In-Depth REVIEW: 2021 BMW R1250GS Adventure - 40 Years Edition

[@LongWayHome]

Anything else you want to know about the big GS?

[@darylclifford]

Yes, were any of the goats interested in the GS? If so, then I dub the GS “GOAT” of all adventure bikes !!

[@BubbaSatori]

What are kidneys going for these days? Asking for a friend.

[@danielnunezgarcia3071]

How tall are you? Would I touch the floor “safely” with 1m 75cm ? Thanks for the vídeo ! Love the review !

[@NomadOnGS]

@@danielnunezgarcia3071 I’m a 169 cm and I touch the ground with one foot perfectly with my lower suspension GS.. but I think since you are taller than me you will be fine with the normal GS height

[@NomadOnGS]

How is the stock windshield protection? Is it enough?

[@ministrant4220]

I like the honesty and objectivity of your reviews. This one is very informative.

[@andrewedmond7738]

HA HA!! Finally! Dave makes an appearance in the show. About bloody time. Would definitely appreciate backlit switches. Great review as usual mate, stay safe.

[@LongWayHome]

“Goatman”

[@jeanjacques9980]

@@LongWayHome “Goatherder,” Electric screen!

[@geraldferguson4672]

My favorite presenter on KZbin! Great humor with good information and real world perspectives. Dave made me say this :)

[@PetrolJunkie]

Your issues could be with the phone holder itself. If that is a wireless charging phone holder try one that uses a cord to charge. Wireless charging is basically a strong RF field that excites a coil in the phone to charge it. A strong RF field can also disrupt communication between the phone and the bike. I have a 2021 non-anniversary and I use an old fashion cable to charge my phone and it doesn't lose connection. I had a wireless charger but noticed that it would lose connection so I switched just to eliminate that as a possible cause and sure enough I haven't had issues since.

[@robertreidmd]

Great review! The old man than brought his goats and chair and sat down behind you was hilarious.

[@Maggieismydog]

Really want to wait for the new model…maybe a 1300??? These are the best bikes ever made, amazing machines. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! Kind of get the impression you are falling in love with it😁 I did and so did my wife when we rode them, in 24 years of riding (I’m now 43) nothing has come close the the experience I had on this machine!

[@jefft6731]

Well done on the review. Like the goats also, Just traded in my 2017 GSA for a 2021GSA Rallye. couldn't help myself. Trying to find enough time to get some miles on it. Do like it and it seems to sit a little bit taller.

[@DrazenCika]

3:30 into the video and we are still on the lights. I can picture project managers on endless meetings figuring out how to show additional value where there was none. My 1150 GS will bring me where I need to go 😊

[@janwynants]

The goats made it epic. Great review!

[@motovlogro]

My feeling riding the 2021 GS was that it is more refined than my 2017 rallye. However, still not enough to justify an upgrade in my books yet.

[@markfoster6667]

Another great video AND a Scarlett Johansen trailer ad, what's not to love..no insult to Dave.

[@gregatkinson5929]

I have the first Paralever model 1988 Bumble Bee with 49 K's . Owned it since 1998 , we all here how reliable BM's are but mine spun the crank big end bearings, BMW did not properly crimp the front mainbearing pin hole retention pin. The pin fell out shifting the main bearing ring a few mill out blocking off the oil supply. I did 1200 K' sand not riden since mid 98. I allways intended to get it going bought all the prarts for overhaul, most work is done, tricky work regrinding the crankshaft as they rivet on the balance weights, mangaged to repair it nicely . Now retired I will finish the job , I have always loved it even though it let me down. Now I see this new anniversary model I really like it, great review job you have done , sounds like a very nice bike , maybe they will sort the loose ends you mention to perfect this bike. I have friends with various older GS's and they love them. Early 800's are very valuable now saw an early one sell recently wiyh 24 Km's for $25K NZ. Earliers GS's can be bought quite cheap here in NZ. A new GS in NZ is about $40k. Great setting for the Review and love the Goat farmer brilliant. My 88 GS came with factory panniers, kickstart, hot grips, rev counter & clock, just need a heated seat for it. The new heated seat sounds great excellent for those colder rides.

[@morningdew9450]

A nice bike. But my question is - where does goes pricewise? In Germany ca. 23000 Euro. Nearly 50000 DEM.

