Thanks for sharing. Great review. Very encouraging review. In Aug. 2023, i acquired my first ever BMW GS1200. Yes it's heavy (so is a Gold Wing or a Harley Davidson Street Glide). I am small person at 150lbs. and at first sight it was an intimidating machine which gave me an impression i was about to hop on a Battle Tank! But after hours and hours riding the bike the weight was something i just had to live with and learned not to focus on too much. To me, it's not just a great bike but a wonderful bike.
I'm a big guy at 6'5" and this bike was recommended more than once . I think I'm gonna have to check it out a little more after this video. Very thorough review. Thanks for posting.
If I want to ride interstate highways from Illinois to Colorado, and then do some mountain off-road, it seems this bike would do well with that type of use. It's not the best street bike, and not the best dirt bike, but to do both with the ability it does seems to make it a very worthy consideration. I don't think the "perfect" bike exists. This one's close enough. Great review!
I have the same 2016 BMW GSA. I just booked in for the 30,000 miles service. Don't worry about the minor engine vibration, the engine gets smoother after 24,000 miles.
I have the same bike. I do enjoy it. I recently added a BMW K1600GTL to my bike stable. I like the GTL for highway cruising and bringing my wife along. I've also taken the GSA on long trips, but it has a few comfort issues I had to adjust, a backrest, bar riser to relocate them back a bit, the hand guard shields enlarged for cold weather riding. Overall, a great bike. The price is too high for what it is. Take a look at a 3 or 4 year old unit and see how much the price has dropped. Amazing.
Great review, I have a 2017 GSA Triple Black and I love it I have just hit 20,000km and agree with all your comments. I am about to commence a 10,000km trip here in Australia and I am sure the bike will handle it well. Thanks again.
That tiny compartment on the tank is actually for your key FOB to keep in (it's in the manual). Also the GPS is just a glorified Garmin with a BMW badge.
I have now owned my GS for close to five years and still love it. I like the GS even more after all this time but I dislike the GPS even more. For what the BMW GPS costs, it should do more. My Garmin bicycle computer/GPS connects better to my phone than the super expensive BMW Garmin GPS.
Excellent review bud! I'm glad you've been able to put 10K miles on it already! (I know, that's nothing for a GS) but with limited time, work, family, etc, that very good in my opinion.
Yes, I usually ride more miles in a year. I also purchased a new Jeep that I commuted in for five months until the newness wore off. I am planning a trip to Utah and Arizona next May which should be fun.
Honest review. No lane splitting in Oregon ugh?! Yeah these will flatten bumps and ruts on truck trails and fire roads etc. I’m on an ‘05 with Öhlins so I’ve got about 50 less lbs to wrestle.
I found your review to be extremely relevant. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I have a similar riding background and I'm debating a GSA also. Texas hill country is great riding but I would like to be able to ride off road more often. Reliability is my primary concern with a GSA purchase. Safe travels!
Good luck with your search. Keep in mind that the GS is great for dirt roads but a bit heavy for anything just a little bit technical. I do like being able to pull off the highway and head down a dirt road.
I recently bought a 2017 GSA used ilo an RT. I was looking for an RT but this bike came along in pristine condition. I bought it to ride on road pretty much. I think it's an awesome road bike that looks cooler than an RT but I have other smaller bikes to go off road. Great video.
Thank you. Yes, my bike spends all its time on the road now. I had run riding it offroad for the first few years but at this point it is just a road bike I can take off from time to time. I still love it after seven years of use.
I'm sure you will love it. I have 16k miles on mine without any issues and I still really enjoy the bike. I rode it to work this morning in the rain :-)
I really love this video. Thank you so much for making it. I'm getting one soon, and it's videos like this that give you that insight into what it would be like owning one. Thank you!
One thing you failed to mention is how well it handles the twisties. My 17 GSA is an amazing bike when the road starts to twist. I can ride it as aggressively as my Street Triple, and with a lot more comfort. An incredibly engineered piece of machinery, and yes, it is bloody expensive lol.
I agree 100%. Year ago I road raced at the amateur level for a number of years. I'm pretty sure I would keep up with a GSX-R1000 on my GS on twisty roads. A GSXR would be quicker on the track but I think a GS could keep on on the street.
Good review. I agree with all of the video. Additionally, the screen is too short if you are over 6' tall. The engine could use another 15 HP. At least 30 lbs could be shaved with an aluminum frame and conventional forks (which would also make servicing the front end easier.) The ESA needs more adjustment parameters. The stock handguards are a flimsy joke. Overall, it's a great bike that needs a few updates.
