The Ultimate Showdown: BMW R 1250 vs 1300 GS

[@Northernman72]

What a crock, desperately trying to justify his purchase, it’s ugly, with less presence which a GS is known for, looks like a Vstrom, whoo arrgh, tool.

[@teapotone]

You sound like a cracking chap, I bet we’d be besties, chums, buddies. Or maybe I’d just think you were a loud mouthed tw@t. Who knows 🤷‍♂️

[@Northernman72]

@@teapotone and your just full of shit desperately trying to justify your expensive mistake, when you raced the 1250 in another video there was nothing in it and you know it 🤣

[@Northernman72]

@@teapotone whatever, your just desperately trying to justify your expensive mistake, in the previous video where you raced the 1250 there was nothing in it, your full of sh1t and you know it.

[@teapotone]

“You’re”

[@jadeybrice]

Why the hate? I don't get it, it's just a KZbin channel?

[@LambChopRides]

There is two options on the shortcut button Bruce. Long and short press to bring up different saved options. Still a pain though I agree 👍 great vid 🙌

[@teapotone]

Nice one Chops, cheers for that bud, I didn’t realise that 👍👏

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

@@teapotone Super faffery all round though......

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Great vid Bruce, who doesn't love southern Spain in January eh! Interesting to hear your views on the comparison between the bikes - I guess it all depends what you prioritise in your GS...if you like riding fast and throwing it around the smooth roads of Spain (and you never look at the bike) then the 1300 is defo the one - that engine and the handling is beautiful on the new bike, if you like your pillion to be in comfort, your bike to have some road presence and visibility, less complex switchgear and the indestructible tonka toy look - then the 1250 is still the one.......but of course it's just opinons in the end.

[@teapotone]

Aye true Andy, be interesting to see what they do with the new GsA

[@chewie8]

The 1250 looks better though in my opinion. But still both are nice bikes.

[@muddyharbourrider7340]

Both great bikes but you can get ( I did) a brand new 1250 GSA for about £4k less with the dealer discount and figuring in the foc luggage (I got the top box too) so easy choice. I prefer the looks, presence, feel and physical size of the GSA. It’s evolved now to its best ever! No contest I feel. Get one while you can. Enjoyed the video Bruce as always 👍

[@eh3460]

i got my ex demo with 23 miles on it for... £8k less!!!

[@christopherhorton5449]

A great vid. The 1300 is not for me, but it was great to see some sun, dry roads and great scenery 😎

[@mzuribikes2499]

Love the side by side comparison. What we all seem to be forgetting is that both these bikes have more skill than we do do. So its really academic which is the best bike for us. Our riding style would probably determine that better. I've ridded both & was flummoxed as to how quickly the new bike reached 201kph so quickly without me trying too hard. So the "tractor" remains my weapon of choice so I don't kill myself.

[@teapotone]

It’s insanely quick isn’t it! 👍

[@sootylum]

Good video, a proper hands on riding on all types of road and honest opinions on both bikes. Got my 1250 in November and yet to ride it in the dry weather ( thats Scotland for you) but absolutly love it. Keen on the 1300 but not yet ready to jump from the 1250. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into the videos its much appreciated.

[@teapotone]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it and hope you get some dry days soon on the bike 👍

[@Jimblythe-rz3pn]

Thanks, excellent explanation. Must get a test ride sorted asap. 👍

[@andybianco5237]

Great an informative Video, Bruce! Lovely Sunny Spain.

[@Lacebylad]

Backlit switchgear. Absolutely Bruce. Not sure why my RT has headlights and spots when I don’t apparently ride at night!! Not sure if after market lit switch gear would be possible but would make someone a lot of dough.

[@dankorolyk5917]

Great real life comparison,thanks!

