The MAM Journals-Is the BMW R1300GS better than my R1250GS?

[@tdeloriea]

We have similar taste in bikes so I was curious on your take. I am NOT a GS purchaser. Yet I bought a 1300GS after a test ride and gone was my 2022 RT. The new GS out performs the current RT at doing RT things. The handling is key for me. As a former club racer and a ZX4-RR as my current track day bike I prefer a bike that feels effortless to turn. That’s where this bike shines over past models. It delivers confidence when pushed hard. Yet it slows down and feels perfect for easy rides in the countryside never begging to be ridden like a goon. That is a really interesting dichotomy. It’s a great bike for all types of riding. Much like a Japanese anime movie where the bike transforms from cruiser to sport bike this bike can transform from big Enduro Pro or Dynamic to Rain mode and the suspension morphs the bike in a really noticeable way. It’s a lot of money but it’s like having 3 bikes with you and you switch it mid ride. Brilliant!

[@michaelmam]

Great comment and real world insight . 👍

[@davidsanchezsalamanca9211]

Exactly the same here, I didn’t care for GS’s until the 1300 came out and own the blue one now. 3 bikes in 1 and love it and yes meant to be driven really hard 😂

[@theR0ck]

I bought one and it’s my first bmw gs, so for me it’s simpler and makes more sense to buy the new model. I got the 2024 1300gs tramontana and enjoying the ride and comfort.

[@michaelmam]

I think it is a very good bike . Glad you are enjoying yours … 👍

[@silveriojohan]

Another majestic-bike-description, unbiased, thank you Michael, you are only one of the 3 real bike journalists that I truly respect. Greetings from Toronto, Canada.

[@michaelmam]

Thank you . I am sure there are many better out there but I do call it as I see it and I am glad you enjoy them . Very generous comment 👍

[@stonecold2653]

waiting for the 30litre tank version. :)

[@Maverick-moto]

Truly exemplary review Michael. I’ve no desire to own one, as it’s just not my ‘flavour’ of bike. HOWEVER, I’ve watched a number of KZbin reviews of the 1300, and nobody comes close to your level of real world insight, knowledge and opinion. Keep up the fabulous work 👌

[@michaelmam]

What a kind comment ! Thank you 👍

[@frederickwoods5943]

Not raining here in Virginia so I will ride until noon and watch this very interesting video when afternoon thunder-showers arrive. A good friend just bought a 1250 and I am anxious to see what you think of it: great to see you my friend. Be safe.

[@michaelmam]

Have a great ride . Hope you enjoy the video later !

[@splodge57]

I bought a GS1150 in 2001, good practical bike but never enjoyed riding it. Still not a fan of the Boxer engine but whatever the bike always enjoy your reviews, cheers.

[@michaelmam]

Thank you . I try to make them easy viewing . Glad you enjoy them👍

[@bryanrainbringer7117]

Loving the bike choices. but your revues are like watching grass grow.

[@michaelmam]

@@bryanrainbringer7117 Try it at 1.5 times speed . Doesn’t improve the quality but it is over quicker 😂

[@BlannyOnTwoWheels]

Rude

[@michaelmam]

@@BlannyOnTwoWheels probably both Bryan and I were a little rude but I suspect we are over 21 and will get over it . I make the videos I want and hope others enjoy them . Not everyone will 🤷🏼‍♂️👍

[@kukmica6422]

01:03 🤣😂🤣👍 Well, then I've come to the right place! Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelmam]

Welcome! 😂

[@2003tbs]

Excellent video thanks for your opinions got to say they are 100% my opinions too, have at the moment a 1250GS have ridden the 1300GS at my local BMW dealership am 100% sure that's my next bike BUT I'm going to wait until 2025 to get mine just so they can iron out all those little niggles that comes with a brand new bike anyway thanks again and many regards from Germany

[@michaelmam]

Thank you . Glad you enjoyed it . Really liked the new 1300..

[@chrissunde1104]

Great review, your pace and attention to detail make you one of the best in the bike evaluation business.

