BMWs Secret Weapon for Short Riders! - BMW R1300GS Adaptive Ride Height Review

[@RaidoRider]

I'm 5'8" with a 30" inside leg. I just spent long weekend off-road in Andalusia on a 1300 with a low seat and adaptive height. The system was imperceptible and faultless. My first time off-road on any bike and I would have struggled without it. Brilliant stuff.

[@johnterry804]

It seems amazing! And smooth?

[@bikegeist]

Thumbs up from those of us who aren't BMW "fan boys" but just enjoy a bit of bike talk. I couldn't even afford a centre stand for this bike. 😊

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes these are getting pricey bits of kit aren't they - I'm not sure who can afford them these days (unless going the PCP route which personally isn't for me)....

[@PDCRed]

Indeed, expensive. I just wouldn’t want to fund the depreciation. I’ve a VFR800 (2014 mint) and Triumph ST1050 (2006) and I’d be amazed if either cost me more than a few quid in depreciation in the years I’ll own them.

[@garyhope0103]

Thanks Mr Flyer for a very informative video on the hight adjusting 'gadget' on the new GS. What a useful addition for us 'shorties'. Not usually a lover of too many electronic aids on a motorbike, but this one certainly opens up the GS to more riders. It certainly could of opened more of a selection for me (inside leg 29") over the years haha.

[@martynlaverick3405]

Very clever tech and especially like the fact when you pulled up at a junction it went down. Very useful for shorter riders👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sure is!

[@volvogt21]

@@TheMissendenFlyer I commented tp the salesman that anyone in their late sixties think it was time to give a up big beemers need to ride one. It will extend their gs riding by 10 years. I hope the RT gets the same treatment and the smaller feel (without the ugly looks)

[@IanTed]

@@volvogt21 I gave up my 1250 GSA for a low, light Multi V2S. Great bike but the suspension adjustment may tempt me back.

[@volvogt21]

@@IanTed I can see why. I don't need 140 hp so I'm happy with the last of the aircooled 1200s. My latest bike is the tuareg 660. a phenomenal bike. So good at everything.

[@davesy6969]

I used to own a BMW r1100rs, lovely bike and had two outstanding features that should be on all bikes. The front screen was tiny, but very effective and could easily be adjusted while riding by means of a big knob to vary the angle. The second feature were the seats, individual rider and pillion seats with a simple pin and slot system to vary both seat heights independently of each other. Simple, well designed and doesn't add weight and complication.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sounds good to me, Dave!

[@darylwilliams1692]

Pioneered two years ago on the Harley Pan America S. It was inevitable others would copy the idea as it's such a brilliant one.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Indeed - as I mentioned in the video....

[@koshtie]

Hi Andy i don't have a problem with the front of the bike it's the rear that puts me of, Radar or not you still got those rear light's/indicators all in one affair it seen a bit dangerous to me & another bug bear other than price is key less again do we really need all this stuff ?

[@soulrebelno1]

Looks like a great system based on speed and acceleration, I'd have it fitted, and I'm 6' 2"! The main problems with these tall bikes are the high seat heights, and the high centre of gravity. Thanks to Karl Benz and his 1896 flat-twin engine design, which the GS uses utilises to great effect, it has a lower the centre of gravity. But, something like my old Yamaha Ténéré 700 was extremely top-heavy-and was a positively dangerous in some situations! It was a great bike built to a price, with a great engine, but the very high centre of gravity was the main thing I disliked about the bike. It was great when it was moving, with a commanding view of the road, but a right pain at low speeds around town, and especially on potholed broken-up roads or coming to a stop on a steep camber. That's where this type of system would help most riders. A tall rider might be fine on a well surfaced road, but put your foot in a deep pothole that you haven't noticed, or misjudge the steepness of a camber coming to a stop, and the height advantage disappears, and obviously, it's even worse for short riders!

[@IanTed]

Brilliant feature, especially for all us ageing shorties, all my GSs has seat lowering cams and my GSA was too tall. I have a 29” inside leg so I could apparently ride a new GS with a standard seat😆, might be trying one next change as I do like the Triple Black.

