2018 BMW 1200GS TE TFT | Marks Review after upgrading from the 2016 model

[@bobvandick2546]

I recently purchased a 2018 GS ralleye, I found the GSA to be a little taller than I wanted. Your comments were right on. I noticed when you turned on the TFT that you don’t appear to have the latest firmware for your bike. I bought mine in October and when it boots up, it has different verbage on the screen. Hooking up the Bluetooth devices can be frustrating. I have found that I can get everything to work between the phone, helmet, and TFT if I don’t involve the NAV6. There is a very informative video out there that describes how to set up all the devices, but I wasn’t able to get it to work. He stated that the version of firmware had to be at least a certain level, and mine isn’t. I’m currently working with the dealer to get the latest firmware under warranty. I would suggest you talk to the dealer about getting your firmware updated. I enjoy your videos, keep them coming. 😊

[@RiderCamTV]

Hi Bob, thanks for the comments. The firmware has now been updated during the bikes 12,000 mile service. The service took three hours, the update, all night!

[@andrewtofts7884]

Thanks Mark. I have a 66 plate GSA and my total fuel average over 15k Miles is 54; on our recent 3k trip around Europe, two up with full luggage it averaged the same and I was pretty impressed with that. I had the similar connection problems between my phone, helmet intercom and my Garmin system; they don’t seem to like multi connections, so now I keep the phone separate from the Garmin. I’m really not missing anything other than a display of who might be calling. Looking forward to your inevitable 1250 review. Cheers, Andy.

[@fazerjohn]

It's a truly beautiful machine, have a great time, I wish you many happy (and safe) miles!

[@micksmith1984]

Thanks Mark, always enjoy your videos. Having just bought the same bike three weeks ago, I thought it was just me with the connections issue! Anyway, I have found that once connected, I then have to go into my music on my phone and press play to hear through my helmet speakers. From then on, I can control with the wizzy wheel etc. I’m sure that is not the answer but might get you by until they fix it. Mine is due for the run in service so will get it sorted then, hopefully. Take care.

[@mikedignum1868]

I have a test ride on the 1250 GS Exclusive next week , so you never know i may be exchanging my 2014 RT.

[@gdscheiwe01]

Great video, great channel. Subscribed. Continue to be amazed by the quality of work coming from you gents in the UK ( watching from the depths of Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA winter). Keep up the great work and I may make it through to April when my bike comes out of hibernation with my sanity intact. Peace!

[@RiderCamTV]

Hey Graden, thank you so much for your kind words.. Welcome to the channel. :)

[@ridehardstayhard]

Great Video Mark and right on time, I just purchased the same bike and will be looking into the connect ability issue you raised. The mileage your getting out of it is insane, must be your smooth throttle hand😁. Enjoy your ride and be safe

[@TheDervMan]

Already looking forward to seeing your new R1250GS in two months time 😉👍🏻🎉

[@markholroyd5365]

DervMan Ha! Perhaps Toby first...

[@donkeek8107]

Nice video Mark! I had the same problems with the TFT (and sometimes I still have them....). But I have found that (with or without the nav 6) you first have to pair your helmet (bluetooth that is) and after it has a connection then you can turn on your telephone bluetooth (and pair that). This means that when you switch the bike of you have to switch of your bluetooth on your phone. And yes that is a bit of a faff! I don't know why BMW hasn't fixed this (maybe because they want to sell their own bluetooth comms? ), I hope it will be in the future. PS The cruise control does have a resume function

[@beerwolf2836]

Thanks for a great review! I’ve got the identical bike to you, and after 6 months the only thing I don’t like are the Annakee 3 tyres. I live in Switzerland , but when I stray across the border into France they use a lot of asphalt stripes to repair cracks in the road and they’re lethal if you hit one in a bend while leaning hard over. It may be a French asphalt thing because they aren’t half as scary in Switzerland or Germany.

[@markholroyd5365]

Beerwolf Hiya! I will probably put Metzler Roadtech 01's on next if Bridgestone can't help me out. Ride safely.

