2024 BMW R1300 GS ASA - trying the NEW Automated Shift Assistant (ASA)

Hi Everyone,
Well, well, well! It seems many of the motorcycle manufacturers are adding bikes that are missing a clutch lever to their ranges. BMW is no exception!
What you you think of this movement that was started by Honda over 10 years ago?
Could you live with it? Would you miss the clutch lever?
Let me know in the comments!
Usernamekate 🏁
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#USERNAMEKATE #bmwgs #bmwgsasa

[@GaryV-p3h]

I like the parking feature that requires the ignition on to put it into neutral, it will help reduce the chance of roll away thiefts by oppertunist thieves, every little helps.

[@alanspence1716]

What an excellent review Kate, thank you. I've watched loads of BMW GS(A) ASA reviews and this is the best! You cover all the aspects and demonstrate them well, and without bringing any personal preconception or bias to your assessment. I wonder if the delay changing up in manual mode is actually very similar to, on a conventional clutch bike, pulling the clutch in and then moving the shifter, but on this bike moving the shifter starts the whole process so the time for pulling the clutch in comes after the foot movement instead of before it. I still thank you practically every ride for being the person that gave me the confidence to get into motorcycling. Watching your rides home from work when you were at BMW were what convinced me that it could be much safer than some non-riders make out.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

I've tried a DCT and really liked it even though I've been changing gears for over 50 year's, it was so relaxing and you could concentrate more on hazard awareness instead of thinking what gear should I be in, will it stall etc.

[@AjayC90]

BMW have made the new GS so accessible to all sorts of riders, which is great. Apart from the price 🤣 I will be sticking to my 1250 for quite a while it seems.

[@maxim913]

iv been looking at getting a 1250gs but they are also still expensive xD

[@hensola]

@@maxim913 Yup, check out the 2nd hand approved BMWs from the dealer. I got one year warrantly which sold it for me. No getting away from the price, but way better than the top heavy 1200 Triumph Explorer

[@SomewhereInside]

If we think about it , the omission of the clutch lever is perhaps just a primer, to gently program , the bike riding community for the full implementation , of electric powered motorcycles across the board . Bike riders get used to auto gearboxes , you are halfway there into electric bikes being accepted . Electric bikes tethered to apps , that enable bikes to be rented out much like e-bikes and e scooters are rented out in Australia . No ownership , just pay as you use rentals , within set boundaries .😮

[@hartley383]

Another superb review Kate. As an ex DCT Crosstourer owner now a GSA rider you answered all the questions I had about the new ASA system. Seen a few reviews now and to my knowledge you’re the only one that pointed out the difference Road and Dynamic had on the shifts. My experience on the DCT I’d agree that flicking into manual for hairpins is the way to go. The parking brake on the BMW is also better than the Hondas which needed constant adjustment and was pretty ineffective on steep gradients. It’s also a good anti theft device, if you can’t get it into neutral without the key, you can’t roll it away. Well done Kate 👏🏻

[@craigst1300]

Great technology, the best of both worlds. Manual shifting when you want it, automatic shifting when want it.

[@raycollington4310]

As someone who hasn't stopped by the channel in nearly a year, these last two Broke-My-Wallet videos are very professional and independently minded. Excellent channel content and perspective. Well done and thank you..

[@Fernando90054]

The boxer gearbox systems have been always kinda clunky, even the quick shifter on the 1300 GS. This ASA device ends it. The difficulties with shifting gears on the bikes with the BMW two cilindres engines and shaft driven transmissions are over. I’m glad they’ve upgraded the solution on this matter. As soon as possible I will change my bike with the traditional gearbox system to the ASA one. That’s a sure thing for me. It’s a very easy decision ! Thanks for the well explained video👌🏻

[@jcrawford068]

Wow, great review, thanks. You're really helping us understand the ASA. I have a Triple Black GSA ASA on order and can't wait to get it. Thanks again.