[@Jmbo65]

Andy I’m slightly taller than you but have a shorter inside leg of 29” and unfortunately I needed the lowered suspension model on my previous GS1250 and therefore I needed the adaptive height, works an absolute treat well pleased with it👍👍👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good isn't it....

[@RedFox-i8i]

The day just got better! Thank you TMF!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

My pleasure!

[@stuipooey1]

That's a really useful video Andy. There's plenty of content on the 1300 that talks about this feature without demonstrating it on the road. Whilst i dont really need it, now having seen it actually being used, I will definitely specify this.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I think it's a brilliant feature - this and the adaptive cruide are defo thibngs worth having IMO.....amazing bike this.

[@stalbansbiker]

I've done over 4000 miles on mine and love the adaptive ride height and the more I ride the bike the more I love it

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes that adaprive ride height is great isn't it (as is the bike generally)....

[@MrFlowerfred]

I'm 6'4 with a 36" inseam and I have this feature on my bike, as well as the high comfort seat. The combination works a treat for me. It's almost as comfortable legroom wise as my 1250GSA but this seat is better. If you play with the settings in the menu at standstill you can feel the bike go up and down.

[@hobit43]

Hi Andy, One question that springs to mind is how fast does the bike retract to the low ride hight in the event of an emergancy stop? Would it drop quick enough to stop you dropping the bike?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes it's pretty rapid....

[@scottwheeler5665]

Andy Great video I’m like you love GSA’s but sorry I don’t like the headlight front ends it’s a bit cyclops I much prefer the older looking GSA

[@likkitongue]

Will probably never be able to buy a new GS but love watching the video. Anything bike related is interesting to me and videos like this are very informative. When you do end up talking bikes with another rider your general knowledge of advances in the bike industry leads to more interesting conversations. And you can talk to a GS owner without looking too dumb lol

[@msims1250]

As a shorty myself, I’m definitely interested in the adaptive ride height feature. Thanks for the video, Andy.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No worries!

[@Trevelyan1971]

Got to meet Andy at barnstormer as I was looking to purchase my first ever Gs. Have to say it was a very pleasant surprise and he’s as nice a guy in person as he comes across on his channel. I ended up getting an entry level one as I’m pretty new to larger bikes so you never know I might bump into him again in the future and this may be just the begging in of my gs journey 😀

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Very cool! You will love the bike! ....and thanks for the kind words!

[@Defender3d]

Thanks Andy, good to see this. One question, are those mirror supports thicker on the r1300gs to the 1250? Hope so as I find them a bit vibey at motorway speeds on my 1250. I guess so as there is cabling in them now for the lane monitoring led.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

They look much the same to me....

[@Defrag1978]

The issue I have with this system (coming from an engineering background) is the need for it to keep lowering and raising. If you're not going off road, then why does it ever need to raise for most people? Unless you benefit from the extra ground clearance in high speed corners perhaps. For me, it's just something else to fail due to operating more often than is necessary.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Agreed!

[@Martin-e1b9c]

Thanks for the review, Andy, great as always. If you do a metric conversion, it raises at 50 km/hr and lowers at 30 km/hr. I primarily buy a bike by how it goes, handles and rides. A bike needs to have good suspension here in Australia because of our crap roads. Looks are a secondary thing to me. You can't look at it while you're riding it. :)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Very true - you'll love the new GS then, rides fantastically well...

[@volvogt21]

I test rode one last week with this system. I didn't want to like the 1300 but it was a pleasant surprise. I felt like I'd owned the bike for a year. So easy to ride. It felt like a road bike.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes it does ride fantastically doesn't it - smooth, fast, light, easy....

[@cmdrgunslinger5955]

Forgot to add great video as usual Andy! I'm lucky enough to have both a 02 gen 1 Busa & a 23 gen 3 Busa. Iride the 02 and feel on top of the world. Nothing can top this. Then I get off and ride the 23 on the same 200 mile twisty loop and wow! Everything is the same,but better sorta.