[@robato28]

Perfect review. You most definitely deserve more subscribers.

[@MindaugasPA]

If you have older 1200/1250, go to your dealer, ask to install latest update (40-60eur). Ask them to calibrate throttle handle position, throttle body air valve position and suspension. You can do calibration by your self if you have tool like GS911. Enjoy your new fuel maps, all that exhaust popping and more agile and responsive engine + fresh like suspension

[@jeanjacques9980]

Wait for the 1300 and front Brembo front brakes!

[@sdefiel3719]

Seriously ... and it's harder to be serious around Dave and _this_ guy than _normal_ KZbinrs ... but seriously, this is a great review with just the right amount of info for me presented in a pleasing stile ... with goats! I mean, what else could you want?!?! maaaah! S

[@LongWayHome]

Goat dude rules!

[@rideswithhoover9789]

You forgot the Yamaha xtz1200 has a shift drive and is an adventure bike . And as been around for a long time also. You should do a review on one .

[@marktaylor1777]

I owned one for 6 years.. loved it. Sadly out of production now.

[@ozyfran72]

Ready for anything to be the GOAT of youtube 🐐. Great review!

[@jcollins2826]

Excellent review. I bought this exact bike and you described it perfectly. By the way, I completely agree with you about the Nav VI. It’s out dated, slow and cumbersome. But, I don’t want to rely solely on a phone based system like the RT. If you forget to download maps and end up somewhere with no reception, you can get in trouble. I hope they develop a Nav VII and make it modern.

[@marcusvorn8296]

Man! i´m a new rider at the age of 42 and i am looking for my first bike purchase. It will definitly be a GS/GSA. I have looked at hours and hours of bike reviews and you are the first one that seem legit :). Keep up the good work! greetings from Sweden.

[@mannyferrao1013]

Don't fall for the fake hype, it sux balls at everything, I had a gs and man was I out sinned by all my mates on their ktms and africa twins. Gs is just a tractor 🤮. I paid so much for so little excitement and it expensive to maintain for so little performance. It's the best when it comes to seat comfort but that's it. Choose anything else besides this heap of poopoo. These reviewsers are paid to say nice things about the gs but I bet you 80% of them don't own one.

[@markmurphy1995]

Upgrade I’d say! 😉 Thought it was just me that the connected app missed have the journey! 🙄😂 Great reviews, thanks ! Enjoying the longer video time . 👍🏻

[@ericwilson1383]

Great review as always! As a former 1100GS owner I fully agree with your trio.

[@ryanmalone2681]

I bought one thinking I could consolidate my Tiger 900 Rally Pro and my BMW K1600. I ended up selling the Tiger, but felt I couldn’t replace the K1600 because it’s so much more comfortable, faster, and better in the corners. Hard to beat the K1600 for mile munching and being able to rip it in the twisties once you arrive.

[@bobholley6202]

It’s a nice bike for sure. If money wasn’t an option I’d surely get one. Love the 40th anniversary bumblebee look. But for the money I’ll stick with my Tiger 1200. Great review brother!

[@halan236]

How old does my current GSA need to be before it is a no-brainer to upgrade to the 2021?

[@emak4558]

Wow, rode the 1200 and the 1250. You did not feel the difference was huge? Thought the engine response was a massive step up.

great review. since I am an owner of the 2018 r1200gsa considering to upgrade 2021 version after this video. thanks a lot.

[@richardwitherstone7396]

If you buy a BMW crash helmet, it has a torch built into it which is voice controlled? This is so you can see the extensive switch gear at night! but don't take your eyes off the road?

[@steveaustin1820]

That reactive headlight is not cheap to replace...surprised you don't have protection...I have my 2nd GSA...a 2021 Rallye...I will post a KZbin of what we run for modes in Canada.

[@davidsgrobler]

LOVE THIS BIKE

[@travelinben1966]

I really enjoyed my demo ride on a GS.Among the best bikes I’ve ever ridden.Now if I could just get past the looks of it,I’d buy one.

[@aminpiran1126]

Amazing review! Hardly find content like this on the bikes.

[@PhilippensTube]

Great video! You were wondering why you didn't get the black and yellow saddle. That's because you have the passenger version. Standard, the GSA's come with only rider saddles recently. When you choose the option to have a pillion seat and footpegs, you get an all black saddle. Same for the Ralley version, that's got a multi color saddle too for the rider-only version. Look it up in the configurator. I don't understand it. The two color saddle looks nice.

