2018 BMW R1200 GS GSA Hill Hold control overview - How it works

[@seesaw7289]

I wish my 800 pound 2000 Honda Valkyrie had this feature especially considering I ride two-up most of the time. Holding that left leaning bike up with 150 lb passenger on the back, using one left leg gets really tedious in stop and go traffic up a long hill. This is a game changing feature to me, living in hilly country, and I have ridden a variety of motorcycles for 51 years from coast two coast multiple times through cities with multi-million populations.

[@2wheelAdv]

seesaw definitely need this feature on those heavy bikes. I see in the future it becoming standard on most bikes.

[@Yorcen]

This is a must have for all bikes. It has to be standard like side stand.

[@2wheelAdv]

It’s a great feature that the manufacturers are slowly adding.

[@reg26]

In case you didn't know You can also use it when facing down hill

[@2wheelAdv]

Reg26 yeah your 100% correct. Came in handy a few weeks back. I’ve only used it a couple times but when I do use it I like it.

[@ArcanePath360]

Good point. Didn't think much of this option but the second hand R1200RT I'm getting has it anyway.

[@mjordan812]

I've ridden on a couple of roads where they go up a steep incline to a stop sign at the top - a "T" intersection with a main road with traffic that doesn't stop. And enough of a slope that the front brake won't hold the bike - weight transfers to the rear and the front just slides. I just may go bike shopping.

[@2wheelAdv]

That’s one steep road! It’s definitely a neat feature. But like all electronics it will fail at some point

[@alanmaughan7968]

Whats wrong with just using the back brake?

[@2wheelAdv]

At 601 I’ve asked myself this before. Certain scenarios and physical limitations where enough of a concern that bmw thought it was beneficial. I see the perks to it but I also hate that it’s got an additional electronic item to fail.

[@oneplus99]

Is hill control worth on normal road traffic ?

[@2wheelAdv]

Hey thanks for the comment. If you just have flat roads than no. However, if you plan on doing some traveling in the future it is a nice added option but not necessary. I live in Florida which is FLAT, but I do use it time to time when leaving certain business's with inclines/declines. When traveling I use it a lot just for the convince.

[@johnpipping3848]

Since when does the R1200GS have a colour TFT screen?

[@2wheelAdv]

Since 2018 - This was one of the first ones into the USA with the TFT.

[@Yoshisworld91]

@@2wheelAdvWrong. The First R 1200 GS with TFT Displys came out in the late 2017 as an Option. Since 2018 its Standard. :-)

[@numbum9394]

Do you have to have pro plugged in for this function or not?

[@2wheelAdv]

This is an option you have to buy. My Pro plug has always been in the bike so I can't say for 100% certain or not if its required. But if you look at your invoice and it doesn't have the option then it won't work.

[@numbum9394]

I toook the bike with full equipment and Rallye edition, it is only ordinary GS, not Adventure model, so it has only 20l petrol tank and I had to buy additional protectors for cylinders. Apart from that I have this pro plug under the seat (or at least everyone is confirming that buying 2018 model). So my question is, does this function hill hold require plug to be plugged in? Because I tried to get this function working and as I understand instruction bike should be in "pro" mode, that means plug plugged in and dynamic and enduro pro mode enabled.

[@IamthePMofAustralia]

@@numbum9394 ah mb that's why I can't enable mine! I've got Pro plug in now, I'll give it a test today.

[@Sawar72]

IamthePMofAustralia hi, so have you found the answer? Do we need to pro plug installed to get this function working. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@Agent_954]

Is the "SOS" feature not available in North America? AWESOME bike by the way.

[@2wheelAdv]

B Tan Thanks you! No BMW in all there wisdom did not bring it to the North American market as the press launch advised they would. I have a feeling it will be out closer to 2019.

[@linc_y]

It's also not available in Australia.

[@TRI23272]

or nz

[@2wheelAdv]

Darren Lim its a real shame. It doesn’t replace the need for a spot tracker or delorma but nice to have for convenance on short rides.

[@economia-italiacom]

Thanks, man i didn't understand on bmw book

[@2wheelAdv]

Economia Italia your very welcome.

[@fjvideosmonstertruckandexp6167]

is it my screen or I really can't see anything in your TFT at around 1:20. Thanks for the instructions

[@daveboothroyd3421]

It doesn't cope with break in traction...

