I Used To Make Fun Of The BMW R1150GS…

[@Adnan.siddiq]

I used to have reservations about BMW motorcycles, but after planning a cross-country motorcycle trip for two years, I stumbled upon a BMW R1150GSA within my budget. Despite its high mileage of around 215,000 miles, a test drive assured me of its excellent condition. Drawing from 15 years of riding experience, I could confidently say it's ready for another 100k miles. I pressed the button and embarked on a complete Route 66 tour and cross-country trip, documenting the journey with videos. This machine proved to be an absolute "Tank"

[@ziondanny7081]

Drawing on my 40 years of experience I would say it could break down tomorrow and cost you an arm and a leg to fix. BMWs are just too unreliable for me.

[@chriscruzzz]

@@ziondanny7081 "BMWs are just too unreliable for me" lol :)

[@Dr.Zoidberg087]

​@ziondanny7081 the cars sure the bikes are awesome

[@simonodell2103]

​@@ziondanny7081lol

[@martyn_g]

@@ziondanny7081I’ve had them. I wouldn’t consider them unreliable, lol

[@marcuspotts7221]

Brilliant video. I bought my 2002 R1150GS in early 2004 (just before ong way round) to do a trip to Norway from Ireland. 20 Years later I still have her. Many bikes have come and gone since but the old GS is a keeper.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

Brilliant I bought my 2003 in 2004, I think when Charlie and Ewan had just come back but before the TV programme. I had the bike for 12 years and ran it all over Europe. Wonderful piece of kit. I bought an R1250GS in 2020 and it’s a modern stunner. Great video reminding me of all those years ago 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MichChief]

Yep, bought mine new in 2001 and still have her. I commute to work, have done some moto camping and touring, and even a few track days with her. I will never sell.

[@JimmyStewpot]

I bought an 07 gsa after an africa twin, ntv650, xr650 and many more. Still have it with over 250k miles. The comfort and higher riding position makes kms easy with so much less fatigue

[@Hookmeister]

I started riding at age four and grew up racing motocross, and never really fell in love with street bikes. When I saw Long Way Round I went straight to the BMW dealership to try one out. Boom I FINALLY felt at home on the road. For me, it was all about the riding position, and I loved that it was a bike that didn’t need to be clean. I thought of it as a Swiss Army knife.

[@roelfkromhout]

Also regarding Long Way Round, KTM probably didn't think that Charlie and Ewan would fail, but they knew for certain their bikes would and how that would look.

[@20cent]

100% this

[@thedownwardmachine]

Yeah, people thought this was the biggest mistake in motorcycle marketing history, but a big mouth that refuses to get in the ring doesn’t get beaten to a pulp and lives to talk smack another day

[@scooterists]

Agree totally

[@ferisoft]

hahah was about to comment just that but naturally its the top comment

[@NikolasGatsioudis]

exactly!!!

[@stanleyfamUK]

😊😊GREAT VIDEO 🎉 I purchased by GS in August 1999 and went straight down to Spain then North Africa, road, tracks, desert, mountains it handled it all with no fuss and it STILL does! Of all the bikes I have owned I still have the GS, one owner just me and nearly 25 years of great adventures together. Zero tech, not even ABS as I specced it without! Classic.

[@tomreece1058]

Through 40+ years of riding and having owned 20+ bikes, my favorite was my 2002 R1150GS. While not actually outstanding in any one area, it was so well rounded and overall competent. Always pleasing, never disappointing. My personal motorcycling GOAT.

[@disekjoumoer]

There's a big, big difference between the GS of then and the GS of now. Then, it was novel, innovative yet reliable and simple bike. Now, it's an incredibly expensive electronics laden gadget that has multiple recalls on launch that no one takes on long off road tours. Yamaha could have sponsored Boorman and McGregor with a pair of XT660s and the ride would have been easier and less stressful.

[@jjjjjjjjrifufjssjosskenf]

Less comfortable too

[@lucadreier22]

Nobody takes ANY adventure bike off road. They are all pavement princesses for old guys.

[@JimmyStewpot]

​@@lucadreier22grand generalisation. Off-road could be gravel roads or romaniacs. While many will never see even gravel there are some that do hundreds of thousands of km in gravel and worse

[@thatguy8005]

True… I’ve had mine for two years… only off road was my back yard

[@IRLtrolls]

@@lucadreier22You’re so uneducated it’s funny

[@lukewoodside9420]

At 23 years old I decided an R1150 GS was the bike I wanted. Best thing I ever bought. Might add an R1250 to the mix, but going to hold onto the R1150 for many years to come.

