Harley Davidson vs. BMW R1200GS Adventure

While locked down due to the Corona Virus I decided to do a comparison of 2 popular touring motorcycles. The Harley Davidson Ultra Limited (FLHTK) and the BMW R1200GS Adventure. I discuss the bikes and their very different personalities and give you an owners perspective on both bikes.
In all fairness I must mention that the Harley Davidson is a 2011 model and does not have all of the technological features of the new ones, but I love the bike and I love the BMW.

[@brazeagle]

Thanks for the video, I also have a 1250 GSA and had a beautiful Road Glide Special, but sold the Harley and kept the GSA as I rode both long distances and on the PAVEMENT, the GSA is simply AMAZING, maneuverable and fast, while riding from NYC to FL with my Road Glide, I had a couple close calls due to people cutting in front of you and you not being able to quickly maneuver...the GSA is another beast, though I love Harleys. Thank you again.

[@dcdell2008]

I could not agree more...I've owned four Harley's, from 2003 Softail, 2009 Ultra Classic, 2014 Limited, and 2018 Road King Special...and today, I own only one bike, the 2019 BMW R1250GSA and what a world of difference in ride experience most specially, floor boards scrapping in cornering in the Harley is gone as I can take those corner turns more confidently and the 500lbs+ weight vs 800, is a no brainer great advantage...thanks for sharing and ride safe.

[@kepsteradv1422]

Thanks for watching. I am with you on all of that. I love the bike. My wife wont get on the GSA, but I take it where I want to go alone anyway.

[@rso1411]

Great video. I have the 1250 GS Adventure and just sold my Harley Ultra Limited and Pan America and am sticking with the BMW. I am doing my first long distance ride on it next week (Ca. to Texas) and then Alaska next year. I agree with you, the BMW is an all around awesome bike, but I do miss my Ultra. I put 65,000 miles on it and never a single problem, it was such a faithful and comfortable traveling companion.

[@kepsteradv1422]

Thank you. I have a 1250 GSA now and love it. I did a 6,000 mile trip on it and loved every minute. I still have the ultra and took it for a ride yesterday. I love that bike to but it doesn’t bring me the same excitement as the GS. Enjoy your trip. You’re on the right bike for it.

[@Far2hip]

This is pretty freaky, lol. So many similarities in the reason’s I have both a Harley Road Glide and a GS1250R Adventure. I even have the fully vented version of your black jacket!! Too funny. For any biker that deeply appreciates the full spectrum of what a motorcycle has to offer, having the combination of these two bikes is so satisfying that it’s difficult to describe in words. Especially at the age I am now where my on AND off-road balls have shriveled just a tad. I used to be a crotch rocket (Yamaha FZR750RR OW01, Yami R1) and all dirt monster (Honda CR250, KTM 450EXC) type but always had a Harley touring bike. Lots of radical and extreme sun up to sun down days and weekends. But when I hit my 40’s in age, I bought myself a BMW GS adventure bike and everything changed. The road manners of that GS was absolutely terrific and I could slam turns with gusto and even get a little controlled wheel spin of a hard exit in the twisties. It was pure adrenalin junkie fun and I then realized I could roll past far more miles with far less fatigue on that GS than my HD Ultra. Priorities shifted to being able to get my 2 wheeled fix for any occasion which meant toning down the extremes. Now in my mid 50’s, I couldn’t imagine having one without the other. I can could get on the Road Glide or the GS 1250R Adventure depending on the proposed terrain encounters and plan a multi thousand mile road trip properly equipped and in complete confident comfort at basically any time of the year. Although both are satisfyingly comfortable on really long rides, what is always a perplexing reality is that the GS Adventure is actually a more comfortable touring bike than than the Harley. But let’s face it, and you said so yourself in your review, there is just something about that trademark solid feel and perfect degree angle of those Harley cylinders that gives that signature sound that makes the Harley just so damn cool feeling. I am right now looking out the window at the 2006 Suzuki M109R Boulevard I am about to go and give a lickin’, lol. But even thought it’s intoxicating torque is SO much fun to experience, or even the BMW GS for that matter, it’s just NOT a Harley with all its symphony of sounds and feels that just DOES something to you. When you crack that throttle on a big HD twin, even when there is nobody else around, the private personal grin just appears and you don’t even realize it. Just SAYING, “I’m going to take a rip on the Harley.” feels cool before you even get on the bike, lol. Great review and analysis brother. 👍🏻😎👍🏻

