BMW GS 1250 Ride Review - Do you REALLY need it? 

Awesome, how many miles can you get on it is the game now!

Awesome, glad your enjoying your machine, put many miles on it 👍🫡

Ride safe bud

Ditto,I had a 1200 gsa, switched to s100xr don’t like inline 4 engine gutless. Went back to gsa 1250 absolutely love it can’t fault it. Maybe not the quickest bike in that category but quality built. I can ride all day on it, aside from fuelling up.! Can you do that? I recently rode from John o groats to Scarborough 9 hrs x2 stops . If your bike can do this or rather yourself on your bike,then stick with it and please let me know what it is.. Adios 👍stay safe amigos

Thanks, we have allot of local content on the channel including cafes and bike nights as well as travel videos. Your welcome to join us on the road…

Awesome, glad you’re enjoying the 1250. May you have many happy mile’s together 👍

Same here lol, I had a 2019 850GS, it was ok but it lacked power definitely loaded up on mountains, and im not a fan of two cylinders in general, quite boring engine. Boxer is full of character.

Enjoy and ride safe 👍

@@Kevin97587they are all twins . I own a 1250 and owned a 850 and you and others are correct the 850 is pretty dull. Ideal just eat bike .

Pleased to hear you sound happy with your bike and that BMW are looking after you well. What made you choose the GS1250 over the K1600GT?

I think that’s a very fair assessment, when I was testing the GS’s I favoured the smaller 850

Absolutely I agree with all you are saying. I like to ride my bike playing with gears, as you say the right way to use this bike is to use low revs and be very laid back.

Thanks bud, where are you watching from?

Yes sir, very much enjoyed it. I am watching the GS 850 as I type this 👍. I’m in Charleston South Carolina, 🇺🇸

Amazing, Thanks for joining us on the channel, We hope to get over to the States and ride in the future! If you like the narrow roads here, check out our video on Devon, It is famous for the Lanes!

Have you chosen a airbag yet? We have a interest in those, can’t be bad things to have

Now that is a fun bike, I have had one of these myself and had an absolute blast on it! I loved hunting out the small lanes etc.... personally i think this bike is great for adventure riding but of course it doesnt have the legs to do any long distance stuff at any speed at least anyway. How far have you travelled with yours?

@@ontheroadadventure I cheat and trailer it to a campsite, then use that as a base to tour the area 😂

@@Bannister99 Your a fan of the work smart not hard approach I see!

Sounds like now you just need a light off road bike and you are all set for any occasion! Do you find the paint is soft and marks easily on the Harley?

@ontheroadadventure No I had it resprayed black with a deep red flake

@@chrislecouteur2360 Nice one, your top coat will likely be better than the OEM Harley. Unfortunately they seem to get swirls very easily. I detail bikes for a living applying ceramic coatings to protect the bike

your a fan then?! How long have you had yours for? any issues in that time?

@@ontheroadadventure I’ve had all kind of BMW Boxers the last 40 years! I know what I’m talking about ! My last GS was a 1150! Which is similar. Currently I’m waiting for 1300 and then I will make my decision 👌

@@bobbyjunior55 I’m looking forward to trying the 1300, I think there will be some big updates

Bought mine new in '21. Two years on and to me it's still the best motorcycle currently in production.

Amazing, will you be interested in the 1300?

Thanks, we use GoPro and mic into the media mod 👍

Excellent bike for large mile munching, and if you got a good dealer that looks after you your laughing 👍

Rich had some experience with KTM…. A brand new bike with endless issues and returned after 20 days! You’ll do well on the GS, for long distance sensible touring it’s top of the line

Yes I agree if you are two up regularly the 850 is not enough power

Agree mate.. Had mine 12 months.. done 5000 miles.. Scotland 500.. Wales 360... Northumberland 250... plus numerous mini tours.. off to europe in Sept.. 8 countries.. Touring on this is a dream... full luggage .. pillion... side bags... its the bike that keeps on giving joy.. Being 64 years old this is a keeper for me.

@@not-this-fartoofar3606 awesome, we love to go touring, further the better, where are you off to in September then? Sounds like a big one…

Amazing, do you take yours touring? Where have you been?

