Does The BMW R1300GS Really Produce More Engine Noise Than The 1250GS?

BMW changed 2 things with the engine in the new 1300GS, moved the transmission forward and under the engine and made the engine walls thinner to save on weight. But did this change make the noise getting to the rider more noticeable and can we measure this noise?
Thank you
Becker-Tiemann Motorrad Paderborn/Lage: www.becker-tiemann-motorrad.de/
Note: If you see any factual errors in my videos, please feel free to politely let me know in the comments. For any questions/inquiries please send an e-mail to [e-mail], I'm not on any other social media platforms.
Video Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:34 Left Cylinder Front
1:33 Right Cylinder Front
2:20 Right Cylinder Rear
3:16 Left Cylinder Rear
3:58 Riding Position
4:42 1250GS Same 5 Positions
7:22 1250RT Same 5 Positions
10:31 The Numbers
10:39 Verdict
BMWR1300GS BMW1300GS BMW1300 BMWGS BMW R 1300 GS BMW R1300GS

[@KimariBiker]

NothingToProve is trying to prove which one is louder 😂 Love your videos ✌🏻

[@arcticr]

Thanks for sharing 👍 It’s quite possible to have the same decibel readings on numerous sources of sound. Without a question, some will sound more soothing to the ear than others. The previous model has an engine sound frequency with more bass to it. The newer 1300 seems to have a higher pitch with more treble to the sound. It would be nice if your approach investigating further would focus on WHY rather than IF the new model sounds different, but more importantly why it sounds worse in so many ears… given that decibel readings in this video are almost the same. Ride safe 👍

[@gregs5738]

Scott, I really appreciate you doing this. That was a cool experiment.

[@WDM54]

Great video! Sounds to me like the 1250s (GS and your RT) sounded better and less mechanical. Looking forward to your next report…

[@NothingToProve]

Yea, in person, the 1250 RT sounds the best then the 1250 GS, then the new one...imho. thank you, Scott

[@zardportugal]

The noise you noticed in the engine is exactly that, from the engine itself while you accelerate. The sound comes from the crank, the pistons, the heads, the gearbox with all the bearings - not the exhaust. Each engine has its own (internal) sound. The 1250 (for me) in terms of sound is much better than the 1300. As you very well showed, the exhaust dB's are the same, but the 1300 has a more noticeable metallic sound compared to the 1250 while rolling down the road. For me the difference in sound is consequence of the new gearbox and new cylinder head distribution system. Try placing your hand over the exhaust outlet, muffle the exhaust sound for a few seconds, and you will notice that the engines have a completely different tone. I think this is what you noticed in the previous video. I don't know if I made myself understood but it's just my opinion based on what my ears register. Cheers

[@DaronXavierMotard]

Really interesting. It's not about the volume but the nature of the sound. It seems that the 1300 sounds like a sewing machine (mechanical noises) and the 1250 sounds more like a distant lawnmower and is more deep and muffled. The 1300 sounds like my old 2011 GS DOHC when I use 10W40 engine oil in summer. And when using 15w50 it sounds more smooth. There are many factors that can influence the sound of the engine. Anyway, great job!

[@larryvanputten4048]

Nice and useful approach, Scott!👍👍

[@cornelcziriac5080]

I really can't believe what test you did!!! Very interesting, but motorcycling does not mean noise. Maximum respect.. all the best

[@thunderbayrider01]

Looking forward to your next test.

[@DaveDayve]

The thing about sound and noise is, DB meters aren't frequency specific. So one doesn't know what frequencies are more prominent and more irritating. What's noise one person might also be not that irritable for that person. Also with the aging customer due to increasing prices, an older owner might not hear certain frequencies after all. A twenty year old wouldn't bother at all and just want to ride the tires off it and still prefer a day at the track. Great video. Love your work. 🏆🏆well done

[@csr2atlasbestsetups35]

Nice video as usual ❤❤❤

[@tiborhorvath7359]