[@kepsteradv1422]

Scott Kennedy You know what else is funny, I just bought an R1250GS Adventure. I actually had a catastrophic engine failure in the 1200GS after sinking the bike. I had a video of it happening but I took it down. I am absolutely loving the 1250. I only have 450 miles on it so far so I am still being kind to it while it is breaking in. I got to take pretty long rides on both motorcycles this weekend, and I love them both. I like what you said about the private personal grin when you crack the throttle when no one else is around. I feel that same feeling. It is definitely a blessing having them both and experiencing both.

[@Far2hip]

Oh no!! But awesome at the same time, lol!! Once you get past a good careful break in, you are going to LOVE that extra power and the seriously BROAD range where the torque is right there for you when you need it. I spent the extra $3500 for the Premium Package and it’s worth every dang penny!! I literally was on that demo bike for less than 5 miles and the ‘ole 1200 was a trade in, lol. You’re gonna love that expanded low rpm grunt. Very tractor like with outstanding throttle response. BMW did an amazing job upgrading an already fabulous platform. Everything they upgraded is literally perfect and made me love the ADV platform even more!! Now I am sniffing out that Yamaha Niken to add to the stable. Apparently the front end has a freakishly planted front end and offers a unique experience with a bit different confidence building lean in feel with that second front wheel. Cool looking thing!! Have fun on that 1250 my man!! 👍🏻😎👍🏻

[@sprucelodge]

Very nice to have the option of both bikes , good choice , hard to beat the classics look on the Harley

[@kepsteradv1422]

Thank you for watching! I agree. I love the classic looks of the Harley. My wife won't get on any other bike. I really do love them both and plan to keep them both for a long time to come. One great thing about both bikes is that they can last a long time if properly maintained. I might consider some engine modifications on the Harley to give it a little more punch. If I do I will certainly share it on my channel.

[@ronaldhenry4057]

Thanks - this helped answer some of the very same questions I've been asking - big Harley vs medium sized BMW GS.

[@JD-xk9ef]

I saw that your bike is 83K miles but on the GPS it was 18K. Great video btw.

[@jayj.r.1947]

Great job. I've been a fatboy owner since 2012. Recently looking at a Street Glide and 1250 GS. Never ridden a GSA before. GSA videos on KZbin and reviews just seem like it's a great long distance bike. All thoughts and opinions are welcome.

[@kylefng]

Great video. I came from a Zx14 and an 06 road king to a 2020 road king but now need to fill that stall with a 1250. I don’t get to ride a lot, but when I do, I want to ride what I want to ride. Thx again!

[@kepsteradv1422]

I am now on an R1250GS Adventure and it is a great bike. I am currently on a several thousand mile road trip on the bike and it is a joy to ride. It does everything well. It is comfortable, powerful and fast on pavement and takes me anywhere I want to go off road. It is definitely no a dirt bike, but does great on most trails and dirt roads. It is pretty big and heavy for soft sand, so you really got to keep it moving pretty fast but that is not my typical off road riding. I am really glad I have the bike and stand by it being the one bike I would have if I could only have one.

[@dpinedoblog]

This is a great video. Wished I had seen this before. I have a Dyna low rider S. During this time I have owned the same white GSA and later traded that for a RT. I expected to like the GSA more, but I had a lot of back pain and the inconvenience of the height, weight, and width made every day more painful than desired. The RT was much more practical, without the off-road ability. My wife did not care for the RT. The RT was a really good bike. At the end, no bike is perfect. The Dyna remains, because of the sentimental value, but spot #2 is open. Considering a multistrada, goldwing, or road king for the more do it all bike. I ride the Dyna every day but it’s only good for short distances in nice weather, so suffering is a daily occurrence. Anyways, I really enjoyed the video. Thanks.

