Owned around 20 BMWs since 2005 and one thing I’ve learned is never buy the 1st or 2nd editions of a new model, there are simply too many issues. The last of a model lines tends to be the most sorted. BMW (and others) do the product testing on the consumer, which I get. Tested the 13GS, fantastic bike and reminded me how good the platform is, so I sold my Rocket3R and bought a 1250GSA I’ll run this for 3 years, let others do the product testing then move to a 13GSA 👍
Waiting to see the changes to the adventure model. I own the 21’ 1250 GS Adventure and I love it. In 2005 I started my GS life with the new R1200GS and I’ve loved them ever since. I buy Adventure models for the range.
This has to be first honest, reasonable and fair comparison video of both gs's I have seen. So many videos make massive statements like game changer & totally different that it's hard to take them seriously.
Andy you said the "elephant in the room" regarding the new 1300GS was the styling. Personally i think the elephant is the cost. To swop the old bike for a new one you need a second mortgage and it's hard to justify that, in my opinion.
As an always secondhand buyer I just love the speed of depreciation on expensive bikes. Buy two or three years on, get a never-taken-off-road, perfect service record, often farkled, recalls-done model and save yourself a pile of cash. And - bonus - you don't need to feel too bad about dropping it occasionally. :)
A fantastic review, thanks Andy. I think we all accept that the 1300 is marginally better in every way but the good point about your review is in the real world the marginal gains are even more….marginal. How often are we testing the bikes to their limits in a 20mph limit in Wales? I watched the Bennetts review where they ran them on a dyno and got their tape measures out - your real world test is far more informative than bhp and mm figures. Your experience as a long term GS owner really helps too. The inevitable niggles of the new 1300 and the cost to change from my existing fully loaded 1250GS laden with extras probably have me leaning towards keeping onto it and exploring good used options in a few years time. There is the new GSA to come which may address the road presence/size of the 1300. The styling is something I’m struggling with - for most GS riders this is probably a far more significant factor than how good it is off road 😂. Thanks again for taking the time to review.
Yes I enjoyed the Bennetts review but it showed in their summary that those guys (ex sportsbikes fans) are really after something different of their bikes (speed, handling and so on) than I am who values comfort, road presence and ability to carry luggage two up more....I'm not sure Michael and Simon are "typical" GS riders.....
@@TheMissendenFlyer I do feel for the manufacturers at times as they can’t really win can they? Rating a GS as a sports bike, off roader, tourer, commuter etc when all requirements have their own often contradicting engineering challenges. I’ve always loved the GS for what is - good at everything.
@@TheMissendenFlyer Have to agree with this, it is tiring sometimes watching bikes compared outside their design parameters in back to back testing just because they favour a particular type of riding. Good review, well done.
Go back nearly 30 years and my 1100 GS had switchable ABS, and that was it. I managed to ride it 100,000 miles and i felt I never needed the new electronics they kept adding on throughout each new years models. I think it would be nice to get a liquid cooled 1300 without all the added electronics. In other words K.I.S.S.
Just got back from a wet and windy trip to Scotland on my trusty and faultless 1250GS. Chatting to a guy in the bar last night who has the 1300 and really rates it. Made the point that we’ll all end up riding the new one eventually which I guess is true for many of us that trust the brand, reliability , service network etc. I’ve yet to ride the 1300 but will be doing soon although I suspect I’ll agree with your “marginally” better perspective and stick with the current steed for a while longer. Spot on comparison, thanks
Great comparison. Only reason I would consider the GS1300 over the GS1250 is auto ride reduction under 15mph, as I am 69yrs old and 5' 9". I will stick to my Ducati Diavel V4 but totally different type of bike. I love my 2017 R1200R I use for touring and will wait to see what the R1300R provides. Hope you have a great summer. Winter closing in down in NZ but relatively temperate so will ride all year.
That coming from a GS diehard fan was a great honest review knowing you’ve been waiting a long while for it to be released I think it should not be marginally better but stand out better
Yes I have to be honest and say I'm really dissappointed with the new bike, I so wanted to like it and get one....too many niggles to make it worthwhile for me personally.
