Is the BMW GS the most comfortable motorbike ever made? I take a trip to Slieve Gullion to discuss.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

....well the GS is certainly comfy as you know, but as you asked for feedback.....the Gold Wing is THE most comfy bike I've ever ridden.....

[@WheelieGoodTV]

😉👌Brilliant mate. I’m yet to ride one. I know what would happen if I did. 💰

[@amberjackrtw7322]

Yea. But what if you can have only one bike? Not sure if the Wing would be as much confidence inspiring on that muddy single track as the mighty GS was ;) WheelieGoodTV, try the RT, the old man’s bike :). By many regarded as the best ROAD touring bike on the planet. You might find it even more comfy than the GS. I’ve had one RT. Went back to the GSA, but I’m sure I’ll be back with the RT at some point when I’m old enough haha (51 now) haha. Bless

[@henryroscoe2464]

After five years of R1200GS ownership, I took a supposed extended test ride on my dream bike, an RT! I too am vertically challenged, 29” in seam. I returned the RT after only 20 minutes and as I rode back into the dealer’s car park, the Salesman was outside and said to me, “You don’t like it!” When I asked why he said that, he told me it was written all over my face. In reality, it was nowhere near as comfortable as my GS, and I felt poised on top of the RT and not connected to the ride, unlike my GS. So my contention is, each bike is subjective in its fit and comfort for each individual rider! Ride safe.

[@motoadvire]

I hear you, I’ve looked at several bikes over the past year and keep coming back to “why change” as I love the GS. Great channel

[@vincenttarquini4235]

I recently purchased a 2017 R1200 GSA here in the USA. My old motorcycle was a 900lb Victory Vision Tour. At 69 years of age and being a tall rider I was just getting tired of lugging around such a heavy motorcycle. For me the GSA feels very light and is a dream to ride, whether in the city or highway. I could definitely Iron Butt with this motorcycle. The seat is not too hard or soft. After a few hours I do not feel the fatigue I had with my Victory. I also need to go off tarmac from time to time. Again a great bike for the job. I am glad I have it and wish I had bought it 2 years ago. I do not anticipate upgrading or selling for another brand.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Stock low seat on my ‘23 GS “low chassis” is surprisingly comfortable. Tiger 1200’s since 2018 with their new “mesh” seats are superb.

[@johnbuggy2]

Hi Dave, a great review on the GS. I have a 141 1200 and could drive it all day and night with no pains at all. Comfortable, powerful and very easy to handle at low speeds. Roll on the long evenings.!!!

[@johnmacdonald1878]

I've only ridden a couple of bikes. I had never ridden a BMW. I bought my 2017R1200GS based on its reputation and sitting on it in the showroom. It is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. On long tour 1000km days back to back no problem very comfortable. Going 10 km for a coffee just as comfortable. There is more to it than just the seat. Its surprisingly easy to ride. (it is huge). I really like the suspension. No dive. A couple of occasions, I am sure, the only reason I kept the rubber side down. I was on a GS. Which is very comforting. ✌😀

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Totally agree with every sentiment there. 👌🏍️

[@MOTOUK1]

Lovely views up there Dave, I’m out on the GT Pro today. Will let you know how she is over a pint next month 👍 cold one today though. Cold 🥶 I’ll be staying at sea level today 😂

[@davypross]

Last time I did Sl. Gullion forest ride was 3 yrs ago on a ktm adv.. glad to see is still open! Great views- keep the Gs! Am considering the Triumph 1200 Tiger next, it’s really comfy too!

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Nice video and chat Dave...i was chasing the perfectly comfortable seat for ages, Air Hawk cover, a Sheepskin, a Gel cover etc. Then a year or so ago i fitted a Cool Covers mesh cover to my T7 and I'm sorted! All day long comfortable. Cheers, Steve 💚 .

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Thanks Steve, yes the cool covers do look really good. Nick from @motouk has one on his Triumph Tiger and loves it.

[@MarkATaylor]

I had a Tiger 1200 gen 3 that I fell off a number of times, top heavy. The GS I now have has no such problems with its low CoG. Touring comfort with more power than I’ll ever need for the road. Fabulous bike that I can’t see me swapping anytime soon!

