BMW R1200GS TE lc - Real owners review , including walkaround

This my on board review of the New 2014 R1200GS liquid cooled.
I cover lean angles, making progress and first thoughts, basically brief early ownership of this simply brilliant machine.
Obviously these are all my own opinions of this bike so please don't feel I have all the knowledge and what I say is a given if it conflicts with your own views.

[@diddleysquat4543]

Smashing vid; really enjoyed this; thanks for making it. I love watching reviews by real people like yourself, honest, enthusiastic and informative. Enjoy your bike and hope you had a blast on your Scotland tour. Tops!

[@SurfPilot]

hi there my friend, thank you ever so much for the great comment, i really do appreciate it. scotland went really well too, thanks again mate.

[@ianfraz]

I am so sorry to hear about your recent health bad luck. I do hope you mend very quickly. Keep us posted and hope to see more of you and two wheels on here soon 🚲😎

[@johnapoppleton]

I agree with Diddley's comments. I have been riding for 3 years, now with 24,000 miles under my belt. I started with a F800GS and when my wife decided that she loves to ride with me, I upgraded to the R1200 GSA. So I have very limited experience and then only on 2 GS bikes. All I know is 2 things: 1) I love to ride and 2) I love the 2 bikes I have ridden. So, I love to hear honest, down to earth reviews such as this, from someone that has a much wider experience that I do. Great review. Thanks. PS. I got my new GSA 4 months ago and have 7,600 miles on her already.

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

I had a 2010 R1200GS too!! I still think about it today, but I traded it in for a 2013 F800GS which now does the job for me.. Thanks for posting! - Edit: Sold F800GS and bought a 2015 R1200GSA! New.. That was last year! Loving it :D

[@TheMightyNamrax]

what a great way off starting the new year with finding this video, loved it and u have my sub looking forward to more vids!!

[@SurfPilot]

Hey there, thanks ever so much for the brilliant comment and the sub, I truly do appreciate it my friend, happy new year to you.

[@pauliancallow1465]

Top vid I am with you I've had my GS for two months now and just love it wish I had got on years ago

[@SurfPilot]

Paul Ian Callow Hi Paul thanks very much for the view and comment, glad your enjoying yours too my friend ride safe.

[@6teve]

great review.... just ordered the r1200gs triple black... pick it up 1 Sept. . can't wait

[@SurfPilot]

Thanks for the view and comment, triple black looks lovely, I know you'll enjoy it mate, it will take you where ever you want to go.

[@paulsnaith9713]

A good honest review. I enjoyed watching your video.

[@SurfPilot]

Hi Paul, thanks for the view and brilliant comment, I appreciate it.

[@ianfraz]

Hi Mr Pilot. Came across you through a Mr Crumble, as you do. Like your honesty and your outlook on bikes and things in general. You're a nice guy👍 take care👀

[@SurfPilot]

Hi Ian, wow, thanks ever so much for the brilliant Comment my friend I truly do appreciate it. I had a heart attack in October and then bypass Surgery, it nocked me sideways been relatively young so its been a bit tough. Crumbles been great and I cant thank you enough for taking the time to view and comment. I am well on the mend and will be back on 2 wheels shortly.

[@dieterf8304]

Great and straightforward vid, thanks !

[@SurfPilot]

Thank you Dieter, I appreciate you taking the time to comment :)

[@TheCrumble]

Crackin' vid SP!! Great view from the cam on your lid and the Beemer seems an animal. In fact I wanna swap me Tiger for one now!! Really good review that!

[@SurfPilot]

Hey man thanks for stopping by, I know its a bit of long one this so I appreciate it my friend. I can't picture you on anything bar a Triumph, but the new GS is an awesome bit of kit though, if you can blag a test ride I would suggest it though. Thanks again for the brilliant comment mate.

[@neilcole4844]

These bikes are great, I never used to see the point of adventure bikes! But then I went out on one, and they really are the right bike for our roads. and they can go,and handle so well, when you ride one you just want to ride and ride non stop! Great review too, cheers.