Thank you Mark, for your honest and clear review! I'm trying to make a decision on whether to buy the R or something lighter and your review was really helpful in that sense.
Over two years in and I still love my GSA. I have a Harley Fatboy custom as well (1991) nut my GSA is the go to bike for serious riding. Great vid and some good points (By the way my 2016 GSA is also the same colour!!!).
I think that is the coolest color for that year. I have an old Harley Shovelhead that years ago was my touring bike. I rode it across the US back in the early 90s. Now it sits in my garage and collects dust most of the time. I should ride it more.
Congratulations! the video and the analysis. I bought my gsa 2018 full equipment 15 days ago, before I had a very nice gs triple black 2016, now I'm in love with the gsa, i did not find at the moment defects because I like big and comfortable bikes to travel, therefore they will be heavy surely.
Thanks, I have a buddy with a 2018 and they are improved over the 2016. I'm sure you have noticed that by now. I think the electronic suspension adjustment is much better on the 2018. I'm sure you are going to enjoy it.
With respect to improvements I have only noticed that the quick shift is smoother and as a bonus the automatic suspension adjustment and the hill assistant are very useful
Great review, I have a 2016 GSA, just hit 6K miles. Did I hear you say you can opt to show your speed on the dash? I know how to display it on the Nav screen but on the dash? I don't know how BMW does it but opposing cylinder engines have torque that twists the bike to your side. It occurs when we start the engine but is gone after it's running. I don't know how they do it but it certainly works. Thus, we get that shudder on start up which is cool. One other thing I don't like, the width of the bike. When we put our feet down, especially off road, our legs are splayed outward like outriggers so we are inclined to have our feet slip outward and tip over. Riding a GSA is like straddling a horse. The further your legs are splayed outward the less leverage we have. Something new GSA riders learn quickly like I have, tip over....
I was talking about displaying the speed on the Nav. I will sometimes show it on the dash instead of tire pressure. I agree it is a wide bike and being tall does not help. The longer I have the bike the more I like it.
Nice video. Sounds like you are riding a sewing machine on those trails. That motor is smooth! My older GS doesn't see much worse than gravel roads, but even that opens up a lot more interesting stuff around Oregon.
Well done interesting video. I have wanted a gs for many years but the PRICE has said no. I too have had many bikes since I was 16 (50 now) but I have never bought anything new... Most everything was like new with usually under 1500 miles. Anyway I am looking at a 2017 adventure model with many extras and it has 15k miles... The price is very good as the owner needs to unload it due to the covid-19 killing his business. I've had 2 VStrom Suzuki's and love them. I plan to use this bike for two of my Canada jobs.. I'll ride from Texas to Vancouver then across to Calgary and back home.... I guess I'm asking your thoughts...
I think a 2017 is a great value for a GS. The 2018 has the updated dash that is easier to read but I think it looks odd on a GS. I also like the dynamic suspension changes they made in 2018 but I would not pay extra for them. (I have a buddy with a 2018 GS Rally.) The 2017 has the smoother shifting suspension making it the best year as far as value goes for the 2013-2018 models. I'm working on an update to my review video. In it I will be talking about how I think the GS is a great touring bike and a great commuter. It is a bit heady for off-road use but can do it. I have grown to really enjoy the feel of the bike. After four years of riding my GS, I still feel spoiled when I ride it.
I noticed a lot of complaints in regards to the weight of this machine where it was originally built and designed to perform at its best, off road. Did you ever take advantage of any of the BMW sponsored off road training courses or anything like them you see here all over RU-vid? It might help get over the weight issue. I rode one over the weekend and it was a feather in comparison to my super Tenere which I also feel is light and very capable off road. My biggest compliment to the GS I felt was the front end suspension. I’ve owned over 30 bikes and none of them feel as smooth as the telelever front end. So impressive
Nice vid. I agree with all your descriptions of your GS except comfort compared to a Goldwing. I have a 2017 Goldwing and have had 4 other Goldwing's before this one and I can say with certainty that my 2019 R1250GS is not as comfortable as my 2017 Goldwing. Keep enjoying your ride!
I'm not sure. I thought about this as I was making the video. My favorite bikes were that old SL350, the Goldwing, the KLR and probably the Harley on top. Time till tell if the GS beats out any of those bikes.
The GS is overpriced, overweight, and is , at best left to dirt roads and tarmac. I sold my 15’ GS ADVENTURE and bought a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. It’s lighter, has 160 hp, 103 ft pds of torque, a bulletproof engine, and long service intervals. It’s comfortable, has better suspension than the GS, and comes standard with a TFT screen, 4 different ride modes, traction control, cornering ABS, and cruise control. It’s a hell of a bike for 18 grand.
