I hired a BMW GS so I can finally see what the fuss is about - 1250 verses 850 comparison review

[@AndrewPoole01]

For those who might be wondering the F850GSA has Rain, Road, Dynamic Enduro and Enduro Pro modes. It also has cruise control (option) and a quick shifter.

[@danieloneil4731]

So does the ‘premium’ level of option for both 750/850 GS

[@tiborj.czegledi8230]

Right on!

[@pmjcr]

And as an owner of an 850 GS the engine performance and feeling on the Road vs Dynamic setting has NOTHING to do... So it is normal that she felt a big difference between the 850 vs 1250 in engine performance.. since the Road engine setting is really dull...

[@johncharters561]

Yes I’m pleased you mentioned the riding modes on the F850. I was surprised she said there were only two. Also having had a 2020 F850 I never found it lacking in power. Very comfy seat and many reviews say it is a great touring bike so let’s not be too critical about this bike. I am returning to an R1250 GS having ridden one down to Spain on an air cooled R1200GS in 2007 which felt perfect. The F850 is just too top heavy for me and difficult to move around in a small garage. Really looking forward to having a 2022 R1250GS Rallye TE next week.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

👍

[@altrujillo3566]

I watch a lot of product reviews and this, by far, is the best I've ever seen. You are a fountain of knowledge and you hit on just about every important point. New subscriber and looking forward to more from you. Thank you!!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Wow, thank you that is so lovely and kind of you to say, I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed it so much! Thanks for subscribing, I hope you enjoy the rest of the content, plenty of crazy and wild videos to come!

[@danieloneil4731]

As a former F750GS owner, and current R1250GS owner: the 1250 brakes are linked, where the 750/850 are not. So the increased braking feel is from both front and rear being called upon..

[@feloniousmonk3049]

Fact! and it's very efficient on the 1250 GS if you're in a "oh shit" panic moment. Also will add that when the forks don't dive, it's much more controllable with the frame geometry staying near constant.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thanks for the added info!

[@bobboonstra9235]

She's totally got it in terms of this review. Well done.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Wooo yey I am glad you think so, thanks for watching and im super glad you enjoyed it

[@motorcyclingkiwi7939]

That was one of the best comprehensive bike reviews I have seen! Hope you do more!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Wow gosh that really means a lot to me. Thank you!!! Lots more on my channel and I'll do more in the future. Thanks for the encouragement

[@kpaisan-m4h]

Great review! Love your positive energy and knowledge. Thanks for the video.

[@stephenpotts8170]

Enjoyed your comparison review, yes at 66 years of age, and having owned many bikes, the last three have been GS's the last two being 1250 GSA's. I think fundamentally they do everything really well, and the new 1300 has pushed it on even more. I'm just waiting till late next year when the adventure will be launched, I hope you get a chance to ride the new one I don't think you will be disappointed . thank you.

[@thelonewolf666]

your too old and fat now buddy--- take the car

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you so much for watching and sharing your experience! It’s amazing to hear about your journey with the GS lineup-sounds like they’ve been the perfect all-rounders for you. The new 1300 does seem like a great step forward, and I can’t wait to see what the Adventure model will bring. Wishing you many more great rides ahead.

[@robboddcc3003]

Great review BUT……. Why compare these 2 bikes? They’re a completely different prospect to each other. Even just the price prevents any sort of comparison! £19k or £12k !! Would make more sense to do a review of the 850GS against the Tiger 900 and another separate one for the 1250GS vs the Multistrada.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

A lot of people think a "smaller" bike is maybe ane easier option or better option so that's my reason. A slightly different angle on it

[@robboddcc3003]

Easier on the pocket for sure! It’s a bit like comparing a 3 series BMW to a 5 series. They’re both excellent in their own right but a big cost difference

[@TheGirlOnABike]

👍

[@assifkhan3803]

the ignition on the 1250 is three grand and over to fix.and if you are unlucky after three years when the waranty runs out just be ready to tkae the shook.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Oh ouch!!!

[@jmann2921]

Well done, Vanessa. I chose a used 1200 GS to see if I Iiked it and I do. Two months into it, my wife leaned up at a red light and said, “We’re ruined, aren’t we?” Yep. The only bike I’d trade for is a new one but this one fits our riding style and meets our needs perfectly. I would like a cup holder, though.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha cup holder is essential!

[@alandean488]

Great review & comparison. Really interesting and enlightening. Thanks for taking the rime to do it.

[@rsbharley4766]

Excellent video, great info. Thanks for taking the time to share. Cheers

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you for watching, I am glad you enjoyed it and found it useful !

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thoroughly enjoyed that Vanessa - knowledgable yet fun and light hearted, reminded me of Kermit the frog for some reason (and I mean that in a nice way - think it's to do with the way you flap your arms about). Good work! PS I completely agree with your analysis, the big GS is so much better and easier to live with than it's "little" brother.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

😅 the way I flap my arms around - that really made me giggle! Thanks so much for watching and I am glad you enjoyed it, mega appreciate the support `🐸

[@erikherje3414]

Great review! I haven't tried the F850 GS, but I own a '22 f850 GSA, and there is Road, Rain, Dynamic, Enduro and Enduro Pro modes. And I mostly ride in Dynamic mode, and I go like a rocket out of roundabouts 🙂 Wonderful touring machine, at 100.000,- Norwegian Kroner ( 10.000,- -ish Euros ) less than the 1250. Too bad you didn't get to try the 850 GSA. Love mine! ( my butt was sore the first day, now i find it very comfy - espescially on longer trips. Bought it in september with 4600 km on it, and a month later i passed 7800 km.. Can't wait for some wonderful rides across Norway next year!