[@trevormoss1396]

Great review thanks Kate. Love the trouble you've gone to provide the detail of how it works and integrates. You're the best 😁

[@anto687]

3:29 the phantom clutch fingers! :D Great video as always Kate, very interesting rundown! Love the aspect of taking it "Commuting" rather than just blasting up the hills!

[@paulocelso68]

😁

[@mamoonansar8585]

If you turn the engine off while in drive or manual mode, bike goes to P as a result, same as putting the kickstand down. If you hold the D/M button, bike goes in neutral.

[@boblynch7535]

As usual, Mike is spot on regarding clutch control in technical off road sections.

[@Mort-v8x]

Wonderful review, you made me a believer in the ASA system,

[@stephenpotts8170]

Hi Kate, pleased to let you know the ASA system in drive mode is lean angle sensitive, and will not shift gears when you are cranked over. Thank you enjoyed your review...

[@Deadmouse83]

I tested the R1300GS with ASA a week ago and in rain mode it changed gear during a turn. I almost shit myself ;)

[@stephenpotts8170]

@@Deadmouse83 when you get used to it you don't worry, the lean angle and traction petametres must have been within the safe to shift gear range. Can be a bit alarming though

[@Andrewsarchus-1]

Danke liebe Kate für den schönen Beitrag. Ich freue mich jedesmal über die Begeisterung mit der Sie die Folgen präsentieren. Zu meiner Verwunderung hab ich den Regen vermisst😂. Ich vermute das man das ohne Kupplung wirklich selber ausprobieren muss,um zu erkennen ob man es mag. Aber der Beitrag hilft sehr sich zu einer Testfahrt zu entschließen. Vielen lieben dank dafür 😘🤟

[@UsernameKate]

Vielen dank 🙏😊

[@glenns001]

you guys must be good at riding in the wet, even when the suns out its wet, i like that park mode for security :)

[@TheZanshen]

I have the Honda DCT 1200x crosstourer and it’s superb.

[@TwoGoTouring]

Great review Kate 👍 I found that when the engine is in dynamic it changes up and down more often similar to how I ride. D+ Road mode it does upshift to keep the revs down and it is a more cruise mode. Manual is just like the traditional gear change. You covered stopping brilliantly and for those occasions when you have an emergency stop and you’re in 4th or 5th, there’s no faffing about trying to find 1st or neutral. We’ve all taken short test rides but we’re on a learning curve with ASA just like the switch from manual to auto boxes in cars. 👍👍

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! Hmmm I guess I am in the train of thought as Jay Leno. I like the old school clutch and feeling a part of the motorcycle riding experience. But hey ho this is where the industry is heading. Honda has seen the horizon. Pretty soon we will have Twin parallels with an automatic . I'm happy with what I have with no worries. Great review. Best!

[@airrackpizzafy1]

Hi Kate your bike reviews are amazing.

[@UsernameKate]

Thanks so much!

[@Richard-pe4cx]

mm? great review as usual i would have to try it ,what ever next , no clutch lever ! for somone with carpal tunnel in a wrist this could be a game changer.

[@J.J1971]

Brilliant video thank you, many questions answered perfectly... 😊

[@UsernameKate]

Yay! Glad I could help

[@Theeunseenart]

Good work Kate, lively and detailed

[@msims1250]

It’s certainly an interesting concept. My friend with a DCT Africa Twin loves that particular system. Maybe I’ll try it one day. Lovely video as usual, Kate 😎

[@malcolmtwigg7841]

those gear changes look shoking its like changing gear without using the clutch. I know BMW quickshifter is bad but these look even more violent!

[@drobinson8080]

Great review and good quality video as always. Good to see bikes being made accessible to more people and you bring a welcome different perspective to the usual test riders/ journalists. As others have said... great bike but very pricey...

[@donalddondero4402]

Great Review , Im selling my RT for this GS , The Green R1300GS is gorgeous

[@mikep.9371]

Glad you enjoyed the experience of the "electronics" BUT I couldn't even guess at the cost of repair.