[@SurfPilot]

Hi Neil thanks for the great comment, really appreciate it. you are absolutely right in what you say especially on our roads, yhanks agsin mate.

[@PartialS]

Thanks for making this, really enjoyed it. Been on the fence between this and the 1200s Multi as a non-bargain bike shift for a while until I saw the GS LC out and about and I reckon it looks better than the Duke. I loved the stump-pulling torque of the boxer on my old R1100RT, but hated the weight and (slightly) pig in a dress looks, loved the riding position on my Africa Twin but missed having some power, love the looks, power and handling of my current VFR but miss being able to dottle around and look at the scenery after a 300 mile ride without aching. Seems like the LC is the sum of all those parts and more. Cheers, and subbed.

[@SurfPilot]

Hi my friend, thanks very much for your views subs and taking the time to comment. I really did love the GS lc and still do, the Africa twin is really good but does not have the power on over all comfort of the beamer, it was just the price and my need to have the new Africa Twin, and do really like it, it did fantastic around my tour of the swiss alps. Thanks again my friend

[@luke_McLellan]

Never really was a fan of the GS, but that looks awesome. Well done. I may have to have a go on one now. :)

[@SurfPilot]

Hi Luke, thanks for the great comment my friend, yeah the GS is a love it or hate it kind of bike, but if you can get a ride on the new one i would recomend it, flat twin is odd at first but the power is amazing (put it in road mode) for starters, dynamic modes lights the rear wheel up ;-D

[@EuroHeliMalta]

Hi mate! great video i just purchased one of these! i hope i enjoy it as much as you seem to be!

[@SurfPilot]

Hi Carmelo, thank you very much for the view and great comment I really do appreciate it.I hope your enjoying yours!

[@elliot7110]

Beautiful bike and great video mate

[@SurfPilot]

Hi Elliot thanks the view and brilliant comment mate, I really appreciate it.

[@michaelbaker5334]

great cam shots and nice review looks like a good bike

[@SurfPilot]

Hey Michael, thanks very much for the great comments appreciate it man.

[@dyziektbg]

I love this bike! Need to change my f800s for this amazing machine!

[@SurfPilot]

+dyziektbg these really are an amazing machine, but that said I have just bought the new CRF1000L Africa Twin, I would highly recommend this bike, if you get the chance take one for a test ride, I did and bought one :)

[@jjmoss2]

Awesome review mate, really enjoyed the commentary! I ride an F800gs, I can't decide whether to upgrade to this or the new R1200R...

[@SurfPilot]

Hi Jon thanks for the view and great comment my friend. I think if I had the 800gs I may go for the R12R as something a little different, I know love the 12GS but the 800 & 1200 are very similar, I know they are pricey but the new R1000XR looks very nice, thanks again for taking the time to view.

[@jackjones429]

Lovely bike mate and great video ride safe :-)

[@SurfPilot]

Hi Jack thanks for the veiw and nice comment :-)

[@xenosxanthippe9861]

I am subscriber 543, new-comer: Like the vid-clip, drive slowly out there, too many idiots out there on the road (just like here in Japan). I ordered my 2014 model today, will take a long time to get it, custom manufactured by BMW in Germany with low sus. Dealer told me maybe end of May or beginning June this year I might get it (with some options as well). Have a great 2015. JR2FJI (73) from Japan (German) "hope to see more vids from you"

[@SurfPilot]

Hey my man, thank you ever so much for the sub I really o appreciate it. I hope your bike is there or very close by now, enjoy it my friend.

[@johnball4983]

I've watched this vid about five times now. I'm gonna have to get one. Thanks mate ( for emptying my bank account lol).

[@SurfPilot]

Hi John wow man thanks for the views and brilliant comment, you better not watch my next 3 month ownership review it may get worse lol. I'm so so sorry about your bank account too mate, mine feels the same way lol..

[@TheDervMan]

Great video and great bike :-)

[@SurfPilot]

hi my friend, thanks for the view and great comment.