[@jameshales6958]

Thanks for the video. Personally, if I was spending this amount of money on a GS, I would definitely go the extra mile and pick up this option. It’s definitely confidence inspiring to be flat footed when stopped, especially with a pillion.

[@gogathome]

Nice little shot as you sign off there Andy, perfect ending hearing you ride on away on the bike , class 👌

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad you liked it!

[@wattyler6075]

I remember when I was a biker, Harley-Davidson super glide was the only bike I could get my feet down flat on the ground. I'm 5' 5" tall & have being generous,a 30" inside leg.

[@Motoscotty]

I think it’s a great feature on mine. I’m 6ft, my old gs was ok when stationary but the new one I can completely flat foot when stationary and it feels very stable!

[@ragerider6283]

Nice vid & a helpful demonstration. It's very clever & the mind boggles that Harley Davidson of all brands were the ones that pioneered this concept. It's like Moto Guzzi being the first with active aero. Bizarre. Anyway, as for this system on the BMW, looks great but I'm slightly cautious over the life span of the bike if you'd have any problems with it after it's has had years of crud etc thrown at it. I guess time will tell.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes that thought had crossed my mind too. Thanks for watching as ever.

[@johnmacdonald1878]

Nice. Glad you had the opportunity to test it. I was definitely interested in this. Thanks. I'd probably pay the extra 500. The GS is a hefty bike and I like to have my feet flat. Strange the non adaptive bike doesn't have a slightly longer side stand. I would think it is a desirable feature. It would help for resale. Wondering what it does off road. You might want to turn it off if you were worried about clearance.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes a great feature this - I'd definately spec it up if I were buying a new GS.....

[@carleddison7479]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Ooh, Mr Flyer..."definitely"... See me after school!

[@andrewmanahan2469]

Hi Andy - I did say you’d like the adaptive ride height. :-) it’s brilliant. I have formally rejected my GS1300 719 and it’s back at the dealers - will be interesting’ to see how I’m treated. I want it replaced. ( Mechanical final drive noise - never present on your videos nor on another one I’ve tested)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good luck - be interested to hear how it goes….

[@andrewmanahan2469]

I’ll be sure and let you know - I’m quite interested to see what kind of fight I’m going to have.

[@chadgruver4423]

I had the opportunity to demo a similarly equipped GS 1300 recently and I agree with your assessment TMF. Even for taller folks like myself. And wow is this bike quick compared to my 1250. I think an M spec version would be fun!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I have a feeling there were some patent applications around a possible M sport version of the GS some years back, so maybe an M is in the offing.

[@simonbowen6653]

As a fellow 5'8"er adpative ride height is a must. A non auto function would be a recipe for disaster. Keep the GS info coming.👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Will do Simon!

[@tonybarton3746]

On my bike because I’m a certain age my hips have started to play up , using a foot rest to get on no way , I thought about a lower seat but all it did was make the ride more uncomfortable, knee bend angle all wrong etc , the solution I got the bike lowered by just 2.5 cms perfect , so that idea on the bmw is just right for us shorties , 😊👍👍

[@marklloyd69]

End of April can’t come quick enough - due to have mine in hand in 3-4 weeks. Can’t wait.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Ooh exciting times!

[@petersimpson4030]

Harley Davidson that apparently old fashioned maker did this commercially first and it is great tec for us shorties lol. As for criticism of Bmw bias, well people need to check out the numerous excellent content you have brought for a number of years now, keep it up mate

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you Peter!

[@Bob-ts2tu]

seems a great idea, and generally i like tech, but just something else expensive to buy and fix when it goes wrong, but if you really need it, at least you have an option. GL

[@michaelworrall6804]

Great demo of adaptive ride height feature Andy .. can’t wait to get my one in May .. I have not ordered that and gone for high seat … hope I can reach tera-firma !!!!

[@WatermarquePaul]

Very good video TMF 👍 definitely worth the money, I’d quite happily manage without the centre stand and save the money, not needed without a chain. A good paddock stand would cost much less and you keep the ground clearance.

