Did I Make The Right Choice? | BMW R1250GS TE Triple Black 

I like the part starting at 7:20. “No massive grin factor to it” then immediately “woo hoo hoo!!!” And laughs like an absolute child 😂…

I'm a die hard KTM guy, but the 1250 GS sound, looks and even how it handled did really appeal to me. KTM just had that edge that made me feel that little extra excitement I needed to feel a little young 🤣

Just got my Triple Black last November and it has spoiled me rotten. The balance, wind protection and comfort really superb. I love the quick shifter especially when I flick it from 1st to 2nd and it jumps forward a bit due to the low end torque like a bucking bronco. Love it!

These incredibly complex machines are specifically designed for fully loaded journeys well in excess of three hundred miles. Using it for anything else is pure luxury. Brilliant!!

Great review, swapping my 10 year old GS1200 for this one in less than 2 weeks. Your video put a grin on my face already. Thanks.

Just found the channel mate love the content and the banter keep up the great work 👏👍

Great review Sam, keep knocking out the great content

Great review - I totally agree with the summary ... I currently have the 1250 GS and it's probably the best all-around bike out there but it doesn't quite have that "giggle" factor like I used to get from the S1000XR I traded for it. Of course, on the GS, I'm also not as concerned about losing my license or riding over my head like I was on the XR, which is why I traded. But I do miss the roar of the XR and giggles in my helmet it provided! Wish I could afford both!

Have the same bike. I’ve had it on the track at track days, down dirt roads, and on road trips. Of the 3 BMW’s I’ve owned this quirky looking thing is the best.

I have had 8 x GS and never had a problem but I know others who have had lots of issues, I bought a KTM 1290 SAS and had so many electronic niggles and poor dealer support I sold it after 12 months and bought a Suzuki 1050 X T V-strom which doesn't have the wow factor but is 100% reliable and without the anxiety of wondering what next is going to go wrong.

No, you did not make a mistake. I've wanted a GS for 30 years.

Thanks for the video, I was torn between this and then KTM SA but yesterday, traded in my Tiger 1200 and bought the GS. To say I’m like a kid at Christmas is an understatement 🤣

I think this was a very fair and balanced review - at the end of the day its personal choice (at least it still gave you the giggles which is a positive 👍

Greetings from Texas. Nice video and discussion about the bike. Also enjoyed your gleeful outbursts. Motorcycles should come with a warning, “CAUTION may cause uncontrolled childlike behavior and extreme bouts of happiness. If you don’t experience these symptoms seek medical attention immediately” I have an R1250RS and absolutely love it. I ride it weekly to turn my frown upside down!

your laugh says everything 😊

Great review. I’d so love one of these but just can’t justify the outlay at this stage of life (31, young family, big mortgage etc). So instead I live vicariously through reviews like these. Very much appreciated! 👍🏼

This is my favorite moto channel due to your humble demeanor, your desire to glory God, and your excellent presentations and knowledge of the moto world. To say this is saying a lot because there are some great moto channels here!!! Thanks Brother!!!

Been riding both this GS and my own ktm 1290 Sar and they are both really good. The only way i can explain is when you go to the bar with your 2 best friends. Tom is the calm relaxed guy that orders 2 beers and is ready for a good talk and hook up some girls later at night. You are gonna have a good time with Tom for sure. Your other friend Dave is the guy that runs into the bar , starts yelling the second he comes in , jumps on a table and orders 4 tequila's. Dave will make sure you will also have a good but crazy night. Tom is the BMW , Dave the KTM 😁

I think you made the right choice with that LC8 engine! Enjoy the power whilst you’re young! Arm ripping! The GS will always be there 😉 🤣

Your glee filled laughter has convinced to get one.. :)

This is proper review 🙌🏼 most others would just ride around on low speeds and open throttle just once or twice.

I’ve had four GSA. A 2005 1150, 07 GSA 1200, 2013 GSA triple black and a 2018 GSA rally. Absolutely marvelous. I hate dealer services but I can do everything myself. I bought a 2019 Ktm super adventure R a couple years ago and just about to upgrade to the 2022 Ktm 1290 R. Both are great in their own. One triumphs the other in off road , the other triumphs in comfort and dealership support. Bmw a road bike that can go off road. Ktm an off road bike that can go on road.

Just ordered a TE triple black at the weekend, can't wait!