I think if I did more off-road, I would get the KTM. I do think it is a better bike. I think the GS is a little better on long road trips though. My daughter lives 830 miles away and I like to do that ride in one day. I have found the GS is better on long trips than even a GoldWing.
You should do a long term review. I'd love to know about it. I talked to a few mechanics before selecting the BMW and they said KTM's are maxed out performance wise but lack the robust design to last as long. They said they have many small problems that are simple to correct but shouldn't have to.
I get what your saying BUT the KTM is chain drive. The biggest reason I went for the BMW is that it doesn't require the hassle of chain maintenance when out on tour.
My bike currently has something over 20k. I've had all the recommended service done by the shop. They have done two valve checks with no adjustment. They have changed the brake fluid and updated the bike's internal computer. They also installed a bushing at the top of the forks as part of a factory recall. I can't think of much else worth noting. Maybe I'm lucky but I have not had any issues and it still feels like new. They are great bikes.
Thank you for the great review. I would be curious on your comparison with the BMW RT and Ducati Multistrada Enduro. I'm torn between the three as I loved the ride on all 3
Hi Mark..Great video! I am on a standard 2016 GS and love it as well. However, I did see the EAA wings decal on your saddle bag. May I ask what you fly? I am in a 150 and a J-3 right now.
That is too cool. I currently have an old Mooney M20B. Before that I had a Cessna 170A. I have always wanted to fly a J-3. I really miss the tailwheel.
@@markgunnison Oh man..wish I knew about the 170. I need a bigger airplane from the 150. haha But yeah, tailwheel flying is something else. Especially in a Cub. Low and slow with the door open! Only way to go! haha
Nice review! I've got a '15 Yamaha Super Tenere ES that I'm thinking of trading in for a '14 or '15 GS Adventure. How reliable has your bike been? I think the GS will hands down beat out the Yamaha in every category except reliability. That's my only concern but it's probably not a big deal due to how much BMW has improved their bikes.
I have 16k miles on my bike and have not had any issues. So far I'm really happy with the quality of the bike. My only maintenance related issue is that I can't reset the oil change warning by myself without some expensive equipment.
Nice review. I am seriously looking at going to a GS this spring however I have never had the opportunity to actually ride one. I often see reviews that comment on the weight of the bike. Now the GS weighs in at give or take 550 lbs. and I currently ride an HD Ultra Limited at 900 lbs. so the GS seems like it would be a light bike to me. Have you calculated your mpg on the GSA? I bounce back and forth between the GS and the GSA and the fuel tank size is the main issue because I like both versions. I previously owned a Suzuki Boulevard (14 liter tank), good bike but it seemed like I was always at a gas station so it sort of turned me off bikes with smaller fuel capacity. Ride safe.
I also have an old Harley Shovelhead. I don't think the weight will bother you unless you need to pick up the bike. My Goldwing and Harley are both not that hard to pick up when compared to the GS due to the height of the GS. My average mileage on my GS is 38mpg this is mainly around town. If I were to ride around at 50mph I get closer to 50mpg. At 60mph I get over 45mpg but at 70mpg it drops to the high thirties. I also debated between the two bikes but an really glad I got the adventure.
Nice review! I’m looking at the new 1250 GSA but live far enough from a dealer that I haven’t had an opportunity to ride one yet. If you mentioned it I didn’t catch it but do you have the standard or lowered suspension and are you satisfied with that choice? Another Moonrod rider here also. Thanks!
I have the standard height bike. They had both at the dealer when I got mine and I didn't like the lowered bike. I'm 5'11" and the GS is not at all tall for me. I worried about bottoming out the lower bike when offroad. I had a KLR before the GS and would bottom it out all the time. I usually ride on the street with the suspension ride height set on the lowest setting and adjust it to the higher two-up setting when offroad.
Fair well rounded review, thanks for sharing. Since you already owned a Goldwing, and still have a dirt bike, would it not make more sense to buy a K1600 or the new Goldwing? I own a similar bike to your GS, but find it too big for single tracks, and while not bad on the highway, my wife would prefer a bit more comfort. I think I'll be trading mine soon for a touring and a smaller more nimble bike for the single track. By the way, how tall and wt are you? I am 5 11, 170 so that may be part of the problem.
I'm 5'11" and 204lbs. Before the GS, I had an FJR1300 which is a great bike. I found the GL and FJR were too refined. They provided too much wind protection and were so smooth I didn't really feel like I was on a motorcycle on long trips. I wanted something that was comfortable but provided more of a motorcycle experience. I still look at K1600s on Craigs List and think of getting one though. There is a good chance that will be my next bike but I'm really enjoying the GS for now. I just returned from a 3,000 mile trip on my GS and could not be happier with the bike.
