A Ride On & Offroad On A BMW R1300GS

[@BlakesPipes]

riding a motorcycle for a test ride is like doing a review on a tobacco. first, we are distracted by making a video, second, we are talking out loud and slowing our mental processing, third, fourth and on ward. i am stuck on a video again on editing, and now have made another video waiting for me to get done with the first one. then get bogged down with knowing i need to edit this 4 hour video down to 25 minutes or so. i find riding and smoking reviews are the same. its what i think at the time while i am distracted with filming. i have a kayak video needing editing, but my computer will not hold both videos, so it waits on the SD card. but then i smoke the same tobacco and find so much during my time at home, or its the next day and i smoke it after a meal. different pipe, different time, different taste. same with a motorcycle. riding one after lunch or first of the morning, its hard to know what we really feel in two hours of a test ride, or just one bowl of tobacco in a corncob or a briar pipe, the cut of the tobacco and the humidity, time of day and mental mood can change my feelings. i got a bit distracted with this thinking over the last 6 months with my reviews on my blends of how important it is, because it all depends on a persons taste buds. same with motorcycles, its a personal opinion, and not all men's ass are created equal. mine is boney and flat, and have back issues. i like being leaned forward with back extension in the lower lumbar region as it helps with the bumps to have a better posture when riding. it also increases core strength. anyways, i am writing this to tell you why i have slowed down production on making videos, but really its because its summer and hard to want to stay inside and edit or even go out on hot days to film. like you added the ending part to the video to sum it all up.

[@kenbrooks7794]

Awesome thing! As you mentioned, the electronics are rather over the top these days, but i'd say that's true of every make TBF. I suppose the gadgets are what helps them sell well to the "starbucks crew" The only bit of electronic trickery that i think would be helpful is a button to cut it back to say 50-60hp for trail riding. From what iv'e seen of the 1250 performing, the power is it's downfall in the Devon green lanes. Very capable in the right hands though... Me, I'd love one, even though I'm nowhere near the ability to make it shine! 😍👍👌

[@exeterrider]

You could make it shine more than many others. Every boxer fan including one of my 1250 mates is waiting for the 600-900 boxer...this adding power lark is not what people want and out of touch with economic times.

[@economicalrides]

Ken, you already have the best GS mate 🥰

[@kenbrooks7794]

@economicalrides Yes, deep down I'd agree but there's times when I feel trapped in a time warp! 🤣🤣

[@exeterrider]

@@kenbrooks7794 yeap it's a good place to be Ken, just stay there

[@RodKrisBisdakMotovlog]

That's absolutely pretty cool Ride bro. It's definitely awesome BMW adventure bigbike. Great test ride brother

[@exeterrider]

Thanks 🙏👍😎

[@steve1962]

I had an 1150 GS..........loved it but a tad too tall for me really - followed that with 2 x 1100RT'S, an 1100R and a 1200RT- tens of thousands of miles ridden on those bikes and loved every minute!!

[@exeterrider]

Good to hear steve, you're a BMW connoisseur!

[@Tojj29]

Incredible bikes, I prefer the look of the 1250 if I'm honest, but my 1200 is far more capable than I am, so will do me for now. Nice chilled, honest review Steve, love it

[@exeterrider]

Thanks, Yes keep the 1250 . It's more than enough.

[@dctdave.buttybach]

The R1200GS/Adventure are the best bikes in my opinion far less electronics to go wrong and easier to service yourself. I feel the 1200’s will be a much more sought after bike in the future , so tojj29 keep it because I recon it will go up in value 😉 Cheers Regards DCT Dave & Butty Bach 🙂 P.S Awaiting Cruise Control unit to arrive for the NC 😃

[@Tojj29]

@@dctdave.buttybach I certainly will be Dave, this one does everything I need and more. 👍 Stay safe bud

[@exeterrider]

You make a good point there Dave. I think your right...the older the bike ,the more its seems likly to last without all the electric stuff! Cruise control!!!! I like the sound of that...where did you get that from? I'm intrested although I'm not sure if it will work on my 2017. Hope you and the fam are well.

[@andycoomber6159]

Nice to hear the comments at the end. Excellent review, whilst a part of me wants a gs, there's no way I would spend 20k plus on a bike, except maybe a Goldwing...

[@exeterrider]

Hi Andy, yes I'm the same or perhaps a Rocket for me as well. Hope your well 👍

[@paulegan7250]

Thanks Steve, a very good down to earth review.

[@exeterrider]

Thanks Paul. I even left the stall in lol!

[@lipglosshelmetsandhim]

As you know, I have the 1250, awesome bike, yes it has more enough power for what I use it for. I'll love to try the 1300 auto but that is a slippery road for me. You gotta love the quick shifter but the ultimate thing is the torque of the motors in these things. PS. use the control wheel to remove messages!