Nice video, am self a 1250 GSA rider, thought it was amusing you saying there was no real grin factor to the bike, then pop a little wheelie and giggle like a kid for some seconds 🙂. I looked at the KTM as well, but thought it was really high and the balance no where as good as the GSA, but we have our preferences. Enjoy riding and stay safe

Picked up my Triple Black a couple of months ago - awesome.

Anything man made is a gamble on reliability, sold highline and exotic cars and still no guarantee of trouble free enjoyment!

I’ve had super bikes for yonks but sold out for the gs rallye. I can’t believe how much I love it! I’ve never had a bike I wanted to go out riding on. Ride it fast and it makes me laugh like a hyena . Good video buddy.

Had my GS 3 years, had a few errors on the dash that clear themselves and exhaust valve replacement last Feb under warranty so overall it’s been great 👍🏻

I'm on my third GS and I've got this one. You can improve the quick shifter by 'preloading' the gear lever before shifting up. Once you get used to it, it definitely makes a difference.

If you use the quick shifter from 3rd gear upwards and keep the throttle pinned it is very smooth...just takes getting use to it...the gsa1250 is the do all and very comfy bike ..just like you said ,once you own one you never need anything else😎

The 1250 is a really nice bike! However I have to say that this video reminded me of why I got an R nineT... All those modes and settings give me a proper headache. I just love the simplicity of the R nineT over this spaceship :)

I've always thought the suspension adjustment was super easy, short press for damping and long press for preload. Nice to have a dedicated button instead going into modes

Yes Bro, no mistake made there. Its an amazing Bike. Keep up the Vidios mate.thanks

Re the quick shifter in the manual it states as long as your not rolling off or opening it up the change w be super smooth.

I have BMW GSA1150 and owned for years it is absolutely perfect and trundling along slippery muddy country lanes and is sure footed. I don't use off road expect gravel roads. I get the idea the sales people always trying shove more CC into an engine. But if was going use the bike as it was advertised I would would 400cc to 600cc bike air cooled thumper with simple technology that could be fixed in muddy field miles from nowhere with screw driver and pair mole grips.

I love my KTM 1290 SAS, that enginen is just bonkers. :) I will however probably get a GS when I will be old until then V-twin power all day long!

Many ppl say BMW R1250GS/A is the best in ADV motorcycle segment, in the past I never drove an BMW. I own a 2021 Africa Twin Adv Sports (AT-AS), so I had high expectations for R1250 GS compared to my AT. Today I got an opportunity to test-drive R1250 GS, honestly I didn't like it (maybe I'm used to my AT). Few thing I noticed 1. Handle-bar position - IMO AT has relaxed handlebar position compared to R1250. 2. Immediately I felt engine heat from the boxer engine, even after riding for multiple hours on AT I barely notice engine heat. 3. Foot pegs, shifter & rear brake position is more comfortable in AT than BMW. 4. Even though R1250 GS is heavier than AT ES, I feel the speed. While driving 75-80+ miles on Interstate, I felt the speed on BMW. On AT I don't feel that speed, 80+ miles engine is pretty relaxed at 4000/rpm. 5. Parallel-Twin engine/exhaust sound has more grunt/thump compared to the boxer engine. I really like how AT sounds. 6. Brakes are much more effective on BMW compared to AT. BMW excels in braking. Maybe I'm missing something on BMW, pls let me know if you think otherwise... ​​​No more second thought of trading AT for R1250GS, IMO for me AT-AS is more comfortable than BMW.

Some people don't understand why the gs quickshifter is not as good as other bikes,compared to the ktm for example, but after you look at the transmission of both bikes, you know why, the "ready to race" transmission have half of the material of the gs, so it will be way less durable, the gs is agricultural, but will last forever.

Nice report Sam, I was impressed when I rode one, it was quicker than it felt too, had to keep an eye on the Speedo. Plus, I could flat foot the lowered chassis adventure version, something I can't do with any other adventure bike.

Kool bike bro.. good thing you mentioned your height against the bike. Love to have the bike myself.

Considering the GS has been reviewed by so many I think it was a fair balanced opinion

Just subbed by the way and left 3 comments for the algorithm 😮😂

That is a beautiful bike

I think you made the right choice. The KTM is an absolute hooligan... but its a hooligan that does it all like you said. I'm 1250GS owner and its blast for the way I ride... but man that KTM. I like the looks of the KTM and the tech also. If I would have test rode one instead of the GS and probably be on one now. 2 year in on the GS... no issues not one, pushing 14,000 miles. I do all my own service, the GS is cheap to maintain and super easy to work on.... but I'm getting a little bored, so a KTM maybe in my future. Thanks for the video... cool channel.