[@barrydaly7174]

I love the adaptive seat height concept as an even Shortier "Shorty" Than you, However the cliché of another thing to go wrong could be relevant ( an extra grand to start with but probably £2000 for repair or replacement ) depending on it's life span and propensity( just after warranty is my guess). Knowing my luck it would get stuck on the highest level.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes that thought had crossed my mind too!

[@John_Ridley]

Good thinking on the raise on center stand. My lowered Tracer was almost impossible to get up on the center stand before I put it back to factory height.

[@Guinnessisgoodforyou]

Nice, if you’ve not specified the ACC the a nice TFM sticker would fit on the plastic plate👍 I think there should be a longer side stand available for the bikes without the automatic height lowering, aftermarket companies take note, let us know what the money light on the 1200 was👍

[@hudsonrilke]

Very clever and useful. Yeah I’m 5’10” with 30” inseam so I would suggest you’ve got catwalks legs.

[@jasonk7072]

This tech is all very impressive and I’m sure the first owner with the warranty will love it all, I wonder how the owner of these bikes in 2034 will feel about it. I’m a bit late to the party with regards to the 1300GS, I saw my first one up close this week. It was the green one with gold wheels and it was parked next to the new F900GS in the hi viz yellow paint and to me that bike looked modern and dynamic whilst the 1300 looked a bit plain and porky.

[@MotoTourIreland]

I'm at work watching this. The man makes good videos.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@davegreenwood9110]

Even us shorties will want to raise the bike to get the stand down on an adverse camber ie higher ground on the left. Raising the bike will make it more secure if you can't park (or can't be bothered to) the other way round. Also easier to get on the centre stand if raised. Just a thought... Cheers

[@CCooke-nm2be]

Very Informative Andy . I have the adaptive right height fitted on mine and find it a game changer.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes it’s good isn’t it.

[@lr_spb]

After taking my brand-new BMW GS on two extended rides, I'm thoroughly impressed with it. Despite having owned 8 motorcycles before this BMW, I find it hard to imagine switching to any other brand in the future. The engine is incredible and the riding comfort with active radar and dampers must be experienced 👍👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I agree - it's an impressive bike to ride....

[@steventhomson9869]

Please keep your 1200. It is such a great bike and so many memories on it!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I've no plans to get rid f it currently!

[@robertbates1079]

I suppose as a generous trade in offer you may be looking at around 6-7k, so then you've got to think is the new gs £18,000 better than the 1200?

[@903lew]

@@robertbates1079Not in a million years IMO. Then again, its not my bike.

[@inked-96]

Whilst I'm not ready or old enough to go for a GS, i do appreciate what they offer. I actually like the new design... great informative video, Andy 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Wow - somo=eone has to like the look ;0) ....these really are amazing bikes to ride, I dare you to have a go and not like it....

[@inked-96]

@TheMissendenFlyer Little secret. I had the R1200GS Adventure 2019 last year, I just couldn't get on with the weight and shear size. Great bike, nonetheless, just not for me personally and at 27 at the time, I was beginning to get sick of the comments every bike event/shop I went to with 'You're not old enough for a GS, have you had an accident' and I was alright with it at first but it did start to get to me.. I'm now waiting to take delivery of my new 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ to go alongside my 1290 Super Duke as the summer toy. If my year goes well, I may even treat myself to a new Norton Commando 961 as it's a really beauty.

[@paulfowler6665]

I would watch Andy's review on the Norton first. 🤔

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Hmmm.....

[@Sanemancured]

I just wonder how long the motor and its mechanism will last with repeated raising and lowering.

[@splodge57]

It'll pack up 5 minutes after the warranty runs out and then cost you a fortune to replace it all.🤑

[@drambie]

I had been waiting for this one, Andy. Thanks a lot. I may pull the trigger on a triple black this year if my dealer gets enough allocations and the adaptive ride height feature is a must for me.