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Chris . A very generous comment and I am glad you enjoyed the review . I suspect the pace is too slow for many and not everyone enjoys the detail but I try to make videos that I would want to watch and try not to worry about how many views , likes and subscribers they generate . Not the right way to run a KZbin “business” but I do get the satisfaction of watching a few of them back and feeling that one was “OK” 👍

[@dmsrider]

Superb video Michael. I've just pushed the button the the new 1300 (trophy). Absolutely love my 1250 gsa but its getting a bit heavy to get around on tours now, the 1300 is superb.

[@michaelmam]

Glad you enjoyed it . Have fun with your new 1300 👍

[@dmsrider]

@@michaelmam arrives in December and then it’ll be locked away until spring 😂

[@michaelmam]

@@dmsrider Mine is on the winter duties roster . Plenty of cleaning ahead 😂

[@AdyRider]

A good review thank you. The engine on the one I tried was very noisy but quietened down as the revs climbed. The electric screen for me was exceptional & the best I’ve used. Unfortunately for me despite being impressed with the 1300 it is just too cramped a riding position. Thankfully the 1250 however is nigh on perfect in respect of comfort.

[@michaelmam]

Yes .. we come in all shapes and sizes ..👍

[@AdyRider]

@@michaelmam Awesome bike, they have done a very good job & the Trophy colours in the spec you rode is the best in my opinion. Keep up the good work Michael 😊

[@michaelmam]

Thanks Ady . The GS has attracted taller than average riders and they created , as you know , the low chassis model to accommodate the “less tall” . It sold well . I suspect the 1400 will be aimed at lofty riders 👍

[@benbianchi3074]

I have to say(again), I greatly enjoy your reviews…it’s eminently apparent(like myself)that you are allergic to BS & share with flare & sincerity-most refreshing. I am from the U S of A and love you accent❗️ If T. S. Eliot & John Houseman were to have had a son-I would have strongly suspected that it was you🤪😅

[@michaelmam]

@@benbianchi3074 😂 Glad you enjoyed it . Too old for BS… Eliot studied at Merton college , Oxford , which is where I live . He said of the city, “ Oxford is very pretty , but I don’t want to be dead “ and moved to London 😂

[@benbianchi3074]

That does sound very “Eliotesqe”😊

[@TwoGoTouring]

Great video. You addressed the age old problem with GS’s and that is they’re too tall for the smaller rider. Now it’s the other way round. Tall riders like me feel that it is too small. 1300 Looks great but a lot of us are hoping the new adventure retains its overgrown Tonka toy looks with all the bells and whistles along with a good pillion seat. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@michaelmam]

I would hope that the 1400 suits the taller than average rider better .Would seem logical . I suspect the looks and design flow will be 1300 . The 1250 is a good example of engineers bolting another idea on .. and looks like it . I really like my 1250 but , certainly to my eye , no beauty .. we are all different👍

[@bills5423]

At 6'2' and the "tall" comfort seat, and no adaptive lowering suspension, it is the perfect height for me after lowering the enduro pegs and an angled bar riser

[@michaelmam]

@@bills5423 I liked the bike so much , I ordered one . Arrives later this month 👍

[@Peter-i3z]

Loved the clip, keep up the good work

[@michaelmam]

Thank you . Glad you enjoyed it

[@jamesclery9809]

Super helpful review. Thank you.

[@michaelmam]

@@jamesclery9809 Glad it was helpful . Took delivery of my 1300 in July . Very pleased with it . 👍

[@julianroberts9757]

I was disappointed that BMW copied the Honda NC750 for their current upgrade of the GS. However, I can forgive them for the "Saltire" styled headlamp which looks great in my opinion. I love my 2019 R1250GS TE LC and cannot see a logical reason to upgrade due to the cost difference. My 1250 has every conceivable extra as fitted by the previous owner. A fantastic review all the same. I agree with you that this is a substantial upgrade on the 1250. Yes, I would buy one but not yet. I can recommend visiting garden centres to save yourself £10k. 🤣🤣

[@michaelmam]

😂 Logical reason .. since when has that stopped you Taff ?

