There may have been a few initial bugs,but the difference between BMW and KTM is that BMW takes action and remedies the problems, whereas KTM ignores them and makes it the owners problem. I'm speaking g from experience as a KTM 890 Adv R owner - rear shock failure, constant cold start issues and the feared cam shaft failure. I absolutely love my 890, but just have zero confidence in it and when there are issues that KTM will step up and cover the issues, so far it's all been my problem to pay to fix.
Pretty obvious when you make a comparison with another brand with reliability issues. With Japs bikes, we don't normally engage in similar discussions. The discussions will always centre around the lack of Japs bikes' characteristics, which for most of us is a BIG OK...
Watching various reviews of the BMW 1300, I get the impression that fewer and fewer people understand the meaning of the model designation "GS" over time. It stands for "Gelände und Strasse," which means "Terrain and road." Although the 1200 and 1250 were very successful motorcycles, they increasingly deviated from the "G" or Gelände (Terrain). I appreciate BMW's decision to put the 1250 on a diet, allowing the GS to return to its roots and be agile enough to tackle the terrain. That was the moment when I said, Yes, this is the GS I would like to have!
Actually GS stands for: Gentleman's Scrambler according to the guy who made the first GS. You can find it by 8:30 hier--> 40 Jahre BMW GS- Die Entstehungsgeschichte einer Ikone
I had a 1250GS and now have 2,700 miles on my 1300GS and I generally agree with your assessment. I tend to set my suspension through the rider modes, so it does not bother me as much. I have a 31” inseam, and I gain a great deal of confidence in parking lots and tight maneuvering situations from the auto lowering suspension. For me that was worth the change. As far as the front light, I don’t remember ever seeing it while riding, I’ll have to go take a look ;-)
I have a 32" inseam and did a test ride with the auto lowering. Absolute game changer. I did a test ride on a 1250 a couple of years ago and did not love being tippy toe while stopped. What do you think of the adaptive cruise control. Video guy didn't like it, but I like all the kinds of riding, including freeway, but the part of freeway driving that stresses me out the most is the car in front of me slamming on the breaks while I'm checking my mirror. Can happen so fast, I like the idea of a computer also keeping an eye on things with me.
I like the adaptive cruise. It helps me be patient when following a slow car on a two lane road. It keeps me from having to look at the speedo all the time, just relax and stay behind them. I also agree that it never takes any time off to look at the navigation screen or mess with the ride settings, just constant vigilance.
@rickdelmonte1682 the front will always get light during hard acceleration, especially when there is a lot of weight on the back of the bike, like with a pillion and saddle bags. but even more so when the weight is high and behind the rear wheel like with the lone rider MotoBox in this case - combined with saddle bags and a pillion, when cornering uphill and twisting the throttle, even the GSA's front wheel gets light in my experience. but of course, adding weight to BOTH the back and the front, like he states, will get you closer to the "stock" balance of the bike.
I’ve watched just about every decently meaningful video on the 1300GS. I’ve seen it in person. I sat on it. I was offered an extended demo ride. I passed. I can’t warm up to the 1300GS. Not on the looks, not on the tech. I hope the 1300 GS Adventure reclaims some of the BMW GS DNA. If not, I’ll stick with the 1250.
Just did an 8 hour day w/ 31/2 hours on the road w/ my wife. The electronic suspension makes this bike an excellent 2-up sport tourer. I barely notice her on the back. Automatic preload and suspension damping are excellent! Rode w/ a Goldwing, FJR1300 and a 1200GS. All excellent bikes, but the 1300GS seems to be the new king-of-the-hill in this segment. I did have problems twice w/ the adaptive cruise control in corners not seeing the black FJR in front of me and wanting to accelerate to the next bike. Not a perfect machine, but still having a blast!
I recently took the the new 1300gs and M1000xr out. First off the 1300gs is at least 25% better in every riding aspect. It's just the looks,,,,, only a mother could love. The M1000XR was just mental lol.
I agree with the weird button layout, but the things about hitting gravel, can't you just set what you want in the off road pro and dynamic pro modes and just switch between them with the mode selection button?