[@dharvesh7779]

@@drambie your height, inseam!

[@drambie]

5'6" and 30"

[@stephenpotts8170]

Hi Andy, my current 1250 GS ADV I have the low chassis , at 5' 10" with a 32 inch inseam I can flat foot with bent knee, the previous 1250 ADV I had was the standard height model to which I couldn't quite flat foot which was okay till foot manoeuvring on a slopped gravely bits. So I'm hoping when the ADV finally comes along to have a standard height model with the adaptive ride height for the best of both worlds. Thank you for a very informative video...

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes sounds like a good answer - looking forward to seeing what they do with the 1400 "Adventure"

[@jamesfisher1827]

Great review of a really important feature. I like you am just 5’8” and have shorter legs.

[@giovanniricci2869]

Thanks for your feedback and best wishes for your shoulder ✌️

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No problem 👍 and thanks!

[@JezNashMusic]

Yet another cracking review, Andy!

[@death2pc]

You CONSISTENTLY demonstrate respect et al., and respond to your viewers who post kind remark likewise. This - your character and respect - IS most appreciated. Alas........ Another channel dedicated to motorcycle does not possess such character. That individual (their channel) has let themselves become a high wire act. ps: The "Mrs.", as has been previously stated, v. much is a wonderful "secret weapon", a gift on your channel. Take care.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you very much!! I'm now intrigued as to the other channel you refer too....anyone I know I wonder??? Surely not.....

[@bsmukler]

After all the online consternation about the looks of the new bike, I found the details of the new design as well as the overall size and appearance wonderful in person. The main impression was that BMW designers and engineers very clearly revisited every aspect of the 1250 iteration, making it sleeker and adding-in competitive, up to date features. I’m looking forward to seeing what the eventual GS Adventure offers.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes, me too, I understand it’s going to look quite different to the GS 1300

[@Hooner77]

Another great video with insights to the new GS. Like you I am 5' 8" but my inseam is 30 inches, so seat height is slightly more of an issue. For me I feel the Adaptive Height would be the way to go. On a different note, I was able to see a new GS in person at a dealership finally. In person I liked the looks of the new bike, what I didn't like was the price $27,565 USD.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes, a bit salty now aren’t they.

[@r6ymy]

Interesting about the sidestand lean angle, it looked quite far over even with the lowered suspension. I'm pretty much the same size as you, short but fairly long legged. I'm fine on tallish bikes most of the time, but occasionally pulling a fully loaded bike of the sidestand can be an issue. I was looking at a Triple Black GS1300 at Aylesbury Ducati (traded in by the owner after only 50 miles riding!), and was told that the adaptive ride height doesn't react quickly enough if you have to do an emergency stop. That would seem to be the time you most need it! Have you tried a quick stop to see how it reacts?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

It's a pretty quick system and I'm surprised if even with an incredibly well done emergency stop you can beat it....but an interesting point!

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Adaptive ride height and at only 450 quid an absolute bargain I'm seriously thinking of having it on my GoldStar.

[@Bazza47]

Looks a benefit under normal riding situations, but what happens if you have to do an emergency stop, does it get to the low position in time. I just think if it's not quick enough to do that it could catch riders out who are expecting it to be there in those circumstances when they're in the process of putting their foot down especially if you're a shortie like me and have a pillion and luggage to contend with too.

[@markust8904]

Right! based on the time it took to rise or lower as he was riding an emergency stop wont get into the low position for a balance check in time.

[@richardgeorgiou-e2r]

Call yourself a shortie? I'm 5 foot 4 with a 28" leg, now that's a shortie. Bike manufacturers don't make any 'big bikes' for the likes of me. So, the more important 'feature' for me is being able to drop it without too much stuff snapping off. Great channel by the way. Richard (One Man on a Bike)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers Richard!

[@ktmyannick]

Again, appreciate the effort you out into these videos to Inform!!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

My pleasure!

[@pistolpete6321]

Will be interesting to see what the average lifespan is for this feature, likely to be expensive to repair once out of warranty. That said, if I were in the market for the new GS I would likely spec it with this option. Great video.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks!

