Cost of Owning a BMW GS Motorcycle

[@majorlee1]

Nice video! Not many honest people on the internet. Thanks for showing us the maintenance and repair sheets with pricing. I have a 15 1200gsa and I love it. 👍

[@lifesjourneyat50]

Thank you....the only way to go is tell it how it is...much appreciated!!!

[@BlackdogADV]

I bought my 2010 1200GS new and have over 100,000 miles on it. Has been trouble free and I’ve always down my own maintenance. I did install Ohlins shocks at 50,000. It’s never had street tires on it. The best and cheapest bike I’ve ever had. I’m 75 now and I’m thinking of moving to a 450-500 bike. Oh, I’m still on the original clutch.

[@2Weat]

Holy shi!tballs Matt! Another great video but my head was throbbing with those numbers! You can cut a lot of those costs in half (or more) doing some of your own maintenance/repairs. Oil changes, broken bits, brakes pads, brake fluid changes - all that is straightforward stuff - even the clutch will be a few hours of your time. Go with a Rekluse pack next time and you'll be impressed. Buy your own OEM stuff and file a 10% rebate claim with the BMW MOA if you're a member. I have a check in my mailbox today from them for $274 from everything I bought in December during their 20% rebate special . Happy to help talk you through some of the work or point you to some excellent videos on DIY. Plus - more content for you doing videos saying "Holy Moly - look at all the money I'm saving wrenching myself - and... this is fun!" 😂

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@2Weat since 2024 I do my own tires...and break pads...but huge portion is the upgrades on suspension and wheels....the clutch can be done as well...but I get it....a conversation to be had...haha

[@feloniousmonk3049]

I followed your lead and got a Demo model 2023 GS Trophy for $3000 off, but had a few miles on it already. Took a trip down to Baja CA on it, where it rode and performed spectacularly. As I ride mostly all pavement, I took a test ride on a 2023 1250 RT... Big mistake, now I own 2 BMW's. I do all the service myself, labor rate in CA at BMW dealerships is crazy $210 an hour in 2025. I have found a good independent that just likes to work on BMW bikes out of his garage at home, for more major stuff, valve clearance check, etc. Much less overhead, much lower rates. But, there is no mistaking how nice a BMW rides. Glad I skipped getting an Africa Twin.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@feloniousmonk3049 yes..labor drives a lot...so learning more wrenching will help a ton....enjoy those bikes...thanks for commenting

[@jimmin9802]

I am picking up a 2024 gsa tomorrow, will be a fun adventure!

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@jimmin9802 enjoy...these are great bikes..

[@jaredandersen82]

Love the detail! That absolutely blew me away, definitely not what I was expecting! I have owned seven BMW vehicles however and you are correct everything just cost quite a bit of money!

[@mowman7777]

Dang, I got off easy. I had zero out of pocket expense on my 1250 GS in the four years and 40,000 miles that I owned it. I paid for the regular services but the minor repairs were all covered under warranty and no repairs were needed out of warranty. Rode mostly on the road.

[@grainandshadow5736]

Appreciate your review. I have a 2017 GSA 51k. Mainly touring, commuting, but I do go off-road occasionally. I do most of my own maintenance. Original clutch. Biggest expenses have been tires and a few valve adjustments. Fortunately I have a good dealer close by if needed. I’m in Charlotte, NC. From a safety standpoint, the boxer engine is phenomenal for protecting your legs. I’ve found expenses comparable to many other makes. Absolutely love my R1200!

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Yes sir, sounds spot on. I spend less, I do all my own service…not to save $, just prefer to do myself. Anyways, like others have said, it’s the pure enjoyment I receive back, these bikes are special to me.

[@Dirtboundanddown]

Need to start running a rekluse Torqdrive clutch more plates same space they disapate heat better and last longer than the stock units.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@Dirtboundanddown interesting....I've had a couple people tell me the opposite....but at this stage probably more learning on my part....unfortunately Ive been learning to ride off road with these bikes...haha

[@Dirtboundanddown]

@lifesjourneyat50 i can’t speak to a gs as I don’t own one. And I just want to be clear I am talking about the clutch pack it’s self not the auto clutch or the exp thing they offer. I put a torqdrive clutch kit in my Ktm and the feel in the friction zone is night and day over the stock clutch and I would give it try in any future bike I own. I enjoy the videos keep them coming.

[@victorp5491]

I appreciate your honest review. I left BMW several years ago. Way toooo many special tools , high maintainence repairs, slow dealer service time. Also the wide boxer engine is NOT for adventure riding. Keep up the great work.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@victorp5491 thanks - I tried to keep it simple…but all your points above are SOOO valid…again thanks for commenting!!!

