My New Bike - What Did I get?

[@dondle2]

That was very risky at 2.15 crossing that cattle grid with a lean on, safer to slow down a wee bit and cross with the bike vertical especially in damp conditions.Just saying, take care.

[@BMrider1]

My back wheel stepped out running over a cattle grid, thankfully traction control kicked.

[@tatmandu1722]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@mum-0217]

Yes, I noticed the cattle grid. Good job the traction control kicked in. 👍

[@MultiOutdoorman]

Some years ago you did a talk at a group meeting (AGM) for us in Warrington. Bikes were only a distant thought for you at that time. Look at you now ... advanced rider, examiner and total biker convert ! Great stuff.

[@RegLocal]

Yeah, bikes get under your skin don’t they?!

[@freetimeonline]

I've got the same bike and the same concerns with the indicators, they confuse my IAM Associates as they do a quick glance in their mirror and then take the next turn as they think that's where I want them to go. Looking forward to what you swap them out for.

[@shuttlefish59]

Good choice. I have a 22 anniversary edition TE. love it. Looking forward to seeing what you did about the indicators.

[@MotorSportsFan46]

I had a 2015 R 1200 GS. I've always said it was the best all round bike I've owned. The problem was build quality, in two years the engine and shaft drive were replaced due to flaking paint. The exhaust headers were replaced due to a defective flap. The rear caliper seized twice and the left switch cluster was replaced due to the cruise control not working. Since that I've had a Honda Crosstourer, top heavy and awful low end fuelling. A 1050 V-Strom, a cracking bike for the money. A 950 Multistrada, a much better everyday bike than the V4. I now have an 850GS which is my work bike, I'm a CBT instructor, and I've just bought a 1250 GS after borrowing one while the 850GS was in for some work. The clincher was the Shiftcam engine, it's a peach. I'll be using it when observing for IAM RoadSmart and for GMP Bike Safe and for touring. And yes I've already dipped into the Nippy Norman's, and SW Motech catalogues to buy it some presents. 😉

[@petervautmans199]

Congrats. I have the Denali D2's on my X, and they help a lot with my visibility , particularly when filtering true traffic, they work great with the indicators. When filtering ini the dark wintertime, i see the denalis bounce of the rear of the cars in fornt of me, so very good warning.

[@austinmatthews347]

As far as i can remember the gsa has a steeper steering angle than the gsa therefore quicker steering.the 21 plate onwards have had some tweeks etc

[@garethcoombs1622]

Please get that windshield cleaned Reg, I couldn’t see where I was driving; kept trying to look over the top of it! Oh, and by the way you have a new subscriber. Thanks and keep the vid’s. coming.

[@barney3417]

Having had GS?GSA's since 2008 I know they have improved year by year., and are a GREAT bike . BUT I have also realised that BMW always do a promotion on old models before the new release of a new model...With the new 1300 coming out soon you will get a great deal and so you should. Having been daft enough to buy a first edition of a new BMW I suffered with " costumer development" to my peril!!

[@underwaterwatchesunderwater]

Agreed, a new bike is always exciting. Nice to see this bike and to learn more about your view on it. I will have one one day... Just need to save for a few more years. Happy riding =)

[@steveyoung1805]

Delighted for you! I moved from a 1200 GS to a 1250GSA triple black TE. I love it and know what you mean about feeling very different to the GS. I am lucky though I also bought an XR as my sunny day bike

[@thesmithsteron2wheels362]

Happy new bike day John, always a great feeling, can hear in your voice it was the right bike for you and im sure your grinning from ear to ear. Never been on a GS, but they have all the bells and whistles and im sure its a great bike to ride and suits all your needs, Enjoy and congratulations on the new steed in the stable

[@RegLocal]

Thanks 👍

[@johnbateman3244]

No matter what you ride If the bike makes you smile, then job done.

