First impressions of my GS1300

[Tyzer]

I've done 300 miles on my GS and here are my initial thoughts.
Does the bike feel any smaller or lighter no ,is the suspension harder as some have complained about no,are the brakes any better no,is the gearbox improved,marginally, the quickshifter is just the same.
The Trophy come with the high seat so I specced the standard seat,i did about 100 miles it was like sitting on a brick really uncomfortable so my dealer offered me a high seat to try ,what a difference so I've kept it ,so with the adaptive height it it's the same as my 1250 not ideal after forking out for the adaptive but I'm happy with it.
My wife is just as comfortable and has the same amount of room although at certain rpm she can feel more vibes than the 1250,can't say I do though.
I had the Akra on my 1250,it sounded pretty good but noise from this one is subdued and as others have said it's not worth the money unless you like the look which I do.The menus are a piece of cake to use not complicated at all after the initial 10 mins of use.I find the blind spot detection very useful now I have it,good safety feature.
What is going to take some getting used to is the terrible whine the bike makes when you roll off the throttle it really is very annoying and the overall sound of the engine is not as nice as the 1250,lot more torque mind you but I didn't really need any more.
Would I have changed if my 1250 wasnt nearly 5 years old probably not, it's hard to improve on what was an already great bike.
Overall I'm happy with my choice, fingers crossed its as good as my 1250 was.

 

[The Stimulator]

Interesting about the high seat making such a difference. I wonder if that could be a different knee bend angle making it seem more comfortable. Fortunately from the sound of I did specify the high seat, given that even that will give me a lower seat height than my Adv. Thanks for those first impressions.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I've done 300 miles on my GS and here are my initial thoughts.
Does the bike feel any smaller or lighter no ,is the suspension harder as some have complained about no,are the brakes any better no,is the gearbox improved,marginally, the quickshifter is just the same.
The Trophy come with the high seat so I specced the standard seat,i did about 100 miles it was like sitting on a brick really uncomfortable so my dealer offered me a high seat to try ,what a difference so I've kept it ,so with the adaptive height it it's the same as my 1250 not ideal after forking out for the adaptive but I'm happy with it.
My wife is just as comfortable and has the same amount of room although at certain rpm she can feel more vibes than the 1250,can't say I do though.
I had the Akra on my 1250,it sounded pretty good but noise from this one is subdued and as others have said it's not worth the money unless you like the look which I do.The menus are a piece of cake to use not complicated at all after the initial 10 mins of use.I find the blind spot detection very useful now I have it,good safety feature.
What is going to take some getting used to is the terrible whine the bike makes when you roll off the throttle it really is very annoying and the overall sound of the engine is not as nice as the 1250,lot more torque mind you but I didn't really need any more.
Would I have changed if my 1250 wasnt nearly 5 years old probably not, it's hard to improve on what was an already great bike.
Overall I'm happy with my choice, fingers crossed its as good as my 1250 was.

After reading that, seems a mixed bag

 

[Tyzer]

Imo the best way to describe it is its more of a evolution than revolution and if your not due to change keep what you've got until you are unless you're loaded of course.Like I said overall I'm happy with my purchase.

 

[Tyzer]

Interesting about the high seat making such a difference. I wonder if that could be a different knee bend angle making it seem more comfortable. Fortunately from the sound of I did specify the high seat, given that even that will give me a lower seat height than my Adv. Thanks for those first impressions.

If the truth be known I could do with the reg seat but it's amazing how much difference that 20mm extra on the high seat made to my overall comfort Inc my knees.Trouble is if the adaptive height thingy fails id be on tippy toes !

 

[Frankh]

If the truth be known I could do with the reg seat but it's amazing how much difference that 20mm extra on the high seat made to my overall comfort Inc my knees.Trouble is if the adaptive height thingy fails id be on tippy toes !

As if that’s likely to happen I would give the seat a while sometimes they soften up after a few thousand miles. I think once you have had the first service and can go beyond 5k you will find the bike is far quicker than the 1250 and it definitely handles better than the 1200/1250.

 

[Baked Bean]

Give it time. I'm up to 1500 miles on my trophy and enjoy it more with every ride.