The BMW bikes are not for me anymore due to too many issues owning awhile back 2 K1600 and creating a bad taste in my mouth. But, your video for so many who love them is fantastic. The Klim gear you show is truly a well protective gear for any rider. Good choice. One of the main issue owning a BMW in the USA is the lack of dealers around. Many close and you don't see new one open. Bad disadvantage. Good luck to you and safe ride.
I sort of understand why the ignition switch is moved to the right side. It’s an easier access when you have the bike stalled at a weird angle and you need both hands on the handle bars.
Thanks. I like your perspectives on the new bike. I also like that you're on the Glaubenberg Pass - lovely road and almost totally ignored by most riders. I like to do the Glaubenberg and Glaubenbielen passes and maybe the Acherli for dessert. Everyone else is clogging the "major" passes and I get these roads to myself. And then maybe a boat ride to Gersau and head for the Pragel.
A feature that really bothers me is that when the foot brake is applied, the front wheel brake is also activated. Especially in tight corners or when turning on a road, I find it very comfortable to only use the rear brake!
After several hundred miles, I can honestly say, the 1300GS is so much better than the 1250. It handles noticeably better, the engine and transmission are noticeably more refined, the rider aids are nice, and even though I do not apply looks to a purchase decision for an adventure bike, the 1300 looks much better than the old 1250. I am seeing a lot of 1200/1250's on BMW dealer lots.
I liked the S1000XR, but eventually came to be frustrated with the high revs on long trips !! Remind me Ben, how many revs is that thing doing at a 145kph “cruise “ ? 😂😂😂
That was a very professional review. I need another and longer test ride to better deicide having had the 1200GSA and 1250GSA bikes. Thanks for doing this video.
very good video, nice filming and very good sound quality - was pleasant to watch it; you pay attention to the details. i liked it very much. thank you for your contribution 👏
You can tell by my profile name that I'm a huge fan of BMW, but you got it right about the user interface since I think BMW wanted to make a "smaller version" of the iDrive in their cars.
I don't mind the removal of the DRL and Aux lights buttons. I think I can count on one hand the times I've actually pressed those buttons. However I agree that the new menu system is a step backward.
Yeah, but I just hate driving cars, not even owning one despite having driving license. Parking is so awful and there is no fun driving it, you also cant filter lanes and are so slow (except electric, which are disguisting anyway).
Thanks for the review. Gives me a few things to pay attention once mine arrives in July and I am happy for you, that you still emjoy it. I personally prefer the looks of the 1300 over the 1200 and 1250 from every point. Especially the front. The moment I saw it the first time in the first video released by BMW, I was sold on that front. I test rode the 1250 one day and the 1300 the next. The 1300 is for me the much better bike. It felt more stable when you ride it in a straight line, but once you start to ride dynamically, it also feels more nimble. I still don´t understand how that is possible, but it is. Suspension in my point of view is also miles better. Transmission and QS are better as well. And I really like the ACC (without collision warner). I rode the 1250, a Norden Expedition and the 1300 on the exact same 300km tour. I used the cruise control on the other bikes once for maybe 2 minutes on a bigger road, not a freeway or anything like that and stopped using it. With the 1300 on the same road I switched it on and left it there for the whole 15 minutes of my test part on that road. I am so used to it from the car, that the normal cruise control feels unusable. I never use the cruise control in cities or ristricted speed areas, so there it probably doesn´t matter. The menu wasn´t that bad for me. But these two 300km rides were the first time I have ever used the BMW system. The aux lights are not carried out well, I agree, the rest wasn´t really a problem for me. I never change the distance for the ACC, set it once and keep it there, heating I don´t change often, windshield might be the most used one and TC i don´t know yet, since I haven´t ridden it on gravel yet. The suspension I just changed by using different modes anyway, but I have to figure that out once the bike is here.
feeling exactly the same! further more, you forgot to mention the terrible sound compared to the 1250! went to Italy for 10 days to drive gravel roads and wanted to switch off and on the auxiliary lights for safety. almost crashed a few times due to the fact it’s almost impossible to do it on the run! apart from that, it is truly a very well handling bike. I also bought a second pair of forged rims so I do not have to switch tires all the time as I also like to drive through Mountain passes on my beloved Conti Roadattack 4. these rims are fantastic. The handling is exceptional very quick turning bike! I love it anyway!
