BMW 1200GSA - The Beast

[@lowrider9367]

Nice Video. You have very diligently laid out your accessories on your bike as well as your panniers. Very impressed. I am new to the adventure scene & what I absolutely love about these bikes is when you see one all dressed out like yours it looks like a modern day Christopher Columbus mode of transportation! These bike aren't about looking cool or being a bad ass but practical. I have a Harley Street Glide & as much as I have loved riding that bike she may be going down the road after riding my newly purchased 2013 GSA. Well thanks for the vid, I will definitely be gleaming some ideas from it. Thanks again... Cheers

[@CemilAlyanak]

Thanks for the kind words. And yes, you're absolutely right. In the case of this particular type of bike, for me anyways, it's always been about loading what I need to 'get there'. I've been doing this type of riding since I was 9. In those days my dad and I would ride through the northern Canadian bush both on motocross and snowmobiles. You needed to carry everything you would need with you, including spare gas. I really do have to make an updated video, though. I've added quite a bit (and removed some things that were not working out). I'll have to find time. Meanwhile, enjoy your new GSA!!

[@sandrobugon]

That's "thankstastic" tks! I thought i was the most enthusiastic BMW fan but now i can see I am still a beginner

[@uytouytoo9944]

the best gsa ever.. so inspiring.. ı got 106 on toefl but ingilizcem bitti abi yeminle bayıldım bayıldım motoruna.

[@marianob1975]

Wow!! This is the most equipped GSA on Internet! Super well prepared, congrats. Good advice too.

[@jimsanderson6090]

I like your ideas and the way you think. I have a tendency to bring everything with me too.

[@CemilAlyanak]

Thanks Jim. Much appreciated! I really really really have to finish the new version. I've added a few things, all useful. Safe riding...

[@Synthad1]

just coming across this - 2 years late - but I'm commenting anyways. This is an awesome vid. Im contemplating a GS for some long journeys which I would be new to, and this covers it all as far as setting up supplies. thanks!

[@raweffort4264]

You will not regret it. If you like going beyond the edge, this bike will take you there. I've had GSs since model 1 in '84 and they have brought me nothing but joy and lots of new friends in far away places.

[@ant.woodall3584]

Jim, I spotted you in Bethesda a couple of weeks ago! Then came across this video and knew it had to be you being that your bike is such a one of a kind. What a coincidence. Awesome setup. Hope to see you around again!

[@CemilAlyanak]

Hey. I'm out riding all year, only ice and lightning stop me. If you ride, always glad to meet up for one. In any case, thanks!! New video with more mods coming soon. Just finish the current batch and then I'll film it. Quite a few additions/changes.

[@marinoscotoni9382]

Nice to have the time to do something like that. Thanks for the share.

[@beverke7]

Thumbs up ! I ride all year long too, except when ice and snow. Love the GSA, such a versatile bike, easy handling, incredibly balanced, can take luggage :-), have fun with her !

[@jamessuttie1261]

Hey there. Great review. I have an identical GSA, same color, same year. Fabulous bike. I did a trip to the Yukon last summer, up to Inuvik and back to Vancouver. I was on Karoo 3's and liked them. On my 2012 GS, I have Heidenau K60's and love the longevity I got with them - 20,000 km. Thanks for showing the Canadian flag and the RCAF sticker. Cheers.

[@CemilAlyanak]

Must've crossed paths. I was in Whitehorse in late May last year. Going back up in 2017!

[@adamhar4546]

Totally awesome bike I love the fully loaded look. safe traveling!!!

[@TurkiyeCumhurbaskani]

Wow I am really inspired, I think I wanna BMW to travel Across US. Very informative video for me thanks

[@superbike1]

Fucking hell you could set up your own refugee camp with all that gear you can carry. Awesome.

[@CemilAlyanak]

:-) Thx!!

[@superstarmotosan]

Harika bir video, çok teşekkürler Cemil Bey.

[@CemilAlyanak]

rica ederim

[@KyleJPilot]

Wow! That's what you call FULLY LOADED!

[@DukeOfDC]

Amazing! One day I would love to do the same journey. Thanks for the video!

[@flowrider5548]

Great advice and detailed recommendations, thanks, for a bike and an area (Alaska, Can. BC) I look forward to combine soon.

[@CemilAlyanak]

Go! You'll love it up there!!!!