[@exeterrider]

I'll rememebr that for next time Thanks! Yes the 1250 is more than enough and I'm not so sure this is much of a upgrade. The 1250 looks "meaty" and ready to ride around the world. The 1300 is a side step more than an improvement for me. Thanks for dropping in mate, cool to see you today...I'm going to have a go at those show tickets : )

[@flapjackphil4513]

7.35 Nick was praying!!

[@exeterrider]

🤣🤣He would be fine through there,.... Actually thinking about it in not so sure 😂👍👍

[@flatcapcaferacer]

Not being able to start the bike quickly by an experienced rider is more about the bike design rather than the rider in my opinion. Congratulations on not editing out the beginning because we have all had the same exact thing happen more than once.

[@exeterrider]

Yeap, I'll always be true to myself. I hope I feel better about the bike when I ride it again in the future. It didn't do much for me this time. Have a good week Jerry👍

[@boblynch7535]

To my mind , living in the Intermountain West, where power comes into its own is in the ability to cruise at high speeds for an extended period of time. I’m talking 100+. I ride a Tiger 900 and that gets pretty buzzy and not sustainable over 80. I’m sure I’ll get a comment or two over that statement but the larger bikes are certainly more comfortable in those speed ranges.

[@exeterrider]

Yes I totally agree with you. At high speeds, you can do it all day on one of these👍

[@IrelandRider]

I definitely agree, pcp for me is a no-go, I wanna own my bike, I'm not into giving dead money away. Thanks for sharing and see you on your next adventure 👊 🤙 🤘

[@exeterrider]

Thanks mate

[@IrelandRider]

@@exeterrider yw 👍

[@economicalrides]

Mornin' Dave, yes, the fear probably came from knowing that you were tired and not totally on it. I get that when I take Norman on a trail when I am tired and know that I probably shouldn't be out riding. But in our case, you have to ride when you can, don't you, tired or not. And at the ABR fest for sure, otherwise what's the point of going ? It looks like you managed to relax into it and shake off the fear but that tyre pressure warning would have freaked me out a bit 😂 Totally agree with you about BUYING bikes with actual MONEY THAT YOU HAVE. If I know that the bike is bought and paid for, I am much more relaxed about how I ride it, where I park it etc. Riding around on six years worth of debt would certainly limit the enjoyment for me. I can say with certainty that I will never buy a modern GS. The only GS that I really like is the one our Ken has. Gorgeous ! And the bike's not bad either ! 🤗 Thanks for taking this silly expensive and extremely complicated bike for a spin for us. I do like your "unfiltered" test ride style, it always raises a smile !! 👍 Love from France, Claude et Claudine 🐕

[@exeterrider]

Ello Dave, Yes I was cream crackered form the weekend for sure....but this one just didn't fill me with what the 1250 did...almost like its "off course". The thought of buying a bike on PCP turns me off....bad enough with a morgage let alone everthing else in life to pay for with stupid inflation! Kens bike is very special for sure....we all want one like that....it means a lot to him and you an see why.. Thanks matey, El outro till we meet again : )

[@economicalrides]

@@exeterrider It did seem to be a bit powerful for the off-road stuff to me. A bit punchy, as if it was intended to be more fun on the road than previous generations. I suppose most GSs do spend most of their time on the roads, despite what their owners might like you to believe 😂 Anyway, too pricey for the likes of us with our aversion to making the banks richer. It's amazing to think just how much of all of the joy of motorcycling the Meteor 350 delivers and it does so at a price that most people can actually afford. Will catch up soon Steve, just a bit busy this week, preparing to meet Martin Trafford for some rides at the weekend. Yes, I'm actually going away on a bike for a couple of days. In my life that equates to a big adventure which requires much planning 🤔 Take care matey. Shame for us that you didn't drop the Beemer of course ( I would have, just for the hell of it 😂 ) but good on you for surviving a tricky ride unscathed whilst tired. And then you even managed to drive the van home safely. Great effort and we do appreciate it ! Will catch up soon. Love to you and the Exmouth crew, George and Mildred

[@exeterrider]

@economicalrides ha, it read close want it 🤣 Martin Trafford rings a bell but I don't know him. Sounds like a nice couple of days away though which will be nice. I found fuelling on for offroad tbh, but yes lots of power in there that dosent get used. The value of the meatie is huge isn't it. No brainer. I have a bit on too mate... No worries 👍👌🙏

[@AndyGSATractor]

Ps flick whizz wheel to the left to get warning screen off

[@exeterrider]

Thanks mate, I'll know for next time.

[@Banditmanuk]

At least you didn't edit out the faf starting and dodgy pull away. I've deliberately not ridden one of these as I think their performance is enough to tempt me away from an MT10 and give me comfort and a better riding position. It's just the price and complexity that put me off.

[@exeterrider]

I think the 1250 could tempt you away, but you will never get that noise of the cross plane....The 1300- not so much. It's quite a leap into new territory, then again for your super tours you do it would be superb! As you say the out lay then the servicing is a ripper tbh

[@Banditmanuk]

@@exeterrider I've never been a fan of the GS engine noise. Most sound like a bag of spanners being shaken (apologies all GS devotees)

[@exeterrider]

@@Banditmanuk Warning. Heaths on his way with a baseball bat.

[@Saddlebags73]

Don’t upset Eaff 🤣 Some bit of kit eh!

