2017 BMW R1200 GS Adventure Review - The Best GSA Yet!

[@JonathanCWard]

The pocket. Would definitely leave my ear plugs in there. Without having to put them in my coat every time.

[@theworldsbonkers]

I own a 2016 R1200GSA just traded it in for a 2017/18 R1200 GSA Triple Black fully loaded collect in March 2018. Wanted the TFT screen also Nav VI. Great videos by btw.I have had bikes all my life and nothing even compares to my GSA also BMW customer service is outstanding.

[@RiderCamTV]

+Keith Bedford hey matey, that’s amazing. Envious of your new machine and especially the tft screen which is awesome. The gsa is a great bike and we swear by ours :) as do we with the service from BMW too. Thanks for the kind words as it means a lot. Ride safe :)

[@arnemijangos1332]

You have to use the lift switch that you mention (and mock BMW) in the headlight when your bike is fully loaded with the 3 cases on and 2 up, it is useful to compensate the load in the back of the bike and prevent the headlight goes to much high.

[@RiderCamTV]

+Arne Mijangos thanks for the tip matey. :)

[@stuartlaw313]

Surly if you set the suspension setting to two rider and luggage it firms up suspension, keeping bike level. If not you may be exceeding max gross train weight of the GS. I did Europe fully loaded, had no problems with blinding in coming traffic.

[@arnemijangos1332]

What I wrote is in the Owner's Manual, not my appreciation.

[@RiderCamTV]

+Stuart Law very true :) but good to know how to adjust the light if needed :) ride safe matey

[@RiderCamTV]

+Arne Mijangos cool. Thanks for the info :) ride safe matey

[@31acruz]

Also, why is much more of a pleasure to ride then your 2016, they did not change much in one year did they? (I know you mentioned the gearing being a little smoother, how much smoother was it, was that the only improvement you noticed?)

[@madwilly100]

Well what a great first video. I'm glad you spoke about the mechine that your going around the country on ..roll on the second vid

[@RiderCamTV]

peter foster thanks for your kind words and thanks for the support :)

[@Null-zp3or]

St Agnes Head, what a great backdrop for Reviews (when it's not blowing a gale) I can only dream of owning a bike like these but knowledge is knowledge. Thanks for sharing.

[@mickynicky82]

Try indicating at 200yards before exit. Should be enough to not cancel by exit. In my lorry test you must go on motorway and I was trained to indicate at 200yards.... maybe you can try this out for a while and see how you get on. It may seem wrong at first but after 20 times you will feel better about it. Hope this helps 😉

[@RiderCamTV]

+Michael Nicholas hey Michael, thanks for the tip. It's hard to get into the habit as I was taught at 300yards but I'll give it a try. Will certainly beat the things cancelling themselves :)

[@jcrawford068]

Thanks for the review. I'm getting a GSA in April. Very informative!

[@RiderCamTV]

Hey Jim, hope you like it as much as we do :) Ride Safe

[@MegaRusty64]

west cornwall, great video, great bike !! I'm currently owning a triumph tiger explorer 1200 but maybe looking to part ex for a bmw gsa, what are bmw plymouth/falmouth like for customer care and sales ? the triumph is a nightmare fully loaded in slow traffic... unstable and unpredictable 🤔

[@RiderCamTV]

+MegaRusty64 hey mate, I'd definitely recommend going into Falmouth bmw as they are great in there, both for sales and after care. Plymouth are good too but I've had more dealings with Falmouth in past few months. They will definitely sort you out something. Thanks for he comments on the video. Mention the vid when you visit ocean bmw. You never know ;)

[@Bazza47]

Thanks for an interesting and honest review. I have a standard 2016 GS so I found your comments about the quickshifter and keyless very useful as I don't have either on my bike, though they were on a 2016 R1200R I had a test ride on. I like the look of the GSA, but I'm not that tall so the GSA isn't really an option for me as I find the GS with a pillion more than enough of a handful!