[@WheelieGoodTV]

The more I read these comments, the more I question why I’m even thinking of changing?🤔mmmm.

[@Anytwowheels2024]

Agree totally, Dave, I have a 2012 Gs 1200 that I keep in Cork and a Gs 1250 in Australia. Both beautiful and comfortable. Had a Honda before these and after an hour or so it felt like I was riding a plank!

[@TSH2020]

I do agree with you about the seat comfort of the GS. My GSA is by far the most comfortable for all day riding. The two worst seats were my MV Augusta Dragster RR 800 and the S1000xr. Exhausting after an all day ride😱.

[@erlingdale4784]

I had a 1250 GS for a year, and that was the most comftable bike I have ever ridden. Numer two on the list would be an old 1150 RT I had before that. BMW knows how to make a comftable bike! I think the only thing that will beat a GS on comfort, would be the Goldwing. Thank for great videos.

[@daveoneill594]

I tested the new 1300GS last week and absolutely loved it. Found it every bit as comfortable as my current 1250 GSA but much easier to manage and manoeuvre at slow speeds. Done a deal and collecting a new 1300 this week. I love the looks so just goes to show it’s all subjective.

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Good luck with it Dave. It certainly was an incredible few hrs on a test ride for me. 👌🏍️

[@AuldhannRua]

That's a nice bit of the world Dave. I've had a few bikes over the years but it would be between a VFR800FI or a Blackbird for comfort. I've yet to own a proper comfortable mile muncher, but hopefully, that will change soon. Loving the content, ride safe buddy.

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

I've only ridden a GS just like yours for a short stint but I was totally amazed at how easy it is to ride it. I always looked at them in intimidation as they look so big but once you're on it you totally forget about that. I did ride the Africa twin for twelve days as I rented one in France from Hertzrides. At first it felt so uncomfortable. I even got cramps in my legs! Then I fiddled a bit with the seat height and suspension at the first petrol station and the bike completely transformed. It then felt like a bigger CRF250 which I own as an everyday ride back at home! I would definitely like to test out the Triumph Tiger and see how it compares to my Street Triple RS in performance and comfort. You asked us what bikes feel more comfortable but that is a very question to answer really as it depends. I know some people who actually tour on sportbikes, R1's and Gixxers and they love it. I have toured on naked bikes at least once every year spending more than twelve consecutive days every time for the past 25 years and never felt sore. I do prefer lower handlebars so my neck isn't battling that much the wind but don't spend a lot of time over 120km/h when cruising. That's the sweet spot for me.

[@raymondmcdowell6234]

Another great video. I'm also 5'8" with 30" inside leg and riding a standard 2004 1200gs with a low touratech seat, wouldn't be as comfortable as standard seat on a long run but better to get the feet planted. Do I like the GS? Hell yes I love it and would probably only change for a newer factory low 1200 or 1250.

[@mphigham1963]

Some awesome views on that ride Dave. I love my Versys 1000GT, can`t wait to get to Clifden in June on it. Thanks for sharing Dave 😃😃

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Cheers Martin. Hopefully I’ll get a look at the Versys in June. 👌🏍️

[@mars0030]

With the pillion seat in it's forward position i even get some lumbar support on mine. I had three FJRs and could ride all day, and only start to get back-side ache towards the end. On the GS, i don't get achy at all! Probably have to get a monster tourer like a gold wing to exceed the GS with a comfort seat.

[@rcvg69420]

I've got a 2019 1250 exclusive with the comfort seat. I keep the front of the pilot's saddle in the high position and the rear in the low position. Then I keep the passenger saddle in the forward position for a little lumbar support. I added one of those mesh covers to help ventilate the swamp ass and now it's an all day seat fairly easily. The 1250 is certainly the most comfortable bike I've ever had. One boon it has that I really like is I can easily prop my calves up on the cylinders/crash bars to give my legs a stretch while on the move. Also shifts the glute position a little bit when you do that so alternating between that position and normal really extends the mileage I can ride and stay comfortable. I'm guessing the seat on the RT is probably a little better but you loose the ability to prop your feet up since the fairing is in the way. Probably workarounds for that. Other than that I think the only bikes more comfortable than a GS is going to be your dedicated long range tourers like Goldwings and the big Harley's and what not. I think between the RT and GS there are no bikes as comfortable that are more capable all around for sporty riding while carrying potentially a lot of luggage. And they are easily as sporty as plenty of much less comfortable bikes. AND the Boxer's (especially the 1250's) torque makes it just impressively fast through the whole RPM range. Can't be said as much for the inline 4 bikes even if they are technically faster when you get them in the power band.