[@mb125hh]

I'm also 23, absolutely love my r1100gs and have had it since I was 19. Not the most capable bike in the world but I don't feel like it really matters. Its never let me down even on some gnarly off road adventures.

[@anilchowdhury76]

Just picked up an 02 GS. Hoping for some great adventures. Thanks for the video.

[@rockgsxr]

The long way round is a tv show, they had spares trucks following them. I extensively moto camped on an airhead bmw alone, there will be times you will need to get your hands dirty or wait it out in a cheap hotel for parrts, sometimes people/garages will help, some won't . Ironically the bmw dealer i was stuck at for 2 days were the most snotty and uncooperative , maybe they didn't like a broken down R80 in their carpark. If LWR had used KTMs it would have been a comedy show .

[@travisboam9612]

Nice video and a beautiful machine. But you missed an important fact. Long before the 1150 or even Charlie and Ewan, there was a fantastic rider from Belgium. Gaston Rahier won the Paris to Dakar in 1984 and 1985 aboard a BMW R100/GS. The GS has always been a capable machine of everything you want to throw at it.

[@follow_the_money_trail]

But Ewan and Charlie were the first to make the masses aware of the GS.

[@llama233]

You are killing it with these videos! Well filmed, well edited, really well produced. Keep 'em coming!

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you!

[@DappieTim]

i just returned yesterday from a 2600+ km trip to the swiss alps on my R1100GS! no faults! awesome machine

[@mb125hh]

I also returned this week from a 2200km trip to the Karoo on my R1100GS. Just had a puncture that's about it.

[@kevincollins9466]

Well said. Like Leonardo Da Vinci said "Once you have flown, you will walk with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have once been and there you long to return." That's exactly how I felt when I "discovered" the GS. Riding other bikes, compared to it, it like comparing walking to flying.....

[@markbunyan9092]

I bought a new one in 2005, the Ltd Edition in white, I still have it and I love it, great machine and still brings out the hooligan in me, great video, thanks.

[@wobs5]

I see so many people on You Tube and other sites who have kept the bike for many many years. I'm one of them. Had an 1100 GS for a few years and was so impressed as soon as the 1150 came out I ordered one in 1999. And I've still got her. I've had a lot of other bikes since but Big Gee still lives in my garage (with just a Monkey to keep her company). When I had the 1100 I lived in Philippines when I got the 1150 I was in Laos and Thailand and these bikes were just brilliant on rubbish roads and sometimes worse fuel. Now I'm back in the UK and the 1150 still just a great bike to use every day.

[@johnbradley5236]

Was surprised to hear “Amazing Grace” played on piano. My favorite song as an American. Great video!

[@bikeserv]

Started working as a BMW motorrad technician,and remember these bikes and i thought how quirky they were.Coming from a superbike backround,i couldnt appreciate these bikes.Now,15 years later,owning my own shop,i have worked on R80`s,1100`s,1150,1200,1250,i can say with certainty that i love the 1100 and 1150.And as a mechanic i dont really love that many bikes because due to my work i get to see them at their worst.

[@vinjofin1972]

I love the GS and not afraid to admit it. I did purchase one. Next to my r1100rt. I love the old oilheads.

[@CHADCZ123]

I have a 2004 1150gs and just came back from my first BMW MOA rally. Did 6,000 miles no problem. Did a similar trip last year. It’s hard to go back to certain motorcycles.

[@trifoiclaudiu8830]

My boy bringing the heat on the GS :)) I can still remember when I said I hope that liking a GS won't be part of my pleasures for the next couple of decades, but here I am and my thoughts are, GS is a pretty nice bike...these videos get better every time!

[@KRANKiT]

Thanks! Your GS time will come

[@Shaarred]

Just look at what some of the more capable riders can make a bog standard GSA do offroad. Plenty of videos online of people killing it on single track trails, even through rocky sections. It may be a Dad bike in the eyes of many, but that's because sometimes, Dads get it absolutely right ( although if you ride pavement, a R1250RS or R1250RT is a more comfortable, economic and faster option)

[@hillbillymal9351]

I bought my first adventure bike June 2024, the 2003 BMW R1150GS was double the engine size l was looking for but l found one for sale and went to look , it rode nice ,it felt good ,so l bought it and rode it 250miles home and loved every mile of it , l think this one is a keeper 😊👍🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@Kornholeeoo]

There are 2 well known “dad bikes.” The HD FatBoy and the BMW GS/A. 😂😂 I own both! And they are both two of the best riding bikes I’ve ever owned since 1972! Great video. Thanks!