[@teapotone]

No worries, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@richardgiles2484]

Definitely agree with about all the settings now on the TFT. I have a new 900 rally pro, and I hardly use the settings on the move as it's to much time looking at the TFT and not the road 😂😂

[@EpicMotorcycleAdventures]

Cracking back to back review of both bikes Bruce. And not once did you flap when you were off road. You've changed 😀

[@teapotone]

🤣👍

[@not-this-fartoofar3606]

Sorry Dude - opinions differ. Had a test ride on this with the wife - two up... found it less stable..(Yes, ready for those commentS 'Could be you'), and for full luggage long tours not sure how it would cope. Bit light for me - is it worth the upgrade and money.. Naw. Love the style of the GSA 1250 TE , As the dealer said to me 'It looks like the slapped a s1000xr on the back and kept some of the GS on the front'. Still . What a boring world if we all liked the same thing. 🙂

[@brianeaston3748]

Love my 1250gsa and I look forward to seeing the new GSA 💯👍

[@NuttyNook]

decent well rounded review as ever Brucie... very jealous, keep having fun 🤘looking forward to the release of the 1300RS and getting to play with that at work 😄

[@teapotone]

I doubt they’ll do a 1300RS tbh, the RS just isn’t selling so I can see them discontinuing it 🤷‍♂️

[@timwilson8553]

I did ask a few years ago when I got my 21plate gs why the mirrors carnt be heated. When riding all year round as I do the mirrors do fog up. And also as you mentioned back-light switches. BMW are a little slow to the party.

[@reinhardtkk]

Don’t forget you have the long and short press option for favorites. Found out about that during my delivery orientation. I have no real comparison to the 1250 as I come from a V 85. And this thing by that comparison is amazing

[@teapotone]

Yeah I didn’t know about that with the favourite button actually, LambChops told me about it in the comments 👍

[@charliestoybox2099]

I’ve got a ti leg and busted up ankles. My ankles are comfortable on the 1250. Sat on the 1300 and I was in pain. BMW moved the pegs rearward and possibly higher. I immediately sat on a 1250 to verify this. So no go for a 1300 for me.

[@BaronVonGrumble]

Waiting for tye 1300 Adventure 🎉

[@teapotone]

Aye it’ll be interesting to see what they do there 👍

[@abritablondeabike]

Mine arrives in 2 days. Can't Flippin wait mate. Great vid as usual. Lots of live from NZ. 🇳🇿 ❤👍

[@teapotone]

Nice one, hope you enjoy it 👍

[@rso1411]

You posted that two weeks ago. Did you get the 1300 GS and is it everything you hoped for?

[@abritablondeabike]

Yea I have it. It's errrrm.... Kind of not as good as the 1250 and kind of better. It's probably too early to make the call. Is it worth the upgrade??. Probably not...

[@rso1411]

@@abritablondeabike Thank you for the honest opinion. I was going to hold out for the 1300, but went with the GS 1250 Adventure, trophy. I am very happy with it. Thanks again.

[@teapotone]

Astounded by that tbh - for me the 1300 is head and shoulders better in just about every way 🤷‍♂️ But each to their own 👍

[@mattward5335]

Need to have a go on one I’m really curious as to the difference to the ktm!!! Nice vid good to see you and Lyndon out enjoying the weather 🏍️💨

[@tuckerhauser]

Out of interest did the 1250 and 1300 have the same tyres on?

[@teapotone]

Yeah I think they were both on Annakee’s if I remember correctly

[@mojo4376]

How about the wind protection at 70mph?

[@teapotone]

Absolutely fine. Only thing I notice is the wind deflectors at the side of the screen seem to deflect the wind towards the top of my head - I’m 6’3”, so I notice a tiny bit more wind around there at higher speeds

[@223Sako]

I decatted my R9T, but a word of warning. The bike then became (in my opinion) offensively loud. The problem is the decat exhausts dont have provision for the flapper valve and on the euro V bikes the flapper is welded in (or it is in the 9T anyway). I found that I had to short shift everywhere in town to avoid being "that guy" You know the type, they get a 125 and take the muffler off then annoy the shit out of everyone. In the end I bought a flapper valve on Ebay from the previous gen of 9T's and cut and shut that into the new catless headers. This works a treat. It still blats when you open it up at non residential areas, but sounds like an angel's fart in town and keeps the attention of the forces of law and order off my back.