[@RiderCamTV]

hey mate, glad you enjoyed the review. quick-shifter is soooo good.. :) you can get the GSA in a lowered format too :) ride safe

[@andrewtofts7884]

Hi RiderCamTV, thanks for the video, really enjoyed it. I also have a 2017 GSA which I upgraded from a GS; loved that bike but the GSA takes the concept to a higher level. Have put various accessories on it including fender extender, rear extender, GIVI handguards, foot plate for the side stand, etc. Currently looking to get some panniers and the Bumots in black are my choice at the moment. Agree with you that this new one is much smoother than previous models. Cheers, Andy

[@RiderCamTV]

Hi Andrew, thanks for the kind words. We love our new bikes and agree that the GSA takes the concept to a higher level. we have got loads of things to put on the bikes which will follow in future vids, (hand guards, mud slings, bar risers, headlight protectors etc......) black panniers will look great too!!

[@andrewtofts7884]

RiderCamTV Thanks for the reply. Yes, I have bar risers and Mud Sling; also fitted a MRA Vario screen which is brilliant. My GSA is red, so the black panniers suit it perfectly; getting the Bumot as they fit directly onto the OEM rails. Will get them from the Adventure Bike Shop and intend to ride down and collect them so I can have a good look round. Cheers, Andy

[@RiderCamTV]

Andrew Tofts sounds like it will look sweet :) shame we have to fit so much to an already expensive bike, but I guess it's fun all the same. :)

[@davidandmandy283]

Totally agree with you about the heated seat I currently ride an explorer with a heated seat a bike this expensive should have them that being said I’m buying a GSA next week

[@RiderCamTV]

Definitely matey. Enjoy the GSA ;)

[@Sleepyukulele]

Very interesting video, I have aspersions to get back into riding! Would you be doing reviews of riding products in the future to help me choose the right kit ?

[@RiderCamTV]

Hey, thanks for checking our the video. We have lots of reviews to come, from wearables to stuff we have waiting to be fixed to the bikes, so i am sure we will be reviewing kit that will help you make an informed choice of what is best for you. If you have anything in mind, let us know and we will try to get it reviewed for you :) Hope you get back into riding, there is nothing like it!!

[@emmanuelwillis]

Was your previous 2016 model a R1200GS adventure as well? Trying to figure out if there's a difference between the 2016 and 2017 R1200GS adventure.

[@RiderCamTV]

+emmanuelwillis hey mate, yeah it was an adventure too. The differences I have found have been that the 2017 model is much smoother and the quickshifter is almost seem less in operation. I would say same bike but with a much more refined smooth ride :)

[@FrederikBuysse002]

i think the indicators are programmable, ask your dealer to turn the auto switch off, off ;) should be mentioned in your manual

[@RiderCamTV]

+Frederik Buysse ah cool, will find out about that. Thanks :)

[@TheDervMan]

I'm jealous, that's a beautiful bike. I ride an '07 GS at the mo but would love a white GSA. I like the graphics in the video, nice work. You're brave taking a bike this heavy off road, please don't drop it as I would actually cry ;-) People who say they are better then the electronics have no idea what they're talking about, I'm all for modern driver aids. The GS is for me the best bike out there right now, show me another bike that has LED headlight, Up/Down Quickshifter, shaft drive and cruise control. Looking forward to more videos.

[@RiderCamTV]

+DervMan hey, thanks for the comments. Glad the graphics looked good. Truly an amazing machine. I don't know if we are brave or stupid! Time will tell! Thanks for your support matey and we hope you enjoy our future videos. Enjoy the GS :)

[@GiorgosChristoulas]

Very nice review, especially the comparison to the 2016 model. The video edit is superb! Great job. Do you know if the 2017 "R 1200 GSA LC" can be ordered with the "new generation ESA" and the new riding modes (i.e. Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, Enduro, Enduro Pro) that the new 2017 "R 1200 GS LC Rally Style" gets? All the best, George

[@RiderCamTV]

+ hey George. Thanks for the kind words. The 2017 model (the one I reviewed which is my bike) has all of those riding modes except I haven't seen dynamic pro. Mine has road,rain,dynamic,enduro and enduring pro. Make sure you subscribe as many more review vids coming to the channel shortly. Ride safe :)

[@RiderCamTV]

Should have said enduro pro :)

[@goneill81]

So as I understand from your video you traded a 16 GSA for the 17 GSA.....what are the exact differences between each bike please?