A few weeks ago I was riding North on the A32 past Loomies being tailed by a GS, there’s a couple of nice straights with some twisties anyway I thought let’s see if he bites. Think we were hovering around the 90 - 110 mark, I was on the ragged edge but the guy on the GS was quietly keeping up in a very controlled unhurried way - that’s why they cost nearly twice as much as a V Strom. If I had the money I’d buy one………nice bikes perfect for an old git like me.

that is a really really nice ROAD motorbike.

I have the R1200 GSA 2018, and the quickshifter drove me nuts. After 5 months i finaly figured it out. Or the shifts got used to me. From 1st to 2nd gear you have to shift as soon a possible. Before hitting the 3000, i know it feels weird but it works. It know defies the reason for having a quickshifter. From second to 3rd you have to preload and shift around 4500. The rest of the gears work pretty flawless. I use the quickshifter now almost exclusively. Second i found the Akrapovic adding more excitement because of the popping sounds, its a lot less boring now. But certainly not as exciting as other bikes.

The thing is:- The 1200 GS or the 1250 GS , to me are not only beautiful bikes as they’re really the most reliable bikes that I had the pleasure of riding and owning. These are machines that in my opinion, inspires confidence . Never had any Ducati Multistrada, so I can’t talk about it. But the problem is that, excepting that high torque zone of the engine, the bike lacks joy and consequently the rider too. Don’t get me wrong, I had two GS’s the 2018 1200 R and the 2020 1250 R, and I now own a 2021 1250 RT model and I love the bike like I took a big pleasure to have the other two BMW that I’ve just mentioned. But the nit pick is that after a while if you don’t get them on the dirt or at the off-road trails, they become pretty unemotional ridding bikes. The reason why I make an exception for the RT is because after having everything heated you can put up the windshield and listen to the engine work very clearly as you’re riding it, and that gives me an exceptional pleasure. I never had a GSA, but people who have, say that we can achieve the equivalent pleasure of riding on the road and on the highway, similar to what I just mentioned that I feel riding the RT. The only thing that the KTM SDGT makes me, sometimes remember of the BMW GS, happens, when I get, “out of the blue”, a message of GENERAL FAILURE warning, or any other red flag message on the digital screen and it makes me wondering if I would go on a big tour with this marvelous machine or not. Besides that, if the thrilling emotion of riding a two wheels machine with a 173 horsepower engine is not an important feature, my choice would be the 1250 cc BMW boxer engine, despite my conviction that it would be more close to perfection with some more horsepower pep. But definitely, the GS or the GSA are, as a whole, bikes of excellency and a lot of manufacturers should look up to it ( as I’m sure that they do) as a piece of art and engineering that those bikes are. Thanks for the video. I’ll be looking forward to your next ones ✌️✌️

Press the shock button and hold it and it will change from min to Auto. Only changes one thing at a time. If you want to go to max, go out of the menu and do it again.

Definitely the right decision. The best bike because it is just so versatile and lacks nothing. Neither in performance nor comfort or everyday utility. Basically the bike with which you can grow old. I ride the same model.

It sounds asthmatic to me...nonetheless, I get your drift. I suspect many of us question the bike we buy. Unfortunately we sometimes get it wrong (for me buying a Yamaha XVS650 'Dragstar' was a catastrophe) and on some occasions we get it spectacularly right (for me my Honda NC750-DCT)...

5 degrees... damn. 🥶

In 2022 bmw sold 60000 gs1250a. There are guna be a few Monday morning models!

GS for me as you can get a factory low suspension version. Have had 2, and loved them. Being somewhat vertically challenged,with a KTM I need a pai of steps!!

Cool content as always! I've had a 1290 SAS 2022 since April and I had so much MTC failures/random limp modes! Same as your buddy with the s1000xr, spent more time at dealership than on the road (issues popped right after first service @ 1000km). Couldn't agree more with you, comes with the ownership. Doesn't mean the brand sucks as a whole, could just be just bad luck, faulty/bad quality sensors due to covid in China & sourcing difficulties, multiplexing issues. I decided to switch for a 1250GS triple black. I will miss that LC8 dearly :( especially if I happen to buy a faulty GS like your buddy's XR 😂I'm quite afraid of Austrian karma

I owned two modern GS, and rode three others (hire bikes) all over the EU passes, The IoM and the UK. I made the mistake of riding a KTM.... :-) Agree with your thoughts - the GS is a lovely do-it-all bike...beautifully built and looks great. But the latest KTM SAS is just so much more fun.