Can I ask you, are you riding solo? The reason I ask, and may have eluded to earlier, that I want my wife to accompany me on some of our longer rides, and feel the cruiser/touring type bikes might be a better fit for two up. In regards to the FJR, I feel Yamaha got carried away with the tech and subsequently price. I did look at one, but here in Canada, they were asking over $20G!!!
My wife likes to ride on the back but she limits her riding to six hours per day. My long distance trips are to visit relatives that are 800+ miles away. So, my rides with my wife are usually local or within 300 miles of home. I would not choose the GS for long two up riding. The passenger wind protection and seat are not great for the passenger. Not bad but not great.
it's now 2022 and do you have your GS still or did you upgrade to newer or px away? i have a 2015 R1200 GSA i've now had it for two years and bought it the uk from Canada because i love it self soooooo much.
Yes, I still have it. I hope to keep it for at least ten years. It still makes me smile every time I ride it. I started commuting to work on a bicycle a few years ago so I'm not putting as many miles on my GS as I used to. They are great bikes :-)
I actually liked my GoldWing as a commuter. It is heavy but it is a good commuter due to the rain protection and luggage. My main complaint with the GW is that it is too much like driving a minivan. The GW is almost too perfect. I enjoy the GS more because it is not quite as refined. It feels more like you are riding a motorcycle. I do miss the GW though - they are great bikes.
I agree with everything, my biggest gripe is the GPS, it's total junk, I've got the Nav VI though and my phone is quicker at finding routes, you'd think that a $1000 piece of GPS would at least be quick at that.
For me the most disappointing thing is the sound of the motor. At idle they sound terrible even from new. The 1250 is worse. I've 'been-there-done-that' as far as BMW is concerned. Happier with my Harley and Triumph.
It would depend a lot on how fast you were riding. I usually get gas every 200 miles while on a trip with 100 miles showing on the bike's range. That is driving 70+mph. If I were someplace with lower speed limits, I could probably go 350 miles or so. At 75+mph I get around 32-35mpg. At 55-60mph I can get close to 50mpg if I try but I usually get closer to 40mpg.
Mark Gunnison , my experience with the GS, is that it is an excellent running bike for about 3 years, then the warranty is out and the bike begins to break down and at that point, it becomes very expensive to own a GS ..
I have a buddy with a GS Ralley. Aside from the gas tank, the differences are small. Things like my GS has a flip up deal on the rear break lever to raise the rear break when standing. His Ralley does not have this. Basically the Adventure has more protection that comes standard. Aside from the tank, I think all of the other differences could be added to a standard GS. It would make an interesting video though.
I love my GSA but why does a 23k bike not have a helment lock? Yes, I can do a aftermarket but then I have one more key. I looked into using BMW lock sets to diy a helmet lock but all said and done about $300 bucks, WTF BMW.
I have been doing my own oil changes but also a yearly service at the dealer for warranty and things I didn't want to deal with. The service bill has always been over $500 but under $1,000. I have also had tires changed, breaks and other items worked on during the annual service which is included in that cost. It is not cheap but not as much as I thought it would be. This is the first bike I have ever taken to a shop.
I've put 12,000 miles on my Tiger 800 XCa, 50/50...BUT this video made me want run right out and get a bigger, heavier, fatter, more expensive bike that will make me look cooler at Starbucks. I'm SOLD!
I'll keep my 800XCa Tiger. Heated seat and grips, cruise and traction control, ABS, WP suspension...for thousands less money. If I were to ever rich and cool enough to own a GS, it would be the 800...oops 850 now.
Jack Dial I have in the past. I do not have my IFR rating so I cannot fly though clouds making it hard to plan. If I ever get my IFR rating I would fly more. I also enjoy the BMW
@@markgunnison YOu're a pilot too? Nice. I fly VFR myself and my grandpa had a Mooney! My dad flies a twin 310 and a Cardinal. If yo'ure ever down in San Diego, hit me up..I'll take you up for a tandem paragliding flight at Torrey Pines Gliderport.
Yes, but most of my riding is on the street. They did work better than expected. After those I tried TKC70s which I didn't care for. Currently I have Anakee Adventures which I like.
My ride to my daughter's is from west of Portland to south of Salt Lake with posted speeds of 70-80mph. Although something like a KLR would do it, it would not be much fun. At least that is how I justified spending all that money. :-)