[@RiderCamTV]

+Gary O' Neill certainly did as the Des was too good to pass up, as well as doing loads of miles every year. Eek! The biggest and by far the best difference is that the gear shift is as smooth as butter and the engine is just so much smoother and better. I didn't think the 2016 model was bad at all but I have to say that the 2017 model is smoother and more refined. :)

I also have one 2016 model and is an amazing bike! Congrats! P.S. The pocket in the bike is very very handy! everytime I stop at the toll is where I put the invoice.

[@RiderCamTV]

+João Coelho certainly is. Awesome machines :)

[@RiderCamTV]

+João Coelho good idea for the pocket, will test it out later in the year when touring :)

[@illigitimus3451]

The pocket is great for your ear plugs, and a charging lead

[@marcomorgato1064]

Nice ride through Pool, excelentes comments! I am thinking in getting one, at the end of this year.

[@RiderCamTV]

+Marco Morgato cool. Best bike I've had :)

[@artyic]

Great insight on the bike. I'm in the market of getting an adventure bike. The 2 bikes I'm looking at are BMW 1200 GSA and KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. What is your take on which bike would be better? Would love the hear the your suggestions.

[@RiderCamTV]

+Chua Skiddy hey mate. Thanks for the kind words. They are both amazing bikes, and it depends what takes your fancy really. The KTM has more power and you could agree looks better with the tight lines and awesome colours. It has a tft display which is in my opinion market leading at the moment and the handling is awesome. On the other hand the BMW is a work horse that has more than enough power and looks great. Has more miles in the tank and comes with engine cars and spotlights etc as standard. It also has a shaft drive which is very low maintenance. They both have quick shifts available and have loads of room for luggage and different option luggage to suit your needs. They both also have excellent track records and dealership support. Both will do exactly the same job in different ways. I'd say if you wanted a 'plodder' that is happy loaded up all day long with fun as well for those twisties then the BMW abut if you more for the odd trip away and more on the twisties and want newer tech to look at (until 2018 when BMW launches its new tft dashes) then perhaps the KTM. But I would say try them both and see what you think :) Hope this helps :)

[@RMK67]

I purchased my GSA late 2016 so missed the 2017 model by a couple of months but was very interested to hear the difference and was in agreement with your assessment with the gear box and quick shift pro as it pointless using it in 1st and 2nd. Now my question, my Welsh wife and I have decided to move back to Wales in late 2018 so I was hoping to see some clothing reviews as I wouldn't have a clue on what to purchase being from Australia and all my gear is designed for hot weather conditions - great vlog and have sub'ed to your channel 👍

[@RiderCamTV]

+RM K thanks for the kind words and welcome to the channel. Clothing reviews are coming :)

[@kevinstephens3792]

So sat at home in Germany, flicking through different videos and found your channel, only to see to riding through pool :-) What a small world! Wish I was back in Gods Country (I'm from The Lizard, but know the area very well), keep the videos coming, looking forward to watching more

[@RiderCamTV]

+Kevin Stephens Guten Tag Kevin! It truly is a small world. And then Cornish roads are ansome! Mind you Germany has some nice roads too and in many cases more considerate drivers ;) Thanks for the your comment. Amazing that our videos are being seen around the world :) ride safe.

