6 foot 3 ...now you're just bragging Mate!! 😅😂

Biggest mistake of my life was a few weeks ago when I test rode a 1250 GS. Made me realise how much time and money I've wasted on other bikes over the years. Now I know why it's so popular.

I have a 1200 GS. Great bikes for sure, although the gears are clunky on all the GS models and they have very severe engine breaking and need a slipper clutch. The dry clutch is fine open until it needs to be changed and then it’s a massive expensive job The boxer piston head stick out quite a bit on the side and can whack into things when you’re moving it in and out of the garage. Not particularly fast bikes plus a few foibles I’ve mentioned. I have a ktm 1050 adventure also which I must prefer the handling ofplus it’s much smoother gears. The GS has a peculiar idol and is very Vibey. However, the handing is quite good although they are quite heavy. The older GS servo breaks is a major issue and can be downright dangerous. I had my brakes changed back to non-ABS and a servo removed. Steel bolts on the bike throughout. BMW parts and servicing are very expensive compared to other bikes. Hi in the driveshaft needs to be changed quite often or they can fail. They can also fail if you hit them off a rock or something. Go rusty very quickly. If you’re happy to live with the things I’ve mentioned, then they are a good Bike

The only thing that has always swayed me away from the GS is the fact that I don’t want to be labelled a “Starbucks frequenting GSer” but then I realised that when I had my Africa Twin I was an AT clone so I really don’t give a hoot as I ride what I want to ride and sod what folk think of me. I’m going to be a right rebel when I obtain my GS and continue to wave to other bikers as I always have and watching this vid has totally convinced me so thank you Billy as I am now on the search for my 46th bike at 56yrs young 😀👍

It is a lovely thing for sure Billy. Ah the memories of those bygone times with World of Hat.

I've just bought a 2013 GS in Australia. Loving it. Your comment about the indicators being combined must be something on the newer models. Mine has individual indicator lights on the dash. Yours is also the GS Adventure with the 30 litre tank and upper crash bars, and wider bodywork. Mine has a 20 litre tank, lower crash bars only, and narrower bodywork. I spotted the BikerBits card on your USA map. 👍🏻 I have the alloy wheels which have 90⁰ valves built-in to the spokes. My tyre pressures are in PSI.

Great review Billy, glad you're liking the Bavarian beast - a GS would be my next choice of bike... but I'm sticking with the Triumph for the foreseeable future! 😋😁

Great, extensive review Billy, glad you are enjoying the new bike 👍 . So nice to see you appreciating the smooth, comfortable, unexciting, stable ride characteristics, (and the adequate storage for your 'Polite' vest, pipe and slippers). So convenient as you won't notice the difference when they slide you into the armchair at the home. You are of course quite correct that BMW put the current speed in mph on a VERY LARGE digital display on the later models as they learned the age demographic of GS owners. It's a shame that this isn't the model with BMWs 'fall alarm' on it for added safety (my old Mum has one on her wrist, so perhaps you can get an aftermarket one fitted?) 👍😂🤣😂. Don't worry, many, many oldies have issues with adopting new technology/ gadgets, get a 7 year old to explain how to use the whizz-wheel . Good review, stay safe. - not quite sure what you mean about the GS prejudices 😊

Great review video Billy.

Excellent one there mate well done I have been checking and you don't actually have to spend a fortune to get one of these iconic adventure bikes really , they can be good value bikes if your not a number plate snob good one 😊👍

Billy, I found this really helpful and entertaining. Top Man 👏🙂.

Great review Billy, I enjoyed your whole video. Last year I 'upgraded' from my 2001 F650GS to a 2015 R1200GS. I love this bike for alle the reasons you mentioned. And I always give a nod to all other riders. 😉

Really great video..I don't think I've ever watched a bike overview video to the end before..

Just found your vids lad. Very good, very honest no bs. Keep going

Nicely done, Billy . As a GS man myself, I agree with all you said, EXEPT... 1) Knob is in perfect place for my gorilla hands.. 2). Pop into Park Lane BMW service ( in Battersea) and ask the nice service geezer, who knows everything bout BMers to change the settings. Will take abiut 5 seconds, no charge. 3). Silly sods who have negative feelings about GSs have never ridden one. I have never met a single person who has actually ridden a GS, who was not impressed. There is good reason why these bikes are such phenomenal success. I remember my first 20 yards on a GS. I 'got it' straight away. Felt like riding a bicycle. Still does. Just gets better. Ride Safe!!

