BMW R1300GS (real first impression)

[@owenlushadv]

Really appreciate you coming back and doing this honest review! That and integrity can be rare, or at least difficult to determine if they’re there when it comes to any form of media these days. Every motorcycle comes with a different smile :) and the beauty of all the options we have is that we can all choose which smile we want! But we still all share a common theme. The main thing, is that regardless of what we ride, that we can all sit around the same campfire and despite a difference of opinions we can share stories! I’d love to get a chance to try the 1300 sometime, to see what they’ve changed from the 1250.

[@Crittermoto]

Thanks Owen! I’d like to try a 1250 some time. That and the F series the 850 and 950. The 1300 is a perfectly engineered motorcyle.

[@owenlushadv]

@@Crittermoto might be able to arrange a 1250 in September 😉

[@MrRodwatson]

I want to see your impressions of the GS900, that bike seems more in line with actual Adventure biking. Better feel from the front end too I assume.

[@Crittermoto]

I want to see that too 😜👍🏻 Stay tuned…. Thanks for commenting and watching.

[@WisdomWhisperer-iw9ps]

I'm riding a Harley-Davidson Fat Bob, and that sciatic nerve pain in the hip is no joke, man. It hurts so much.

[@Crittermoto]

@@WisdomWhisperer-iw9ps right?! Freakin nightmare! Thanks for commenting and watching. Cheers!

[@adventuremulemoto]

Honesty is the best policy. My 2022 R1250 is my 3rd and will be my last GS. I'll be futzing around on my FE 501S and perhaps a CRF300 in the future. Don't get me wrong I have loved my GS's, rode 100's of thousands of miles (and done sections of all the BDR's west of the Missouri River on them, did Wyoming end to end) but the time has come to return to my roots as a dirt biker. I'm 62, been riding 53 of them and life has come full circle. I love your content Owen. Ride on!

[@Crittermoto]

Full circle 👍🏻🤘🏼 Ride on!!

[@ericsweetadventure]

I first found interface odd but once you figure it out which is quick enough, you have a ton of info at your thumb tips. I think too that the tank bag is a big mistake. It interferes with the cockpit ergonomics too much. Every bike isn’t going to match everyone and you’re used to true dual sporting on lighter bikes. I’m a giant guy and I love my (second) 1200GS. Would be curious to see what effect a weekends training on a GS facility. You are 6’2” which I think is perfect for these. Personally I only use the quick shift when I am bloody tired, which is usually a time I should be calling it a day. I run in enduro pro mode all the time except in crazy rain. Then I will use the rain mode to soften my throttle and other inputs. If your nuts were being squished it’s possible the rear of seat was set to high and the front was in low. It’s a simple mechanical setting under the seat that my mechanic frequently inadvertently sets as I think you’re experiencing. Re the shifter, it’s softer if you do nothing with throttle when shifting. Easy on gas or hard,stay the same on gas and hit shifter, it will sort the shift. Also the shift is different depending on riding mode. I’m not familiar with the new model, but most settings can be changed while riding and will remain as set when you return from being off the bike. Re the sound, agreed. It’s got a bit of a roar under hard acceleration, but pretty quiet. I hard Akropovic on last one, annually debate putting one on my newer 1200. Re standing, the tank bag needs to go. Re comfort I think we share a bad back and hips, I split between 701 and GS and it’s always a shift between them. Re the kickstand, I hit the center stand with my heel as well. I think it would be great to get you out on a GS weekend. Typically rider aids are trimmed and you can thrash the hell out them. On the road the GS pampers the rider for 1000km days in the saddle if you like. Even so, you can push the bike three four times harder than you were on asphalt (no speeding though :-). ). The brilliant touring capabilities delivered, I think you would feel different once shown the other half of its G+S capabilities. I know I sound biased, I probably am, I keep taking my GS on BDR’s and the like over my rally prepped 701. Lucy is a good friend and perfectly suited for what you do.

