Unleashing Power: First Ride After BMW R1300GS 1st Service 

I’m quite certain this 1300 GS is a great bike. Took one look at it, then 2 weeks later I purchased a 2023 R 1250 GS. Couldn’t help myself. The 1250 is completely “the bike” I wanted for years. Could not be happier. To all these motorists, the 1300 is better, yet the 1250 will always race my heart. ❤️

“How it makes you feel.” Absolutely spot on. Do I need all the power, the brakes, the electronic wizardry. Not necessarily, but if you are lucky enough to experience it and properly put it to the test it’s a beautiful thing. Yet another review that covers what an everyday rider wants to see. Nice one.

Very honest with the finance figures Bruce and you should be highly commended for doing so. There should be more about purchases & costs on these reviews as it’s something we all have to do. Last year I bought a new Honda CRF300L cash, this year my SDR’s finance will cease (£226/month) and my R1250R is mine also. Always light at the end of the tunnel mate. Thanks again first class video 👌👌

Good work TP1. Ive only just had my triple black 1250 (no10) but this is most certainly gonna be next, in a year or two. Looking forward to more sporty goodness. It’s what the 1250 has been gagging for. 👍🏻🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Great to watch a review from someone who knows what he is talking about when comparing the new with the old! Quality unbiased review which was good to watch….

Great work Bruce, can’t wait to get my 1300 Triple Black, it’s sat at the dealers waiting for me. Just a note on the SOS, I was on a 2022 RT Blood Bike on Sunday and it has the same issue so it’s not exclusive to the 1300 GS.

Hi Bruce, you are so lucky to be able to ride this time of year with 15 celsius! Here in Quebec it is winter( although we will have an exceptionally green Christmas) a provincial law forbids us to be on the streets with summer tires, therefore no riding from December 1st until March 15th. Happy Christmas 🎄 Ride safe! 🏍😉

Great talking! I am waiting for mine to come. Merry Christmas!

Hi TP1. Thanks for the review, your comment re the 'feeling' made me laugh. I too bought my 1250 from the same place in Brighton, i have to say they have been awesome in support, advice and speed of getting things done, i noticed a great change since the new manager has taken over. Loving my 1250 and looking forward to the next trip coming up to Garmish in July. Thanks again for these vids, im even taking note of your gear changes when slowing 👍every days a learning day. cheers Angus

Best of luck with the new bike Bruce,ride safe. Enjoyed the channel content this year , looking forward to 2024, maybe see you for a pint in Ireland. Merry Christmas and Happy New year.

Great video Bruce of the bike that is certainly going to stir the adventure bike pot!! I think its a great looking bike, but still a GS. Look forward to your future videos of your new steed. Thank you

You are liking it then Bruce 👏...... Great to hear you enjoying the new bike so much, that’s what a new bike should be a huge grin and a strong desire to avoid putting it in the garage. Thanks for sharing 🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Great honest no faff review.. Best I’v seen yet 👍

The HP wars are interesting in the Adv segment. I have a 1250GSA and never have I wanted for more HP or TRQ. Throttle response is instantaneous. Overtaking is ridiculously easy, sometimes 2-3 cars at a time on B roads. I love my GSA, it will be interesting to see the GSA next year. The video is awesome!

After a rubbish day this really cheered me up. I think when the time comes I think I’ll have one of these. When my s1xr was new in 21 I had the same warning light and message and the sos thing didn’t go to sleep and flattened the battery. My experience of bmw Rotherham is very good they rebuilt my bike after it went up in smoke. In general the bmw motorbike dealers are better than the bmw car dealers.

Hi Bruce, your enthusiasm is contagious and refreshing. Good luck and safe riding. Trying hard to content myself with my 1250 triple black. I still love ˋher´😅! Greetings, Jim

I love that whine.. my Sinnis Terrain 125 does it after a service too.

