100,000 Mile Review of R1200GS Motorcycle

What I really think about this bike. Now that I have 100,000 miles on my BMW R1200GS, I figured it was time for a long term review of this motorcycle. I definitely feel like I have had a good amount of time to get to know this bike, all the quirks, and the features and characteristics I love and even a little insight into the maintenance involved in putting this many miles on a motorcycle.
I am hoping to put many more miles on this bike before retiring it, many many more! Here's to another hundred thousand!
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🏡 WEBSITE: ftaadventures.com
🤝 JOIN PATREON: bit.ly/2GWdcDN
🏍️ BUY A TANK OF GAS: bit.ly/2ujl1vb
🎁 SEND A GIFT: amzn.to/33KhKEH
📗 THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MOTORCYCLE CAMPING BOOK: bit.ly/2BlSrQZ
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👍ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO AND GEAR I RECOMMEND (Some of these are affiliate links)
⚬ Wacaco Nanopresso: www.wacaco.com?aff=275
⚬ Surviveware FAK & Wet Wipes: surviveware.com/?rfsn=2868901...
⚬ AltRider: www.altrider.com
⚬ RMATVMC: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/?r...
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👕MERCH
⚬ SHIRTS AND HATS HERE: bit.ly/2uUSdfE
⚬ STICKERS HERE: bit.ly/3dKYmvS
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📧CONNECT WITH ME
⚬ Website: ftaadventures.com
⚬ Facebook: bit.ly/2GYLyG2
⚬ Instagram: bit.ly/2JqVIxJ
🎬 SUGGESTED VIDEOS:
⚬ NEW HERE? START HERE: • Top 5 Mistakes of Moto...
⚬ BAJA MEXICO ADVENTURE: • Baja California, Mexic...
⏬⏬⏬
🏍 WHO IS TIM COLLINS OF FTA ADVENTURES? (FORMERLY FORTY TIMES AROUND)
A lifelong adventure enthusiast and a long time motorcycle traveler, I have spent the last few years honing my craft as a motorcycle adventure specialist. I am currently living full time on my motorcycle, a 2015 BMW R1200GS named Lupe.
Motorcycle travel and camping have become my largest passions in life. I have a meticulous nature that helps me analyze gear, technique and tactics in a way that is highly beneficial to anyone looking to embark on a motorcycle venture of any scope.
Be sure to subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss anything: bit.ly/2GD0I4sI have the first copy of the book and wanted to give you an inside look at how it all came out. Now that I have approved the book in its current form I have ordered copies for the presale and will be shipping them out in a few weeks. I am super excited to get them out to you and see what you think!
If you want to learn more about the book check it out here:
📗 THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MOTORCYCLE CAMPING BOOK: bit.ly/2BlSrQZ
⏬⏬⏬
🏡 WEBSITE: ftaadventures.com
🤝 JOIN PATREON: bit.ly/2GWdcDN
🏍️ BUY A TANK OF GAS: bit.ly/2ujl1vb
🎁 SEND A GIFT: amzn.to/33KhKEH
📗 "THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MOTORCYCLE CAMPING" BOOK: bit.ly/2BlSrQZ
⏬⏬⏬
👍ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO AND GEAR I RECOMMEND (Some of these are affiliate links)
⚬ Wacaco Nanopresso: www.wacaco.com?aff=275
⚬ Surviveware FAK & Wet Wipes: surviveware.com/?rfsn=2868901...
⚬ AltRider: www.altrider.com
⚬ RMATVMC: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/?r...
⏬⏬⏬
👕MERCH
⚬ SHIRTS AND HATS HERE: bit.ly/2uUSdfE
⚬ STICKERS HERE: bit.ly/3dKYmvS
⏬⏬⏬
📧CONNECT WITH ME
⚬ Website: ftaadventures.com
⚬ Facebook: bit.ly/2GYLyG2
⚬ Instagram: bit.ly/2JqVIxJ
🎬 SUGGESTED VIDEOS:
⚬ NEW HERE? START HERE: • Top 5 Mistakes of Moto...
⚬ BAJA MEXICO ADVENTURE: • Baja California, Mexic...
⏬⏬⏬
🏍 WHO IS TIM COLLINS OF FTA ADVENTURES? (FORMERLY FORTY TIMES AROUND)
A lifelong adventure enthusiast and a long time motorcycle traveler, I have spent the last few years honing my craft as a motorcycle adventure specialist. I am currently living full time on my motorcycle, a 2015 BMW R1200GS named Lupe.
Motorcycle travel and camping have become my largest passions in life. I have a meticulous nature that helps me analyze gear, technique and tactics in a way that is highly beneficial to anyone looking to embark on a motorcycle venture of any scope.
Be sure to subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss anything: bit.ly/2GD0I4s