[@agu26fly]

The 2019 1250GS engine is the same as this 2021 model. Should not have a difference? Only the lights different and riding mode more.

[@ShineBright__]

One of the best detailed review i ever seen on GS .... i wanna see the new Tiger 1200 frist then see what i am gonna choose the standard GS or Tiger !!

[@kp8799]

I want new Nav. How about we use the RT split screen tech to drive a second TFT in place of the Garmin?

[@veereshswamy8967]

Don't have enough money to buy it now but definitely buying it on 50th limited edition.great comparison 😀

[@brandonrides8953]

I just got a 2021. I wish here in the US that we could turn off the low beam DRL to just have the LED X shape!

[@Elysian_Angel_]

Gosh that bike looks good with E07 tyres

[@roadglide]

Nice. Very nice. I think I will be absolutely smitten with the 22 for some reason. Now we get on with what this bikes needs to make it truly premium. Standard will be the new TFT screen. Then the Option 719 Highway Package: Back-lit handlebar switches for night riding, A real Horn, (think the version included on the RT this year) and an Electric Windscreen. Can’t wait.

[@LongWayHome]

Horn me up!

[@philmorrow2446]

Another thorough, thoughtful and trusty review. Excellent job. I do enjoy my Friday evenings with Dave!! One eensy teensy little point. Have you any idea how much those "amazing" rear shocks cost??? Check it out, but have a defibrillator fully charged and on standby!! My main gripe with BMW.

[@MarcosPC6]

Any part on this bike is expensive, not only the rear shock......if you are worried about that, the bike is not for you (and me)

[@gnmurray5955]

I was interested to see your comment on the headlight's brightness (or lack thereof). I travel a lot at night and down here in Tasmania we have a lot of quite large animals that hop their way around. Mostly wallabies, which are smaller than kangaroos but still a really bad thing to hit on a bike. I expected the headlight to be super bright but honestly I was disappointed. I have added a pair of Baja Designs Squadron Pro lights so high beam is ok but low beam is still marginal. Apart from that, the bike, a Rallye GS, is brilliant1

[@NeilRadley]

The Triumph Tiger 1200 is also shaft drive and very capable.

[@tontonn9995]

Not sure why you're ignoring the change in the chassis for 2021?? The GSA rake went from 26.3 to 24.9 - that's a pretty major change.

[@tontonn9995]

2021`

[@thedevmachine]

Great review. Can I have the track name/link @16:01?

[@joaodanunciacaonunes7539]

Great review. I’m thinking on getting this bike. I’m coming from a CRF 250 Rally. Do you think it’s a big jump? Thanks

[@cat1racer]

Romania looks like a nice place to live. I have been riding the GS for over 20 yrs, I didn't know they made anything else ;) I have a 2015 ADV that I still absolutely love. 2023 GS 1300 should be interesting.

[@kawabungah20]

Nice review and really entertaining too! Who needs music on a motorcycle? (Except for a chorus of Handel's Messiah whenever a wheelie happens.... Which never happens for this rider!)😊

[@ez-ny]

I like your videos! Honest, funny and easy to watch! Thank you!

[@sb99koxx]

Excelente video-uri ! Absolut perfecte. Your english is top knotch ! Multumim !

[@bav114]

Great review. When are more bikes going to get Apple CarPlay?

[@PedroTF]

Owning a 2015/16 GSA, like yours but with no ESA, to which I'm very attached to, I am curious as to wether you deem it worthy of changing or not.

[@raymondfrank9202]

I just bought the same bike. Love it.900 miles

[@mikedignum1868]

No more Garmin satnavs because they will all get the integrated TFT eventually. PS, my Nav6 recently deleted all my music after three years of working fine. I think ill stick to my 2019 GS1250 Exclusive.

[@serbandrutza]

Very enjoyable video! Liked it very much!! I was curious to see the street race with the 1200 Gs, also for this bike, but loved it any way. 😉

[@harry-skibidi1234]

I got sick of waiting for the NORDEN 901 and just ordered a 40th GSA

[@adnancemalovic9563]

Thank you for another great review! i got one since april and the only thing i dont like about it is the connectivity :( oh yeah and satnav is less than great

[@simonliddell8183]

Cool review, most entertaining as well as informative. Many thanks. Just purchased a new gsa tb 😁

[@Big.Ron1]

Thank you for this. I want an RT which we cant seem to get here in Arizona. It is nice to see what the new bikes have this year. Thank you. Be safe.