Thanks for the video Billy. Found it really great, love how funny your are( the fly in your garage or got it in one take) brilliant. I’m looking to buy one in Australia. Ps I have now subscribed 👍🏼

Love my std GS12 2016, the small numbers on the speedo continue to annoy though. I have a Nav 6 which helps as it can display speed…and of course it works perfectly with the well positioned jog wheel. I get 50mpg hammering down through France and 60mpg on my weekend rides around mid Wales (I have some ‘top gear’ routes within 5 miles of home). Servicing I get done by bmw independent approved workshop at less than half the price of main stealers. Nice video, pretty scary living up the road of bones there buddy, take it easy off-roading! 😅

Congrats on the new bike. You had that triumph for a long time. I had plans to buy one myself but now im looking at a gs. Thanks for the videos and keep the paint side up

Thank you, Billy.

Lovely wheels Billy, the analogue clocks are nice and clean looking too. I like the simplicity of the suspension setup.

Nice one Billy. Agree with about people's perceptions about GS riders, stuff em, I wave at everybody 🤣🤣 Cheers mate 👍

Your left thumb certainly wields a lot of power with this particular bike!

You chose the sensible option of removing the panier racks, I don’t know how many times Iv whacked my knee on them 😂

The Strom was the first bike that had a beak. That was back in 1988.

Nice video thanks for posting

A damn fine review Billy. 🤟

Enjoyed that thank you..

I have an ‘08 RT and was hitting neutral from first at 3000 RPM. Now I shift at 5000 RPM and it goes right into second easily. Try that. Great video by the way.

Hi Billy. That is a Nice Bike! Many owners have a lot of 'Niggles' to talk about. You seem to be happy allround. Safe Riding.

Never rode a bmw after riding an 650 bm frightened the living daylights out of me So going for an eventure tourer I rode a few Missed out on a vstrom 1200 bm te sat there Road tested and bought it What a bike Excellent review billy

Love the G S R 1200 Adventure

I just traded my 2019 Honda goldwing dct in for a 2013 bmw r1200gs and I love it… that bike was upwards 850 plus pounds and just got to heavy for me… the r1200 had two great things for me one it’s much lighter and two it only had 4000 miles on it… I’m going to put an aftermarket tft on it but other then that your video I agree with mostly everything u said… my indicators change individually… overall a great bike and probably the last one I will own as I’m not one to want to keep upgrading bike just because they change the number… lol… I’ll stick to my 1200gs… great video…

Excellent review, I enjoyed the entire video, I'm looking for one gs right now, to ride in california

Great video!!! I have the identical bike and absolutely love it!!!

As for the dislikes: - I have the hard bags so storage is great. - The windscreen seems solid to me. - the scroll wheel is in a great spot if (and I do) have the Nav. And if it were on the right side of the left-side controls, it would be really hard to use. - My (USA) tire pressure is in psi so it’s perfect. I really have no negatives (this is my 3rd GSA) other than the weight when off-roading/picking it up. As for range: I’ve been sightseeing/cruising at around 45-55mph where I’d get close to 60mpg so 400+ mi on a tank is doable. But even at my ‘lifetime avg’, at just over 42mpg, 300+ is great. Ride safe! *oh, the only negative is when adjusting the valve clearance. You have to remove the cams/gears to get to the shims.

Great video mate 👍 I'd consider powder coating the crash bars black or mid electric blue 🤔 happy days mate 😃

Glad your enjoying the gsa. They are awesome machines probably that’s why they divide opinion. My likes would also include road presence and weather protection. Just been to France on mine not massive mileage but I visited the fuel station the least 😂😂.

Brilliant review just bought a gs r1200 te 👍🏻

Look at cymarc to stiffen your screen. I've got one and it does the job brilliantly

6’3”? 😯😎😎 Btw, another great review video Billy!!

My triumph scrambler 1200xe has a similar fork issue, think it’s a triumph thing. I need to take one of these for test ride, as the size is frightening?? But think it will be better suited for my style of ride. Love your reviews and accessories 👍

I got a '13 GS this month after not riding for 15 years and I found the clutch didn't engage close enough to the grip for me. I also don't like the rear brake feel or lack of feel. I also have issues with my foot fitting under the shifter but above the knob for the side stand. The way the shifter is I find I naturally keep my toes pointed out the get to it. Wish there was more room, probably going to the aftermarket for solution. The people complaining about the snappy throttle confused me until I got mine, it is not something I am used to. For relearning to ride I run around in Rain mode, seems less snappy and still plenty of acceleration for a smart rider. It's nice to know if your gravel road gets steep or rutted you can still handle it.

