EP:4 BMW R1250GS/A Riding Modes, Dynamic Mode & Road Mode Settings - Quick Tip. ENG/DEU

BMW R1250GS Rallye: Riding Modes and how to use the menu settings to quickly and easily switch between “Dynamic & Road” for example, or the two modes YOU use most, without having to look at the dashboard and take your eyes of the road ahead. It’s a very simple solution that I have been using for two weeks…. And it works for me.
This is the fourth episode in this new series looking at the R1250GS. I am lucky to have this bike for a long-term test and review, and will cover several thousands of km over the coming weeks with the BMW R1250GS.
I will share what I think about this amazing motorbike and the incredible BMW 1250 engine. We will discuss the positives and negatives and talk about optional extras and the BMW packs / packets you might add to your GS.
I will also release several “Tips and Tricks” episodes, for helping you understand how to use the TFT and menu system and how to get the maximum from the different riding modes and settings.
I hope to upload 1 new video each week during this first season, so please Subscribe and press the Bell notification button (This will help the channel grow and develop), and of course you will be notified when the next episode is uploaded. Thank you, Carl
If you have any requests or content suggestions about the BMW R1250GS series… just let me know.
Copyright Notice:
This video is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation without written permission of the owner is prohibited.
© 2022 All rights reserved. Just The Way It Is -KZbin channel

[@viasevenvai]

2022’ GSA here. I road around in ROAD mode for about a month and forgot about other modes (i had been using ENDURO for offroad). I was thinking of selling the bike as it was boring. I then found DYNAMIC mode again thank goodness. More power and harder suspension. Im good with the bike now and dont want to use ROAD ever again (maybe on a long road trip).

[@justthewayitis]

Hello and welcome, nice story and thank you for sharing it. I guess your now pleased with your new bike... Smile. Best wishes Carl

[@terrystirewalt2967]

Just wanted to say thank you. I just purchased a 2023 R1250GA, which I will not be able to ride until spring as I live in Minnesota, USA. I have been watching your videos over and over in preparation for spring. I did have to laugh at one thing you said, as the comment about old men buying their las bike fit me to a tee. Although this is my third last bike. Thanks again for your wonderful episodes.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Terry and welcome to the channel. I laughed at your comment, in a nice way... ***last bike*** In March this year my wife had said to me.. that better be your last bike, as it cost a small fortune, and like you have seen in the series I always thought this is what older guys buy. But I have been so wrong, they really are great fun all round. I wish for you a wonderful spring riding season with your new GS. Do come back and share the start of your season. Kindest regards Carl

[@johnbauer3231]

Thanks Carl, I am a new GSA owner and as much as I love my dealer they simply don’t have the time to walk through all of the options and issues that you so patiently walk us through.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi John, thank you, glad the episodes are helping owners. 👍. Have lots of fun with your new GSA...

[@brianlekei8920]

So excited to have found your channel. I am in the process of buying a non current 2021 GS exactly like the one you have. Such great info, well presented, thank you. I am even more excited and looking forward to picking up my new bike. Your videos really simplify and explain how great this bike is. Thanks again Carl.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Brian and welcome to the channel, your going to love your new GS it's a great bike and I have...and i am having a great time with it. Lots more to share as the series moves along. Best wishes Carl

[@DuarteMacedo]

Very important tip in favor of security. I will use it. Thanks Carl.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Duarte, good morning and thank you. Glad you liked the tip. Best wishes and enjoy your BMW. Carl

[@wetspecs]

Thanks Carl for your incredibly useful channel. Technical details are so well articulated that there is no room for errors. Heater button tip - fantastic! Just returned from south of France and now I shall apply the 2 riding modes setup. So simple but so useful - and safer. Keep going!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Martin, thank you for the compliment. I enjoy putting these episodes together although they take a fair bit of time. As too the tips they just make enjoying the ride easier and more enjoyable. Best wishes Carl

[@justthewayitis]