[@vishnuswaroopgopalakrishna9588]

😂😂😂

[@KRANKiT]

Thanks! That’s a proper dad garage

[@follow_the_money_trail]

Harley Breakout 114 and an R1200GSA here. 😊

[@angelkf65]

I bought my GS 1150 back in 2002. I've toured half of Europe with it. I still got her and I'll never selll it. It is reliable, it was reasonably expensive back in the days, you can't confuse it to any other bike from 100 meters away and it was the last "manly" GS. Heavy, dorian, with character and made of metal. I love my "Gudrun". Greetings from Athens GR

[@mash988]

Nice video thanks for making this, well done! I have a '99 1150GS and it's, as the adage goes, the bike that does everything well, but nothing extraordinarily! It's easily the best bike I've owned: reliable, tough, powerful, EASY to work on, long rides are comfortable (instead of torture if you do over 5 hours on a 660!) for bike and rider, it can handle seriously rough terrain with aplomb if you know how to ride her properly, and fuel efficient! I would say the only downside is the mass -- again, if you know what you're doing, you can make her go where others fear to. It's heavy, but she's very surprisingly nimble when upright and technique is everything when picking her up (if it's not in a ditch or in mud!). If you skill set is lower: learn more skills or get a smaller bike. HOWEVER, and I would say this is the biggest factor in determining what you ride, or your opinion of a machine: it all depends on WHAT you want to do! If you want short weekend rides where you're more into caning the bike over much rougher terrain (kind of scrambling), then this ain't the beast for you. If you're not skilled enough to turn the bike around on the steering stop, standing on the pegs, on dirt or tar, as above. If you have some good skills, or learn some, this bike is awesome for almost everything else! It does what it says on the label, amazing machine. The 1200 is more refined, but too much electronics and plastic for me -- but guys take them very far and through hell and back here in Africa, they survive surprisingly well.

[@KRANKiT]

It all boils down to what a rider plans to do with it, doesn’t it ...

[@nickandmotorcycletime5246]

I’m looking at a 98 r1100gs with 123 000kms for $4000 Canadian. It has onlins front and rear outages, and a few other goodies. I want a bike to ride across the country. What are your thoughts? Thanks man.

[@markvincent6906]

Mid life crisis biker, divorce and realising all my effort and money went to the family. Did direct access to get my license, and bought a 2001 in 2008. I’d never sat on one, let alone ridden one. Love and contentment at first sight. Ride home was enlightening, and gave me a sore neck from the biker nod. Rode it from Geneva to Bath in a day last year…..you should have seen my grin!! Probably the best GS, although my 1200gsa is nice.

[@peterbaert1004]

The greatest review of the greatest bike I ever had! Congratulations on your impressive editing,filming quality and research. Beautiful setting as well. Keep up the outstanding work .

[@KRANKiT]

Thanks!

[@g_2507]

The definition of "selling the dream"! If you make it true or not, is all up to you. For me, it is! My dream black R1150 GS never stops to make me happy

[@thomaslubben8559]

You're totally correct in the marketing. BMW did it earlier with the R90S. Portray a bike as what people THINK they want, but know enough about the customer so it's actually the bike they REALLY want.

[@eugentepper4588]

I love my GS 1150 and am not even thinking about buying a new model or a new bike. I've now covered 92,000 km and the only things I've had to change are fluids, brakes and tyres - that says a lot about this GS. And then there's the good handling.

[@philippekervynfaucon9849]

I had one for 4 years in Brazil ... had newer GS's and K bikes ....I REALLY MISS THAT 1150 !!!!!!! Reliable, simple, capable!

[@johnmignano7872]

Totally agree with you there are a lot of misconceptions and representations, ultimately as a rider we need courage to face the facts, and to be honest and clear about what we really intend to utilize bike for, but that really only becomes evident with experience and wisdom.

[@fmacdonald3559]

Great video, I love the quote from Ted Simon, I rode half way round the world in 2000 on a old R80G/S and met others doing it on scooters, dirtbikes and even a bloke on a RVF400! What annoyed me with the "Long Way Round" show was it implied you needed an expensive bike and camera crew.

