2024 BMW R1300GS - PROS AND CONS of this Adventure bike! 

Ok, nice analysis of the new GS 1300! I own the new bike, it already had the first Service and it’s with about 3.000 kms on the odometer. In general I agree with you, I traded the 1250 GSA for this new GS. For longer rides I prefer the 1250 RT so, there was no reason to maintain the GSA because it was almost used for the same purpose of the RT, once that I never used the GSA in off-road rides and only for the road, I like the RT best and my wife says the same😊 The new GS is wonderful, mine is the full specs version with the trophy paint work but with the electric windshield and all the main features that we can put in the package as a whole and I certainly agree that for the cost of it, it should have retro illuminated buttons! I also noted the engine noise but in the beginning (very different compared to my GSA), but after the first service it lowered down that noise and after the engine is hot it gets relatively quieter to the point the true engine noise turns to be largely dominant. The gear shift assist, usually is clunky on a lot of shaft drive bikes gear boxes and this one is a little better but far from the quick shift of the S 1000 XR to compare with a bike from the same manufacturer. Although things get in general smoother after the first Service and when the bike is properly heated and lubricated. I bought the bike mainly to ride it solo and for that I use to have the suspension setting on auto but with a pillion on the back of the seat, I have to put it in manual mode and on the higher position because with two up on it in automatic suspension mode the bike, gets too low seemed to behave like a supermoto bike or a roadster . It’s a strange sensation and in terms of space, its nothing like a GSA or the RT. The bike turns rapidly short of space and gets a more sporty position for the pilot and passenger. It’s not relaxed like it should be or like we expect it to feel like. In my case they didn’t deliver the panniers and the top box as ordered ( it’s delayed) and adjusting the pillion seat to the back positioning plus the top box, I expect that the riding experience for two will change drastically. But I’m still waiting on the side engine bars protection along with the above mentioned accessories to be supplied and only then, I can report about my conclusions on this matter. The bike is easier to clean than the predecessor model because everything is so tight to its new structure and design that makes this duty much practical to accomplish. Talking about the prior model, the 1250 GS, that was already a very competent all around bike, it was difficult for BMW Motorrad to improve the concept, but they’ve done it with the new engine, the new frame structure and suspension. Can’t say this, concerning the off road experience but I imagine it got bettered because the bike is now lighter, nimbler and presumably easier to manage off road wise. But the field where the change was immediately evident, took place on the road riding experience, on any type of road. This engine is elastic and turned the bike into a considerably faster bike on the road. The predecessor model was mind blowing till 5000/ 6500 rpm’s, but after that we felt like it was suffering or we could be hurting the bike…Not anymore! This 1300cc engine is eager to climb the rotation and is able to achieve high speeds without any special efforts. In sum, the bike got, generally speaking, easier to ride adding a fun factor that wasn’t there on the 1250 cc engine. The engine brake was good and now it’s superb! Concerning the Looks, I liked the transition since the very beginning. So, for me it was a win-winning situation. The braking lights integrated with the turning signal lights, is something out of the box! I like the solution and I don’t think it lacks on traffic risk or on road users Security prevention. People may feel different, but I can’t say I’m with them on that opinion or point of view. The bike is not cheap, but it’s full of technology. Technology is not cheap and never was. It’s a very sophisticated product. And it’s prepared to evolve. That’s a leading move from BMW Motorrad. And frankly, couldn’t be expected less from the Brand. It’s not perfect, but it’s getting close! Cheers Kate! Thanks for the fantastic video, with that not so friendly whether with which you dealt with class and proficiency! 👍🏻👍🏻

Changed from a four year old 1250 to 1300 TE, in January. I thought my engine and clutched gear change were smoother, and quieter, after first service. Quick shifter way better on the 1300 than on the 1250, in my opinion. Other points worth mentioning are that the 1300 is lighter, more accessible, more powerful, smoother, more agile, better handling, better suspension, better screen and wind protection, more powerful brakes and the torque means the bike pulls very strongly from much lower in the rev range. I think that BMW have pulled off a neat trick with the 1300. It is 90% a new bike, but despite all the changes, it still feels like a GS !

Its been awhile since I have watched Kates Vlogs, great to see that she hasnt lost any of her energy and excitement for bikes.

The most enjoyable part of this video was watching you manover so confidently through that heavy traffic in such shite weather, and that on a motorbike, and still be able to think and communicate with us... done like a pro, you're a master of your trade, Bravo! Now, was there anything else here? Errm..., oh yes I think you said something about a BMsomething or other..., what was that again, anybody remember? Oh well, hey-ho, don't think that was really anything, that I can get excited about, so i'll see you on ya next offering, bye.