[@Crittermoto]

Yes, I would absolutely love to take a GS Trainer weekend! I went into this with such high expectations cuz I’ve always had a soft spot for the original GS and perhaps because my expectations were so high, I felt disappointment. Either way, I still believe that this is an excellently engineered machine….maybe just too engineered. Thanks for taking the time to write such an amazing comment! Cheers!

[@ericsweetadventure]

I love you man! Takes balls to speak your mind Re this particular bike! Massive respect. Like I said, I think the marketeers of today have lost site of the bikes original design brief and intentions.

[@caseyhardison4320]

As always, appreciate the honesty! I too don't like to stop unless it's to refuel... not because my body is uncomfortable. Keep up the great videos!

[@Crittermoto]

Thanks! Appreciate you watching and commenting! Keep on riding!

[@RogersMotorcycleAdventures]

I get it. I'm getting to the pointy end of my search for a new bike, and I'm looking at the GS and the Multistrada. I've test ridden them both, and the motor in the Multi is just so much fun, so exciting. If it wasn't for the fact that it has such poor fuel economy, it would be a done deal. As it is, I'm going to test them both one more time, back to back.

[@Crittermoto]

Best of luck in your search. 👍🏻👊🏼

[@RogersMotorcycleAdventures]

@@Crittermoto Thank you kindly - can't really go wrong with either bike, I reckon, I would just have to get used to the GS's power output. The Multi is more fun, but it does drink the gasoline.

[@Crittermoto]

@@RogersMotorcycleAdventures absolutely can’t go wrong with either of them 👊🏼

[@KittyKat_AdvMotofan]

The hesitation that led to first video version and then the revision both speak volumes about your integrity and big heart. Thanks for sharing the ugly truth of your experience with us and being willing to admit not everything was rainbows, kittens, and free ice cream. Keep these reviews coming man!

[@Crittermoto]

Thank you so much 👍🏻

[@got_to_roll]

Honesty, integrity, and transparency are largely missing in so many channels now. I truly appreciate your perspective Cris. You've become a unique moto channel by maintaining and revealing your TRUE impressions. This keeps you at the top of my subscribed channels. Thank you~

[@Crittermoto]

Thank you for that, it’s truly appreciated 👍🏻👊🏼

[@maxflight777]

18:08 What a row ! So much noise from the straight cut gears. You need ear plugs on the 1300 , even at slow speeds.

[@robertbean129]

Bike are not built for an individual. They are built for a purpose and the GS has done a great job at that over the past few decades. The bike is designed for travel comfort and a beastly torque for off road travel. You have to pick your battles. As someone else stated, the 900. GS might flip your skirt better. Or if you want to blow your skirt off try the S1000 series bikes. They are built for adrenaline pumping. The GS has been great at what it does but I agree that doesn't include a lot of adrenaline unless you really push the bike past what it's designed for.

[@Crittermoto]

@@robertbean129 true. The bike is a perfectly engineered torquey travel machine. Thanks for your comment. 👍🏻

[@hillquestdualsport]

Appreciate the redo. Thanks.

[@Crittermoto]

Cheers!

[@joseortega7830]

Tired of negativity but seems to me that price is something that hurts the reviewer. Not an issue for many other bmw riders so I think perspectives may vary.

[@Crittermoto]

Yes, I don’t like negativity much either. And to be honest, it was after the ride that I checked the price of this machine. It’s a very well engineered piece of equipment, no doubt about that and likely worth every penny spent to some. Appreciate the view and your comment, cheers!

[@chasingtrail]

I'm with you. I owned an R1250GSA and I found it boring. The experience, in a word, was "muted." I sold it after 6 months and got a Harley. The Harley is objectively worse in almost every performance metric, but I just have fun every time I ride it. I also had bad lower back pain on the GSA. Yours may be an unpopular opinion, but at least this rider shares it.

[@Crittermoto]

Appreciate that, thanks. Kinda the same thing as riding a slow bike fast….its just funner. Cheers!

