BMW R1300 GS | FIRST IMPRESSION TEST RIDE

[@simons.2948]

I have just received my gs1300 triple black, cost me 22k. It seems, so far a fantastic bit of kit. I had a 2013 1200 gs which to me was to wallowy, sloppy and not for me. 1300 has better everything and feels much sportier,which is right up my street. Only disappointing thing is the sound, lost that boxer twin brap. Good vid, thanks

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

Ooh I bet you'll be itching to get out on some touring places. Lovely bike the Triple Black scheme. I'd agree just from the short test ride it was more powerful due to the extra hp & weight loss. Yes I'd agree with the sound too but overall improvements all over the bike including the luggage. A lot of money but worth it if you can afford it. Thanks for the insight Simons I'll welcome you to add any further observations as a new 1300 GS owner! 👍😁

[@Fernando90054]

⁠ Yes, thanks for replying to my comment of your very comprehensive video. My controversial point of view about the easy gear assist is only important related to the first 3 gears (which is what happens with the GS 1250 and GSA and a bit with the 1300 GS or even with the BMW 1250 RT. I m not willing to test it on the new bike because mine, only will go off road on safe gravel and soft off road dirt terrain like a queen that she is and with dry weather. I have that exemples, the Multistrada V4S, the BMW S 1000 XR and the KTM SDGT, because they are bikes that I really owned. To test properly a bike, we must own the bike, because we can not get enough experience with a model just testing it for a hour or two. That was my experience and the feeling that I got from it and wanted to share it with you and viewers of your channel. Although beyond the Multistrada, the others never went on rug off road terrain with them, once they’re not meant for that kind of use. Overall the new kid on the block is a magnificent bike . I’m enjoying it tons! Be and ride safe! ✌🏻✌🏻

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

Really appreciate you commenting, so long as we can keep on riding is the main thing, a lot of factors are subjective to a riders preferences too, ride safe 👍

[@SouthWest-jj8yu]

An expensive upgrade, I’m sure as a riding bike it’s excellent but like everything new do you really need it and once you trade up does it give any more enjoyment? I’ve got several GS models and have had several others over the years, I think there is a difference in the quick shifter bike to bike but surprised to hear you have a problem on the downshift. I’ve found some a little clunky but mostly good on the downshift, I did have a 1200 that was a little bit stiff but after a 3000 mile tour in Spain it really loosened up and was really smooth up and down.

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

Hi Southwest, yeah my current GS 2021 TE bought in 2021 was around 20k. The deappreciation is shocking especially when the dealers give you a trade in amount. So for circumstances & as you say do I really need it? The Rider Assist radar would be nice as 3 cars emergency braked in front of me on the 'Ride of the Roses' last year 😱. Yeah my down shifter has always been very stiff so I've just never used it after that only upshifting, perhaps I should mention it to the dealer? The 1300 was a lot smoother.

[@SouthWest-jj8yu]

@@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips of course another consideration is the luggage costing £1500. I best stay away from BMW dealers for a while

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

@@SouthWest-jj8yu Crikes! There's another hefty cost! It would be a good idea to make the luggage compatible to the next new bike to save the outlay. The new Vario luggage also has been improved with lighting, central locking & a USB charger but I reckon it'd still be a good idea to be able to carry the previous Vario luggage onto the new 1300.

[@Fernando90054]

Hi, nice video about the new BMW 1300 GS👌🏻 I concur in general with your opinions , I only privilege some new effects differently, for instance the improvement of the gear shift assist feature. It’s my preference in this kind of bike, heavy and with powerful engines, but built to ride on public roads, that quick shifting of the gear box works on the frank impulse of the foot pressure, because it’s safer over the very smooth alternatives like the one used on the Ducati Multistrada . I could test and evaluate this specific aspect of performance on the SDGT and in the BMW S1000 XR where the quick shifter is much more effective and easy to engage but also easy to misguide you, because they’re extremely sensible and despite the integrated slipper clutch an undesired shifting can take place and create unnecessary moments of stress, specially in higher traffic environment. But also, because it’s my personal preference on the manner how I enjoy to manage the riding of this type of big engine and muscled motorcycles. The electronics of the bike allows the rider to use it very smoothly and well behaved, but the weight and the power is right there, just controlled by all the electronic safety features. So, that’s why, I not only don’t mind the harshness of the quick shifter feature But more than that, I embrace it. This new GS 1300 is shorter, nimbler and lighter than its predecessor and it’s a clear step forward in every angle of analysis. The difference on general performance enhancement is substantial. The difference between the riding modes are now also notorious. The enhancement of the suspensions generally the way it works now it’s another big step up. The matrix front bulb light is also superior to the already very good lighting of the 1250 GS and GSA, high quality that is now exceeded by the present solution adopted on the 1300 GS. What was lost? Riders may ask. I think apparently, some comfort and space, but that’s a very primary impression, because the seat can be settled on a more hard or softer setting. Even the passenger seat can be adjusted with a simple manual handle to get more room or to tighten the space between the both, the rider and passenger. The height automatic regulator of the bike and the rear and front radars, the first announcing the proximity of other vehicles that come from the rider’s behind on other road lanes , and the second controlling the distance for the vehicle in front of the bike are precious products of technology (long awaited, I must say), that inevitably will change the motorcycle pleasure of the ride. The latter important on longer journeys. A bike with all this and other features, is a luxury asset? It may be looked as it, but I just say it should be possible to have it on all kind of bikes along with more raw and simple options, but the possibility should be available and economicaly accessible because they consist on defensive and security measures that make riding a motorcycle a safer activity. I applaud BMW Motorrad for launching to the Market the whole revised Big trail GS model!

