I just got this exact same motorcycle about two weeks ago coming from a standard and am so glad I didn’t convince myself I should get another standard. I’m 5’10, 39, and have ridden motorcycles all kinds of motorcycles since I was 8. Nothing gained from the taller bike. If you’re 5’10 or below, you will enjoy this bike way more than a standard regardless of your skill level or experience. If there was some real compromise I might go with a standard but there really isn’t.
After several standard height GS’s over the years, I’ve just purchased my first GSA in factory low suspension. My inseam is the same as yours and after test driving the gsa in low suspension I was in love. I pick it up this Saturday. Also, thank you for your videos. I love them. They keep me dreaming of long trips when I can’t be on the road.
Thanks I always thought seat height is too high I’m also 5 foot 10 inches tall so bought GS F700 in 2015 Decenber with low seat obtion which was ok but this low suspension low seat it is even better. You have got 25 years experience and about 60 ish years old. I think BMW is manufacturing the best toys for man. It is all about advanture ₺ expedition the result is satisfaction noone could describe it has to be lived. RIDE ON❤
Thank you for your comment. You are absolutely right is all about "adventure and expedition" Life has "to be lived" Make it the Greatest Day of Your Life!
You big stud. YES!!!!! Seat height. Not falling down at a stoplight in Aspen because you're on your toes!!! Thank you. So much good stuff out there but you are exactly right - this is where it starts. I was heading to the GSA, not now. Thanks, big.
You will be super happy with the GS. You will have no regrets at all. Especially if you're in Colorado riding off-road. Safe travels and have a Phenomenal Day!
I have the low suspension GS only by chance as the dealer didn’t have anything else, but I don’t regret it. It’s not about how tall or short you are, it’s your inseam that matters.
You are correct. I feel no difference in the bike being low verse the standard suspension that I had before. It's much better now when I can always flat foot. Have an Awesome Day!
Wow! I'm 5' 7" and did consider a 'low' when i saw the option. But very happy i stuck with the standard bike...even set the seat on high as it seems more comfortable. I just flat foot with one foot
This is an outstanding video, especially for us average white guys............or average black guys, or average hispanic guys, or average asian guys.........you get it. Just us average guys on one of the most capable motorcycles on the market. Thanks for the very informative video.
I have the adventure low Suspension and i love it , am also 5,10 and 32 inch inseam, always on auto sitting with saddlemen seat and it’s great, I feel so comfortable while am riding and very confident when am stopping. No stress at all Also I do a lot of off road, no problem just I have to rise the steering higher position.
I have the 2021 GSA low suspension. I purchased the GSA exclusively for the larger tank and greater range. The first GS I had gave me a range of only 180 miles. Range anxiety is a real thing for me having been in a situation in the Nevada desert.
You are spot on with 180 mile range as I get the same. Never want to run out of fuel in the Nevada Desert especially when it's 120 degrees. Thanks for your feedback have a Phenomenal Day!
Great vid on the low suspension. I’m 5’7” which really doesn’t make a difference. What’s important is my 30” inseam. Thanks for mentioning your 32” inseam which is what’s important. I’m riding a 2022 GSA Rallye with the Rallye seat. You mentioned the rallye seat needs to be set on high in the front. My rallye seat is set on low both in front and back. Those Anakee Adventures are great even when the roads are completely white from hail lol. But I switched them for the Karoo4’s as I run off road quite a bit and want the extra safety especially from the front in the dirt. Plus they also work great in the rain seeing as I live in the Pacific Northwest. For the riding I do, the extra ground clearance of the standard helps and I don’t want to give that up. But as I age and make the switch to just road, the low model makes the most sense. As for the big GSA fuel tank vs the smaller GS tank, most comments I get is about the extra weight. With the GSA tank I have the option of not filling it up if I need to stay light or topping it up for the long haul. Fuel mileage wise I’m around 46 mpg on the roads, 30 mpg first gear running off road. Enjoyed your review and subbed.
