BMW R 1200 GS (2005) | 7 Things I Love

Ever since I first rode a 2007 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure I fell in love with these big machines. Apart from the unrivalled highway comfort, the massive BMW R 1200 GS is surprisingly easy to ride slowly due to its low centre of gravity.
In this video I chat about the 7 things I love about this 2005 BMW R 1200 GS.
#bmwgs1200 #r1200gs #bmwgsa1200
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Music by Chris Haugen - Backwoods BBQ
• Chris Haugen - Backwoo...

[@billivory8582]

I love my 2010 R1200 GSA. Comfortable tourer

[@GreaseAndGravel]

It is an amazing bike, especially for long distance. I did 2000km in 2days last year.

[@joeybobbie1]

Hi from Texas, New Subscriber. Great Video about the Older R1200GS Bikes. I actually Ride a 2006 1200GS and Love it. It’s the same Color and looks exactly like yours. I’m a Disabled Veteran and have Fusions in my Neck and lower Back. I am actually scheduled for more Fusions. I Traded a Harley for my GS because the GS is the only Bike I found that I could Ride, and not Hurt. It’s so comfortable I can actually Ride it to my Dr.s Appointment s that are 55 Miles away. So 110 Miles round trip. That’s a long way for me. You forgot about the Telelever Front Suspension. I Love the way the Bike stays Level even when using your Front Brakes hard. I also like the fact there’s not of Electronics, Rider Modes or whatever on this Bike. I just get on and Ride, and the Bike is running at full power all the Time. Thanks for the Video, I look forward to more.👍👍

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Hi from South Africa. Thanks for watching. Huge respect for riding that far with the fusions! I agree, the GS is one of the most comfortable bikes. This one in this video is a buddy's GS that I rode before buying my own 2006 GSA with 48000 miles. I've made a few videos on that bike in the last few weeks. You are 100% right about the telelever suspension and the lack of electronics. I need to update my list. I just love the old GSs. Enjoy your bike and may your spine get strong and flexible!

[@Titan500J]

I've got the 05 GS with 6,500 miles on it. According to the BMW manual it weighs 498 lbs with accessories. If you're a gear head like me you can do your own maintenance. I do wish it had cruze control.

[@patriksund70]

I have a 2005 and I love it. Low weight for a big bike, great on and off road. Hard to find a more service friendly bike today.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I agree 100%. I've bought a 2006 GSA after making this video and I love the bike.

[@johannaskuivenhoven3685]

I came on board 3 years ago😊 I have found several BMWs to get experienced😅 May I say my first bike was a 2010 k 1200 GT of course this is a 4-cylinder water cold or coolant that is with radiator extremely fast and was reliable had every feature. Then I bought at the same time a 2009 r1200rt what's again beautiful craftsmanship handled like a California highway patrolman. Enjoyed the luggage and handling. After selling the k1200 I bought a k1300gt 2011 this bike handled as well as the r1200 GT. Incredible speeds that felt like 35 miles an hour when I was doing over 90 to 100. Very reliable. Then I bought a 2005 beautiful condition yellow r 1200 GS was big bulky in heavy for me had all the features it was also an adventure model tubeless wire wheels an extra large panniers. I downsize to a 2013 f700gs. It to had only 1400 mi on it. Should have kept that bike but I did sell it it had all the panniers. I upgraded to a 2010 f800 GS adventure. It too was ready for Alaska. As of today I have in my garage a 2008 R1200 GS with factory panniers and all features including wire tubeless Wheels 27,000 MI. I also have a BMW 2011 f800gs . I enjoy having the two bikes I love the fact that I can tour or ride either one to Alaska. It is different writing on the 800 versus the 1200 is good on either or. I must say these two gs bikes are easy to work on. I'm tired of dealerships that charge way too much it isn't just BMW it's all of them they're out of control. Freight harbor has the tools and the jacks thank you eBay. eBay for parts and accessories.. I also look on craigslist I look for above-average communities and retirement communities that's where the bikes have been taken care of when I buy them used.😊 Thanks to Mill valley Marin county liberals I bought my f800gs. In La Verne California at the base of Mount Paul do you want to do area gated community I bought my BMW r1200gs. The point being is most of these people have the work done at a dealership and have some history or and maybe do some things but the fact is they took care of the bikes and they both look new. I laugh because my neighbors all have Harleys which I've had some experience with a Sportster. Honestly is Venus the last 200k to 300k thousand miles. Meanwhile the Harleys being worked on at 30,000 miles😅