[@Boxer1250RT]

Reminds of my SMG (single clutch) M3 back in 2006. It was terrible when Auto mode was selected. Then, when the Dual Clutch came out, it was as smooth as butter. If I were interested in Auto someday, I would definitely wait for the Dual Clutch model. This (single clutch transmission) is a very old technology for BMW.

[@andrewmason2879]

That’s a good security feature at least no one can wheel it of if you forget to but the steering lock on. Like the bloke who was in France where he nip into the hotel with us luggage and came out and it had gone. I had an operation on my left hand something like this would be less painful on long journeys. I have a BMW 1250 GSA I love the bike it’s brilliant for two up touring Great video 👍

[@marcbrasse747]

Hi Kate. Will watch this later but first I have an admission to make. Remember how I always complain about bikes being too heavy and that automatic gearboxes are for scooter riders. Today I rode an Energica Esseesse9 electric bike which weighs 260 kg (empty or full) and has no gears at all. And you know what? I loved every minute of it. So much that I will probably buy the bike. Don’t forget to forever call me a hypocrite if I do. 🤣

[@jimthompson717]

ASA is a great idea. As is height adjustment. I was also thinking training wheels, a reverse gear, and heated foot pegs.

[@UsernameKate]

Don't forget a coffee maker!!

[@rcfreakamit]

Thanks for the review. No doubt in my mind that the foot shifter makes more sense for this than the left-hand paddles on the DCT Hondas. Not so sure though, that BMW's ASA is significantly better than Honda's e-clutch for mist riders. As you say, many riders don't really care for fully automatic shifting, and would switch to manual mode anyway.

[@theheroblob5036]

Yet another terrific review, Kate... thank you! It seems to me that the "Park" feature is a pretty good security measure. The bike can't just be rolled away without the key, even if the steering lock is off (or deliberately broken!). Kinda negates the need for a disc lock...

[@Racha0900]

Great review. I have a 1300 asa for 2025 on order. Since I have another bike with a clutch, I am excited to have an asa for traffic or long distance and enjoy my clutch bike on the track. Thanks for all the insights about your experience.

[@redhedhair]

Thank you 👍 ... Im looking forward to my test ride of the ASA

[@Tainted-Soul]

Looks good and the fact that if you want you can just hit the lever and change down if you wanted to . tthe rear looks a lot better than the other R1300 GS you road

[@alexiliescu3328]

Manual is nice and all, but not having to fiddle with the clutch non stop in heavy city traffic would be great. Hopefully more bikes start being fitted with similar options.

[@jumior]

you will be constantly going for the clutch as i do when i am on holiday and i rent a rev and go ,

[@BubbaSatori]

For ASA. At 71 it will allow me to ride again. Thanks for the review.

[@timhenry6403]

Hi. Why do you say that?

[@petewatson9866]

Hi Kate, Great video. Personally I think ASA and other manufacturers equivalents are the future, the Park Mode is a security feature on its own. My only concern is the cost to change the clutch plates compared to normal bike

[@UsernameKate]

I think i should delve a little deeper into all these type of bikes form a long term ownership/ cost perspective

[@spencersmustache2844]

I like how you still cover the ghost clutch lever

[@gruff8491]

Got my 2020 Honda Africa twin Adventure sport DCT 3 years ago kate. Cant go back now , its so easy and convenient nice bmw though. Its impossible to stall

[@JeroenvKL]

This can be very helpful in winter since your left hand is usually the coldest due to having to grab the clutch a lot. The heated grip isn’t that effective then.

[@NZsarge1]

Given the implementation of radar cruise it’s pretty natural this would be the next step to complete the convenience feature of radar cruise. I think providing it’s reliable you’ll see a growing uptick in percentage of sales but I don’t think it’s going to drive manual transmissions out anytime soon, having it able to revert to a “clutchless” manual is good, full auto only is for scooters.