Good Morning Scott, there’s a lot to unpack with the new gs1300. I’ve tried to be forward thinking and accepting of change but think I’ve failed.be fair I’ve not ridden the new one yet and do acknowledge your initial impressions. Here’s my thoughts.BMW boxer engines have followed Porsches boxer motor developments.An example would be the last gen of air cooled motors that shift cam and in certain models water cooled heads. Then came the 996 generation with all water cooled boxer engines. Back the we all felt that the water cooled boxer sounded dull and mechanical compared to the aircooled models.I think a parallel maybe drawn here. Evolution rather than revolution, was always the mantra of the GS, and though not alone it seemed to be echoed by many legacy German brands in particular. And now we have this 1300… Sitting side by side with the venerable 1250 or even a 1200 ( for they look the same) I can’t help but feel disappointed. It looks smaller and more sleek, almost like a 310 gs.it look less expensive. The head light is a victim of fashion. The indicators are vulnerable..Then the demise of the trellis frame rear end, now replaced by a sheet metal box section. As for the idea of placing the gearbox beneath the engine… Why? If it ain’t broke ,don’t fix it comes to mind. The elephant in the room that No has really mentioned yet is cost.This new gs probably will cost bmw 30-50% less to produce….. and it shows. I’m sure they did market studies and ran heaps of spreadsheets. The new generation of management won ( I’m guessing that the older generation started to depart the building when they first merged their automotive sector with their Motorrad division and the remaining few departed when this new gs was signed off on) Sorry to be harsh. Just focusing on the trellis frame for a minute longer. We’re both of opinion that the Ducati monster 👹 was a monster because of its design language and that the new one is not the same anymore. It doesn’t stir the soul. So too this new gs.And all for the sake of a few kg’s, common whom are kidding BMW? Time will tell. Personally I think that the 1250 has just become an instant classic.The Teutonic build and looks exude a presence. The last of the Mohicans 😊, Stay well my friend, carry on the good work. Best T

[@vstm3950]

regardless dB, old one sounds nicer must say! there is sth in it's noise from 2WW bombers aproaching whereas new one sounds like washer-dryer

[@PhilG221]

That stood out for me as well. The R1250GS just sounds so much nicer.

[@vstm3950]

@@PhilG221 like adult sounds next to a child nearly isn't it mate?

[@tuberichter]

Hey, don’t confuse BMW with WW2 - Germany is now part of the Balkans 😅

[@davidwilson1332]

Problem is the exhaust noise. To meet Euro 5 regulations in Europe. Same with my Multistrada V4S. Even Akrapovic end can makes no difference. So all you can hear is the engine, making it seem louder.

[@Justz_118]

The older one sounds like a tractor though, prefer the newer one, it sounds better

[@antonoat]

very interesting, great effort , thank you!

[@kurushunwalla]

1250 sounds far, far better than than 1300. The 1250 is like lovely music to the ears and the 1300 is like a scratched record 🤣 Thanks for the comparison.

[@illiyakuryakin3092]

Nice job as always, Scott. I am up in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin now on my racing blue RT identical to yours.

[@NothingToProve]

Oh, it's cold up there now! BUT you have the RT so it's not so bad! 😂😊

[@1345Juan]

Many thanks for the video. There are tons of KZbinrs testing the bike and nobody is saying nothing about this. Since first videos of 1300 GS that I saw with good sound quality I appreciated more mechanical noise and less exhaust music. I have a DOCH 1200 GS ADV with the original exhaust and by far my bike sounds better at idle and at mid rev range than the 1300. At middle engine load I think that probably the 1250 produces better exhaust sound than my "old" DOCH 1200 GS.

[@scottstetson2879]

Great review

[@fasteddy3661]

Comparing the noise behind the cylinders at 5K rpm, the 1300 is 4 dB louder, i.e. more than twice as loud as the 1250 (3 dB is double the noise). I sold my R1200 GS LC and bought the latest GS 1200 airhead instead. I just could not bear the horrible noise from the liquid cooled engine. Also I think the exhaust sound of the airhead is much nicer.

[@brianpeterson9290]

Good vid. Haven't ridden any of the water-cooled boxers, but in general I suspect the issue people note here is more related to the (somewhat objective) "quality" of the noise than the absolute volume. For example, I had an older Speed Triple for a while that--while probably *not* objectively louder than my other bikes--produced an engine whine under certain conditions that I found really annoying.

[@ubermains]

If you have been riding old boxers, I think the new will definitely be a problem. I often ride 10+ hours days, and no review on KZbin will never really catch how some of those “whiny” noises will affect your all day comfort. I will probably upgrade from my old R1200GS, but I am worried about the seemingly more high pitched noises coming from the 1300

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Great experiment. One thing to consider is that within the context of audible rider comfort and experience, perception is reality, irrespective of meter readings. One bike could be quieter in terms of SPL levels, however if the noise it makes is at a higher frequency and less pleasant, it will 'sound' noisier and less appealing. The 1300 does have a dryer, more clattery sound with a higher blend of frequencies which does not sound as nice as the 1250, to my ears at least, and they're the ears that spend the money, Great channel and content as always.