[@JohnTaylor-ee7ee]

Just swooped my 18 plate GS with 37000 mile on to a 17 plate with 5000 miles on

[@tonyflavin6958]

Couldn’t agree more Dave, I have a 1250GS and it is the most comfortable bike I have ever owned by a country mile.

[@geoffhillier8060]

Well Dave I have to say that I have the same GS as you(well in missenden flyer red) and I agree it is the most comfortable bike I have ever had. I too had an FJR1300 which I found pretty good, especially the electric screen, but the balance or ergonomics, seat and weather protection on the GS have made this perfect for me.

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Totally agree Geoff.

[@IanTed]

Agree with you regarding the GS after owning three but my Multistrada with skyhook is just as comfortable, that is the V2S with the 950 engine. Stock settings are a little firmer but they can be quickly adjusted, I believe the V4 is the same.

[@forestboy54]

Hi Dave as someone who rides 18000 miles a year I need to be comfortable and the GS hits the spot. Always trying different bikes but nothing ever gets close to the GS. Did 1750 miles around Scotland last week in 5 days and had no aches or pains and I'm 70 years old. Do tweak the setting slightly to suit my 6'2" creaky old body, bar risers and my own memory foam insert in the seat but that's it. FB

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Yes I’m tending to think it’s untouchable in terms of comfort.

[@rideswithrichie]

Hi Dave. Good video. If possible this summer we must meet and you should take my Super Tenere out for a spin and make a ride review about it. I would love to know what you think about it. And I agree that BMW R1200gs is a great bike.

[@WheelieGoodTV]

I’d love to meet up Richie, we have a lot in common….. and similar windscreen frustrations.👍🎥🎥

[@martinrue7541]

Hi Dave enjoying your vids! Lucky enough have. R1300GS and Tiger 900, enjoy both Triumph obviously bit lighter so fun on shorter trips, but GS for proper ride out or future tour!

[@WheelieGoodTV]

That’s a beautiful haul!

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Hi Martin, hope you're well mate. If you see this message would you kindly contact me at [e-mail] I just want to touch base with you mate. Cheers, Dave.

[@Paul-h6e3m]

Hi Dave great watch your video, I had a 2015 gs 1200 and really enjoyed it but found it was under sprung on the rear I am 85kg so not to heavy, I then bought a new tiger 900 2022 which I had for a year, nice bike but no a gs. Then bought a 23 plate 1250gs with just 500miles on and I love it , the suspension is so much better than the 1200gs, I am only 5ft 8inch so I run it in low setting / dynamic and I can ride it all day.Good luck go and try one , not the GSA.

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Yes I have to admit I’m definitely leaning towards the 1250 GS. I still want to try the new Africa Twin though.

[@Paul-h6e3m]

It will be good to hear how you find the Africa Twin , for me the BMW boxer engine being so flexible/ lazy adds to the comfort @@WheelieGoodTV

[@martynspeight7362]

Very interesting little clip Dave: the comfort of the Gs1250 is unmatchable. What has just emphasised/ highlighted this to me, is its absence for two weeks, ( insurance repair job following a spill when a driver took me out at very low speed, no injuries). I had the use of the F750 GS( actually an 850), with the parallel twin engine. The centre of mass is higher than boxer twin, which affects all that fine handling, both at slow speeds/ junctions and high speeds. The clutch ( a common comment) does not feel just tight. The rake / trail is shorter, affecting steering. To crown it all, I dropped it at a farm track exit on a dropped urban effect as the bike stalled, I just let it go! How annoying, since it’s an exit I’ve done thousands of times before on many bikes, knowing exactly what speed/ clutch/ steering twist to coordinate. The seat felt ok in the couple of 180 mile trips I did make on it. The GS is so smooth in it seating, steering/ acceleration, that it’s my “ default” bike for any long trip. I have no desire to swap it.

