I rode my 1200 then the 1250 back to back and I like the power difference but I prefer the feel and sound of the 1200 , both are superb riding machines and Im keeping the 1200 !

It is interesting how the poorer or inferior brakes on the 1250 are glossed over and the rest where the 1200 is worse off is significant. 3 meters into the vehicle in front of you can mean death but 1 second slower acceleration is neither here nor there.

I like how we are told that the 1200 is a bit "breathless" and the fuelling is rather jerky only AFTER the 1250 appears and is claimed to have fixed that. Until now the 1200 was perfect :-))

Lots of small things to criticize on the R1200GS (I have a 2016): Lack of back-lit controls on a bike at this price point is a pretty serious oversight, the switch gear in general has little feel, especially with gloves on, the instrument display is very hard to read in sun glare (TFT screen fixes that), no factory heated seat option, only one power point... all minor points but minor points are major points at this price level. I had no idea the 1250 wasn't using Brembos. After riding the 1250 for 4-5 hours on and off road, IMO the extra power was noticeable but not a selling point. One thing I have never done is lamented the "lack of power" on my 1200. Fix the small things!

As a 1200GS Rallye owner, I really enjoyed the comparison. I only got mine new in May of this year, so was interested to see what I missed out on by not waiting for a 2019. The new engine is more evolution than anything too radical, so I'm still more than happy with my purchase.

finally someone who actually does a proper testing and comparison. Good job

Pretending shiftcam is some new technology while Honda has been using it since the 90's called VTEC.

First proper back-to-back review I've seen: really excellent. Simon Hargreaves is a class act journo as well. Miss his wonderful writing in "BIKE" magazine.

If you want a GS, just wait until early spring when all the low-mile, rarely-seen-dirt 2013-2018 examples start showing up on Craigslist for massive discounts off original MSRP, tossed aside by those who have to have the latest and greatest. It may not be new, but it'll do exactly the same thing as the new ones.

Eye of the beholder... paint on the 1250 is gorgeous!!!!

The difference between the 1200 and 1250 is too marginal for me. Good time to buy a second hand 1200, while the rich set are salivating at the 1250.

How about the same straight line shoot out with the R1200 GS actually warmed up...? The red line on the the TFT dash on the R1200GS was at 7000 RPM... at 2.36 mins in the video. I have ridden both bikes, they are both awesome but I am afraid to say I would not buy a R1250 if you already have a 2016 onwards R1200. It simply isn't worth the extra money just yet to change. Also, like others have said the Brembos fitted to the R1200 are MUCH better. Performance isn't all about power and cc's...

Hilarious, every microscopic improvement was called "notably better" but the extra ten feet+ braking distance of the new bike (which in the real world is a stop or crash into something factor) was dismissed with "the new brakes possibly felt better". All the people praising this report need to remove your BMW blinkers and bear this in mind, if these hacks slate a model then we won’t buy it and they won’t be invited to the next free holiday, sorry I meant unbiased press review. (In a nutshell just about as reliable as BBC news)

awesome review, answers to pretty much all the questions a potential 1250 client wanted to know thanks from Italy

I love it how it eventually ended up in a cafe drinking coffee with a laptop and coffee pot and all the gear on with the ADV bikes in the background 🤣👊 It was a very informative video gents, we really appreciate it.

Short , precise, and to the point. Thank you gentlemen!

Statistically the 1250 is a better bike, in real life there is not much difference, especially when riding on small back roads. The 1200 still is no slough and personally I am very happy with my triple black LC adventure.

Either one, it don’t matter. Once you ride a GS you will love it. These are beasts, a do-all bike for all seasons. Life’s short, just buy the damn bike. Whatever the bike.

Not sure why these guys are so surprised about the caliper change. Brembo owns Hayes’ Brake Components Division; they have for over ten years. And since Brembo just pumped 32 million pounds into a production facility in Mexico that is pumping out their calipers for this market, I’m sure the financial upside is good for them.

