BMW’s New ASA Auto Gearbox on the 2024 BMW R1300 GS - Is It Any Good?

[@BubbaSatori]

I’m one of those older riders and the ASA is a must have for my creaky wrist and ankle. I won’t be able to ride without it. Thanks for your review. 👍

[@thatbikersimon]

Glad you enjoyed it. I do believe the height assist and the ASA gear box will make this bike much easier to ride for everyone.

[@i_druth]

I think auto boxes on bikes now are becoming more common and will in time be standard across all major brands and models because it seems to me that manual boxes are going to be slowly phased out over time in favour of autos. And whilst I would much rather change gears myself I love the idea of an auto and reckon it'd definitely be a great help while in traffic or slow speed manoeuvres where you're just constantly either hovering over or keeping the clutch pulled in, it does get tiresome after a bit especially if the clutch is heavy.

[@rjmockett]

Looks great I have ordered the 1300GSA with ASA. Can’t wait . Nice video thanks

[@thatbikersimon]

Good choice! Like I said in the video I’m a big fan of the auto boxes on these bigger bikes. It make the ride more enjoyable and easier and safer without the compromise of losing the fun. I’m excited for you buddy 👍

[@dianedownie5951]

You obviously weren't one of those who thought it looked hideous. I was on a release of the 1300gsa and couldn't believe how many people turned up to see it. I wonder how many curious hypocrites were in attendance 🤔

[@thatbikersimon]

@@dianedownie5951 lol yes, it’s always best to see things in the flesh. I can’t wait to do a ride on one.

[@vacoasrebel6729]

@@dianedownie5951 I was at the Garmisch launch, people were shocked when it was revealed on the stage. The vast majority were into it over the three days in the showroom hall. If you want a poser, Sunday ride run to the pub or club bike by something else. If you carry a lot of gear over long distances its the new go to bike! Function over form! Mines on order.

[@oldbloke9270]

Hi Fella. Luv your vids but may I make a small suggestion. When giving a bike "the beans" like this new BMW block out the speedo coz if a jobsworth is having a bad day and our glorious boys and girls in blue see a speedo showing a high speed you may and I say may have some explaining to do. I'm being selfish here coz I want to see more of the vids that you are going to produce. Keep safe and upright, Old Bloke.

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks, and I do appreciate the advice, the speed show is not the correct speed at the time of filming and the prisons are full lol. Thanks for watching.

[@MarkATaylor]

I can’t believe how that bike has grown on me. As a 1250GS owner where most of the riding is 2 up, I’m tempted with this auto version

[@benkelly2190]

I’ll stick with the clutch, ta. Looks a much nicer system than the Honda DCT, tho.

[@thatbikersimon]

I personally prefer the foot change instead of the finger but I think either you’d get use to, you should still go and have a go though.

[@benkelly2190]

@@thatbikersimon I am sure it’s a a great system. In time I may go for it. When I need it👍🏻

[@rumporridge1]

@@thatbikersimonI’m sold on this model. Just test rode a 2024 version of the GS and found the gearbox improved but still a bit clunky.

[@antonoat]

That was most helpful, thanks for sharing that, much appreciated, Cheers Simon.

[@thatbikersimon]

Glad it helped thanks for watching 👍

[@DAI-proofofuniqueness]

Great video Simon, Thanks. Do you know if Ktm is also introducing an auto gearbox?

[@thatbikersimon]

Not that I know of buddy

[@alithorbs]

Great review. How does parking work on a hill. Does it auto hold? Also appreciate having a clutch on my 160 BHP old Beamer largely because you can control the power setting off in tight spaces by feathering the clutch to make it very manageable meaning you’re not gonna launch yourself into a nearby parked car. We’ll try not to😅 . Certainly made me want to test ride one anyway looks like loads of fun. Thanks.