[@kepsteradv1422]

Thanks for watching, I am always happy to hear when someone gets something out of one of my videos. I haven’t made one for a while, because I sunk the GSA in a giant puddle and ended up having a catastrophic engine failure that was too much to fix. I got a new bike - a 2020 R1250GS Adventure. I spent some time considering other bikes before making the decision. I looked at different bikes in different price ranges, but decided that if I didn’t get the GS I would miss everything the GS offered. I have often considered getting a Dyna because of the smaller size and it seems like I could go out and have a blast on it without it being as much of an ordeal as it is on the Ultra. With that I am constantly adding or removing the tour pack, changing seats and changing windshields based on if my wife is joining me or not. I have considered a Dyna that would just be my bike to enjoy. I also have considered an RT many times. So I would say to you, “Good taste in bikes!”. I haven’t made a video for a while because of the loss of the white bike, but will be at it again soon since I now have its replacement. Thanks again!!

[@dpinedoblog]

KepsterADV the dyna is a blast but it is narrow focused - good weather and not too much highway. My wife can only do it for short distances but she does like the character. Fortunately there are plenty of used dynas out there at great prices. I used to have a victory cross country tour, so I know what it’s like taking off the trunk and changing the seat. As annoying as it is, you have two bikes in one, so it’s worth the flexibility. She really enjoyed the victory and a old Honda Valkyrie I once had. She doesn’t care for the sporty or adventure style as a passenger. For the next bike, her comfort is premium. Will see what ends up happening. Thanks for the response. Hopefully you have time to show us your 1250 soon - perhaps I will like it more than the 1200.

[@Yetipfote]

The BMW navigation feature with the handle is really smart! Good engineering! Great riding footage and comparison at the end! Was a really insightful video review.

[@kepsteradv1422]

Thank you for watching. I know some time has passed but it seems I don’t see some of my comments when I look on my phone. I upgraded to a 2020 R1250GS Adventure and got a new Nav when my old one failed. I am not sure if it is the new Nav or the bike, but I don’t have the same kind of control over the Nav6 with the wheel as I did previously. That is a disappointment and a feature I really liked.

[@ricochet4434]

Thanks for this video. I thought I was the only person in the world wanting to compare my Ultra Classic To a new BMW 1250 GSA

[@kepsteradv1422]

I have upgraded to the new 1250GSA. I am in love with the bike. I recently took it on a month long trip that brought me out as far as Tennessee. It was a great bike for the trip. I did about 70 or 80 miles of dirt along the way that took me to places I could not have seen on my Harley. Thanks for watching and commenting. The power of the GSA is something else too. It is big, powerful and stable both on-road and off.

[@thereplacementfordisplacement]

2006 flhrci, it was fun smooth, rode good, I could confidently corner to point of scraping floorboards. I hated not having a 6th gear and the tank could be bigger. 12 years after selling it I got a 2013 GS, amazing bike for solo rider and the technology helps seamlessly. I find that even with a 6 speed cruising highway speed I want to grab one more gear. Harleys give you a good rider feeling but the GS gives you a good riding experience. Whatever you ride, riding is what's important.

[@kepsteradv1422]

Well put. I really love both bikes. I don’t ride the Harley as much as I would like since getting the GSA. I just did a cam upgrade on it to give me some more mid-range power and am planning on upgrading the seat and head lights. I need to show it some love and perhaps improving the riding experience (especially with the seat) will inspire me to ride it more. I want to love to ride it more than I do, but if I am going on a long trip I would just rather be on the GSA. I do find myself wanting to grab 7th gear on the GSA. I just wish it was there to grab. Thanks for watching and commenting. I know what you mean about confidently scraping the floorboards on the Harley. My wife hates it. I recently did it on a ride up Palomar Mountain and now she won’t ride up there again with me.

[@laurenwadiak7305]

Very informative video! Good job!

[@kepsteradv1422]

Thanks, Darlin'!