I don't understand some review points and comments below either. This is touring adventure bike. It is not race bike. The purpose of touring bike is to cover huge number of miles daily in relative comfort, with relative economy (meaning lower revs at higher speeds). Adventure part means ability to carry significant luggage and have decent suspension to go off road or just more comfort on dirt road. It needs to be heavy to fight wind and to have big tank for range. If somebody is looking for a dirt bike or race bike, well, go look for bikes in those categories. This change is mostly for marketing purposes to create some buzz as there is barely, if any competition in this category.

Great vid! Just the way I like them, short but very informative giving us all the numbers! Nice guys!

Nice comparison. Please do the same with the Multistrada 1200 enduro and the 1260 enduro. There are some ergonomics differences but it could be interesting to compare the engines as well.

3 metres can mean the difference between being in perfect shape and being in a coffin. You guys shrugged it off like nothing but this is quite a back step, especially when you consider 1250 is faster.

Please blend in metrical units next time

Your fuel consumption experience is similar to what I've seen with my 2020 R1250rs, which replaced my 2018 R1200rs. The 1200 was slightly better using on average 4.7L/100 to the 1250's 4.9L/100 The RS is also still fitted with brembos which maybe a reflection on the leaking issues BMW have had with the Hayes units.

Sharp and smart....At last, I despaired lately, so much fudge and wishy washy videos. Will remember this one...Thanks guys!

I love the way he says it has new calipers as if it is a good thing. They are new because they are cheap. And they leak.

In the 20-25 years you've known mark, He never told you the difference between BHP and RWHP? The minimal drivetrain loss is impressive.

Had to be a kick in the pants, you sounded like a little kid having the time of his life. Good for you man, great video!

Great review. Just ordered my new 1250 Exclusive TE from Lovett's of Bristol, UK. Gave me a great deal. Thanks guys!

Nice review; I really enjoyed watching it and I second that the folks at Balderston's are solid chaps, as they're just up the way from me. I do have to wonder though, why no mention of the KTMs when you talk about direct competition to the GS? I saw where the new Ducati came up, as did the Triumph, but not the Super Adventures.

This was a good round of testing. I was impressed with both bikes on the dyno test regarding how close the power at the back wheel came to the claimed torque and horsepower at the crank. That suggests a really efficient drivetrain design. There was certainly nothing wrong with the old engine, but I have ridden both and it is true that you can clearly feel the increase of power and the consistency of power delivery across the rev and load range. Also, I think the new front calipers are fine, and you need to keep in mind that the tires are different as well. Again, great video!

You guys do a great job getting down to the nuts and bolts of these two bikes and get the information out in a entertaining way. Good Job!

So it accelerates marginally better at illegal speeds, brakes marginally worse at legal speeds, does the same mpg and no longer uses the best brakes on the market for a spurious brand from the USA. Um...........

The high point of the last generation was the absolutely sterling Brembo brakes. Now they put on budget stoppers and pretend it's an upgrade? This bike is beginning to resemble an Apple product..

so the 1250 is an improvement overall vs the 1200? and the 1200 was an improvement over an 1150? i ride all types of bikes and can appreciate most of what they offer. I am actually surprised by the 1/4 times, seemed a little slow compared to seat of the pants performance. who knows

My only issue with R1200GS LC is the suspension which is incredible harsh on potholes at times, never had any issues with the engine and power delivery. Sure KTM 1290S & R are way faster, yet they are also chain drive and are completely different beast. No suspension improvements, no weight reduction, no comfort add-ons. I'd love to see that heated seat, Triumph Tiger has one. And then you get the Hayes brakes. Those were crap even on the mountain bikes and people would replace those quite often. I hated mine and bought a Magura as a replacement. Fail to see how did they manage to fit them on one of the most expensive touring motorcycles in the world.

I've just come across this channel and is awesome. What an incredible well done video. Congrats

Incredible review. Great balance of data and real life user interest. Lovely bike also helps.