And the next time your here in Europe Martin, on your travels, let me know... we are not that far from France and have some simply stunning empty roads, Carl

[@maxkunzke8995]

Simple is sometimes, or often, better…. Why have so many options if only few, or two in this case, are really needed? What a great, yet very simple, solution. Will be trying it tomorrow. Thanks Carl!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Max, yes indeed.enjoy 👍

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Max, do you try it out ?, I've been using it more and more to switch between Road and Dynamic and now really enjoy the freedom of enjoying both. Carl

[@maxkunzke8995]

@@justthewayitis Hi Carl, yes I did, and I have left the setting like that. I find it so simple to just switch between only these two settings than to have to go through options that I do not really need. But then again, that is becaue I do not need to use the rest „right away“. Others riders may need that. I find this very useful.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Max, good morning, thank you for taking the time to reply, and as you have said, I think most of us will only use two settings. Maybe on tour in the rain I might change the 2 around a little . Thankyou again, best wishes Carl

[@GhostRider-69]

Thanks Carl! Good tip with having just 2 modes configured. Maybe even 3 modes would be good as well.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Peter, yes 2 or 3, I find 2 is best as I know exactly what modes I am switching between, and do not need to look down and check, but 3 would also work. Thankyou for your feedback. Best wishes Carl

[@WoodNotts]

Just discovered your channel and like the format. Watched with interest and looking forward to seeing more. I’m in the process of migrating from the ill fated Nav VI to the ConnectedRide cradle and the Connected app so if you can shed any light on this too it would be greatly received as you have a more in-depth knowledge from what I’ve seen so far. Many thanks👍

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Woodnotts and welcome to the channel, yes I will add your suggestion to my list of topics to cover. Thankyou for the compliment. Best wishes Carl

[@lifeisgood4519]

Brilliant content! Thank you! 🔥

[@justthewayitis]

Hello, your very welcome 👍

[@lanceclaasen3059]

hi ,from south Africa, recently purchased a 1250 gs hp with sports suspension, have you done a video on road and gravel setup. so if you can shed any light on this too it would be greatly received as you have a more in-depth knowledge from what I’ve seen so far .Thanks Carl!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Lance, and welcome to the channel, the sports suspension version is slightly firmer than the standard GS plus it has 20mm more travel which is a big plus if you ride off road. As to settings it’s a very much a personal thing, as to which settings you like it depends on your weight, height and riding style. Enduro is the mode most owners use off road ( see my Dynamic ESA series to understand more about settings) if your an experienced rider you can try Enduro Pro but that mode is best suited to proper off road tyres. On road you can choose between Road and Dynamic and see which you prefer. You also can try the Auto, Min and Max preload setting to see which you like best. For me on road I switch between Road and Dynamic mode depending on the roads and who I’m riding with and leave preload in Auto, unless I take a pillion and then I use Min. Off road dry gravel roads I use Road mode with Max preload or I switch to Enduro mode. Sounds like you have a great bike and with sports suspension you have great capability for off road riding. I hope this helps a little, the key thing is spending time and trying the modes and settings to see which you like best. Kindest regards Carl

[@geecee4746]

Never knew this, great wee tip, cheers 👍👍

[@justthewayitis]

Hi GeeCee, your welcome, Carl

[@brucebrown6597]

Great tip. We have too many choices anyway.

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you Bruce, maybe your right... smile. Carl

[@mikebrown4332]

Great tip! Thank you.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Mike, your welcome. It might not be for everyone but it's worth a try and I do enjoy making the most of both modes now. Best wishes Carl

[@Dazmpower]

Great tip.