[@HS99876]

Good review, both are good for long trips but adventure bikes are more versatile, it is nice to own both styles but if it comes to owning one, you are right, the best Choice is adventure bike. Thank you

[@epamendes4123]

Very nice video! Thank you for share your experiences.

[@kepsteradv1422]

Thank you for watching!!

[@harleycamper5577]

Best of both worlds! I am waiting for the Pan America to compliment my Harley tourer.

[@duanesmith5074]

I would wait 3 or 4 years to see if Harley is still around to support the Pan American. The 1st year motorcycle is never good. On top of that you have the T-shirt company to look forward to taking care of your warranty

[@chasingtrail]

Great video. Really appreciate the comparison. I'm looking for a bike to do longer distances on and have been considering adding a dedicated touring bike, though it makes a lot more sense to replace my T7 with a GSA.

[@kepsteradv1422]

I am on a 2020 R1250GSA now and in my opinion they are just a really great bike overall. I did an almost 6,000 mile trip last year and there is no bike I would have rather been on for that kind of trip. It is big, stable, comfortable and just does everything well. It is a better bike than I am a rider in pretty much every scenario.

[@chasingtrail]

@@kepsteradv1422 Great to hear, thank you! I love the T7 for a lot of things, but hate it on the freeway and it's a half-day bike for me. Just got back from a 3-day ride and I was pretty miserable on the 2nd half of each day. Looks like there's a GSA in my future.

[@shasha1873]

Two bikes from two different worlds.

[@tab6095]

Great video explaining Adventure vs Touring! Current dilemma is Road Glide or GS 1250. Love the look, sound and finish of Road Glide but love the performance aspect of the GS...... Maybe in the future can have both but for now I'll wait to see what HD does with 2021 model.

[@kepsteradv1422]

Tomasz Bylecki It is a dilemma. They are both great bikes. One thing to consider is what your friends have. One thing I have found on the GS is that they have a lot of rallies or clubs that do off-road/camping trips. I really enjoy that and I make more friends when I am on the GS. If I had more HD friends to ride with I might lean more that way.

[@tab6095]

Thanks KepsterADV . No one I road with had HD so great suggestion. It’s been 10 years since I road too. Some buddies still have bikes. I will mostly use it for work travel and some smaller weekend trips. My work travel is country roads n highway. I think the GS will be the better buy and don’t have to worry about addons as the bike is well equipped. I do prefer HD for passenger travel, just looks comfortable but cost is more and addons are a must. I’ll wait to see if HD improves suspension on new models which I read is behind compared to most manufacturers. Once the dealers reopen I will test both bikes.

[@Linde83]

Great video. Definitely appreciate your honesty and your opinion. I own a Road King Special and am looking at the 1250 GSA. This video was very helpful.

[@kepsteradv1422]

Jason Linde Will you keep the road king? The 1250 GSA is a great bike. I know a guy who is the president of GS Giants (a big GS/adventure bike) club and he traded his 1200 GSA in on a 1250 GSA and said it was a world of difference between the 2. My first Harley was a Road King. I loved that bike. Unfortunately I had a 20 year old girl pull out of a side street in front of me and I t-boned her. I miss that bike, but it was a total loss.

[@Linde83]

@@kepsteradv1422 Road Kings are enjoyable bikes, and I do plan to keep the Road King for a season or two to see where my head is at with the bikes. Everything I have researched on these GSA's have really impressed me and watching your video helped solidify it as you ride a Harley as well. Touring on the GSA was concern for me, but I have heard nothing but positive feedback on how comfortable they are.

[@kepsteradv1422]

Jason Linde The GSA is a great touring bike. I did a lot of research before buying it and that was one of the topics I found over and over. It is comfortable, capable and powerful. I have ridden in some high winds on both the Harley and the BMW, which are both heavier bikes, and I prefer the BMW because of its ability to punch through a headwind better than the Harley. I like having them both. My wife won’t get on any bike other than a Harley. This has been a big reason for me keeping it, plus every time I jump on it I remember that I actually love riding it.