[@jordangraham9533]

Nice video mate thanks

[@robertbaldock2035]

I am on my second, Great bikes!

[@antoniorussell9893]

Brilliant video.

[@SurfPilot]

+Antonio Russell Sorry for the long delay Antonio, I very mush appreciate the view and comment. thank you.

[@robertbooth3593]

I ride in Hi-Viz 365 days a year. The fookers still say 'I didn't see ya!' Ride safe! Nice video BTW. ;-)

[@SurfPilot]

Hi Robert, i hear you mate, "ride like everyone is trying to kill you" my instructor told me and he was so right, thank you for the view and great comment, ride safe too my friend.

[@tug100]

Cool vid & great bike. I test rode one up to Grassmere. Was great. Decision time.... But choosing this over a sports bike. Thought you were going to Squires!

[@SurfPilot]

hi vinnie thanks for the view and comment mate. its difficult to know what to go for, ive had numerous sports bikes, but always missed the comfort and all round fun the gs offers, yeah i just did a fly by of squires often go for a coffee and a pasty though. ride safe my friend.

[@snowcatxx87]

Great video, love the bike.

[@SurfPilot]

Hi there, thanks for the view and great comment, i do appreciate it.

[@iwanouff]

God damn lovely bike man thx for video...... Last bike im gonna get is that one 💪

[@SurfPilot]

Hi there buddy, thank you ever so much it means a lot getting views and great comments, I really do appreciate it and I hope a GS12 soon lands between your legs.

[@iwanouff]

Hey again Thx for returning my comment. Ever year near my City (30 km away) this Company opens its doors for ppl to come try out new versions of differnt bikes. And im for the last 3 year i allways try the BMW gs 1200 and oh boy do i feel like a kid in a candy store.....;) Keep ur nice vids coming u got vote....+1 ;) Greets from Denmark Thomas iwanouw Billund Sendt fra min iPhone

[@SurfPilot]

Hey Thomas you're more than welcome my fiend, they do cost fair bit, but are worth it, I do still feel like a kid in candy shop every time I ide mine, I do hope you manage to get one, thanks again for taking the time, Kindest Regards Michael Ward

[@foroulpiano]

Nice bike. The best!

[@SurfPilot]

Hi there Nicola thanks for the great comment

[@Captbilly1000]

Taking off on an amber light will sooner or later will bring you nothing but grief which seems a pity as you do seem to enjoy life.Thanks for sharing.

[@SurfPilot]

Hi William thanks for stopping by, you are absolutely right in what you say say so no argument on what you say, at the traffic lights the other traffic only comes from the left and you can see and I could see there are no vehicles, but your right still right. thanks again for the view and comment my friend.

[@nbaker01]

Nice review :) May I ask where you got the hi vis beak stickers from? I commute 40 miles a day and I am always worried about not being seen. Many thanks Nige.

[@SurfPilot]

+Nigel Baker Hi Nige thanks for stopping by my friend, I basically bought an A4 sheet fluorescent vinyl off eBay, cut the top visible bit into shape myself and wrapped it underneath, very, very, easy to do and I have never seen any other like it either so give it s go and join the been seen club :)

[@jontyjohnson1344]

Great commentary, your review helped me choose 1200gs for my next bike collect it end of May. I agree with johnny fucksticks some car drivers need executing. I have had the same experience on a Ducati where a car driver pulled out on me. The bloody bike was bright yellow, how dont you see it. Here's hoping I love mine as much as you do your bike Surf Pilot. Take care bud.

[@SurfPilot]

Jonty Johnson Hey Jonty, thank you ever so much for the brilliant comment my friend, I know it infuriates me they nearly kill you and just say sorry, if that. Good to hear you're taking the leap mate, I really do hope you have some good times on it, mine made me love biking again. Thanks again and ride safe mate.

