Thankyou for actually showing us this brand new bike and not just riding off and just talking about something we never actually see like so many other vloggers. Great vid, thanks. 👍
All you other 1300 GS you tube reviewers out there who attended the launch in Spain.... pay attention. This is how you do a review. An opinion from someone who knows what they are talking about. Try it sometime. Thanks Chris.
I hope you guys understand how much joy you give people around the world with your talent. All of our shitty, boring lives are improved by your pommy humour (and boothy) and real-talk opinions. ❤
BMW: Builds a comfy and utilitarian adv bike and outsells everyone for 43 years Ducati and KTM: Let's make sporty adv bikes with more hp and lackluster sales BMW: Let's copy those guys
I dont know where you guys live, but im in Southern California and have had GSs since 2015, always wave and most others wave back on any bikes. Only scooter riders dont and i think thats because they're not expecting it or are afraid to let a hand off the bars. Lol
Great no bollocks first ride! No getting bogged down in stats just the things you can actually feel. I don't typically care for the GS or much for modern "adventure" bike generally, they're usually a weird halfway house between a tourer and properly capable off road bike to me. This is the most interesting GS in a long time, it looks good, it's much more road focused where almost all of them are used and less bulky. Corduroy trousers now optional.
The DNA of the GS has always been a magic carpet of a ride, a tourer that defies physics and just seemed to handle impeccably. Im on my 4th GSA currently, a 1250 .. and its pretty much perfection, just the right level of performance with the classic GSA waftability! Hoping the Adventure is going to be something slightly different again ( heard rumours that it might be a 1400 🤔 ) so maybe theyve got something to surprise us with, in the near future for me though .. ill be sticking with what ive got
Thanks for a practical initial review Chris. From what I’ve seen the bike actually looks lighter and more streamlined. Looks like it’s been on keto and got to the gym which I like as they have seemed to be getting bigger and bulkier for previous models 👍
2016 you went on your alps trip. You, YOU, got me addicted to the GS adv. Late 2017 i got a 2018 GS triple black. Now 2023, You dirty bastard tempting me, appealing to my deepest desires, with that sultry voice. I want one sooo bad. Good work Chris, really you do great work. Keep it up and keep doing what you love. We all enjoy your work and journey. Cheers.
I initially read this as "I've had a shit today, watching this made it a lot better". Which completely matches my situation... However, that's not what you said. Thanks guys!
Given you only dropped this off at Vines yesterday morning (I was there!), well done for getting this video out so quickly - and for the ace quality! Thanks
My first GS was a '15 R1200GSA. Amazing bike. I armored it up and used it as a true ADV bike with groups twice a month for two years. Hundreds of miles each day. It was an absolute blast and a near bulletproof tank. I couldn't be more impressed on and off road. You can beat the heck out of it off road and then ride a 100+ miles home in Cadillac comfort and still flick it around to keep it fun and keep me awake. I've had a '21 R1250GS now for two years. Just a beautiful machine. Relating to this new '24 GS, I am disappointed to hear it is so stiff. That would be a deal breaker for me. It may bounce a tad in its cushy suspension, but my '21 suspension is awesome all around. Its very comfortable on the highway n streets and it kicks ass in the twisties. Its very stable despite how hard i push it. It's just incredibly versatile and never disappoints. The new stiffer GS will mean more fatigue and less fun comfortable miles. They will lose sales on this for sure. If they think they're going to pull in a bunch of younger riders because it's stiff and super Torquey, unfortunately that's not really enough for the younger riders because they want things that look like sport bikes. Its definitely sportier looking, but i would assume the GS's sales success is built on mature riders who can afford them. I like the looks, the spunky torque and the power screen(even though i rarely put mine down), but i will stick with pre-24 models until the suspension is worked out. Ive only got 12k miles on mine so im good for quite a while.
I hear you. This review has me considering a '23 1250 instead. I bought a Multistrada in 2013 and sold it a month later it was so stiff. Bought a '13 1200 LC which is what I should have bought instead of the Multistrada. I don't want to make that mistake again. Perhaps for 2025 they will have realized their mistake and revise the suspension.
I do find the headlight hideous, but I could live with that, my main gripe is that they've lost the blocky aggressive look, it somehow looks more Italian, which I guess is a plus to some people but I find it more boring.