Dan, I heard the the 1250 GS will come down in price when BMW release the 1300 later this year, any ideas on release dates and models from the BMW Dealership?

I did a video on motorcycle recalls of 13 brands in the U.S. from 2016 thru 2021. BMW had the most recalls and 2nd most customer complaints over those almost 6 years. It doesn't necessarily mean they are unreliable but it is an indicator of some recurring issues that aren't been being resolved quickly. The data comes from the NHTSA data base the monitors and tracks recalls on cars and motorcycles for the U.S.

The thing is you can ride a GS all day, do that on a tripple, revvy, viby , noisy bike and you will be knackered. That’s why for tours it’s the best imho

I test rode this bike before putting in an order on my 2022 KTM 1290 SAS. GS was my dream bike but it really let my expectations down. Coming from a KTM 790 Adv, it was very sluggish and noisy for me (both the engine and wind buffeting). My 1290 is much smoother, has better wind protection, more flickable, and $5k cheaper. It is not even a fair comparison. KTM wins!

A boxer twin GS is always the right choice 😉

Happy with my '21 Triple Black TE, I'm a fair bit older than you so don't need to be scared by my bike 😉 .. my previous bike was a Triumph Tiger Sport and it's a great upgrade from that, though I did love my big cat 😊 Happy with the dealers and the great warranty, un-happy with the genuine, extremely expensive BMW accessories😬 hence the SW-Motech upper/lower crash bars ! Agree with you on the quick-shifter and I only use it in 3rd and above and the noise does get addictive ! On the reliability question I have heard of just as many having problems with there various KTM's and also the dealerships vary a great deal, lot of it's down to brand loyalty I think 😉 As long as we enjoy what we ride were all motorcyclists after all 👍

Great video, annoyingly good but lacks the asbo factor, kind of sums it up. Anyway , keeping my 890R Duke and swapping my Africa Twin for a new Triple black with gold spoked wheels for a bit of bling. Hopefully won't be needing the 3 year warranty/european breakdown cover. Due end of May.Keep the videos coming 👍

having owned a gs then adventure s and currently patiently waiting on a new gs being delivered I would say the quick shifter is advised by bmw and many other manufacturers not to use in 1-2 or below 30-40. What i have liked about the ktm is the wheelies the noise the general nuisance factor but would say the quality of controls, buttons after sales and general ktm ish glitches is what’s put me back to bmw.

I’ve a GS TE factory lowered cos I’m a shorty! Great capable and comfortable bike, maybe just too good and a bit soul less. I’m thinking of trading in for the new Suzuki S1000GT, doesn’t have all the gadgets but possibly a safer bet for running once out of warranty!

Sat on one at the bike show, really wanted to like it, huge great bulky thing with like you say ,odd cylinders? Plus you can't get away from the fact its the XR 3i of the bike world!🤣

You have got to ride the GS in the Dynamic Pro mode! it's an entirely different bike with so much more power. It will blow you away!

Yes

The GS is an awesome bike, but whilst your KTM still has it's fire breathing 160bhp V-Twin in it's frame, you made the right choice 👌🏼

Great video Sam! Was curious what the handlebar mount is for the GoPro? Is the whole thing a RAM mount? Curious more on what the base is called that mounts to bars. Thanks.

Love my GS

Test rode one today. It’s not buffeting, but it’s very windy.

love your video. would you mind recording in 60fps please?

It's not the quickshifter, it's the torque. Plus you don't use it right. 1st to 2nd, use clutch, then make sure you are accelerating for upshifts. Don't idle along and use a quickshifter.

The best sound imitation at 5:50😅

Mistake *Sam Vincent?* I don't know. _BUT_ just make sure you get an extended warranty or sell the BMW R1250GS and or BMW boxer engine designs when their warranty is almost over. Being super technical, complicated, and over engineered *_if/when you have a problem it will be expensive._* This is the main reason there are a lot of used 2 to 3 year old BMW motorcycles - their warranties were expiring & the owner knew what was what. God bless

Picking up my Triple Black this week. Ordered one after spending a couple of days riding one in Spain. Will be saying goodbye to S1000RR MSport. Very excited.

I have his sibling, the 750 GS. This big boy will be my next.