Great comparison! I have the ‘22 R 1250 GS Rallye and I am very happy with everything, so with your comparison in mind I’m planning to keep what I have and fully enjoy it. Thanks again for executing such good reviews and helpful comparisons.
Owner of a total of five GS/GSAs over 21 years here. I've had a similar journey with my LC GSAs. Bought a new 2014 R1200GSA and it was rough, noisy as a can of nails, clunky gearbox and I never quite gelled with it. Five years and nearly 90,000kms later I bought a new 2019 R1250GSA. The difference was profound. Smoother engine and gearbox as well as SO much more power and torque. Five years and 80,000kms later I was interested in what the 1300GS would be like (not that the GSA has been released yet). It's hard to get past the looks of the 1300, lack of tail light, complex menu/controls and the loss of it's "GS-ness". As Andy said, a lot of things are better but only marginally so. So........I'm going to stick to my well sorted R1250GSA, I bike that still makes me smile every time I ride it.
Morning Andy, it's interesting to see how little the differences are between the two bikes apart from costs. I haven't been convinced by any of the current owners of the 1300 to go out and buy one, but judging by sales figures,many have. Like you the dedicated buttons on the bars are a good thing. One thing that has been coming through on comments from owners, the poor customer service BMW in general are giving, especially as how expensive they are. Watch a guy review the new Bennilli TRK 702 and I tell you what for £7000 including full hard luggage,is hard to ignore
Thanks for the comparison. I’ve got a ‘23 1250GS that I’m going to hang on to for awhile. I’ll probably end up with a 1300 eventually, but I’m good for now. Thanks again!
I already own the ‘22 GS & have considered the new 1300 but I agree with all of your comments on both bikes and am grateful to stick with what I have as I couldn’t live with that new front end design… for now! 😮😂
The new 1300gs is a superior bike . If I was stats driven rider I'd select it. It doesn't make me smile when I look at it though. The 1250gs does , everytime.
Very good sensible comparison, yeah, £6000 more for not much better! One thing I’ve noticed is that when you, or others have reviewed these bikes, there’s hardly a mention of the heated seats. The grips always get a mention but when I was given a go on one from Bhanstormer, I just loved the sheer indulgence of it, as did my wife. Always enjoy your vids! 👍👍
Thanks for great video Andy … you put my mind to rest buying a new GS for the first time opting for the new R1300GS ..this was following a back to back road test that the dealer organised and I agree if I had a old low mileage 1250 I don’t think I would change but now looking forward to my first GS in 1300 guise !! :)
So glad I watched this review. My second-hand (2023) F1250GS Adventure Rallye is being delivered next week, and it's encouraging that you had only good things to say about it. Being 5 feet 6 inches tall with a 29 inch inseam, it'll be interesting to see how I get on (pun intended) with the 260kg behemoth with 30 litres of fuel sloshing around in its tank. 😁
Hi Andy. A new GS1300 came past me yesterday. Thought the brake lights in the indicators was really odd and too small. The indication that the guy was braking wasn't where you expected it to be. They looked like some aftermarket add on or that BMW had forgotten to fit a rear light. Just my opinion but i wasn't impressed.