[@thatbikersimon]

I be honest I didn’t try the hill hold out but I guessing it would probably work better because you can’t stall the bike and it’s smooth on the off, I guess fundamentally its what you want your bike to do, if your a road and occasional trail riders I prefer it because I have more control over the bike even at the slower speeds. You should go and try it for yourself and please let me know how you get on, more and more manufacturers are doing down this road on the bigger adventure bikes because of the type of riding most guys do, but it’s alway nice to have the choice between ASA and manual shift. Thanks for the comment and enjoy your ride 🏍️💨💨💨👍

[@GaryV-p3h]

Just needs a reverse gear & factory fitted front and rear cameras. Oh and illuminated switches.

[@thatbikersimon]

Yes those 3 things would make a difference. 👍

[@yogibear5305]

It's not automatic gearbox, it's automated clutch. Anyway, thanks for video.

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@jimporter]

Technically it is an automated manual gearbox. In automatic the bike will make the gear changes as any auto box would.

[@raimondogualazzini]

Oh dear BMW went a ruined a perfect product with an auto that is not really an auto and still need gear levers and some buttons pressed.

[@vacoasrebel6729]

Is there something you don't understand about it changing gear automatically in D? It doesn't matter how it works it changes gear automatically!

[@raimondogualazzini]

@@vacoasrebel6729 I have to put it in gear 1. Surely defeats the whole automatic purpose if you inserting gears. Do you understand that?

[@fuglbird]

You lost your pillion and you did not even notice! I bet she will not ride with you again. Thank you for doing the test two up. That's a proper test.

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks buddy, glad you enjoyed it

[@R1200RTLE]

Great video, good show of how the bike performs at speed. Is it any good for touring?

[@thatbikersimon]

Yes, definitely It would make touring more enjoyable I think especially if your loaded up.

[@R1200RTLE]

👍

[@glenns001]

I think if you were in Dynamic settings you would get what you were looking for, Road mode dumbs it down a bit

[@thatbikersimon]

I tried it in Dynamic, I couldn’t keep the wheel down on full throttle

[@thatbikersimon]

I tried it in Dynamic, I couldn’t keep the wheel down on full throttle

[@davesanders3744]

It's the gearbox and the adaptive ride height that have sold me on this GS, due to circumstances it will be a 26/27 bike so the gremlins should of been sorted by then, cracking vid Simon do you plan to do one on the adaptive ride height and the Radar/blind spot monitor

[@thatbikersimon]

Yes this bike had the adaptive ride hight aswell so when I came to a stop My feet were flat down. It’s definitely made it much better and easy to manage. It doesn’t feel so big now.

[@davesanders3744]

@@thatbikersimon I got that feeling aswell, The new design does seem to have lost the bulk around the tank and headstock of the 1250 and that seems to make it less intimerdating ride making it a more comfortable experience for me anyway.cheers for the vids. D

[@thatbikersimon]

@@davesanders3744 cheers Dave 👍🏍️💨💨💨💨

[@dante7183]

The bike has an ASA and you have one too. Nice helmet. 07:28

[@thatbikersimon]

Cheers buddy

[@IanTed]

Like the foot operated override, like paddles in my car, Ducati need to fit it to the Multi. Certainly better for two up touring, much smoother…loved my GSs but hated the gearbox. I’m trying the GS next time with suspension lowering and auto box….

[@thatbikersimon]

yes go and try this with the adaptive ride height you’ll be pleasantly surprised i think, i do hope Ducati bring out for the multi aswell its the Way forward on these big adventure bikes.

[@IanTed]

@@thatbikersimon Being 64, with increasing arthritis I need every bit of help I can get, love my Multi V2S, but to be honest it’s the new GS or the Multi V4S next time, probably my last big adventure bike but I’m not stopping riding till I can’t get on a bike😆.

[@thatbikersimon]

@@IanTed I know there putting the auto box on the 1250 aswell so there’s another option, I can’t fault you enjoy 👍🏍️💨💨💨💨

[@DesiZack]

Nice tecnology 😮

[@thatbikersimon]

I like it. 👍🏍️💨💨💨💨

[@jimporter]

BMW should fit finger paddles for gear shifts as both Honda and Yamaha have as some of us can’t use the gear shifter.

[@thatbikersimon]

I thought the fact that they kept the switch where the gear lever is perfect and it’s different to what the others are doing but if you’ve got a foot issue then obviously that would make it easier.