Glad to see a new video about your GS. Looking forward to more travel video's as well. Maybe some day show us your entire bike collection...looks like you have several in the garage. Thanks again & stay safe!
Thanks for the video.., this helps me big time as I plan on getting the GS. At 5’-8” with 32” inseam, the low version will be my best option. Still trying to decide between the GS and the GSA. I plan on renting both next week to help with the decision. Looking forward the many miles on the BMW. Thanks again for the video:)
Have Fun with the renting and riding of the two bikes. Having both I really prefer the GS over the GSA. You will notice the difference. Enjoy the Ride and have a Phenomenal Day!
Thank you for the excellent information. I'm considering a GS and this helps me sort out what I should be looking for. I've had several Beemers and still have a couple but I've long been interested in the GS. I'm short so seat height is an important consideration. Your video has helped a lot. Congratulations on your purchase and I hope you get many miles of enjoyment on it. Ride safe!
Purchased on Amazon The Description is Motorcycle Fog Light Protector Cover Fog Light Covers Fit For R1200GS Adventure F800GS Adventure R1250GS / ADV LC (Yellow) Brand was AFNCX. I hope you can find it and have a Phenomenal Day!
Great Video. I bought a used GS low from a non BMW dealer who didn't know (or disclose) it was a low version. It's great on road but not sure how I feel about the loss of clearance yet. I did want to try the mellow portions of the Western States BDR's. Do you know the clearance data of the GS Low and the GSA Low, and standard GS?
Thanks for your input, we have similar backgrounds and have had similar bikes. I was leaning towards a low suspension but wasn't sure. You convinced me. I'm not waiting for the new bike.
There was one Dude from YT in the USA who was complaining regarding bad road handling for his GS. Whe found out there is major difference between lower suspension on the GS and regular one for the comfort.
I have ridden both the standard and low suspension each thousands of miles across the country and feel No difference in comfort at all, but everyone is different. The low suspension for me is the same in comfort and it's so much easier to maneuver when you need your feet on the ground like parking lots, uneven surfaces, etc. Have a Phenomenal Day!
Great video. I have a 1250GS std suspension. I'm interested in a GSA Low Suspension. Is there any difference in ride quality or handling with the GSA Low Suspension over the 1250GS std suspension? I never go off road.
Very nice video sr but i have a big question if i have in front of me a gs low suspension how can i know or what i need to check on the bike to know is a low suspension or standar uf nobody tell me or nobody knows? There are some tips or places or part of the bike that will tell me this bike is a low suspension for sure?
It’s my understanding that putting the electronic suspension in the Min preload setting (low setting) effects only the rear shock - it lowers the rear but not the front. This changes the rake angle of the motorcycle which adversely impacts handling. Expect in very unique situations (like dee sand) it’s not a good idea to ride around with the suspension in the MIN setting.
The Max and Min only changes the back spring the front stays exactly the same and I can feel no riding difference. I do not think it affects the rake angle on the front as it stays in the same position only the back spring is compressed. I could be wrong about this... Now with the low suspension I just keep it in auto, before with the standard I used MIN and did not notice a difference. Thanks for you comment and have a Great Day!
Thanks For the Great Video. I am not sold on the Low GS. I cannot Flatfoot my GSA, but I'd rather have the extra long suspension and distance the regular Bike has! i also believe a re-sale of the low Bike is more difficult. If you really are a shortie, it might be the only way but if you can get on and ride the regular GS, well it is a better Bike!
I can definitely understand what you are expressing but after having both the standard and low suspension bikes I so much prefer the low suspension. It is rider preference, but for me It is so nice to always feel stable when your stopped having weight on the bike with luggage etc. It's all in what the rider feels comfortable to them. Thank you for your feedback I really appreciate it and have an Awesome Day!