[@twist_of_the_wrist]

The bike being in the park is a good extra security feature, in my opinion.

[@gordonwallin2368]

Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada

[@ianmain]

you can push down on gear leaver to switch between park and neutral , you don't the need engine running

[@jameshardy9894]

BMW are finally challenging Honda with their DCT system. I ride a DCT Honda VFR1200F and I love it. I ride other bikes too with quick shifter and manual old style. Honda got it right years ago. I got manual, drive and sports mode with override. Low speed is not a problem, it's all in the wrist. After many years with Honda's DCT it's interesting reading the anti-automatic gears comments. I've tried it and I don't understand the fear. Manual gears will always be around though because it's nice to have that full control. Yet there's a market for full auto, I know and it's about time people get to try it...

[@drummerjinx]

Hi Kate and crew. I only found your channel a few days ago and loving the content. I'm looking at getting back into biking after a gap of 15 years and wondered what people's thoughts were for a returning rider? I've been looking at the F900 range, is this a suitable choice for essentially a returning rider?

[@johngreen6795]

You can also change gears when you are in drive

[@stonecold2653]

Brilliant review by the way ...Thanks :)

[@chema1546]

Hello, good morning Kate, it's great but it's very 🫰 expensive and I'm more satisfied with mine, let's see if you try it. There's a problem with the ⛈️ rain here. Best regards from Valencia

[@UsernameKate]

Chema, I hope you and your family are staying safe from the floods 🙏

[@chema1546]

@UsernameKate All good 👌 thanks for everything greetings from Valencia

[@rogeryates4205]

Great review kate i have a dct Honda can't wait to try the new .thanks .********

[@vulcanvoyager]

I enjoyed your review very much, an awful lot better than some of your male counterparts. I would, however, like to mention one thing Kate and that is, that these days, unfortunately "the markets are not guided by trends" but by what governments tell us we will have or more accurately "NOT BE ALLOWED TO HAVE!"

[@pgVeritas]

I rode this the other day, and the shifts were clunky, so from that aspect I was disappointed. However, your bike seems a lot smoother. Also, the GSA ASA tests seem very smooth. It was really easy to ride and when I get my GSA next year, it will have the ASA. Tightish bends on the ASA were disconcerting because the system always has it in too high a gear. I did manually change it down. The Hairpin worries, won't be an issue because you just use manual in those sections. I had a slight worry that having ridden it all day, when I got back on my RT, I'd forget to use the clutch....I didn't. Commuting to London on the M1 is made for the ASA!

[@martinhughes9769]

Lovely bike, price it’s frightening,😮, very interesting and informative video.

[@petereaton1508]

great review . i have a 1300gs and i have a couple of questions i assume you cant stall it at all like a car on sharp slow hairpin bends where you could slip the clutch i assume you would have to use the rear break. am i right?

[@UsernameKate]

Yes. You are right 😊

[@petersimmonds4319]

Good the lock would stop thieves wheeling away for those quick stops

[@MuscleBandit]

It's probably safe to say that Teapot1 is more of a hooligan than you are Kate, and that's okay! Thanks for your insight :)

[@ianhockington7289]

Great video, These new E-clutch's look to be great for town riding but like you I still would prefer a clutch lever to feather. But would you have a 1300 for commuter riding. I still prefer my Sports Bikes though, But looking at the new KTM 990 Duke I might be tempted away from them to have. some Fun Hooning around on😁🏍️

[@andyonthejob1247]

Great honest review and much better than a lot of male journos do by far. (Can I say that?) 😅

[@flexywing]

I would definitely look ar the ASA version of BMW, though notthe GS,as a owner of a R1250r theatre one I would go for, it lets see when that comes out and what it looks like 😅

[@KanzNander]

Dear Kate, 237KG is for the automated or for the manual? or there is no difference?