[@rgconnergmail]

It might be an option you can unlock. It is an option even on the 1250GSA.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you for the kind words! It sounds like you’re absolutely loving your F850 GSA-i"rocket out of roundabouts" definitely sounds like a blast! 😄 The price difference compared to the 1250 makes it a nice choice, especially for touring. Your mileage already speaks volumes about how much you enjoy it-I hope you have managed to get to Norway! Thanks for sharing your experience, and happy riding!

[@heldemel2035]

You can have a lot of fun on the 850 - she says after ripping it to pieces for half an hour! 😂 As a shortie you did inspire me to actually try to sit on a GS - I've been intimidated by them in the past but wtf you only live once! Thanks Vanessa 😍

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha uh oh! You are very welcome

[@jairocantillo5678]

Great video, great comparison. Probably the best I have seen so far between these two machines. As Andrew said, the 850 get now has so many additional features, that make it maybe a little bit more enjoyable and desirable..

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Glad you enjoyed it, and yup totally agree!

[@tiborj.czegledi8230]

Right!

[@corujariousa]

Thanks for the video! You did a very good job presenting and comparing the bikes (your preference was obvious 😉). I was surprised by the low seat height you demonstrated. I got on one a while back and it was much higher. It is probably due to different seat adjustments and types. Stay safe and enjoying the rides.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! 😊 You’re absolutely right-the seat height can vary quite a bit depending on the adjustments and seat type. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@romancamarena]

I’ve been looking at reviews comparing both and yours is by far the best one so far compared to all the pro guys out there … first time I see you but definitely will follow from now on 👍🏻

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Aw wow. Thank you. That really means a lot. Welcome to my channel

[@drsalmanyunus]

I kept waiting for your ride and review of the experience...

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Both videos are live on my channel 🙂

[@mikedignum1868]

I bought my first ever GS in 2019 for touring and loved it. As a vertically challenged 60-year-old, I only had to change a few things on the bike to end up being able to get a third of my foot on the ground (Settings in the TFT & under seat bung change) The GS1250 took me all over Europe in the three years I had it and with no problems, it was a great allrounder bike..even computed on it into London for a short time. The only reason I recently got rid of it was due to the weight. I now have the RS1250 which is just as good but a little less tall.PS, most GS1250 owners never take them off road...why would you after spending around £20k plus.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Woooo that is ace! Sounds like you had some epic adventures on it

[@kensoutham6828]

I have a 1200GSA that I have taken on the Silk Road (Asia), US continental Divide, Western Canada to Arctic, many hi-way trips and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. I also have owned several dirt bikes and would love to have the weight savings they provide but they are no boxer engine. I am getting on in age and would love a lighter weight boxer engine like the old /5 but upgraded mechanicals (fuel injection), knock 70-100 kgs off the bike and I would likely buy in a heartbeat. I also own the baby GS 310 GS with a number of after market upgrades and now use that more often for off roading in lieu of taking the big GSA (plus it fits on my motorhome and the 1200 does not). Currently in the planning stages for a Central America trip from Panama to Canada for next spring and I’m thinking of just taking the 310GS for this trip. The other guy I’m going with will either take a KLR650 or a KTM390 Adventure so we are both thinking let’s try lighter MC’s for this trip. We are also air freighting the bikes and have 400lb limit per item so trying to avoid major dis-assembly if possible besides every pound does have a $ charge. I have ridden the 800/850 GS’s and although they are nice machines I agree with you, they just don’t bring the same ❤️ feeling as a 1200/1250 GS’s. Thank you for your review I truly think it’s a good comparison of the two MC’s.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experiences-it’s inspiring to hear how much adventure you’ve packed into your rides! The 1200GSA has clearly served you well, and it’s hard to beat the charm of that boxer engine, even if the weight savings would be a dream. Your 310GS sounds like the perfect complement, especially for off-road and motorhome travels. Your Central America trip sounds epic, and the lighter bikes seem like a smart choice for that kind of journey, especially with the air freight considerations. It’s great to hear your thoughts on the 800/850 GS’s too

[@kensoutham9051]

​@@TheGirlOnABike Central American is done; My buddy and I both took BMW 1200 GSA’s in the end, and the bikes were just awesome. Air freight to Panama didn’t work out ($12 K per bike! Nope) so we shipped bikes to Los Angeles California to avoid February snow in the Northwest and rode from California to Guatemala and back to Vancouver in 6 weeks. Mexico was way bigger than we realized and we had such a great time in Mexico that we spent 5 weeks looping around Mexico. The people were fantastic and we didn’t go looking for trouble and we rode through almost every state without any real incidents. My buddy had his motorcycle jacket stolen when he left it on his M/C to dry - it did disappear and we could not replace it until back in US 10 days later 😢There are no 6’8” Mexicans so not surprisingly we weren’t able to find a replacement jacket in Mexico. Safe travels 🏍🌞

[@terrynicholson9273]

I have just returned from Malaga. I had 3 days riding the Transalp and one day riding that 850GS. TBH both were pretty disappointing. The Transalp had quite a nice seating position, a nice standing position and was in its element on open roads where you could use the midrange and plan a line that didnt ask too much of the very soft suspension. It was fine on the limited off road that we tried. Unfortunately, a lot of the riding we did was through 2nd gear corners on mountain roads which showed up the weak bottom end power and non adjustable front suspension. Any corner that you had to carry brakes into would compress the forks and they would rebound immediately the moment you got on the gas. For me, 90kg in kit, it was a pogo stick and trying to push through it just gave me a couple of nasty front end slides. If I owned one it would need heavier springs and thicker oil / reduced air gap at the very least. The 850 GS was slightly better in the mountains as the rear had rebound adjustment and the non adjustable forks were more able to cope with braking and acceleration forces, not brilliant but less weak that the Transalp. That said, the seat was narrower and less comfy, the screen was worse and in town it was a horror with a really graunchy gear change unless the clutch was pulled all the way back to the bar. This could have been cable slack or the shonky chinese levers fitted but it really wasnt nice to ride. Both bikes had quite thin handlebar grips and both felt quite cheaply made. The rest of my party were on 1200 or 1250GS and I was more than envious by the end of day 2. If I ever go again I want the 19inch front wheel and adjustable suspension and will gladly accept the extra weight of the 1200/1250. I particularly wanted to try these smaller bikes with 21inch fronts as I am off to the Picos next summer but I wouldn't want either as a gift.