70 MPH is average road speed in parts of the US so I am glad you used a higher speed for a baseline. The R1250's use brakes sourced by a company called Hayes, rebranded as BMW. Beemer seems to be distancing itself from Brembro.

The manufacturer claimed hp is at the crank, and you are measuring the rear wheel output. The fact the bmw is only losing about 5% through the shaft is really impressive.

Great comparison guys! The prices are not quite as you describe. 1200GS TE is £750 ish cheaper than 1250GS TE - not sure how close they are on spec for spec

Yes we need backlit buttons!

liking your videos more & more, great content and presentation. good work guys keep them coming !

Interesting to me is the big increase in power and over a broader range. Take away the 1200 was not a bad bike and the 1250 is an improvement in evolution. Many makers are not able to make improvements like this to an already good bike. I just bought a 1250 RT if they were still making the 1200 and not the 1250 I would have likely have bought a 1200. Looks like a great bike to own either way you go.

I would love to see BMW make a 1000cc boxer GS with everything scaled down a bit including the weight. I own a 2016 R1200GS and the weight is my only complaint. It certainly doesn't need more power or torque. I just don't understand the push for bigger is better.

Thanks for the video! I learned this hard lesson in the early 2000s. If you want a Cadillac, first make sure that you are earning a Cadillac income! How much does it cost for maintenance on a 1250? I do my own maintenance on my GS 1200 OC which makes it doable for me as a retiree.

The way 95% of the people who own these bikes ride, there is absolutely no point in making such comparisons. Getting a 1250 when you have a 1200 would be simply for the image factor. If you really wanted a more powerful machine, Ducati and KTM have the answer.

I had to rewind a few times and then pause at 4:59 to see both bikes catch air together. WhooHooooo!!!!

I’ve had mine a while now. There is no doubt, in real on the road use.... the difference is massive. Not just the gearbox , but the suspension is hugely improved on my (old) R1200GS triple black. Get rid of your old bikes before the values plummet and buy the 1250. You wont regret it.

Hayes has a major presence in the market and I am 67, they have always been there all my life. Don't forget, the 1300 should be available this year as well. And God forbid, a new 1400 is on the way as well.

Many thanks for this guys… However, I would love to the new 1300,1250 and 1200 all together for a review like this.

The 1200 exclusive has to be the classy looker and 99% of the time now the better value if I want more power and thrills ill get a second sports bike

Nobody mentioned that BMWs now come with full 3 years warranty,vote of confidence by BMW in their products 👍👍👍

Not enough for me to trade in my R1200GSA Triple Black TE 2018.

Yes, make it less expensive. I SO want that bike...

Good over all review, Ive just brought the 1250 GSA HP and was on a 2016 1200 GSA. Biggest thing I have noticed is the increase in power and torque. The breaking test that was done was only done once and as is with these types of test you would need to do that several times to find the result, I find the new breaks just as good if not marginally better but thats more from the feel they provide. One thing I dont like is you can't change the level of the tire pressure warning its fixed, small issue but thats all Ive found after the first week

1250 could be a good upgrade engine on the 1200 in the long term but in all honesty I believe these power figures for a real world rider are irrelevant here...for me though (20k plus miles per year) the one massively important figure that they swept quickly under the carpet was the stopping distance...3 metres is huge...."the Hayes felt more instant" "the Brembos had more of a build up" I'll take the less snatchy brakes that stop me 2.5m away from my mate on his 1250 who is half a meter embedded in the car in front thanks.... Also I dont like the way they have subtly tweaked the panels and the new colour jobs which look awful IMO which is why I just bought a triple black 1200 and couldn't be happier. Sorry to say this came across as more of a paid promo than a review to me.

Sensational review. Covers all the technical stuff brilliantly A credit to you boys.