[@Pompomgrenade]

Off road my Enduro and Enduro pro modes... Rock and roll. If they have managed clutch feed engagement, and ABS allowances for a rear wheel lockup... The clutchless system should be on par with any other 600 lb off-road machine😂 For the most part, even a quad is more nimble than a big GSA 😂 and both will haul the same amount of gear for adventures that only one enables freeway access to... I reached a remote lake in Yosemite on my GSA for a long first and second gear Rocky Trek to a view for a joint to smoke 🥦 turned that pig around and came right back home... All on continental TK 70s 👍🏾 My bike is paid for and BMW is very unlikely to ever sell me another one... I'm still riding my 2000 CR125... I don't understand why so many people replaced their motorcycles like their underwear... I like the holes and skid marks collected over time🎉

[@CarstenTietz]

What happens in Drive Mode when you move the gearshift lever? up or down . . . was answered at 6:50 Thank You

[@gareman9417]

It'd be nice to see you take this bike out for a multi day trip

[@AdamForeman]

You know that BMW wanted to call it Automatic Shifting System and then realised the acronym! 😂😂😂😂

[@UsernameKate]

Buy our ass bike! 🤣🤣🤣

[@ianm77]

Could you do a review on the wk maverick 125 seen them on dealers sites but nothing on u tube

[@kenmason9354]

It looks like a practical bike for everyday commuting, but what do think of the new Royal Enfields 650..?

[@UsernameKate]

Classic isn't my thing but the bear 650!!! I love the looks

[@greengreenie55]

Good review.

[@mattysnap1]

My question is what about when you need the clutch out in the sand. In Australia you could be out on the boggy dunes were I believe the clutch is needed and I feel I rely on it. Don't get me wrong for out on the roads it's would be great. Is there launch control? I'm really not convinced.

[@mattysnap1]

Greet review by the way love your vids I'm just waiting for someone to really put it through it's paces in all conditions.

[@ulfdantes]

Dont buy it then!

[@andylewis210]

So how often do you ride across Australian sand dunes?😂😂

[@Fernando90054]

The boxer gearbox systems have been always kinda clunky, even the quick shifter on the 1300 GS. This ASA device ends it. The difficulties with shifting gears on the bikes with the BMW two cilindres engines are over. I’m glad they’ve upgraded the solution on this matter. As soon as possible I will change my bike with the traditional gearbox system to the ASA one. That’s a sure thing for me. It’s à very easy decision ! Thanks for the well explained video👌🏻

[@mattysnap1]

@@andylewis210 very often in western Australia

[@flyovercounty1427]

Thank you.

[@stonecold2653]

Hi Kate, question, in auto does one use the brakes more aggressively as the engine breaking is only as good as the electronic selection at certain revs (5 down to 3rd) ?

[@UsernameKate]

@stonecold2653 I didn't really notice it but next time I'm on, I'll give it some conscious thought!

[@dawdawes]

Morning Kate, I see KD motorcycles is moving to Padiham

[@UsernameKate]

Indeed!

[@austinman1234567]

For me, the novelty of changing gears in a car wore off many years ago. There is no pleasure in sitting in traffic, going up and down the gears. The same applies to motorcycles. ASA will be the reason for swapping out my R1200RT for its' replacement, or a GSA ASA. I will give it a year for any issues to be resolved.

[@obud3777]

You need a clutch for serious off road stuff!

[@UsernameKate]

I say exactly that

[@namcojr]

So BMW made the world's first 1300 scooter. Nice.

[@JohnLongdin]

Yes it's a dilemma isn't it. Pros and cons for every system, it's just whether they can afford to produce all options going forward. I hope there's always a choice 🤞

[@jimmysupp]

Woot woot

[@BlackBirdieGolf]

I'm sure the new RT will have this. I would love to buy that bike again but the maintenance made me sick 🤢

[@hensola]

Just watched LCR compare both GS and GSA 13s, and after seeing how planted the GSA 13 is from your review, would you recommend the GSA ASA?

[@UsernameKate]

I haven't ridden the GSA ASA but I'd have a go in a heart beat because I'm sure it'd be great!