[@dangerdave8080]

Great video!!!! I bought my GSA 3 years ago ... and it takes a few bucks to make it right. Your bikes are beautiful!!! Great channel!!!

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@dangerdave8080 thank you...much appreciated!!!...as much as we spend...just an amazing bike!! Enjoy!!

[@jons1148]

I have a bone stock 2004 R1150GSA that I ride and my cost of ownership is manageable. Reason being is it has only 22,000 mile on it and I do the minor maintenance myself. And then there is the difference of how we ride our bikes. I ride the pavement like a "old man" and your closer to being Evel Knievel of the dirt. 😄 I really enjoy your channel.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@jons1148 thanks...some days...I wish I would have stuck to the pavement...haha...thanks!!!

[@painsrides]

Is there a heavy duty clutch pack available for the GS? Seems reasonable to go that route than expensive oem clutches that don't last.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@painsrides a few have recommended the Reklus....but outside that nothing I kkow of...

[@saddlsor]

Glad to see you admit that part of the clutch issue *may* be your own doing. With all respect, I know lots of GS owners who ride offroad, as do I, and your clutch replacement rate is an outlier. I don't argue your own experience, but that's not shared by most other BMW owners using these as portly dual sport bikes. The farkles and tires do add up, though, no doubt. And breaking parts and pieces will always drive up the cost of ownership, no matter the bike, and BMW are real proud of their pieces. For me, and yes I recognize that I don't speak for everyone, part of the enjoyment of motorsickle ownership is working on them and doing the maintenance myself. I have the tools (mostly) and I have the space, and I have a spare bike to ride while it's taken apart. I enjoy your videos, been watching a while now.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@saddlsor thanks for commenting....I have started to do the tires...and oil...and the clutch stuff ealry on me...and later partial...haha...thanks

[@jimmallery294]

Never put pencil to paper on the costs of an airplane, boat, RV, motorcycle or many other things. It is not about what it costs, it is about what value you get out of it. I own three BMW's and so far the ownerships are manageable. One is 34 years old. It has been very reliable. Also, look into changing your own tires and at least oil. That will save some money. And when you add back in whatever you can get out of the bikes when you sell them the cradle to grave costs come down. I am not saying that BMW's are not fairly expensive but what is the value to you? It must be OK and worth it as you are still riding both. If you have ridden about 70,000 miles in the last four years and it has cost about $100,000, it costs about $1.40 a mile. And that will be less when you sell the bikes to recoup some of the initial purchase. Do the same analysis for your pickups or cars. If you can get below $1 a mile you are doing good. Lastly, I seriously doubt that the Pan America, Triumph 1200, KTM 1290 or Africa Twin would cost much less since most farkles and motorcycle armor costs about the same for most brands. So do tire changes, valve adjustments, oil changes etc. Everything is relative. Maybe do a nice video on the value you receive from riding your BMW's. Anyway, thanks for the video.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@jimmallery294 thanks for commenting....I have started to do my own tires...and oil changes and break pads....so taking some cost out...good suggestion on the value...and will follow up...thanks again

[@Thromby]

They are also dry clutches are they not? Dry dont have the benefit of oil cooling.

[@saddlsor]

No, the 1250s (and the 1200s, maybe - I believe they are) and liquid-cooled models have wet clutches in an oil bath. I've not known many offroad riders who replace their clutches at this rate, but I ride do ride the trails with many GS / GSA owners.

[@markbarlow1675]

Bought my 07 on the cheap and run it on the cheap,doing all of my own work and maintenance, but I realize most people are mechanically challenged. Got the GS911 scan tool and it paid for itself the first time I used it. Bought it with abs failure and foud a place in Idaho that rebuilt it for a fraction of new from BMW with 5 yr warrantee. Everything else is pretty basic stuff with an over engineered German twist, lol. Seriously it's not that complicated . Anyone who rides should learn to work on their bike especially for when something happens on a ride, and it usually does. Before bmw let ewin and Charlie ride Long Way Round, they made them completely disassemble their bikes a couple times.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@markbarlow1675 I don't trust myself but I am doing tires breaks and oil now....did not know that about Ewan and Charlie...wow...thanks for commenting

[@markbarlow1675]

A Haines manual and Harbor Freight Torx sockets will tackle most jobs. I've been running Heidenaue Scout 60 tires, 10k on rear and 17k and some good life left on front. Appears to be 2 to 1in 20k miles. 10 days around Vegas, 2 week long trips to the Dragon area, ohio loop, skyline dr, no complaints on handling. Not great in wet grass or sloppy mud but respectable in single and 2 track

[@Matsridesoffroad]

Good summary in regard to cash spent, you will get some money back when you sell the bikes so that will lower total cost of ownership. In my experience (Off road GSA) clutches are not an issue on BMWs off road. The two clutches I seen go out (in the back country) has been because of the rider. The Touratech suspension is a great investment, huge improvement over stock. As far as the 1300GSA, I traded my 1250GSA for a 1300GSA, off road they are the same, really no difference, but I really liked the look of the new 1300GSA when it came out of the box so I made the switch. The 1250 is an assume bike!