[@jontyjohnson1344]

***** ***** Well Ive bought my bike and had it a couple of months now, honestly its the best bike Ive owned. In the past 3.5yrs Ive had a Triumph Sprint ST, Triumph Rocket lll, Suzuki Intruder 1800 a triumph Trophy SE which I bought new and loved but had so many problems with it and the local dealer was shite. I didn't think I could find something as smooth quick and comfortable as the Trophy but I was wrong. This GS Adventure is the dogs bollocks, the handling is great with the Michelin Anakee tyres. Everything about this bike just oozes quality, the engine sound is sublime comfort excellent. I absolutely love it. In fact I cant see why I would need to change this bike for anything else, it is the bike that just keeps on giving over and over.

[@Captbilly1000]

The reason this issue is so dear to my heart is a young friend of mine was killed exactly like that when some idiot sped up going through a red light.Live to ride.

[@SurfPilot]

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss mate, like I said you are absolutely right in what you say without doubt. Sorry again about your news.

[@JonathanLyon]

Great video, where did you get the reflective stickers on the front? With the High Vis jacket, Alpine White r1200GS, white helmet, do you ever get thought of a a Police motorcyclist and do drivers react differently too you on the road?

[@SurfPilot]

Hi Jonathan, thanks for the view and great comment, I got the hi'vis stickers from ebay fairly cheap too. My helmet albeit looks like a lot of white has a lot of graphite grey and red on it too. Drivers don't seem to react differently as in treat me like a police bike although some drivers do look twice, but I guess the double take is a good things as they have seen me, and I do get given more space. Thank again for the comment appreciate my friend.

[@wakey6465]

Great vid SP!, please lead me some, no not some but lot's of money, my Versys seems a little lacking....

[@SurfPilot]

Hi there mate thanks for the great comment and the sub mate really appreciate it. I wish I had the money mate its all finance unfortunately. love the profile pic. you from wakey as in wakefield, if so we're almost neighbours :-)

[@wakey6465]

Sure am fella, Middlestown just on the fringe, in the village of the dammed, and just like the sitcom 'Cheers' everyone knows your name/business, ;)

[@davidfield3539]

lovely bike, Ive a GSR 600 at the moment and all going well I will have a GS or GSA this time next year. For average everyday commuting and weekend blasting is there much point in getting the GSA over the GS, cheers.

[@SurfPilot]

Hi David thanks for stopping by mate, the GSA looks awesome but it is a big heavy thing compared to the normal GS, and if you get the GS TE you get the same toys. The fuel tank on the GSA is massive and designed for very long journeys, so I would say just go for the GS for everday and weekend rides, plus touring.

[@davidfield3539]

cheers dude

[@hansvdsloot5513]

It's a nice bike, but I can't seem to get used to the 'Woody Woodpecker' front.

[@a4wong]

what helmet are you using? any recommendations? thanks for video upload

[@SurfPilot]

hi my friend thanks for the view and comment. my helmet is the arai tour 4, a bit pricey but i would recommend it. the vision is simply perfect and really well ventilated, i did have the arai tour 3 prior and that was equally good.

[@CraigusUK]

Lovely Bike SP, Nice Colour, If You Have a BMW GS You Have To Have All The Farkles lol. I Will Have To Sub Now To See What You Get Up To. RSM8...

[@SurfPilot]

Hi mate thanks for the comment and sub I appreciate it, its all anout the farkles lol, ride safe too mate.

[@vstm3950]

lots of safe miles mate! contrary to common opinion I do not think this is bike for an old guy, young guys just simply cannot afford it usually coz it's expensive so some of them just wouldn't give them credit they deserve

[@SurfPilot]

Hi mate, thanks for the view and comment, I agree with you totally.

[@antonoat]

It looks well cool with those high viz accents. If those car driver twats would all get off their mobiles we'd all have more of a chance! I drive a car too, but I don't use my friggin mobile when I'm driving. Enjoyed the walk 'round! cheers tony

[@SurfPilot]

+antonoat Hi Tony thanks for the view and nice comment my friend I do appreciate, I drive and ride so I am not a car hater, but the way some drivers are oblivious to other road users whilst on phones is scary. thanks again for the great comment.