Yes....live in South Africa 🇿🇦 Beautiful country...lots of adventure scenery....do lots of riding with biker brothers ❤️

@@kznmotorworld395 Amazing, you have so many good places to ride there, we hope to get there one day

No doubt these are fantastic bikes! Keep accruing those miles 👍

This made I chuckle!

are you in the states then? GS is everywhere here in the UK

Yea, Wyoming… Full of rubes on hardley ablesons ;-)

@@artb1974 Each to their own!

Enjoy your ride 😊

Will you be considering the New GS1300?

Hi no not for a long time brought mine @4 years old and really enjoying it.

@@neilbenton1152 If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

I think for me the middleweight bikes are where it’s at, I can’t say the 1250 is a bad bike in anyway, it’s just personal preference I guess?

Those 1200’s are fantastic work horses, will do you well for as long as you maintain it, how many miles have you done on it now?

@@ontheroadadventure Me around 10K it had about 40K on it when i bought it last year. Just rode it From Van BC to Tuktoyaktuk and back via Anchorage and the Alaska Hwy. So Just over a 1000 on dirt and gravel. Old timer in Chicken asked me what kind of bike I was on. BMW he said 9 out of 10 passing through were BMW. Though a fellow came by earlier on a big Honda. Africa Twin. Then he warned me to watch out for the frost humps. He was right. Great bike, I was very glad I was on one several times. The suspension is fantastic.

Mine is a regular 2018 GS excusive. I changed the Street touring tires out for Dunlop 50/50 and did a service. Tires still have some life left but I went through an entire service interval in 3 weeks according to the dash. Oil still looks good. Did the 250 miles from the start of the Dempster to Eagle Plains and had at least a liter or 2 left in the tank. I missed closing time on the way back. Had to wait till morning to fill up. Even a GSA wouldn't be able to skip Eagle plains. I had and X10lt. Didn't need it. A GSA might have done the 450 mile from Inuvik with an X10lt. Or at least almost made it.

@@johnmacdonald1878 Sounds like your getting some real use out of your bike! Just awesome!

Our thinking here is to avoid the highways. We only ever use the motorway if we absolutely have to or we need to cover big miles to get to where we intend to tour. There’s no enjoyment of riding on 3 lane motorways in a straight line. We all prefer twisty A roads here. Also we have so many bloody cameras here now

@@ontheroadadventure Put it in perspective, I looked at what is the general size comparison between the UK and a US state. That comparison is pasted at the end of this thread. Trust me, when it comes to a nice summer Sunday ride, the nice twisties in the local park, etc., are the go-to over here, but I used to work about 50 miles away from my house. My Dad drove about 35-40 miles one way to work for about 2 decades since he switched jobs after he had already owned a house near his old job for about 25 years. The distance in the US is oppressive compared to the UK. Not as bad as Russia, according to the French, but it's still pretty far between stuff. Traveling to where you need to be would take a good amount of time if all you took was backroads. So for the states, the highway system, which is usually posted at 75MPH with everyone going faster, is the go-to for normal riding. "Oregon is comparable in size to the United Kingdom as a whole. While the United Kingdom has a land size of 94,525 square miles, Oregon has a land area of 95,988 square miles. As of 2018, the United Kingdom has a population of 66,435,550, whereas Oregon had 3,831,074 individuals as of the 2010 census; hence, the United Kingdom has a far denser population."

Fair comment

How many miles do you have on yours? Have you found it to be reliable?

A great bike I agree but for me the middleweight bikes do the big enough to tour and be comfortable but are also still fun to ride hard. I found the 1250 was very effortless and smooth but didn’t bring me joy.

@@ontheroadadventure to be honest I did own a gs1250 but sold it after a year it was to comfortable and smooth which made it boring, brought a KTM now that puts a smile on your face

KTM soon wiped the smile off my face lol

@@ontheroadadventure haha yeah I know I have been following your videos

awesome, thanks for joining us - Ive gone for honda this time!

