BMW R 1300 GS | Is It Really ALL That?? 

As a 1250 owner, like the new updates, but I am learning to be content with what I have. If I had throw away money....maybe. All this tech and all I want to do is simply ride. Unless BMW offers a heck of a great promotion....there is no rush. Plus, this is the first Gen for this bike as it is all new.

Yes, yes, it’s faster, more tech, comfortable and so on but you haven’t addressed the most important question: can you use it to pick up a turkey from Asda? 😂

I did a 250 mile test ride in December, absolutely loved it. Compared to my 1250 the build quality has taken a step up, it’s just as comfortable, covers distance without effort and it is FUN!

Looks great. Admittedly i didn't like the aesthetics of the older models. If i did, no doubt I'd have gotten my knickers twisted over the new headlight too 😂. A bit too techy and a lot too pricey for me, but if I could afford to drop 25k on a new bike, this would definitely be a contender.

Thanks for a great review! I’m sure it’s ‘better’ than the old bike but is it more reliable? Will the rear drive bearings or drive shaft disintegrate? Do you have to disassemble the entire bike to replace the clutch or main seal? Only time will tell - so I’ll leave it a year or two and let the beta testers have a go before parting with the hard earned.

Well I am older than you and still will never go down the sheep route and buy a BMW 👍 for me adaptive only works with average speed cameras. If on motorways you end up with car trying to under take or slowly slowing down without realizing. May as well guys drive a car with all the mod cons. For me a motorcycle is an escape for all the tech stuff. 👍

BMW are really smart. This is super marketing! Let’s hand every RU-vidr our flagship and sit back. Now really is it that good???? Talk about pissing in one’s pocket. Choppsy, luv you mate, but fair dinkum…. 🇦🇺

It’s a cracking bike got a gs1200 on a 18plate .As much as I like this wouldn’t mind a gs1250 next

Something to note is Opt 719 billet head covers on the 1250 prevented use of afternarket covers like MachineArtMoto's X-Heads. May introduce similar fitting issues for the 1300.

The 1400 adventure is going to be interesting

This bike needs more demanding roads. We need tests in Corsica.

I love the green and gold wheels

While the QS on the 1250 wasn’t perfect, it was certainly useable!. It pulls a good wheelie to, if you put it, in dynamic pro and turn the TC down!

The center stand assist was impressive. Beautiful bike

yay more power now we can all ride our Beemers like car drivers !!

Thanks for the great review. I have the 2022 40th anniversary 1250 GSA and always looking for another to keep it company. Nothing on the 1300 that screams upgrade from the 1250 though. The 1250 gets the job done quite well with what is has and since I am not a speed junky it isn't an important factor to me. With lighter components is the 1300 as durable as the 1250. The 1250 is my first motorcycle and I have beaten the crap out of it with only minor scratches on the crash guards. I picked up the adventure model for the larger fuel tank so hope they don't reduce that if there ever is a 1300 GSA.

Its got loads more tec it's much faster but their is just one problem it all comes with a much higher price ticket. Over 22 grand for a fully specked version is far to rich for me.

Great review. Looking forward to the vs 1250 with Gregg. :)

Great review chopsy. Keep them coming👍👍

Got one on order. Still think I’m a bit young for a gs at 136 but seems like a nice bike 😂 Great review. Go on buy one 🎉

The only time I ever hear real negatives is when the legacy press reviews the new models (regardless of brands), then we hear how the 1200 was much improved over the 1150 and on we go to 1250 then 1300. I do appreciate when things that owners will find troublesome and aggravating are pointed as well as the marvelous new bits.

Nice review, watched a video yesterday from Bennett’s Bike Social testing the GS-911. Anyway he was able to switch on the sports screen using the GS 911 functions, seemingly already there just not active on all bikes.

I'm 6ft and found the screen noisy as ! The one i currently have as a loaner jumps out of 1st gear continuously and has the worst snatchy throttle in dynamic mode- properly like an on off switch. Nothing on the throttle then a mad surge with minimal input. I also disagree with the ergos, i find the underside of my thighs getting cold through wind blast which is not there on my 1250. I found i was sitting on the bike rather than in it.

Great review Chops, as a fellow 52 year old it is concerning the new GS is some what appealing glad you ended that you wouldn't buy one though.. 🤣🤣

I was 52 when I got my first GS, on my third one now, and waiting for whatever the GSA version will become later this year to get my wallet out.