[@Bikerbug2020]

Hi Mark, you should get the SENA system I had the same issue with my SENA but went to the dealer and the kindly parts guru set up the pairings. It is truly specific in how it needs to be set up. Soooo, if you have a problem call my good Friends at Gulf Coast MOTORCYCLES in Fort Myers Florida... LOL 😆

[@nickhodgeUK]

Here’s my 2p worth on connectivity. My equipment is TFT (on 1250 but same as 1200) software version (important) 001_018_040. Phone iphoneX. Intercom Sena SRL in Neotec II. But that’s the same as 20S (I think) Navigator 6. Music on iphoneX. Both Spotify and Apple Music (downloaded) First delete ALL pairings. TFT, Navigator, Intercom. Forget the ‘Connected app’ it makes no odds it seems. Switch EVERYTHING off except phone. Switch on TFT and pair phone to TFT. Leave phone on. Start ‘rider helmet’ pairing on TFT and on helmet enter pairing mode (usually you will have several pairing modes. Use Phone 1 (if there is the ability with the helmet to pair more than one phone) or just normal phone pairing if there is only one. Pairing ‘phone’ loads all the protocols for media, phone, etc FROM YOUR PHONE. The TFT is now acting as a network for you phone to/from helmet. If you wish to pair a passenger helmet. Turn off the rider helmet and pair the passenger helmet to the TFT and use phone 1 or phone channel on passenger helmet. Now your TFT is linked to your phone and both helmets. IMPORTANT: the volumes are set ONLY when the device is operating in the particular channel. For example, you will need someone to phone you and turn up the volume WHILE ON THE CALL on your phone. The setting is remembered so it’s a one-off. Same with music. Start Spotify, etc and turn the volume up. You also need to be sure it’s playing through the TFT screen by selecting in the music app ICC6.5in (That’s the TFT default name). Each time you connect try and be sure you have phone on first, boot TFT. Then turn on helmet. Certainly the Sena says “phone connected’. You then know you have phone, media (and if you have connected app connected navigation via the TFT) connected and the options will ‘light up’ on the TFT. Now here’s the tricky bits. You may need to pair your phone to the Nav 6 to get smartlink (cameras, live traffic, etc). Pair your phone in the usual way to the Nav 6 but then go into settings for that connection in the Nav 6 and SWITCH OFF phone and media or else those channels will be switched off in the TFT. (They’ll be dimmed again) and you will only be able to make calls and listen to music on the sat nav. Bad as the whizzy wheel and menu button will be redundant. Now you may want to hear directions in your helmet from the Nav 6. If so you need to be sure your intercom has either a phone 2 option ( if so use this) or a GPS specific pairing mode. If it doesn’t you’re done!!! If you pair yo ‘phone 2x’ go in again to settings in the Nav 6 and switch off phone and media or again it will override the TFT. You will need to adjust the volume again on your helmet when the Sat Nav is actually reading directions. On my Sena it was deafeningly loud. In fairness I’ve discinnected the Nav 6 completely as it kept warning of cameras, etc which interrupted my music incessantly. It sounds a ball ache (and it could work better) but once you’re connected, phone and music are fine. Now be aware that when you then add in intercom it can get worse although two of us riding both with identical setups the experience is great. Intercom rules but when chatting stops, music or phone comes in. That’s incredibly long and boring but does work. Here endeth today’s lesson 😂

[@markholroyd5365]

Nick Hodge Holy shit!!!! A TFT guru!! I'm in awe of your ability to take the time to go through this for us. I would have had to take a hammer to the TFT if I had to do it again.... Using your system I now realise that I have already completed about 70% of it but just needed the last bit, can't wait to try again. Cheers from all of us. Ride safely with loud music!

[@Normal_Wisdom]

Hi Mark nice video as usual. According to bikes manual cruise control can be resumed to the previous set speed by briefly pulling the set switch towards you. Keep up the very good videos.

[@markholroyd5365]

Phil Griffiths Hiya! Every day is a school day! Thanks and ride safe.

[@theexistentialbiker]

Good video thanks Mark.

[@RiderCamTV]

no probs :)

[@neiljacks5851]

Hi I may have heard wrong but you'll find the cruise control DOES have a resume speed function,

[@markholroyd5365]

neil jacks Hiya! Yes it does resume as somebody pointed out. I didn't realise, who reads the manual anyway? Ride safe.