[@justthewayitis]

🙏

[@garywilliams1410]

Hi Carl. I have just purchased a new R1250GS. I do not take delivery until July 13th. The bike is fully loaded minus luggage and Sat Nav. I have found your Videos on the bike extremely informative and easy to comprehend. is there a way to get a copy of your spread sheet showing Riding modes and ESA options? i have tried screen shots but the small writing comes out illegible. Please keep up the good work, i am thoroughly enjoying your content. Thank you for your trouble.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Gary and congratulations on your new GS, collection date will arrive very quickly 😇 and soon you will be out on your new bike. I have not released the spreadsheet maybe I will later in the year. Thank you for your feedback and positive comments, I wish you a great summer Regards Carl

[@garywilliams1410]

@@justthewayitis Thank you for your reply Carl. Actually here in Australia we are into our 14th day of winter. If you ever get down our way I can show you some fabulous rides, both in the Adelaide Hills and the Victorian and NSW high country. Keep me in mind if the spread sheet becomes available please. I've just brought the Blackbird out of hibernation for a few weeks until the GS arrives. I am pretty excited as you cam imagine. By the way some of us love to watch longer utubes with such well presented content contrary to what utube might think!! Again keep up the good work.

[@justthewayitis]

I think your winters are probably better than our summers 😉. Thank you if I’m down your side that would be great 👍 I’ve only made as far as NZ backpacking in my younger years. Perhaps I should keep going with the longer content episodes 🤔 Thank you Carl

[@andybrown3508]

Thanks for a great video , after riding triumph motorcycles for years I got myself Gs , but I do find it a palaver, regarding setting up the bike . I did have my bike on road and auto on my left hand side button which controls the suspension, and I had a pillion on the back , and I was bouncing all over the place , then I changed it to dynamic and what a difference. One thing I say about the triumph you choose a mode and it self adjusts , instead of this rigmarole you got to do , to get your bike riding well. Maybe in time I get used to it.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Andy, yes when we ride 2 up Dynamic is the way to go, I do agree the Triumph suspension is better all round and much more adjustable, but the GS does copes with most things very well. 👍 glad you found the mini series helpful. You could also try rear suspension set to MAX with Road mode but it’s then quite high at the rear. Enjoy your weekend Kindest regards Carl

[@andybrown3508]

@@justthewayitis cheers Karl , been watching your other videos, very educational. Better then the bmw hand book, that I got with the bike. Minds 22 yr model

[@justthewayitis]

Yes the book is not great, some of the BMW dealership use the videos to help new customers LOL, and no they don’t pay me… that would be nice. Carl

[@exit9874]

Excellent!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Exit, thank you 👍glad you enjoyed the episode. Carl

[@skippynj1979]

Thank you for this nice video

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Steven, your welcome 🙏 glad you enjoyed it. Kind regards Carl

[@skippynj1979]

@@justthewayitis I did.. I just priced up my 23 gsa yesterday.. couldn't figure out why it would let me select all the modes... 🤦. And more I just keep two up at a time. Thank you

[@justthewayitis]

👍 Perfect

[@tombrown6329]

Carl: Lovely explanation, but so many words! I did change some things after watching: I did not go to 2 modes on the preset. I use 90/10 tires. I like Rain, Road, Enduro and Dynamic Pro for different reasons and want to keep them all handy. I'm able to slow down for a minute to set this but I'll keep this 2-mode idea in back of my mind. Dynamic throttle control has no productive use, imho. Throttle CONTROL is given up with this setting...so no Dynamic Mode needed for me. Prior to watching this, I had Dynamic Pro set with all Road settings except for the suspension. Since watching this and understanding what thes settings are doing, I'm keeping Road throttle control but allowing partial wheelie control and partial rear wheel lift detection. I think I may get better hard braking out of the lift setting because rear wheel ABS had been kicking during hard stops on dry roads. BTW: On my GSA low suspension, Road is soft and bouncy in back...sort of how you describe Eco. I also think my GSA gearing is lower than the 1250 GSA Rallye I rode in the Western Alps recently. Ride on!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Tom, thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience it will help other owners too. Good to know you enjoyed the episode and it was some help. Best wishes Carl

[@justthewayitis]

Each version seems to have slightly different suspension settings and spring rates, this might explain the difference you felt between the 2 GSA's.

