First 100 miles on 1300 v 1250

[J biker]

Backlit lights. Not bothered either way. Had them, dont miss them. I just want a good headlight when its dark, so I can see the road surface etc. Got headlight pro, so that works for me. I dare bet many bikes with backlit switches have crap headlights. Do the same people whinge?
Either way, it would not persuade me one way or the other on a bike purchase. Probably only ever highlighted in the first instance by journalists trying to differentiate between bikes.
There seems to be enough people mentioning it. So maybe BMW will incorporate this in the future. Then people can complain about failed switches and beta testing…

 

[Khulu]

Just assign them to the hamburger button, either first or second choice, that way you just use the rocker switch

I’ve got the screen and heated seats and grips at the moment

It’s in the manual

I've read the relevant manual pages loads of times and it's still as clear as mud.

I've got the screen with the black dot to its left and I believe that means priority (I could be wrong)
I've got heated stuff with a "hold" to its right and I think that means it is secondary (could be wrong again).

I'd like to replace heating with spot (riding) lights but they are well buried in the menu - is there any way to get the spots available for quick switching on and off? I only use them when I need to and don't ride with them on all the time.

TIA.

 

[Arsey]

Backlit lights. Not bothered either way. Had them, dont miss them. I just want a good headlight when its dark, so I can see the road surface etc. Got headlight pro, so that works for me. I dare bet many bikes with backlit switches have crap headlights. Do the same people whinge?
Either way, it would not persuade me one way or the other on a bike purchase. Probably only ever highlighted in the first instance by journalists trying to differentiate between bikes.
There seems to be enough people mentioning it. So maybe BMW will incorporate this in the future. Then people can complain about failed switches and beta testing…

Only BMW could sell a bike for circa £20k, fit a standard headlight which is below standard so that they can get the gullible muppets to part with even more dosh to get a Pro headlight.

Then many take them to A Bike Thing to have a dozen more sets of spots fitted . And that’s before they even start on the wizards to fix the dangerous rear light set up.Forum comedy gold.

 

[J biker]

Only BMW could sell a bike for circa £20k, fit a standard headlight which is below standard so that they can get the gullible muppets to part with even more dosh to get a Pro headlight.

Then many take them to A Bike Thing to have a dozen more sets of spots fitted . And that’s before they even start on the wizards to fix the dangerous rear light set up.Forum comedy gold.

People bolt a load of tat to their bikes, up to them. Mine had headlight pro already fitted. Most used bikes seem to have it. £15k at 9 month old. Last one had headlight pro, so knew it worked well. paid £16k new. Helps to pick the right time to purchase…Only on second bike as first was stolen.
There will always be people prepared to pay for ‘options’. People who will pay list price etc. Their choice, and if they can afford it then what is the problem? Multistrada V4RS anyone?
Worse, is paying KTM prices, to find the bike worth 50% less after a year.

Also considered the Tracer. But they are now effectively option packages, easy to go north of £17 k plus for the high spec version, massively down on torque for my liking. Plus they make even the GS look pretty

Plenty choice out there for all pockets and tastes.

Back to 1250 v 1300.
I find the 1300 just better in every department, with one exception. I find navigating between suspension settings a bit slower on the new one. That said, it now has the benefit of more damping adjustment. Which means I can set it up much better than before.
My mate still has the 1250 and performance difference is not night and day. The new one just feels more urgent and will lift the front wheel more frequently on enthusiastic rides. The difference really kicks in as the speed increases.
1250. Maybe a tad more laid back. 1300, sharper, more sporty.
No comments from anyone about the rear lights being an issue. If folks want to fiddle, add lights…let ‘em.
There will always be a company out there offering the ‘must have’ fix or equipment. Well, at least for popular bikes.

 

[MILLE_RIDER]

And how many bikes has Sir got?

3. What's that got to do with anything? You still have to take your eye off the road to look at the switches

 

[Oldrat]

3. What's that got to do with anything? You still have to take your eye off the road to look at the switches

I find that I every now and again, I have to double check which switches are where when I swap bikes, you obviously don’t.


A bit the same with indicators or wipers on cars, some cars have them on the left stalk, some on the right.

 

[MILLE_RIDER]

A bit the same with indicators or wipers on cars, some cars have them on the left stalk, some on the right.

They're not usually backlit, however do you manage?

So backlit switches on a bike are only going to be useful if you don't know where the switches are and it happens to be nighttime

I like backlit switches but only because they look nice, they're not actually useful for very much

 

[Oldrat]

They're not usually backlit, however do you manage?