[@mikedignum1868]

But would you upgrade to the 1250 version? I was thinking of going for the RT 1250 ( i have the 2014 LC RT) but there is not enough changes (apart from the engine) to warrant it..Plus the price. Nice detailed video.

[@markholroyd5365]

Michael Dignum hiya! Currently I wouldn't swap but....

[@GrumpyGarry121]

Nice honest review, I am having a gsa in March but cannot decide wether to go for a 2 year old or new. There’s a massive price difference and although I can afford a new one don’t know if there’s enough difference to justify it. Only doing 5k miles a year, the Bluetooth situation is a concern though, might have to get a signed statement my phone and headset is compatible before I buy one. At the moment riding a mt09 tracer and as for modes I never think of using rain or daft mode, just leave it in road.

[@Richa98]

I'm looking to get a 1250 eventually, already a few up on autotrader with what i assume are demo miles for a few grand knocked off. I imagine come march there will be some 1200GSA's fully loaded + minimal miles for decent prices (probably the last few of the 1200's off the line). Hoping the saving can pay for insurance + panniers in my case!

[@zyzu2960]

I seem to see different in this video. And is it true 160cm man can ride this bike? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJOTpKhqmq2dsJo

[@StangfanStangfan]

Regarding the lack of audio you were mentioning, I had the same issue with my 2018 GS with the traditional clocks. Our use the Sena10 C and when I initially paired the system I actually had to pair the navigation system last, as an accessory in order for it to work in harmony and have audio from the GPS, and phone features as well whether it’s a telephone call or music. Hope this helps.

[@larryzeke6767]

Sorry to be offtopic but does anybody know a method to log back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the login password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me

[@ashtonalex3813]

@Larry Zeke Instablaster :)

[@larryzeke6767]

@Ashton Alex Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm in the hacking process now. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@larryzeke6767]

@Ashton Alex it worked and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thank you so much, you really help me out :D

[@ashtonalex3813]

@Larry Zeke no problem =)

[@MultiOutdoorman]

i had Bridgestones on my last 2016 gsa. Quite nice and sticky, but softer than the previous Conti'Trail Attacks on the 13 and 15 plate GS;s i had before. ( I thought they were great, 9k gentle miles ) Battleaxes Squared off on the back pretty quickly (4k+) and the front scrubbed the offside edge really quickly too. I got the (identical to yours ) rally 18 plate now. I;m only at 2k miles currently but will deffo consider contis again !

[@gaelc13]

there IS a resume speed : just pull the speed set lever once, and it will re-engage the cruise control to the previously set speed.

[@RiderCamTV]

thanks for the information matey

[@gaelc13]

my pleasure :)

[@Bikerbug2020]

Question? Have you looked into a rear hugger for the tire? Was looking online and noticed that several Huggers look identical. Wunderlich, Puig and a company called Fidget Fidget however the prices are severely different. Wunderlich and Puig $239.00 USD, and FidgetFidget is only $60.00 USD .... Have you bought one for your bike?

[@RiderCamTV]

got the cheaper one for about £20 from ebay :) does the same thing, moulded the same way but way cheaper

[@1990-t1j]

Extremely economical. So many electrics to go wrong, but if they don't I suppose they're useful. The bike is heavy at 263 kg, and that's before the luggage goes on. But I'm sure you know that. For me, the GS has got too heavy and too complicated since I went all over on my 1100GS. Informative review.

[@theknivjocke]

I used to ride an R1150GS (two years and about 2,000 km). Got a 2015 R1200GSA LC one year ago (about 1,500 km so far). Frankly, the 1150 felt MUCH heaver (in several ways). It was very agricultural by comparison. Electronics are covered by the warranty, and (as long as they work) they are absolutely superb.

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Bridgestone A41's are the new bike fitment now and meant to be a massive improvement over "Panickee 3" tyres Mark. Inexpensive too if sourced via independants (BMW seem to add £40 per pair fitted more than anywhere else I've tried). I'll be fitting either those or Metzler Roadtech 01 HD tyres to mine to replace my Michelins.