[@fredrikgeorgsson3523]

Good video!!!!! Greatings from Sweden✌️✌✌✌

[@CraigWarden1]

Thanks for the review. I have spent a great deal of time in the NW portion of Canada and Western USA. Now I am in Southern Ontario. Would love to get a look at your Tool Kit and associated items you chose. Cheers, Craig

[@uriahdante5982]

Instablaster.

[@dell888]

That's freaking awesome! Now I cannot wait to pick one of those up. I will trade in my RT for an adventure bike now!

[@CemilAlyanak]

Thanks Dell. You won't regret it!!!

[@janscott188]

Great review, really interesting....and motivates me to get a GS! Kind regards, Jan

[@CemilAlyanak]

Thx Jan and you won't be sorry. I would give up most things in my life before the beast!

[@vriendelijkegroet]

I changed from Metzeler Tourance to Pirelli Scorpions, it's great, feels the same as the Tourance but I can do a bit more mileage. Give it a try. I don't do offroad by the way.

[@CemilAlyanak]

Hey! Interesting. Never tried them. They seem to have really good reviews online! Thanks for the tip.

[@Kal-zo5ym]

You taken the adventure out of riding an Adventure

[@CemilAlyanak]

Kal Howell You're right, I'm such a feeble comfort baby. Those trips through the Sahara and into the Tundra were soooo wimpy. Now I know why ;-) Thanks. Heck, I don't even know why I wear boots; next time I'll ride barefoot.

[@dougie.spangenbergspangenb6655]

Hi Cemil...love ure beast and all the nice gadgets u added to make the bike fit ure what you like. You said that the new bottom spotlights are fitted to the bikes canbus, I have exactly the same bike now and tried to change mine and to connect it but could not get it to work. I am not very clever with those type of connections, could you please help and tell me how and where to connect a new set of LED spotlights.

[@CemilAlyanak]

Hey Dougie. Indeed, you cannot connect 'any' LED to the Canbus. Some LEDs work, others do not. I use Clearwater lights that come with their own 'Canopener' which is a box that connects to the Canbus (between the LEDs and the Canbus). But direct connections usually do not work. Hope this helps... BTW, the Clearwaters are expensive, but they really work well.

[@roarman75]

Great video explaining in detail each component. I assume your sleeping bad is in a waterproof bag. Glad you enjoying your bike. I love mine too. I just wish I could do longer trips more often. The bike is built to do long trips.

[@CemilAlyanak]

Yup, waterproof everything!

[@cysix4939]

Great video Cemil. I have a 2016 GSA and will be headed out in a few weeks x-country from Maryland->Portland->LA and back. No experience with long distance cycle trips. Going to start out with a lot slimmer load, but we'll see how it goes. Planning on fair weather camping most of the route. Love to chat with you for any advice tid-bits, but I'm not sure there's really any way to get in touch other than these comments. Cheers and best of luck with your next adventure. Will definitely be interested in your film.

[@CemilAlyanak]

Best of luck Jay. And slim is good too! I'll try to connect with you somehow, we seem to live 'nearby'.

[@CaptJimDavis]

I guess that's how Turkish bikers travel! ;) Good one... Hope to see you around San Francisco if you ever visit California... Ride safe!

[@antonoat]

Where's the kitchen sink, ? lol. Very interesting video, thanks for sharing it. cheers tony

[@CemilAlyanak]

+antonoat Thanks! Actually, I forgot to show the collapsible bucket ;-)) I have one.

[@antonoat]

lol, thanks for your response. I should add I'm not surprised you have one! You seem to have pretty much every eventuality covered. It's good to see one of these bikes used how it was intended and not just by poseurs! Haven't owned a GS since my last r1100gs, which I racked up just over 40,00 miles on. I currently own a Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200 but secretly am lusting after the bike you are riding! lol. Thanks again, ride safe buddy. cheers Tony

[@marksheldon3551]

Great video Cemil, thank you. Do you know the model number of your Master locks for the Pelican case? I am yet to find them anywhere here in Australia.

[@CemilAlyanak]

Hi Mark. On Amazon they're listed as Master Cable Lk Keyed Alike 104. Since, I've changed to a longer model though but these work great.

[@shamoy1000]

I recommend Michlin commander 2 will out last any other tire.

[@magenius34]

Nice rig!

[@Captbilly1000]

The blue pannier bags are Kathy's bags,exelant quality.What do you carry in the panniers and top case?.

[@CemilAlyanak]

I tend to leave my top case empty and put my helmet there when I stop. Panniers I use for clothes on one side and tools and camping accessories on the other.