[@bjornzorger3731]

Good choice , oil cooled and no onboard computer telling you what to do .

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Yeah, I'd much rather get an old 1200GSA than the new 1250

[@bjornzorger3731]

Exactly

[@lipsee100]

@@GreaseAndGravel I tested a new Rt 1250 and I think the quality of the new bike is not half as good as my old girl,,,plus do you really want tobe paying high monthly premiums when you can be out riding!!!! I think not!!!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@lipsee100 I couldn't agree more!

[@jakubcapek5756]

Love these bikes! I had the 2005 1200 GS with the regular cast wheels. Bought it with 56000 km and drove it past 110 000 km before selling it seven years ago. Since then I wanted to get another one but had other things I needed to do. Last week I decided it is time to get a BMW again. I bought a 2006 1200 GS adventure. I am definately happy:-) I also looked at the 2013-2018 LC bikes, but in the end decided to get the older version with the air cooled engine without all the electronics.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I think that was the right choice! Same bike a mine. And that stanchion tube issue in the first LC models is scary!

[@gosolobox]

I have the exact same 2005 r1200 gs with only 22K miles on it. I've owned a lot of motorcycles in the past 50 years and this one is my favorite. You really nailed exactly why it is so good. Ride safe..

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for the comment! I missed it somehow. I just bought my own GS Adventure. It's a 2006 with 76000km on it. Did 2000km in the first two days of owning it. What an amazing machine! Ride safe!

[@joeybobbie1]

I also have been Riding for 50 Years. I’m 62 now. I’m not sure I could count how many Bikes I have owned over the Years.

[@mybibleandmybike]

I came from the Honda Goldwing to a 2013 r1200gs and so far it’s been just as comfortable, smaller, and does the same thing my goldwing could do just at a lighter weight… I can’t see myself going back to the heavier goldwing…also the ease of working on the bike to.. a lot less panniers to remove to get to what u need to…lol

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I've ridden a Goldwing once and it was nice, but the BMW is a 1000 times more versatile and 70% as comfortable on the highway.

[@Trialgubben]

Agree with most of your points. I have a 2005 that has 160000 km (i have ridden the last 100000 of them). BUT the original windscreen is pretty much rubbish! 😅 Had to change to a Givi Air Flow.. Then its the most comfortable bike ever 😍

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I just bought a 2006 R1200GS Adventure with 76000km. What an amazing bike! Wow, 160000km... that is impressive.

[@Trialgubben]

@@GreaseAndGravel I also have a 2011 GSA.. close to 130000km now. Only fault was the rear ABS sensor once.. and now I have to change the gaiters for the final drive.. baaad thing.. 😅😅

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@Trialgubben Ouch, good luck with that job! Wow, you've put on a lot of miles! I am busy replacing my telelever ball joint rubber boot. Had to fight all morning to get the nut off. Now just hope I get it back on again!😅

[@johnfitzgerald4274]

Thank you.

[@nanana8876]

you forgot to mention the authentic bmw blinkers ( I have a 2008 air gs) and the possibility of removing the passenger seat.

[@markanthony6128]

Sohc head is still the most reliable engine ,not great top end power but once she’s up to speed she curves corners like a beast - love it

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Oh yes, I forgot to mention these were SOHC. Another big plus for me!

[@tjaartjacobs5546]

This is a clean 1st gen 1200GS Sir!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

It's my friend's bike. He has 130000km on the clock. I've got a 2006 GSA with 78000km that is also near perfect.