[@harleycamper5577]

Wait for the Pan America

[@kepsteradv1422]

Harley Camper I am looking forward to seeing one of those at a rally sometime. Very interesting bike. I am not sure what the price will end up being, but if they can keep it competitive with the GS I am sure they will sell. I wouldn’t run out and buy one without hearing some experiences from other owners. I saw a video of a pro rider riding one and he made it look pretty capable.

[@PeterSmith-or3pq]

My 1999 classic is a great tour pack. 2 up But my 02 r1150rt has its own strengths

[@kepsteradv1422]

One of my good friends has a 99 Classic. It is a great bike. He has the Reinhardt (?) exhaust and I think his bike has a better sound than mine. He takes good care of it and it is a beauty. I have almost bought R1150RTs a couple of times. I love the bikes. I just always had too many in the garage for the wife when they popped up to pull the trigger. Thanks for watching and ride safe!!

[@alyoisis]

Beach cruiser or full suspension mountain bike? Recliner or high end offfice chair? Bud Light or Becks? Boxers or briefs? Nice video, mate. Though as many have pointed out, this is apples or oranges. Different strokes (literally!)

[@kepsteradv1422]

I agree 100%. But, I am sure there are people out wondering if they want an apple or an orange. Thanks for watching my video. I like your analogies. They are pretty much right on to the comparison I was making.

[@egbertveer7531]

Prima vergelijking en voor mij interessant. Ik rij momenteel een BMW GS en denk erover om een Electra Glide te kopen. Nu ik dit heb gezien hou ik het maar bij mijn BMW! Thanks!

[@kepsteradv1422]

Bedankt voor het kijken. Ik steun uw beslissing om bij de GS te blijven. Eerlijk gezegd is de Harley Davidson in de video een model uit 2011 en de nieuwe hebben veel meer op het gebied van technologie. Ik denk nog steeds dat de BMW een betere rit is met meer kracht en veelzijdigheid.

[@billdaggett7911]

Great comparison between 2 bikes that aren't comparable unless you consider that they both have 2 wheels! Lol.

[@kepsteradv1422]

There are a lot more differences than similarities for sure. Thanks for watching the video. I have actually upgraded the R1200GSA to the new R1250GSA.

[@guysamson5658]

Nicely reviewed!

[@kepsteradv1422]

Thank you for watching, Guy!!

[@petermacgregor9805]

Nice video. I have a GSA- I always wondered what it is like riding with the taller handlebar setup like you have on your Hog. It looks extremely uncomfortable to me! How does it feel after a long ride vs the BMW setup?

[@kepsteradv1422]

You would be surprised at how comfortable it actually is. The positioning of the bars where I have them leaves my shoulders and arms in a comfortable position and it actually makes the steering easier. I have heard others refer to it as "power steering". The main reason I got them initially is because I liked the way it looked, but I actually found them very comfortable. Now, with that being said my first Harley was a Road King with a windshield and 16" apes on it. They had to be tilted back a bit to clear the windshield and that put them into an uncomfortable angle for my shoulders. They were too close to me. I have 14" apes on this bike and they don't have much of a swoop to them. The angle where my hands meet the bars is just right for me which helps, and they are not too close to me like the ones on my Road King were. I certainly would not want them on my GSA, however. I think that bike is just right the way it is. Thanks for watching and commenting. I am going to be doing a cam swap video on the Harley pretty soon.

[@legacytesla]

You should borrow my K13s during the lockdown for a review vs the GS? 🙂

[@kepsteradv1422]

I would love to, Eric. I was considering renting some bikes to do comparisons with. Like the R18.

[@legacytesla]

@@kepsteradv1422 Perfect. Anytime you want, just let me know.

[@kepsteradv1422]

Eric Perkins Awesome! I will do that.

[@ritzdeep]

Good video. How would you rate/compare the stability of the two motorcycles in strong wind, especially crosswind?

[@kepsteradv1422]

Navadeep Boruah They are both heavy enough to do pretty well in the wind. I have done long rides in heavy wind on both. I can’t say I remember one handling cross winds better than the other, but in a head wind the GS wins. I just has more power and seems to push through it better. Thanks for watching, Navadeep!!