[@NothingToProve]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYbanoOAqrp4frM

[@theheroblob5036]

Great real world reportage, Scott! The results seem marginal, but perhaps it s not so much the volume of sound coming from the new1300, but the nature of the sound... 🤔

[@Tim955w]

Would be interested in what the difference is with the headlights, including when cornering. Best wishes from the UK.

[@johnDukemaster]

Maybe the same level of noise, but the new 1300 makes more of that noise I don't like. The mechanical one. Thank you!

[@stephenconnor1278]

Great video thanks. The main sound that annoys me on my 2020 1250GS is the cam chain tensioner rattle on the left side. I paid to have the revised BMW part fitted and, whilst it's less noisy, it still rattles, especially when hot. Does the new engine still have that irritating rattle?

[@butlersg1]

Great video, thanks. I notice at 3min, they are using a nissin rear brake master cylinder??

[@remy15297]

Very interesting, but average will be more adapted than maximal value...not necessary to measure too close of engine, but more interesting near exhaust (at 45° and 2meters for example) or at passenger position, what do you think?

[@brianb.2857]

Interesting video with lots of factor’s contributing to actual results and perceived noise. Miles on the engine, bias of one model over the other. I’m speaking of the comments here not info or results provided in the video by Scott. Personally if sound were the most important thing in picking a bike I would buy a Triumph or a Ducati. 😊

[@NothingToProve]

Yea me too, I'd lean towards the Triumph sound, they nailed it. 👍😁

[@johnwelbers4248]

Thanks for this info,is interesting for sure. I have a Harley ultra limited and I find it more relaxing and quieter to rid3 than my 2017 gsa. Gsa is way more nimble and fun for shorter rides but very irritating noise coming from the front😮. Think your rt would be more comfortable and quieter ride for touring. 🤓😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦🍻 from British Columbia

[@allemansratten70]

RT sounds nice and is best looking bike🤓

[@andrewmanahan2469]

Hi, I have a new 13 and the noise in question isn’t stationary it’s when it’s rolling over 40MPH .. there’s huge noise like a turbine with a bad bearing … it’s horrible. I hope it’s a running in thing or I’ll be getting rid

[@davidmcmillan8408]

That noise reminds me - I really must give the lawn one final mow before winter sets in. If you want a superb engine noise, you should have got a K1300S - sounds like a Bristol Britannia 'Whispering Giant' with its four turboprop motors when throttling off between the drystone walls of the Yorkshire Dales.

[@NothingToProve]

Hmm...now I have to figure out how to fit this boxer motor to my riding lawn mower! Now that would be cool!

[@johnbragg2014]

I see fully enclosed cylinder head cooling. So thinner cylinder walls but with a surrounding water jacket apparently makes the noise between the two pretty much a tie. 1300 still have just one cooling fan??

[@reinhardtkk]

I’m going to try to remove the db killers in the Akropovic exhaust I ordered with my 1300 😬. That should cover up the additional mechanical noises

[@motolover5697]

Won't help you much. You need to take the catalytic converter off.

[@JoeS97756]

@@motolover5697 Don't forget the pre-muffler

[@user-px4mz3iu1s]

nevjerojatno koliko stari model izgleda dobro

[@kowalski2334]

the 1300 might not be louder but it sure does sound more rattly, thats probably what people refer to when they say the engine makes more noise.

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

That new ones a bag of spanners, lol.

[@bennyosterbye8677]

The human ear is most sensitive to frequencies between 2,000 hz - 5,000 hz. That is that an engine with mechanical noise between 2,000 hz - 5,000 hz will sound a lot louder than engine sounds, for example, between 500 hz - 2,000 hz. And I would think that is the case with the R1300 GS, as I thought the R1250 GS has a deeper tone / frequency. So subjectively the R1300 GS will sound louder. I took a ride on the R1300 GS yesterday and that sound is "annoying"

[@kevinwright1689]

Rode one last weekend. To me it sounds quite than my 1250 when riding

[@scottstetson2879]

Your Son would have been a great help with this video

[@JoeS97756]

Brilliant, thanks for busting this rumor. Seeing the bikes side by side should bust another rumor about 1300 being smaller, but I still read people saying it. Any chance you could do some measurements to show what if anything is actually smaller? We know length and width of the bike is slightly larger and standard saddle height is the same, 850. Bar height seems to be the same. Windshield height? I'm guessing new saddle is slightly slimmer at the front and perhaps frame is slightly slimmer at the pegs. Anyhow would be good to bust another incorrect rumor.