After one year and 15000km i sold de 1250gs because it was boring to ride... Now i have the s1000xr and after 4000km i can Say that was the right step. For mee the XR is the better bike 🍻 it makes more fun and it is also a bike for touring but it's more sporty, better suspension and the Motor is a dream🍻

Brought one yesterday ... same as this.

Hi thanks for the video, I'm a first time viewer of yours and have subscribed. I have to take issue with you though on one point and that is reliability. Like you I have heard many tales of woe from BMW riders and personally I don't think it is acceptable at all. Don't get me wrong I love beemers, I've been driving BMW's for over 20 years and never had any serious issues with any of them, so why should the bikes be any different? As you say they are a high end product that people pay a lot of money for, so I would expect the engineering and reliability to be reflected in that price tag. After all the Japanese manufacturers manage to do it for much less money. I would love to own a GS or maybe even an RT but there would always be that doubt in my mind over reliability and that is what stops me. So until they get it sorted I for one will be sticking to Yamaha a brand that has given me total reliability for over 30 years. Thanks again and keep up the good work! 👍

Hello and thank you for another great and good R1250GS test, but I don't know if I understand correctly that the S1000XR 2020 model often fails, including suspension. I'm interested because I ordered a new S1000XR from a dealer, but I haven't heard of any major defects before. Please write more details. Regards Robert

Hell yeah, the BMW is amazing…

What is the seat height of this bike?

No chain lube needed to create “the bike is on fire” look 😂I’ve had four back to back GS’s and GSA’s and never had a single issue over +100,000 miles. No one posts that on forums because it’s dull reading. The Telelever is best - end of. I am fortunate enough to have a Hypermotard for hooligan riding mode.

I bought the R/T 2022...no regrets but it is too nice to take off road...

It's not a quick shifter!, as the BMW Blurb its a "gear shift assist"pretty useless in first 2 gears only it came on my last two GS's I wouldn't bother with it. The suspension is best left in AUTO and toggle between road and Dynamic, Min is for vertically challenged and Max is for 7 ft Germans. I have had 5 GS since 2004 done nearly 100k miles (combined) and not 1 Problem, but all things mechanical can fail as we know. It really is down to personal choice what bike lights your candle there's a bike for everybody but you have to credit BMW for pushing the bar high that all others aspire to beat them !.

God dang it, you making me NOT want to change my BMW r1250gs for something else... :)

I've recently bought my 1st GS1250 TE coming from an xr1000 and previously an s1000r nearly bought the KTM but poor part ex put a stop to that

Mode button adjusts the suspension settings along with engine, traction, abs.

As is possibly elsewhere in the comments, to change the suspension it's simply click up on suspension switch, then click again to choose min auto max. As per other comments, I'm not quite sure where this unreliability factor around the GS is coming from, other than (its true) the ESA. I've owned two GSs and frequented the GS forum for the past 6 years, and I'm not seeing it. Some talk about paint finish, but you get that a lot about other bikes and brands as well, and you sometimes have to (possibly not fairly) question how the finishes have been looked after, intentionally or otherwise.

I think the reliability thing is a % game. when you have the biggest selling bike in the country for the Last 15 years I suppose a few breakdowns is the normal.

Would love to hear the comments as I have an F 800 GS Trophy at the moment and I would appreciate some heads up on the new Triumph Tiger 1200 GT or PRO, I have a test drive planned in next week on both just see how they perform. What’s your experience with the Tiger ? Any pros or cons our willing to share would be appreciated

Also the GS is a few grand more than the 1290 and hasn't got adaptive cruise control.. I've owned 3 GS s and I'm now in my second 1290 sa....the KTM is much more fun and always brings a smile to my face..

No ASBO factor could help save your licence with Plod. A GS can rock past at velocity and it seems to have less drama than in line fours for obvious reasons. My new 2022 GSA Rallye is getting built in Berlin and arrives first week in March yahooo!!

i had a 2019 1250gs, now own a KTM 1290 sas, i think if there are issues BMW will offer better service, KTM more fun

Unless you plan on getting a ducati v4s then I think you made the right choice!

His bike I assume is a KTM sa?

Had three but now ‘downsized’ to a 950 Multi V2S, so much better for road use. Lighter, sounds far better and a quick shifter that works at all revs, to be honest I wouldn’t have another, the Multi is a far better ownership experience.

Can you flat foot the full size version? I'm 5'10 and can't.