? That colour is gorgeous.

For commuting everyday which one do you pick the normal gs or the gsa?

My R1200 GSA 2018 Triple Black has all that this bike has. Top of the range, TFT as standard etc. The engine is the difference. Wheres your N6 Motorrad Garmin?

My personal pet peeve IS ALSO that BMW still doesn't offer a heated seat for the GS... xD

Sorry guys, I was in a bit of a rush at the time and got the wrong end of the stick. All good.

Thanks for sharing, very good info.

Great review yet again guys could you give us a review on the low suspension gsa would really like to know if you loose any comfort by having shortened the suspension 🤔

Great Vid! it would be great to see you do a breakdown of the kit you are wearing.

Definitely my next purchase... Happy Christmas me !

hi great review,what bike is your mate riding?

Little pocket on tank is prefect for toll tag to sit in when in Europe 😁

You guys are funny - I bought the same exact GSA 1250 but had the dealer removed the scaffolding so I could go with the Vario cases, the ugly looking scaffolding is only useful if you are doing heavy off-roading with some ugly metal boxes that makes the bike look like a utility plumber's bike. Only 10% of the GSA 1200/1250 owners are able to go off-road without dropping their $30,000 bike, oh yes, the ones you see on RU-vid doing it around the world are being sponsored by BMW, so they don't have to worry about damaging the loaner bike. LOL

Yea i wish the 2019 GSA came in the exact same colors as the GS .

Would give that bike a year to buy, just to see issues it could have

Hi guys what's the brand/model of the fluo jacket? great video!!:) Thanks

I’ve got 2016 GSA. I really think the bike could do with a serious slim down. It’s getting far too Lardy.

I need to know the bad as well as the good, so what issues come with the bike. do the spokes come loose on the wheels?, any electrical issues

Whats the point of a Screen with alot of info ,and silly gizmos ,motorcycling is about enjoying the landscape ,the online thing that stood out for me on the gs was the suspension,really loved that,otherwise my Honda vfr 1200 x is rock solid .for the Money lett i got a husky 501 👍

Atrocious wind noise during the interview portion. Please use a wind muff / dead cat on the microphone. It was hard to hear and understand what was being said. Your viewers ears would very much appreciate it. Otherwise, jolly good video chaps. Cheers. 🤗

Hi... what is your recommendation (foot / ground) for the height of the bike?

I don't understand the complaining about the limited colors when motorcycles, of all kinds, have just a few color options per model and tier of that model. Also complaining about the price, yet when people talk about the Harley Davidson touring bikes no one seems to care that they start at around $22,000 for the base models, $27,000 for the Specials, and $28,000 for the Ultras when they are less capable than the GSA. No one calls the ones who own them rich or complain about the prices or limited color options.

Did you mention the Shift Cam system i must have missed it...

I would'nt change my 2013 gsa for a 2014 gsa no wobbleation on my screen .dash gives me more info then i need .never struggled to get up any hill.and if i dropped it... meh

Hi Guys, what's the make of safety waistcoat are your wearing?

Why don't all of you guys buy a BMW R 1250 RT instead. No one of you is gonna go gravel. The RT has heated seat and electric windscreen, and look the part.

Now that the 2021 models have been announced there’s probably enough changes to justify an upgrade just saying...

Can you fine fellas tell me why they have spoked wheels? What's the advantage or disadvantage of spokes? Thanks from Houston, TX USA.

At approximately 9:50 you said it`s smooth already, yet at the beginning you said it clunked into 1st gear, which is it please?you can`t have it both ways.

No need for all of the changes when you fanny along at 26mph!!! 😂😂😂

Sorry but I can not here you that well when you got off the bike , but when you was on it I could here you better .

Can you afford to service this bike?

Is that a copper in the background waiting to Nick you 😂😂😂😂

Kalamata aka olive

우리나라도살기 좋아지긴 했네.. 영상 처음 시작할때 주차장 풍경을 보고 한국인줄 알았네요.

Nah, great bike of course, but not big enough difference to replace my 1200 gsa (wich still is one of the best motorcycles in the world! ).

🔝🔝🔝😍