In the chapter "Areas that disappoint", you say "For whatever reason, they decided to get rid of the ignition button in the front and move it over to the right hand side of the handlebar". The reason is that the new telelever has two fork upper clamps that move indipendently from each other, and this makes impossible to put the standard ignition lock or the equivalent button in them.
I rode the 1300 during an offroad training in Hechlingen (BMW offroad park). The year before I rode the 1250. I liked the 1300 better. Better looks, better riding. Others may prefer the 1250. What freaks me out is all those electronic assistance. 90% is unseless! Heated seat! Never missed that and I drive all year in Switzerland. I like the simplicity of the R80 GS (1991) that I still ride. PS: Hechlingen is great for anyone who wants really to learn how to ride off road. (Have English speaking instructors too)
i agree with every comment. i went from a 1250 to 1300. the other issue for me is the cancelling of the cruise control is very brutal and unbalances the bike. it takes some getting used to.
Me, having a 1250GSA, will wait for the 1300GSA to come out before I even look at the whole 1300GS concept. For me, it'd be a mistake to downgrade form any GSA to a GS. I love the size of it more than anything, and these 1300GS look so flimsy in comparison. TBH if my options 1300GS or Multistrada v4s, I'll go for the Multistrada; still a german bike, in a way, innit?
Great review! I also snagged my R1300GS back in November. Totally with you on all your points, but I gotta say, I love the feisty spirit of the R1300GS 😉(but yeah the front is always up). It’s my go-to ride for commuting, traveling, or just having fun, and it's amazing. However, I'm not a fan of the combined braking. GS riders are seasoned and we want to choose how to use our brakes ourselves. That, along with the fog light activation, really bugs me. I've also owned the R1250GS, and I definitely prefer the 1300 for its enhanced agility, livability, and overall performance. Plus, it saves about 8 to 11% on fuel compared to the 1250. What's not to love about that?
I agree with your review , but for me the unique "problem" is the engine noise around 4000 rpm . It drives me crazy and forces me to drive beyond 4000 rpm 😈
I have a 2019 R1250GS HP that is paid off, I've added extras, crash bars and (not to play favorites) several Lone Rider accessories. I just can't see that switching to a R1300GS and starting all over is so great it's worth starting all over with payments. Even if I traded my 1250GS in for a 1300GS and paid the difference I would still have to spend thousands and wait for accessories to be made to get it where I want it.
When they hire a new design team with common sense and get a better look for the GS, I'm going to try it... The disappointment I have about the GS1300 since its launch is such that it doesn't matter what they say about its performance or handling. I don't even plan to waste time trying it. And I don't have any hope for the Adventure version to improve anything either. The saying goes “don't repair it unless it's broken” and this brand destroyed the motorcycle that saved them from bankruptcy. At least they would have already integrated Apple Car Play/Android Auto but no...they are delirious.
Good insight, to many things inside the controller that contribute to distracted driving. I can see it now trying to find the heated grips for example as you look at the TFT screen, and the radar slams on the brakes as your too close to another object bike or car. Not good. I too would want buttons on the handlebars for the most important simple adjustments.
@lone rider wie kannst du mit den Stiefel die GS Schalten? Ich hab die tech 7 und komme gar nicht klar. Die toebox ist so hoch und die Stiefel zu steif.