Thanks for the honest review! That windshield thing looks like Bullwinkle's antlers but I'm sure that after a few hundred miles of ownership they wouldn't be noticed.
As a BMW tech...there are some things that annoy me about this bike. 1- Dash is exactly the same as 1250 2- plastic lever adjusters are flimsy and will break 3- Lots of customer complaints about swingarm/engine corrosion/easy scratched...BMW decided to basically blast raptor paint over everything. 4- Now use cheapo paper oil filters inside engine instead of spin on metal ones. It works but...going on the cost cutting theme. 5- Footpeg clips constantly falling off is maybe sorted...maybe not??? 6- An "adventure" bike that will enjoy falling on its side alot will smash the expensive LED indicators in the hand guards...a lot. 7- Centre stand flippy up extra help extender is stupid Im sure as time goes on I will like the 1250 more 😅
That’s quite subjective, I had a test of a 1200 this week and the buttons/dash is awful compared to others especially the bm. Yes it’s lighter but in my opinion not as good at the gs 1250 anyway
I think I may agree, My GS is out of warranty in May, not sure the new one is going to tick the boxes for me. Could well be the Tiger 1200 next or grab a 1250 GSA before they replace it.
I have 14,000 miles on my 23' Tiger GT Explorer, I rode the 1250gsa and the 1250gs for the first time and here are my opinions. The comfort on the tiger is better, having separate buttons for heated grips and heated seats and backlit switches the tiger is better. The quick shifter on the tiger is way better, it's so smooth. The electronic suspension on the tiger is better and more plush, being able to adjust the suspension from lazy boy recliner to feeling every crack in the road is nice. Higher rpm's is more fun on tiger. Wind protection is a little better on the tiger. Did not like the gsa with standard non electronic suspension, didn't like the handling or the ride quality, fuel tank spread legs to wide. Tried the gs with electronic suspension and these opinions below are from that ride. The BMW corners and handles twisty roads better. The lack of front end dive on the BMW felt odd/different but would say that's better. The BMW has better low to midrange power, the torque pull is insane. The tft display and menu layout is better on the BMW. Fuel economy is better on the BMW. The engine is less viby on the BMW. Quick shifter sucks, is really clunky and jerky on BMW. The electronic suspension felt stiff/harsh/clunky rear suspension in dynamic, didn't feel very plush in road mode.
As an RT owner, this GS looks amazing and seems way more powerful and smooth running than my older Oilhead. Engine refinement and fueling seems pretty close to what you would find on a Honda which is really nice to see.
You're kidding right when you say that the looks are amazing? This is the first GS ever I believe is the most hidious I have ever seen! I was a bit hesitating but the tiger 1200 series is the obvious choice.
@@iliaskhottour3886 I'm dead serious. I readily admit that I may not be the typical GS buyer since I'm 40 and have a history of buying sport bikes (before my RT anyway). I do think it looks great and the improved power and refinement will no doubt attract a new demographic of buyer.
Im 51 and am on my second GS since 2015. All sport bikes before that. Loved the look, the sound, the power and agility of sport bikes. I did track days often and road hundreds of miles every weekend in the mountains n deserts. Was totally in love but couldn't ride long in that position due to longtime work related inflammation etc. In 2015 i was up on ACH(a twistie mountain road in southern California) with an older friend(killer rider). Jamie casually asked if i wanted to try out his R1200GS. It was probably a '14. At that moment i was on my last sport bike('13 ZX-14R), though i didnt know it. I thought GSs were weird looking etc. He smiled n chuckled as i got on his bike. He had turned many riders onto GSs. It only took a few minutes to realize how nice the GS was. Plenty of linear power, turned awesome, and comfortable too! What a concept. I also rode his buddy's R1200GSA that had a full titanium exhaust and tune etc. That was like a fast agile Cadillac i thought. I was totally sold. 3 weeks later i traded in my Ninja for a matt racing blue R1200GSA. Badass looking and lived up to that appearance on and off road. Everyday on my way home, especially from adv rides, i was blown away how awesome it was. Same today with my '21. BMW definitely hooked me, thanks to Jamie. Not to mention: great brakes, heated grips w multiple levels, adjustable windscreen, and now a heated seat and a separate outlet for my heated jacket liner for long winter rides. And on my 21 i bought the hard Vario(expandable) cases. Though i dont like how the side cases open on the side, overall it was some of the best money I've ever spent! I hate wearing backpacks or using small tail bags. Its so nice to have plenty of storage!!