[@MotoPG]

Excellent video - Thanks for the great tour and info!

[@teapotone]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@Engines_For_Us]

That 1250 is that a gs or gs adventure?

[@Jimblythe-rz3pn]

Great review, thanks. Though having the same tyres, with the same amount of wear on both bikes would give more meaningful feedback. Had several GS and tyres make a dramatic difference to the handling.

[@teapotone]

I’ve ridden GS’s on all sorts of different tyres bud and on all different surfaces, so can give a sound judgement on performance - but I do take what you’re saying

[@Jimblythe-rz3pn]

I was very interested in both of your comments about the 1250 feeling slightly easier in tight corners (?) as I spend most of my time riding mountain roads in Europe these days, spotted the different tyres and wondered. I have found tyre choice and pressures can make a big difference on the GS on tight roads, despite the leverage from the wide bars. Recently sold my 3rd and liking the reviews of the 1300. Not had time to take one out, just sat on one in the showroom, so trying to get as much feedback as possible. Short test rides available to most of us dont always give all of the answers. Thanks for the feedback.

[@teapotone]

Aye it’s the slightly higher Centre of Gravity on the 1300 which gives it a more neutral handling style. The 1200/1250 act a bit like a weave, they pivot very easily on the initial turn-in into corners, but require slightly more body input to make them lean a bit more for faster, more sweeping bends. The 1300 feels the same whether it’s a hairpin or a top gear, flat out sweeper 👍

[@TheSlapheid]

Enjoyed the comparison vid Bruce, too many gadgets on 1300 fer me but great content loon 👍 nice to see ye have a pet troll too 😂 woooo haargggh

[@MKA63]

I would need a lot of convincing to give up my 1250. Sure, the 1300 has a few new toys, but I think the 1250 still has quite a lot more presence and I prefer the way it looks.

[@Dailyrider94]

never buy first gen. it's litterally a death machine rn with all the problems coming above

[@teapotone]

@Dailyrider94 - a death machine? Not quite. Only issue I’ve had so far is the starter relay recall

[@Dailyrider94]

@@teapotone there's 4 pages already of people having problems. Including leaking cardan oil. That's insane co sidering how long bmw has been making gs's

[@teapotone]

@Dailyrider94 I don’t even know what Cardan oil is I’m afraid bud, and 4 pages where? 🤷‍♂️ I’ve probably put more miles on one than anyone currently and haven’t had any issues other than the starter relay as previously mentioned

[@strickie1971]

Hi Bruce, I can certainly vouch for BHPUK. They did my GSA 1250. It had a beautiful throttle response after the remap. Plus bags more Mid Range. I also had a K&N high flow air filter in too.

[@teapotone]

Nice one, thanks bud 👍

[@jamesdonoghue5907]

Good vid as ever, thanks. Bruce please note - videos are so much better when the bike’s screen is nice and clean…when they aren’t it’s like a big blot in the middle of the video 👍

[@groverw7507]

Did not the Teapot recently get an all-black model 1300 GS and ceramic coated too?

[@teapotone]

Yep, still got it

[@delk5024]

Another great vid as always. Such great roads and scenery. Were both bikes on the same tyres? Would love to see the GS1300 vs KTM 1290 S and your reasons for preferring one over the other.

[@TheSizzlingBadger]

I've had 1200GS's for the past 11 years, I've owned 4 of them. My current bike is 2018 R1200GS with TFT. I was quite excited about the 1300GS but the crazy high price has put it out of reach. A brand new R1250GS Rally is NZ$38K, the new R1300GS Trophy is NZ$46K !

[@teapotone]

That’s crazy! In the Uk they’re about £1k more for a similarly spec’d bike!