[@brianhill3603]

Hi Carl, any chance you can do a video showing the difference the suspension settings make, cheers Brian

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Brian, yes I am planning to cover this. But it's not going to be a 5 min episode.... Their is so much to cover it might have to be over 2 episodes. Carl

[@shaneksmith1957]

Thanks!

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Shane, and welcome to the channel. 👍

[@garthwaters5756]

Carl was wondering if you could do a vlog on the locking and alarm system on the GS Thanks :-)

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Garth, I think the Alarm system was an optional extra with the GS, I know mine does not have it. I normally use a disc lock. But I will check... thankyou Carl

[@AndyGSATractor]

great tip

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you Andy, it certainly has been great for me. Hows your Black Beauty?

[@AndyGSATractor]

@@justthewayitis shes in the stable nice and clean ..manage to get out for little bimble and manage a vlog or two

[@Bluemonkey630]

Hallo Carl, ist es möglich die Komfortblinker auszuschalten bzw. das Automatische blinken zu verlängern bis zum ausschalten. Top Video 👍

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Robert, Herzlich Willkommen auf meinem Kanal. Das ist eine sehr gute Frage... Ich glaube, ich verstehe deine Frage - können die "self-cancelling" Blinker abgeschaltet werden? Ich bin mir ziemlich sicher, dass diese Automatik nicht abgestellt werden kann. Das nächste Mal, wenn ich bei BMW bin, werde ich nachfragen. Viele Grüße, Carl

[@theok.3266]

Can i ask something (maybe silly 🙄) why is the red line starting at 5500 rpm????

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Theo and welcome, it's a good question... the system when cold show a reduced redline as you have seen, but as the bike slowly warms up the redline increases. Its clever bit of programming that makes you aware the bike is not yet ready for full throttle untill the engine has warmed up. It's not a silly question... welcome to the channel. Best wishes Carl

[@Hogdriver88]

Very good idea 👍. I also liked the previous tip with the heat select button - it works on my GSA and it’s very helpful! Any idea if there’s an ‘accessory’ mode on the ignition, where we can switch on just the electronics and not the headlight - I don’t see it anywhere.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi, great question, I am not aware of a way, but I will have a look. Perhaps someone here knows and can post the answers.... Carl

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Hogdriver, I have had play and I cant find a way just to turn on the ignition so you have accessory power without the lights coming on. Sorry.. maybe there is a way but I cant find one. Carl

[@Hogdriver88]

@@justthewayitis Thanks Carl - I have not found a way either. Kind of surprising it can’t be done. Also would be nice if there was a way to trim down the dozen or so selections when cycling through the Menu button for fuel quantity, miles, trip A etc… or at least go back, rather than go through all of them to get back to the one you want to display! Greg - HD88

[@49googie]

Hi Carl , the way I do it is I like the throttle response of Dynamic but the suspension is a bit to Hard . So I leave it in Dynamic and toggle the suspension into Road, simple as its the suspension you want to soften !!. The indicators are a bit of a nightmare I have more people pulling out on me with this bike and one guy I went to speak to him he thought I was indicating. I think its a bad idea.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi RMG, now your suggestion is another simple way to do it, thankyou for sharing. As to the indicators I'm with you, but other viewers do seem to like them. Carl

[@justthewayitis]

And FYI Chris who also leaves comments here has mentioned that the BMW dealer can turn these and the running lights off. I have to see my dealer next week so I'm going to pop into the workshop and ask a technician if this is possible and can he show me. I will report back in a later episode. Carl

[@justthewayitis]

Hi RMG, I've now been back to BMW to have some warranty work done...I'll cover this next week, but while I was there I asked them to look and see if the rear multifunction indicators can be turned off or switched back to standard... sadly after they plugged the GS into their system check, they said it was not possible. Shame. Carl

[@49googie]