[@LazyJack2003]

Interesting & relevant comment. Thank you!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thanks for sharing your detailed thoughts- It’s always eye-opening how different riding conditions can highlight a bike’s strengths and weaknesses. Thanks again for the insight-this is great feedback for anyone considering these bikes for a similar trip! I hope you enjoyed your adventure!

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

lol You cracked me up at the end about the coffee cup holder or lack there of. A good friend of mine is a Certified Master Mechanic for BMW he always says, You can ALWAYS tell a BMW RIDER, you just can't tell them MUCH! LOL😅

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Hahaha uh oh! 🙈

[@Fractal379]

Yes, Sorry I'm late. Thanks for this comparison, I found your video at the right time and it answered many of my queries. Good job, easy sub!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Yey that is ace to hear. I am glad it came at the right time and helped answer your questions! Thanks so much for watching

[@ciocanul]

Maybe the best comparison between the two, so far. I have the old 800GS and I rode both the 1200GS and the 1250GS. Your review is spot on. The 800 has the comforts and sound of an oversized leaf blower. You definitely can go touring and offroad with it, but after half a day you'll feel miserable and sore. The 1250 on the other hand feels heavy yet playful, it wants to lean in corners and you don't feel like riding a top heavy girrafe in offroad environment.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thanks so much for watching! I’m really glad you enjoyed the comparison. The 800GS and 1250 definitely bring different experiences, and it’s great to hear your perspective on both. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts!

[@louisretief6492]

Great review of the bikes. I rode a lot as a youngster and then took a break for many years until Covid boredom made me buy a bike again. Bought an 800GS as I thought the smaller bike would be easier to get started on again but swapped for a 1250 within a month after I rode one as it was MUCH easier to ride - kits super comfortable, feels light, its so well balanced and easy to corner. I even took it on a track day or two and it more than held its own against the sports bikes (admittedly in amateur hands) because its so easy to ride! Also for where I live (South Africa) its an ideal touring bike as we have thousands of km's of dirt roads that are just gravel roads not real offroad and the bike is ideal for those. Same for neighbouring Namibia. Many people prefer the gravel roads for touringg because they typically have a lot less traffic and great scenery.....no Starbucks though 😆

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Yey thanks for watching, super glad you enjoyed the video! Haha yup i think you made the right choice on the swap! Keep up the fun adventures, woo!

[@SouthWest-jj8yu]

I have a 1200 air cooled 1250 and 750. I know it’s different 30 to 60 etc than 0-60 but the BMW website gives the 0-60 times of them as 1250 3.3 850 3.6 and 750 3.9 so in the road hardly anything to notice. The newer F800/900 are up 10hp and torque so be interesting to see. The 750/850 do come with cruise control as an option and more rider modes than the two you name that must be a basic spec model. The 750/850 do have electronic suspension but this does not alter automatically and needs to be adjusted manually on the buttons and is more like older models.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! It’s always interesting to hear different perspectives on these bikes. Appreciate you taking the time to comment! 🙌🏍️

[@jasonskannes9757]

Excellent review! As you’ve reviewed both I’m curious what you’d prefer between 1250gs and Africa twin? I’m coming off a long road trip on my 800gs and agree with your assessment it’s tiring especially on long freeway run; appreciate any insight!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Yey so gla dyou enjoyed it, thanks so much for watching. I personally get on better with the Africa Twin, with the weight, engine block size, center of gravity and riding position. Both are amazing bikes, but it is about how you feel riding it, and also how much you like coffee 😜

[@sobek]

I have the 850 GS (newish rider).. once the insurance premiums drop, I want to size up to the 1250 GS

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Oh nice!

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

Telelever will not dive, BUT does load the front wheel but with a more forward vector. It can still catch you out but in a different situation.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

💯👍`

[@JagLite]

Fun video comparison of the differences.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Yey thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it

[@jcc6664]

Yes great video and you have great experience. However I now own a 22 plate 1250GS and love it. BUT. I did have a 20 plate 850GSA and cannot believe you think it’s underpowered. Mine pulled like a train and the seat was very comfortable. Many other testers said it was a great bike even for 500 miles a day. All similar riding modes including Quick Shift and ESA suspension. I do think the 1250 is the better option but please don’t put the 850GS down as inferior.

[@ianpenny2102]

Not a massively experienced rider, only passed my test Sept 2021, 1st bike F850 GSA.... Absolutely loved it, beautiful looking machine. But I wish I'd seen this video before I bought it. I hadn't been used to big bikes but I knew there was something as missing with this one, I felt I was having to wring it's neck on the motorway. May the following year I chopped it in for a 1250 GSA... WOW>>!! Amazing 😊😊😊😊like all my Christmas's had come at once. I had wanted to buy the 1200 but will admit, I was afraid of it, big mistake, I find the 1250 far easier to handle both in a pushing around the garage environment and on the road, weighing in at I think 270ish KG wet (adventure model), that weight just disappears, I can corner much better and quicker now, possibly through experience but also a major contributing factor is the lower centre of gravity of the Boxer engine. As previously corrected, all the tech is available on the 850GSA if that's what you like, which I do. In my experience, buy the bigger bike, 1200/1250.. A bad decision cost me a fair few shillings 😢😢

[@TheGirlOnABike]

I so hear you there. Ace you're on the 1250 now. 🫶

[@uttamgala7186]

Such a great video!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you!!

