1250GS test ride impression

[The Burpster]

To be fair I hear everything you are saying, I said the same to the dealer and he said just ride it, all I would say is that if this is the case BMW need to get 1,000 miles plus on their demo. bikes before letting them go out to the public. Having said that the suspension should not change a great deal. Unfortunately the vast majority of GS's are ridden by people incapable of exploiting the flaws as with any bike.

TBF my GSTE is getting better and smoother by the mile. You seem a pretty smart guy and capable rider from your posts so I ask, why judge it on one test ride on one bike?
Pidcock had 3 GS demos when I tried mine, I tried all 3 (and back to backed with a S1000XR - then also the. R1250R). Then the GS again.

Both the GSA demos I tried were smoov and sweet the first ride on the std GS was as you described, but like your yours with very few miles (less than 200). Reading the break-in instructions the engine shouldn’t be revved beyond 5k until the first service and the smoother demos were the ones with miles on as they are more popular.

I wasn’t put off and ordered my TE and so glad I did, the GSAP needs a bit of help 1-2 and 2-3 if at low revs (where in my mind GSAP is no help anyway if you can ride properly) as there is obviously fairly big ratio gaps, if you rev it up to the dirty end of the tach then it is smooth. Now with 2k+ on it is very smooth and a pleasure to ride.

In essence some parts of your original post I agree with the main one being demos should at least be run in before handing out to buffoons like us who are going to want to enjoy them.
However being a GS owner I would’ve hoped you would had more than one ride on one bike before being so negative about it. The 1100GS from which the 1150 came from (and yes I did have one) was not as smooth, accomplished or well mannered as the 1150, which in turn was eclipsed by the AC 1200 which is still one of my fave bikes of the 40odd years I have been riding. The 1250 ( if you give it a chance) is the very latest evolution of that long line and is IMO the best boxer twin yet....

 

[10tenmen]

Quote Unfortunately the vast majority of GS's are ridden by people incapable of exploiting the flaws as with any bike.
Now that’s a truly condescending comment lol.

 

[wileeeeeey]

Riding around in 1st gear by the sounds of it

I have GSAP and a full Akra system. I probably chance gear more than you. Not everyone rides around in a "POLITE" vest and sits behind cars at red lines. Straight to the front!

 

[wileeeeeey]

Who said the GSA isn't a commuter bike?

 

[Tricky]

Every time an expert old rider drags some ancient fossil of a 1150GS from its comfy chair in its Sussex Retirement Home and starts comparing it to a new GS my eyes start to glaze over and I have the irresistible urge to start yawning.

He was doing so well up until that point.

 

[JonesyGS]

TBF my GSTE is getting better and smoother by the mile. You seem a pretty smart guy and capable rider from your posts so I ask, why judge it on one test ride on one bike?
Pidcock had 3 GS demos when I tried mine, I tried all 3 (and back to backed with a S1000XR - then also the. R1250R). Then the GS again.

Both the GSA demos I tried were smoov and sweet the first ride on the std GS was as you described, but like your yours with very few miles (less than 200). Reading the break-in instructions the engine shouldn’t be revved beyond 5k until the first service and the smoother demos were the ones with miles on as they are more popular.

I wasn’t put off and ordered my TE and so glad I did, the GSAP needs a bit of help 1-2 and 2-3 if at low revs (where in my mind GSAP is no help anyway if you can ride properly) as there is obviously fairly big ratio gaps, if you rev it up to the dirty end of the tach then it is smooth. Now with 2k+ on it is very smooth and a pleasure to ride.

In essence some parts of your original post I agree with the main one being demos should at least be run in before handing out to buffoons like us who are going to want to enjoy them.
However being a GS owner I would’ve hoped you would had more than one ride on one bike before being so negative about it. The 1100GS from which the 1150 came from (and yes I did have one) was not as smooth, accomplished or well mannered as the 1150, which in turn was eclipsed by the AC 1200 which is still one of my fave bikes of the 40odd years I have been riding. The 1250 ( if you give it a chance) is the very latest evolution of that long line and is IMO the best boxer twin yet....

Thank you for kind of understanding where I am coming from. As I keep saying I love the GS, having ridden several over the years and still love the 1150 even though I have much more modern stuff also.
I have contacted another dealer (whom I prefer) with a view to taking one out for longer and on roads I am less familiar with. I am hoping some of the foibles will be less apparent once it has a few more miles under its belt.
Btw I did counter the negative points by saying I thought the fuelling on the 1250 was immaculate with grunt where you need it most and the handling was sublime as ever.

 

[stick]

You clearly know very little about GS's then, or are just ignorant of how good the older models were!?

Max power
85 bhp
Max torque
75 ft-lb
Top speed
130 mph
1/4-mile acceleration
12.1 secs
Average fuel consumption
37 mpg
Tank range
205 miles
How the heck can be this better than the new one ffs

2019 BMW R1250 GS SPEC SHEET
Capacity
1254cc
Bore x Stroke
102.5 x 76mm
Engine layout
horizontal flat twin
Engine details
8v dohc, l/c
Power
134bhp @ 7750rpm
Torque
106 lb.ft @ 6250rpm
Top speed
145mph (est)

You make me smile , , keep it up lad , makes my day better.

 

[stick]

Quote Unfortunately the vast majority of GS's are ridden by people incapable of exploiting the flaws as with any bike.
Now that’s a truly condescending comment lol.