Dicking about in my second home East Sussex, using Upper and Lower Dicker as a roundabout, miss 1066 country after retiring back to Scotland. 2011 big bang R1's rulz. No electronic gizmos just you and the bike as it should be, old school, all in the wrist action 😂😂😂😂😂. Looks nice though glad your happy with it.

Great video Bruce, thanks for sharing it and your honesty too about the costs! 👍👍

I have to agree the sound of the boxer does sound different and better in my opinion. I do admire your candid review and your willingness to talk about how you purchased the bike on PCP and costs of that package….not many people on this platform divulge such info, so thanks for that. I’m looking forward to seeing how this bike performs over the next 12 months especially in regard to the mileage you do and just like myself, you ride in all weathers.

Interesting to see how,the differences in the bike are going to be. Glad you are enjoying it so much so far. Merry Christmas and all the best for the new year. 😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦🍻

I was looking forward to this video, someone who knows the 1250 extremely well and now owns the 1300 - seems like a ton of positives, especially if you like a sportier edge. I love the new look, a far neater design and would seriously consider buying it 👍🙂

Great video and yes i agree its all about tickling ones danglies.I own two bikes a 2015 Pan European ST1300 and a Harley Davidson Pan America Special and yes they both well and truely tickle my danglies keep up the good work.

Hi Bruce. Another enjoyable vid sir. Wishing you and the Clan a very Happy Christmas, and looking to watching more in 2024. Safe riding, and till next time 👍😊. PS. I hope you'll be very happy together...

Fantastic Honest Review Bruce Thankyou 👍👍👍

Good old fashioned German bollock tickling! Love it 🤌💥

I’m a 1250 GSA owner and I love the massive presence of it plus the fuel range which in Australia is a necessity for me. In fact I love the bike full stop. The 1300 GS to me looks a bit homogeneous with other adventure bikes. I’ll wait to see what the 1300 GSA looks like before I’ll consider taking the leap.

I always enjoy your content :) great video, I am having a test ride this Friday on the 1300 :)

Great vid as always - you are probably best suited to compare the 1250 to the 1300. Look forward to seeing more on this bike.

Looks a Nice Ride Bruce, i like it, the Best looking GS yet. Enjoy your vids you say it as it is, keep safe enjoy the ride and i look forward to seeing your future vids Have a Great Christmas 🎄 and New year. Interested in what 2024 vids and travels you have lined up. 👍👍🏍🏍🏍

Nice bike & a great review. And as a cyclist and biker, I'll just add: treat others the way you'd wish to be treated- we're all responsible for our own actions, not those of others.

You’re right that it’s how issues are dealt with. Sadly, why I’m no longer riding a BMW. But this new bike has me pondering…….

Looks like a nice bike glad to see you are enjoying it. The big questions for me is it a comfortable as my 1200. Is the weather protection as good. Looking forward to seeing what you feel about it after a long ride. And getting it wee bit grotty.

Nice bike. I'm happy for you. I need to get at least one more year on my 1250GS before I upgrade.

Beautiful looking GS brother, but for some reason, the 1250 is the one that appeals to me. Love the video as usual mate. Good onya Bruce. Enjoy.

Nice real world honest review having had a test ride concur one helluva bike and the first GS where you wind it on and scream fuggginell!!

Can’t believe I’ve only just got around to watching this. I’m a big fan of the GS as you know. I love my 1250 for everything I can do in it. But I love the look of the 1300 more. Especially in the blue “Trophy” colours. Only time will tell if I’ll get one and then go splashing through muddy puddles on the North Devon green lanes.

Barrie Robson BMW in York are fantastic, nothings too much trouble and they're a great bunch of guys.

I quite like the new front end seems to fit it much better all round great video as allways

Looks like your happy with the new 1300, good to get a real life as the bike rides review. Cheers stay safe.

Finance and servicing costs are great info. Much more useful than suspension travel and brake disc diameter.