So backlit switches on a bike are only going to be useful if you don't know where the switches are and it happens to be nighttime

I like backlit switches but only because they look nice, they're not actually useful for very much

FFS
you are an argumentative bu66er, getting a bit like Arsey!

Sometimes, not too often, I have to check where the switches are.

Backlit would be useful, but I’m not that bothered.

In the car they are back lit so why not on a bike.

and yes a rider might have to take eyes off the road, but not a problem if not moving at the time.

Phew, I give up!

 

[MILLE_RIDER]

I find that I every now and again, I have to double check which switches are where when I swap bikes, you obviously don’t.

I should also say that the youngest of my bikes is 13 years old, and the only switch I use regularly (after the start button) is the indicator switch. I did ride a friend's newish Africa twin and I was astonished at the number of buttons. Ignored them all except for the indicator which I'm familiar with from my bikes

 

[zoltan]

In case your decision is based on backlit switches here is the choice...Fck, I wish I had a backlit set up on my condom. Only got the SAAB so I can switch off all the lights on the switches. and dashboard.
Harley-Davidson Touring models, Ducati Multistrada V4, KTM 1290/990 series, Triumph Tiger, Moto Morini, and the Honda WN7 electric motorcycle. I rather walk.....
Makes you wonder how the F16 pilots cope with no lights...
Back to the 1250 v 1300. After 3 test rides decided to keep my 1250.

 

[RallyeGS]

Only BMW could sell a bike for circa £20k, fit a standard headlight which is below standard so that they can get the gullible muppets to part with even more dosh to get a Pro headlight.

Then many take them to A Bike Thing to have a dozen more sets of spots fitted . And that’s before they even start on the wizards to fix the dangerous rear light set up.Forum comedy gold.

Kin ell, talk about a dog with a bone!

 

[Doris]

Kin ell, talk about a dog with a bone!

Tedious is the word you’re looking for. Shame, because he’s actually a decent bloke.

 

[stickywicket]

Hang on… no clunk into 1st?? Mi e is nearing more towards embarrassing noisy clunk. It’s the one thing I dislike about the bike but can live with it.

 

[Pukmeister]

They're not usually backlit, however do you manage?

So backlit switches on a bike are only going to be useful if you don't know where the switches are and it happens to be nighttime

I like backlit switches but only because they look nice, they're not actually useful for very much

Once you've commuted for a few years in all seasons with handlebar muffs on several bikes, you realise that having pretty lights on your switches would be a bit pointless.

 

[Nick Marshall]

That’s probably why BMW haven’t bothered to upgrade the TFT for a decade . New owners instantly feel at home looking at the same old screen they’ve had on their last three bikes !

Why change the TFT? There is absolutely nothing wrong with it.
I have looked at several other bikes with TFT’s

The BMW is by far the best.

TFT was introduced in 2018 so I guess it’s not 10 years old.

 

[craigholt]

Kin ell, talk about a dog with a bone!

An end with a bell is more accurate.

Hates the GS range with a passion and never lets members (muppets he calls us) forget how sub standard they are.

 

[RallyeGS]

Ah, I see. He dislikes the 1300 enough not to have one which is of course his choice. What is an odd though is how someone can be so negative towards something without even owning one and is therefore not really placed to make an informed decision. Why would someone who doesn’t have the bike be obsessed with the fact the switchgear isn’t backlit? @ Arsey - Not being either a Cockwomble or a muppet I’m curious to know what’s the driver behind the constant dissing?

 

[MILLE_RIDER]

Ah, I see. He dislikes the 1300 enough not to have one which is of course his choice. What is an odd though is how someone can be so negative towards something without even owning one and is therefore not really placed to make an informed decision. Why would someone who doesn’t have the bike be obsessed with the fact the switchgear isn’t backlit? @ Arsey - Not being either a Cockwomble or a muppet I’m curious to know what’s the driver behind the constant dissing?

I suspect he was bullied as a child and has a deep rooted insecurity complex

 

[TaskMule]

Ah, I see. He dislikes the 1300 enough not to have one which is of course his choice. What is an odd though is how someone can be so negative towards something without even owning one and is therefore not really placed to make an informed decision. Why would someone who doesn’t have the bike be obsessed with the fact the switchgear isn’t backlit? @ Arsey - Not being either a Cockwomble or a muppet I’m curious to know what’s the driver behind the constant dissing?

He's literally dripping with envy knowing he'll never have one. Miserable and wants to be sure everyone knows. Moderator should have kicked his ass long ago

 

[Baked Bean]

I think he's a very good button presser