Have you considered the Africa Twin? I have reviews on most of the bikes in this segment on the channel

I have , but never ridden one. I dont think i would be a fan of the DCT and they are plentifull here in canada . Thx for your input@@ontheroadadventure

No we felt the DCT takes away a element of control so also went manual

@@ontheroadadventure I'm 5ft 6 ish,with a 31 in inseam, did you guys adjust the seat height? I think I may have to lower most adventure bikes .

No, you will be fine, I’m 5’7 and 30 inch leg and I can run my AT seat in high position you’ll do just fine in low bud, as does Ewa. It’s all in your confidence

Yes! Was a borrowed bike

Amazing bits of kit, links in the description to see there range of kit.

Is there ever enough?!

All the 1250 or have you tried the 850?

@@ontheroadadventure two 1200s and now the GS1250

@@michaelwilliams3861 will you be going for the 1300 when available? That one won’t be long now…

@@ontheroadadventure no mate, this one’s staying for a while

Its interesting, I havent spoke to anyone yet who says yes they will be upgrading there 1250 for it, what was your thoughts on it?

The amazing thing about motorcycles is that we all like different things, to us it’s not what you ride only that you do ride that matters

why would you say your stereotyped? I'm 24, own an F900r and thinking of a used 1250gs...

@faridb40 It's little comments people make when I go to bike meets about being too young for the GS. 'It's an old man's bike, why you riding one of those'. Always ignored when riding past other riders. It's a shame really, but if it's a 1 bike garage, don't go for the GS for our age group.

@@inked-96 how did you like the gs? and what did you swap it out for? i’m leaning towards it because it’s an all around bike that i can commute on and have fun with it and tbh ppl opinions don’t really matter, they’re doüches most of the time anyways

@faridb40 As much as I agree, people's opinions are invalid. It does start to get annoying when you're put into this GS gategory. I settled on an XSR900 just to get some summer riding in. I wanted to get something more touring to go alongside it, but as I have a new business idea, a 1 bike garage is all I'll have to work with for the time being, so the XSR will he sold in a couple months and I'll likely pick an XR1000 up. People don't like the low down torque but recently road a mates one which was tuned by BHP UK and it was night n day difference. Can still go for a blast at weekends, csn still tours, sounds a lot better than a GS, and for my age. It's just, overall, more fun. But again, everyone is different mate.

Have you had it a while then?

@@ontheroadadventure Almost a year

@@travelinben1966 Excellent, enjoy and see how many miles you can get on it!

@@ontheroadadventure 10k so far.👌

@@travelinben1966 good effort, keep em coming! 👍🏍️🏍️

I was very impressed by the quick shifter on the GS1250 - do you own both bikes?

@@ontheroadadventure My friends and I have been renting the GS for 3-5 day adventure trips along Highway 1 in California 3 or 4 times now. And couple of months BMW Motorrad truck showed up at our local BMW dealership with a Demo Day where you can ride every single bike they have to offer and I was pleasantly surprised with the S1000 __ models and their transmission setup. Needless to say, the GS is still superior when it comes to down low and mid range torque and the overall utility for everyday riding. Keep posting great motorcycle videos!

@@aleskiy Thanks! I try to attend demo days too, it’s so good to experience as many bikes as possible and I like to bring the review videos to the channel for those who don’t get the opportunity to ride the bike themselves. Thanks for joining us

Interesting…. Do you just change the canister yourself to rearm it or do you have to send it away? What did you pay for it?

@@ontheroadadventure have not purchased it yet but i chose this one over Klim for clavicule coverage. I crashed one in 13 years...should be the only time you ahve to recharge ...so when recharging needed if ever then it will be the least of your worries.....

@@InterimExec Fair comments

Aloinstar ??? Must be a new brand 😂😂😂

@@zh4418 maybe 🤔

Yes you’ll want to hard wire in your satnav

Thank you. Will do.@@ontheroadadventure

No problem

Nice but not for me this one

@@ontheroadadventure Agreed

Have you taken it in to be looked at? I know these had a recall for the shaft drive, did this include yours?