I'm curious what a smart rider like you does about bike theft and jackings. Is this as common as KZfaq might suggest? Any stories or close calls you could vlog? Great video!

I tried a lot of other bikes and some of them were very good and never complained because sincerely I never had big issues except with the SDGT that I had a relationship of passion and hate due to the not so well managed electronics of the bike by KTM, which was a pity because that engine and overall quality was there. Unfortunately the Electronics are not their strongest points and it ruined for me what could have been a long pleasant relation to that tremendous machine. Had a Triumph, a modern retro iteration of the Bonneville family, only can say good things about it, and in the end I felt wrong when I sold it. Several Yamahas and also every each one, steady and predictable machines, only can say well about those bikes. Never took the step to buy Italian brands… lots of sad stories and didn’t wanted to take the plunge. Recently I tested the Multistrada V4S, that is a great bike but didn’t built that feeling of confidence to place one in my garage. Today, about seven years now, I only had BMW’s. Expensive but well built and steady motorcycles. Service to customer above average and that made the difference for the others too. I’m now getting one 1250 GSA on the Rally iteration, until they do the big change to the model as it is expected to be launched on 2024. Love the 1250 RT in the winter, there is nothing better than that bike. Have also a crush on the R NineT that I find a stunning modern retro bike. Also find as a fast bike very well designed the S1000 XR in the M pack, is wonderful, but is also coming to the Market a new one with all the bells and whistles of the RR model, so, there I’ll wait to see the new bike. But my friend when I ride my BMW’s I feel the same joy that you’ve showed on this video riding yours. I really don’t know why are so many haters about the BMW GS’s but I can assure you that they aren’t of any inconvenience to my sleeping at night 🤣 Go on bringing content to the channel as it was a pleasure to watch the video and know your impressions about your ride that in fact is running like new. Perfect 👌🏻

Look are a personal prefrance, but its hands down one of the most comfy bikes l have ridden. The flapping screen are also a thing on the 2018 2020 explorer, and on my 2011 tiger800xc oem screen. Hope your knee are okay, that is pain😄😄 By the way, first bike with the beak was the suzuki DRBIG😉😉

Great Vid Billy. Do you have any anxiety leaving it parked up in London, is it a theft magnet, or do you not worry?

Great overview. Don't recall you covered servicing? Steep, 650 euro for a major every 12k. Will you be servicing it yourself and getting that dongle to reset service reminder, change abs for brake fluid .... might be able to update the bar to psi?

Hi Billy, just seen your video on the GS, im coming from a ZX12R , my knees are giving me loads of grief and looking for something more relaxing for my knees, Im 6!4 with 33 inside leg, Am drawn to the explorer but think the BM might be better, what i want to know from you, is the riding position se4at to footpeg, which in your experience is the better position for legs, Im in a quandrey at the moment, i love my 12R but not getting any younger and slowing down a bit now, i dont have any rider aids so not sure if i will like everything that modern bikes throw up, Have been riding for 50 years, Cheers in advance, Rafe

Do you have the ‘quick shift’ option on this bike? It makes gear changes even more easy! Great bike, i have the same, also 2016. I changed the seat for a Touratec ( a little bit softer)

Can you not get a moto scan on this bike and change bar to psi through the moto scan. Think I have seen this on the old mechanic sight. The screen problem you have is it moving on lose fixing but I am sure you have checked this. All the best .👍🏻😎

Hi from Greece… may i ask please. Is that the standard chassis or the low? I cant spot the differences!..

Very good review,can l ask 2016 gs adv is it euro3 or euro4 ????

Billy.....what kind of vest are you talking about at the end there?

How do you find you family jewels get on with the tank? I sat on one today and felt as though the seat was too angled towards the tank and wouldn’t be comfy after a few hours

Hi from Texas. Beautiful Bike. I would Love to go Riding there but I think I would have a big problem staying on the Correct side of the Road. I would have everyone there Honking at me. Beautiful Scenery. I think any Bike Rider who doesn’t like someone because I’m riding a GS can just Kiss my Ass. It’s like you said, if it puts a Smile on your Face, it’s the Greatest Bike. Anyway, Great Video and I look forward to more.👍😁

“Stirring a bucket full of spammers!” 😂

So, are you saying the seat to footpeg height is no different on the BM and explorer to my 12R, cheers Rafe

How far do you have to ride to find a dirt road? 😂

“Box standard”