[@julianroberts9757]

I might get an NC750. 😂😂😂

[@michaelmam]

@@julianroberts9757 😂

[@michaelmam]

@@julianroberts9757 😂

[@TheZanshen]

Also you get your shaft drive replaced for free on the 1250 . The 1300 is every 37000mile at owners expense.

[@pbofan]

I’ve watched several other comparisons between the 1250 and 1300, and the louder and the higher-tone clattering engine noise of the 1300 is consistent between you and them, as is the smoother quick-shifter. Handling seems to enhanced as well, probably due to the lighter weight. The only consistent negative appears to be comfort, an issue that didn’t seem to bother you. I have a R1250R, and will be interested to see if that louder engine noise is ameliorated by the time the R1300R rolls out.

[@michaelmam]

Always good to hear from you . I definitely found it more comfortable than my low chassis but you do really sit in them , rather than on them . I don’t know for sure but suspect the noise is as a result of more power and , to reduce weight , thinner cases? I noticed it but by the end of the day , it didn’t particularly bother me . It does clatter and I think it would have been remiss of me , not to say so . I think it is a very good bike 👍

[@CarlosMartinsPT]

I like the way you describe it. Good job.

[@michaelmam]

Thank you . Glad you enjoyed it .

[@maxflight777]

Nicely worded review.

[@hangpilot1200]

Is 'Sport Cruiser' a class? That's what I call my 1300GS. Here in the States, it seems like anyone over 50 must purchase a Harley or Indian. The GS puts those to shame. Lighter, faster, so much more manueverable, with so much more technology. The GS w/ the telelever and adaptive suspension literally hides the weight of my wife on our 2-up rides. Adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring are tools I never thought I would want... until I have them!

[@michaelmam]

😂 With a 4V Ducati Diavel on the market there must be a sports cruiser class by now 😀 I really liked the new 1300 . For me , it has made a great bike , better . Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment . Have fun 👍

[@hangpilot1200]

@@michaelmam True! The Diavel was a contender for me, but my wife gave it a thumbs-down for pillion comfort.

[@KerckhoveWVL]

Brilliant review

[@michaelmam]

Thank you !

[@gavin4423]

Great review Michael, with the best real world British conditions I’ve seen so far. So since you are already contemplating buying one, please tell me that you’ve sold your original 1200? Thank you once again.

[@michaelmam]

Yes . 1200 went last year . Suspect it doesn’t look like it did when I had it but has seen some proper miles .

[@CCooke-nm2be]

Great review, really enjoyed it 😄👍

[@michaelmam]

Glad to hear it! Thank you . Have you got a GS?

[@CCooke-nm2be]

@@michaelmam Hi Michael, I purchased a 1300 back in March. Loving the bike so far 😄.

[@cmtecobra73]

Excellent review

[@michaelmam]

Thank you 👍

[@georgerogers6221]

Great review

[@michaelmam]

Thank you . Glad you enjoyed it ..👍

[@12masterr]

I tough that if you have the enduro package pro, you can not have the adaptive suspension, because the enduro pro comes with tje "sport" suspension.

[@michaelmam]

The BMW option list is somewhere between a dark art and magic . 😂 The bike I rode was the enduro package and definitely had ride height adjustment . It was one of the best features ..👍

[@ianlawrie919]

Not my breed of steed but thoroughly enjoyable review. Perhaps your yearning will prove irresistible and you succumb to the 1300 temptress😂👏👌👍

[@michaelmam]

As if … 😇😂

[@kevinmaes4438]

Always enjoy your reviews Michael. Any chance on getting one on the new Tenere 700? Cheers from Belgium

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Kevin . I have ridden my friend’s previous model but currently don’t have access to new Yamahas for long enough to do a proper review . If that changes , I will 👍