@@ontheroadadventure I had that all apart for spring service. I have never brought it in, 5 hour drive to BMW dealer. Its in the frt, I believe its the tire just about ready for a change now. Just curious if anyone came across this noise before. Its so loud I have a hard time hearing my SENA when chatting on the road. Original text should of said front end area. I have disassembled frt end partially and nothing stands out. Feel the vibration on the ignition switch that matches noise. Slight lean around corners noise disappears which indicates tire. Road many bikes and this is new for me.

@@shawnbecher2661 heck headbrace bearings and wheel bearings

@@ontheroadadventure Thks, I’m changing tires for now and see what happens. If that don’t do it to BMW I go. Bearings smooth and tight. Since new. If bearing failing since new don’t think I would of got 10000km.

@@shawnbecher2661 Hope it’s just the tyres bud, best of luck finding the issue

How was your KTM experience? Mine was not so good! Did you see the video?

i have had 3 ktms never had a single problem great bikes engines are awesome i just feel the gs with a shaft for long distance riding and the handling tips the balance for me to be honest all bikes made these days fantastic well except for 2 triumphs i had but thats another story

Its strange how no matter the brand theres always some bikes in every model that just seem to be lemons - Friday bikes if you will.... My KTM was awful, so bad i returned it to the dealer within 20 days for a refund. My triumph was great until a chain snapped and ruined the engine - Next up is my Africa Twin, Time will tell how this one goes

I made this point exactly whilst doing some off road on our Africa twins… they are sold as adventure bikes but the reality is they are tourers. They are too big, heavy and expensive for off road treatment by most normal riders

This is the south west of England, Devon

I’m not sure what the warranty is here in the uk. I’m surprised everyone moans about the quickshifter, I’ve ridden many many bikes and have allot of experience and I really rated these.

You’re a GS fan then? What do you think of the new one?

@@ontheroadadventure Be already fan and driver for more than 20 years. Have just bought a new one GS 1250 with options.

You didn’t fancy the 1300

Fair enough, it’s certainly not a bad bike at all!

Sounds like you are owning the dad bike category! Both are fantastic bikes tho. Which is your favourite to take out?

@@ontheroadadventure The FatBoy is easier because it’s low and easy to sit on and flat foot it. The GSA is more comfortable on rough roads. Both have gobs of low end torque. My FatBoy is the S model with the 110 ci Screaming Eagle engine. It’ll scoot on down the road too. I guess it depends on what I’m going to do that day. Both are really fun. I’d have to say the GSA is my favorite though.

@@Kornholeeoo both fantastic mile munchers, hopefully you get to do some touring in them

This one was seemless

Yes the screen was shortened

What’s the speed limit over there?

Up to 75 on interstate

@@JackHumphrey Ok that’s more or less the same here, 70mph here on motorway

😅 50 bhp can get you to 75!

“There are many like it but this one’s mine”

A great touring bike for sure

Personally I find something much more engaging about riding bikes that feel like they have less power, it gives you the chance really ride it, play with the gear box and wring its neck… I’m not saying the 1250 GS is a bad bike but the 850 would be my choice over the two for my needs

They actually think they need 140+ bhp... makes them feel better... especially on a knarly track 😅

@@keithdixon3896 I shouldn’t laugh but.. 😂

The best thing is to ride the bikes you like and then choose your favourite, your opinion is most important over any review

I too watched all those same videos as you mentioned. I bought a '23 and I knew I was going to be the new owner of it 5 miles into the test ride. Quick shifter is butter smooth up AND down. Slow speed maneuvering is effortless. Torque is everywhere. The seat... I am 140 lbs at 6 foot tall. So I swap the seat out on every bike I call my own. The seat isn't bad, (and I'm still using it) but I'm also surfing the web for its replacement. It might be 6 months down the road, however I already know I'll find myself sitting on one thats a wee bit more user-friendly for my narrow back side. I'm 1500 miles in and the breaks are my only (kinda sorta) complaint. Maybe I didn't burn them in properly during the break in stage. I cant quite put a finger on it but they seem to be a smidgen soft in the front. Keep in mind I'm still in the early stages of this new found relationship and we're still learning each other's habits. Im still playing with tire pressures also. That can be some of the problem on my perticular road ways. Im not changing pressures every other day mind you. Its a slow process so to speak. Remember, its almost like we're a brand new couple learning to dance for the first time. I heard so many reviews of ppl complaining and being so picky. I'm writing this to tell you I'm over the moon with my decision to purchase this GSA. Its a big step for me to choose any bike. I'm one of those that are extremely picky when it comes to my bikes. I can truthfully say (at this stage in my life) "I can't wipe the smile off my face" 51 years old and I've been a bike guy all my life. This bike is best described as the goldwing of adv bikes, even though there might be a couple little things that I may be disappointed in (windshield mainly). This time next year, when I've had a full year to learn the good and the bad, I may have more info but for now, this bike has put a smile on my face even when I'm just riding to work. Hope this helps. Get them license and twist the grip off of'it