@@awakeadventurer9198 that's a great story. I have a 2002 R1150RT. I got it with about 58k miles on it for a really great price which was great since I was looking for a fixer bike. It ran really bad when I got it and had to replace replace the RH throttle body and the O2 sensor right away. I also did the valve job and added an AF-XIED when I replaced the O2 sensor. Not to mention several TB synchronizations and adjustment of the TPS to set 0.32 degrees while at idle. It's running pretty good now but the vibration from the older 1150 engine takes some getting used to coming from smoother Japanese bikes. Part of that vibration may be from the very worn clutch splines that I will address soon. I like that the newer bikes have balance shafts and computer controlled throttle bodies. I'm going to give my vintage RT a chance but I wouldn't be surprised if I started looking at a new R1300GS or RT at some point in the future.
I really don't understand what the complaint is about. If you are breaking and indicating then it's not so clear? Well first I don't think I agree but then I think, well what does it matter, anyone behind sees you are breaking and has to slow down, it doesn't really matter that your turning off and the indicator isn't the headline show, the important bit is the slowing
@@nicks2908a lot of people do have a problem, I’m not convinced, its good enough. Brake lights in, indicators, is a bad idea, the previous system was far, far better. The indicators were very bright, to.
Great level fair review. Given BMW know their current GS customers will not be customers in 20 years, and given the time between model changes, then they had to make a move to get the younger riders interested in their most important model. I like the look but will sticj with my Adventure for touring two up
As a short arse and now 60+ I moved to Ducati after three GSs, got sick of the height and weight but loved their real world performance and comfort. I’m seriously tempted back with the auto height option and in the Triple Black scheme but amazed that the engine is still so ‘clicky’. I think the GSA version will suit you ‘tall’ boys, I found the GSA 1250 too much for me…bloody comfortable though.
the automatic Height adjustment may indeed be the solution for ALL ADV tall bikes. Pretty Citroen...esque. Lower at stop higher at speed and when needed. They had that on their 1960 cars...along with movable headlights....Merveilleux
Loved this review. However, I can’t help thinking you sound like Alan Partridge!! It kept me laughing throughout. A really great video though, well done. 👌🏍️🎥
I owned 7 GSs from 100 to 1250 and never found washing them difficult at all...well maybe it's just me😉 Great video Thanks for taking the time to review it👍
Enjoyed that Chris - so refreshing to see a real world review of this type, really looking forward to trying one myself when all the fuss has died down a bit…thumbs up from me for your review 👍
Hi again Chris. You are very good at what you do! You just seem to hit it on the nail. I get to drive the 1300GS next week and I'll be thinking about some of what you mentioned. You mentioned the mobile storage getting blocked by the handlebars when locked. I think that could be deliberate, as it is certainly not a bad idea being able to leave the phone in there while paying for the petrol. As to the harder suspension, I actually like the 1250GS suspension on a long trip. I hope the new one has a softer option possibility. Anyhow, great video as allways, and a thumbs up.
I’ve had an airbag go off on my golf gti, some Volvo pulled out in front of me…. It’s so fast you can’t actually notice the airbag going off it’s 15 milliseconds!!! It’s like being hit REALLY hard with a pillow 😂 and then just silence… very scary cos you think you have no face left, then I looked in the mirror and no scars at all just loads of silver dust particles everywhere! True story. As for the GS I like it , great review 👍🏾
You mentioned all you can hear is the time chains and top end of a GS. I took one for a test drive thinking I was gonna buy one and I just can’t get over the tinny sound of the bike. I ended up with the Multistrada Enduro for a couple years.
Great review as usual. GS’s are great adventure bikes. But to have more “renegade fun” when touring, get the new Multistrada V4. Yeah I’m a Ducati fanboy, but I’ve ridden GS’s…. There’s no contest when it comes to sport riding between a GS and a Multi. It’s like comparing a tractor to a sportbike.
Interesting insight from your first outing on the GS. I am really excited by all the positive points that you have highlighted in the video, but personally will be waiting to see what the GSA offers. My major concern is the price point. When I priced up the new GS, with all the nice to have options and luggage it was touching on £25k. That doesn’t bode well for what the GSA is likely to cost to match my triple black GSA……likely to be well north of £25k, which would be prohibitive for most. Time will tell. Keep up the great work !!