[@bmano7850]

Love your videos, keep up the great work. Love from Australia 🇦🇺

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you! Will do!

[@Bikerjay2025]

I have a ms rally with 870 mm height, my inside leg is 32-33 inch as you said the Ducati one is push button, I honestly thought I would be using it but only used it the odd time and just got use to the height, I do slightly worry about the effect of keep lowering and upping them long term, I could see some parts wearing out in a few years and the reliance on the warranty, great video and hope the shoulder is in for the mot soon 😊

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers Jay - yep - another operation in just under 3 weeks.....

[@Bikerjay2025]

@@TheMissendenFlyergood luck 🙏

[@nigelreadon8381]

Hi....that side stand makes it easy to drain the oil, yes oil and filter change. Well if I do take mine to the shop don't think they would check it over for other things, they have so many other bikes to service, seem to have lot more power in my scooter so much so I cannot reverse with the engine running.

[@paul.vanhout57]

As for using the manual mode for the adaptable ride height I can see riders who take their bikes off-road disabling ride height. Not sure you want your bike to start lowering on you as you waddle through a rock garden at 5-10mph🤔

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes, a few people have mentioned that Paul, don’t know why I didn’t think of that at the time!

[@mickthemaverick5998]

Here's a thought, the low position obviously has many benefits, what's the point of the high position?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Off-Roading comes to mind, other than that I guess for very tall riders?

[@BunyipToldMe]

Ummmm, I don't understand. Say you're riding over rough ground and you need the extra height, your going to ride that much slower......and the height automatically decreases?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I guess that's the use case where you turn it to manual!

[@Motoscotty]

You can deactivate it in the quick settings 😊

[@blakeusry124]

I’ve been waiting for this review. I’m 5’10” and getting older. I think I would like this feature. Gonna get that triple black soon.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes, definitely spec this feature if you’re able to, it makes the Bike so much more manageable day-to-day.

[@blakeusry124]

@@TheMissendenFlyer you’re such an excellent resource, thanks for all you do.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

My pleasure - thanks for watching!

[@williamjones6478]

I have been waiting for this review and the benefits of it are pretty good. I have a r1200rs with different bars fitted for more comfort and for a more confident ride i purchased a bmw low seat but it does two things your knees are more bent and because you are lower the pillion suffers more wind on their head so back to standard seat but good review it’s the future for adventure bikes.👍👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I agree - great feature this....

[@alanhall7213]

Interesting review Andy... Thanks. I suppose if you were riding on uneven surface and wanted to maintain a higher ground clearance at slower speeds, that would be one reason to lock in the higher ride height.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes Alan, you’re dead right, lots of people have mentioned that and I don’t know why I didn’t think of it at the time. Thanks for watching and stopping by.

[@jimmyrottencauli]

I'd like to see a comparison between the R1300GS indicators/ tail light v your original R1200GS, especially from a car drivers perspective.

[@RealHooksy]

You need to get out more jimmy

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

:0)

[@stan7899]

Yet another major improvement on this already very well made GS ! I am eagerly waiting for the Adventure version.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Me too - can't wait to see how they improve the look of the new 1400.....

[@stan7899]

@@TheMissendenFlyer I heard that it is not a 1400 but a 1300… we’ll see.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Well it has the 1300 engine but I believe it will be called the R1400GS (rather than the R1300 GS Adventure) and I understand the look of the bike will be quite different to the current R1300....let's hope they do something different with the front!! These are all rumours I've heard by the way, I don't actually have any insider knowledge.....

[@stan7899]

You are right, the look will be very different to that of the 1300GS. My dealer has seen the prototype of the Adventure (the end product should be pretty close to the prototype) and he said there will be a lot more differences between the 1300GS and the 1300/1400 GS Adventure than between the 1250 and the 1250 Adventure and all their predecessors.