Kate proving GS stands for Great Swimmer, feels like its been raining everyday here in blighty. great vid as usual

That weather would drive me insane.You did well to chat while riding.Thanks.

Kate, you reviews are always thoughtful, balanced and sincere with a touch personal. Appreciate that immensely. I rode 1250s and loved the feel and torque, the 1300 got me spooked with issues and feel. So I went for Multistrada V4s. Love the bike. But it is a really different animal. Still have it for the 1300, maybe after some updates in the future. Keep it up, joy of riding and shared experiences 🙏

That junction from the M61 to the M62 is a nightmare especially at peak times your filtering was exceptional well done. I've only one problem with GS its price, the base price is ridiculous the specked up one is beyond sensible and needs a second mortgage. Crazy !

hard ride great vid kate

Thanks for a great video- some tough weather which is par for the course in the UK the moment! Will be interested to see how your Dad gets on with his R1300 and so looking forward to the long term review!

As usual a cracking review, coupled with some top class riding, especially dealing with the motorway filtering.

Good video, my go to blogger.

Enjoyed your ride Kate, thanks. Carl has plenty to say about the rear light/indicator issues over on the Just The Way It Is channel, along with numerous aftermarket fixes for it on the 1250 GS.

The Queen (and King!) of filtering. My hearts in my mouth when I see you squeezing through the narrowest of gaps with lorries but it's pretty awesome how you do it. Best in the business! Anyway, the tail light array is a big safety issue IMO as it's just SO confusing for people following behind and not at all clear what's going on. Adaptive height is a great idea but how long it lasts before it fails remains to be seen.

Defo easier to clean, what a bike. I’m on my 5th GS.. 3 1200’s a 1250 & now a 1300 GS trophy. The demo sealed it for me, felt lighter, corners superb, slow riding & filtering easier & the power & torque is out of this world 👍

Ahhh, the joys of filtering in the rain. IMO the best quick shifter is on the Triumph 900, it's buttery smooth.

I had a 1250GS for two & half years and loved it, it was the best bike I've had in 43 years but swopped it for a 1300GS last December before the warranty ran out, the engine is definitely noisier than the 1250 and it does annoy me somewhat but the exhaust on the 1300 is much quieter than the 1250 as well so I think that plays a part too, engine noise not so bad once you get over 60mph, mine has now done 3000 miles and the engine did not get any quieter after the fist service, it continues to be noisy and has a very clunky gearbox as well, reliability has not been good either but BMW have sorted major problems and very quickly so cant say a bad word about them at all, my dealer has been outstanding, on the whole I miss my 1250 and regret buying the 1300, I can see me changing it in the summer for something else, just not sure what yet.

Thanks for detailed review. I traded in my 2015 BMW R1200GS for the 1300. I too had a bit of engine rattle in each gear from 3500 to 4800 RPM in each gear and the noise reduced significantly after the 1st service. I was irritated that a BMW $30K bike would have an engine noise issue, regardless, I love the bike! I didn’t have any engine noise in my 1200gs and love that bike after doing a x-country trip. I think the 1300gs is like you said, agile, lighter, swifter, with more technology but the DNA of the GS is the same, smooth, comfortable an all purpose Swiss Army knife of motorcycles. Thanks Usernamekate!

I have ridden my 1250 GSA at night a couple of times and I can't say I really care about backlit switches, you soon get muscle memory for the switches you use often. And the headlight staying flat in the corners is AMAZING! One of the best mods I have fitted to the bike is a pair of Weiser Wizards on the rear indicators, these kill the red (Stop/Tail) functions whilst that indicator is on.

Another good review Kate. It does appear that mostly BMW have improved the GS. Re insurance , I’m currently looking for my 4 month old GSA, XJR and Himalayan, I’m old and I’m Struggling for much under a grand. It could be price hikes coincided with the 1300 landing. I’ll give Bikesure a shout but they’ve never been competitive for me personally.

You are so brave for riding in these damp conditions.