[@_Steven_S]

Fairly sure Suzuki and Honda are doing the orange running lights in their newer models too. Not a fan either. Couple examples off the top of my head... railings, bollards, and other street furniture could give the impression of a flashing orange light. And other road users who have a quick glance at junctions could mistake it as a turn signal. If manufacturers want to add more conspicuous lighting to the front end... use white. Not the same colour as a specific signal 🤦

[@JJ-SH]

I've a 2019 GSA and it's fab. It too suffered from the sticky exhaust valve but the dealer didn't bat an eyelid and fitted a new set of pipes gratis. Other than that, my only minor disappointment is the seat - not as comfortable as my old RS I don't think, and it's a bit too high to be able to add one of those inflatable pads. Super handling, super range, super fun.

[@ciduk]

Love the videos and I wasn't surprised by another GS, when it does what you need, stick with it. I'm a little behind on your videos and see your now without a regular car, I bet that feels strange after all the years of BMW and other cars being on the driveway.

[@RegLocal]

Still got the Mini if I need a roof & heater!

[@ciduk]

@@RegLocal actually laughed out loud at your reply, brilliant.

[@WoodNotts]

A logical choice given the last bike😁 Initially I liked the look of the new lights/indicators but having ridden behind a bike fitted with them I must say I now prefer the conventional rear light and separate indicators as it’s what people are used to and from what you’ve found, they can be confusing. Enjoy the new bike and keep up the good work👍👍

[@austinmatthews347]

My thoughts after 1700 miles simple best bike i have ever owned after 36 years riding its a jack if all trades and pretty near a master of quite a few i am not surprised they sell over 60000 a year

[@mikeroberts]

Ah, I was wrong with the RT guess! 😁Enjoy the new bike Reg. I agree with you about the indicators. The Honda Africa Twin and NT1100 are the same. I'm sure it does create confusion. I ride regularly with some GS riders and often when I check my mirrors I catch a glimpse of yellow and think they are indicating. Also the rear indicator setup is not good either, with the mix of back light/brake light/indicator function. So much better the old school way. I believe your BMW dealer can turn off the front running lights with their software, but you are stuck with the rear setup. I'm also not a fan of fog/spot lights on bikes. Yes, they look a bit different, but again a nightmare when they are following you, and you regularly check your mirrors. As you'll gather strange lights setups, and also over bright lights are a pet peeve of mine. Keep safe.

[@jimporter]

Having just been out with an observer on an NT it was not a quick glance and thinking they were indicating that was the problem, it was looking in the mirror to see if they were indicating and not being able to tell the difference unless you spent too long looking.

[@Parallax33]

Good choice! I have the same model and its the best bike I have ridden 👍

[@SouthWest-jj8yu]

If you check the specs on the BMW website and I’ve only looked at the wheelbase and length you can see there are differences with the GSA having a slightly shorter wheelbase but overall length if I’ve read it right is over 6cm so it’s likely the rake of the forks might be different and make the feel on handling not quite the same, great bikes though👍

[@RegLocal]

Interesting! I think the (20mm) larger wheelbase is probably down to the longer suspension travel of the GSA over the GS, as the trail of the front forks is 100mm on both bikes. You’ve sent me down a rabbit hole of GS specs!!

[@patrickjames1301]

I did the same as Reg , recently I changed my GS for the adventure and had exactly the same experience, can’t explain why it feels lighter to ride than the std GS 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

Congratulations! Can you please explain to me why an adventure bike? They seem to be the thing to have these days. I do not get it. I never go off road. I drive all year round, snow and ice excluded. I ride old(er) bikes because I hate depreciation with a passion. Old(er) bikes are more expensive maintenance wise, which I do not mind. So... most my mileage is done on a ST1100. When I feel sporty I take my VFR... To me the ST 1100 is almost ideal because it is a big, lazy tourer. Yet all these people on adventure bikes do make me wonder...

[@bsidethecside2283]

I moved from sports-tourers to ADV 5 years ago. No slower in a straight line (up to jail speeds anyway), better at being chucked into slow corners, deals with broken and messy roads, better visibility and all-day comfy. Don't get me wrong, my VFR and ST 1050 were great, but the KTM & now GS offered a change to rejuvenate my biking. Also, less likely to lose my licence!