[@exeterrider]

We all ready did that today😂I think he got in a frump and turned his electronic suspension off.

[@Saddlebags73]

🤣😂🤣

[@malcolmhansen8276]

I find it very interesting how polarising this bike appears to be. I’ve done 80,000 on a 2017 1200 and it’s been the best bike I’ve owned. The 1300 is obviously “better”, but many seem to struggle to connect with it. Not to mention the price..😬

[@exeterrider]

Exactly the way I feel, 👍

[@jimsadler8704]

That's a big old beastie to be chucking around offroad, ER. A bank loan job to repair it as well should things go wrong. I think the increase in cc's in most recent machines is to compensate for the power sapping 'qualities' of the Euro 5 regs.

[@exeterrider]

Ahh yes, why didn't I think of that. I'm surprised how little this did for me but then again I said that for the 1250 but ended up liking it. As you say its all ££££££££ to invest in then ongoing costs.

[@marktorbay]

Good review and no dought an amazing bike but not for me, I threw my leg over one last year and too massive for me at least. Ps the end bit at the Hoe just before you go down the hill is also one of our lovely stops for coffee after a great coast ride and the scenery down there is always great 😜

[@exeterrider]

Thanks Mark, Yers i found that place by pure accident...what a spot...really nice. I went there with the family earler this year and some ladies stripped off to go skinny dipping...my kids didn't know where to look although I advised them lol. cheers

[@marktorbay]

@@exeterrider 😂😂😂

[@craigyllyn]

Great review. I really must try it. I like its looks. But I’m to be convinced it’s not full of irrelevant ( in the real legal world) improvements. Unless they’ve overhauled the fisher price wheel and rider interface of course. It felt like you got more from the Rocket 3 . A supposedly less versatile weapon….. we must try again next ABR.

[@exeterrider]

I'm up for that, you having some experience of beemers, I would be intrested in your thoughts on it. Thanks

[@craigyllyn]

@@exeterrider I’m definitely aiming at it next year!

[@exeterrider]

Goodo 👍

[@craigyllyn]

@@exeterrider I come across as a hater. I’m not. I like them . I’m just not buying the rhetoric in its entirety and the bike press’ blindness to real life daily irritations in usage despite the price point.

[@exeterrider]

@@craigyllyn I think many are the same including myself 👍

[@lilynorthover8378]

Never ridden a bike before in his life 🙄 How do you turn it on? Starts to pull away, nearly falls off,🤣 CBT next week 🤭

[@exeterrider]

Yes you can never have enough training and in my case it needs a re-visit ha!

[@lilynorthover8378]

@@exeterrider 😘

[@michaellilley6725]

I can't fault you for not figuring out how to start the bike they've moved the start button to where the menu button is on many bikes, as for the stall well that's just first time nerves. Why on earth would they drop the tyre pressure so low, sure off roading requires a bit of a drop but that must be close to 30lbs psi down. That ford may have had a concrete base but it was also green with algae, perhaps that's why they wanted the tyres flat. I laughed when you were wary of the crevice to your right, what went through my mind was the video titled ER eats dust as he ends up at the bottom of the Mariana trench 😂 Thanks for an honest review none of those bikes appeal to me, neither do the looks or the Badge that goes with owning one. That said upon selling my beloved ZZR1400 I replaced it with a 2023 R1250R, never thought I'd venture to the dark side but it's got all the attributes of the GS just in a more Sporty Road bike vibe.

[@exeterrider]

Yes I couldnt make sense of the low pressures either...the off-road part wasn't exactly taxing to need to drop the pressures and it just made it sloppy on road!? It wouldn't be the first time I ate dust 😂 1250R is a stunning machine ...and infact I never got to ride one but if I did I'd be all over it!!!!! I have always been a fan of them...Thats why I bought my R850R 98 model...it's the closet I could get and its miles away from the 1250 lol. Thanks : )

[@michaellilley6725]

@@exeterrider Thanks for the reply, the R1250R is a bike which went under my radar, much like the ZZR1400 did untill I went to buy a Z1000 SX and the ZZR kept catching my eye.If you'd like to see the bike when I test rode it, it's on my other channel @greywolf9292

[@AndyGSATractor]

Still prefer my 1250 gsa .. And yes no pcp i own it 😁 when we pop down you can have a go on a proper one 😂😅

[@exeterrider]

Ha Thanks mate, but I wouldn't want to risk it tbh, would be great to see you both though of course.

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

One bike I'm never going to ride!

[@lilynorthover8378]

You can stand on my shoulders to get on. Just don't stop.😂

[@exeterrider]

I'm filming that one!

[@exeterrider]

They do a low seat ...then again it's blimming heavy!

[@craigyllyn]

Pedants Corner. The number plates don’t appear to be ….ahem…. Legal on those BM’s. They look suspiciously unreflective…. Scandalous! RE , Yam & Honda had confidence in their bikes and didn’t worry . RE Didn’t even bother with off road rubber . If I’m right it implies BM doesn’t quite have the faith in their bikes ability……. ….and now I’ll duck!!!!….

[@exeterrider]

Ha, that will pull them out the houses 🤣