Great review, thanks Chris, but I retain only two details - the persian taxi drivers phone case and that humongous travelling family top box on that thing.
Loved the video. You shared a few details that I've missed after watching many other videos from launch, to walkarounds, and first rides. Mainly, that you can hold down the selector switch button (up/down) to switch to the next control (ACC, Heating, etc). That was something I didn't love about having to switch via the menu. But thinking of it as a preset favorite the can be long-pressed to switch is manageable to me. Not as great as dedicated buttons, but probably something you'll eventually get used to and prefer. Agree, backlit buttons would be ideal.
I love your reviews and travelvlogs Chris and your outlook on life in general, always very honest…and hilarious 😂. I’ve been trawling through all the vlogs and reviews on the R1300GS to try and find one that says it is absolutely perfect in absolutely every way, because I’ve put a deposit down on one and need confirmation that I’ve made the right decision! Truth is, there isn’t a review that says it’s perfect in absolutely every way. That’s because everyone is different and we all have very different needs. I’ve gone through this process with every bike I’ve owned and at the end of the day adapted to and loved every bike I’ve owned. On a personal note, I’ve owned almost every BMW model except the GS. Currently I own an RT (absolutely brilliant but too bulky..for me), I’ve owned an R (not enough weather protection) an RS (too sporty…riding position wise) and a long time ago a GSA (too tall for me) and a K1600 (too heavy and more HP than I’ll ever need). So I am trading the RT to try and achieve my motorbike nirvana…a great all rounder (as I only want, for cost and space reasons, to own one bike). I’m hoping to tour 2 or 3 times a year, with a pillion from time to time (my wife, so it needs to be ‘almost’ as comfortable as the RT), ride solo and unladen on the back roads and twisties (so it needs to be light and handle spiritedly, like the R and RS). Finally it needs to look awesome! Vanity eh! But it matters to me…I want to come back from every fuel and coffee stop and think wow! I want to go into my garage because I’ve got a great looking bike in there! For me, this new GS ‘winked’ at me as soon as I saw the press release. It also ticks all my boxes and I’ll adapt to any it doesn’t, I always have done. This just might be the ‘just right’ Goldilocks BMW! (for me, anyway😊)
I’m a 1250GS owner and thanks for the “real world” review. It’s what I’ve been waiting for. Guess BMW has decided to sacrifice their loyal followers by being more of a “renegade” bike and market to the Ducati and KTM riders. Guess I’ll keep my 1250 afterall.
I agree. Progress isn’t always a step forward. I guess the 1250 GSA is the last of the great GS’s. I’d rather replace my GSA with a Ducati Pikes Peak than the new GS.
I think this bike is a real step on and looks great. The price is the only gripe but they’ve all got so expensive. I tested a multistrada v4s in the summer then found it would be £24k with luggage. While the multi was phenomenal I’d take this one but in a couple of years when they’ve got rid of any new-bike niggles. Great review, very pleased I watched this one first. And I can’t now hear the word ‘cockpit’ again without sniggering
ii liked the honesty in this one. most of the rest of the videos ive watched are just waxing lyrical about everything. like how you pointed out things like the suspension and firmness.
Me, a normal guy tested this motorcycle. Yes, it's gadget whise better and more nimble. The character of it is like a supermotard with off road tyres, which I personally don't like. I still prefer the pervious GS models and am curious how the new GSA model will end up.
Thanks Chris.. great review. Think I'll wait in hipe for the GSA as the whole small person direction isn't a good thing. I'd say the end of next year will bring lightly up switch gear and a big boy bike 😊
Good review thanks. For what the GSA 1250 is, the the new bike can’t beat it. For what this new GS is, Ducati Multistrada is the better choice. Just the opinion of someone who enjoys both brands.
Nice review; I tried one today. Didn’t seem that firm, but I haven’t had five GSes! (I did own an old 1100 GS a while ago and that was a floppy old thing but handled surprisingly well). Engine is astonishing, torque everywhere and is deceptively quick through the gears. Agree about the quick shifter, it’s fairly ‘notchy’ up, smooth as butter down. I’m very tempted to trade my nineT for one.