[@johannesmiller1849]

Could you share which tires are on your bike. They look like a good compromise between on/off-road. Thanks a lot!

[@morningdew9450]

With teh gearprob at my 2015, BMW says normal. Here i hear the was some Changes.................. please explain more

[@helvin8972]

Pros and cons are well explained. Thank you

[@sasoren1947]

Nice work on the video!

[@oldslowjim]

You said only Moto Guzzi is the shaft drive?. What about the Yama happy XT1200 ZE Super Tenere. Don't forget the price comparison.

[@marktaylor1777]

Yamaha XT1200 is now out of production.

[@rsbharley4766]

Great review, thanks for sharing. Cheers

[@michaelmanianglung8315]

Sir Is there any changes in combustion and power if used unleaded gas?tnx

[@nicolaumb7494]

Long way home, easier to get motorcycle news than to see Dave doing a wheelie on a GS 🤔🤪🤣...try to do it pushing between 2nd and 3rd, it will be perfect. Love the goats 🖖🏻

[@WOLF167h]

What is the phone mount you have in the video? Love your work, thank you sir!

[@LongWayHome]

Thank you! QuadLock.

[@burtonparsons7717]

Why do the tire stems have big ball type caps?

[@LongWayHome]

I bought them thinking they’re cool. They’re “anti-cool!” 🤣

[@drajender]

Very informative vid & nicely done. I ride a KTM super adventure that is “lively” & has the best lights on 2 wheels but feels 90% finished because of limited app functionality and navigation. More light & backlit switches, connectivity issues, GPS are unacceptable at this price point. Fix these and I might be willing to live with less power on the GS.

[@ილიაზაქარაია]

Good day . can somone answer me - did bmw r1250 gs adventure run without Dash Board ( tft monitore ) ?

[@bebzubebzu5832]

another great video jus WHY this music is SOO bloody loud ???

[@QuietStormX]

I don't think we get this model in the United States. I've not seen or read anything on this model. Nice Review!

[@sukumarank7709]

I know it's not meant for high speeds. What's thd top speed?

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

Everyone says that the shaft drive is less maintenance, but it's really not. Modern chains need very little maintenance and last a long time. X-ring chains really do not need constant oiling and cleaning. They are lubricated for life and cleaning them only removes surface dirt that may prolong sprocket life somewhat. Shaft drives need oil changes, spline lubrication, are heavy, are expensive to repair when they fail, and do not allow gearing changes. BMW even announced a "lifetime chain" recently for another bike, but continue to tout the overrated shaft drive on the GS. It's time to ditch the shaft on the GS to cut some weight.

[@CW4PWR]

Should you wait for the 2023? That will be BMWs 100th anniversary and I'm sure they have something special planned for the GSA. Maybe get rid of that Garmin GPS. Imagine how much more visibility you will have without thing in the way.

[@tontonn9995]

I expect the new RT TFT to come to the GS in 2023

[@CW4PWR]

@@tontonn9995 2022 or 2023?

[@JOA-S]

i am not saying that the GSA are expensive, but a used one in decent condition is like 12k in the usd valuta in my country xD

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

Is the price tag 40k

[@JOA-S]

they cost like 2-3k more than the base, id rather get the Triple Black color if you want a dark one.

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

@@JOA-S yeah the triple black is nice with the gold wheels

[@JOA-S]

@@inspectorclouseau3880 yessir, and that is the one i want :)

[@manardh7387]

Don't upgrade, I want to hear the left side rattle on engine after a couple more years. These sometimes sound like they might fly apart after a good breakin of the engine. Not a big deal for most riders, they wear ear plugs.

[@DragosRDS]

I am the proud owner of the exact bike from your video :) and love it of course !

[@marcelisujecki4707]

One day I will buy one but for now my Bmw 850 gsa is the closest thing of the big bother 1250! So much fun to ride!👍

[@raktimbhaskar7477]

what should be the ideal height of a rider?