Hi mate I do 20'000 miles a year in every weather condition and certainly don't nurse my bikes. On my 5th BMW, mixture of GSs and XRs and the customer service I receive from Cotswold Mottorad in Cheltenham is amazing and the reason I keep buying the brand. In 250000 miles I've only broken down twice and both times it was dealt with quickly and professionally. Many of my riding pals have different brands but all admit none give the same customer satisfaction as Cotswold BMW. Keep up the great content mate, wish my channel was half as good.👍 FB

PPF is the way to go for protecting the paintwork IMO. I had the same issue on my 1250GS where my knees rubbed on the tank, one panel was changed under warranty and PPF fitted afterwards. 3 years on the tank still looked like new as Cotswold Motorrad loaded into the van

I have my new one arriving in January and cant wait. I took a test ride a few weeks ago and loved the power and the bike. It wheelied over a slight crest at 180kph and deffo feels more nervous then my 1250 but then it would because of the extra power. I will try mine with the suspension set on the low setting to see if this steadies her up a bit. if not then i will just get used to it 🙂

Really good video and food for thought. It’s growing on me, not sure I’ll be changing my current GS just yet though. Be interesting to see what the 1400 presents, assuming it will be a GSA replacement and a fatter version 🤔

I think your point about bikes having problems and it being the way t hat they are dealt with is spot on. I'm just about to get my 4th BM after getting completely fed up with the customer service of a major Italian brand (mostly red bikes). Bikes have hiccups but being well looked after speaks volumes.

Thanks Bruce very informative especially coming from a 1250 owner............. my 1250 is only 12 months old so plan to wait 12 more months. Think big elephant in room will be cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty in the coming year, second hand car market already hit hard. BMW could well have hit peak GS sales with R1250

Great video , very informative. Mines being delivered in Jan . Which eazi grip would you recommend? I’m getting the trophy so think the clear is the right one but there are three types to choose from.

Absolutely awesome video Sir. Sitting here in Florida watching you ride on the wrong side of the road feels so weird.

Looks amazing, I like the slimmer profile personally. I don't like the the look of the big bulky GSA. I have the 1200 GS and it's great. I like the look of the front light too, reminds of the Preditor's mouth 😊

I have the option 719 full options. In my opinion it is a race GS. And that is exactly what I wanted from this new GS. I am stil breaking in the engine. Found that the gearbox was harsh in the beginning. Needed a lot of force to change gears but it is getting better and hope after breaking in and changing Oil it will be perfect. Is your supplier of ceramic coatings also do bikes in the Netherlands?

Fantastic info, Bruce. I think the 1300 will do really well. I’ve had my vfr1200x for over 3 years, full dealer service all its life. Reflecting what a few have said, individual dealers make a big difference. I’ve had some not so great and others have been fantastic. Never had so much as a single warning light in 13k miles, typical Honda. But, to be fair, it has less tech than the arc. Keep the great work up. 👍

Great vid. I like the content based around opinion and feel of the bike. Not point in rattling off stats which can be easily found. Well done please keep same format on bike reviews. An opinion can not be wrong it’s just an opinion as a viewer we can choose to ignore or accept. Cheers, and good work👍

Great Review Bruce . 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

Congratulations on the new bike, am wondering how the lightbeam looks in the dark. Headlight looks alien...

I no how long you have waited for this bike always good to see you happy the beautiful thing about motorcycles is the freedom of choice and you definitely made the right choice for you no bike is perfect but this bike is perfect for you ☝️ reference to your comment about all new bikes having teething problems this is so true you definitely are BMWs unpaid development test rider and that’s development 😎🤘❤️ enjoy have a amazing Christmas 🎅 see you next year 🙏

Lovely bike, still not convinced on the headlight but havent seen on in the flesh so may be better. Everything else looks like a decent upgrade

Loads of great info there, thanks Bruce. I'm a KTM 1290 SAS owner and I have to admit, this new GS is slightly turning my head, don't tell SamV ;)

A proper Naughty Beast haha Love it Bruce. Thanks for the mention, you shouldn't have! Made up you're loving the new bike :)

Looks well.