[@paulchandler5004]

I'm 6 foot with a 32" leg so would have the same issue as you. This is one of the reasons I am put off buying the big adventure bikes as they are just too big unless you have really long legs. Like you, I like to have my feet flat on the deck when stopped.

[@farmoboy83]

the future is brilliant, so many unnecessary technology to solve problems that were never one while adding complexity and making our machines impossible to repair without a NASA masters degree and a laptop with property plugs and software! Amazing!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I guess it's progress......

[@teleosus1]

It's mindblowing about technology advantages in motorcycles. But it's like old neighborhoods that were famous for their bohemian cultural value in the past but are now outrageously expensive and exclusive today. With motorcycles, it's sometimes like that too, a gentrification. I think the reason Royal Enfields are so popular is not just the price but the simplicity.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I think there’s something in that - complicated isn’t always best!

[@5420simon]

Excellent video yet again but such a pity it's so bloody expensive.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Tell me about it....

[@GreenHairyYoda]

while this adaptive feature is great, like any tech it’s likely to break when either a sensor goes bust or the adaptive suspension system has an error. in such a case wouldn’t it be a bit dicey, a rider who’s short and is dependent on the electronics to get the seat height down can have a fall. given this scenario, is there a way to force the bike to always be in this low mode instead of adaptive? that would be a great feature for the vertically challenged.

[@loddude5706]

Ah, the new GS - 'Giraffe Superior' Go anywhere in elevated comfort, nibble the lush canopy at will along Acacia Avenue, pay off the finance in less than a century . . . I do eagerly await the obviously impending 'Beemer Bedouin' - 205 lt. tankage & no stands - they just lower gently onto their own frame rails, bellow loudly at everyone & then spit at the mechanic. Of course, 007's will also sport a 'Zebedee' button - for those 'most unwelcome of pillions' : )

[@loddude5706]

P.S. I'm only jealous! : )

[@Deetyork]

Hi Andy, if you get a chance,do try putting the bike on its centre stand its much easier than the 1200GS (I own one too) I nearly get a hernia trying to get mine on the stand but I rode the triple black 1300 while mine was being MOT tested and was pleasantly surprised how much better it is with the fold away lever & the height adjustment system.

[@n22pdf]

Wow awesome what a great feature especially for shorties like me 5'7 :) must say though I never had a prob with my old GS 1200LC.. Pete

[@MisterFishfinger]

As I understand it, BMW's system has another advantage over the competitors you mentioned (apart from being automatic), as it can lower both the front and back of the bike. The others just lower the rear. I think it's a side benefit of the front Telelever system.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I didn’t realise that fascinating!

[@gra271]

Sat on one today at Falmouth BMW in Cornwall, much lower than my R1150 RT as the seat is quite narrow

[@MichaelWSteyn]

In one of the videos you stated that the new R1300GS is very difficult to pick up of the side stand especially if you have a pillion aboard. I've always been taught that the pillion only climbs on once the bike is off the side or center stand and the pilot has the bike in the upright position.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Fair enough, whatever works for you (I personally do the opposite!)

[@lifesjourneyat50]

Always great content...when I did my review of the 1300 I didn't have the one with the adaptive...but Im 6'2. I have to say I still prefer my 1250 GSA and GS...I feel they made this bike more Street Bikeish...great tech..great updates...but took the GS out of the GS....keep the content coming!!! Nice job!!!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I tend to agree.

[@MrG61-u9k]

On the ride you just did, can you tell me the advantage of the bike being 20mm higher over 32mph?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

None whatsoever that I know of....

[@a13bkd62]

Interesting review. I'm a sucker for clever tech although I do wonder about the reliability of the air-compressor(?) and associated kit over time what with all that up and down action going on. As a 'for instance', I recall you had a suspension fail on your GS which whilst clearly not the same was a pricey fix. I'm not poo-pooing just a genuine comment.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes, the same thought has occurred to me.

[@AgricUltra]

PS - 32” for a 5’8” bloke is indeed a long leg!

[@pgVeritas]

Even if you’re not a shortie, you can buy a high seat and have a relaxed knee angle, which is useful if you have dodgy knees.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

True....