[@joeyshmoey8514]

The other feature that BMW overlooked, and is missing from both bikes, is an ash tray. I had to relocate the spitoon on my bike just to make room for an ash tray.

[@MKA63]

And they forgot to put a hip pocket in the BMW emblazoned singlet ... and a tether for the flying pigs 🐷

[@feloniousmonk3049]

I heard Starbucks coffee holders and urinals are next add feature.

[@ikutiap5923]

Also need a holder for fishing poles and a shovel. And a bucket for the worms.

[@pgVeritas]

I had a loan F850GS whilst my RT was being repaired. I’d had a 1250 GSAdventure for a day, but they swapped it out for the 850GS for whatever reason. 3 days of commuting on the GS and I had to ring BMW head office to complain (warranty repairs are covered like for like or similar level). The 850GS is an absolutely awful bike for day to day use…..IF you’re used to something better, like the 1250GS/GSA or indeed the RT. Most of the people who criticise the GS and the boxer twin, have never, ever spent a decent amount of time on them. The engine is incredibly tractable. It pulls like a train, no matter what gear you’re in, and that massive 143Nm torque is substantially higher than any road legal race bike, including BMW’s own M1000RR (113Nm). Of course, weight plays a factor, but keeping that engine in the peak torque curve and you can show a clean pair of heels to anything on the road…..at least for a few metres! If you’ve never ridden a 1250GS/GSA/RT/RS/R you really don’t know what you’re missing. The price is high, but the resale is good, and it’s a top quality bike. When I was on the 850GS it genuinely felt like a bike half the price of my RT.

[@SkywalkerPMs]

I love my RT

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thanks for sharing your experience-such a great perspective! It’s true that once you’ve spent time on a 1250GS, GSA, or RT, it sets a very high bar. That boxer twin and the insane torque really make it such a standout, especially for versatility and sheer road presence. The 850GS has its place, but it’s hard to go back once you’re used to the refinement and power of the bigger bikes. Thanks for watching and adding such valuable insight to the conversation!

[@pgVeritas]

@@TheGirlOnABike It's my pleasure, it was a great video. I understand that we all have different preferences, and opinions. My opinion is only valid for me....Keep up the great work!

[@anneligustafsson16]

Bmw 850 or Tiger 900 ???? Wich one do you prefer???❤

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Tiger, easy!

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

Vanessa, you reviews have become even better as you have been broadcasting. Real world review from a very experienced and aware rider. If you review it I will watch ( OK I won't sit ffor more than a few minutes with the HD. Still for me, any "adventure " bike over 180kg and over 70HP is unnecessary.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha aw thanks Greg that's super lovely. Yey I can't promise no Harley's haha I have a soft spot

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

@@TheGirlOnABike " I have a soft spot"...so have Harleys...

[@anthonystevens8683]

No cup holders... on a GS... Chicken Licken needs to report this to the king. I always wanted a BMW GS boxer twin but sadly I never got one. I've ridden them although probably 15 years ago so quite 'old' by todays standard. I loved the linear torque and power delivery of what on paper should have felt lazy, it didn't. It's very true how the centre of gravity not only affects the way a bike rides but also lifting the fallen animal back upright. I remember riding one of the last T140V Triumph Bonneville's in the wet and it just stuck to the road back in the 80's, a fellow rider on a Z750 Kwak was all over the place and I think a lot of that was down to the centre of gravity being much lower on my old Trumpet. It's good to hear that you clean your pants, the only advantage of crusty pants is that you get served much quicker at a very buy bar.... so I hear..... those flies would be annoying though. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidberg8770]

Thanks for the video, which crash bar is on the 850 ?

[@leastanley73]

I believe the real versus should be the f850gs to the tiger rally 900 and the 1250 to the tiger 1200. Which one would you take? Anyway, Great review!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Tiger 900 in a heart beat

[@zweispurmopped]

Only yesterday an internet-buddy of mine stuffed my nose into a couple of videos that discussed a couple of catastrophic failures of the rear swing arm. Apparently it's less easy with maintenance than both the operator's manual and users expect. There is a way for moisture to get into the the arm and into the cardan where corrosion may occur. The entire mechanism will move much less freely if that happens. Several cracks of the lower joint of the bevel gear at the rear wheel were accounted to this. There were several bikes with which the swingarm broke just in front of the joint, which of course led to the bike losing its rear wheel. A southern German KZbinr only just escaped life in a wheelchair after such a failure. This mainly seems to be a thing with GSs that are driven all year around as far as I understood, so may be salted winter roads or general intensity of use help it, but apparently the necessity of maintenance and care for this end of the Cardan GSs is greater than usually recognised. Anyway: Coolest review of these bikes possible! 🤗💪

[@feloniousmonk3049]

High pressure car washes get soapy water past the seals / boots of the shaft drive. BMW has added a weep hole valve at the bottom of the swing arm, to drain off excessive water/ moisture. Also, the shaft splines do require maintenance with use of Moly G77 paste on both male and female splines, that is often neglected. should be performed 2x a year, before winter, and before summer. Especially if ridden in wet climates or you do stream, river or creek crossings, should be done immediately afterwards, stream water is loaded with corrosive minerals that rust bearings and any other steel products.