[@robsteele4404]

Cool setup. I've got the same bike but with much less kit. How much clearance is there between the Bark Buster hand guards and the edge of the screen on lock to lock? Thanks.

[@CemilAlyanak]

Hey. Not sure. Let me go down and measure :-) Be right back.

[@CemilAlyanak]

One Inch exactly with the fairing on its highest position. When you lower it, it hardly makes a difference. They're great both on and off road, but especially off road. The stock hand guards are flimsy and cover nothing. Hope this helps.

[@robsteele4404]

Many thanks. Really appreciate your help.

[@grysnlvfr]

maybe anakee wild for the next adventure? supposed to be great. nice set up

[@PavelMagalhani]

Beautiful report, can you tell me how you did to have gopro always linked to energy?

[@CemilAlyanak]

Hi Luis. I use what is called a 'Battery Eliminator'. It plugs into the back of the GoPro and gets its power from any USB type charger. I use a USB adapter that it connected to the bike itself. I hope this helps.

[@MrCasquenoir]

Very cool, congrats on your ride! Nice setup. Could you elaborate on your go-pro hookup? I'd like to do something similar but a go-pro case with a waterproof usb connection is hard to find.

[@CemilAlyanak]

Hi. On this trip I used two GoPro Hero4 Black. One was set up on the pole connected to the handlebars. I used that one for slow motion with the shutter set to one click - when I hit the shutter, even with the camera off it turns on and starts filming. Admittedly, there's a bit of a lag; I'd say about five seconds, before the filming actually begins. Then I had the front camera set on time lapse. I don't use the video timelapse function, I use the multiple shots function. On this trip I shot at 2 second intervals. I'll be publishing the film soon, it's called Whitehorse to Washington. That's the one that uses a Battery Eliminator USB with Backdoor for GoPro HERO4 (10 ft). I got it at B&H. It's great. You take out the GoPro's battery, thereby avoiding the heat problem, and connect the USB to any power outlet on your bike, or car. I literally shot 148,000 images without a single glitch.

[@lesgarten]

Awesome Freakin' Video! Thanx!

[@danieljanisch9776]

Nice video, a true enthusiast! Where did you get the tank guard (US flag)?

[@CemilAlyanak]

Hi Daniel. Ouch, I really really don't remember. I'm traveling right now, when I get back home I'll see if I can find the receipt. I keep them all. Maybe it's buried there somewhere. You're actually not the first to ask, other have too, so I really better get my butt in gear and find/remember where. If I find it, I'll post here. As for being an enthusiast, that's exactly what I tell my wife ;-) Actually, I'm blessed, she loves riding as much as I do. Lucky, lucky!

[@EuroHeliMalta]

Great stuff the only thing i didn't like is the highway pegs... but it's personal taste i guess.

[@rosseeldirk9001]

Wow great video, nice stuff you have there, could you please tell me or us, what brand of solar pannel this is, or where to buy please, thank you for sharing such a nice video, love it :)

[@CemilAlyanak]

Hey thanks! It's a basic car charging solar panel from Amazon. Here's the link: a.co/bDMXzEr

[@rosseeldirk9001]

Thank you, ordered allready :)

[@MrPanda415]

awesome!

[@31acruz]

I wanted to ask your opinion about the different years, what years do you think are significant or better then others? I looking to buy one and my range is 2008 -2016, Will I lose a lot in the difference of the ride if I go older ? What is your opinion. Thanks.

[@CemilAlyanak]

Hi. Super tough question. My best answer is that I love the liquid cooled series so for an Adventure that's 2014+. I admit that the newest 1250 is amazing as well but that implies buying new whereas, I believe, you're looking for a used bike. Personally, I love the 2014, pre-fob series. I plan on keeping mine for many more moons. If you're torn between the GS and the GSA, there I would say that the GSA is definitely the way to go. If you're an adventure rider, that fuel does come in handy, I've run low on mine more than once, imagine if I had been riding the GS. I don't think this has been very helpful but it's really a personal choice. Indeed, you will likely have some weigh in with air-cooled or die. I respect that too,

[@31acruz]

@@CemilAlyanak Thanks for the prompt reply. I agree the GSA was more enjoyable for me yesterday riding then the GS. It had a bigger presence to me, seems like cars respected me more and I liked the view from the cockpit more to, more substantial. Not to mention better shielding against the wind. Plus it felt just as light and maneuverable when riding. You did say something that made me curious however, you said you love the liquid cooled series more, can I ask why? How did they feel different other then the power. Also what does "pre-fob series" mean, sorry about my ignorance. I rode them for the first time yesterday.