[@lifesjourneyat50]

The clutches I think is both...since I'm still learning off road I agree...the first one was definitely me...the last two so-so. I have had a couple BMW mechanics state they are not great and don't last long especially heavy off road...but you are right...partly my fault on usage properly. Thanks for commenting. The 1300 GSA is much better in real life...thanks and enjoy the new bike!

[@Matsridesoffroad]

@ I went from thinking it was the ugliest BMW ever to now like it, but before I saw the 1300 in person I thought it would never land in my garage. One other issue is that there is really no aftermarket parts for it yet such as panniers and bags, hopefully coming before the snow melts up here.

[@maraudermitchelli]

OMG Matt I wish you would have told me prior to me buying two BMW's....I'm on the floor! Can I barrow some cash? Great video as usual very helpful to all of us.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@maraudermitchelli haha....they are great bikes...but cost a pretty penny to ride off road...ha!!! Thanks

[@Haytifdad]

75K miles on my bike. Bought used for $3k in 2001 (it's a 99). Probably put less than $3k in maintenance in 25ish years including tires. Get 55 mpg. BTW, its a KLR.

[@brucekasnik3866]

KLR for the win

[@TimeToTravel-u2x]

And it was a comfortable ride for 500 of the 75 000 miles. Lol

[@mowman7777]

Felt the same about my VStrom which I rode 70,000 miles but I bought a 1250 GS and yes way more expensive and a few issues but there’s no way I’d ever be happy on a much lesser bike regardless of how cheap or reliable it is. That GS made me giggle. 40,000 miles on the GS in four years with no repairs that weren’t covered by warranty. Only paid for regular services.

[@Stankfoot_01]

Just got a 24 triple black GSA. absolutely fantastic machine. Cannot wait to rack up the miles. Unfortunately my with my job I am only home 11 days at a time to ride it.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@Stankfoot_01 congratulations....yes they are excellent bikes...hope you spend as much time on it as possible...enjoy and thanks for commenting!!!

[@tedcygan3733]

Got several trips planned to include 7-10 days on the TAT this summer with my brother, nephew and son.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@ sounds awesome!!!

[@mitchwiebell2785]

You just talked me out of owning a beemer!😢

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@mitchwiebell2785 it's a great bike...hands down...but expensive. If and when you break stuff...it's expensive..

[@mikescott9213]

Same here. Looks like a super tenere 1200

[@yorkchris10]

You still consider this to be the appropriate BMW for You...

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@yorkchris10 it's what I got myself into...and to deep now to get out...they are great machines...unfortunately the ones I've learned to ride off road on...

[@smccrory]

Sweet Jesus that's a lot of dough. More power to anyone who can swing it without sacrificing their financial health and other goals, but I think it's worth noting that this level of cost even goes way beyond the purchase and maintenance totals. The retirement nest egg opportunity cost of 20, 30, and certainly $50k+ in the market over a 20 year period is north of $100k. For example, the investment of $30,000 at an average annual return of 8% would grow to approximately $139,828.71 in 20 years. I know, we're comparing apples to oranges and one can't put a price on happiness and all that, and truly I appreciate and admire anyone who can healthily spend their money and time on things they enjoy, at any level, but while we're on the point of price transparency, I think it's valuable to consider what those Bring More Wallet machines are costing even beyond their immediate tallies.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@smccrory yep...when I put this together...oh I was feeling the pain...thanks for commenting

[@paulgoss7596]

you might want to consider working on your own bikes.....

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@paulgoss7596 oh I've thought about that...and im at least doing my own tires and brake pads..haha

[@z15crasal]

Sweet baby Jesus, my wife would have my entrails as a necklace.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@z15crasal 😳😳😳😱😱😱🤣🤣🤣....good thing I'm single becuase this would never have happened...ha!!!

[@ScottPatton44]

Your expenses are not typical….

[@moofymoo]

tl;dr - $100'000

[@lifesjourneyat50]

@@moofymoo oh yeah....trust me...when I started this I was shocked...ugh