Great introduction to the new bmw i don’t know about the looks really I think I prefer the look of the 1200 actually like yours and I think you can pick some good second hand ones up that have never been off road and most owners I think really look after them in my opinion I’d love to buy your’s but I bet you’ll never sell it and I don’t blame you but I’ll find one perhaps one day take care ride safe loving the vids Kate

I’m always amazed how you guys go ride out on the rain like nothing. People in the U.S. stay at home haha

Mines just going in for its first service so hoping it will quiet down a bit think sone is like transmission noise… enjoy your vids thanks … keep riding safe.. Martin in Suffolk

Kate, thanks for your thoughts. Just some thoughts on your comments. I have had my 1300GS for about 1,600 miles: -engine noise: my bike never sounded as bad as some of the bikes I have seen reviewed on RU-vid. The engine has seemed to quiet down a bit since new. This engine does not seem to enjoy running below about 3,500rpm, it really quiets down above that. -I couldn’t agree more about the quick shifter, not any better than my 1250GS.

Great video as usual. The topic of insurance is still a very divisive one. Bikesure were my current insurers with a Z900RS but were one of the most expensive quotes I had. They were nearly 4 times the price of Bemoto (just over £400) like for like. They also wanted a tracker fitted. I have heard that for some people they have been the cheapest. There just doesn’t seem to be any standardised pricing structure. A video on insurances might be worth your looking at in your excellent style. Keep up the great work. I also like your championing of female riders, you are a star

Great vid Kate... My KTM 390 Adv has back lit switch gear, I can't say that I notice it because I don't ride at night... If I did ride at night, I probably couldn't see it without my 'reading glasses' anyway! 🤣... I mean that literally!

My hat goes off to you riding in that weather! 😬

Cool 🏍😎

Thankyou for you review Kate i don't have a 2024 BMW 1300 but a friend of mine has a 1250 and says it like riding a pogo stick.😀

Quite new to your channel, You ride exceptionally well, I really enjoyed your Yorkshire trip which I often do myself on a 900 tracer gt.❤😂

You can really ride bikes, dear lady ! I wish I could say as well ! You're loaded with self-confidence ! Cheers !

Bolton Tuesday...I was out also... shocking 😂

Wow that weather Kate, its like Wales 5 days a week. I'd be lying if I said I missed it. Viva La Sussex

I have zero interest in the GS but always enjoy your content.

Ok I’ve had my BMW r1300 triple black since November an am well pleased with it Just over 2000 miles and no probs Ok engine noise it’s a different sound and does become quieter after running in The suspension is one of its star points sooooo smooth on our awful surfaces Quick shifters perform best on multi cylinder bikes not twins having said that mine is very smooth Back lighting yeah for f--sake do it Great bike well worth the money😊

👍100 oh its bmw my favorite Hello miss Kate43 2

Great vlog Kate, as perhaps we expected both the 1250 and 1300 are good bikes so those that change are happy but also are those like me that want to keep their 1250! The insurance issue is very important, is it possible to get some general views from Bikesure? Do they see this as a temporary issue that will settle down as the claims data evolves? Do they think that there will always be a large difference between 1250 and 1300 insurance? (Because of the additional tech maybe?) Cheers 😊

Kate what grim day. Great filtering. I don't like the rear light idea, l had a 21 xr1000 l thinks it's dangerous especially when stopped at the back of traffic.

I spent a week with the new 1300 and I’ve owned 6 GS over the years. I won’t be trading my 1250 anytime soon…lots I don’t like about the new bike plus plenty of folks having alot of teething issues with them.

The bigger TFT from the RT would be nice to have IF THEY INTEGRATE APPLE CARPLAY/APPLE MAPS

Love your video / review. Totally agree with all your comments. The issue with the rear light really irks me. A proper rear light could improve rider safety and there’s an opportunity to make the rear of the bike look better. My S1000RR has the same rear light configuration as the 1300 GS. The double-R’s competitors, Ducati’s V4S and the Yamaha R1 both have incredible tail lights. Imagine a beautiful rear light on the 1300 GS that’s integrated with the rear-facing radar. The rear brake light could pulse if a vehicle approached too quickly from behind or if the vehicle behind followed too closely. BMW needs to rethink their tail ends!

Any chance of a test ride on the new 2024 Buell? That would be well interesting. 🤞🏼

Enjoyed the summary vlog....but how did you get home? Another test bike?

I had three GSs but moved to Ducati after I found the GSA too tall and heavy. Seriously considering a 1300 next time as I think they’ve moved in the right direction with the weight and lighter handling. I like the new looks and the Triple Black would be my choice budget permitting with the auto seat lowering. Great filtering by the way, hopefully the sun will come out soon😎 No issues with the switches or the tail end, can’t see what all the fuss is about.