I just love the BMW GS 1250 but very scared of it due to my height..I am 5.4 with 28 inches inseam, so u think I will be able to ride it with low suspension and low seat at low setting as u said its 770m in this configuration and I currently ride the Royal Enfield Himalayan with 800 mm seat height which weight 200kgs, I usually just put one foot flat on my bike.. reply plz
Hi. I think bmw quotes the low suspension model GS is a combination of lower suspension AND the low seat. Therefore the Rallye seat figures in your excellent summary seems incorrect. It is 10mm lower than a standard seat, which surely means it’s 20mm taller than the low seat. The low seat is of course 30mm lower. All this also means the suspension drop must only be 20mm - being 50mm in total, less then -30mm in the seat. I think that’s correct but it’s very overly complicated!
Low Suspension GS overall is 50 MM / 2 Inches via the suspension that BMW installs at the factory. Seat heights on the GS Low Suspension in the Auto Position Standard Split Seat 800 / 820 MM 0r 31.5 / 32.3 Inches Low Rally Seat 790 MM or 31.1 Inches High Rally Seat 810 MM or 32 Inches Low Seat 770 / 790 MM or 30.3 / 31.1 Inches High Seat 820 / 840 MM or 32.3 / 33 Inches I hope this helps have a Phenomenal Day!
I'm assuming all the other dimensions are the same as the normal height GS ?? I was quite surprised when I test rode one how cramped the seating position was compared to my T7. Footpegs were too high and legs too bent for my liking. Awesome engine though.
Thanks for the comment, This is why the GS comes with so many different seat hight options so that riders with longer or shorter inseams can have the leg bend that is most comfortable to them. The engine is great! Have a Phenomenal Day
Only the back spring changes the front stays the same. I don't notice any changes in angle when on the bike but there could be... Thanks for your comment and have a Phenomenal Day!
Thanks of your feedback. I'm sure this is why they have so many seats and seat positions as everyone like something different. Make it the Greatest Day of Your Life!
Hah, almost everyone goes for Trail II's, amazing tire and a very good choice (I think I'm at the 4th set or something). I personally own a 2014 Low GS, and I confirm everything you said, except the Nav6 (it just fails too often, making it unreliable). About the suspension, the low version's travel is, well, lower, but both the regular and low bottom out at the same point, and that makes a difference when it comparing it to the regular. In your case, with auto, it shouldn't be much of a difference, but in my case, I have to tweak the hardness as well, to make it more comfortable.
Curious - why did you chose the optional low seat and set it in the high position vs. keeping the standard seat and set in the low position? I heard that the low seat is less comfortable w less padding than the standard seat. Is this true? Thanks!
I actually have both seats and used them both and prefer the Low Seat in the High Position. The comfort is the same. The thicker the seat does not make a difference to me at all. Thanks for your comment and have an Awesome Day!
I did Not change the windscreen. I really like the windscreen that comes with the motorcycle, it's perfect. Just the correct amount of wind on your shoulders and no head buffeting at high speeds for me. Have a Phenomenal Day!
Thank you for your comment, the seat heights are listed before you lower your suspension so you can lower it even further if needed. Have an Awesome Day!
Differences Seat Height in GSA is higher to start with, tank size is bigger, you get uper and lower crash bars standard, you get rear luggage racks standard, your get front riding lights standard, depending on model your foot pegs are different, your foot shift peg can rotate out a little and it costs more. For me the GS is better, and I do not regret selling the GSA. I hope this helps and have a Phenomenal Day!
I always get somewhat confused on this seat height thing. I found mentioned on a forum , '' There is a LOW Suspension option. The low suspension is 1" lower than standard GS and 2" lower than standard GSA''. When I look it up I read this for the GS, 33.5" / 34.3" (850 mm / 870 mm) (OE lowered suspension 31.5" / 32.3" - 800 mm / 820 mm) which shows a 2'' drop from a standard GS and a lowered GS. If this is correct, the GSA would be 2.75'' higher than a low GS??