With a more complicated engine, it would have been interesting to know if the service cost have raised and if the service intervals changed as well. Nice review but I guess I stick with my R1100S -99 :)

Why cant bmw put back lit buttons on the gs? Every car has had them for 25 years. In a car you have a dome light to see. And make electric screen a option. Why they put the knob for the wind shield on the right who knows. The 1200 makes good power but 3rd gear willies should be standard on a 1200cc bike that cost $ 23,000.

Great review. Enjoyed listening to your Texas accents.

I like the presentation of the data.

Wow, that is QUALITY journalism. Subscribed!

Great video, guys!! I wonder why BMW went with Hayes calipers instead of Brembo's, is it some kind of cost cutting? I hope not. Interesting, because you mention the new bikes costs less than the old model. Also the GS' of the recent years seem more road biased. Eager to see how this compares with the new XCA, Multi Enduro & 1290 SAR.

Absolutely a cracking review. Well done!

Wonder if the much lower miles on the 1250 had an effect on the breaking - due to bedding-in.

Brembo Please....Great review....

Informative review ty +Bennetts Bike, 10 years still left to see how well those powerful young ladies get older -reliability/cost-wise-, air-cooled GS's seem to do well as in my experience after tens of thousands of km. Thinking about KTM for its extraordinary off-road performance though these beauties still seem to reign overall.

Thanks for the awesome video but I wish your tests were a little more scientific. Why do a braking test if you're only going to do it once and then say the results don't matter? Would it have broken your budget to do the test five times?

As a happy 2014 GS owner, I'll keep what I have for a while longer. I don't care for electronics inside the engine casing (shift cam), nor do I like the Hayes brakes (which are under recall). If I want more performance, I'll ride my equally old (2014) BMW S1000R.

By far the best comparison review on the net uptil now. For those questioning the journalistic independence & rightly so; I think, as usual, one needs to read between the lines. For those among us who are truly interested in the real story: Make a note of the observations made in this review and then take a test ride on the 1250. Informative review thanks. Based on your review I did take a brand new GS 1250 HP out for a test ride. In fact rode it the whole day! The New Delhi Lutyens dealership was amazingly kind to give me the bike with no instructions except to have fun. I ride a 2018 GSA 1200 rallye (Low) with 13000 km on the odo. Having previously owned the Triumph Tiger 800 xrx & 1200 xc (explorer), I miss the triple. But the GSA is a far better bike to ride. As mentioned in the review I too think lack of back-lit switches is a shortfall. TOTALLY REQUIRED. Driving on indian highways/off road, at night with high beam oncoming traffic, rain splashed visors, pothole roads; finding the button/switch is probably like foraging n fumbling through a ladies handbag for something with gloves on. And I ain't a Lady n don't fancy such activity :-). My opinion post test ride: Would I like to change to the 1250..? Yes. Is the difference so much that the 2018 R1200 feels dated? Inferior..?? NO..NO..NO. So that's 1 YES vs 3 NOs. The 1200 is powerful and fun enough I think. To clarify further here's an example: I sold my brand new Tiger 1200 Explorer barely 8 months later for 60 % of the price. It hurt. But the GSA R1200 replacing it was/is far far superior. Improving my motorcycling enjoyment level significantly. This is not & will not be the case with the 1200/1250. Even though I could afford it. Period. So don't fret & waste your money. For the present anyway. Cheers

Right. Gonna stick to my r1200gs then (; 3 metres difference in braking. that is a HUGE difference. That's over half of a car's length... in an emergency, it's a world of a difference.

Just loved the review. On the braking test....it's surprising that the 1250 takes 3 additional mtrs to stop. I am from India and braking for obstacles (unexpected mostly) happens very frequently on our interstates as well. Would have liked if you did that test a couple of times and taken an average of the stopping distances. The delta of 3 mtrs is a lot in my humble opinion.

Keep the content coming 👍👍😎

excellent review guys, good work

Who buys these bikes for outright performance?

1250gs is worth the extra 50 cc's for sure. Love the analysis of the shift cam vvt.