Hi @TeapotOne - enjoying your content. This is my first GS .. I bought the shiny green one with gold spoked rims ;-) (the chavvy one - lol) but love your triple black! How are you finding the quick-shifter? It's possibly me, my previous bike was a Tiger 900 (which I found really dull, but my previous bike to that was a GSXR1000), I found the Tiger's quick-shifter really smooth -- however I'm finding the GS1300's quick-shifter a bit clunky - especially 2-3 ... but also 5-6 up and down -- like I say, possibly me, not heard yours clunking at all through your videos. Also I'm finding the front brake leave pulls a bit close to the bars, I'm used to 1 or 2 finger braking while holding the throttle .. but have found I can't apply enough pressure before I'm crushing my fingers ... span I've set to the widest; but have been trying to adapt and not 1-2finger brake. Loving the GS, so much more responsive (as you'd expect) from the Tiger ... I felt the Tiger was really vague on the front, where I'm finding I'm a lot more confident with the front of the GS. May see you around on the South Coast roads!!

Hanging on to see the adventure when it arrives, nice to hear the figures tho not enough people go into that 👍🏼 ive had them for the last 10 years just unsure if i want a new one and go though it all again,

Can’t wait for the 1300RS-- hope it looks better than the front of the GS

Great video once more, Bruce, thank you. I’ve had two test rides on the 1300GS and enjoyed them both immensely. As others have commented, gear box is a bit stiff 2-3 but now better at 2000 miles after the 1st service. Your GS does look immaculate with the ceramic coating and the spoked wheels ( an optional extra I think ). Boring question perhaps - does your Geoff clean up more easily and better with his ceramic coating ?

Nice bike great vid. Yes I’d like to see you take the NT1100 out again I’ve had a gs and I don’t find the Nt boring.

Still waiting for mine as it’s currently stuck at BMW UK waiting for the recall bits to be fitted but should be here early new year; coming from an 850 GSA so may have to ride in rain mode for a while before I get used to it 😂. Never had a bad experience over multiple BMW dealers, had a KTM once. Never again. The dealer went bust unsurprisingly!

Hi Bruce, Great videos. Who do you insure with, I'm struggling to find an insurer for my incoming R1300GS. Thanks TT

My experience of how I get treated wwith my versus 1000 gt se at Greenham Kawasaki Newbury is still to a good level. Very happy with servicing, aftermarket part department. ( Kawasaki not BMW). It is bit of a trek to get there but they are an official Kawasaki dealer not a franchise dealer.

Perfect punchy review, great video!! Enjoy the new bike😀 As a KTM SA owner I'd quite like to try it. (Did I say that our loud🤐)

Good review thanks. 👍 Riding back from the dealership on roads close to home is the kind of assessment that reflects how we use our bikes in the real world. Personally, I'd have hoped for a slightly larger tank (not smaller) without going the full Chungus Adv. and a taller 6th for trips / range. Still, happy with the 1250 that [cliche alert] does it all for me in my one-bike world.

@TeapotOne Great video!!!! Do you find the knee bend and or siting position different than on your 1250? I have heard the foot pegs are set further back and the knee bend is different. I am 6 foot tall and concerned about the ridding position. We don't have them in the U.S. as of yet so I can't sit on one yet. I had a 2019 GSA and loved the sitting position. Just curious how different it is on the 1300. Thank you!

New subscriber. But a great man to watch. Super video.

Nice test, happy to hear the feeling is more important than papers :-) May I know witch micro system is used in this revue ? Thank You and Mery Xmas !

Just found your channel and subbed. Look forward to seeing your video on those radar detected automatic brakes.

Nice vid, Same as mine, great bikes, only issues I have are filtering through London confuses the radar and auto brakes regularly which is a bit annoying, although I’m sure it can be de-activated. Mine buzzes through bars and pegs around 90 in top, you have this issue?