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

Hi Fernando, thank you for your feedback & liking the vid on the 1300 it's much appreciated. I think you are saying the gear shift assist on the new 1300 is deliberately 'harsh' as it prevents a ''undesired shifting taking place'. You reference the smoother alternatives such as the Multistrada & BMW S1000XR as examples where due to their quick shifters being more sensitive a unwanted gear change could take place? I'm thinking about this point you make, in applying this theory to the 'Off Road' riding capability of the 1300, it may be a good point riding over rough terrain when being thrown around on the bike that a more resistant 'gear shift assist' will not engage without more force. It'd be interesting if any 'off roader's' have any experience on this matter please do make a comment here. From my own experience having ridden the Pan American, Multistrada & S1000XR I had never engaged an unwanted gear on the quick shifter. My personal preference is a smoother clutchless gear change as opposed to a slightly clunky one. I'm certainly concurring with all your other points with the further enhancements on the 1300. You make a good point regarding the seat variations & seat options, there are with most bikes these days options to accommodate rider heights & comfort alternatives. I certainly agree the 'Rider Assist' radar technology is a game changing piece of rider safety, it would be fantastic if this tech could be more easily accessible on more bikes & at a reasonable cost. I'll join you in applauding BMW with their new radically transformed Adventure Tourer, ride safe my friend. Daz

[@TwoGoTouring]

The pillion seat is 3 inches narrower than the 1250 😳

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

Really! I wonder if there any pillion seat options, I take a pillion occasionally they love the 1250 pillion seat as it is!

[@TwoGoTouring]

I got the local BMW dealer to measure it. I tour a lot two up and this is my biggest concern especially if the new GSA is similar. Happy pillion happy rider 👍

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

@@TwoGoTouring my Mrs endured a trip to Bavaria South Germany last year & loves the seat on the 1250. I guess its a case of it needs to be tested for long distance & being comparable to the 1250. The weight reduction generally is good i just wonder if they had to compromise on the seat because its now narrower? Thanks for pointing that out bud. 👍

[@martinhughes9769]

Way too expensive,I’ve looked at a few short blogs / reviews , it sounds decent,however watched a video from Australia, the guy there been looking into issues there’s a lot oil seals leaking think it was starter motor smoking and a few other problems, New bike for the cost of a small car , after sales may be the best but I wouldn’t be happy with the issues and recalls ,

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

Hi Martin, yeah it is a radical redesign on an already proven bike with 40 years of ongoing development & improvement so you know the bikes got very clever people forever upgrading & innovating the bike. As you agree though that comes at a cost, the 'Rider Assist' is a game changing piece of tech originally brought in by Ducati on their Multistrada I believe & the 'Adaptive Height Control' was first introduced by Harley Davidson on their first adventure tourer the Pan American. So BMW Motorrad put the same tech onto their best seller to keep it out in front so to speak. But yes, with all that comes a large price tag I certainly agree. Anything new I think you take the risk of a potential recall. The 1300 initially had issues with the starter relay. According to an initial statement from BMW in November 2023, the problem lay in damage to the plastic coating of the starter relay, which occurred sporadically during initial assembly. This could allow moisture into the interior and cause the relay to fail. BMW emphasized that the starter relays on all vehicles will be replaced before delivery. Customers who already own an R 1300 GS will be informed of the situation and asked to take part in the service campaign. Since January 16, 2024, only vehicles without the known problem have been delivered, BMW assures.

[@patriciafoster-lutz7448]

Alot of money for a bike, the old 1250 looks more of a mean machine on the road

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

BMW said the GS was getting bigger & bigger so the whole drawing board was to take some weight off. The slimmed down version being lighter & quicker with a sloped tank will be a welcome redesign for the off roading sport especially the GS Trophy Cup.

[@martinwhite6804]

Umm, clunky, engine whines, tech just catching up with the rest of the big adventures, awful big black panels for radar on front, terrible design for rear brake lamps. And I’m a GS fan having had a few in the past. sorry but not worth the money imo. Plus they’re setting themselves on fire from the regulator now. Not a good advert for pre sale testing.

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

I concur with all those points Martin. I know BMW said they were shedding some weight which they certainly have, I just wish they could have put a couple of panels on to spruce it up a bit. Yeah they copied Harleys automatic seat lowering & Ducati's radar which I think is great for road safety. Do you know of that KZbinr called "A Bike Thing"? I think he's going to have a field day with GS1300 customers wanting the rear lighting improved with Denali lights!

[@martinwhite6804]

Yes, funnily enough, A Bike Thing did a lot of work on my 22 plate GSA ! I can fully recommend them too. Ride safe 👍✊