[@peterpaneuro4280]

terrybiker here,back,,,,,,,got blocked by the tube. great review,love my bike, it's hooligan and sedate. Had it 9 months now, How you getting on with yours?

[@SurfPilot]

+peter paneuro Hi my friend thanks for the comments, I had to sell mine and I was gutted when it went, it's long story but had to let it go last year. I'm have just bought the New Africa Twin, I will do a review soon, it's not a GS but wow it's very, very, close, I may even go as far as to say I prefer it at the moment but that said I'm still in my new bike love period.,

[@peterpaneuro4280]

+Surf Pilot HI,sorry to hear about bike going,but it's only a bike. Africa twins are superb bikes. Far easier it think,to maintain,as Bmw's are now too electronic. Always do my own servicing,but bm's due end of month,and i might pay(argh!!) Bmw to do it,as it will probably be sold too, at end of summer,if we get one? Oh,your review is spot on re front end,but no misshaps as yet,only one thing fell off(circlip off screen pin). Now i'm back on here i will see if i can upload a vid. Ride safe mate.

[@scottsv96]

Sweet ride, almost killed myself riding this in my brothers backyard (wet grass & and getting air)

[@SurfPilot]

Cherrs Scott, I never reslised you were unwell, hope all is going to plan my friend. I cant imagine riding this on wet grass, well not just yet ;-)

[@rhodesy761uk]

great northerner

[@randyjohnson5014]

If you're ever in need of housing in Colorado, USA, you're always welcome, Friend.

[@SurfPilot]

+Randy Johnson hey man thank you very much.. I just wished that opportunity would come my way.

[@fedswithful]

nice :P

[@SurfPilot]

Cheers mate :-)

[@rotorent]

Hi do you have the ebay contact for the hi viz and are they made for the gs or universal

[@SurfPilot]

Hi Andrew thanks for the view and comment the hi vis tape was just universal stuff off ebay, i bought a length 1meter by 15cm for about £5 then cut it to fit, very easy to do.

[@creativetux]

Nice! Did you get luggage with it too ?

[@SurfPilot]

Hi mate thanks for the comment my friend, No I did not go for it this time it is a really expensive as an option and could not justify it fow my use, so will use my SW motech bags on this.

[@theflyingyetti_666]

Just subbed you 👍

[@SurfPilot]

Hey man thank you ever so much for the view and sub I really appreciate it, loving your name matey.

[@theflyingyetti_666]

no probs buddy. i am not sure why i chose the flying bit, kind of suggests i am quick which is a bit optomistic lol

[@mprox3431]

I thinking about a used 2014 1200gs, but it's my first bike. to much for a first time rider?

[@SurfPilot]

I would to be honest the weight will be a bity of tester for your first bike as it is heavy but it's weighted well and the power is really torquey so very usable. I've had friends by litre superbikes for a first bike. my first bike was a 1000cc varadero I dropped it a lot :)

[@mprox3431]

thanks .may look at the 700 gs or triumph tiger 800 xr. enjoy your stuff.

[@antonoat]

Filtering is vastly overrated, lol. cheers tony

[@SurfPilot]

+antonoat I'm glad I don't live or travel through inner city's regularly, I don't mind filtering when it's needed to get somewhere but I'm glad mostly I live in the sticks :)

[@2391jessie]

5:20 Front End Feel vs Super Sport

[@SurfPilot]

The cantilever suspension on the GS feels completely different to a super sport as you would imagine as it's an Adventure bike, but not in a bad way, just different. The confidence and grip it gives you though is amazing for the type of bike.

[@2391jessie]

Thanks. There is a similar comment on front feel by Motorcycle.com in their review of the 2017 Tuono 1100 V4 RR vs the RSV4 & Super Duke R. I will post the link when I am at my PC. www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/aprilia/2017-aprilia-tuono-1100-rrfactory-first-ride-review.html "The most notable difference is going to be handlebars vs. clip-ons, where the handlebars - in most instances barring high-speed straights - can be viewed as advantageous. Gobs of leverage makes quick transitions even quicker, the drawback being a reduced amount of front-end feel."