[@themosho9492]

Any issues with the TFT?

[@2wheelAdv]

Grant Moshonas only issue so far is being able to link my communication system with the TFT and phone. There was a update but I have not gotten it yet.

[@themosho9492]

Thanks for replying back. All the best.

[@RetiredAtenPilot]

Way too much shit on these new bikes, Seriously, if you need a function like this .. buy a car

[@2wheelAdv]

RetiredAtenPilot hey thanks for the comment! It does have a ton of options and I never imagined the point of hill hold control, but after traveling to areas like San Francisco and other places with steep inclines at stop lights it comes in handy.

[@NYCZ31]

After getting off the highway I have to climb a rather steep hill to finally get home from work, and there are two traffic signals on the way up. Often I get caught by both. Keeping the bike steady and setting off on an incline when the light goes green - that gets old after awhile. So I'm glad for this function.

[@daveboothroyd3421]

Disengage it when off road - its a PINA and 'stalls' the engine

[@2wheelAdv]

I could definitely see that happing!

[@seancondon3091]

Well turn on the display then, don't point at a blank screen.....Hello

[@2wheelAdv]

Hey man, thanks for the comment. I rewatched the video trying to figure out what you where talking about and I got you 😉. The reason why the screen was blank was because in the beginning of the video I demonstrated where the icon was with the TFT on, aka bike running. I left the bike off in the second part because I wanted everyone to hear me clearly and figured you would just hit rewind if you really wanted to see it again. Since this video is about two years old now I’ve changed my video style some. I hope you enjoy my newer videos more. Cheers 🍻

[@seancondon3091]

@@2wheelAdv All good buddy....have a nice day

[@NicoTens]

There's a much easier method, just use the backbreak...

[@2wheelAdv]

haha, this is true but what if I'm double fisting Starbuck lattes!?

[@Greggspies]

Doesn't work properly, have to give too much throttle almost stalls

[@2wheelAdv]

Takes getting use to it so you can understand or feel what rpm you need to hit for take off. I’m back to a basic-ish bike now to lesson the need for stuff breaking.

[@mrhawk1924]

Boring

[@2wheelAdv]

Thanks, every comment helps!

[@institorisinstitoris959]

Wow, this bike is more and more bike for people who have money and want to look cool but don't know how to ride

[@2wheelAdv]

Institoris Institoris it’s all evolving over time and like anything else the price will go up. Looking cool is half the battle 😂 Thanks for the comment

[@institorisinstitoris959]

I know but I think this feature is just too much. I get it, if it's in cars why wouldn't be used for bikes too... but on the other hand bike is not for everyone and this just takes something adventurous from them. I just realized my first comment could be a little offensive towards you but that wasn't my attention at all. Sorry.

[@2wheelAdv]

Institoris Institoris it’s all good, I think the feeling I have most is the “Soul” of the bike is being taken away. The features are great and I love the new technologies being released but removes us from our core values of being a motorcyclist.

[@fiveowaf454]

I've managed with out such a device for 42 years, however I can see it having some value when heavily loaded and with a passenger pulling away on some steep tricky incline, sometimes you need both feet down to steady the machine so using the rear brake isn't an option and so hold the front brake and twist the throttle at the same time while releasing the clutch. I can see how this might be a benefit, what concerns me is it's one thing using the option when you can manage the alternative, versus someone avoiding learning the skills to do it the old way. If you can't do that then this is too much bike for you in the first place.

[@fiveowaf454]

I'm not a fan of all the traction control and rider modes etc. that's all controlled by your right wrist for those of us riding before such things were even thought of let alone thought necessary. I read of younger riders going into corners and doing things where they expect the safety features to do the job of keeping them on the road and in the saddle. Firstly I find myself thinking I wouldn't want to trust my well being to something that may fail to do it's job in certain circumstances, or that might just fail, period. For me I've always gained pleasure from feeling I was taming the beast despite it's shortcomings, riding some of the bikes from the 70's onward. Many of these modern devices are very clever, but they can detract from the overall experience IMO and can encourage some to ride beyond their capabilities, which ultimately can lead to an accident when the rider loses their nerve taking a corner and runs off the road when the bike was still capable of making the turn. All these aids and devices still don't steer the bike around the corner.