The switch gear not being lit makes me laugh 😂 That would be my only desire from my 2016 GSA.. I don't want a TFT - but seeing what switches do, what in the dark... Would prevent me from reaching for the turn signals like I was riding a Harley😂

Kate, when will you be doing an assessment on the Nordon 901 (Husgavarne )

As the European BMW fan, I can tell you the back light set up doesn’t bother me nearly as much as the Brits 😊. But I plan to buy the Trophy this summer hopefully, must also admit I have been pondering and researching the options for aftermarket back light. So if I find something I like the look of and the position to mount, I probably will buy one. For now the FBT has some options with the eazycan system which I definitely plan to get cause I will get the BMW emblem LED’s and GS cutouts under lights. Probably upgrade the spots to top Denali options e.c.t. But switchgear backlight, no doubt a big miss😢! As you and many other people mentioned the QS I can’t help and disagree, just because I love the boxer/shaft drive gearbox setup. Might be a bit ruff at times a bit clunky, but only if you ain’t feeling the bike, only if your foot is forsaken the feeling to align with what that beautiful boxer engine is doing. Once on the gas and riding fast the QS and the BMW GS or any other boxer shaft drive gearbox combo in the past decade is a gem. I love it even though it can be a bit manly to handle sometimes it is very precise never missing a gear. Very easy to slide throughout the box up or down blips once you become one with the bike. Much prefer that to any Japanese silky gearbox that finds false neutrals very often or just lacking in feeling all together. Maybe that’s just me, can’t be sure 😊But Ducati MS 4S for example, even most Italian bikes for that matter. Even though some consider them to have great gearboxes, that has never been my experience. Always very easy to slip out of second gear or in to neutral for some reason, sometimes very hard to find neutral on the traffic light. For me this is a shit gearbox no matter how smooth occasionally QS can be, it’s just devoid of precision and I hate that. Ok I am also a diehard BMW fan so there you go. Good review girl. 😊

Nice wet review Kate. Perhaps it’s an age thing but I couldn’t give a flying fig for backlit buttons, just more distractions and not necessary once you’ve owned the bike for a week or so - I don’t feel the need to keep up with the neighbours and don’t like riding round with a fairground in front of me 😉 Likewise the rear brake light/indicators can be ‘fixed’ very easily with plug and play Weise Wizards if you don’t like them (which I don’t) but it seems to be the coming thing on more cars and bikes, not just BMW.

As a European, I can also confirm many in Europe also hate the combine taillights and the lack of main stop light. Instead we get the very ugly blank black radar plate. Front as well. It is not a pretty bike. Never was tbh. But at least this one optically at least looks a lot better made… referring to flaky paint etc.

Number one HOYER motorbike RU-vidr fo sho 😂

Awesome video! Ugh what a grim day! I have a '22 GS and the first 1000 miles I couldn't believe how clattery the engine was. I was wondering if I had made a grave mistake. It was a deal breaker. But I decided to keep it and not long after, it started to smooth out. I started to really accelerate harder two or three times during a ride when she was warmed up. Now with well over 6000 miles she is so quiet. I like the 1300 but I love my 1250. She has taken a hit on value looking at the prices on the 1250 trade in's but I think that will come back. No worries though I am keeping the 1250. I am wondering about the new finish on the engine and frame. What is it and if you do scar it, can it be repaired? Best!

The con for me would definitely be the cost. A reasonably spec'd TE TB to replace my previous TE Exclusive with the low chasis is now the seriously wrong side of 20k, a consequence of which is not only do you have a bigger gap to find between trade in value of your old bike and the new one's cost but the insurance is silly money too so it's a no from me. As a left field question could the "quieter engine" be to some extent be down to the smaller screen that's on this bike as the better wind protection from the bigger leccy screen on the tramantana might be allowing the noise from the engine to be heard more? Might be worth having both side by side at a standstill to see what they're like when stationary.

Hi Kate , I think you're wise to hold out on getting the 1300GS but for a different reason. I think the 1300GSA is going to be something special. I have no proof , just an inkling. Nice vlogg as usual.