[@vishnuswaroopgopalakrishna9588]

It was a documentary

[@vishnuswaroopgopalakrishna9588]

My engine size is proportional to distance i wanna do daily, longer the distance bigger the engine. And the weight is inversely proportional to the off-road riding acroll the trip.

[@darkiee69]

A camera crew of one, on a bike.

[@orange1666]

Because the long way around was just reality TV , however it was good for motorcycling in general but the achievements of the two involved are very questionable as they were guided and had a very high level of support , they would have done nothing on their own

[@fmacdonald3559]

@@orange1666I should have said I did enjoy the show, just want to encourage more people to do long rides.

[@pavaruremontas6100]

Awesome video. I always made fun as well about these bikes. It was ugly goose for me. Until I accidentally drove one. And after some 100 km suddenly everything changed. I bought 1100 GS and still own it. Its very very charming motorcycle. Ride it everyday and the more I ride the more I love it.

[@motorbikediaries]

Another cracking video with great editing and narration. Fair play 👌🏼

[@GrotrianSeiler]

This is an excellent video. Very well written. His choice of words makes it that much more interesting than the next review. I wonder if anyone else notices. Well done.

[@veriest1]

Having owned an 1150gsa for almost 15 years I really laughed when you compared it to a Saint Bernard. Such a good analogy.

[@Rockinbiker1946]

I had 2 BMW oil heads. First an 1150RT. Nice bike for touring but oh, all that plastic eventually turned me off. The second was a brilliant 1150GS. I'm not the off road type but the GS was a much more pleasing touring machine. I could ride 6-700 miles a day, day after day and always ready to go another day. I wish I still had that yellow beast, maybe another one is in my future, who knows.

[@smudgemo]

I love my '08 GS. Perfect blend of modern w/o excessive tech that will cause issues. I bought a GS911 diagnostic tool, and so far have been able to do all the maintenance required. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to tackle the clutch plate if/when that goes even though breaking the bike in half looks daunting.

[@vanveen8472]

when I was young I thought like you and figured BMW's were for old men, now I am one and I love my 2000 GS, and no I haven't toured the world, my longest ride was on a KLR, but when looking at the electronic features of new bikes where you have to turn off the traction control to even think about going off road, I return to how I can make by GS last longer, and I know how to button my shirt too

[@kubeon3152]

another top gear vibe motorcycle video from Krankit! Love the balance between informative, aesthetical and storytelling levels!

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you!

[@scooterists]

Great film, thank you. I was the same as you and then I bought a 1150GS five years ago, I now get it. I love it.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Yep. I was one of those that bought the first 1150 back in 99 and adventured outback Oz before Long way round happened. Did 140,000km on that bike.

[@norm701]

i've been to BMW's Off Road Skills many times and also been to KTM's Sweet Lamb training, my understanding about the 2 big adv brands is they have very different philosophy. the BMW bikes are not very aggressive, but reliable travel machine, the same philosophy applies to their ORS school, they teach their pupils how to get out of nasty situations: if you can't pass through, at least you will be able to turn the bike around and find the other way to go. While KTM makes very agressive machines that you will ride it up the most difficult hill and then realised the side stand sensor has just failed so you can't shift into gear anymore. When I was in Sweet Lamb, the instructors were pretty much like: "if in doubt, full throttle."

[@trailrider1980]

While I understand that GS bikes have shown to be reliable historically, BMW bikes have a very high failure rate in comparison to other brands, ktm may be worse but BMW bikes are not close at all to be the best, not even top 3.

[@allistairneil8968]

Haa ha! Funny comparison. I drove both on rental but at home in my garage I always had my RD04.

[@stevebond-k6v]

Great video and straight to the point of why WE love the GS. What can do you have on the bike? Sounds great!

[@KRANKiT]

I think it was a dominator exhaust. Sounds pretty good, a bit too loud for my taste but still reasonable

[@cokanyildirim]

I grew up dreaming this bike and saying "one day i will have one of these and go somewhere far " Now saying without tubeless tyres i can't go anywhere out of the city.

[@spisolucionescol]

Totally agree! 1150gs is an amazing bike, realiable and fun for riding. An iconic motorcycle that hit a mark in the history.