[@thomasreimer1767]

Nice one Bruce, thank you. Lately sometimes I get a bit confused with your timeline cause most videos you've put out lately, you're still on your old BMW. This time I catched that this video is from January and that you already have your 1300. Maybe for the future you could ad the date when you've filmed the video in the describtion. BTW. I can't wait for your first test ride video of the Beast after all these years. 😉

[@magnusjsvensson]

Mr teapot,best reviwer by far! 💖👍 24 gsa black,alutank,gold rims here! Heard the brushed alutank get easily scratched! Anyone knows?

[@CCooke-nm2be]

Great video. Very informative. Really enjoyed it 😄👍

[@jjnewman65]

Nice one guys. What a joy those roads look. For budget reasons I swerved the dynamic package on my 1300. When I decided to add it it was too late. I hope I don’t live to regret it 😢

[@robsonenduro3316]

well, the cost of that power gain is necessity to change the shaft drive every 60k km and you pay for this. So no thanks I'd rather have R1200GS orR1250GS with better look, better road presence and better reliability.

[@ScottNelson-nk4sx]

Really informative comparison between the two models. Great footage too.

[@teapotone]

Cheers 👍

[@Karlos_Fandango]

Great Video Bruce @teapotone what microphone set up do you use in your helmet? Cheers

[@teapotone]

Just a lav mic wired to the GoPro using the media mod

[@CharlieboySLONDON]

Recommend the purple panda , I've been using it for a while now. What ever one you use it needs to be out the wind blast area and with a sound cat.

[@billstanden]

With the indicator / brake light situation, I wish BMW would have made it so when indicating the associated brake light goes out. The other is plenty bright and it would really make the indicator stand out

[@teapotone]

Yep me too. I’ve fitted something to do just that, I detailed it in the recent Hex Ezcan vid 👍

[@billstanden]

@@teapotoneJust watched. Looks a solid improvement

[@rogerandroid2186]

Where was this, Bruce? Did you mention Antequera?

[@teapotone]

Southern Spain with ToroAdventure.com

[@546Scott]

If I can get the 1250 cheaper now the the 1300 is out I would consider that a win!!

[@pakocards]

Is the ride height not distinctively lower on the 1300? It’s the right height that’s putting me off.

[@teapotone]

I genuinely hardly noticed any difference between the 1250 and 1300 in terms of ride height, other than the 1300 was maybe slightly lower seat height and the footpegs are a bit higher and further back - a more ‘sporty’ setup. I’ve done around 14,000 miles on the 1300 now and I must admit, I feel like I’m sitting very low on it these days. Almost to the extent where I’m thinking of getting a higher seat! For reference I’m 6’3” with a 31/32” inside leg

[@pakocards]

@@teapotone similar size to myself. Test rode the 1300 and how much I want one but coming from a 1200 Triumph with seat height at 890mm. The Comfort seat “high” is £400.

[@snip3d]

Great video, thank you for the direct comparison for us who cant get onto a 1300 yet. Car guy designed the instruments.. cant easily use sub menus while riding offroad or metro.. silly.

[@carllyons4903]

Awesome vid Bruce, great info, loved my tour with Lydon and Toro last year, and I’ll be back this year for more as soon as I get my Portuguese residency, happy days 👍👊

[@teapotone]

Thanks bud 👍

[@fredh4641]

How about the comparison of both quickshifters and frontbrakes?

[@TwoGoTouring]

Great video Bruce and with the bike being smaller and more agile it must be a hoot. I’ve only had one test ride so far. I tour a lot 2up and Andy the Missenden Flyer gave the luggage the thumbs down both on capacity and some of the technical issues. To me this where the GS/GSA 1250 still win. The 1300 is a perfect one up bike from all the reviews but you KZbin guys need to get a partner on the back and load the bike up with luggage for a two week trip and test it. I’m waiting on the new GSA so I hope BMW does it right

[@teapotone]

Cheers bud, but I don’t tour two up so it’s not something I have experience with, sounds like that’s your particular niche 👍

[@AlantinoRossi]