Love your videos in Australia Kate, I’m a 30 inch inseam and 175 cm. Would you suggest a low comfort seat and the active height control? Thanks I’m torn apart between 900 Gsa and 1300 719. 😊

Love your excitement and energy even in that weather.. I'll tell you a con and that's pricing the bike at 16k but then everything you want and expect on a bike is an extra. Speccd one up the other day and was north of 22k to get it to a similar standard as the tracer 9gt+ or even the new suzuki. I'm not saying these bikes are as good as the 1300gs but they certainly aren't 7k worse Also I know it starts off at 16k but let's be honest how many people walk in and want a white gs with nothing on... 0 Also they should have apple or Android car play added on. I know they sell the sat nav system as another add on but get with the times it's 2024

Wow as a bike rider. I live in the States. What you were doing going in between the loories would last here unfortunately it would not end very well. Not only is what your doing highly illegal here in the States. So for that i say kudos to you. I just started watching your videos you rock. All though the one part my heart went in my throat.Im a truck driver and heavy equipment operator i give you a lot cheers for your driving technique. I'm look back for the fist video i seen with you with thus new Japanese think 650-750 for like 6,000 dollars was fully loaded and you gave it great reviews also have you ever heard of a bike made by CXL. Love your videos keep up the great reviews❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏 Stay safe Gid bless PS my fathers father was from GLASGOW i would live to come and visit plus i love MY SCOTCH

I love the bike and enjoying the more sporty feel. Not enjoying the new insurance cost or the fact the ordered luggage hasn’t arrived and no date for delivery. Not great if planning a tour.

Always extra tricky to filter in bad weather with all those fourwheeleys looking through wet glass and not adapting.

4:42 ok i'm in! Woman of culture! 👌

How is the wind protection?

I find it interesting with the insurance over in the UK. Here in Germany the 1250 and 1300 are identical in cost and they are, by faaaaaaar, the cheapest big adventure bike. I can get full coverage for around 800€ a year and all season riding, even though I have zero percentages on my insurance. Most insurances you find will charge you though around 1.300 upwards. As a comparison, the Ducati Multistrada with the same km per year would cost me 2.600€ and other insurances can easily reach 5.000€ per year and more.

Still have the 1250 myself and riding all year did contact bmw and asked about heated mirrors. They have put power too the mirrors for the warning ⚠️ so why not now make them heated along with back-light switches.

Great video. Am curious why you did not have the normal size windscreen and the side deflectors installed? I really wanted to see what sort of rain protection they both would have provided. Thanks.

Love your videos a GS Will be my next bike when I give up on sports bikes but will get an insurance quote first hopefully it will come down by the time I’m ready

Can you mod the switch fear to luminated and the odd and dangerous rear lights?

What a horrible day. I stopped in to pick up oil and filters ect for my 1200 today. I went and had a look at the New 1300. Same color. One of the guys took the time to show the bike. It didn't get to ride it. It was raining heavy here today. Looks smaller, looks nice, head light doesn't bother me. Sat on it. It can do everything. Lots of features, my 1200 has plus lots more. Standard seat with adaptive ride fits me like a glove. I would never use most of its capabilities. My bike get is in permanent road mode. I set and forgot my windshield. I've never used the hill hold. I tried the quick shift twice. It's a really nice bike but way to complicated. I'd forgotten most of what it could do way before he finished telling me about it. The adaptive ride, I might by one just for this. I would never adjust the settings. I like the adaptive suspension. ABS. Adaptive cruise control. My car has it I like it. The auto braking, nice, Apparently if you brake to hard not only will the ABS save your but, It will close the throttle. A whole bunch of cool stuff I can forget about. Until I need it. Works for me. I better not go back for the test ride, I might end up buying one.😀

Looks like it could do with a larger screen.

Traded my 2023 S1000XR M package for the 2024 R1300GS Traumantana. The XR shifted, cornered, and sounded better... until you take it on the highway at 70mph. The mirrors were useless due to vibration and the RPMs were just too 'frantic' for me. The BMW dealer saw me eyeing the green & gold beauty and knew he had a sucker! They hadn't allowed test-rides on the model... until me. Yup, at idle and it was warming up, the engine does sound like a tractor 🤣 However, on the guided test-ride w/ the sales manager, he wisely took us on interstate and did two loops of high-speed cloverleaf. The smoothness at 100mph and the stability in high-speed corners instantly sold me! The adaptive suspension and cruise control put it back in the same league as the Ducati now. I've always thought the Boxer design was hideous! I've always been a Japanese inline-4 rider. Now, at 55 yrs old, the Torque and Character of the Boxer have made me a convert. Reviewers should mention dealer experience as well at the 3-year BMW warranty. I don't think anyone currently supports their riders better! Did I mention this thing will do a power-on wheelie in 3rd gear!?

HO...YER!!