I’ve made the same swap you did (1250adv to 1300) and I totally agree with you!!! Love the power, the handling, the smaller size, the flat sit and the general fit; I personally think that dynamically a huge improvement has been made. I like the new look but I still love the old one. I prefer the new muffler for the shape, the quieter sound and most of all because thanks to the lower position doesn’t irradiates huge heat like the old one and leaves room for the pannier/luggage. Heat wise the skinnier front fender and fuel tank don’t protect legs from radiators dissipation has my old ADV…will be an hot summer! I HATE BMW to have removed all those direct input buttons and generally no to be in control anymore of personal setting on the fly since the dumb electronic interface filters your input and your choices and, for your own safety they decided to force you to go through menu pages to select options to be red while u r driving! To be noted that for the same safety reason while u r moving some other menu pages are frozen and not accessible…..ludicrous foolishness!!! To the list of annoying solutions you made allow me to add: -The way to CANCEL the cruise control smoothly by clicking rapidly and slightly the clutch lever is gone; now you have to pull more the clutch lever in a unnatural way and most of all, you must keep it pulled for few moments otherwise the cruise control just suspends temporarily and then kicks back in…..Crazy inexplicable and really dangerous choice!!!……f**k, I really hate that!!! -The front headlight doesn’t work as good as the old one. With the high beam on, the new lens produces a blue/dark hedge that cuts in 2 parts the light beam in front of you just in the aiming point. The adjusting knob to rise or lower the beam so handy on the previous model is gone…now you need a screwdriver. -The rear luggage rack that comes with the comfort passenger pack IS COMPLETELY MADE OF PLASTIC! if you think to install on it an aftermarket top case forget it, everything will bend ant twist like lellybean….in 40 years of riding never seen something like that! The solution? Add 600€ to your budget and by the rear luggage rack made for OEM top case; it looks similar in shape but is made of aluminum alloy…and some plastic otherwise go for an aftermarket rack but forget the OEM panniers rails
To me the big question, not just with the 1300GS, how will it stand up against time? For money and a number of other reasons I ride and drive old stuff. On my 21 year old 1150GS everything works still fine, bar the ABS - that was removed (luckily) by the previous owner. However on my 23 year old 1150RT even the ABS and power assisted brakes still work, as does everything else. That's also the case with my '96 VFR and '98 M-B C180... The secret: no electronics to speak off. I am convinced this old stuff is far more durable than all new bikes and cars.
I rode the new 1300 for few days in Europe few weeks ago. It’s a great bike, handles amazingly, and is very fast. However, as this review states, the multi-function button sucks and it’s very, very scary when the front crash assistance goes on automatically in corners because it thinks you are going to hit the guardrails or something. When you are riding spiritedly, and this turns on when you don’t expect it, it’s not a great feeling. All of our tour group who were on the bike turned that off immediately once we figured out what was causing the braking. We thought it was some issue with the bike. Having said that, it’s an amazing bike and it’s an all around great bike. Basically, they made the new BMW a little bit more of the XR experience. Fast & Handling great. Didn’t take it off road so I can’t opine.
I think this 1300gs is the first version of both shapes and engines, so everything is experimental by riders. The next version will have better control over everything.
Excellent review. Got my 1300 GS last spring and could not agree more with the criticism on the complexities in the interphase. Makes me wonder whether the designers drive this bikes at all…
Great video as per the usual ;-) Myself coming from a 1200 and 1250 and now owning a 1300 TB, can absolutely relate to all your comments about it. Overall do I prefere the aesthetics and sound from the 1250: Absolutely! Would I trade the 1300 back to the 1250: Not at all ! Thanks for the great videos!
I own a 1300, too, and like most things about it. However, three things I absolutely hate are the combo switch for grip heating/wind shield and the combined/linked brake, and the engine sound. I sometimes really regret to have traded in my 1250.
While I am still enjoying my trusty old '01 1150 GS, I very much appreciate your thorough and candid review of this "new & improved" (??) GS. For financial reasons alone, I will not be entertaining thoughts of purchasing a $25 - to $30K bike . . . just too damn much.
Another great video. Can you make some not so good ones please so the rest of ours don't look so crap? I'll try one at some point, but I'll be surprised if I let my 1250 GSA go. The menu sounds like a real nightmare. That's what put me off the Triumph Tiger 1200 XCA.
Why does the new GS1300 look like a Honda NC 750 form the side, If i am going to spend that much money, i dont want something that looks like a cheaper Duel Purpose? Just my 2c
Kanon recension och informativt. Det där med TFT skärmen och knapparna var gött att få veta 🙌 Intressant och se om det ändras inför kommande Adventure modellen till hösten , men troligen inte 🤷♂️
There is a reason the 1250 GSA is out selling the new 1300 this year….people still want the 1250 version….they took the GS out of the GS…turning it more into a road bike…thanks for review!!!
I don´t know which country you are talking about, but in Germany the GSA is not even remotely close to the 1300. The 1250 has 800 new bikes from January until March 2024, the 1300 2600 (I can´t find more recent numbers). That is the same that the 1250 had in the same timeframe last year, but standard and GSA combined XD
The headlight is the weakest point of this bike design wise. Parting from the original so recognizable headlight design was in my opinion a huge mistake.