Great comparison video Andy. I have a 2023 R1250GS Trophy, (exactly the same as the one you rode in this video). 😀👍 A couple of weeks ago I took a test ride on the R1300GS and totally agree with your conclusions. The 1300 is the better bike on paper… but in reality, only just. The things I wish my 1250 had is the automatic ride height. I have short legs so I have to manually lower the suspension when I stop. I’m usually carrying my wife as pillion and luggage and because the ‘auto’ mode on the 1250 just sets auto ride height, invariably the bike is at the highest setting and I’m on tiptoes. Many a time I’ve frantically had to tell my wife to sit down until I’ve lowered the bike.. she can get off once my feet can touch the ground! 😂 Annoyingly it can only be lowered when stationary. So that is the feature I covert on the 1300. I’d also quite like the blind spot detection as well. When on the test ride I was initially impressed with the radar cruise control… right up until the moment I was on a dual carriageway and a car pulled on to the carriageway immediately in front of me. He swerved across the give way markings cutting into my lane. However I had anticipated what the car driver was about and I was in the process of changing lanes in order to overtake the slower moving car, but the radar suddenly ‘saw’ the car and cut all power to the bike (and I’m pretty sure it applied the brakes too). That’s a horrible feeling having throttle control suddenly taken away mid overtake plus nearly getting rear ended by the vehicle behind who must have thought I was a right pillock suddenly slowing down halfway through an overtaking manoeuvre. After that I rapidly went off the radar cruise control. A bike suddenly deciding it’s going to rapidly slow down while I’m overtaking is not a feature I want! So apart from ride height and blind spot detection, in every other area I actually prefer my 1250. I like sitting in my bike, not on it. I like the substantial feel of my bike, I love the rugged look of it. So in conclusion, I can’t see me getting rid of my 1250 anytime soon. 😀👍
Another great upload, honest and fair. Thanks for your efforts. So the question is, given that you have a 1200, which are YOU going to upgrade too? Me, I've decided, given that I tour so much; I hate the new panniers, just not practical, I don't need more power, and hate electronic menu's, so 1250 for me!
Having had both the 1200 and 1250, the 1250 IMO was a decent step forward over the 1200. The elephant in the room now though is the ever increasing cost to buy one of these as you've found out. There will always be those who want the latest bike no matter what the cost but for many the 1250 is and will remain a very nice bike to own that will do everything they need it to do very well. My 2020 1250GS TE had done less than 4000 miles and was up for sale at my dealers for 14,995. It sold within a month so that new owner will have a very nice bike that costs 2/3 what a new 1300 would and comes with a 2 year BMW warranty too. Me, I've changed to a 1250RS as I no longer do any 2 up touring (and have never ridden my GSs offroad) and saved myself a fortune against what a 1300GS would have cost me without having to move away from the boxer and a shaft drive. I wonder if the 1300RS will be a similar experience, i.e. a "better" bike but far more expensive. Get the RS now while it's still a relative bargain😂
Good review Andy. i upgraded from a 1250 to the 1300 in January and I agree, when riding at slow speed , in a town, the difference is not huge, But, on the open road there is a big difference. The difference between road mode and Dynamic mode on the 1300 is much greater than on the 1250. Other things worth mentioning are the 1300 feels stiffer, more agile, more powerful, smoother quick shifter, stronger brakes, better screen and wind protection and smoother engine.
Opinion seems to be that one of the reasons for the 1300 (apart from changing Euro requirements), is that the 1300 is BMW chasing a younger market. I agree; the 1250 is the better looking bike - but as an owner I'm biased.
Hi Andy, a great balanced review. I’ve said before the new 1300 looks like an adventure/touring bike and the panniers are really RT style touring but do suit the bike,it’s a good looking bike if that’s the look you want. I’m waiting on the new GSA and hope that they get all the gremlins sorted before they launch and that it looks like a proper adventure bike. Still, a lot of GS 1300’s have been sold to date.
Good honest unbiased review , I have a 21 plate gs1250 and the prices the dealers were offering in part ex were shocking against the new 1300. There are plenty new Bmw GSA 1250s still available at good prices but a shortage of new GS1250 non adventures. If I was in the market I would snap the outgoing 1250 over the new 1300 plus at being over 6ft and a big lad I looked like a gorilla on the new 1300 as it is aimed at smaller riders and BMW XR riders
Another well done video. I am agreement with everything you said. The only problem could be finding a well sorted used 1250GS with low miles. One thing I am curious about is with the increase in power on the 1300 did the mpg decrease. And have you ever thought about stepping up to the R1250GS Adventure. For me the larger tank would be a plus. Several of my motorcycle tours included legs with 200 miles + between fuel stops.