[@hensola]

@@UsernameKate would be a cool vid, I love your testing style, and you cover everything :)

[@UsernameKate]

I try my hardest. Thanks for noticing 🫶

[@MrEbbitdog]

Great review but personally a clutch with a decent up and down quick shifter would be my choice. It’s the DCT Africa Twins that seem to hang around the longest on eBay. Auto novelty but could it be another motorcycling fad ?

[@DanYackel]

when in manual mode, do you let off on the throttle or can you shift right through with holding the throttle on?

[@UsernameKate]

throttle on :) no need to let off

[@OntarioAndrews415]

LOL @my bum be warm, my bum be toasty. 🤣

[@rlw85]

Are the gear changes nice and smooth I’ve never seen someone get so excited about traffic jams 😊

[@UsernameKate]

Yes, smoother gear changes then the quixkshifter and blipper on the standard gs 😊

[@rlw85]

@ I’ve got a daft question are quickshifters only for when your high in the rev range, the one on my gen 2 s1xr seems to be cruel on the gearbox

[@UsernameKate]

They go into gear easier when under load. Sometimes in lower gears, I'll use the clutch depending on the bike.

[@mattstringer7838]

In manual mode can you change down hard on the power?

[@UsernameKate]

Not something I tried because usually om the road, I'm not on the power when I am going down the box but I cant see why not

[@brendonchase9460]

❤

[@cooocooo3880]

What about automatic changing gears while you’re in the middle of a corner?

[@UsernameKate]

Nothing unsettled me when I rode it :)

[@cooocooo3880]

@ OK, thanks, I asked because they learned me not to do that

[@tomriley_bike]

So for the bike not to move on it's own, do you need your hand/foot on the brake at all times, like you would in an automatic car - as soon as I engage drive in my BMW it wants to move, unless your foot is on the brake.

[@UsernameKate]

no, you don't need hand/foot on the brakes at all times when not moving :) It will only go when you twist the throttle

[@tomriley_bike]

@@UsernameKate gotta be honest, it's very tempting to spec up a 1300 with one of these now! I commute to London twice a week and it would come in SO handy and still having the ability to change gears manually (albeit without a clutch) is amazing.

[@tomriley_bike]

@@UsernameKate thank you so much for replying by the way :) loved the video.

[@UsernameKate]

It is awesome for filtering I must say! and no worries, you're welcome!

[@gregtufnall6276]

Hi Kate!!

[@UsernameKate]

GREGGG 🫶

[@gregtufnall6276]

@ you going to Motorcycle Live this year??

[@UsernameKate]

Aye, first weekend 😊

[@UsernameKate]

You?

[@gregtufnall6276]

@@UsernameKate oh good. Hopefully the first weekend too all going to plan so maybe see you there

[@DanYackel]

if you are in automatic mode, and you use the shift lever, does it go into manual?

[@UsernameKate]

It will go into that gear that you put it in, but instantly work like an auto again straight after. Unless you keep manually shifting whilst in the auto setting but i cant imagine that would be very healthy for the bike, hence the manual setting :)

[@68chewy]

"Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should"

[@Andre-yu3qs]

It baffles me that there's no clutch lever! Progress...

[@Whatreally123]

Why would a motorcyclist not want to change gears? That's so much fun. I don't like automatic shifts

[@carlosberrioselectrician777]

❤🤓👋🏼 hi!! Blessings 🙏🏼

[@Skiamakhos]

Is that a cubby on the tank that you could keep a wallet in?

[@Channel11Original]

Waiting for the BMW RA ( robot assist) to be released. Robot will hop on,ride bike for you and report back saving you the all that bother!

[@UsernameKate]

I'd defo be speccing that up with a coffee machine 🤣

[@Elysian_Angel_]

Hmm I think it’s a great feature for those with medical issues, but apart from that … Me? I’ll pass 😉 But the new 1300 isn’t my cup of tea regardless 🤷‍♀️