[@NULUSIOS]

Why not do the test in dynamic??? Also the 0-60 was with a pillion?

[@thatbikersimon]

I tried the Dynamic first and couldn’t do a fair test as the wheelie keeps lifting up. I didn’t have a pillion on whiles doing it

[@gregt7927]

Going on 60, but there is one important thing everyone is forgetting "can you still rev bomb going through tunnels"

[@thatbikersimon]

No you can’t on this bike 😂 but saying that all bikes are now quiet, So you still couldn’t do it with a clutch lever 🏍️💨💨💨💨

[@rumporridge1]

@@thatbikersimonquiet….my Remus has entered the chat 😢.

[@Adventurebikerdave.01]

I would certainly like to try a Auto gear box I’ve never riden a bike with ine before. I can see the appeal with a big bike like this but I’m not sure about smaller Capacity engines.

[@thatbikersimon]

I’ve always been a fan, it’s different on this particular bike compared to the Honda DCT but the principal is the same. I know it wouldn’t suit everyone but it’s nice to have the choice. It’s auto for me all the way 👍🏍️💨💨💨💨

[@greenrush4313]

@@thatbikersimon ey should ALL be made that way.

[@fazeelahmed2245]

How do you put neutral while standing on signal?

[@thatbikersimon]

Good question, I’m sure it’s possible but I’ve can’t remember trying that on the demo ride. I shall look into this further. 🧐

[@shahil524]

Love from 🤍 🇮🇳

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks buddy 🙏

[@shahil524]

🙏👋

[@pmcg7828]

Hola Simon , hubo un momento en que te acordaste del curso de caballitos que realizaste pero inmediatamente recibiste una colleja en el casco procedente de tu mujer 🤣

[@thatbikersimon]

I’m surprised she’s not been in the floor yet 😂🏍️💨💨💨💨

[@Banditmanuk]

Interesting tech, but after 44 years of riding geared bikes with a clutch lever, I just don’t know why you would want it?? I'll be extra grumpy and add that this is all extra stuff to eventually go wrong. You've got to give that BMW tractor it's due, it sure does accelerate well.

[@thatbikersimon]

I hear what your saying Richard but I would be interested in you in having a go, after an hour of riding it really starts to grow on you, especially with these big adventurer bikes I find it a much, I felt the same until I rode the my first Africa twin in 2017 and bought the DCT, now more people buy the dct than the manual. I’m not sure I would buy the MT09 with it on but again i would need to ride it. See you at the classic show 👍🏍️💨💨

[@Banditmanuk]

@thatbikersimon We are there Saturday. If that's your day, hopefully, I'll see you there. Yes, of course I need to try these things...... old dog new tricks

[@piotrek7500]

Great… but why acceleration test in ROAD mode not in DYNAMIC ??? It is like Touring vs Sport in Ducati…

[@thatbikersimon]

I did try the dynamic and couldn’t keep the front wheel on the ground with a full throttle.

[@mowman7777]

Dynamic is not any faster or more powerful just quicker throttle response.

[@cecilwilson5442]

Seems like a good bike for some people who may have a bad wrist,left arm or something,, modern technology at it's finest,,☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland

[@thatbikersimon]

If you get the opportunity to ride one give ot a go buddy, you’ll be surprised how go it is. 👍

[@richardwitherstone7396]

Hate to think how much one of these are? Manual ones astronomical

[@thatbikersimon]

Theses are more expensive expensive than the manual box.

[@grodt88]

it's automated clutch, not automatic gearbox... If you wan't real automatic gearbox go to Honda, they place them in bikes for more that 10 years now, at least they got experience

[@thatbikersimon]

I’m not denying that, I’ve owned a dct honda. Very good bikes.

[@vacoasrebel6729]

ASA superior to Honda DCT. DCT just doesn't compare on trails and off road!

[@grodt88]

@@vacoasrebel6729 dude nobody use DCT offroad. DCT is great for touring and city ride, as the bike on video is also touring

[@vacoasrebel6729]

@@grodt88 exactly why the BMW ASA is better than Honda DCT. The ASA is extremely competent and good off road! I've tried it in full Auto and Manual in horrendous wet weather off road and it was faultless. The dealers sales guys looked shocked when I returned the bike after half a day, it looked like it had been off road and uncleaned for a few months😀 But they loved my feed back!