That covers it all very nicely and I couldn't put any arguments forward against your comparison. Personally I think the looks of the "Old" 1200 and 1250 are better, more distinctive and I like the quirky form.... There was one thing I thought I would mention after test riding one yesterday. In a fantasy search I looked for an insurance quote, I could not get one that was not ridiculously expensive. I live 15 miles north of central London in a decent enough suburban Town. I spoke to the Guys at LIND Motorrad and they have said that some customers have been refused insurance completely for any of the £20000+ bikes. They are show casing the new M1000XR (amongst others) today but are asking customers to check if they can get cover first before placing down a deposit... Maybe this needs further investigation however it' is worrying.
Really fair and straightforward comparison. So I own a 71 plate 1250 and from a dealer it would cost c £14K - £15K with 12K on the clock. No way would I swap it for a new 1300. One important (but 1st world) point is the heated seats - my 71 plate has heated seats but the newer 1250s don’t - I would argue that my 71 plate is an even better option. There are loads of two or three year old examples out there - PCP has ensured that lots of 1300s have been bought and the 1250s traded in. Now’s a great time for a used 1250!
Another nice review Andy. As you say, it depends a lot on what you already own. For me, the decision to upgrade from a 2015 S1000XR to the new GS (arriving soon..) was an easy one.
Very interesting indeed, Andy, with some sage and honest real-world advice at the end. This is going to help a lot of people, no doubt. Once I've got my money's worth out of my 1200 I reckon I shall be referring back to this video!
Thanks for this Andy, excellent comparison. very happy you like Barmouth, one of my favorite destinations from here in Manchester, even moto camped there a few times on my R1250RS.. P.S. turn right at the All day amusment. ;-)
Great video! I was thinking about purchasing a R1300GSA when it's released... but I think I'll stick to my good old R1200GSA. One of the last produced in 2018. Travelled ~25 countries on that bike and it's more of a family member than a motorcycle now!
Thanks for your honest review on these bikes . I have owned 6 new BMW 's and 2 second hand ones since my motorcycle riding journey started , 2 being GS , and the last one being a GS/A . As much as I loved that GSA , and annual holidays away on it , I don't miss the extravagant servicing costs , the issues they had for being an expensive motorcycle . The last one I had , I did 70000 klms on it , and enjoyed every klm on it when I owned the last GS/A . At times I have contemplated on getting another new one , but the flash backs of previous issues on the ones I have owned , soon got that thought out of my mind . I then purchased a SUZUKI VSYROM 650 after I sold my GS/A , for a 3 rd of the price , and does everything that I want it to do , with not one issue , with basic servicing needed . I have come to the conclusion that BMW stands for - B ring M y W allet
Interesting I have a BMW my second now and a Kawasaki both reasonably new, the BMW service I get in Australia has always been exemplary and has been far better value than the Kawasaki or the previous Yamaha I had, I got the Kawasaki serviced twice and won't be going back to the dealer.
Great job - yes the 1300 is an excellent bike in many ways...but something about the 1250 character that stands out. I will be holding on to my 21' GSA and 23" GS....no need to IMO to move on to the 1300....thanks again and well done!!!
I think some of the new trims look much sleeker, lower and sportier - which I think was their goal. I was surprised how much better it looks in person, but it doesn’t look as rugged or adventure-y. Looks easier to clean too! Very interesting hearing your thoughts. How does it compare to its closest real world BMW competitor - the XR? I’d assume this is now a less mad alternative!
Great comparison Mr Fly, I'm in total agreement with you and much prefer the looks of the 1250. It's the one I would buy used over the new 1300 and the £6.5k change would pay for another used bike or an amazing touring holiday!
Thanks for posting. Very nice comparison. Like you said, tough to justify an upgrade from a 1200 (newish) or 1250 to the 1300. But if you are new to the market, then go for the 1300. Newer technology, plus you have the warranty to back it up.
I have a 2022 R 1250 GS 40th Anniversary Edition. Bike is phenomenal. I still have not ridden a 1300 and my buddy offered to let me ride his. I'm sure it's "better" but I'm very happy with my 1250.