[@Bruno-my9uf]

Thank you grate review. I will keep my mint stage 1 black 06 gs 1200 . i love it . i may go for the 1250 low . cheers !!!🎉🎉😂

[@michaelmam]

I let my mint 2006 go . I just wasn’t using it and it seemed a waste ( I try to ride my bikes rather than collect them in the , often vain , hope they will increase in real value . The 1250 is a very good bike . Personally I think the 1300 had taken the concept to the next level and in areas that I find useful . I have ordered one now .. 👍

[@rockstargrader]

Cant wait for the new GSA dying for some info ' even just a tiny bit

[@michaelmam]

Lots of speculation out there 😂

[@davidbrann3581]

Thanks for an excellent review. I’m a 1250GS (low chassis) owner, about the same size legs as you. Did you opt for the low seat?

[@michaelmam]

@@davidbrann3581 Glad you enjoyed it . I went for heated seats so slightly taller than “standard” . The adaptive ride height is the feature that makes it so rideable for us , vertically challenged , riders 👍

[@EEEEMMMMKKKK]

Nice review as always. What gear are you using in those rainy situations?

[@michaelmam]

Thank you . I tend to try the gearbox / mode in various combinations . Normally I , like most , spend most time in 4,5 and 6 and occasionally 3rd in the slower towns . In the wet and winter conditions I sometimes click it up one to make sure the torque isn’t coming in too quickly and losing grip . Hope this helps 🤔

[@EEEEMMMMKKKK]

@@michaelmam I am not a native English speaker i guess i made a mistake sorry, i meant what riding gear like gloves, jacket and pants. Especially gloves which are good in rain. Thank you.

[@michaelmam]

@@EEEEMMMMKKKK sorry . My gloves are standard motorcycling gloves and get soaked quickly . I am currently using a Halvarssons two piece suit . That does keep the rain out !

[@robmance1611]

Designed to keep me out of garden centres hahaha

[@michaelmam]

😂 never too sure if people pick up on my tongue in cheek comments ..

[@robmance1611]

@@michaelmam I’m sure they do, that one really made me laugh, just getting into the bit about the dash, I always feel there’s a certain inevitability about being a biker and getting a GS so I need to be across this. It’s a cool bike, really like your perspective on these things.

[@kwakithailand]

I read "MAM Journals", I click on it 👍 Awesome review of the 1.3 beemer. My 👍 as well as the comment are well deserved, mate 🤝

[@michaelmam]

Thank you !

[@kwakithailand]

@@michaelmam U R most welcome, mate 🤝

[@stalbansbiker]

Great bike

[@michaelmam]

@@stalbansbiker It is . The 1250 is very capable but the 1300 is such a good package . 👍

[@GPR111]

1300 is a more sport orientated and compact GS. A good bike but Very expensive and for some - me included - ridiculously ugly and quite cheap looking in areas.... its also not as user friendly as the model it supposedly replaces, very fiddly access to settings that neednt be. I wont be rushing out to buy one anytime soon. If the new GSa follows the same path I will start looking around the marketplace for the first time in many years. BMW should have done better than this despite its undoubted outright performance. Ps my demo bike bike broke down with huge left cylinder rattle 😮

[@michaelmam]

Each to their own . I am sure a few “traditional” GS owners will have a look around . Lots of good bikes in the market . With various degrees of “Ugly , fiddly and expensive” .. I also sense that some , who wouldn’t have considered the old GS , are more inclined towards the new one .

[@GPR111]

Your last sentence is what BMW aimed for... a new audience. And maybe not too tall and not too worried about ease of use and being very expensive. In essence a sport-GS for a new audience.

[@motorreizenineuropaendeusa3027]

It’s very ugly

[@michaelmam]

I like it but looks are very subjective . Each to their own ..

[@leviefrauim1425]

Not as ugly as the Tracer 9 GT+!

[@michaelmam]

@@leviefrauim1425 😂

[@1johnrambobo262]

Don’t worry , your’s is too