Top speed? Because all GS after 2004, seem to be stuck in the same 209-220Km/h (on GPS), depending on generation, irrelevant of the engine upgrades. From 1st gen 12GS (100HP claimed) to last 1250GS (136HP claimed) the top speed, should have gone up significantly. My tuned 2007 12GS (which has gone from 100HP claimed to 100HP real on the wheel), does go to 220Km/h easily on GPS (with bit raised limiter). I realize GS has to have the feeling that will go over or through everything, no matter the load on the bike, but they should have changed the gearing a tiny bit (esp. 6th that could be a way "longer" one).

Excellent review..!! Great work guys..your riding gears looks amazing. Kindly share the links for such amazing gears too.

Guys, great review. Helped me make the decision to buy the recent GSA 1200 and not a brand new GSA 1250... Also agree that its not a significant set of upgrades to justify a new 1250 bike with all the taxes !!!

Good on ya lads a great info vid and Balderston are ace....

Great comparison video!!!

So it's worse on fuel the brakes are not as good. Aren't the newer models supposed to be better?

Excellent video, guys. Very informative.

It appeared to me like they didn’t want to criticise the 1250. A 3 metre difference in stopping distance can be the difference between managing to pull up in the available space or allowing whatever caused the requirement for an emergency stop to get rid of the energy still being carried for those 3 metres - which is not going to be pleasant!

Clean Simple and on point comparison... Good Job

Really professional review, thanks, well done. Great content, well presented, right pace and length. Please do more

Excellent and realistic comparison review of the R1200GS and R1250Gs. Enjoyed it immensely. Thank you ✌🏻

50-100 test is a little misleading, the top end of the 1250 is going to have more of an effect when you’re going all the way to 100, which, how often do you need 100 to overtake? I would be curious about 40-70.

Apparently the R1250GS is the best thing since sliced bread, for now. In a few years nobody will give these bikes a second glance, by then there'll be a comparison between the R1400GS and the new R1500GS. Look at VW, they already have the Golf 8, many don't even remember what the Golf 2 or 3 looks like.

One thing they could do to improve the 1200 is to revert to the old school large indicator switches and the right side cancel switch. Ok, tricky to figure out at first but you quickly become adept and they re so much easier to use with gloves. The tiny indicator switch on the 1200 and more modern BMW s is harder to find and successfully operate than a clitoris. Modern is nt necessarily better.

I wish that they were available in even lower seat heights. Power and performance aren’t an obstacle to me, but I wish that they could be a bit lower since they are big, heavy bikes.

Great review, I'm concerned about the change in brakes, Brembo brakes are top notch, I would've loved it if BMW didn't change that, faster bike, with lesser braking power... doesn't sound like the German way of doing things

I've a 2018 GSA Rallye it's a brilliant bike no need for anything else

Having been a mountain bike mechanic for over 20 I can say without a doubt Hays makes inferior brakes.

If anything I’d say the last of the 1200’s is the bike to have taking everything in to account ... The new Hayes calipers aren’t great either. Loads of leaking problems and they don’t do well with spirited use. Same on the new s1krr, again leaking problems. Step backwards in my opinion, I had fade on the road on the new s1000rr

Thanks for a very complete and rigorous review! England is the home of serious motorcycle journalism (how I miss Performance Bikes, even at $12 in the USA.) No drag strip for me until my 1250 Exclusive is broken in. Coming from a 2008 model, and with old eyes, I wanted to go all the way to the LCD instruments. With few 2018 models on the market, I stretched the budget.

Ive no doubt I'm in the minority here but I actually preferred the traditional clocks of the previous gen. The LCD screen is lovely and impressive and all that but in my mind the traditional clocks are more proper and befitting a motorbike whilst communicating all of the essential information required.

Should I get older 1200 GS from 2018 if I don't care about the power? Brambo brakes, potentially more reliable simpler engin, lower weight seems more appealing to me.