[@Boxer1250RT]

Is there really a significant difference between the 16 and the 17? I might do the same. Thanks,

[@RiderCamTV]

+Becker Inal not in terms of the aesthetics but certainly in terms of smoothness of the engine and improved quick shifter and gearbox. :)

[@MrBrut33]

Great Video..really enjoyed it. I lost my GS last due to it being stolen in broad daylight. I"ve got another BMW.. Regarding Keyless I thought it was a Gimmick but it isn't I love it. Not sure if you realise if you drive off without your keys the dash will inform you that the keys are not in range. Thanks for the video.

[@RiderCamTV]

+Henry Cooper thanks Henry. :) Sorry to hear you lost your bike. There are some horrible people out there but I'm glad you got another. I'm the same, didn't think I'd like keyless at first but i do love it. So easy. Thanks for the tip about riding off with out the key. I religiously make sure I have it in my pocket as I'm paranoid I'll lose it but now I know how to spot that I left it behind. Thanks :)

[@teemacmahoney2215]

Is it really worth commiting to a 2017 GSA when a new release is inevitable for 2018 given the new 2017 KTM 1290sas etc.. Just hear so many mechanical issues and dealer visits with KTM owners.... Tank slaping and wobbles etc...

[@RiderCamTV]

+Tee Macmahoney I did as it was financially better for me. Just means we need to add more miles before it's released next year. :)

[@antonoat]

I've just subscribed, thanks for sharing the videos. I think I need a new GS or GSA, it would seem there are some real imporvements over the 2016 models, especially the gearbox! You've confirmed with this review what I hoped would be the case. I did notice you were riding at speed with the visor up for a while, is the screen that good? all the best tony

[@RiderCamTV]

+antonoat definitely rides better than the 2016 models. The screen seems to be better too although I'll be fitting a slightly higher one in a later video as the stock screen is ok, but for me just needs to be a tad higher. I'm 5'10' and need just that little more as I like riding with the visor up :)

[@mildot5482]

a day without clouds ???

[@flowrider5548]

Great projection of an awesome bike. Any leans coming up?

[@RiderCamTV]

+Spirit Biker thanks for the kind words. Leans?

[@flowrider5548]

Leaning into corners racing those twisty roads....

[@RiderCamTV]

+Spirit Biker haha I see what you mean now. I'm a fool. Lol. Yeah definately when the roads are dryer :)

[@johnfitzgerald4274]

Thank you.

[@Captbilly1000]

The pocket is ideal for North American toll roads,it really does save going through your pockets looking for change.

[@RiderCamTV]

+William Robinson and the payages in France :)

[@FreedomRTW]

Thanks for the review. I'm a Scot living in Spain where the roads and weather complement each other perfectly. I'm on the market for a GSA or RT and am torn between the two. Both come in at about €22.5K here fully loaded and I've got a test on the RT next week. my question is, is there a notable difference between the 2016 GSA and the 2017 GSA? Is it worth an extra (approx) €2K for the 2017?

[@RiderCamTV]

+Scotdotcom Spain thanks for your question. So envious about the weather you have compared to ours! I'd say the rt you sit more 'on it' and the GSA you sit more 'in it'. Both the 2016 and 2017 are exceptional bikes and if circumstances didn't allow I'd still have the 2016 model. The improvements I've noticed in the 2017 model are that it's much smoother and the magicians at bmw have smoothed the transition from 1 gear to another really well. Noticeably better than the 2016 model that was still quite clunky slipping from 1st 2nd and 3rd but on the 2017 model it's as smooth as butter. If you can afford it I would say that the 2017 is well worth it but you wouldn't be disappointed with the 2016 either. Are they able to let you try both?

[@rogermorello9910]

Hey, dont wanna teach you how to suck eggs, but have you tried opening the little pocket over the tank without the key fob near the bike? It might operate on a similar system to the petrol tank and therefore lock itself when out of range of key. Just saying.

[@RiderCamTV]

Thanks for the comment Roger, i'll check it out and see if mine does... :)

[@31acruz]

Nice video. Why did you get a GSA? why not just get the GS and save 40 lbs, and a lot of money too, since you don't use it offroad really.