[@matthewcoleman8267]

Every vid Andy does of the new GS has all the hallmarks of suspense like the Maxwell House coffee ads in the 80's, will he, won't he but we all know the final outcome will be lol

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You think?

[@robertbates1079]

Well they made the green with gold wheels just for him 😂..bmw great marketing brand.

[@matthewcoleman8267]

Well the Maxwell house ads took years but we eventually got there lol@@TheMissendenFlyer

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I'm way to young to remember Gareth Hunt doing that thing with his hands to Una Stubbs next door.....

[@kelcombe]

I think the front radar seems to merge into the background on the ‘triple black’ you don’t seem to notice it so much. Perhaps they could colour code the panel on the other bikes to the same effect!

[@lenvickery6258]

Excellent video and review. I'm seriously looking at one, but nobody at BMW can answer the main simple question for us shorties. If the electronics detect a system fault when riding along in auto mode, does it automatically lower to the lowest position as a default. With just a 29-30 inside leg, I fear a fault of it failing and remaining in the 850 position and arriving at a junction or traffic light and struggling to get left foot flat on the floor to try and hold it upright. Hence never even considered a GS before as ride a RS with the low seat option and feet flat on the floor. Dealers don't know, had email conversations with BMW Customer Service and just referred back to a dealer. Surely, it's not too much to ask BMW UK to be open about this, surely someone can contact the design team in Berlin and get a definitive answer. Having had BMW's for over 30 years I just cannot believe their lack of knowledge and support. The Customer Service via the 0800 or email is about as use as an ashtray on a motorbike.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Not good is it….

[@kencarrcarr3751]

Auto ride height works best on my Pan America when seated on the bike before the ignition is tutned on then it's perfect.

[@samhill3496]

Good vid. I mentioned how well you would like it. Me too. Interesting to make a manual high and low run down a big road. I wouln't expect anything different. I wonder if a failure occurs, low battery, pump, ekecyrical controls, whst would be the default setting. Would it automatically go to low position? Would make sense but that's not always the case. I wonder how it werks, like a servo pump similar to an abs pump? Good vid. You didn't get it dirty. Has to feel different with all the luggage stripoed off. Take care. Yes, spring here, some trees blooming and butterflys in the air. All good. And I can walk almost without a stick most of the time. Getting close to when I can tbrow a leg over a bike. Cheers

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good news, Sam, hope you get on the bike soon!

[@samhill3496]

@@TheMissendenFlyer ordered full Ohlins suspension for my urban gs. It's mine set up for me. Now a new R9T GS is coming. Pretty much what I consider a real GS.

[@robertroberts8648]

Now i really like that colour. Maybe a lotto win would help 😉

[@jeffreywithrow2522]

Hum, thinking the r1250gs low trim has a seat height about 1/2 to 1" lower then this new adaptive rider height trim...could be mistaken

[@David-i2g2v]

How is it for us real short arsses. I’m 5’ 4” with a 28” inside leg ?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

With the low seat and adaptive ride height, I think you’d be fine.

[@David-i2g2v]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Thank’s for the reply. At the moment trying to get to grips with an all new BMW F800GS. Lowered and low seat option. Riding is fine, it’s the weight moving it around car parks etc.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes heavy ol bikes those - I fing my big GS easier to handle due the low COG

[@David-i2g2v]

@@TheMissendenFlyer I used to have an air cooled R 80 RT, many moons ago. Very similar in size and weight, but being a boxer, no problem moving around. Bikes just seem to have grown. By the way I am a local - Aylesbury .

[@gzk6nk]

820mm is still quite high. But why does the bike need to rise 30mm? What would be the disadvantage of just remaining at 820mm? As far as the centre stand goes, that could just be made shorter negating the need for the bike to rise when you lower the centre stand. My 1150 GS was 840mm and I did drop it a couple of times as a result, thankfully with absolutely no damage (I'm, 5' 10" with 29" inseam). That's the main reason I sold it. Vince