[@Boxer1250RT]

After all those years and miles, still looks great! 100K Miles makes you qualified to review this bike unlike the 20 min and 20 miles know it all KZbinrs :)

[@kironpaul7871]

⁸⁸⁷uúý

[@artemarte7027]

If you cut the thumb off a heavy duty kitchen type rubber glove, about 30mm of it using a box cutter and straight edge. Then stretch it over the Keyless Ride switch it covers the whole switch body and fits like a glove (haha). It’s flexible and protects the switch from the sun and the elements. It’s cheaper than a new Keyless Ride switch👍🏻

[@usbackcountry]

Great idea! Thanks!

[@hossp2365]

Hi Tim. Agree with everything you said about the GS. My GSA has 200,000 miles on it (360,000k’s) and has been awesome. To me they are a sports tourer that can handle dirt roads and forest trails while comfortably eating up big miles. Your vids are always so inspiring mate. Thanks!

[@DudeGuyWho]

200k miles - nice! What year is yours?

[@colinthornton1378]

Hi Tim, I was contemplating selling my 2015 R1200GS this morning. I have had it from new but have only managed to do 51 thousand miles on it. Due to the virus I have been hit very hard financially so bike maintenance has been sketchy to say the least, but still the GS chugs on. Even though I clean my bike regularly the engine paint was lifting within 2 years and it has carried on doing so. So this morning I was feeling a bit down which is very unusual for me, when I came across your year old video and saw the light. I have loved this bike all these years and it just fits me somehow and with my financial situation improving why the hell would I want to sell her. I am booking her into the shop today for a major service, she deserves it. Thanks Tim for bringing me to my senses.

[@stabilozz]

Nice comment. I hope you enjoy your bike for many ‘save’ miles. 🖖

[@roadglide]

Excellent decision. Ride safe and ride often.

[@dg8062]

Great honest comment. This sounds cheesy but my mental well being is tied to my being able to get out and experience 2 wheels, some people just don't get it.

[@Makinartz]

What major services have you done at 50-60km miles

[@mikebulik4184]

50 K miles is nothing to sneeze at. More than most I reckon...

[@QuackLoud]

"I recognize the bike for what it is, a bike that makes me happy". Does any rider need anything more than that? That's all I'm looking for. One of the most honest and thorough reviews of a bike I've seen. Thanks Tim for such a great video with lots of good tips and info.

[@maurizioarrivabene8182]

My current bike makes me happy amd its fantastic. Unfortunately, i cant ride it for more than 200km because its uncomfortable, which eliminates the purpose of having a motorcycle. Cant even get to the mosel or eifel, let alone the alps. Im asking for more and im gonna find it in a GS

[@deanxxi]

Best overall motorcycle review I've seen. BMW should sponsor you.

[@claytonbennett7797]

Accurate

[@barnbersonol]

We'll stop getting honest info if he's getti ng sponsored

[@NotNowCato1254]

Now that's a review worth paying attention to, for those of us who plan to keep our bikes long term rather than trade up every 2 or 3 years. Nice one, Tim 👌

[@rockersamurai]

And that right there, Tim, is the best review of this bike ever. From a guy who actually went the mile. thank you!

[@christopher9626]

My friend Kerri has the same year GS and just turned 130,000 miles on it. Never broke down. Never saw a Dealer except for maintenance , fork seals, and a bent rim. Amazing machine

[@jasonpaetz]

This guy can sell more bikes with this video than the whole bmw sales team

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks! Now if I could only get a commission on that lol

[@kpgroup6308]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jlward953]

I appreciate that video probably more than anything else you've put out there. It's hard to find good honest reviews about bikes with higher miles. Not so many people ride them that much! Good for you for breaking 100k! I believe your video on the saddle sore ride is the one that got me to do mine! So thank you for that. It was fun, and rewarding. I just wish I didn't lose a front tire in another city mid day! Again, I really appreciate this video! It was a great one!