[@peterpaneuro4280]

oh, i pressure washed mine,,,,,,,i never did that before,but washed car n got bike dirty,so thought why not? Lacquer came off front beak(thought it was red through n through,it's not),so rubed it down with 2000 wet n dry,n went trhough to white plastic),wrapped in carbon. All in all, it's the only bike you will ever need. Does it all,and i mean all,,,,,,,this is from a 57 yr old biker,with 50 years experience(had a field at top of garden and offroaded from age 7),wicked bike. I had the same woman twatess last week,,,,,,,kin extra lights too,,,,,,,,,,,,pulled out,,,,,,,,,kin asian driver.,not that asian makes a difference,used to be blondes in KA's,now it's all fuckers.

[@SurfPilot]

+peter paneuro Hi Peter you are absolutely right, the GS is a perfect bike, and I did miss mine terribly when it went :( I bet yours looks great with the carbon beak. and as for all the other road users a lot seem intent on killing people.I have now got the new Africa Twin, if you can get a test ride give it a go it's surprisingly brilliant. thanks for taking the time to comment my friend

[@peterpaneuro4280]

+Surf Pilot i'm building a campervan at present, and when it's finished i want to use it, and then, if bike goes, i'm looking at getting either a (don't laugh) a Tmax 530, or a Dzr400 supermoto,as less money sitting idle in garage! I suffer from Whitefinger now,and even the heated grips don't help,so heated gloves are the last resort,when i find some that fit! If anyone who reads this can reccomend xl heated gloves(big fingers),please let me know. Thanks for taking the time to reply my friend.

[@andybryant9105]

And I prefer my Tracer

[@SurfPilot]

I definitely prefer the beamer, but that said I definitely prefer the tracer price :)

[@Finnoctane]

I want to see you throw this puppy around on gravel. Just don't treat it like a CEO would his 7 Series ;)

[@SurfPilot]

Hi mate thanks for the comment i do appreciate it. i have took it down a gravel path and can't get my head around how riders do what they do on these bikes, i'm too scared of dropping the thing, msybe when the newness wears off a bit :-D

[@arturklimek_pl6775]

Can you see me now fucka haha

[@SurfPilot]

Hey Art thanks for watching right to the end too, I really appreciate i. I guess you could tell I was a little angry pants haha..

[@supercharged3975]

I ride all bikes , I've raced a gsxr 1000 and I'd show all these sports bike riders up on my 07 gsa. they all talk shit...trackanory that's what they all talk

[@andybryant9105]

too damned expensive for me

[@SurfPilot]

And me too, but having owned one I can see why :)

[@vonsauerkraut]

why do the english hate the germans but they all won`t german cars and bikes ?

[@SurfPilot]

I don't hate the Germans, maybe our forefathers did at the time when they were killing each other, and some of those SS members absolutely deserve to be hated, a history that maybe the Germans would like to dismiss, BMW have got it right in my humble opinion but thats engineering not war crimes, don't get me started on the French though :-)

[@rhodesy761uk]

another bloody northerner :)

[@SurfPilot]

+Paul Rhodes Yep by the grace of good luck I was born in the North, I'm not too keen on Shandy so pretty glad too :)

[@rhodesy761uk]

+Surf Pilot am a yorkshire lad got a 84 honda xl350r and a yamaha wr250f 2003 love bikes

[@frankstocker5475]

Great bike but man it's ugly, heavy & super big.Whatever blows you hair back!!!

[@SurfPilot]

it's big, heavy, and probably one of the best bikes out there, if I had the money I'd have another without hesitation :)

[@rhodesy761uk]

two big and ugly hate bmw bikes sorry its the engine stuck out of the sides

[@SurfPilot]

+Paul Rhodes No worries Paul no need to apologise I didn't design it. its simply BMW's flat twin boxer engine that's what it does stick out of the side, on all there 1200 boxer engine bikes not just the GS too.

[@krytenLister]

+Paul Rhodes One of the best bikes around...does everything, goes everywhere.