You WILL buy a GS eventually. I held out until I was 58, but my GSXS1000F was just getting too uncomfortable unfortunately

Sounds like a perfect time to pick up an older model

Interesting bike Chop’s for sure , but you’re video skills was outstanding keep up the great work

Remember when BMW did a HP2 megamoto based on air cooled GS 1200? Imagine now an M1300gs with 17” inch wheels and M power paint scheme!

What I struggle with is the power raise do you need this much power for adventure/touring I dont think so plus the police in the UK are around every covert corner doing you for 25 in a 20 MPH zone especially in my what used to be ideal destination Wales wont be going there next riding season they must be loosing a fortune in tourism

modes are now rain road and CHAV

What is the weight of the motorcycle you are riding, I know the base variant weight is 237, but for the other variants there is no weight details mentioned

ACC is just the start of the dumbing down and eventual neutering tech of motorcycles... otherwise, it seems fantastisch, great video, Choppsy!

Been watching a few of these reviews, I just wonder why they outsourced the gearbox to massey ferguson and couldnt work out how to get little lights into the switchgear, and please why doesnt anyone do a review on the basic model as all these electronics seem to be out of favour with the less well off, unless you are a Bmw fanboy of course

chopy can you do vid on difference on zh2 and h2 because i want to buy a h2 but i don't know if it worth it since i have a zh2 and im gonna keep my zh2 like how lighter is h2 what it like to drive on A roads compared to zh2 and so on.

To spec everything its 28k ive actually gone in the other direction to the 1300 this time from a 2018 R1200GS TE Rallye to a 1150gsa. When i bought the 2004 BMW R1150GSA with factory none abs an enduro 1st gearbox. With quite alot of thinking behind it which ill elaborate on a bit. I had 3 gs's previously my last one being the 2018 which i bought 2nd hand with full te spec all that stuffs brilliant till it starts to go wrong and costs the earth. On my 2014 GSA that lunched 2 engines (dealer screw up) a gearbox, fd, esa failiures the display packed in and lots of other problems with it fly by wire issues etc, dad an I had 2x ktm 390s which again were riddled with tech issues luckily we managed to get our money back on the ktms. The one thing you never tend to see mentioned is some of the stuff like the fact BMW burried the alternators in the engine on the 1200 or that the FD is now classed as a consumable at £1750. Bmw will no longer sell you the bearings for the FD so you can rebuild it like they did on the 1150s an back, for 300 quid in parts. Then the fact the manufacturers wont sell service manuals now. My concern with all the adaptive ride height, radars, tft, keyless etc is its all well an good but if you intend to keep the bike past the point of warranty (or miles bmw warranty the parts for IE Suspension in the warranty book 1200 it was about 30k which coincidently is when its usually toast or needing rebuild) you are landed with the expense of these fancy systems when they fail which gives food for thought especially as someone who experienced this on these high tech bikes. When i got my 1150 i experienced multiple part failures through out the bike shortly after purchase due to the previous people that had it an for 3k id repaired it all, new shocks, fd, stick coils, forks, tyres, fuel pump, lines, connectors, and other stuff on a 5k bike. That money wouldnt go far at all on rhe newer gen stuff. Under warranty once the shocks are past theres On a 1200gs the rear shock is £1850 for an esa shock rear £1174 front esa from bm' The difference being with the 1150 i was able to work on it easily and efficiently myself so although it was a worse case scenario it was just parts. Ive also found the 1150 far more engaging to ride an more fun as you can use more of the power on our roads. The 1150 gsa is also a doddle to put on its centre stand without any electronic assist. I wish BMW would produce a 500cc or 800cc boxer that ships with all the tools to work on the bike like they used to with a big comfy seat sensible seat height an ships with the service manual an thats been designed to be worked on like the original G/S was its like they are loosing there way in favour of siphoning money via the services model where systems are designed for the end user to not be able to carry out tasks on the bikes. Im my opinion all the tools, inc plug ins and manuals should be able to be bought as proprietary from your chosen brand. thatd be a real market disruptor with the Himalayan now being full of tech to.