@@justthewayitis Thanks for asking mine is going in for 6500k mile service so i will ask here in N.I. though I have a few niggles with oil warning coming on all the time and suspension warning that i cant adjust it but it does work just the TFT lighting up like a Xmas tree very annoying !, the joys of modern tech I guess.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi RMG, sorry to hear you have a couple of problems, perhaps it might be resolved with the software update ?. Please let me and the others here know, how you get on at your dealership. Carl

[@michielvandepol6765]

Does anyone know how to disable the navigation pop-ups on the TFT? I'm using the BMW Connected Cradle and don't wont to have the navigation pop-ups shown on my TFT.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Michael sorry I don’t know, If your talking about the bmw connected app, I do not use it for navigation I use the Navi-6. May be someone else can help answer your questions Carl

[@michielvandepol6765]

@@justthewayitis Hi Carl, I use the connected app indeed. So I have the navigation via the phone right in front of me. Yet the TFT display keeps showing the navigation pop-ups, which I obviously don't need to see. I wonder if those can be disabled. If someone here knows, please enlighten me with your wisdom!

[@justthewayitis]

🤞

[@daxtay]

the changing of riding mode road, rain, enduro and dynamic will affect damping soft and hard? i though only affect throttle respond.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Dax, and welcome. There are 3 main damping modes ( road dynamic, enduro) but each Ride Mode ( eco, rain, road, dynamic, dynamic pro, enduro and enduro pro) has a slightly different damping setting based on what the bike is doing and how fast you travel. Best wishes Carl

[@michalbako9601]

Hy , I have GS anti wheelie control?

[@justthewayitis]

If your gs is the later model then yes it has 👍

[@ibuk4309]

Not got the pre selection mode options on My 2020 TFT😭

[@justthewayitis]

Hello IB UK Oh dear...😔

[@rickhanna2606]

Hi Carl,new subscriber here,enjoy the channel,im looking to purchase this motorcycle and went to my local dealer and I was informed as of now you can't get led lighting,2023 are shipping with halogen, BMW says semiconductor trouble worldwide, would you wait for led or settle for the halogen lights,thank you

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Rick and welcome to the channel, yes that is correct but... I think there is a free upgrade back to Adoptive LED lights once they are again available. Perhaps ask your dealer but this is what I have been told. I might be wrong... but that's the news I received. Best wishes Carl

[@rickhanna2606]

Thanks for responding Carl,unfortunately the dealer told me no future swap from halogen to led if they become available, something to do with the cpu and electronics, they said cant be upgraded,I think I will just wait for now,thank you very much,Rick

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Rick, ok, thankyou for clarification. I hope your wait will be rewarded with a wonderful bike. Best wishes Carl

[@wrangler10]

What’s the difference between dynamic and dynamic pro ?

[@justthewayitis]

It's a very good question which will be covered in full detail in an upcoming episode. Along with enduro and enduro pro . Carl

[@49googie]

@@justthewayitis The pro lets you adjust the throttle response more and lose n's the traction control more , unless you on top of your game leave it.

[@Papaondas]

you must be out of mind mate, swap a Ducati for a BMW, but you are not alone in that world 😉

[@justthewayitis]

Well I do miss my multistrada very much, and I did try (twice) the new V4 but didn’t like it. For me losing the 17’ front wheel and the single sided swing arm, gaining weight losing midrange and gaining poor mpg…. Where all the wrong things. I told my dealer to cancel my order, and many others did the same. But when the PP version came out they fixed most issues but the price was silly high and it was to late. Shame…

[@michaelwilliams3861]

So i take it when you do this press of the mode button, you are still doing the throttle off for a few seconds, you didn’t simulate this action.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Michael, yes this is correct. Carl

[@Elysian_Angel_]

Germany’s got far better road surfaces than Belgium - where I live. So sadly I can’t use Dynamic very often…

[@justthewayitis]

Oh dear... then more road trips to Germany are required. Smile... Carl