[@luehrsiboy]

I always laughed about BMW GS Bikers.... old men with a yellow vest and a jethelm, most of the time 50+ years old. But guess what? Two years ago I rode a 1150 for the first time - one week later I bought my own 😂 I really love this bike, its great for touring. Luckily I do have other motorcycles, its a bit big for city only rides. I can only recommend the R1150GS

[@ben_sch]

Very high production quality and interesting narrative, thanks for sharing!

[@MLS_Adventure]

Your video is an amazing work of art. Thank you!

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you very much sir!

[@NSUGS]

That was a fantastic video, thank you. You've earned a subscriber.

[@KRANKiT]

Thanks!

[@martinponc8021]

I always liked this model. For touring around europe and some occasional dirt road this looks to mz like a good choice. Plus i like the sound of the flat twin.

[@Iraskg]

The R1150GS is the perfect bike for city-mountain-roadtrips!! It have a perfect balance to drive for all situations!!! I love this bike and I drove much more “adv’s” all these years .The production of the original GS ceased at 1150!

[@Badhagis]

Oddly, I just purchased an 1150GSA today, and I've never been more tickled with any of my other motorcycles. And yes, I am the guy you described as the mid-life guy (sans the affairs), but at 58, I am not embarrassed to wear that moniker with pride...I've finally made it to where we all wanted to be as we were growing up, and I feel satisfied and very blessed to have gotten here...Great video!!

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you :)

[@666catcat666]

46 years of riding on more than 30 bikes of all types. My R1150GS stands out amongst them all as my favourite by far !

[@btgmoto]

Great video! Loved the quality of the whole thing.

[@SKG1941]

Been with you for a long time my friend. Love your content. Time to shave that head. You will grow into it. Don’t worry.

[@aaron___6014]

Social media and marketing have made this genre explode. Everyone thinks rugged travel is romantic.

[@12masterr]

Right? I have some friends go with me in a motorcycle " camping " trip. Tjey abandoned tje camping part 2 days?later! Lol. Honestly, is?not for everyone. I will rather sleep in a hotel Honestly!

[@PhilbyFavourites]

@@12masterrlol, I camped in the New Forest on a KH250 in 1976. Sod that… 1150Gs and numerous other bikes are about hotelling it around Europe.

[@gorkzop]

Heck. Due tue Dakar and this travel esthetic I bought an Xt600 for from stock and still love it to death. And it's 44hp is honestly enough

[@nawiribrahim]

I owned one, a bumble bee yellow. Had come from Honda Transalp. 20 odd years later I still ride GS and have now added a KTM 790 then 890. If you love travel bikes, GSs are almost essential

[@zzzsydneyhom1379]

I think that KTM was more concerned about their unreliable bikes failing than it was about Ewan and Charlie failing. We all would have watched week after week as one thing after another broke on the KTM's, so it was probably a smart move to refuse them.

[@KRANKiT]

To be fair though, the 950 and 990 did end up with a pretty decent reputation after the years passed

[@zzzsydneyhom1379]

@@KRANKiT I had a 2008 KTM 990 Adv which I liked but it had a really snatchy throttle that drove me crazy and nearly threw me off the back of the bike a couple of times when I lost concentration. I believe this was eventually rectified but I fixed the problem by selling the bike and buying a BMW R 1200 GS. Cheers!

[@nawiribrahim]

I owned the yellow 1150 too. Then the 1200 GSA and GS. Never looked back.

[@stevefowler2112]

I grew up riding and racing dirt bikes (enduros/Motocross/trials/flat track) and then moved on to liter class SuperBikes (I just bought a '24 Ductai Panigale V4R a few weeks ago). I had planned to buy a BMW R1150GS a few years ago but when I went and looked at them and sat on one (I am '57" 148 lbs). It was just enormous and I just couldn't see going off road with one.

[@KRANKiT]

Yeah, I personally wouldn’t do hardcore off roading either on one. But to each their own

[@mr.hughes5808]

I have taken my BMW R1100R off-roading… yes that’s the cruiser model… she’s a BEAST on dirt tires!!!

[@roelfkromhout]

It is probably the greatest bike that ever was and will be. Your journey in accepting the GS is the same as mine. I too was afraid, but it was always such a good bike. So comfortable to ride, so characterful. My only gripe is that I would like something a little bit lighter to do proper off roading with, but I'm looking at all these 'middle weight' ADV bikes and I'm really not seeing anything I would want to replace my GS with.

[@KRANKiT]

Oh, I’d never choose a GS for proper off roading. At the end of the day, the bike does some things really well. And for those things, I think it’s lovely.