I think I agree with your opinion on the user interface. But that is perhaps the price we pay with all modern vehicles. I see many modern vehicles without analogue controls, even on cars. It’s a sign of the times.
The only thing I miss from my 1250 is the comfort seat which is a huge disappointment for me on my 1300. I had problems with the heated grips not working at all and the front radar cruise control which for whatever reason it keeps detecting vehicles on front of me and initiate the brakes where there is no car at all 🤷🏻♂️ I know these maybe software issues but the big thing is the front suspension hydraulic pump which is not working. When the dealer placed an order for that they replied back to get the part from another new unboxed bike and install it for me because of the delivery time which will take forever. Now the bike is in the workshop for a month 😢 not to mention that the vario top case is leaking water 🤦🏻♂️ But on the other hand, the bike is a superb machine ❤
I think you should try the ACC on the Tracer 9 GT+. it does not take control away from you. If you are accelerating it will allow you to keep on doing what you're doing. I got mine because of the radar stuff, is great on long boring highway stints.
I wonder if the new bike line would assist with causing my feet to go numb while riding. I have one of the first 1250GSAs and I love the bike, but it might be nice to have a lighter bike. However, my pocketbook at present can not justify it nor could my health should the new bike result in body pain and loss of feeling as did my current. I think I will wait until they iron out all the user challenges and bugs before pulling the trigger.
Most bugs have been ironed out by now. Im my experience, BMW has always taken care of me when it comes to issues with my old 1200 GSA when I had it. I have an 2023 890 ADV R and I'm moving back to the 1300 GS due to one thing. BMW takes care of its riders and their bikes. They dont make excuses. The pocket book makes total sense. They do have easy ride financing though. So, if you have a decent down payment, you can get that monthly payment down quite a bit. I'd encourage you to sit on and possibly test ride a 1300 GS. It's lighter than an Adventure model and handles better. At least you can have adaptive ride height too
I think that I will be sticking with my 1200 GSA and my 12:50 GSA I have two of them one setup is a long-distance Touring bike the other set up as a dirt bike.
Here's what happened. Likely the GS1250 was a cash cow for BMW Motorrad. Therefore more people wanted in on the honey. As a result, the company got bloated with a lot of people it didn't need giving input and advice from different angles, which results in the odd issues you mentioned. When a brand is focused, it has a few key people in the right area and those are the ones that call the shot, not a panel of 100.
The only thing I don't like about it and especially since I changed the tires to Conti Trail Attack 3, is how wobbly the front wheel gets at highway speeds(past 150km/h) has any other owner experieced this and know of a way to mitigate this? Either by changing suspension settings or something else? I might had the 1250GS also had the same problem with these tires and I know what you are thinking, why have you changed the tires again? Because they're super good on the back roads..
Having seen the launch of the new GSA this is a far better looking bike, I’d go for the standard after having owned three GSs including a 1250GS. Being primarily road based and not getting any younger I moved to a Ducati Multistrada V2S (950) and I’ve never regretted the decision, moving to the V4S next time. Totally agree with you re the new interface, far too complicated.
Lone Rider, a great summary of pros and cons, I agree in most of your findings🙂 Difficult to be honest yourself, but easy to hear it from a real biker as you** the menu could be easier, okay due to all the functions a compromise, but could be better... design matches, it's new, it's different, it's not a 1250, but an own character, okay. I love the sporty experience and sitting king like on this amazing bike, power and torque in every situation > show me another bike on this level*** I'm awaiting next thousands of kilometers, coming to be used, and how about electronic and other helpful gimmicks, hopefully still working, mid in the mountains or no mobile service;-) Actually I love it, developing my love...haha...but it's a boxer, I trust and we make together life a ride****
I have yet to ride a bike that gives me more smiles per mile then my 2019 S1000XR, for me the perfect balance between rider aids and rider fun/control. I bought the last showroom model in mai 2020 with a HUGE discount and put almost 100 000 kms on it since. Al the stuf i need is behind a drirect button and i did not pay for stuff i don't need. The GS and it's quickshifter still feel like an agricultural vehicle compared to the XR, with it's comparable seeting position for my 1m90 and 120kg 57 yo body.