Great review Andy. I just had a test ride on the 1300 and fully agree with you that it’s only very marginally better than the 1250gs. I just think that it’s hard to justify a change bast on the cost of the new bike. Really good review Andy. Thanks as always for being open and honest 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Enjoy your videos so took a 1300GS for a test ride. I have an HD Ultra Limited and was thinking of trading. The BMW is certainly lighter, faster, and feels more nimble. What took me back was the insane road or engine noise. Would need ear plugs on this thing. After quickly jumping back on mine it felt like a Cadillac in comparison. What has your experience been with the BMW's. Do you have excessive road noise at highway speeds?
Seems to me that the biggest reason you want the 1300 is the adaptive ride height option for those with shorter legs (or who is getting a bit older and want both feet flat on the ground), because that is a brilliant thing that should be implemented on more bikes.
Thinking the 2023 gs Low trim actually offers like a .5 to 1” lower seat height then the new one with the auto lowering feature…could be mistaken though thought that is what I read else saw on a youtube video
Excellent. Thank you, Andy. I thought I was going to run out and buy a 1300, but I've got a well-sorted 1200 and I think I'm going to keep it a while. Maybe think about a 1300RT when they show up in a year or two.
I agrre! I`ve got at R1200GS 2017.5 model and have tested the 1250 GS several times and also the 1300 GS. But as you mentioned, the biggest difference between the 1200/1250 to he 1300 GS is the sitting position. The 1300 is more agile and it feels more orientated to the XR-series than the GS. I did like the 1300, but to change from mine 1200 GS (2017.5 version) to the 1300 GS I have to pay about 150.000 NOK in between. It is not worth it! I might change to the 1250 though 🙂. Keep up the good reviews.
Good solid balanced views … very fair… if I was looking to buy I would most certainly go 1250…. Anyway you look at it there’s a big gap in cost that does not seem to be bridged by the latest model … see you on the next one, Andy 👍🏻
Yes Andy. You have proven that they are both smooth, fast, well-equipped bikes. Great. But I have a 2015 Red GS TE like yours, and a while back was given a new 1250 GS to ride while having some work done on mine. Yes, the 1250 GS was better to mine in every way. But jumping back on mine for the ride back I immediately felt at home. You see my bike had character. The new bikes don’t. I love the clunkiness and the feeling that I am sitting on a tractor. I love my bike, I love how it looks, how it rides, and love what we have done together. I rather feel that’s why you have kept yours?
What a fantastically honest caparison, and Barmouth looked rather nice. If I was in the market for a GS, I would definitely go for the 1300, I much prefer the looks, more simple styling, also the lowering system and radar cruise would be options I would have, neither of which are on the 1250. Both are obviously great bikes, but it would be the 1300 for me.
Hi TMF. Thanks for the comparison. My own thoughts are much aligned. I own a 2020 1250 GSA which I have ridden 26000 miles and I was down in Southern Europe in March driving a rented 1300 a couple of days. Thoughts on the 1300 from a 1250 owner: - The 1300 feels slightly quicker and nimbler and the differences are small. - The quick shifter is good in the 1250 and very good in the 1300. - Both are comfortable but the 1250 is just a little bit more comfortable. I noticed this after a couple of days driving the 1300. Again, the difference is small. - The controls of the 1300 are suffering from that the main ignition switch was taken away and therefore the new position of the ignition switch is where the heated grips used to be. My guess is that they did this to save manufacturing cost and that there will be an bigger update on the controls in coming models where they add backlight and also a new configuration of switches that don’t require as much digging down in menues to access basic functionality. - The early 1300 sample I rode had software bugs. The engine warning light came on and turned off randomly. The rental guys said that this is happening often. ”Ignore it, just drive on”. It also had a mechanical sound in third and fourth gear that didnt feel good. If it would have been my personal bike, I would have been worried. - Lastly the looks. Very personal and for me the front of the1300 simply does not look good. I have also found that it does not grow on me. The 1250 is for me, definately a much better looking adventure bike. - In summary: The 1250 is the Mighty GS, the 1300 is the Nimble GS.