[@zweispurmopped]

@@feloniousmonk3049 The higher loads on the bearings still can only be a small part of the issue. Take a look at the pictures at 5:38 in this here video which I was shortlly after my comment above: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jITRoIqHl5ylkJI (Sadly this German language video has no English subtitles, but the pictures speak for themselves.) You see that there are cracks all through the material of the swingarms. Now I am not an engineer myself (studied some physics, sadly couldn't afford to finish, worked in aircraft maintenance quite a bit, am fairly well educated in aircraft design and engineering), so I can't tell a fatigue crack from an overload crack from afar, but you definitely see that with them, the parts failed completely. Still it is obvious that it's not just a problem with corrosion in the drive shaft, there is an issue with the strength of the swingarm itself. Telling from what I have learnt so far, only the water cooled 1250GS generation is affected by this issue and it occurs relatively rarely, but it does. If you have the time, I suggest you have a look at this video by driving4ansers, the best channel about vehicle engineering I know. The different characteristics of materials are discussed in a completely different context, but they are: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqvFnX2bbMiqebs You learn that Aluminium is notch sensitive. In German, we have the term "Kerbeffekt" to describe this: Even a minor superficial disturbance in a part's surface will cause a concentration of tensions in the material around the disturbance. As aluminium is a material that fatigues, the increased tensions accelerate the fatiguing around the disturbance and cause the part to fail at some point. I think this is what we see here with the swingarms of the 1250 GS. There may have been cracks in the material from workshop errors, production issues, the swingarm having made hard ground contact in off-road use, something. In this context, BMW's fix for the shaft corrosion issue might also be source of such a failure: The cross section of the swingarm gets an additional disturbance by the bleed hole. According to Wikipedia, the maximum permissible weight of the R1250 GS is 465 Kilos. A substantial part of this is supported by the relatively thin strip of aluminium at the bottom of the swingarm, and the torque of the weight caused by the offset of the swingarm from the bike's centreline is added. Then add the torque of acceleration and braking and the punches and vibration during driving, especially hard off-roading. This is a _highly_ stressed part, and sometimes, the stress seems to be too much. If you look at older designs of BMW swingarms, they were of a much more tubular shape with the hinges of the rear bevel gear case roughly along their centrelines. A tubes are ideal for handling torsion and bending at the same time, that looks like a much more durable design to me. So may I, just to be a shit, end with. "Maintenance free, your swingarms!!1!" ? 😊

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thanks for sharing that insight-definitely something to keep in mind for year-round GS riders! Regular maintenance is so important, especially for parts like the swingarm. Glad you enjoyed the review, and thanks for watching!

[@lewi594]

as a compromise, you can get an older GS. I've ridden a 2015 - 2018 R1200.. honestly a loooot of the tech in the newer bikes (bar the 1300GS) are in these older bikes.. and they work fantastically but love the opinion piece. Fantastic work !!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Woo thanks so much for watching

[@stevewood2235]

Totally agree with your review, I love my 1250gsa. Lots of grunt, gets me & my sup surf board to the beach with free parking👍 it’s a daily commuter for me doing 5-6k/year. I can flat foot it being 186cm & 80kg. When it’s on its side it’s half way up & easy to pick up.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Wooo sounds ace, enjoy the beach, the ride and of course the free parking hehe! Win!

[@skymningforelsket1302]

Vanessa, do your products come with the peely plastic on the packaging which people can peel back and oddly satisfy themselves by doing so?

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha love it. Ummm probably not this list

[@Steve-nk5qk]

Enjoyed listening. So factual and fun delivery.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Yey thanks so much, so glad to hear you enjoyed it

[@dondle2]

Well done, great entertaining review.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you kindly! That's super lovely to hear. Thanks for watching and taking the time to say hi

[@timlubbers2884]

I have owned the 1100gs, 1150gs, 1200gs, 650gs single and the 800gs … I think the boxer is the best of the lot. BUT, if you stay under 250/300 miles per day, the big boxer really isn’t needed. This becomes even more evident as the shift to gravel from hardtop gets higher …

[@Jonno1675]

Agreed. If you aren’t touring 500km a day,what do u need a massive boxer engine for? The 850 is cheaper to run and maintain,and has basically all the features of the 1250. Bike choice is so subjective to what the rider needs that these reviews are oftentimes pretty pointless.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Oh wow sounds like you have had a good run with all of them hehe nice! Thanks for sharing your opinions 🙂

[@timlubbers2884]

@ must be a down day, going through year old comments 😂 . Stay strong and beautiful!! ❤️ to the family (current and future). 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@dry509]

Excellent overview.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it

[@robinford4037]

Will the engine cut out if you walk away with the key fob in your pocket, asking this because of the possibility of someone stealing your bike as you walk into a shop or petrol/ gas station to pay. Just curious 😊

[@TheGirlOnABike]

If you leave it running it's on until off even if key is not around. So you need to turn it off to go into shop. Then as you leave proximity will become too far and bikes safe

[@denizcihasan]

What about bmw f750 gs ? I like f750 gs, multistrada v2 , and Triumph Tiger 900 . I am a road rider which one is comfortable and suiatable on road? I cant choose

[@TheGirlOnABike]

I would pick a Tiger 900 without even blinking

[@John-gj9db]

Another great review Vanessa 😊. How the heck do you remember all those facts and data….bore and stroke, cubic capacity, horse power, torque, weights, seat height etc 😂. I’m sure there’s someone holding a big whiteboard with all those numbers on it 😅

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Hahaha I guess I'm use to presenting lol. I'm not sure how my brain works as I can do that but ask me to remember a name.... Nop 🤣🤣🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@willygoldschmidt9393]

I like the pants from Mosko Moto! Zipper for the pocket not like same bmw „adventure pants „. Thanks for showing what you like on BMW❤

[@TheGirlOnABike]

You are very welcome, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching 🙂

[@tileproplus]

I have a freind who says that the purpose of a motorcycle is to take you between cups of coffee, and he is a 1250 GS rider. Question is if they did come with a cup holder would you buy one? I believe that it might be an option on the new 1300!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha to be fair a cup holder for my thermal flask would rock!! I've seen Harley's with them 🤣