Both the GS and GSA in the low suspension versions are 2 inches lower than the standard suspension versions. The Standard GS is lower than the Standard GSA by 40 mm or 1.5 inches - (Standard GSA seat height with a standard seat is 890 / 910 MM or 35 / 35.8 inches. The Low Suspension GS with the standard split seat is 800 / 820 mm or 31.5 / 32.3 inches. Difference is 90 mm or 3.5 inches from the GSA Standard to the GS Low Suspension with the same type of seat. if you use the Low Seat with the Low Suspension GS the Seat heights are 770 / 790 mm or 30.3 / 31.1 inches. I hope this makes sense and my math was correct. Have a Phenomenal Day!
But I thought the GSA has 3/4'' more travel than the Standard GS? That is what everyone else seems to say. They say ''that GS has the Sport Suspension and is 3/4'' higher'', not the 40 mm or 1.5 inches you have stated and is why I am STILL confused.
The Sport suspension is a feature that you can order on the Standard GS which raises the suspension an additional .8 of an inch or 20 mm. You cannot have this on the low suspension model. Hope this helps
The only way I’d own one is a GS with the smaller tank. I’ve seen GSA ‘s on thier side and they are not easy to pick up, that 30l tank is heavy regardless of where the engine is. With equal skilled riders the GSA will not be first in off-road conditions. Africa Twin will kick its ass all day long. But they are very nice bikes for thier purpose, they are simply too big.
The GSA's tank I agree is too big. The GS is a phenomenal motorcycle for adventure touring long distance. I really like the Low Suspension. Thanks for the feedback and have a Phenomenal Day!
Question if I may? Is there a difference in comfort between Low Seat and Standard Seat due to the fewer sponge (soft) materials? I am also thinking, is there maybe a better option to have a standard seat in a low position instead of a low seat in a high position? Would like to hear from you as saw in the in the video, that you had both seats in possession and maybe to share experience. BTW I am also 5'10.
No difference in the comfort of the seats for me. I used both the standard seat and low seat and like the low seat better. The Low suspension bike is so much better for my height and inseam. Make it an Awesome Day!
Low Suspension GS Standard Split Seat 800 / 820 MM 0r 31.5 / 32.3 Inches Low Rally Seat 790 MM or 31.1 Inches High Rally Seat 810 MM or 32 Inches Low Seat 770 / 790 MM or 30.3 / 31.1 Inches High Seat 820 / 840 MM or 32.3 / 33 Inches
Heard many good things about the factory low suspension GS/GSA from RU-vidrs and the BMW Motorrad sales team…..Lower CG, better road holding bla bla bla…..🙄 What a big mistake for me when I bought my late 2014 Low GSA!!!!! I am 1.78M tall and able to handle the standard height GS/GSA at static and on the go. Started on a standard 2008 GSA and moved on to a late 2013 standard GSLC. Didn’t like the GSLC as it have no presence,frontal protection and tank range. Bought the much rave low suspension GSALC in late 2014. The low GSA LC looks weird when parked amongst the standard height GSA. On the move riding on bumpy rough uneven B roads the side stand, main stand and rider foot pegs easily drag on the roads surface in more aggressive corners. Now back onto a Standard suspension 1250 GSA LC Happy again riding on any road surface conditions. Low suspension GS/GSA may work for some riders but personally from my experience I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are 100% physically challenging with the normal standard height of the GS/GSA.
Thank you for your comment. I don't know how the 2014 compares to the 2023 model year but personally I don't have the same issues. Safe Travels and Enjoy the Ride!
Just when you think you are convinced that there should be no issues with the lowered version, somebody comes around the corner saying it’s a no go due to scraping … damnit, I wish there was once a topic in the www where everybody could agree on the same opinion 😂
I don't want to wait to ride also all the bugs are worked out on the current model and it's an Awesome Motorcycle to ride. Maybe in the future I will get the newer one. Have a Phenomenal Day!
These bikes are not good for off road riding good luck trying to pick one up by yourself. Nobody wants to work on them, and hard to find parts in third world countries. Would never have one ever. SJ
A GS is much easier to pick up than other bikes in its class, as the crash bars prevent it from lying completely flat on the ground. Its is also no heavier than other bikes in its class.