[@nigelstanley3674]

Thanks. Always great to see the updates.

[@Tomos13]

Tim that is freaking awesome! This is what I call a real review and only after 105k miles. Hell yea. Other guys will take a brand new demo bike and pretend to do a some sort of a review within that half an hour of riding (if that). On top of that their riding experience is that of a total beginner. I'm putting along with my Yamaha super tenere, love that bike. Thanks

[@davidl6671]

Your overview and experience is appreciated and awesome. I had dirt bikes as a kid, Harley Ds later and then a K1200 BMW. BMW was incredible bike. Thanks!

[@travelinben1966]

We need more reviews like this.Real world experience racking up alot of miles.Thank you for posting👍👍

[@skymaster36]

Only 895k miles to go.

[@FTAAdventures]

😁

[@BigRockMoto]

Awesome review. Maybe the best on KZbin for the GS long term! I miss my GS after moving to a 790...

[@thealaskanbyrds]

Excellent work reporting your seat time at 100k miles, awesome in itself. Thanks for all the info, best sales pitch yet!

[@peterruff9845]

Thanks! Every thing I wanted to know about putting a serious amount of miles on mine.. Priceless 👍 Ride safe guys

[@davidvance3527]

I appreciate that you give an honest review, pros and cons. Every machine has them. Good video.👍😎

[@johnambro7181]

A review with simple honesty, very refreshing. Good stuff and happy miles ahead to you sir.

[@Jon_Bass4001]

Great review, and I especially appreciate the tip on clutch replacement. Just found your VLOGs today. Awesome work, and I’m looking forward to seeing more.

[@NX4rider]

Great review Tim. Probably the best I have seen for that type of bike. So glad it works for you. That's what is important.

[@johnhegt2894]

Great review, real-life and honest, I appreciate that!! Ride on bro👍!

[@2404Pepe]

Thanks Tim for your honesty!!! I love my RT same as you love your GS. They're just great!!!!

[@emfl4437]

Best of luck on the next 100K. I am envious you have been able to travel so much. Keep up the wonderful videos

[@andre1901]

Awesome Tim! The maintenance & tire schedule is a great checklist for us newbies that can be used for most Adv bikes, my Yamaha Ténéré 700, well done!

[@mps9608]

Thanks for the update, I just picked up a 2005 R1200GS. very happy with my purchase. It needs new tires, but no big deal.

[@susanwillis1143]

I received my book. Thanks so much! Looking forward to reading it!

[@SmallADVentures1973]

Awesome review, Tim, that bike and you have been through a lot together. Have a great weekend, brother! 😊✌

[@David.Horne72]

Thanks for your honest review of this I just purchased a second hand 2014 model with 23000km on the clock, man this is the best motorcycle I have ever owned, I hope to put a lot of miles on it, so it is great to hear they have longevity as well as that fun factor

[@mikefoltynski]

Tim, great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@kennethwalton5582]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences and thoughts.

[@mojomanmurph1925]

Thanks for the review!

[@marcoluoma3770]

When you get as old as I am, and that arthritis creeps into your clutch hand and becomes worse especially on cold damp days, you will appreciate the quick shifter. It saved me from falling into the arms of a DCT; I can use the clutch when I need it, and save my hands when I don’t.

[@KKSkiAndRide]

Excellent information and review. Thank you

[@JEEP-N-DIRT]

Absolutely on point. Great review. You touch on things that most people don't discuss in detail, including sales guys at dealerships. GS's are balanced, great at many things and terrains, reliable, expensive to fix if you break something (but we don't get into this game unless we can afford it lol.), but they don't break easily, and absolutely a joy to ride anywhere. I realize I'm just stating the obvious especially to any other GS rider, but for the newbies or folks thinking about a GS. As NIKE says" Just Do It"

[@douglasmacy220]

Thank you Tim, I recently bought my 2018 GSA and I was looking for your review I’m excited too take my first trip out of Phoenix. Thank you for an awesome review.