Great vid Bruce, sounds like you like the new one 😉

[@jonathanmackie4884]

Very nice comparison sir. I know you are a fan boy of the GS so giving the -ves and +ves seems more genuine. I have no plan to buy one but apppreciate the info all the same. And I REALLY appreciate you going off to sunny climes and having to slog round those awful twisty roads with excellent surfaces, in the middle of January too!! Oh your dedication to the cause is admirable... 😉

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha cheers Jonathan, it’s a chore but I’ll throw myself on the sword just for you 😉👍🤣

[@savr1200gs]

Great comparison video Bruce. On a totally different note what happened to the custom helmet reveal have I missed it.

[@teapotone]

Thanks bud - and nope, I’m doing the unveiling on 22nd March 👍

[@Kojak-zh7qo]

Fantastic video thanks,I really love the gs,not tried the 1300 but it look great,I feel for you Bruce such a hard life 😃, thanks again mate 👍

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha, it’s all work, work, work! 😉🤣👍

[@ducatidave.b]

Great comparison there bruce. And lovely roads/weather! I have a 2022 1250 GS with the new style rear indicators & brake lights (although mine still has the large central brake light). I also think that the indicators don't stand out clearly when braking, but surely the mega safety conscious Germans must have done some research on this? This design has been out for a few years now and I would have thought insurance companies & police would have data on rear end accidents. If this was a contributory factor, wouldn't BMW have been contacted by the authorities and made to re-design them? I have this theory that if someone behind you is not paying attention and not looking properly, they wouldn't see an indicator twice the size or twice the brightness! A bit like how cars still pull out in front of me when I'm riding with my LED headlight and LED fog lamps on, the orange indicator DRLs, white helmet and hi-vis jacket....... 😡

[@Rafonso90]

Hey Bruce quick question you do thousands of miles on you 1250, did you do the simple maintenance on it? like brake pads? if so what brand and model you used? (GS1250 uses the same pads are S1000XR from 2022 and I'm not sure for all weather if I should maintain with OEM or SBS 900hs)

[@teapotone]

Hello bud, no I always get mine serviced at a dealership. I changed pads myself once just because I was going away on a tour and it needed new pads, but I just bought them from a dealership. Ridiculously expensive from what I recall too, but such is life 🤷‍♂️

[@Rafonso90]

@@teapotone thanks for the reply, yeah around 150€ the front set (both calipers) well need to bit the bullet and go for it thanks

[@IngoSigulin]

Love it!

[@rogershermanmusic]

What do you think of the new one as a long distance tourer? Neevesy (I think, might have been a different presenter) said he thought the extra stiffness in the frame (which appeals to me) would probably translate to 50 less miles per day, that the 1250 would be his preference for a long tour, as it's more forgiving. Your thoughts?

[@teapotone]

I don’t notice any difference at all in terms of rider comfort. I’ve done a few 600+ mile days on it so far and it’s no issue

[@markstemmett5296]

How about a video on the menu system

[@teapotone]

Aye I can do..? It’ll be pretty boring though

[@stevesteve1965.]

I suspect what you're experiencing in the Twisties is the longer wheelbase of the 1250, it'll feel more settled and planted than a shorter darty lighter chassis.

[@teapotone]

No, for me the 1250 falls in to a corner quicker because its centre of gravity is so low. However to get it to lean further it requires a bit more body input. The 1300 has a more neutral balanced feeling as the centre of gravity is a little bit higher. It doesn’t ‘fall’ into a corner the same way but it’s effortless and holds a line beautifully in the fast sweepers or tightening radius bends.

[@catherinemaccormack4798]

@@teapotone Interesting about the center of gravity. I think at the reveal I went to they said the center of gravity was lower on the 1300, but looking at the 1300, folks were skeptical. Most helpful video I've seen yet, thanks!

