I'd like to see more of these types of tests with modern, few years old and budget versions for all the different genres of bikes. Especially useful for those like me who would be lucky to scrape together a couple of grand for a bike and spending the same on a bike as our mortgage costs isn't an option!
A correction on 2:43: This engine not only does it make room for the Telelever suspension, but this type of engine also provides better torque at low and high RPMs, improves the bike's efficiency by allowing a more direct connection of the driveshaft to the rear wheel (unlike the Super Ténéré 1200, for example), lowers the motorcycle's center of gravity, facilitates maintenance, offers better protection in case of falls, enhances engine dual cooling (one of the very few 1200s I've ridden that doesn't overheat your legs), and features a unique acoustic profile. I'm a big fan of boxers.
Let's be honest..90% of drivers do not have that driving skills, so for them this motorcycle is too heavy, too expensive to buy and especially maintenance. The mere fact that if their motorcycle falls somewhere off the road, and there is no one to help lift it, they risk spinal cord injury, is reason enough, not to buy such a heavy adventure bike.
Agree 100% with previous comment - best presenter, keeps it simple and relevant, - best test driver, clearly shows what can be done if you had the skill. Thanks you.
Moons ago my then girlfriend and I flew over to Vancouver BC in an attempt to find her estranged father who she had never really known. I booked a 1150GS as a hire bike to get us on our quest, when I arrived at the bike hire shop they had given it to someone else! We toured around Vancouver on a 1150R; a great bike two up with luggage which handled perfectly throughout the month we were there, even managed to find her Dad. I have never ridden a GS to this day, perhaps I'll give one a go. Have a good one Chris 👍🏻.
give that 1150 some love dude, I got one and I think it's awesome. Just maintain them well and it will make sure you can travel around the world with 0 problems
I found when I was researching whether or not to jump across to an adventure bike there’s a surprising lack of decent 1150GSA video out there, luckily I found your videos. And now I’ve now got a silver GSA. I’ll dust off my GoPro and will post something in the next few weeks.
Ive owned a 1200gs, currently a 900 tiger... and I like to pride myself in my riding abilities on and off road... you sir make me realize I suck. Thank you. Great riding!
Chris your reviews are so good. It’s not about you , but the bike . Really appreciate your experience and honesty . Easily the best motorcycle reviewer in the UK 👏
Just bought a standard 1250 GS. Stumbled across this review and loved it ..... great job. I have been riding since the age of 8 in a farmers field, but having just retired, I am afraid that my GS will be limited to UK and European roads, with my wife and luggage .... I do have a 250 dirt bike, but I don't ride it much as I have found over the years that I don't bounce as well as I did :( Thanks for a great review....
I want to learn and develop off-road riding skills but, in the meantime these videos are motivating and downright entertaining to watch. Thanks again, Chris and Bike World crew!
I was always surprised by how much reviewers played down the extra power of the 1250 engine when it came out. Like you said, the shift cam really does significantly change the character of the engine when it kicks in, and which you don't sense it coming in either as the transition is imperceptible. That gruntier top end is what was lacking from the 1200. Great article
too bad they put electronics inside the actual engine. While suzuki using basically the same system 30 years ago just mechanical. you just know its going to break 2 days after warranty.
Can't argue with anything said there; but when I circumnavigated Australia I also went for an 1150GS. Simple technoogy and much lower Carnet de Passage costs!
A couple years ago I got a beautiful Blue ‘05 GS with Öhlins and some farkles ha. What an amazing bike, 50k, I got it for $5k US, seemingly never went off-road ha. That redesign lost 60lbs over the prior 2004 1150GS!
They might be genuinely capable, but that hasn't stopped them from becoming the suburban SUVs of the motorcycle world. Which wouldn't bother me, aside from the fact they've gotten so big they swallowed the sport-touring class.
Lol right?? The sport touring class is almost useless in my opinion considering the ADV bike spectrum of focus is so wide now. It’s essentially a useless category of motorcycle
Excellent Presentation!! You, Burnsie, and Zach Courts are my favorite presenters!! 😁 (oopsie, almost forgot Ryan) Happy New Year from a poor '18 KLR-650 rider in Oklahoma 🎉🎈✨
What a great flowing video, with humour, throw in a little riding on different GS's showing what they can achieve with someone who can get them to dance.
We all know Chris can ride… but DAMN! This guy can ride lol makes it look so easy. Brilliant video in my opinion. Very good idea to show what different budgets will buy you. Nice to see you aren’t just trying to cater for the big boys with the big dollars. I did spec a 1250GS online last week and couldn’t believe how quickly it goes from £13.5k to close to £19k with a couple of boxes ticked. Crazy. Looks a lovely bike though!
Yeah, I confess, Charlie and Ewan got me into motorcycling (in my 50s) starting on the 650GS and stepping up to 2010 1200GS a couple of years ago… very little off-roading but it’s a joy to ride… just sad that my Intl traveling stopped in the 90s and now the risks (mostly health) make it silly. But I’m looking forward to a little motorcycle camping when the weather warms up here in the States….