[@jcrawford068]

Tim - I have the '19 1250 GSA and that bike is a dream - the engine is incredibly smooth, clutch like butter, quick shifter much improved, etc., etc. You're dead on about the feeling you get when riding it. It's addicting and confidence inspiring. Go anywhere, do anything. It does it all very well. I think they improved the seat since the '15, cuz I don't feel the pain like you do. Also the Puig windscreen is the best after market one to get. Taller, but has the same styling as the OEM. Great review, thank you!

[@bubaks2]

great review man. so many youtube videos titled reviews are actually first rides / first impressions. this is an ACTUAL review.

[@herbbayer9099]

Great review, thank you!

[@SurvivalInFlames]

Awesome review, been eyeing these for a long time

[@GarySchechner]

Great review (and another awesome FTA video, Tim!) I was amazed by the mileage you are getting from your tires (and I too have had the 'pleasure' of the TPMS alerting me to my rear tire puncture before things went sideways). Hail, hail the R1200GS!

[@1969Punjabi]

Thank you so much for a wonderful review.

[@546Scott]

This is a great review!! Real world usage and 100K + miles!! Thank you!

[@albertosbrolla8424]

Thanks for the detailed review!👍

[@pistolpete6321]

Fantastic review! I’m stunned by the fact you’ve never changed front brake pads! Amazing!

[@ottoboender3815]

Great review! In love with my GS, so it’s great to know what i can expect 😅👍🏻

[@dirkboth5316]

Great review. Thank you

[@chillisolutions]

With this kinda mileage you are the real person to review the bike. I am a potential buyer and about to get a 2013 model with very low mileage. your review really helpful.

[@jimtaucher791]

A great well thought out review👍🏻

[@michaelbiehl7516]

Congratulations Tim!

[@headwinded1948]

Thank you for posting this, really considering a GS as my next ride, and it's nice to know how well they hold up long term.

[@jamesvelvet3612]

Thanks for taking the time to do this. Was thinking either a GS or Africa Twin. Decided on the Africa Twin w/DCT. Awesome that we have so many great choices.

[@davidf9027]

Great review. You mirror my thoughts exactly.

[@giovanidesouzagenovez135]

Honest review, thanks for it!

[@theonlyredspecial]

100,000 miles. Dear lord my man that’s some achievement. Bravo and thanks for sharing your thoughts. I for one appreciate your efforts. Great channel !

[@nordogs]

Love your reviews and your very interesting reports - thank you very much. And also love my GS Adventure Rallye 🥰🙏👍

[@jdhsingi]

I have a 2016 R1200GS. Great bikes. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@BlackThor15]

Great review Tim, also very personal too, watching you smile as you talk about the pros of your bike, it really shows how much you like her! On side note, can you pls hare the software you use to edit your videos? Thanks in advance and keep it up, you're doing great!! 👍👍

[@damienford3587]

Really great Tim, thanks

[@TheMachoGabacho]

Now that’s a true long term review!

[@hashanjayakody8240]

This guy cuts the crap out best review that watched in full. No crazy stuff simple and clean. 🌹❤️ good luck

[@TechnMoto]

Great review. Thanks

[@eld2349]

Congrats on 100k Tim!

[@LawrenceBroussard]

A great review for someone that basically lives on his motorcycle!

[@denniswaish]

The review I've been looking for a long time

[@Kojak-zh7qo]

Absolutely brilliant thanks for sharing 👍

[@adrenalinaventure]

Nice review Tim. Thanks 🙏

[@MajorEasley]

Fantastic review thank you so much.

[@jimshewan1721]

One of the very few informative bike reviews on u tube.

[@ottocubed9520]

OUTSTANDING SIR..

[@human1513]

Nice to hear. Ride on bud!

[@DCUngelled]

Great Video! Can't wait to put 100k on my vstrom 650xt! I love it and hopefully as reliable as everyone says they are!

[@marksandison3642]

Excellent review!

[@heshamaskar67]

Brilliant review, I think u said it all, thanks for sharing ur valuable opinion about that famous bike, especially after 100,000 miles...

[@francois3052]

Honest review with all the good and bad points spot on. Overall, the best all rounder I have owned.

[@petermacgregor9805]

Nice review!