The scenario : Passo Giau Dolomites, warm summer afternoon, clear blue skies, quiet roads. Cafe at the top is buzzing with Italian ladies. The question: Which bike would give the most satisfaction on that trip and be the most memorable? BMW GS 1300 (fully specd) or Ducati 916 SPS which you've sorted yourself?
Great to get your thoughts on this bike Chris, always value your opinion. My biggest thought is would this be as comfy on the long Europe tours as the older model? Maybe the Adventure when it comes will be slightly different. Question as i see the electronic locking luggage connection, can you fit say Givi boxes which i prefer over the factory plastic looking boxes.
A little surprised and pleased a multiple GS owner didn’t shower this bike with over the top praises. I'm thinking this bike will split current GS owners just like the major change on the Goldwing did. I'm not sure going more sporty will make it competitive with either the Ducati or KTM but it might the older models more popular. I'm just wonder how many current GS will buy the new one more on faith but later regret their purchase.
I’m commentating as if I’m not a peasant but first with cosmetics, I like everything except the light, and second, I am fairly impressed how spicy the new engine is and feel it is a good contender to the current state of adventure touring motorcycles.
I sound like an old cynic but every part on that looks like it would be incredibly expensive to replace. That radar, for instance, is super vulnerable. My "older" GS has a headlight guard so the antithesis of this bling. The appeal of the GS brand is its ruggedness. It's not supposed to be trick and spotless.
Color scheme is sweet. Not sold on the front end yet. I really liked the R1250 front end, maybe Ill get used to this one. Who knows. Great video as usual, Chris
I suspect that the R1300GS Adventure will be more in line with what some existing GS owners were hoping for. That bike will likely be more of a comfortable long distance tourer.
That’s it for me, I do not what a stiff bumpy ride. I also think it’s starting to look like a lot of other bikes. I have a 1250 and that will be my last one. If I change I would go to a Multistrada it’s similar but better in every area.
Honest and entertaining, as ever. Yeah that screen with part perspex and framework?? - maybe leftover parts from their Junker Ju190. Thanks for this great first review.
Looks as though BMW are also after the Multistrada market as well but its not a patch on the looks of the Ducati. The beak, X headlight and radar are ugly but no doubt they'll sell in bucket loads.
So I’m not the only customer who’s stopped using Bahnstormer! 😮 Will be interesting to see what the Adventure version is like….I’m a version behind because I’m a cheapskate - just upgraded my 1200 GSA to a 1250, so will have a look in a few years time. The other thing they haven’t changed is the mirror design - still fitting the Piaggio Pizza Ped mirrors!
Looks better on the road than in the showroom and marketing guff to be fair. Nice colour. Obvious move to road bias it (which is honest), and to me, it appears a great all rounder for road/tour/scratch and even track days. And bmw reliability, with a decent tape measure (dong length) on the bhp figure, it will do very well.
I’ve nothing against their new upgraded model, I do, however, think it’ll divide the buyers on looks alone,,,, it’s not quite my taste, but then again I tuned out of the Sports bike market after they replaced the 954 FireBlade lol. So what do I know 🤷♂️ But I do think this is gonna send the resale value of the older bikes through the roof. Still a great and honest review from a genuine fan. And for that,, I thank you 🙏
Nice review, I like it because I'm short. Bin the dangerous rear indicators/brake light and i'd buy one. All the other design and tech bits are individual likes or non likes. I do like the headlight.
Great honest review with your perspective is appreciated albeit you got a bit confused with the suspension settings and ride settings. I’ve just traded my 1250GSA for it as I wanted a more nimble gs! Thanks
Enjoyed the review guys thanks. What bothers me is that the GS/A was really one of the only options for us taller peeps. By making it smaller they are catering for the shorter person and to be fair they have so many options for bikes it's ridiculous. I think I preferred the bigger GS with the available options to reduce the height. Looking forward to seeing the GSA next year.
G'Day Chris - terrific review, thanks. Looking forward to testing the new 1300 one day but for now I'm a happy camper on my 2022 GS Rallye. Nothing against the new one except maybe the cost. Going to be close to $40k AUD. But the Multi and the SAS are either there or thereabouts.
Good, real-world review. Pleased you acknowledged the fact that 99.9% of buyers will use these bikes exclusively on the tarmac. There was a respected body recently that tested the latest adventure bikes from Ducati, BMW, Triumph and KTM, and only tested them off-road....why?!? Anyway, this was good, cheers guys!