[@CemilAlyanak]

@@31acruz When riding in the summer, the air-cooled just overheats. It's bad for the cylinder, bad for my leg and bad for my wife's foot. By pre-fob I meant before they went to the keyless system. The first couple of years they had a few worries. Personally, I would either go with my year - 2014 - or bite the bullet and go for a brand new 1250 either in 2019 or 2020 if you wanted to wait for one year under the belt. All this said, I've owned a GS since 1982 and I have never ever had a major issue on any of the series and I have owned them all.

[@31acruz]

@@CemilAlyanak Fantastic, that is what I looking for. Thank you very much!

[@josephgallant3211]

Any reason I should stay away from a 2016 GSA? I’m new to adventure and really wanting to get into it, looking at a used 2016 bmW r1200 GSA or the pan America, thoughts?

[@CemilAlyanak]

Hi Joseph. As you know, I have the 2014 and still absolutely love it. Feels and rides like it was brand new. As for the 2016, I know three people who have one and they all love it. None have had any issues whatsoever. I can’t guarantee you won’t, of course, but I can report that they are very happy. One of them actually did a round the world with his. As for GSA versus Pan America, I’m unfortunately the wrong person to ask ;-) I’ve been riding GS since the first year (actually the first month) that the R80GS was available in North America!!

[@josephgallant3211]

@@CemilAlyanak so will this be a good first adventure bike for me to start on?

[@CemilAlyanak]

​@@josephgallant3211 That is a very complex question; so many factors. No need to answer, but much depends on your age, level of general motorcycle riding experience, strength, height, type of terrain, level of gung-ho-ness. If you’re my age, no, it’s not a great first bike. If you’re a novice rider, same. If you’re a little on the weaker or shorter side, you’ll be fine on the highway, maybe not off-road (unless you’re built like Gaston Rahier ;-). Riding a smooth gravel road, fine, riding single track on a muddy day, you better have some experience under the belt. Finally, much depends on your own level of aggressiveness. Riding a 1200/1250/(1400??) GS or GSA does require some level of aggressiveness; when you’re riding through sand or mud, the last thing you want is to have the reflex to get off the throttle. In short, absolutely an amazing bike, even a first bike, if you’re up for the challenge. Otherwise, if you have the money to buy something, lose a little and later upgrade, I might start in the 800cc range and move up. Not sure if this ramble helped; hope so!

[@josephgallant3211]

@@CemilAlyanak thank you

[@Inspirikus]

Yezzz MadMax edition of the bike...batteries everywhere, water, petrol, survival kits...was waiting when you will pullout TWD crossbow :) - joke a side great video and a lot of small things that you have with you that was very handy to have on road trips...Ofc i never did 10.000km trips but maybe in the future (4000km was max for me)...Question is how heavy is your bike after all installed...

[@CemilAlyanak]

Thanks!! Glad to have inspired some ideas ;-) As for the weight, as I like to say, with all my gear, extra fuel and food for two weeks, I still weigh about two hundred pounds less than a touring bike! Basically, it's a lot of bulk but not a lot of weight. And the bike itself is so well balanced and has such torque that as long as you are not afraid to give it gas, very few conditions will stop you. Since the video I've made more additions/changes and keep saying I'm going to film a new video... I really have to do it soon!!!

[@StevieBRC]

love it.. 👍

[@CemilAlyanak]

+Friz Bee Thanks!! I've added some 'stuff' since. I'll do another walk around next summer ;-) when I get back from Alaska!!

[@HugDeeznueces]

Great vid! I have a 2014 but on Olive color. Awesome bikes. What model is that Pelican case you have in the video? Do you have a final product of the video for this trip? Sub'd

[@CemilAlyanak]

Hi Rob. Thanks. It's a Pelican im2306. Not sure what you mean by a final product video but no, I did not do an additional video of the bike yet. Preparing a better one now with the new mods I did over the winter. As for the color, glad you got the Olive one. I wanted it too but my better half has control over color choice and she loved the blue! To be frank, I've gotten used to it, it goes with all the USA flags I have on it ;-)

[@HugDeeznueces]

+Cemil Alyanak Hello Cemil! Thanks for the reply. On the video/final product, I was referring to the section of your video where you said you were doing a time lapse shots with the gopro on the front of the bike... I am just curios to see the trip. I'l like to do the same trip one day...