[@Honda-world]

Love the ride Bruce what ever bike you prefer it doesn't matter the fact is your doing it and in the sun what could be better, I prefer my FS1E though just thought I would throw some more numbers and letters in there imagine Haha. Stay safe and keep them coming 👍

[@LoneAmigo17]

Bruce if i bought a lower spec 1300 does the suspension work has well through the different modes, or are all the 1300s electronic suspension?

[@patricklyons7683]

Don't like the removal of proper brake light & black bars on windscreen which could be clear polycarbonate structure. My ducati enduro does 33litre & average 350+ miles.

[@markmundy3435]

Why BMW think their rear light set up is a good idea I will never know, I've a few GS riders within my riding group and more than once I've almost clattered into the back of one of them because its so hard to tell what they're upto. No other word for it than unsafe and is a big blot on a lot of their newer models.

[@r6ymy]

Great comparison Bruce. What a fantastic area, if I lived there I would definitely be considering the 1300, to be able to enjoy great trails like those. But for UK use, I've gone back to a sports tourer for road use, and a little trail bike for green laning. That rear light set up is crap though. Followed one on the road the other day, far less distinct than a central rear/brake light and separate indicators. Will look into a weekend with Toro.

[@josephSF]

It seems most aging Boomers don’t like change or progress. The R1300GS is the reason I purchased my first BMW. I looked at the 1250 many times and rode several, but it just did not click for me. One ride on my new Trophy X Enduro and I told the sales guy I’d take it. A handshake, couple of signatures and I was out the door and on the tarmac with the 1300 an hour later. Ready for the PNW BDR. I love it.

[@curnobullen]

I love the new 1300. I was at Chandlers in Brighton a few weeks ago to do a test ride, big mistake 🤣. I want one 🤣🤣

[@teapotone]

DO IT! 😉👍🤣

[@Triumph_Explorer]

Watched at about midnight last night. Have to say although never ridden either bikes. It’s of no surprise. Enjoy the USA. ;-)

[@jonelvidge9191]

GR8 comparison review, im personally not convinced on the looks of the new one but can confirm its definitley quicker off the mark, much more nimble but has imo less presence status than the 1250GS. Reckon many new 1300 buyers will chop their GS in for the new GSA when it arrives as it'll be more of an imposing bike

[@tuckerhauser]

As a 1250 owner and 1200 owner before that I'm struggling with the way bmw have headed, price is premium, but the bike 1300 just doesn't look premium, lots of cost savings switches, tft, lights, etc. I've had corrosion issues with my 1250's. How's the finish on the 1300 know its textured but fear it will not clean up well! Great video keep them coming

[@teapotone]

The 1300 is a step up in every way. The build quality looks superb. With regards to cleaning, it’s way easier now and the bike looks amazing afterwards

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great comparison Bruce. Getting my s1000r serviced on Wednesday and hope to get a 1300 out for a test ride. Quite dreading it as I can’t afford to part with over 20k if I get hooked. 😂

[@BlackThor15]

Forget the comparison, just look at that weather and that scenery! 😁 Awesome video Bruce, thanks for sharing! 👍👍

[@teapotone]

My pleasure bud 👍

[@booshallmighty]

I personally like the look of the new GS. I have the 1200 GS, I don't like the GSA at all, looks too big and whats the point of a larger tank when your mates only have 20l or less? On the new GS I don't like the lack of rear light, I guess they could've made the rada look like a fake light but that would've brought more criticism. The best bike in the world is whatever you think it is

[@remusiac]

GS’s are so beautiful and sound goood and I love how tall the handlebars are, the tech is amazing but boy, it is inconvenient in the city, is wide and big and you can’t squeeze through cars a lot of times. ( i have no clue what I’m talking about, never rode one)

[@teapotone]

I actually found the GS really good in heavy traffic. I commuted every day in and out of central London for 4years on them. The road presence was great and they were so manoeuvrable in/out and through congested traffic 👍

[@lr_spb]

What type of tires do they have? I assume they're not identical.

[@Wats1984]

Good review that. I think for me at the moment I’d still have the 1250. Simply cause it’s been out a while and I like the fact it’s a bigger bike. If that makes sense!