[@rustytanks]

Exactly the same as mine, I was lucky to pick up a 07' model with only 25000km's on the clock, the bike is amazing and so smooth, I agree with you, it feels almost new, the only thing I don't like is the left and right indicator switch, but I'll get use to it

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I've heard the 2007's are the best! Still simple enough but without the servo brakes on the 2005-6. Wow, 25000km is nothing! I just bought a 2006 GSA with 74000km and the thing rides like new. I love it! Yeah, the indicators are weird (and tricky to cancel - for me anyways). Enjoy your GS!

[@rustytanks]

@@GreaseAndGravel yes the 2007 doesn't have the servo brake system, and all I can say is the brakes are deadly, specially the front, did almost 300km's sofar since Saturday, and she's a dream to ride

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@rustytanks That's great to hear! I am envious of your brakes ;)

[@richarddepledge960]

ive just bought an old 2012 triple black 1200 adventure. 1 previous owner full history. well specked up. Brilliant bike. Without doubt the best BM ive bought yet.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Congrats on the new bike, Richard! How many miles on the clock? Enjoy it! I agree, these GSA's are just amazing. I just bought a 2006 with 76000km and it runs like a dream!

[@rickydepledge3245]

@@GreaseAndGravel mine has 62000 miles. Belonged to an advanced rider instructor therefore not abused. He travelled over 10000 miles in America on it. Shipped it across. Wish i could do same.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@rickydepledge3245 Wow, these machines go on forever! I agree, I'd love to do a trip like that! Enjoy the bike!!

[@lipsee100]

I own a 2005 R1200RT ( same engine/gearbox and brakes I think.).. Mine has 86 000 miles on it,, Things I like about my bike the engine tune ,it pulls from low revs strongly,you never need to use high revs when overtaking,,, secondly I love the Tele lever forks there is little dive under heavy braking...Talking about brakes,,my bike came with Assite Servo brakes and they are awesome ,hauling my beast down from speed is a one or two finger job,,the down side of these brakes is you really need to take good care of them as if they fail you ain,t got any brakes at all.. I,ve had one big issue with my bike,,,the gearbox failed ,,a shaft inside the box snapped (big problems) but not too expensive since you can buy old parts quite cheaply here in the UK..The downside to that is scroates like to steel your bike and sell for parts.. Lastly I,m not one for washing my bike (maybe twice a year) but when I do it comes up as good as new.....

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for sharing! That is amazing mileage. Yes, I've heard about the Servo ABS issues. I wonder whether there is a way to check it before buying second-hand? I am looking at a 2005 1200GSA with 50000 miles and I am unsure about the maintenance on the brakes.

[@lipsee100]

@@GreaseAndGravel regarding brakes ,you can check these brakes,they either work or they do,nt ,theres no in between...If you see one of these bikes and the brakes are not working, all is not lost..Motorworks UK sells a kit to bypass the servo.Look on YT seems easy enough.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks,@@lipsee100 I've seen those videos about the bypass kits. It is good to know it is possible. To be honest, if it fails, I won't mind having no ABS. I am just worried about where it will fail if it does :)

[@lipsee100]

@@GreaseAndGravel All I can say is "its a BMW" if you look after it,all should be ok,but it failing bothers you,,buy the delete kit.(its not expensive).Just thinking ,,you,er from SA right ,well perhaps deleteing is the right thing todo.. Actually I,m taking the BM out today to buy a set of pads,, Work I need todo on the BM is front shock is orginal and knackard,and the starter needs stripping and cleaning cos its very lazy.. have a good day,and think yourself lucky its not raining like here.....

[@steppenwolf5956]

there is a protector for the oil cooler available, it is a good investment

[@1ferdovic]

👌

[@JohnOgren]

What is your inseam length to be able to flat foot like that?