[@dasautogt]

Great review, V.. 👍

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Yey thanks, glad you enjoyed it

[@woodywood3388]

Could you do a similar comparison of the Tigers? Would be really useful. Thanks.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Oh good idea

[@rickpetersonphotography]

Great video! You reinforce my decision to go buy a 1250gs! Safe riding!!!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha yey!! Awesome choice

[@stalbansbiker]

Love the 750 AND 850 GS

[@TheGirlOnABike]

They are all great bikes

[@ryanmalone2681]

I ride about 60% off-road and 40% on-road, and when not riding locally it’s 3.5 hours to the good stuff. I have an R1250 GSA and there isn’t a lot it can’t comfortably do. I turn around on single trail and I’m definitely slower than if I was on a smaller bike, but I find it so easy to handle, comfy, can rip it in the twisties and then take it through water crossings up to the cylinder heads 10 mins later. Maybe I’ll let a KTM350 EXC to keep on the back for single track. 😉

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Hehe nice. Love the water crossing depth too. It's certainly a great beast. Oooo and EXC hehe yey

[@lacmac7600]

Is the 1250 the low chassis model? Or standard with low seat ?

[@TheGirlOnABike]

this was totally standard

[@lacmac7600]

@@TheGirlOnABike That's odd as I have a 30" inside leg and was on my tiptoes when I sat on one. Maybe you had less air in the tyres 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheGirlOnABike]

😅

[@philipsmith6152]

Great review girl, keep em coming 👌

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you!! 😊 I promise to try

[@gdroege44]

Excellent comparison! 100% right about the coffee cup holder. 😊

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha yesss glad it's not just me! 🤣🤣☕️

[@albertgjohnston]

Are you suggesting that the 850 was adopted? Or perhaps related to the mailman? Anyway, you lost me at "cam load (cam lobe?)". Carry on.

[@feloniousmonk3049]

22:15 if you want to skip all the specifications and get to opinions.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

👍

[@Themotograndpa]

Both nice bikes but have a tiger rally pro 900 that like you’ve already seen can do it all 💪keep up the great vids can’t seam to find the woodland pant in the uk? Anywhere you get them here pls !!!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Umm that's strange. Should be straight on their website? They also do the big shows like NEC and London, ABR Festival so can see first hand too

[@Themotograndpa]

@@TheGirlOnABike there website is I Europe so would like to try them on for size but shipping and tax would be restrictive

[@YBNSO]

You are an Absolutely Incredible Woman! ThanQ for motivation to go GS

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Aw my pleasure

[@nicknatuzzi2652]

Great comparison!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it

[@Boxer1250RT]

You are a little too late to the GS 1250 party. Now, you need to do it with the GS 1300 all over again 🤣. Yeah, I love my Sunday morning Starbucks runs. I used to do it on the GS and GSA and now, on the RT.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha fair point. To be fair... I am happy to join the party and do the 1300 hehe

[@guestappearance3211]

Id take the 850 any day, in fact I did, after owning 2 1200’s

[@alanbarnes2920]

Why? Please expand…I’m looking at the GS850

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Nice! Everyone has their own preferences and it is about what is best and most suited for the individual rider, super glad to hear you have foung the bike for you! Wooo! Enjoy the ride!

[@LazyJack2003]

Damn, now I will never be able to ride my Triumph anymore without thinking of that cup holder..🥴

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Hahhaaaa

[@marcberland5951]

Sounds interesting: going to check it out. But I guess you got an autocorrect typo with verses / versus :)

[@TheGirlOnABike]

UH oh!

[@dwaynewood8156]

Turning or cornering is harder due to the 21”wheel

[@TheGirlOnABike]

👍

[@drewgayle8325]

Hey , for pain you might like aspercreme which is in all the USA medicine places . Try it and I bet you will like it .

[@TheGirlOnABike]

I'm not sure you can get it here. Thanks for the tip

[@Professorclown]

Don't forget the new generation GS is out in the UK, now. You definitely can NOT throw them around like a motocross/enduro bike, for the simple reason that the Boxer engine cylinders stick out way too far either side, so you can't swing your legs forward when cornering. Oh, and they're way, way too heavy. Just sayin'.......

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions also 🙂

[@breakersteve]

Great vid. Love to see your thoughts on the Ducati Desert X next. 😎

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Oh maybe one day i will get the chance!

[@marwanmahmud]

Personally for me, despite the 850 is slightly lighter, the 1250 for me is very much more nimble and easier to ride.. Love the 1250 more than 850 no doubt 👍

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Totally agree

[@jschoofs]

Vanessa, give your back a break (pun intended 😉) and use the proper technique to lift these heavy bikes: back to the bike, bend your knees, push your bum against the seat/bike, grab the bike behind you and lift using your leg muscles keeping your back straight. Alternatively: as described previously but put your feet away from the bike and then walk backwards toward the bike forcing it upright. Your back will thank you! Also: if you can ride a Pan AM off-road you won’t have any problem riding the big GS in similar conditions. The weight doesn’t say everything, the way the weight is carried (low down or high up center of gravity) makes a big difference. And remember an Adv bike is not a dual sports bike i.e. use your common sense and a good understanding of your competence as a rider when selecting your battlefield. There are many types of off-road conditions and some are simply too much for a relatively heavy Adv bike so we should not expect the GS to do very well in very technical off-road conditions. It simply was not designed for that kind of stuff.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank for the back tops. My back is very happy doing a front squat. All the load goes to my legs and there at many ways to safely life a bike. See my vidoe on it from Iceland. 😋 The key for me is finding the method that's suits your body. I have a reconstructed hip so absolutely zero chance of a back squat without insanely deep hip pain being exasperated 😔 but I don't let it stop me, I just use a method that works for my body 💪

[@louisretief6492]

I agree in theory but I also have a 1250 and find it much easier to lift like Vanessa did than the textbook method.....