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Good info there. The more I read comments like yours, the more I think I’m never selling my GS. 😉👌

[@johnwelbers4248]

Andy says goldwing I would say my Harley ultra limited is my best long haul bike. Better than my 2017 gsa, will look forward to what you think. 🍻😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦 from British Columbia.

[@shaunlock7454]

Hi Dave I hope you are well? Have you tried the Can Am Spyder RT Ltd? A three wheeled armchair or the Can Am Ryker a two legged barstool when at speed on dodgy roads. Great fun.

[@CB95MTB]

I've gone the opposite way to you (traded my 2017 R1200GS for a 2018 FJR). For my money the FJR is more comfortable, it just has long distance "continent crushing" ability that the GS cant quite match. Having done big European tours on both, there are trade offs to each. I can see why most would prefer the GS. It's 80-90% as comfortable but easier to handle and easier to ride fast in most hands when the going gets twisty. That all contributes to "comfort" as well as just ergonomics, methinks

[@tartantam3405]

I’m on my second GS. After my first I fancied a change and tried the Triumph and the Africa Twin. In my opinion, neither even came close to the comfort, quality, balance, usability or ride of the GS. So, I bought another GS! Currently have a 1250TE Triple Black. I test rode the GS1300 a few months ago and it is very very good. Not time for a change yet but when that time comes it’ll be hard not to go for it.

[@Teuchteronabike]

I would keep the gs. If you thought the fjr was top heavy you're in for an eye opener with the Africa Twin.

[@exeterrider]

For me the GS is up there for the most comfortable bike but the RT range deserves to be up there aswell... For me the RT is the bike I may have over the GS. The Royal Enfield 350 range provides great comfort aswell, certainly considering the price of them. Most bikes I ride all have their issues even when they are generally comfortable. As ever you pay big money for the GS but the GS does justify itself. Cheers Dave👍

[@Moto_APT]

Hi Dave, my Varadero was even comfier than my GS, and the Yam XT1200 I rode last year was just as good. Perfect triangle and no butt issues 😂. For info, my wife says the GS is the worst she's been on as a pillion.🤔🏍️

[@WheelieGoodTV]

My son says the same. I don’t really carry pillion though.

[@RigsvilleBikers]

Hey Dave, I found the same thing with my Yamaha FJR, no matter what seat I tried I just couldn't get comfortable on it, it was the most uncomfortable bike I've ever had (out of just under 20 motorbikes in 30 years) My 2017 R1200GS is the MOST comfortable bike I've ever owned.

[@WheelieGoodTV]

My sentiments exactly 👍

[@peterdane9138]

Keep it Dave.

[@MrSimonfoz]

I agree I owned a Multistrada Enduro before I bought my 1200 GSA , no contest in comfort and really no point in upgrading if your happy.

[@robertbryant1845]

I hear all the comments about the GS and yes it’s a great bike if not slightly dated these days. But when talking about comfort have you tried the Ducati Multistrada. Yea it’s a premium bike but for comfort it is amazing and to top it off it the seat is heated.. I think riding that in Ireland would be a bonus.

[@WheelieGoodTV]

A mate has just bought one so I’m eager to see what he thinks of it. 👌🏍️

[@robertbryant1845]

⁠I look forward to your honest review (hopefully your mate lets you ride it 👍🏻

[@MotoTourIreland]

Dave, you make a compelling case for the GS. I will be heading to Cork to actually test ride a GS1250 or an older bike if they have one. Unfortunately short leg affliction has me cornered. In your experience is a regular 1250 managable ? Without mods. The neck warmer arrived, as did a sticker which is now on my windscreen. Wife will not surrender the neck warmer to me for testing.

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Good man! Yes the regular 1250 GS is totally manageable. The esa suspension on its lowest setting allowed me to virtually flat foot. 🙏

[@MotoTourIreland]

@@WheelieGoodTV Now that is good news. Thanks very much.