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I will have to measure it, but I am 183cm tall

[@kloppskalli]

you did not mention the telelever front ... 😅

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Good point! I still find it weird that the front doesn't dive. But I guess that is a good thing :)

[@lipsee100]

@@GreaseAndGravel One thing about the tele lever is the shock is hidden anyway from all the muck and crud,,less likely to have leaking fork seals

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@lipsee100 That's true. Never thought of that!

[@rafaelparente9745]

How tall you are? I just found at the specs that this seat is 910-890mm high, and you make it appear so low. I´m just 1,72m and think i´m not abble to ride this bike =/

[@craigcoleman1020]

I want to purchase a bike like this. But my main concern is the driveshaft locking up when ridding long distance or high speeds. Am I just being paranoid?

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I know the feeling, I always get paranoid about what could go wrong. I was worried the driveshaft will come apart and then lock up the wheel etc. So it was the first thing I removed to check the condition and replace the torn rubbers. It was an easy job for a non-mechanic like me. I think it is safer than a chain if in good condition. Good luck with the search for the right one.

[@craigcoleman1020]

@GreaseAndGravel thank you for getting back. Is there an easier way to make sure the driveshaft is good, without ripping the bike apart? I don't think the seller would appreciate that

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@craigcoleman1020 Oh yes, of course. I'd put it on the center stand and feel the wheel for and aft, and lateral play. And put it in gear and do the same again, but also rotate it to feel how much play there is in the draft shaft. Don't worry, there will be some. But is should not feel loose and make terrible noises. If there's not too much slack in the drive line, I am sure it will be fine. I'd just take it out before riding long distance. All of this, I ignored when I bought the bike (at 77000km) and I rode it home 2000km in 2 days immediately after an oil change. These things are amazing.

[@craigcoleman1020]

@GreaseAndGravel yeah I saw that video. You are a legend driving that distance alone. I'd like to do a road trip like that, but not alone haha. Thank you so much for the info. Maybe put up a driveshaft video for us noobs

[@MH5tube]

Kinda funny that you refer to the bike's "mileage" but measure it in kilometers. I would've figured you call it "kilometerage"

[@GreaseAndGravel]

🤣yeah, I’ve always wondered the same thing

[@cobusallers9606]

EK stel graag belang of mens daai fiets kan "mount" sonder om been oor te gooi, of in ander woorde of mens kan mount van peg na ander peg soos 'n perd?

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Hi Cobus. Soos jy beskryf is hoe ek gewoonlik opklim 😁

[@cobusallers9606]

@@GreaseAndGravel nou hoekom kry ek die gevoel 😂😂 dat daai side stand my nie gaan draai nie en of die fiets gaan omval

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@cobusallers9606 Ah ja, ek wou bysê dat jy moet seker maak die side stand staan op harde grond waar dit nie gaan wegsak nie. Goeie idee vir 'n video, dankie ;)

[@cobusallers9606]

@@GreaseAndGravel enigetyd soek nogal so video, dis hoe ek op jou channel afgekom het.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Hi @@cobusallers9606 ek het sopas 'n video gepost om te wys hoe ek op en afklim ;)

[@alexandreisabel1234]

I hate the clutch placement and the fact it is a dry clutch like a car. I offroad situation you need to slip the clutch to modulate the power and find traction but a dry clutch will over heat and ending you with costly repair.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I hear you on the dry clutch, but they do seem to last quite a long time, even when slipping in offroad use. I also use my clutch a lot for slow manoeuvring. I know at some point in the future I'll have to split the bike to replace it. Until then, I am just riding it. A plus point of the dry clutch is any oil will do and the engine will last forever.

[@alexandreisabel1234]

I heard recluse make a kit for gs. I could be a great upgrade

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@alexandreisabel1234 I searched for the Rekluse kit now, but seems they are only for 2014 onwards (i.e. wet clutch). That's a pity. I read that if you feather the clutch with rpm below 1800 the wear is not that severe. I always worry too much

[@alexandreisabel1234]

I guess the key is not overheating it and it should be fine

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@alexandreisabel1234 I agree