[@CemilAlyanak]

+Rob Fern Gotcha. Yup, done. It's on my channel. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2K9qYRja7Zrhpo

[@DanDanai1]

Great video and great bike! That’s the way this bike was intended to be used. How many miles did you do so far on this bike and what problems have you experienced? Suspension, shaft drive, engine, gear box, electronics... any problems?

[@CemilAlyanak]

Thanks Dan. To date, zero problems. Just added 10,000 miles on a trip to Tuktoyaktuk. In fact, the Beast was the first bike ever to ride up the entire Dempster and make it into Tuk. I was there on June 2nd, 2018. So far I've got about 35,000 miles. Zero issues. I don't want to jinx it but so far I have had no mechanical or technical setbacks whatsoever.

[@DanDanai1]

Cemil Alyanak That’s great news! I wish you thousands of more, trouble free miles with your “Beast”!

[@faisalshah4994]

My dream bike :(

[@jokeplay00]

i really wounder how much that bike wheigh

[@CemilAlyanak]

Hi. It's actually not very heavy. It's about 200 pounds lighter than your average cruiser and about 300 pounds lighter than your average touring bike, and that's when I'm fully loaded. If you look closely, most of the bulk on the bike is taken up by very light things like the tent, sleeping bag, etc. In short, it looks heavy but it's not.

[@grahamspink8847]

Where do you hang the dogs kennel ? In Australia police would give you a sticker for dangerous overloading, which would invalidate your insurance...

[@Adventuredna]

+Graham Spink If you think about it, all my gear weighs under 100 lbs (45 Kg). That's not even the weight of one passenger. Not to mention that the GSA is already a very light 1200. And, everything is really well tied down. In short, looks overloaded, but it really is not. Heck, it goes off-road, through sand, even mud, and I haven't dropped it yet. As for the dog kennel, good idea! ;-)

[@grahamspink8847]

Thanks ...Ride Safe ....

[@Darkwolfe.]

On mine I use the commander tires and I put some awesome miles on my Soft Tail Classic and they stand-up well in all weather so far. I live in the Ozarks in Arkansas right off the Pig Trail, and they hold the road super well on curves, you might look into them....See you down the road(:> Davis Earth Shaking Motorcycle Adventures>>>

[@CemilAlyanak]

Silent Pray Thanks for the tip! Much appreciated!

[@xnor64]

Watched 2 seconds, hit like before you even start talking :D

[@Agent_954]

How to prepare for the zombie apocalypse! :)

[@CemilAlyanak]

B Tan finally, someone that gets me ;-)

[@omerbenian]

Hayırlı işler.

[@CemilAlyanak]

Teşekkürler

[@geomoto599]

Have you ever thought about buying a van...

[@CemilAlyanak]

Actually, I have and I will, more like an RV. But one does not preclude the other. Frankly, I adore my bike as it is. I really do. I understand that for some it's too much, but so be it. But yes, someday, a nice RV to be a kind of base from which I can go on regional rides.

[@phim5054]

Moi qui croyait que ma GSA était super équipée...

[@CemilAlyanak]

Toutes les GSA sont bien équipés ;-))

[@MrWtr500]

Tjeeeeeehhh.....you need a car! Nice bike, but Some lessons in weight reduction, and how to pack are in place!!

[@CemilAlyanak]

Wouter Van Duijn you do realize that fully loaded, I still weigh less than most Harley's, any touring bike or any large cylinder bike pre 1990? But hey, to each his own. Some travel super light and I admire that. I've even done it. I travelled into the Sahara with an R51/3 and a back pack, nothing else. Drove 3000 miles that way.

[@SteveSahin]

Tam Turk isi olmus :)

[@stefanosgeorgiou5325]

dude you lost the point off travelling...if you are not minimalistic why travel with bike?

[@CemilAlyanak]

'Dude', I've traveled over a million miles. I've crossed the Sahara and the Kalahari, traveled to the Arctic, ridden through the Andes, wait, I think I actually rode around the world. You're right, why the hell did I take a bike? Thanks for the revelation! ;-) More seriously, all things considered, I think I travel fairly wisely. But if you think this is too much, wait until you see the bike in its current state. I can only imagine what you'll say...

[@cristobalrojas1983]

to much

[@CemilAlyanak]

+C. R. C. Oh well, now there's even more ;-)

[@AlpinestarsR6]

Sorry this is a silly bike! far too much crap on it! Keep it european not american!