[@grodt88]

@@vacoasrebel6729 LOL nope, ASA is as useless as DCT offroad. If you go off road you need MANUAL gearbox with clutch lever, its so simple to understand. Maby you don't know but on Honda DCT you can switch to manual shifting with buttons, they had these more than 10 years ago. Its good to see that BMW is trying its thing for the first time, baby steps LOL

[@specialandroid1603]

Ummm, not sure. Clever technology, however it seems to remove the finer level of control over the engine particularly when accelerating. I need to try one.

[@thatbikersimon]

You should go and try one, it’s weird to start with but by the end of it you’ll probably like it. It’s not for everyone I get that but it does make sense to me on these bigger adventure bikes.

[@vacoasrebel6729]

You have the manual change option with it. Just ride as you've always done but with no clutch!

[@raimondogualazzini]

Biker dont consider a scooter rider a biker but bikes are turning into scooter type bike ..they are.literally twist and go with 100bhp

[@thatbikersimon]

I’m surprised this technology wasn’t out a few years ago like Honda, people used to hate auto cars but now most can’t live without it, it will be the same for bikes and I do prefer it on these bigger adventurer bikes.

[@mick998r]

Sounds like it's a Multistrada replacement?!

[@thatbikersimon]

Mick how dare you 😂 I’m now wondering if Ducati will follow suit now. I’m must admit I did enjoy this Bike with this auto box on it

[@mick998r]

@@thatbikersimon Ducati must follow suit I'm sure of it. Can you wait till then though??

[@thatbikersimon]

@@mick998r if anything Mick I would buy a F900GS that’s more like the rinding I tend to do now.

[@queenslander954]

Ooooh .. that biker Simon , I thought it was that piker Simon. 🤣

[@thatbikersimon]

lol

[@TheZanshen]

Honda DCT is way ahead and reliable and proven.

[@thatbikersimon]

I don’t disagree but this works and it’s BMW. I do love the dct though 👍

[@vacoasrebel6729]

Rode both and the BMW far superior to DCT

[@davidsandilands1285]

Like the video, but I’m sure my v4 DCT is smother on the changes especially in the lower gears, just the way it comes across.

[@thatbikersimon]

Do you mean the Honda or Ducati with quick shifter?

[@jimporter]

DCT should always be smoother due to the two clutches.

[@jimporter]

@@thatbikersimonprobably means the no longer produced 1200cc engine from the VFRs.

[@TheZanshen]

Il stick with my v4 Honda 1200x crosstourer DCT which is a keeper.

[@thatbikersimon]

@@TheZanshen I was trying to get Honda to lend me a new DCT Africa twin sport but they don’t seem interested

[@schemkesa]

It's more an automatic clutch, but the problem is, shifting gears is a manual thing. You'll have to look forward. For instance when I see a corner cornering i shift down at least one gear. If I want to pass a car I shift down, and so on. If I'm on a twisty I stay in a certain gear for acceleration and deaccelaration. So no, it's not for me

[@thatbikersimon]

When this bike is in drive you can still shift down and take over it will hold the gear until it’s ready to change otherwise you leave it in manual and operate the gears as you would normally on your bike. Like I said in the video people need to try this because unfortunately you’ll like it and want one.

[@vacoasrebel6729]

You can change down in the auto mode or use the manual mode!

[@jdesmo1]

Thanks for the vid. Definitely staying the hell away from this rubbish

[@thatbikersimon]

Its not for you then, why? Thanks for watching

[@greenrush4313]

I met gay and Happy Roy once.ONCE!!!!

[@thatbikersimon]

Congratulations 😂

[@dianedownie5951]

Sounds very ' tappety'😕

[@thatbikersimon]

It’s not that bad to be honest it’s not the same as the DTC but very smooth. I like it

[@IanTed]

It’s a GS but the mic makes it sound far worse…

[@frankspeakmore7104]

Nope.

[@thatbikersimon]

Not nope Frank you’ve not riden it lol 🏍️💨💨💨💨