[@teapotone]

Yep I get you on that 👍

[@wj4mes]

The question is.. will you buy the 1300 adventure when it comes out later this year?

[@teapotone]

Not unless it’s got a bigger engine and is even more dynamic and agile than this 1300…. So no. I’m looking forward to trying the new 1390 KTM though 👏🥳

[@geoffreymurphy896]

Good show guys interesting on your opinion ye them lights are dangerous totally I’ve said from the start bmw should’ve just put that engine in the old frame an going on what your saying poty your thinking the same I love the gs an had five but won’t be getting the new one I’ve still got a 1200 an love it it’s just brilliant 👌

[@motoscientist]

I can't afford a new bike so if looking second hand, you say the 1250 felt like the 1200.. Is it better to seriously consider the 1200 as a contender vs the 1250?

[@chrisvantassel8867]

I just sold my R1250GS (2021 Bumblebee) I seem to have given BMW too many shakes and while I will admit that the 1250 was tremendously better than the 2006 version I had it still gets sold incorrectly IMHO. GS's are great bikes but have no business going off road, at least more than fire roads. They could be one of the top Sport Tourers no doubt but man, they just lack the fun factor to me. I will take my Street Glide any day for long distance travel and while it is nice to have a bike you can hit the fire roads with I always felt like my GS reached its limitations too soon. The vagueness in that telelever front end and pure weight just make it sit in no mans land....jack of all trades and master of none. The 1300 may address this better but the Telelever will never give proper feel and I cannot tolerate the boxer engine in any form. I got tired of smacking my shins and its agricultural lack of refinement coupled with a horrible transmission. It is all personal preference and by all means I am not slamming the GS because it is an excellent machine but I hate that they market it as though it is an off road machine. I ended up with a Pikes Peak for sport touring, Desert X as a true 50/50 machine that absolutely kills it off road (I did add the tractive suspension to make it more gnarly) and I also have an 890 Rally. There will never be a perfect machine but for my needs the closest contender is the Desert X. Yes it has some drawbacks but not many, in fact the only drawback I can think of is wind protection but that is easily remedied with an aftermarket wind screen. My DX sits between the new Rally DX which suits my needs better but I hear the rally is epic. Where the DX just pulls away is the 937 engine, unparalleled cornering by any other ADV bike, the ability to add the aux tank for range, THE most stable ADV bike off road, pure comfort and amazing tech.. Anyway, great review and I am sure it is a great bike for the right rider but I think my GS days are over.

[@colindavis4106]

Bruce, I found the 1250 engine to be more creamy than the 1300, but I've only done 350 miles so far! I don't find the gearbox any better that the 1250! Hopefully it will inprove when I've had the 1st service done service?

[@teapotone]

Really?! My 1300 is like butter compared to my 1200 and 1250’s 🤷‍♂️ Aye I always find my bikes feel better after their first service, probably just in my head though 😉🤣👍

[@kevinmobile]

Ok about your possible future decat, I'd be interested in whether your insurance company would want an extra premium payment for that. My own related query was that moving from a 1200 to 1250 moved up an insurance group and I suspect a 1300 with its extra power etc might do so again. Certainly worth a call to your insurance company to stay legal and for peace of mind.

[@MtbPoland]

1250 all the way

[@NISSIM505]

End of an era for the GS. 1250 is the way to go for me.

[@stonesie81]

I prefer the look of the 1250 but after my neighbour bought a 1300 I'm having to resist riding one, maybe in a couple of years when the finance expires on the 1250 GSA I will have gotten used to the looks of the 1300 and I know my Weiser wizards will transfer over. Both great bikes but as expected, the 1300 is an evolution forward. For anyone wondering what a Weiser Wizard is, it's a plug in module which turns off all the red LED's around whichever indicator you are using. Turn the indicator off and the red (Stop and tail light functions) return after a moment. Also after owning a KTM1290, I would not buy another, AMAZING bikes when they work, when they don't you have to deal with a customer service who don't give a flying one.