I have both and can tell you the heat coming to your thighs in the 1300 is an issue. I am in Houston so may be you guys North will take it as a plus. Also had issue with the lithium battery the second day I had it. Replaced for AGM but had to upgrade software to avoid error messages. Still with an AGM with 14h it sounds like barely has crank power to start it. The RT has a 16h battery...may be that is what the r1300 needs. Good things, the quick shift is amazingly soft. Hardly notice when you up shift or downshift. Reminds me of the dry clutches from 2004... Is a lot more nimble than the 1250. feels a lot lighter even though is not that much. And finally the best for me is the Active cruise control. My left wrist loves it! well is my age... Also the saddle height when moving it around helps short people a lot. You don't need a low suspension r1250 anymore. I love the electric windscreen. In hot weather take off the plastic deflectors and you will have great flow to body and still reduce flow to your helmet. If you are young, (we old people have worked hard to be able to have toys when we reach late 60) I would stick to the 1250 and take wife on a two week vacation with the extra $$ saved
Suddenly, I have to agree with your conclusion. I know you’ve previously mentioned how Mrs Flyer feels about the pillion seat, but it would be good to do a quick back-to-back on two bikes.
Great video as always. I would love a video comparing the BMW F 750 GS, F 800 GS & F 850 GS. Due to my licence restriction (A2), I am saving for one of the above and because I'm 170cm tall and weigh, 53KG, the bigger GS' are probably not for me atm. Although, I loved sitting on the BMW R 1300GS at the VinesGroup dealer, it was comfy and surprisingly didn't feel as heavy as I thought it was - lifting it up from the stand was a different story 😂
It is clear that you have loved your current 1200GS but it sounds like it might be up for replacement in the near future as your enthusiasm for both these models is obvious - I look forward to seeing what your choice of replacement will be or at almost £23k in full spec is the Ducati V4 Multistrada a contender (the guys at Bennetts think so!)? Great video as always - thanks.
Nice brief comparison. I think that the main benefit of the 1300 is the adaptive vehicle height control system which makes the bike easier to handle when at low speed and stationary. I haven't ridden the 1300 but believe there is more engine noise; a bit more clatter from the top end, and I'm pretty sure I could hear the difference on your video - did you notice any difference?
Another good comparison on the GS. As I've never owned one, and probably never will, I found your specced up 2nd hand 1250 compared to brand new 1300 very interesting. I know which I lwould be going for haha.
Nice comparison there Andy. Only thing I would have done was have them in Road mode during the low speed town riding and then switch to Dynamic when out in the nationals! I never have my 1250 GS in Dynamic unless I'm pushing-on along a nice twisty road. Anyway, I bought a 6 month old 1250 GS TE with all the options last year for £5K less than the new list price. With just 3,000 miles it was effectively new and a good deal (like the black one at LIND you mentioned). I haven't ridden the new 1300 yet, but I have tested a Multistrada V4 Rally (which was amazing), so I'm going to wait for the new GSA or 1400 (whatever they decide to call it) before I decide what to do. The only thing I dislike about the GS is the clunky gearbox - the Ducati was miles better......
I've had many great rides in Wales. I'm not sure I can be bothered now it's all 20mph speed limits. That village you rode through was a great example. Wide road, nice big footpath alongside, not a pedestrian to be seen, 20mph.
Good comparison, Andy. The original 1200 to the LC was, for me, a quantum leap making the older 1200 seem agricultural. I had a 2013 GS LC then a 2014 1200GSA. I sold it three years ago but regretted it really. Deliberating now, the 1250 is better value and, I suspect, its proportionate residual value would be better. If I have a last (big bike) hoorah it’ll be a 1250 GSA.
Thank you Andy for a wonderfully balanced review again! Most reviewers make the 1300 out to be the coming of the Lord on Easter 😂 I found the GS 1250 to be a super bike but one which does not like to be revved out, as long as you ride the wave of torque you are ok on it. She protests to high heaven if she is ridden aggressively and not very dynamically inclined either. The quick shifter is bad too. It’s an absolute agricultural feel for me. People may not agree or understand the above but I am a Multistrada V4s owner and the GS/GSA cannot hold a candle to the Multi overall except in the fuel consumption area. Cheers
Very nice comparison! Without a spare 6k (especially when they don’t provide the tank and engine crash bars, lowered seat and other standard stuff as standard!) I certainly wouldn’t be changing my 1250 for the small tweaks you mentioned. Just like most car/bike and other sports and leisure equipment, there are some updates every now and then, but it’s all personal choice and pocket funds that count!