[@robertlee8042]

Every bike has a separate shift timing profile and it takes me real time (not just hours) to internalize it so that I shift silently and jerklessly up and down without thinking so much about it. It’s like playing a song you’ve learned. A lot of the skill is now in your hands.

[@blueskyadv6625]

Thanks for this video! You're very right about the fact that this moto is very capable but we have to pay lit bit of extra attention on certain types of surface s but I've seen some videos of very skillful riders showing what this machine is capable of on off road. Plan is to build up skills so fully enjoy it both on & off the road. Cheers.

[@robinmercier2906]

I have the same version, triple black thanks for a taste of things to come.

[@devonshire56]

Wow !!! a through review after real-time mileage and experience. Not many people have put that many miles on a single motorcycle usually like myself over a lifetime...maybe, maybe not I don't know for sure but certainly not on one bike. Hat's off to you Sir !!!

[@mowman7777]

Great honest review. I have the 1250 and love it. Already put 26,000 miles on it and I plan to keep it so I'll probably see 100K. I wish I could get that kind of mileage out of tires. I'm only getting about 6500 miles out of front and rear.

[@clementquirder]

Awesome review, makes me wanna buy one for sure!

[@leonardneamtu_]

awesome, awesome video! nice job!

[@Agent_954]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@rikenglebert7558]

Amen! Totally agree. I love mine too. Thanks for this great review. Peace

[@paddlesurfnet]

Thanks for that review, I'm going to find a way to cover up my keyless button now! I bought a 2015 GSA new here in San Diego and have just over 15k on it - love the bike. I switched my seat to a Seat Concepts single seat and it's been great (and fairly cheap). I've put those seats on every dirt bike that I've owned, they're great. Every so often, I think about jumping into something different, but then I ride my Fat Pig (I mean that affectionately) and the balance, power and comfort of the thing just brings me back to reality - this is a great ride.

[@danielberthiaume3648]

Great video. Thanks for the details and your experience with the bike. I bought a R1250GS earlier this year and I have about 10K on it at this point. I am from Quebec Canada so the riding season is pretty much over now. I will get it out again in April. I also love the bike. It's a great ride. Couldn't be happier really. I hope it will stay trouble free for a long time as I am not much of a mechanic and I don't think I could change a clutch :-) It's not a perfect bike, but as for you, it fits me well. I love the power of the boxter engine and the comfort of the ergonomics when I am riding it. Anyway, thanks for the video and keep riding my friend. Dan

[@Seb0046]

Hey Tim nice review, I also ride a 1200GS but the previous version with no water cooling and dry clutch so interesting to hear your review. I have not wanted to spend $600+ on an after market sit so I use the arihawk cushion for long rides. It is cheap and a game changer as you can adjust the air and always make it feel different so pressure is never on the same spot. Also helps with the air flow. Take care

[@jetrex1986]

Thanks for the post from Belfast N Ireland .

[@randalltom9750]

Love your book Tim! Awesome, informative, comprehensive, complete work on Motocamping! Every enthusiast should own your book! Rand

[@FTAAdventures]

Thanks Rand!

[@leebo95]

Awesome Video and great content.... you are doing what many want to do but very very few do.

[@randalltom9750]

Ya know Tim, your book really is for every motorcycle genre... I ride a Harley softtail... but the gear I use, and why and how I use it is for its size, weight, and minimalistic utility. Basic practical and utility. It’s the same gear (mostly) you do... I love to ride, explore, and camp... It’s a book not just for ADV riders... Thanks again for the videos and book. Rand

[@martiniv8924]

Nice review 👌🏻😎

[@Milan-ese]

Sick, 100.000 miles is a lot!!! Well done

[@ericjohanningmeier5153]

Great review lots of good insight on the GSA, i have a 2015 now for almost a year and have much to learn about this type of bike,have always rode pavement on Harley Davidson, got tired of pavement so i bought a 650 gs just to try it, loved every minute but at 6' and 200# it just wasn't big enough for me and a week of gear, so i sprang for the big guy...safe travels.

[@jannerfox9292]

As I often say "no such thing as the perfect bike but the perfect bike for the right person". Good video and enjoyable.

[@shawnbridge816]

That was an awesome review of a real world example of what they can really do.

[@match-fitlifestyle7828]

Great review fella