[@maxflight777]

Paul , beware of the Roadtec 01's .. They felt amazing, however....Mine lasted just 2100 miles !

[@peterlewis968]

Hi Mark.......... Interesting review, I have recently got rid of my GSA for the RT, nice to have a change? I remember you reviewing the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport some time ago. You suggested you could be tempted, were you? Did you consider it? Or did you just go for the new GSA?

[@markholroyd5365]

Peter Lewis hiya! I love the Africa Twin but the after sales back up provided by BMW is brilliant and as I'm doing about 30,000 miles a year around the UK and Europe BMW had to be the choice for me. That said the new F850GS will give the AT a run for its money I think. Safe riding.

[@peterlewis968]

@@markholroyd5365It's difficult to change brand, I looked at the KTM 1290 Adventure S as a replacement for my GSA, the package for the KTM seemed good, until they offered me silly money in Part/ex for my GSA!! Got £3.5K more when putting against the RT!!

[@splodge5714]

BMW GB after sales is second to none but you need it. You most often don't need after sales on a Honda.

[@markholroyd5365]

splodge 57 Hiya! I agree with your comments about the Honda but and there is always a but.... As a tour guide I can't afford to be stuck by the side of the road with clients depending on me, its just life. When it comes to breakdowns I think I can say that most modern bikes are very good and don't have many issues, however I have had major issues with clients bikes on many tours and while some brands are fine some are atrocious in their support of breakdowns even under warranty. Thats why I need that level of back up. Ride safely.

[@1glopz]

Dear Sir I have a 2006 with 98000 on it after seeing your review of the latest model I think I will need to take an IT course before I upgrade from the old girl Thanks for your review PS metzeler next i put on 10K and they are still going strong still not to close to the wear/depth indicator so i figure maybe another 3k out of them ?

[@RiderCamTV]

no probs buddy, thanks for the kind words. the Screen is a very indepth thing

[@SteelHorseman]

Great video!!

[@steed2613]

Hi can I ask which hugger you have please?

[@TheFozzy222]

Why is there a dog having a shite in the back ground lol

[@markholroyd5365]

TheFozzy222 Hiya! Thats Betty the rescue Staffy and after her previous life she can crap wherever she wants... That said she is eating grass on the video, ha! Ride safe

[@TheFozzy222]

To true my friend. 👍🏿

[@Ferbeldeyberb]

I thought you were going to cry after talking about the fuel consumption LOL

[@49googie]

Hi Mark, good review as usual I have my 2018 rallye te bike set to auto level suspension, I notice that when I stop and my wife gets off the suspension seems to rise putting my heels about 10mm off the ground. When you are in low mode does the suspension rise when stopped and is it harsh when riding or still compliant.PS. If your still looking for a good well priced helmet look at the new Givi saw them at NEC very impressed price and comfort.Regards Robert

[@markholroyd5365]

RMG Hiya! When the suspension is in the 'low' position I have not noticed any rise at all. I asked at BMW if it was a problem to ride with the bike loaded but in 'low' and they said there is an issue. It feels no different. As for helmets I have fixed the LS2 and use it while blood biking and I really like it.

[@49googie]

Hi Mark did they elaborate on the "issue" as to what my happen?

[@markholroyd5365]

RMG hi, bloody spell checker!!! That should have read 'there is no issue'. Sorry to cause confusion.

[@theknivjocke]

You mentioned you switched bike due to mileage, any particular reason why you feel mileage is a problem?

[@markholroyd5365]

knivjocke hiya! Hi mileage is not a problem but selling a bike twenty months old with 42,000 miles on it could potentially be an issue with regards to part exchange on a new bike. My last had 26,000 miles on it in 16 months, the local dealer did me a great deal as well. Ride safe.

[@UlyWong]

Regarding setting up nav, BT, phone and TFT kzbin.info/www/bejne/gquzoHyCeM9gl7c

[@motoalba6787]

If you haven't seen it, I would recommend watching this as it's one of the better videos that explains the whole connectivity scenarios. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gquzoHyCeM9gl7c