[@greenrush4313]

Ive had all of them. I got the Pan america and a livewire both awesome bikes.

[@atifmahmood241]

Thanks my man! Looking forward to it and please do try the F900GS with an open heart lol. It’ll make you feel good. Like one of those mature women with less drama and more slow pleasure! Cheers mate

[@soilsmanadv6673]

The tele-lever front end is hard to get used to standing. You have no feel for the front tire off road and the feel for the ground on gravel and hard pack fire roads is hard to get used to. The first time you see a baseball size rock fly out from the front tire side striking it and the handlebars did nothing on hitting it is bizarre. Thank you for the honest revue..

[@Crittermoto]

Cheers Soils. I think the BMW is a perfectly engineered motorcycle. It’s not for me tho.

[@mikefusco7215]

Loved your honest review. I wish more reviewers were this honest. I'm a BMW, Guzzi and HD guy. I agree with you 100%. I've had many BMWs, still have a couple. Great bikes, but they don't give me the "fizz" like a Harley or Guzzi. They get the job done but are boring and safe. Appreciate your honesty, it is refreshing.

[@Crittermoto]

Thanks for that! Appreciate your comment and view. I’ve mentioned it a couple of times in other comments: the BMW is a perfectly engineered machine, so perfect that they’ve engineered the thrill out of riding. You’re right, no “fizz” 👍🏻👊🏼 Cheers!

[@bacbladerunner]

I hear you, but I have an R1250RS sport touring bike and think it is very fun and exciting.

[@Crittermoto]

@@bacbladerunner I only got to try the the R1300GS, 1300GS and R12 Nine T. There’s a few other BMWs that I really would like to try 👍🏻

[@advredbikes]

Thank you, Chris for such a honest review, you need to protect the jewels at all times, I’m trying to adjust certain things like the windshield that you just can’t pull up with your hand will be very frustrating, and being connected to the road and environment, love your reviews of your channel thanks Chris. See you in the next ride.

[@Crittermoto]

Thanks for that, appreciated! Ride on!

[@OnMyWayBack888]

I have the high seat and there is no issue with sliding forward.

[@ericaworthington2675]

Sorry, but kinda lame that you didn't first figure out the interface before hitting the start button. I get that it's not the easiest interface, but still...

[@Crittermoto]

Ya, coming from a bike with zero tech I didn’t really know what to expect. To be honest I was just kinda excited to get riding 🤣 I’ll know better for next time tho 👍🏻

[@jackvandergoes2705]

Indeed rtfm!

[@TimsMotorcycleAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The first time I road a bmw r1100rt I didn't like it, but after a couple of months it actually grew on me. This year I picked up a r1200gsa with no intention of keeping it, but somehow I really liked it, even off road. On the highway, if you are doing an 8 hour day, I want it to feel boring, that usually means it's comfortable and I can go farther. But this new 1300 looks weird to me. And over $30k is nuts.

[@Crittermoto]

Cheers! Exactly, it’s so good it’s boring. Perfect for long distances. It’s a very excellently engineered machine. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@ParallelCamper]

Thanks for this review!

[@Crittermoto]

Hey, thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻👊🏼

[@josephSF]

Worthless review. I learned nothing. Count me as one who will skip any ‘content’ from you.

[@Crittermoto]

@@josephSF sorry you didn’t learn anything. I appreciate your view and opinion tho. I know there’s a ton of other folks out there who can give more learnable information. All the best. 👍🏻

[@josephSF]

@@Crittermoto I can assure anyone who watches, that this bike is not like sitting on your couch watching TV, or playing a video game. Maybe if you roll around at 30 kph on a city street, but I own this bike and it in definitely not "boring". It's a world class beast and shines off-road. Take it on the Washington or Oregon BDR and tell us it's boring.

[@Crittermoto]

@@josephSF I agree, it’s a perfectly engineered motorcycle. It’s not my cup of tea but I would definitely like to take it on BDR for sure! That’s the downside with demo rides here in Canada: you have to stick to the tarmac and you’re not allowed to really “test” the bike. I love the passion you have your bike, it’s admirable!