[@ivannestorovic3472]

It may sound strange, but a large motorcycle is much less tiring on a long trip than a small one.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Yeah I totally get you!!

[@oknevals]

I want to have arms muscles like that when I grow up 😄

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Hahaha love it. Keep training 💪

[@Skiamakhos]

Forgot to list the Honda Africa Twin, and your expedition to Iceland on it! 🙂

[@Skiamakhos]

TBF I think anyone looking at the 850 might as well get an AT - the weight difference is nominal, and you get a better bike all round.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Yeah definitely agree!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

And consider the Tiger 900 Rally Pro 🤤

[@theheroblob5036]

Great review... nice pants! 😁👍

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Yey thanks lovely

[@TheGirlOnABike]

They’re Woodsman by Mosko Moto and I definitely recommend 💯

[@dundonrl]

The R 1300 GS costs almost as much as their full up touring bike (K1600 GTL)!

[@TheGirlOnABike]

😳

[@frankangelone7989]

Gs has 105 ft lbs of torque, not 143 as stated in the video.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

thanks for the info

[@vacoasrebel6729]

Perpetuating the BMW / GS/A Coffee/Starbucks shop myth is quite crass. Wire wheels on the GS are an option that you missed as well.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

👍

[@WilliamMaxfield]

Ive got a hp coffee and drink holder on the right hand bars off ebay 😂 its perfect now 👍

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha amazing. Love it

[@WilliamMaxfield]

Bought my 14 year old daughter a crf125 in the summer and she loves it ❤ she watches a lot of your vlogs and asked if ive seen them yet.... Think she will be thegirlonabike 2.0 when shes older 😂

[@TrinityRSV]

8:30. Both have cam shafts. Not one with a chain and one with a cam shaft (it's called a shaft drive). Although not technically wrong, both have chain driven cam shafts but she was talking about drive systems. Love it when these writers/youtubers want you to think they are the bees knees and know what they are talking about. Yes, we do make mistakes, so correct it and edit it out or re-film it or take it down. I've lost all respect for TGOAB.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Oh wow haha yeah very valid point. Not sure how I missed that oh well, totally easy to know what I mean. I'm insanely dyslexic so I genuinely wouldn't notice a typo in my own name 🫣🤣 sorry you've lost respect over one word but thanks for watching. I try my best but I'm still human and don't claim to be anything I'm not 🫶

[@garthwaters5756]

yep i wouldnt swap my 2021 R 1250 GS for anything love it to death lol , love ya vids keep em coming , PS rocky monster is a lucky man 🙃

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Nice! So glad you have found the bike for you! 💪 Enjoy and ride safe!

[@AdventureAryck]

Great analysis Vanessa. I believe the boxer gs is the perfect bike to go cross country with the occasional dirt road. Although I have treated my like a dirt bike, it’s not as fun as the 890 which isn’t as fun as the 525. Different tools for different jobs. Thanks again. Great video ❤

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thank you! Totally agree-the boxer GS is brilliant for cross-country with a bit of dirt. And yes, different bikes for different rides-the 525 definitely has a fun factor off-road! Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

[@gibb013]

Can i ask what trousers you are wearing and do they do mens. I have ordered a pair of Pando Kev 2's, but what you are wearing look exactly what i am looking for. Have always preferred women's clothing.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Yeah absolutely. They’re Woodsman by Mosko Moto and I definitely recommend 💯 they are actually men's pants so yup

[@GiancarloBenzina]

Interesting monologue about the shift-cam boxer. The same monologue everyone else is having, today. What’s wrong about it? Maybe nothing, but talkwise, everything. What? Well, when it came out, every influenza was raving about the new bike, but equally so they tried to figure out when the shift-cam activates and they couldn’t they couldn’t find any difference other than a slightly better power feel soft all around without noticing where it actually elevated the power much. Today, it’s worlds apart, basically the pre-shift-cam was crap in comparison. Yeah, really? I can’t say, I rode none of the two, but I’m watching these reports contradicting themselves and wonder under what medicine they are. I bet the 1200LC last stages is a great bike and the 1250/1250shift-cam isn’t much better for the purpose of long-distance any road comfort travel with loads of luggage and even 2up. The shift-cam might find it’s best use 2-up, but aside from that, I have my doubts, that this is any relevant beyond the continuous marketing for the fresh new thing.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Thanks for sharing such an insightful perspective! The shift-cam definitely stirs up a lot of conversation, and I agree that some of the reviews can feel mixed, almost as if people aren’t sure how to pinpoint what it truly adds. From what I’ve noticed, the shift-cam seems to bring a smoother power delivery that shines for those longer, fully-loaded adventures, especially with a passenger. But you're right: for many riders, the pre-shift-cam models, especially the 1200LC, are still plenty capable and comfortable for touring. At the end of the day, whether the shift-cam tech makes a huge difference or not seems to depend on individual riding style and needs. BMW does well with innovation, but sometimes it’s just as much about evolving the experience as it is about “the next big thing.”

[@skulijakobsson5116]

Much Enjoyment 👍😎

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Aw yey. Thank you

[@Theravadinbuto]

For more pavement centric riding and big miles, I’d take the 1250 GS any day. But for more off-road with a moderate madness factor, I’ll take my 790 Adventure any day. I’ll be a lot soarer at the end of the day… but I’ll be hundreds of kilometers further into the Canadian bush 😁.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha I can 100% understand that! Love to. The Canadian bush sounds fun!

[@feloniousmonk3049]

American bush is much more diversified and warmer, to boot.