Great video enjoyed your commentary like the new 1300 but expensive 😢, the basic colour white doesn’t do anything for me , need some better colour choices, and a proper tail light looks dangerous with out it, insurance this year was a joke I paid under £200 for a Kawasaki SX 1000 2017 bought it new , in 2022 then in 2023 Bike sure wanted over £1000 so did Bennett’s and two others companies 😏, you look on line get a price, then I phoned up price increases 4 fold , cover hadn’t changed ,at 66 nearly 67 years old no accidents or convictions absolutely ridiculous price,

Do you actually do any dry reviews? Props to you doing reviews in this awful weather

Just had a letter saying BMW Motorrad bike insurance moving from "Devitt Insurance Ltd" to "Atlanta Insurance Intermediaries Limited" .................... any back story especially thinking of GS 1300 Insurance?

mine has 3000 miles now, been riding round town with no earplugs on this week , not my usual thing just a short commute to work whilst car is in the garage, have noticed its really really noisy and whiney like an old mini, bring on the earplugs!

Love your vlogs Kate, great to watch a female flogger that is just simply excited about riding bikes and not doing it for likes. Keep going matey 👍

I have heard a few comments regarding the new BMW rear light sets. I think they are really cool. I cannot find any evidence that they are a safety issue. Considering so many people spend a fortune on fitting micro small indicators, I find this complaint hard to believe. More proof, maybe, that this is a nation of "Boo-Hoo" warriors.... Great vid though Kate.

😂 You seem to handle riding in the rain very well... Oh British, that's the accent😅 It rains like 20 days a year here in California

Kate, I’m curious why you put your right leg down instead of your left leg? Is that the way they teach it in the UK or was it just the way your were balanced? Just curious?

Its not the sort of bike i would pick myself but it is a nice looking bike.

I cant believe that BMW thought there was no issue with the lack of a rear brake light - they would after the lawsuit when Doreen smashed her Kia hatchback into the back of you as she didn't realise that the indicators were doing the brake lights job, because she was looking for a large red light to come on to show you were breaking and not little indicators...

Why didn’t you put the windscreen up! Would have been better audio quality?

Typical Kate weather. 🤣

🔑 😉

I'm fed up of the weather this year, I could trade the bike for a jet ski.

A bike is a serious kit. I would not zig zag between cars like this. Ever. Especially in those narrow lanes. I treat my bike like I treat my car. Some find it boring. Its how you keep safe.

First! 🎉😂

Kate cleaning a bike? Nah! 🤣

You know, if you put your insra360 on a selfy stick to raise it up, you'll be able to use it for the front and rear views without using 2 cameras which is double work and defeats the purpose of the insta360.

That did not look like fun, glad you're ok

Hi Kate. Just wondering what bikes do you own personally?

That weather and traffic is horrendous.

Service maintenance does not quiet a bike like magic. Sounds like they had a tolerance problem with early machines. Wouldn’t be the first time they correct a problem on bikes without even mentioning it to avoid a loss of reputation of their Deutsche Wertarbeit (German mechanical excellence). Something similar happened with the 1250 GS’ rear wheel drive if I remember correctly. Such stuff will cost the brand a fortune but again: It has almost become a stablemate. And then there are the official recalls like the one where a the paint on handlebars could lead to them working themselves loose. Wasn’t that the 310 series? No wonder BMW’s are extra expensive. Paying extra to be beta-testers! Don’t get me wrong. I am not a hater of the brand. Just a critical consumer.

Wind protection looks to be very poor when comparing it with 850gsa no backlit switches on 850gsa either,if like me using bike at night I consider it a real safety issue.

Great review but the UK is still part of Europe even though it’s left the EU! Confusing but amusing… 😊

Notice it rev’s lower than my 1200 at 60 mpg 🤓😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦🍻

I’d put my screen up, if I were you!

Haven't ridden one, but the new 1300GS looks more like a RS on steroids rather than a traditional GS.

So unclear to me is this the same bike that made the noise but has been serviced? Or are you speculating that the noise on the other bike was fixed by a service?

Riding in the rain thinking of the sun in Spain. On thing people don't check out is the cost of maintenance of any brand. I got this brand, can you fix it? When the closest dealer is several hundred of miles away. NOPE Y brand, yes they buried the air filter, will take x-number of hours to remove everything in the way to service or replace it. Yep, x,y&z not designed for easy service for sure.

I don’t want to open a can of worms Kate but is it that many from England don’t consider themselves European?