Makes me laugh when you say I'm getting old. It's not old it's wise. At 53 I'm now on a multistrada v4s. I used to laugh at people like me when I was young on my superbike at Bsb or wsb as a spectators the guys with there top boxes and paniers. Now I laugh at the superbike riders walking round the track in the leathers and boots clutching there crash helmet sweating like mad. Whilst I walk round in shorts trainers and t shirt with all my bike gear locked away on my Bike 😁

Bought my first GS at 34 years of age, and had 5 of them before i reached 38. Wish i started sooner. I pity the ones who buy / don't buy bikes based on stigmas / trends and what other people think. Had the Multistrada V4s in 2022 / 2023, and now i'm waiting for the 1300 / 1400 GSA. 😎

What about the lack of tail lamp

Did I see you in Marks and Spencers?

You will never buy A GS Chopsy. Nothing wrong with GSs, they are amazing bikes but if you ever find yourself lured by the dark side, jump on an XR and you’ll change your mind. Or better still, the M1000XR which looks amazing…

The Missenden Chops?

Rst gloves no knox 🤔

Great review! But it looks like you borrowed your gloves from Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Never get the tech and electronics gripe no one ever moans at car developers for it I bet everyone commenting has a new tv new phone etc etc it’s called progress 😂 if you want a basic bike buy a bandit 1200

👍

Come on Chops, get a grip!! 😂

Custom RST gloves! Stylin' 😎

More of a guzzler, right? I mean the energy must come from fuel.

A gravel parking lot is as close to off-road as that will ever go. Over blown road touring bike.

To answer your question: no, there is no such thing as a cool dude on a GS

Is it a motorcycle though?

So glad I stopped chasing the new models and went back to basic motorcycling, much more rewarding.

Sold my R1250GS after two years and gone back to proper motorcycling pleasure without all that distracting tech. and heavy weight. For every day to day use off the motorway and A roads a mid size bike is much more user friendly. Old school classic and retro bikes are much more fun to live with at a fraction of the cost.

While ktm’s bottom of the barrel motorcycles come with illuminated switchgear, unbelievable BMW! That said it’s still an amazing motorcycle. Thanks Chops, always enjoy your videos👏

Still isn't 10k better than my 2019 GSA 1200 TE.

Just can't bring myself to liking this style of bike. Each to their own as they say. .

Don,t get a GS chops, I am 68 and recently bought a S1000RR M sport to go with me GSXR750 Suzuki c,mon chops get a grip!! 🏋‍♂🏋‍♂🏋‍♂

Still not sold, its too ugly, cheap looking despite some nice finishes and small.... its a GS morphed into a sport bike which is what your review has really said. Not what I want personally. I have ridden one too so its not that I just dont like it 😉

Nowt wrong with you John - with age comes wisdom......it happens to us all eventually...

The new R1300GS is not a good cost vs. value proposition. Meaning - way too expensive for the current market. R1250GS and even R1200GS owners would not be getting enough incremental improvement for a huge price outlay.

Just admit reality. You are entering your golden years. Relax, and enjoy it, and thank your lucky stars that such a machine exists. And take no notice of the grumblers. If you want to use it to just to go out for a cofee, down the road, just do it in, smug, pleasure, with the reassurance that if you choose to cross the alps, in comfort, and composure, , and fun, you have the machine to do it.

After a test ride, I decided I didn't like as much as my 2019 GS1250.

At the age of 55 I brought my first GS, at the age of 66 years old I'm now on my third GS, currently owning from new a 2021 GS 1250 ADV TE triple black, I can't wait for the adventure later this year, and will most likely get the cheque book out again. For me only two real disappointments with the new bike is the integration of the taillamp functions onto the indicators, I think that's borderline dangerous, and the lack of illuminated switchgear. But at the age of 55 when you skeleton starts screaming you will buy an adventure bike not saying a GS, but you know you are going to do it, ha-ha. Thank you really enjoyed you being a hooligan...

All that tech will ultimately be its downfall five to ten years down the line. Great bike though and great review 👍

I can't quite understand why BMW made the radar so large. I expect under that big surface is a smaller actual unit as my 2014 VW Golf active radar box is only about 4" square. I'd still love to try one though, especially as it seems to have lost that previous clunky tractor gearbox. Just need that lottery win, until then my faithful Tiger 800 will have to soldier on.

Better power, better engineering, better handling and better ride. It is just that it is so damn Fugly.

Far to expensive for me , and future costs put off ,it’s triumph tiger for me ❤

Don't like the front light makes it look like a religious sort of thing.