[@RodCmte]

Comprei aqui no Brasil! Estou gostando bastante da moto, atende bem minhas expectativas. Apenas trocando o protetor de mão amarelo por um preto, acho que fica melhor... Não tão amarelo. Parabéns pelo video!!! 🇧🇷 Bought it in Brazil. Like it a lot, Fulfill my expectations. Just swapping the Yellow hand guard for a black one. I guess is better. Not too yellow. Congrats for the video!!! 🇺🇲

[@antonioadvrider]

Hello, what battery tender do you use on your bike?

[@MrStebenmar]

How did you get the South African accent?

[@souramyaswain]

S1000XR or 1250GSA ?!

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Very beautiful motorbike. Not too sure about the yellow, did it grow on you? 👍🏼

[@LongWayHome]

After about a week, weird enough yes. Quite a bit.

[@MRGS48]

Can you get the Eco mode on lets say a 2019 GS with some kind of firmware update??

[@LongWayHome]

Nope.

[@turi-geza]

I would have one more item to add to that list of not so nice. It's the front tire noise. Travels straight to your head. No visor up riding without earplugs. : ( Love the goats! : )

[@sunnycloudy1337]

cum ti-ai connectat quadlock wireless charger la baterie?

[@jcrawford068]

I think the black/yellow color scheme matches the original paint scheme from back in the 80s.

[@dalehawkes1698]

Great review no bull shit just good information thanks for making it

[@ioandragulescu6063]

10 years from now we'll have a GS with integrated AI for automatic terrain recognition, magnetic suspension and self balancing capabilities that will require 0 rider input. Program a 10 hours journey and you can go to sleep on it. And of course at some point it will say "I'm sorry Dave, I cannot do that"

[@davidfalgout7304]

Not so much....

[@franzrichter5150]

Are those tires the Mitas EO7 plus???

[@franzrichter5150]

Hello…….! Tires?.?.

[@ilijamishov]

Great review, thanx. I also own new 2021 gsa, and I have one question. How to safely disengage the cruise control? It does disengages when pressing the clutch lever or the brake, however when you drive 120km/h on cruise control, pressing the clutch only will abruptly slow down the bike. Pressing the brake lever is even worse, mostly since the throttle is closed all the way. If I open the throttle to match the speed and press on the clutch then the engine howls. So, what would be the safest and best way if I need to stop the bike quickly?

[@gabrieltoma5359]

Keep the accelerator on and touch the front brake lever or the rear (better) for seamless disengagement of the cruise control. If you need to stop quickly, anything you touch, clutch or brake will disengage the cruise control immediately. Cheers and safe riding!

[@LongWayHome]

If you need to stop quickly, you need to brake. If you want to disengage it without any jerkyness, you can pull the little cap over the cc switch and it will disengage.

[@ilijamishov]

Thank you for the tips. I will try them tomorrow.

[@u7j47fr]

Not sure about the GS but on my 1250RT you can turn the accelerator with a little force against its closed position and this will disengage the cruise control

[@gnmurray5955]

Because of the excellent braking effect of the engine, I found the same thing. If you roll the throttle on manually to the point of slight resistance (just before you would start accelerating), then touch the handbrake to disengage cruise you will get absolutely no jerk when you ease off the throttle.

[@Iggy997]

Thorough, honest and practical review as always! Way to go neighbour :) (I'm from Serbia). Question: have you had a chance to try out the new KTM 1290 Super adventure? I just returned from a ride in Greece (Peloponnese, I highly recommend it) I was on a 2021 1250 GS (small not adventure) and my friend went with a new KTM 1290 S Adventure. We were switching the bikes from time to time, and I must say that 1290 made me thinking... It is a great bike, almost as comfortable as a GS but with more power and a bit of a "bad boy" attitude. As you said, on a 10-12 hours days I still preferred the GS. Earlier in the year we did a GS 1250 Vs. Multistrada V4 comparison, and I was not impressed at all, Multistrada is still a nervous bike, good for going 100% but not good at all for long days in the saddle, 1290 is a different story though. Keep up the good work, have fun and stay safe! Cheers!

[@Rustavii]

Thank you. Great review.

[@Hogdriver88]

Connectivity between my Cardo Black, iphone, and new generation Gold Wing is also frequently problematic. That nav is very overpriced, but the good news is that it IS a Garmin - Honda dropped the ball with their built-in nav - I wish it was a Garmin. My option is to buy a Zumo XT. I would trade both of my bikes for a 40th Anniversary GSA.