[@NothingToProve]

Thank you for the questions, you are giving me ideas for more videos 👍😁

[@roadglide]

It is a lighter bike. That helps produce more audible sound. Possibly more vibration. What say you? The other is. I think there will always be folks slow to embrace change and move forward. I like this new bike. Let’s see how it gets on over time. The GSA supposedly be out in a year or so. BMW can and does make midstream changes based on field findings.

[@user-hb6ms3mb4t]

Same mileage, engine temp and fuel grade? Might make a difference, guessing the 1300 was much lower mileage hence not run in? Just a thought. Nice job anyway 😊

[@jorobson1]

Any whispers on the release of the r1300rt?

[@NothingToProve]

Nope, nothing 😢

[@marcelcoenen1437]

At 5:00 you/ I can hear it: The new GS sounds more technical and less „sexy“ than the old one. Measuring dBs is one thing, but belly feeling gives 👍👍 for the 1250, which has -no doubt- a lower evolutiongrade than the 1300

[@Greggspies]

Was your tape measure calibrated before the test it means a lot 😅

[@NothingToProve]

🤣🤣🤣

[@olliereed4206]

I had 900 XR while my R nine T was in for a service. The new bikes do have a more valve 'chatter' They sound as if they have a dry clutch. But I have had Ducati's before. Get used to them and everything seems quiet!🤣

[@m.f.m.67]

That whistling exhaust note on the new 1300 sounds awful. Would drive me crazy. Just like the old Honda St1300, sounded like the Jetsons car! 😅

[@valuemastery]

Thanks for the measurements. However, from my point of view, the video completely misses the point. The question is not which bike is louder, it is which has a nicer sound. I actually prefer bikes not to be annoyingly loud (better for driver & people around), so I appreciate the GS bikes having modest loudness compared to other bikes, such as Harleys. Now, I've been driving a 1250GS for almost 3 years now, and recently took the 1300GS for a test ride (with Akropovic). The first thing that stood out was its sound. There were so much mechanical, rattling noises coming from the engine, and they were so loud that they overshadowed the exhaust sound almost completely - at least from the drivers perspective. I can not speak for what nearby people would hear. In comparison, on the 1250 I hear that dark growling exhaust sound, and while it is not very loud, it sounds very nice. In this video the difference is not so obvious, but in real life it is huge. So, secondly I noticed how nice the new 1300GS drives. It's an excellent bike to ride, big update over the 1250. But I absolutely hate the sound it makes, so much that I'm still thinking about upgrading or not. Had it the same nice sound as the 1250, I'd buy it in an instant.

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

I truly hope no one is upset about mechanical noises on a MOTORcycle.

[@Qbasz007]

How does the headlights comapre? The new gen's looks so small in comparison, wonder if it's much worse.

[@stevesanelli90]

Thanks Scott! Noise doesn’t matter if you’re using earplugs 😉 All I want to know is when are you trading the RT for a Triple Black 1300GS?😉😂😂

[@NothingToProve]

LOL! Yea, that triple back looks good but the trophy colors, blue/white/red looks good too, tempting, VERY tempting 🙄

[@stevesanelli90]

@@NothingToProve yeah, I told you that before… Trophy X with wire wheels 😉

[@NothingToProve]

Yea, I want to stay married, plus my wife has sex with me...at least for now, so no GS...yet 🤣🤣🤣🤣 But once sex is no longer important...then GS! 🤣🤣 All kidding aside, I'll probably bring one home next week or the week after - working on a 6 month deal, kind of like a "lease" but not really, it will never be in my name, I just get to keep for 6 months and make rides/mods/off-road videos about it, then give it back. But and this is a big but, it's probably going to be a white one 😒 I've seen it but it's fully loaded with every thing. I shouldn't complain, "beggars can't be choosers". take care, Scott

[@stevesanelli90]

@@NothingToProve Ohh Scott, you are a great man💪💪

[@vladimir.novoseltsev]

All these numbers are quite high. I think max approved exhaust noise level for bikes is around 96Db, measured half a meter away from exhaust with mic oriented to muzzle, not directly from behind though.

[@NothingToProve]

They were high because I was close to the motor, simply because sound dissipates quickly - technical term: Acoustic attenuation, & the further away from the motor, the more interference from other noises & the more exhaust noise would have come into play, didn't want that, so stayed close to the motor. Although, in the riding position, it was picking up some exhaust noise. take care, Scott

[@Jaame-ju3ds]

Aah! But is it shinier?