Just bought one today, will be delivered Friday, same set up as yours and will ride it like I stole it 😁

The tank side panels marking up is nothing new. I had the same problem with my 1250GS TE Exclusive which endedbup with the panel getting replaced. The solution was to have some PPF fitted at my expense. It solved the problem but you shouldn't have to do that on a new premium bike.

Very pretty and mechanically interesting, but at 65kg's I cant imagine dragging this thing around bush tracks.......

Love your review from an older guy.

Replacement of driveshaft maintenance feature.

Vs Suzuki Gsx-s1000gx??? Which one?

So they’ve made the GS more like the Pan America and KTM1290 when you run the figures the Pan America and Tiger 1200 are far better value and performance is better.

No one is going to buy the £15k model because half the elements which reviewers rave about aren’t on that bike. It’s a bloody expensive motorbike and I’m sorry but they could’ve integrated the adaptive cruise radar better, it looks god awful (see the H2 SX). Also, just think how much this stuff will cost to fix when broken. Remember the rear shocks from previous GSes? Great bike and all that but I’d still rather open the garage to see something that gets my pulses racing and this isn’t it. And if I were in the market I’d buy a V-Strom and pocket nearly £10k 🤷🏻‍♂️

Sorry but been watching this video just after the one on which you shown the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer, and owning a KTM 1290 SAS and comparing the acceleration punch of the 3, the GS is almost like a bicycle 🤣. I almost feel the necessity to drop down the bike and push it to see if that helps!

The combined value of my 2020 street triple RS and my brand new NT1100 is less than the cost of this bike! Lovely machine, but just too expensive

Same marketing as IPhones 😂 you’ve got to own the latest, of course much better than the previous version, which happens to be the most expensive as well. No thanks, I am out of this game, also for money reasons..

Great bike, but the additional technical kit is (IMO) likely to make people a worse rider. I cannot for one minute understand why anyone would want the level of intrusion when riding a motorcycle that maintains distance for you, including applying the brakes. Not for me.

The screen mounts look like antlers from the riding position!

wonder how this bike dosent have the headlights pro? it comes standard on the te version. The akra adds weight compared to the standard exhasut btw. good vid!

I’m 34 and been thinking of buying a GS since 5 years ago 😄 I’ll await the 1300 GSA then empty my wallet.

Lovely looking bike, nice colour too, I would love to have one but so far the only thing I want next after my black SDR is a Triumph Rocket III. I thought your chanell has been a bit quiet recently, I bet you've put 5000 miles on that GS. Keep up the great work

I'd have the Superduke GT over it, but if one dropped in my lap I'd probably keep it - latest model looks exciting as well as capable. Good job BMW!

I'm waiting for the GSA, not riden the standard one yet and I'm a bit worried about the paint rubbing, old Bruce said that too.

Im sure it's a nice bike to ride. But it wont make me part with one the most overlooked bikes on the road my beloved Gen 2 Versys 1000gt. A few tasteful carbon mods, and in candy red and metallic black its also a very handsome bike compared to some. Got a 2019 mt10 too, both bikes for a lot less than the bimmer.

STOP SALE issued on all units in the USA.

Thanks for the review but will you be buying one now that you are getting old like Mr flyer

Is not your age. I'm 40. And if a dealer would swap my multi V4S just at the arrive of the gs I think I signed the paper for.... But... I will wait and see. Isn't the age, is a great bike just always to heavy (but isn't her fault, all this bikes are to fat)

Not for me. Might ride well but it is a munter!

23k….lot of mullar

I tend to like similar bikes to your good self, I like sporty bikes. This gs1300 is the first gs that really appeals to me , it looks better, it's more dynamic...it's more fun. Now you're making me seriously think about one Chopsy 😮 👍🏻

Just make sure you get an insurance quote BEFORE you part with any cash and maybe before you even have a test ride. That quote will make your mind up for you. If you live in London, forget it altogether.

Go ride it in dirt. Then go buy one.

Id love one. Currently working on getting my full licence...might consider one in a few years when the insurance (hopefully) goes down

IMPO far too overpriced. got a quote from BMW for 22k, no thanks ill stick with my S1000XR TE

I am a big GS fan, but was really interested to hear your thoughts knowing you are not completely smitten with the 1250GS. Wow, it really is impressive if it’s winning you over. Best I don’t ride one, or I’m going to have to find the money to upgrade. 😂

The dash looks shite