Good riders can ride round slight flaws as nothing is perfect , you just adapt .

 

[JonesyGS]

Every time an expert old rider drags some ancient fossil of a 1150GS from its comfy chair in its Sussex Retirement Home and starts comparing it to a new GS my eyes start to glaze over and I have the irresistible urge to start yawning.

He was doing so well up until that point.

Entitled to your opinion but couldn't be further from the truth!

 

[knutk]

Quote Unfortunately the vast majority of GS's are ridden by people incapable of exploiting the flaws as with any bike.
Now that’s a truly condescending comment lol.

Your assumption is spot on

In my book, choosing a bike is a bit like choosing shoe size. I find the shoes I like, and frankly I wouldn't give a rats ass if this is not the premium choice of anyone else.

I does not bother me that people have different views from my own.

However I do not spend time going to the other type of bikes forum and spend time telling them why I think their choice is shit because I don't like it.

I accept that other do not share my point of view, but I find it not very interesting to be told over and over that they do not like it. In my mind it makes me think: "You don't like it? Fine. I don't give a shit. Just get what you like and move on"

 

[JonesyGS]

Max power
85 bhp
Max torque
75 ft-lb
Top speed
130 mph
1/4-mile acceleration
12.1 secs
Average fuel consumption
37 mpg
Tank range
205 miles
How the heck can be this better than the new one ffs

2019 BMW R1250 GS SPEC SHEET
Capacity
1254cc
Bore x Stroke
102.5 x 76mm
Engine layout
horizontal flat twin
Engine details
8v dohc, l/c
Power
134bhp @ 7750rpm
Torque
106 lb.ft @ 6250rpm
Top speed
145mph (est)

You make me smile , , keep it up lad , makes my day better.

Did I say anywhere the 1150 was a better bike??
Figures are all well and good, have you ever been on a track day??
Glad I'm making your day anyway

 

[Delboy777]

Did I say anywhere the 1150 was a better bike??
Figures are all well and good, have you ever been on a track day??
Glad I'm making your day anyway

Ohh fuck me......here we go I’m a “riding god” therefore i must be right !


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[JonesyGS]

Ohh fuck me......here we go I’m a “riding god” therefore i must be right !


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I am no riding God, you missed the point as I was not clear enough.

 

[Doc]

The quick shifter is absolutely fine on my 1250 RT, it wasn't horrible on my 1200 either. But there are many who do not know how to use it correctly and complain about it. You do sound like you on a wind up. I've had a 1150 and its a tractor compared to the water cooled bikes, so either you had a pup or you are not the riding god you think.

Is there a knack to using it downshifting ? First bike i have owned with it on.Im ok going up the box but tend to use the clutch going down the box.

 

[JonesyGS]

Right I'm bored now and as expected it was taken out of context. Enjoy your GS LC's and might post again when I've ridden another or might just join in again once I've bought one

 

[knutk]

As for the QS debate, the BMW boxer engine is a fairly long stroke engine with a fairly heavy flywheel. This makes the engine king in the locomotive category. But the same virtues that contributes to this low end pull that we have learned to appreciate also makes the principles of a QS harder to work in a smooth manner. We cannot have it all.

Therefor, it will not be possible to make the boxer operate the QS as smooth as comparable bikes. We may either hate it and go for something else, or accept the laws of physics and learn the range where QS works and use the QS within this range.

Thus, the ones that have accepted this use the QS and is happy with the way it works.

To the ones that have not yet accepted or learned the hard facts. Please, we already know, you are not telling us anything new. No need to nag on and on about it.
Stop acting like my wife...

 

[Delboy777]

As for the QS debate, the BMW boxer engine is a fairly long stroke engine with a fairly heavy flywheel. This makes the engine king in the locomotive category. But the same virtues that contributes to this low end pull that we have learned to appreciate also makes the principles of a QS harder to work in a smooth manner. We cannot have it all.

Therefor, it will not be possible to make the boxer operate the QS as smooth as comparable bikes. We may either hate it and go for something else, or accept the laws of physics and learn the range where QS works and use the QS within this range.

Thus, the ones that have accepted this use the QS and is happy with the way it works.

To the ones that have not yet accepted or learned the hard facts. Please, we already know, you are not telling us anything new. No need to nag on and on about it.
Stop acting like my wife...

Lol, ive found in the short time ive had my bike that between 3.5k - 4k is where my QS works best both up and down using constant throttle. Ive not tried it at higher revs because its not had its first service (Friday) yet. I dont see the need to rag the arse out of it in every gear because it pulls like a train even in the higher gears and at low speed


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[stick]

Did I say anywhere the 1150 was a better bike??
Figures are all well and good, have you ever been on a track day??
Glad I'm making your day anyway

Loads of them , raced Mx , enduro trials . Ridden for the last 48 yrs

 

[10tenmen]

What does a track day have to do with anything does it make you a better road rider?.
I would welcome your opinion.

 

[PH1969]

Lol, ive found in the short time ive had my bike that between 3.5k - 4k is where my QS works best both up and down using constant throttle. Ive not tried it at higher revs because its not had its first service (Friday) yet. I dont see the need to rag the arse out of it in every gear because it pulls like a train even in the higher gears and at low speed


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QS works best above 6k revs going up and only works as intended on a shut throttle going down.