[@IanTed]

31acruz My latest GS is the GSA, after two GSs, more comfortable, better weather protection and longer fuel range. Unless it’s full of fuel handles just as well, there’s only a small difference. It’s road presence is greater too, the new 1250 engine is so smooth and pulls like a train, love it...

[@patrickallen5781]

Do you feel upgrading from the 2016 to 2017 is that noticeable? Thanks

[@RiderCamTV]

+Patrick Allen if I wasn't lucky enough to have been able to I wouldn't have but having done so, it is buttery smooth and much more than the 2016 and a definite improvement over last years model in many ways. The 2016 bike is awesome too but I would describe the 2017 as what the 2016 should have been really. :)

[@buddysinsight9834]

Really good job mate. I am just talking to BMW now to see what they can do for me.

[@RiderCamTV]

excellent news. you'll love it, immense machine and a joy to ride :) be interested to see a vid of it when you get it......

[@mildot5482]

without clouds. .nor rainy ? ????

[@RiderCamTV]

+Mil Dot it was a glorious day :)

[@epvb6361]

Great video!! Some offroading would be great to see!!

[@RiderCamTV]

+Edwin Paul van Brederode thanks matey. Hopefully when the warmer weather comes along :)

[@markholroyd5365]

First of many I hope.

[@cmroberts75]

I guess if you had your key in the ignition and had it running, someone could jump on the bike and take off with it. Not much different than with keyless ignition, but with the key they could turn it on and off......;)

[@RiderCamTV]

+M Roberts that very true matey, I do like keyless ride

[@voxellab4339]

I love BMW but that LED driving light is so out of character for BMW. When I saw it at the dealer I thought why is this used bike on the show room floor. I thought the light was an owner install. It just looks like an after thought, with the cheap mount and the hanging wire. Come on BMW you can do better! Yes there efective but that's one of the thing I'd change.

[@RiderCamTV]

+Voxel Lab I kinda like it. Provides some real clean crisp white light. Amazing at night :)

[@genuinecomments4008]

Indicate at 200yds

[@johnmasson6155]

Good review

[@RiderCamTV]

thanks for the kind words matey. ride safe

[@henryhiggins2021]

2015 GSA is the best . The water cooled motor is too far forwards so this model doesn't turn in as well . The new low profile tyres cause rim damage . Its like BMW changed it for the sake of change.

[@RiderCamTV]

i had the 2012, then the 2016 and 2017 models, and have to say that i havent experienced anything like that and i think that the 2017 is a better bike for me. I find that the turning circle is as tight as the old versions and i havent had any rim damage (thus far). Thanks for the comments, stay tuned and ride safe :)

[@henryhiggins2021]

off road where the the wheels are failing . The new rims are wider and the tyres are a lower profile with a more pronounced side wall angle . so less cushioning . Its still a good bike but could be better . The ball hasn't been dropped but has been fumbled some what .

[@RiderCamTV]

+Henry Higgins thanks for the comments :)

[@sergioandre8759]

Very good, I subscribed.

[@RiderCamTV]

+Sérgio André welcome mate. Hope you enjoy the videos. Thanks for your support :)

[@SteelHorseman]

My dream bike!!!!

[@RiderCamTV]

+The Steel Horseman it is an immense machine :)

[@Gazza3501]

I liked the video, well done. I think think BMW must have done a great job if the only real criticism is a plastic clip. As for the headlight adjuster.....come on.......is it really a problem to have to flick a little lever yourself? If we have everything automatic our brains will shrink!

[@RiderCamTV]

thanks for the kind words. :)

[@riazwalji3417]

A bit too much time on the plastic bit - like you was searching for an issue to talk about, and that was all you could come up with, to the point you had to guess that it could be possible that it 'may' crack or something - c'mon. Could have spent more time continuing with the great review.

[@RiderCamTV]

thanks for the comments, you are right of course, but the plastics have always been a little on the 'weak' side especially on a bike that cost over £16K!. Glad you enjoyed the review. Ride safe :)