@@arai4176 There’s nothing more joyful than hearing someone so happy with their machine! No bike is perfect but it sounds like yours is pretty damn close for you! Enjoy it my friend

@@ontheroadadventure true. I just signed up for a MSF course by me. The class is end of July. The only thing that won’t tell me I think is the reliability of a particular bike. Everything else I can get from a test ride I think. Except maybe long ride comfort.

@@redman2751 awesome, ride it as long as you can get away with before making a decision

What makes you say that?

@@ontheroadadventure It’s pretty obvious. Plus, I also have the same bike, so I know what I’m talking about.

@@leighchapman935 awesome 😎

@@leighchapman935 wow.. so aggressive.. possilby the first time you know what your talking about...

@@leighchapman935 now I’m curious, what’s the difference between the HP and the Rallye ( I have the latter)?

Nice, enjoy your machine. It’s great that we all love different types of bikes, would be very dull if we all had the same!

I don’t own the BMW GS I just reviewed the bike from my point of view

@ontheroadadventure Noo I know, I'm just curious as to how old everyone is that owns one bud

@@Inked_CR Ah no worries

The one on the bike I rode was fantastic especially at higher revs

My 1250 GS is a bit clunky at low rev when going from first to second gear, but for the rest it is super s,other.

@@jlg5742 I’m pretty sure quick shifters are designed for 2nd gear and up, it will be clunky going through Neutral too

Your a fan then of your GS I take it!

@@ontheroadadventure Just a little 😁. Some bikes do SOME things better. Not so sure that there is one that does as many things as well. I haven’t ridden it yet anyway. And that includes the KTM, Ducati, Triumph, and Honda adventure bikes…among others.

@@davidkendall1614 Watch my owners experience video of the KTM, I had the 890 brand new, lasted 20 days before I returned it for so many reasons!

@@ontheroadadventureWatched all 6 Richard. It was heartbreaking to see your initial excitement and enthusiasm for the new bike shattered by your multiple issues with the KTM. I love the 890 and was considering the Super Adventure 1290R before I bought my GS. Sadly you are not alone in your experience. I watched a series of videos from another guy in the UK who was at wits end with his 1290 and returned it. Not good for the price we are paying for these things. Addendum: It was actually a 1290 Super Duke GT…check out DSR “Return to Sender” if misery loves company.

@@davidkendall1614 You are spot on, I wanted it to be good so badly that I let my heart rule my head and I put my faith in KTM. Never again! Il check out his videos

For when we are old and wise??!

For me personally i ve not been a fan of the huge fuel tanks, i just have no need of all that extra range, i agree it provides more wind protection but at the cost of added weight. have you been anywhere when you have required the extra range tank? we love to travel but havent found that need yet

Am I convincing you or me?!

@@ontheroadadventure I have never heard that statement from one of my fellow red blooded Americans!!!🇺🇸💪 except for liberals!!!!!

@@tracey38999 lol well I’m English so different story!

Every tool has its job I guess, I don’t think they are bad bikes for long distance touring but like you, I don’t want one!

I believe the screen was modified so as not to be in the eyeline of the owner

The best series to ever happen to BMW!

what part of this bike says ego? i assume you ride a harley

@@faridb40 Very few people need a 30L tank but most buy it because they want to have the biggest bike available I guess 🤷‍♂️