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

@@bsidethecside2283 Thank you.

[@mikeroberts]

After the best part of 20 years on ST1300s and a 1400GTR I gave in and switched to 'tractor' style bike. For me that is a Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200. Why: the manufacturers made me. They stopped developing the sports tourer and they have all been killed off. If someone came out with a modern version of my bike, with a full fairing, I'd be in. Having been made to convert, the Explorer is a superb road bike (I never go off road) and it deals with the dreadful state of our modern road network well. Incredibly comfortable with an upright riding position and all the bells and whistles I need (I don't need a laptop pretending to be my instruments).

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

@@mikeroberts Thank you. I understand this. As I ride old bikes (my ST1100 is 33 years old), this is not an issue to me.

[@RegLocal]

Go & try one & I’m sure you’ll get it! They’re very comfortable, the upright riding position & bike height gives you an excellent view & they handle far better than they look like they should. Just really great all-round bikes.

[@steveburden1801]

Interesting to see the GoPro on the bikes beak. Having had no success with this format on other bike manufacturers and models have you found this a stable location? Love the videos and especially the IAM series as I am currently training to be an observer. Found the Kate video a great reference video 👍

[@RegLocal]

Its’s a good mounting spot, but leaves the camera susceptible to road spray etc. I’d also advise using a hero 7 or later due to the improved image stabilisation.

[@markbennett6367]

Nice bike Reg. Congratulations...👍

[@PeterArians]

Hi - Have the same bike and I like your Tank Bank - what brand is it and does it rub against the tank or does it completely stand off from the tank paint? Many thanks Peter

[@RegLocal]

It’s a small Givi tanklock bag Peter - no contact with the tank itself.

[@PeterArians]

@@RegLocal Many thanks - that's what I'm looking for.

[@BMrider1]

All the GS's look amazing if i had a younger spine it would be my bike of choice. I ride BMW K1600 gt, yes i know heavy bike..... I find the reverse gear a must at my age. Anyway ive enjoyed this review, some valid points youve made... Especially about the running lights/indicators. Thanks Reg👍

[@kylewalker5147]

Enjoy the new Steed Sir!

[@yodomcat]

Lovely bikes, I've always fancied on but know I will drop it within ten minutes! So to combat that I'm booking on with BMW doing their offroad course, I figured I might as well drop their bike 100 times to get over it 🤣

[@hanthil5068]

Hey Hey...! got it right...Good choice mate , enjoy'

[@austinmatthews347]

I have exact same nike but mine is one of the ones that came temp fitted with halogen headlight. I have heated seats but apparently the ones that are coming out now yours included are getting the headlight but no heated seat ootion and according to tony at rotherham yours will not be able to have the heated seats fitted retro

[@rogerduerden373]

Yes, I definitely saw that coming. Oh well...

[@lozv9974]

Very nice 😎

[@stevepeary5322]

Do you look through the screen or over it as the visibility through it looks terrible. Forgive my naivety, as you know I an not a bike guy 😊

[@RegLocal]

Camera is as chin height Steve - you look over the screen. The screen deflects air over your head. I’ll bob round & you can have a pillion ride!

[@timwilson8553]

If you have no car and this is your work horse all year a heated seat is brilliant trust me 😉🤣

[@RegLocal]

A Keis heated jacket is a fair substitute!

[@timwilson8553]

@@RegLocal I have gloves and socks. 🤣

[@richardnicholson3912]

Did you say you don’t have a car anymore?

[@RegLocal]

Yep - sold the M2 last October!

[@andrewharrop7932]

👍🏍👍

[@bikerguy3339]

The GS does everything a bike needs to do.... but boaring

[@grizzlystr3445]

No great surprises there, once you get into BMW brand (I had 3 Gs’s) other manufacturers just don’t match their do it all nature. I just found the weight fully fuelled & loaded was starting to get unmanageable of all the brands of 1000cc plus adv bikes, and why I now ride a Ducati Multistrada V2s. Enjoy they are a great bike 👍

[@rogerduerden373]

Yes, I definitely saw that coming. Oh well...