[@Makacrx]

Great video, great bike. I remember my suprise when i ride first time on my 1150gs and figure out that how that elephant handle. Cornering and braking are superior for such heavy bike, and also this wierd suspension works great. Definietly suggest every one to ride once that great machine

[@duncanjowett5575]

Pulling out of L.W.R. was, I think, a genius move for KTM. The 950 Adv was the bike that was to take KTM out of the dirt bike world and into the mainstream. It was to be KTM's future. It was brand new when Ewan & Charlie came calling... I had one. It was a fantastic bike...WHEN it was working!! It had some serious reliability issues. Had KTM let it die again and again on a global TV show it may well have killed KTM.

[@mats3188]

Great wideo.😊It was really a hit for BMW to take a chans with Charlie and Evan and it payd out well.Today the GS is still the leding Adventurebike . I have ride my GS 1250 offroad and on racetrack and it,s really good wich road you like to drive on.

[@KRANKiT]

I’d love a modern one just as an all around, touring / do anything street oriented bike :)

[@ezlivin1454]

KTM was wise to not showcase their reliability issues.

[@nicholasvanwaasdijk]

Could you do a video on the old BMW F650 Funduro? I think it doesn't get the attention it deserves.

[@thedubwhisperer2157]

I had one as a courtesy bike once - what a brilliant fun machine!

[@RedRupert64]

Thanks for another great vid. Some people were put off by the fact that those two jerks used a BMW. I was adventure riding on a KLR 650 back in 1988, well before that version of the GS existed. The KTM 950A is much, much more fun. BMW struggle to make shaft drive reliable. Currently they're replacing shafts on R-series bikes made between 2013 and 2024 with 60,000 km on them. They were having problems with the shaft drives in 2006. They quote that the new 1300 GS's shaft has a service life of just 80,000 km. Yamaha don't have these problems.

[@KRANKiT]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelmarshall2958]

Regardless they still sell more large adventure bikes than any other bike manufacturer including yamaha

[@DispatchMoto]

I love this, well filmed and great topic! I think the R100GSPD from the 90s would be my goto GS bike. Like others have said, they're just getting larger and more laden with unnecessary tech.

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you!

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

I have nothing with traveling the world, I never saw this TV series. I'm a sports tourer guy. Used to ride a ST1100, decided late last year that I had to try a 1150RT, just to see what I experienced as the better touring bike. Did use the RT as my daily rider. And my VFR for fun rides. I did see a lot of videos where people were praising the GS. The GS is not to my taste, it is f.... ugly. Yet all this praise got me interested. About 1 month ago I bought myself a 2003 GS with nearly 90000 miles on the clock. And I love it. The RT is up for sale. For everyday commuting, trips to the shops, etc. I find the GS a much handier bike, compared to the RT. Not sure why... Comfort is great. And for a real fun rides I still use my 4th gen VFR, probably the best all rounder ever and, in my eyes, a beautiful bike. Nice video, thank you!

[@ErnestoVazquez-r9j]

I don't know what he said but I love that motorcicle.

[@ЕвгенийКотов-б5т]

Thanks from my 1150GS!)))

[@paulmckell7726]

My mate has a gs1150 , cracking bikes ,very relaxing you know you have an engine underneath you ,plenty of character , telelever is great imo . he keeps up with plenty of boy racers . People shouldn't criticise bikes they haven't ridden ,,,unless it's a Hardly,that's correct spelling .Tommy Tickle

[@PrydaCro]

I have a gs1150 2001 model. It has now 120k km and I love the bike. Was considering to sell it and buy something else but it grew on me.

[@TheZanshen]

The GS was built proper back then in my opinion. Solid machine. I had the 1150 and sold it but regretted it and bought an 1100 which I think was better.

[@dutchsailor6620]

The 1150 is more road oriented with the 6 speed gearbox (5 speed + overdrive). I drive a '94 1100 myself and I hope to pass the 300K kilometers mark this year with the old lady.

[@ichbins2545]

Maybe you missed something, the G/S won the race to Dakar long bevor 1150 came up, of course she was very capable Off-road. Have been to Afrika 1990 my self with a GS, at that time 7 out of 10 Bikes which we met there, have been GS. By the way, the Black/Yellow R 100 GS startet the success, back in 1987 😇

[@leewhite4887]

Excellent video, Well done

[@KRANKiT]

Cheers!