Agreed - plus how you relate to the object in question, I love the old GS 1200/1250 - I just don't feel the same about the 1300 at the moment (I hope that changes in future!).....
Having been on boxers for the last decade I would say the big leap forward was the variable valve timing. This has transformed the top-end because, as you know, the previous models all tended to run out of breath well short of the red line. Given that both bikes have got this, the gain in going to 1300 is infinitesimal. I chose an RT over a GS because I wanted a road bike (rather than a pretend off-roader), but aesthetically I think the GS1300 is an improvement on its predecessor, as it looks a bit more like a motorbike and less like the Starship Enterprise. Nice film, glad to see you've had the sense to come back to Wales.
@@juanmayorga1711 My RT is 30kg heavier than the regular 1250 GS, 10kg heavier than the 1250 Adventure. For that I get a big fairing which is very handy in the winter. The bike is heavyish to push or pull out of the garage but does not feel heavy to ride - handles like a 250! I suspect the 1300 RT (2025) will be a bit lighter but I'm happy to stick with what I've got.
The GS is not and never was a good looking bike, but the new one is an improvement IMHO. It's a quirky looking bike and has a certain charm to some but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, great video again.
Another excellent video Andy comparing real world differences and not performance figures. As you say marginal gains but with massive price between the two. Half way through I was thinking that a nearly new 1250gs would suit you to trade up from the 1200 and you confirmed my thoughts. That trophy colour scheme does look lovely tho 👍
great comparison, totally agree, so much so i have just upgraded to a 1250, one thought when you park up which bike would you look back at longest? looks matter
Good review Andy. The 1250 is a difficult bike to improve AND to keep the character. I’d stick with the slightly less perfect 1250 if it was a BMW choice, although Bennett’s summed up that BMW had tried to make the 1300 a bit more like the Multistrada……so actually you may as well go and buy one of those. I sort of agree with that. Good weekend bud!
You are very fortunate that BMW has lent you a R1300GS for several months. I was seriously considering updating my 1250 but my dealer would only let me test ride one for an hour and then only when it had been run in.
Agree with your review Andy, and marginal is all I’d expect comparing both excellent bikes. You mentioned road presence though, to my mind a very important observation. Being seen on the road is a big safety issue which I hope you’ll cover in a future video. I do also agree with the with the many comments concerning the dual function and continuously on indicators on both bikes. In my opinion this is a backward step and should be rectified by a recall by BMW to look after their loyal customers before statistics may show the potentially increased hazard this set up creates.
Hi Mr. Flyer, a question for your next Q&A episode… Why are so many bikes being sold with quick-shifters and blippers ? I don’t get it !! One of the loves I have of riding is controlling all aspects of my ride and gear shifting is a massive part of that. Why do riders what to effectively ride an automatic ? Kind regards, Steve.L
Amazing power, road presence, comfort, and, oh yes, price! A second hand 1250 here in France is still between 22-25 thousand euros! I’ve tested a 1200 just to see what the fuss was about. It was extremely competent in all areas but just didn’t light my fire like an Africa Twin. And I really can’t see how the prices are justified. The 1300 here starts at 28,000 euros!! That’s insane money for a bike.
Andy, you have a number of bikes in your stable and experience with many more. How would you compare the expense of the maintenance cycle on the big GS's? Lot's of people decry it for Ducati's. With BMW's, is it one of those, "If you have to ask, you probably can't afford it" type of things? Just wondering if jumping into the used market is with out it's extra expenses over the norm.