[@H-em9ow]

"I am bored" 😂 That's why I prefer sport and confort like on XR...but new model does not come to Brazil 😢

[@Crittermoto]

@@H-em9ow 👊🏼

[@mkramsauer]

Honestly you hit the nail right on the head. There is a market for them but I agree with you 100%. Thanks for the awesome opinion brother 👊 your doing great things

[@Crittermoto]

Thanks Mike! The BMWs are perfectly engineered machines. But I think that with through that perfect engineering they’ve lost the thrill of riding. That’s just me tho.

[@Boxer1250RT]

Moto journalists and influencers are the last ones to listen and take advice. They'd say anything for a free trip including hotel and meal, even for a long term free demo bike.

[@Crittermoto]

Some, yes, I agree. That’s why I don’t get into the details with my ride reviews. A) I’m not qualified. B) I don’t care. What matters to me is how the bike makes me feel. Thanks for watching and commenting, cheers 👍🏻

[@aerisurvey4934]

Is not negative, is just your opinion. When you don´t like it, when you are not connected with the machine, doesn´t matter if is good or bad, is just not for you. I thought I was going to listen some issues, some problems, some bad stuff about it, real stuff... but at the end, is the seat that is not matching your ergo, is the windscreen that you were not able to adjust... oh, and the noise at idle. The things that really matter in a daily real world user, you end up saying that the bike is great.

[@Crittermoto]

Thanks for that, appreciated. It is a very well built and extremely well engineered motorcycle, that’s for sure. Just not for me 👍🏻 Cheers!

[@ianhoskins7838]

These are crap roads to test ride a GS. Just grab any cruiser and ride if you’re riding this stuff. Get the bike out on some north European roads and it’s comes alive and is simply brilliant.

[@Crittermoto]

@@ianhoskins7838 no doubtedly it would! I’d love to take one of these off-road. The unfortunate part is the dealers here only allow street test rides. One day I’ll get one out in the dirt 👍🏻 Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers!

[@atifsadiqian]

Why even bother wasting your time on a BMW. You obviously are biased. As for the windshield you just need to configure the left hand toggle switch for which ever feature you most often use etc. I find this review that lacks product education and complete information. To each their own. I don't even know why people bother looking at these so called reviews.

[@Crittermoto]

@@atifsadiqianYou’re absolutely right, a little more time or instruction or even reading the manual and I would have been able to figure the windshield. As for product info and specs, not really what’s important to me, not thing. It’s how the bike makes me feel that’s important. Theres many other people that do a far better job at specs n tech analysis than I would. And yes to each their own. I do appreciate your comment and your opinion. Cheers!

[@atifmahmood241]

@@Crittermotothank you so I have the R18 classic cruiser 2021 and a F750GS. The handling and over all weight balance on these bikes is superb. I have wasted tonnes of money over my 42 years of motorcycling, on the so called reasonably priced Japanese motorcycles. I like you am not a mechanic or an expert on specs. BMWs for me put this stupid smile on my face.

[@atifmahmood241]

I have factory ordered a 1300GS Trophy and planning to ride the Banff out of Toronto to the west coast and down south to California and back next year.

[@Crittermoto]

@@atifmahmood241 I love that! That’s what motorcycles should do: put a stupid smile on our faces! 👍🏻 I really want to give the F800GS and the new 900 a go. I think I would really enjoy that bike.

[@Crittermoto]

@@atifmahmood241 that’ll be an awesome trip!! Enjoy it and ride safe 👍🏻

[@theadventurecooperative]

Dare to be you. I'm glad you felt compelled to say you didn't like it. Not every bike is for every person. I think less is more. Less tech, less power, less dollars. It's just opinions. Good you have one. Thanks for the update.

[@Crittermoto]

Thanks for that, appreciated! And you’re right. I’m not saying it’s a terrible bike, infact quite the opposite. Just not for me.