[@edtxw01]

I've had three BMW GS bikes, the R1150GS, R1200GS and currently the R1250GS (low chassis, standard seat). I also have a Triumph Speed Twin 1200. All of the GS bikes have been superbly comfortable, the Speed Twin seat is also comfortable but the suspension is not as good as the GS. I haven't tried the R1300GS but I'm not convinced it's so much better than my 2 year old R1250GS, so I'm not changing my bike. If I were you, I would either keep the superb R1200GS or if you really want to change look for a nearly new R1250GS. Regarding Route 66, I rode some of it on a Harley Davidson (2000 miles) tour a few years back. I was on a HD Road King. Surprisingly comfortable, all day in the saddle, no problem. Not a lot of power compared to GS but it could cruise at high speed for hours. I don't think you'll have a problem on your trip.

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Great info and advice there. Thanks man. 🙏

[@gogathome]

My BMW R1150 RT is the most comfortable.bike I've ever owned, its very similar to a GS anyway. I also have a Honda Pan European ST1100, which is comfy but not as much as the BMW and a Honda Goldwing GL1500, which still needs some work before I get it on the road, it's comfy but not an everyday bike, So yes BMW have comfort perfected 👌 I also love the way my R1150 RT is perfectly balanced on the centre stand, you can lift either front or rear wheel with a finger when it's on the centre stand. BMWs designed very well. Hondas engineered and built better though.😮 Just my humble opinion 😀

[@ksco4390]

I have a gt explorer and I find it very comfy but can't compare as I haven't had a gs

[@marktomlin4702]

You’re right, gs is the most comfortable I’m on my 5th I tried others to get away from Bmw and the expense but always go back

[@WideAppeal]

I really wouldn't dream of changing my GS! Best bike ever.

[@WheelieGoodTV]

I’m leaning more towards this too. 😍

[@slipthegreyhound]

My GS only became comfortable after fitting a Sargent seat.

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Interesting. I’m wondering if comfort is also subjective?

[@austinmatthews347]

I got my first gs new in late 22 shes a 1250gsa te rallye but without the silly rallye seat shes got the heated seats and i love the bike i tried the 1300 and still i prefer my gsa your best upgrade would be one of the last 1250 gs not gsa the 1250 is so much better than the 1200

[@kevingullick1596]

I haven't ridden a GS so I can't make a comparison to be honest , I can only comment on my bike a super tenere xt1200z, by far the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden, similar size weight and riding position to a GS I belive, and like the GS a low center of gravity so extremely easy to handle. If I was ever going to change my bike I would probably get a GS, but at 66, yep I'm old😔 think I will just see out my riding days with my tenere, hopefully got another few years bikeing left

[@ydarbg]

I wonder if the new 1300 gs is as comfortable on long journeys? Certainly won't be as comfortable as your new 1300 GSA 😮

[@WheelieGoodTV]

🤣🤣👌

[@ydarbg]

As unsure as I am I still think I'll go with a 1300 GS as I currently have a GSA and just want to go with a lighter bike. The new Africa twin AS looks like a good alternative but just as unsure of that with chain drive and seat comfort

[@jimmyrottencauli]

I like the new 1300GS but if you look at the PCP residuals it’s less than old one despite costing more…… that is a massive red flag in my opinion

[@MrWibbleman]

Just noticed the free drive shaft replacement by bmw at 60k km for your (and other bikes). Your thoughts on this please kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJabn4mQj9uYeqcsi=2sQ6aE7INGtljpA-

[@WheelieGoodTV]

Wow, this is very interesting and thanks for sharing. It just proves that the plug they put in on the last recall hasn’t worked. It does make you think how safe are these machines??🤔

[@MrWibbleman]

@@WheelieGoodTV but also a new drive shaft for free at 60k km cannot be a bad thing. Going to test ride a 1250gs soon but been putting it off in case I like it and it cost me money :) I really like my tracer 9gt and have about 8k km trips planned for the summer so will stick with that untill August. Thanks for the videos. I am also in Ireland (Limerick) and an ex-brit.. your video's keep me going to places in ireland that I have not been to before. That and the Irish photo rally. Thanks again

[@kevingallen1678]

“Upgrades” are a marketing con! If you like your bike stick with it and get your money’s worth.