[@Porsche996driver]

I still have my ‘02 R1150R - not a Gelände Straße. My buddy had the Signal Yellow-Orange GS, which to me looked incredibly odd ha. I waited until the 2005 50lb lighter redesign. Still riding her too. -Gotta say I pulled alongside other motos a couple times just today - they both kinda jumped as if they saw Bigfoot / Sasquatch ha

[@dvdh4937]

After riding/owning R100GS/PD, 1150GS, 1200GSA oilhead DOHC and now a F800GSA I can say these bikes are awesome... drove around 800.000km with these and I would not buy anything else again. My PD and 1150 with 41 liter TT tank were the special ones 😊 plenty of good bikes out there but GS stays my favorite

[@Rossi593]

I loved the show and loved the 1150. That said, my choice would have been the KTM. However, KTM didn’t have the buying power of BMW to ensure success at all costs and whilst it might be seen as a mistake, in reality it was the right call for them.

[@dungbeetle.]

1:23 Well said, Charlie. Absolutely right! 😄 Actually, KTM were afraid that their bikes would fail. Go figure.

[@Cowley46]

If I remember correctly Ewan McGregor wanted to do the trip on the GS from the start but he let Charlie make the final decision to go with the KTM. I've only had my 1150GSA for 4 years but I'll never forget the first time I rode it, it looked so tall, heavy and intimidating but I climbed on board let the clutch out and it just effortlessly glided away. With the correct tyres it is genuinely good on the loose stuff too.

[@sgomez3047]

Well done, sir..well done! I own a GS and your vid came across my feed! I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well thought out and well delivered! I'll subscribe for more. Thanks Oh....and the middle age guy thing made me laugh

[@KRANKiT]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

Yes. Prev GS were just hippos. This thing, was so grotesque, gnarly. But it was the one to really catch attention beyond the GS homeland. The looks and Charlie and Ewan. I still hated it because of its looks - and seemed to be the choice of many who should admit aging and get the RT instead. The 1300GS is a different kettle of fish

[@waterhouse235]

I had a 2002 1150gs, absolutely loved it, even at 5'4" I absolutely loved it, best bike I've ever owned, only sold it as I became I'll and it was too heavy for me 😢

[@KRANKiT]

Sorry to hear that, glad you enjoyed yours!

[@segsfault]

Love these videos!

[@leekazan556]

This is a great story about an amazing motorcycle narrated by a legendary rider. Bravo

[@KRANKiT]

Thanks :)

[@lydiahanke]

Okay im going to buy one now.... Great video

[@Risinghaze]

Really really good video again!

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you!

[@Scott-bl8vg]

Meanwhile, Trumph had brought back the Tiger 900 in 1993, it just never caught on the way the GS did until recently.

[@platonkouirouklis576]

I have a black r11gs '96. I still cant find a serious reason to upgrade on anything out there. The bike feels and looks like a german tank from wwII, and u can hear its engine sound instead of a muffler 'pffrrr'. The gears are only 5, but it never bothers really somehow. Its acceleration in the low to mid range its still from another world. Almost No wind can move you on the open road, and everyone, I mean everyone, looks at this bike like its a ufo thing from the unknown. I steel coudnt find something better overall out there for its price to feel ratio. Even not the r 1150 gs. A refinement thing doesnt impress everyone at the end of the day. Some yes.. Some no... Although thats a very good video.. 🎉🎉🎉

[@aderitooliveira9661]

Excelente video, parabéns. From Portugal.

[@ownyourworld]

I love my 2007 r1200gs the weight isn’t an issue and it goes any where

[@athanasiospapadimitriou5216]

My first GS in 1999, awesome machine……….I changed 3 GS, 1150, 1200 of 2004 and my last GS from 2009!!!!!!!!!

[@nickp4179]

Great vid. Great bike. Thank you. (From here to auto trader looking for an early GS 😳)

[@KRANKiT]

Haha that was one expensive video ... for you

[@NotLeftarded1]

I have one I love it. A 2001 with almost a hundred thousand kilometers on it and you can't stop it.

[@NotLeftarded1]

I recommend you be tall cuz I'm 6'2 and it's hard to flat foot.

[@wikingfaust]

This is the coolest motorcycle ever built.

[@Rossi593]

I’ve always been rude about Gold Wings but secretly want one! And a scooter. Maybe.

[@losttheplotcolin]

KTM didn't give them bikes because they knew they would breakdown. If it was on film they wouldn't be able to deny the warranty.