[@teapotone]

I’ve got the Weiser wizard on my 1300 Upgrade Your BMW R1300GS: Introducing Hex Ezcan Mojave kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZuVp6V_qsxla7M

[@johnwelbers4248]

Having a Harley ultra and 1200 gsa next for me would be goldwing or bmw rt. Think be more comfortable just saying. 🤓😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦🍻

[@RandomGRK]

Nah, rode the 1300 this weekend. It’s lost a little bit of what made the GS such a lovely bike. Sitting on it and the engine smoothness are massive negatives. I’m happy with my 1200 for now. Let’s see what the adventure variant has in store.

[@petercopland3509]

Your becoming a dab hand at this off road carry on you’ll be getting a trail bike next 😊😊

[@GPR111]

"A step up in every way".... really ? No dedicated rear light, fiddly switchgear operations, universally regarded as ugly, cheap-looking in areas and for people like myself over 6ft probably in reality a bit cramped now. Most reviews I watch the rider looks too big for the bike. And all for very big bucks. Weight loss is great , a bit of extra power and torque is always great but the 1250 is more than adequate in the real world. For me, there are more things to dislike than like on the 1300, so I definitely wont be buying in to the hype it has largely enjoyed so far. At 20k plus - for the spec you would really want.... it should be bang on. For some it may be, I would always be thinking its a bit ugly, too small but at least it goes well... It should do, thats no big achievement ! I still think GS "brand" has been diluted by the new bike in a sense. A more sport focused, small GS, may as well buy the RS instead now, especially as not very many people actually will ever go off road proper.... (?) Splitting a hair ever difficult 🙂

[@MacMoodyOM]

Sod the bikes, the real winner is riding at Toro adventure. It simply doesn’t get better.

[@brucekendall52]

Great bikes.Thanks

[@williamroyal5216]

You're comparing a 1250adv with a 1300 std. Surely tank will be bigger on the adv

[@teapotone]

No I’m not, they’re both GS’s

[@steviepaynter7456]

I test rode it after waiting so long for it to come out. Stop for a coffee and just looked at it 😂 you got to love your bike... each to there own. Bought a GSA and thank God I did .. each to there own. I've got better bikes than that to go faster. More power wasn't on the list and at the price of sacrificing comfort well not for me. But this is my opinion and yours is different and that's how it is. It's never going to be better for everyone

[@michaelworrall6804]

Fully agree .. they are both great bikes ..

[@mikemerrill175]

I ride with a local BMW club and have noted that there are several experienced GS riders on 1200’s that give up nothing to the 1250’s in real life riding which suggests it’s still mostly the Indian not the arrow.

[@teapotone]

Yes with the 1200/1250, but the 1300’is substantially quicker, more agile, and more powerful than the 1250.

[@garthwaters5756]

sorry Bruce but i cant see my self trading my 2021 GS Rallye for a 1300 , i have ridden it and its a great bike but not a game changer so ill stick with mine lol , love ya vids mate 👍

[@a9503128]

Don’t understand why people are whingeing about backlight buttons. It’s only a few of them and if you can’t reach them, there’s something wrong with your thumb.😂

[@Rollincoal311]

Well the X headlight I’m not sold on, only have experience on a 2024 gsa in Canada, the 1200 is what sold me on the bmw that aggressive proper adv look, the 1250 everything is seamless and perfect. I’m the last of the group to pull the trigger on a big adv, we’re coming from the klr, dr, xr world. For the record we will never sell those, absolutely funnest bikes you can ever own. But I’m tossed 1250 gsa or 1300 gs. This next set of days off a guy may just have to go ride the 1300 and have my company buy one for “Well site exploration” 😂

[@jadeybrice]

Where the hell are you we are in North Spain now ☔☔☔ 🥶🥶🥶

[@teapotone]

I’m in Tennessee, USA at the moment 👍