Wow bud, you can ride!!!! I have a 2004 GS Adventure and it's a heavy lump of bike but you make these machines look feather-light!! As usual, your videos are top notch! Thank you for the effort you always put into them. Greetings from South Africa and best wishes for 2022!
With all the trash and trolling motorcycle content out there it is sooo good to have videos like this that remind us motorcyclist why we love motorcycles so much (especially us BMW owners😉). Great job, great content and Chris you Rock bro. Thank you
I’ve also got an 1150GSA with just under 100k miles. Love that bike. Currently on an ‘08 GS that I got a couple of years back at the time 7,500 miles on it, now at about 22k miles and recently swapped out to tractive GSA (non esa) suspension. Great bikes.
You are the ONLY reviewer who commented that the boxers allow room for the front suspension. Well done. At last somebody paying attention. Now if somebody would talk about the lowered suspension option (for reasons other than being short) and moment of inertia, then maybe we would be approaching a professional review.
Nice one. I just spent a week putting my 1200 GSA through all the gnarliest tracks in Central Otago NZ and while it handled everything just great, I was spent at the end of each day out. That said, I blasted home nice and quick on the motorway!! Amazing bike.
Excellent presentation, though I’m sorry you didn’t include the TRULY old, e.g. my ‘91 R100 GS/PD. After 22 years and 130kmi, I’ve passed my ‘00 1150 to a friend and never did like my ‘07 1200 adv., but for relatively light weight, do-all the R100 holds the top of my list. Give me airheads all day long. 👍
These are reviews are best on RU-vid, Chris riding and presenting only equalled bu Michael neeves. Great bike, but always preferred the multistrada as never done off road. When I’ve done tours in Africa, Canada and New Zealand always hired a gs though for reliability and comfort two up
The GS is not a super expensive bike. For what you are getting, its worth the money. I'm more of a sportsbike man myself. But I see myself getting something for touring in a few years.
Great revieuw👍. I have owned all ,still got the 1250GS and they really have character. They are a allround package. Enjoyed your video like I enjoy my GS thanks man!
Extremely well presented and as a GS rider I agree with the very balanced and truthful assessment across the GS range. I note also that you are an exceptional bike rider. Top marks on all aspects of this video!
Wow, Brilliant. Just found this. Obviously a talented rider and better than me. I've been riding for 45yrs and discovered how good the GS is! Love it. Have a '17 GS and just priced to trade to the 1250GS. OMG!! trade was an extra $8Kpound. Not worth stepping up. So I'll keep the '17, plenty for me. Thanks
I only just came across this channel and this video - have to say this is so much better than any of the others. Have sub'd, now I just have to save u a lot of money for a 1250GS - damn, I wish I was wealthier.
The BMW R80 G/S was the first "Adventure" bike, released in 1980. It makes perfect sense this platform has surpassed any and all adaptions and iterations of the design.....the GS is the standing example. As a previous (And future) owner of a GS.....Nothing compares and I am and always will be 100% biased about this. I currently have a KLR 650 and an Africa Twin, both will be replaced by a new GSA soon.
For those of us in the US it is if you can find a dealer. Just as you stated one of the benefits of having a new bike is if you have a problem you just bring it to the dealer but the problem is there is often no dealer within 150 miles and sometimes more. The irony of the situation is those of us in the US that actually have a use and the need for an adventure type of bike are the ones that don't have a dealer around to sell them or support them. Even Indian has more dealerships in the US and they've only been in business for a decade.
Great review Chris , i have the BMW GS 1250 hp 2019 model and i m doing everything , from work to trips and travel enduro experience here in Greece up to the mountains every weekend ..I cant wait how the BMW 1300 GS will be.
I had one of those 2012 bikes and I really liked it. Found it a liiiitle underpowered for my 80% on road riding, the seat bloody uncomfortable (Airhawk ftw), the standard screen a bit pants (Adapted Givi Airflow ftw) and the geabox on mine was very clunky. If these points are sorted on the new bikes I'd love one. Unless the new Triumphs are even better.
Hi Chris an Team I just wanna say this video is epic would love to see more along these lines, N it's great to see cost of bikes being mentioned I've had a 1200GSA 2014 which a dealer lunched 3 engines on after they left the gaskets off doing a valve check. a f800 an a 1200GS TE Rallye 2018 love that rallye so much but I sold it to help my dad out. I've been on a 300 rally recently an now looking at the beemers again but not in the position I was for the rest of the year so it's great to see the twin cammer an the 1150 being compared as well :) thanks again for a brilliant video.
Great review , miss my GSA 1250 but happy to be riding a 890 rally…..may come back to a GS and keep the KTM …..but anxiously awaiting to hear your review of the new 1200 tiger!…
Great presentation! You forgot to mention that when that 1250 gets 15+ years old.... there is less of a chance it is still good like your 1150 is..... I have ridden and owned all but the water-cooled GS. While I like the water-boxer greatly, I know I would have NO PEACE OF MIND. Why? On a number of them: BAD CAMS, BAD ALTERNATOR, Electrical gremlins that seem to never go away! Cams & Alt in the long run even after the fix ( $8,000 ++ ) , still means you need a new engine! They are great to own while under warrantee.... after that..NOT SO MUCH !!!!! and for me, the nearest dealer is a days drive one way.