[@Mac_okee]

Seems that the frequency range of the 1250 is a lot lower than that of the 1300

[@NothingToProve]

Yep, agreed. the 1250 is a deeper, richer sound over all.

[@mikemessenger3454]

I test rode the 1300GS. I was very disappointed by the sound. The exhaust sound is very ordinary at best, certainly not a match for the sound of the 1250 which has a great tone to it. I started experimenting and found a lot of the noise is transmission whine. Try closing the throttle at about 3000rpm and coast till idle. The exhaust sound goes near silent, no nice burble, and then you hear the transmission sound as you slow down. Sounds like an old 4x4! Very poor and backward step regarding sound.

[@bjrnhjjakobsen2174]

I will try and find some experts at my workplace (University ) and have them explain the dynamics of noice and how it travels on a motorcycle - as it bothers me not to know😂

[@NothingToProve]

but also take into account their political view on internal combustion engines, as it may or may not affect their results...LOL!

[@bjrnhjjakobsen2174]

@@NothingToProve luckily they are not like that - just sound nerds😂

[@florislok]

Airheads are the best sounding BMW’s, with the most character, and a lot less PS, but outside Germany you nowhere can ride like 200km/h anymore so...

[@brulaapgaapmeester8052]

Measure the noise where your head would be when driving, maybe an idea.

[@NothingToProve]

Uh, yea, I did that. Did you watch the video and miss it?

[@therealquaid1694]

"Riding" you mean. You pig

[@brulaapgaapmeester8052]

I skipped what I thought was the measurement of one of the cylinders, and also wanted to jump to the results quickly. Silly of me, I apologize. :-)@@NothingToProve

[@Epiphone1978]

4:50 Now that's the GS raw sound, not like the one next to it, the Chinese one....with the Chinese headlight.....

[@tomekcz20022]

In my opinion, 1250 looks better in the front , bigger!

[@Qbasz007]

New one sound like a broken Ducati/Ktm🎉

[@georgilondon5877]

Can't wait for the new S 1000XR review. Still no shiftcom....Now it is explained everything, they plan to put it on the new M XR.. That's ok BMW, there are many other more honest brands!!!

[@UncleWally3]

No matter how much goes into making exhaust sound appealing I can’t convince my wife it’s better out than in . . .

[@GURSAH]

the new 1300 is more power that s why little bit noisy and also the old 1250 is used and rodage finished bike .

[@MH-xd2nd]

110dB? I hope you wore earplugs! 1250 sounds much nicer to my ears. The 1300 is much higher pitch, making it feel louder.

[@peterswanson3446]

Great video! Well done. But I gotta say, BMW has always made subjectively ugly bikes... but I still thought they looked ok. This new bike is so ugly I get angry looking at it. 😂 lol

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

They both sound like a twin cylinder tractor.

[@rodriguezahr]

The 1250 is way more beautiful in my opinion especially the front.

[@40onAbike]

I’m a proud owner of a gs1250 and today I tried the new gs1300. Now I can tell the difference: on the 1250 I feel like an Avenger while on the 1300 I feel like a mediocre rich white collar

[@cpuuk]

It's a very small question.

[@reinhold3590]

All 3 Bikes are far too loud. I ride my R250RT always with ear protection (custom made), without it drives me crazy after 50km. All and BMW Motorbikes really need to reduce noise and not increase the horespower.

[@NothingToProve]

Ear protection = ditto!

[@gaganchandra5661]

1250 sounds better.. feels pleasant to ears... and looks better

[@DrT1250]

I was hoping the new motors would be significantly quieter. Disappointing.

[@asturiancetorix2552]

I have a R1250RT and I can´t figure out how the R1300 could be a noisier engine 🤣🤣🤣

[@AK-xu1fx]

In my opinion, all 'new' engines make slightly louder noises than a 10,000-mile engine.

[@horatio8764]

The 1300 sounds like it needs some oil , sounds horrible, surely it's my phone's speaker

[@NothingToProve]

...no...it's not your phone...😢

[@horatio8764]

@@NothingToProve Oh well , the faster you go the less you'll hear!

[@billweiss9514]

bikes too close for accuracy

[@Rafasz1983]

I dont care about a liitle more noise.

[@FxRiderST]

They all sounds about the same - washer-dryer

[@victorkorando]

Seeing the models together...you have to say, what were BMW thinking?? The new bike is so bland...too Japanese...

[@markshirley7639]

All of a sudden the 1250 looks old ! Very very old !

[@mickrick84]

This Boxer engines sound totally crap! Like Tractors..