Nice comparison Andy. Recently upgraded from a 2011 1200 GS to a 2021 1250 GSA (the 40th Anniversary Edition one) and the leap was massive. Have to say, in the flesh rather than on camera, the R1300s in the showroom looked quite nice. But the price difference between the R1250GSA and the R1300GS was too much and as it is for me, an average rider that does some tame off-road the R1250GSA is more than I'll ever need.
I still love my 1200 GSAbut, I think I’d go for the 1250 over the 1300. Mainly based on looks but, also I prefer the riding position of the 1250 and the fact as you put it, you sit in it and not on it. Great video bud 👍
I had a similar view when I tested one in that everything was a bit better which for me overall added up to quite a difference, lots of small things equal one big thing maybe? The game changer for me was the auto height thingy not being over blessed in the height department and I do find the 1300 with standard seats and the auto height spot on for me, the seat is firmer but I found after a while is as comfortable as the 1250, for me anyhow. I came from a 1250 TE and while I loved the bike I am glad I changed, if they ever sort out the luggage it would help! The last reason was that even though it was expensive, I had kind of decided I would buy it sometime and the longer I waited the more the 1300 would go up in price and the more the 1250 would go down so decided to take the plunge early. Good vid though, thanks.
Hi there, I own a 1250GSA 2023 and yesterday ordered the 1300GS, but am still in doubt.. the only reason why i would like to buy the 1300 is because it’s a “newer” model. Currently driving a DEMO 1300 that BMW lent to me, but I really feel that the ride is stiffer, and that I’m leaning more forwards than the 1250GSA, which is absurdly comfortable. I’m in a huge doubt to cancel, please convince me in both ways…
You've made the very valid point that the new bike is 'marginally' better in areas, but a step backwards in others. I personally dont want very dubious (read ugly) looks, smaller and cheap looking in areas. The smart money is indeed a lightly used or new reduced price last 1250. My bike is 23 adv bought new, feels somehow even better than the previous 1250 (?), maybe they did something on the final batch ? and is very likely a long term keeper this time. At 6ft 2 the size is perfect and I like a lot of bike around me, it adds to presence and comfort on big trips. I genuinely think the 13 is a step away from the GS brand of the past. Too far down the small sportier route for me..... Its not for me. Great bike that it surely is. Specifically talking looks, I just couldnt spend that sort of money without really finding the bike attractive too 🙂 Think its awful, the tacky plastic block covering the cruise sensor is plain hideous, I would think that every time I open the garage door. The spy shots were dreadful and then thats what we actually got !!! Owners of the new bike either like the styling or are not bothered if it looks like a trud (rearrange letters .... 😉)
We are all so used to the 1250 platform that it looks “right” (i.e., familiar), and feels right (like a worn-in pair of Levi’s). If I were shopping for a new one, I would wait a bit to see whether the BMW Motorrad distributor in my country started discounting the outgoing model. It would be the “old” model, and a MY older as well when eventually traded-in or sold, but substantially the same machine at a lower cost. Also, the R1250 GS is fully refined, after years of rider feedback and subtle upgrades.
Hi Andy, great to see Barmouth in the sunshine. The other review mentioned talks a lot about wind protection and cornering improvements. Do you have a view on those areas please? Mike
Great comparison and I agree with your conclusion. However, if you want the latest and greatest and can justify the price tag then the 1300 is a great bike. Im still happy with my 2017 1200 RT and will either opt for one of the last 1250's or wait for a used 1300 down the road. Like others have mentioned, if you're going to keep the bike for a long time get the most basic version...its all the electronic upgrades that always fail in the long run...
Great video Andy and would agree not a quantum leap between the GS 1250 and G1300. As an owner of 1250 mine was out of warranty so decided to change. I would have probably kept mine if still under warranty but no regrets nevertheless. One point I think might need clarified from video is you appear to have price compared the top of the range GS1300 probably with all bells and whistles as an opposed to a standard 1250 GS TE which is in your video. If you look on the configurator you will note the GS1300 TE isn’t much more expensive, just shy of £19,000 to buy as when GS1250 was available to buy new if wasn’t much cheaper taking onboard inflation over the last few years …… just an observation