[@robwhitby9152]

Excellent delivery of one of the most anticipated GOAB reviews. Probably one of the best I’ve watched as you’ve covered a lot of bases in a relatively short timeframe as opposed to focusing on just a handful of aspects 👏 I agree with the cup holder flaw, and I’m surprised no one has come up with a mini latte machine that can sit inside the panniers yet! Catch you at the ABR 24 🎉

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Wow, thanks! Haha glad you enjoyed and I love thr pannier coffee idea 🤣🤣💪

[@trailingarm63]

Great review - maybe the best I've seen - and you reached the right conclusion. The 1250GS is a fabulous touring ROADBIKE! Great for roads in the first world and the developing world. Only masochists, superheroes and idiots would go properly off-road on them because they're just too heavy. If you bounced a GS down a super-steep slope how much would it cost to fix? You would bankrupt yourself in a season's riding. And apart from no cash you'd be in hospital having your double-hernia repaired after trying to recover it. I have a 500cc dirt bike which is literally half the weight of a GS and a hell of a lot of fun because of it. I've dropped it many times and suffered no more damage than some bent levers and bashed mirrors (it's street-legal). The 850GS looks pointless: too heavy for off-road and not very convincing on it. My road bike is an R1250RT because it's a beautiful tarmac bike and doesn't need to go anywhere else. Nice pants! You look 5ft 11 on your films. I'm surprised to learn you're slightly under 5ft 7. Makes your achievements all the more creditable.

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha I loved reading this comment and so agree dude. The hernia part still has me giggling. 🤣🤣 yeah most people when they meet me go. Oh wow you’re smaller than I thought you were. And I’m like… Thanks? 🤣💪💪

[@trailingarm63]

@@TambovWolf1989 Well, it depends if you look at motorcycles as simple, economic transport or as adrenaline-soaked dream machines. Both views are equally valid. However, in decadent western Europe we tend to want the latter, which means big engines, big torque & horsepower and rocket performance. I like the fact that both my bikes have the ability to scare the sxxx out of me. I can pick my 115 kg dirt bike clean off the ground if necessary and for me it's the ideal balance of weight & power. I'm hoping I never have to pick my RT up. But to dispute your last point, any road bike can be ridden across a field (ever been camping?) and an enduro can handle commuting, trips to the shops, bike meets, etc, etc, on full knobblies! Take it easy, brother.

[@Bamawester]

I think this was pretty fair comparison. I owned a 2021 850 GSA for three almost three years. I took it on many, many adventure rides, including a good chunk of the Continental Divide Ride (Wyoming, Idaho and Montana sections). My buddies were on two KTMs (1190 and a 1290 Super Adventure). The 850 GSA went everywhere they went and did everything they did. My lack of skills in a couple of difficult spots caused me to go down, but not the bike). I put 30,000 miles on that bike and I loved it. It did everything I asked it to do. Now, having said that, I decided to trade it in on a 2019 1250 GSA Exclusive in Kalametta. I knew it would be a better bike, but not THAT much better. There is no comparison between engines. The boxer twin is nothing short of amazing. I got it in September and in October took a 2400 mile trip through Ohio, NY, PA, WV, KY and TN,. It was an absolute dream. I haven’t done as much off road riding yet, but I’ll be riding some of the Smoky Mountain 500 next weekend. In summary, they are both fantastic bikes, but there’s a reason why the 1250 is the King of Adventure bikes.

[@IngOehman]

You’re r 169 cm tall. Ok. I buy that. But 69 cm inside legs? No way! Your legs are clearly long for your size. I’m 170-172 cm tall, or short. Here in Sweden that’s short for a man. And my legs are VERY short for my length (I have long arms, so I look a bit like an ape). I measure my inside leg to about 80 cm - and there is no way I can flatfoot a bike with a seat hight of 80 cm, unless the seat is infinitely narrow. And non are. With seat hights of around 77 cm, I can start to flat foot. So me flat footing any adventure bike just isn’t happening. (Which is fine, I don’t need to.) My little sister is 157 cm tall, and her legs are about 76 cm tall. Her proportions are normal. Her slightly shorter daughter have even longer legs, about 78 cm. So 69 cm inside legs on YOU? 🤔 One looses about 3-7 cm usable leg length on a normal seat due to its width. And you seems to be able to easily flatfoot bikes with a seat hight of around 80 cm’s! 69 cm becomes 62-66 cm’s. Your heals aren't 14 cm’s tall, right? So again - NO WAY your legs are only 69 cm (27”) long! My guess would be above 80 cm (31½”). 11 cm more than you said in the video. -- That said - your videos are great! Love the one where you taught adventure riding skills to the giant road racing guy! Looking forward to your videos, always! 👍

[@TheGirlOnABike]

I could measure again but i am pretty certain its 69cm, i am quite often misjudged on my height lol. But thanks for your comment and for watching, super glad to hear you enjoyed the video, plenty more to come wooo!

[@noelmannion4433]

“…camshaft…” guessing you meant to say driveshaft?

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Oh yeah haha good spot!

[@adamnol8129]

Can't be. Your inseam is not 69cm. Maybe 79cm?

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Nope pretty sure its 69cm lol

[@nasirbasra]

25:10 12k pound hair dryer 😅 BMW Brand sound

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Haha oops

[@robbieandbeckie]

I thought that was the new KLR 650 at first

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Hehe

[@dockingtroll6801]

You hired a bike??? I dont think thats possible...Did it sign the employment contract??..... maybe you rented it??....

[@TheGirlOnABike]

Lol, different name same meaning 🤷‍♀️

[@dockingtroll6801]

@@TheGirlOnABike Not really: One means renting with a driver, the other not.... I am sure you can figure out which is which.... if not google it... ;-)