I rode the same bike UsernamKate took out at the weekend. First GS that had me shouting “FAR CANAL” when I pinned it Its the torque that wakes you up

Hope your enjoying your new bike Bruce 👍

As a short arse the 1300 is the first GS I can just about stretch so's now a viable choice, I know a lot of owners of earlier 1200 and 1250s aren't big fans of the new looks but I really like them and the more compact design.

Top Video Marra! Geoff is certainly made for Strictly..........................

Enjoy the new bike Bruce👍. I nearly went for a GS last March (I buy under a year old with minimal miles for cash) but the dealer Bahnstormer Alton wouldn’t move an inch on any of their bikes (meaningful amounts)- so I walked. Premier Bikes Abingdon offered me a Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro less than a 1000 miles on the clock, less than a year old under 14k last March, I even squeezed them for a heated seat. I think the new GS is a real winner, I’ll be looking at one in 12 months assuming I can get a deal, the engine sounds louder than the old 1250 is that right - anyway enjoy! (love your vids BTW) 👍

Great review. Do you know if the adaptive ride height can be turned on /off or is it just always engaged.

The new 1300GS looks so much nicer than the 1250. I'll be trading my 1250GS in as soon as the new 1300's land in the U.S.

Great video Bruce love the comments on the bike and the honest opinions do you know why BMW have yet to give it back lit switch gear like all its competitors? It’s the only thing to me to let it down ? Ru getting engine guard bars fitted ?

Nice vid just wish I could fit in one but I’m a shorty Ps rode through my neck of the woods that train stations a pain all the best Bruce

Enjoy your new motorcycle. I currently have a cruiser (HD Sport Glide) but would like to get something like this. Are they comfortable for longer distances? Thanks.

great vid bruce

How can @teapotone not love the Saltaire headlamp

Awesome! Now I'm intrigued about how good is the "matrix" headlight and a nite ride to see how good it is will be perfect since there is no video at all about it!

How's the headlight perform? Always thought the 1250 low beam was not great - any improvement on 1300?

3m clear tape etc to protect the tank/frame area.. spray water and hairdryer make life easier fitting

‘The Tramontana is chavvie’ - says the man who’s fitted flashing emblem lights 🤭🤭. Having owned two Triple Blacks I’m looking forward to my green and gold chav-mobile arriving in March - a 200 mile test ride from Inverness to Skye and back convinced me, it’s just so much better in all areas for me.

in the summer or spring bring Jeff to Portugal to check the Douro river National Road 222. (you can always do a kick pitstop with in Picos da Europa

The light you’ve got and the message you got, I’ve had the exact same on my new r1250GSA?

I’ve had nothing but first class treatment from my bmw dealer. The aftercare is second to none in my experience. This is one reason why I will buy another bmw.

Are you using the bmw connected ride app on your phone ? If so how do you get the destination info on the screen while you’re using the sat nav. I use the app on my connected ride cradle, the sat nav is great but it doesn’t show any journey info ( time / distance to destination) Many thanks

I’ve just ordered a 1300, equipped similarly to yours..what do you think of the Vario cases?…any issues or concerns?

Very nice mate! 'HE' looked much better in person than in the pics and definitely stepped up the build finish! Kudos that you kept in the little error. New bikes always have some faults until they are ironed out but I guarantee the forums will be full of keyboard warriors! Definitely looks a more lively bike so will have to get myself on one! Think it's really going please those wanting a bit more knobbery with the BMW caressing

Imagine that screen going up and down all the time whilst in town trafic 😂

Nice bike. If a bike doesn’t make me smile I change it .😂

Oh dear it's got that fault your 1250 had, in the "National's" after about 57mph the speedo goes blank! What a shame! Love the vid Bruce, GSs aren't my thing but I do appreciate the tech and power they deliver!