[@slcea7]

Great video. Been thinking of trading my 2018 FLHTK in on a 2021 R1250GSA. Worried about the knee position since I had to trade my 2015 K1600GTL in on the Harley to get a 90+ degree knee angle for 300+ mile days, which I prefer. I'm 6'3", so I may have more of an issue than you, but I like to get owners' opinions. Do you find you're able to ride long days on the GSA without knee strain?

[@illigitimus3451]

I am 6’2” and ride a bmw 1200 gsa, good thing is when you feel stiff, just stand up, or put your leg on the engine...

[@slcea7]

@@illigitimus3451 , how fast can you be riding and still stand?

[@wendigo-wd6ib]

amazing video

[@terryhari7534]

I am considering trading my harley with gs1200. How is the reliability and maintenance cost of bmw motorcycle? I never own their car as I heard it is money pit past the warranty.

[@kepsteradv1422]

The reliability of the bikes is very good. I have heard of people with over 200k miles on a GS still going strong. I do my own maintenance and with the opposed twin motor it is easy to access the valves. Their reliability is one of the things that attracted me to BMW.

[@terryhari7534]

@@kepsteradv1422 thanks for the info. Does the 1250 worth the upgrade fm 1200? Unfortunately I live in SE Asia country where over 250cc is considered luxury toy. 2014 1200gs cost $30k. While the latest 1250 brand new is 55k. I am considering to sell my harley and get the 1200gs or save up 2 more years to get 1250. I am tempted by the quick shifter in 1250. In terms of power, 600cc is more than enough to overpower 99.9% vehicles on the street here

[@stevec9959]

What is the point of the ape hangers? They look super uncomfortable.

[@kepsteradv1422]

Steve C I put the ape hangers on the bike because I like the way they look, but I was really surprised by how comfortable they actually are. This is actually my second bike with them. My first was a Road King with 16 inch apes. The 14 inch feel more comfortable to me but I really like them both aesthetically and functionally.

[@HCBR72RR]

Your BMW is nice!

[@kepsteradv1422]

Thanks, Brian. I am loving the bike. We should get out for a ride once the lockdown is over!!

[@HCBR72RR]

@@kepsteradv1422 sounds like a plan

[@lcdubs7847]

I'll never understand why anyone would put ape hangers on a bike with a batwing fairing.

[@kepsteradv1422]

Prior to having this bike I had a Road King with apes that I really liked and felt very comfortable with. I initially didn’t like the look of apes on batwing bike either, but it grew on me, so I got them. I love them. They are the 14 inch and I call them power steering, because I like the way it steers with the bars..

[@Skierxman]

I own a 1200gs and a road king. Comparing the gs to any harley is a little ridiculous. Completely different bikes in every possible way. Absurd to compare them.

[@kepsteradv1422]

Skierxman I own both, and you own both. I am sure that there are a lot of people like us that own both. I was once at a point before I bought the Harley where I was wondering which of the two would be the best for me. I chose the Harley and got the GS years later. If I would have had more input I might have gotten the GS first. I know I missed out on some fun not having the GS longer.

[@aliabedin2323]

I think it’s a great video and not at all ridiculous to compare them! I have a Fat Bob and these days I’m really considering a GSA. While I can afford to have both, I just don’t have enough time to ride to keep two bikes in the garage and this video did an amazing job weighing the pros and cons. PS, maybe keep the negative off color comments to yourself and let everyone else enjoy and be positive. Not really sure what the point of your comment is.

[@garycrumrine9538]

This is an Apples versus Oranges comparison. If you want to compare the two, you should be using an RT or a bagger whether a K or a R1800. NOBODY considers anything from HD as a tourer.

[@lafincow12]

I consider my HD Ultra a touring bike I’ve had both, a 2012 GSA and a I currently own a 2012 Ultra, never went off road and I always carry a passenger, so I swapped the GSA for the ultra I prefer the Ultra just because it’s easier to handle with lots of luggage and a passenger, plus the weather protection is better

[@503zzach]

You're a handsome man ;)

[@kepsteradv1422]

Thank you for saying that. You just won first place for best comment!!