 

[stick]

2k in now , bike just gets better and better , you can push , push , push and some more , and the chassis , brakes , everything just works so much better than the old 1250 .
I have taken the 1250 to the limits , and its was fantastic , but his new bike just eclipse its , easily . Simply put , its more focused , better and faster and the handling never gets flustered as old one would at times as it does not / give in , it overrides the the bad roads , fast corners , hard technical bit etc . Like I said Its just better , a lot better and now trying to find the new limit lol

 

[leadfarmer]

Just been out on mine again, weather’s been crap lately

Really gelled with it today, “in the zone” as they say, I’m like the others, every time I ride it I love it a bit more

This bike really is superb, I’m still running in so trying not to chug it too much, but the torque is bonkers, even compared to the 1200/1250, it feels like there’s a giant winch pulling you out of the corners

 

[Arsey]

2k in now , bike just gets better and better , you can push , push , push and some more

Why push it so much ? Surely you have breakdown insurance?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[stick]

Why push it so much ? Surely you have breakdown insurance?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If it bust it , they take me home .. brilliant , but I see your point

 

[TheStammeringBiker]

I'm 1200 miles in on mine and I have similar thoughts/impressions although I came from a 1250GSA so for me I definitely notice the size difference.

I was always able to flat foot the standard height GSA so I can do the same on this, although my gut feeling tells me it's a little lower, presumably with the longer travel suspension the GSA was a bit higher maybe?

I did 157 miles on it on Sat and I have to say my bum was feeling it more than I'd have expected given I've done a 430mile day on my old bike and didn't have any arse-ache so time will tell. I think it's the standard height seat on mine.

I definitely feel like my legs are at a slightly more acute angle than before, but again, time will tell. I'm off to Greece on it in less than 6 weeks so I'll find out then.

I get less wind blast with the new bike around my head, which is surprising considering the GSA had more of a frontal area and I had the Puig touring screen WITH the winglet and couldn't get rid of the buffeting. It's not perfect on the new bike but it's actually better.

The whine, yes I definitely have noticed the whine, I don't mind it, but I can't say I "like" it either. I've also noticed theres a ton more engine braking on the new bike even in Road mode. Again doesn't bother me but it took some getting used to.

Surprisingly I can't say I've noticed a mega difference in the handling between the GSA and this one, handles very neutral and gives the same confidence. Brakes to me at least don't feel any better or worse, but they are good.

One thing suspension wise I did notice is that when pulling away from a standstill the bike seems to have "dipped" a little on stopping and as I pull away the front of the bike lifts up like an inch maybe which I assume is normal. But even with the damping set to -2 I still think the 1250 in Road mode for the suspension was softer and more supple on british roads. The new bike is defo harder, not by a long way, but I've noticed it.

Electronics wise for me it's mostly business as usual, the multi function button took a little getting used to but now it's second nature. The blind spot system is actually pretty good to be fair.

On the topic of the engine again, I don't know if its raw power/torque or a more aggressive throttle map but I definitely noticed the performance increase over the 1250, ok I had the heavier GSA but this thing wants to wheelie in 2nd constantly and even 3rd on overtakes, it's definitely more "eager".

Alot of people seemed to really have alot of dislike for the quickshifter/auto blipper on the 1250 and called it clunky, agricultural and even in some cases said it was rubbish and they don't use it. I've heard plenty of people say they don't use the quickshifter on any gear change between 1-3 and don't use the auto blipper for going from 2nd into 1st. Ok sure it's not as slick as say the quickshifter on the S1000 range but I never had an issue with the one on the 1250, in fact I used to often go from 1st to 2nd with it and back from 2nd to 1st without issue (barring the odd fluffed change) so the new bike doesn't feel THAT much different. To me it's maybe 10% better at most.

My one and only proper gripe about the bike (aside from when it tried to burn itself to the ground) is the starting "problem" that alot of people seem to have. Sometimes it starts on the button first time, sometimes it refuses to even turn over and I have to wait anything up to 30 seconds, sometimes it attempts but gives up, sometimes after starting the heated grips have turned themselves off but the heated seat hasn't. Very random but I'd say well over 50% of the time when trying to start it (cold or hot) I have an issue. Dealer says theres nothing wrong with it and all battery tests are fine. It's connected to the BMW charger when not in use (in lithium mode) so I can't really do alot more but it's starting to get on my moobs.

 

[Trixsta2]

I'm 1200 miles in on mine and I have similar thoughts/impressions although I came from a 1250GSA so for me I definitely notice the size difference.

I was always able to flat foot the standard height GSA so I can do the same on this, although my gut feeling tells me it's a little lower, presumably with the longer travel suspension the GSA was a bit higher maybe?

I did 157 miles on it on Sat and I have to say my bum was feeling it more than I'd have expected given I've done a 430mile day on my old bike and didn't have any arse-ache so time will tell. I think it's the standard height seat on mine.

I definitely feel like my legs are at a slightly more acute angle than before, but again, time will tell. I'm off to Greece on it in less than 6 weeks so I'll find out then.

I get less wind blast with the new bike around my head, which is surprising considering the GSA had more of a frontal area and I had the Puig touring screen WITH the winglet and couldn't get rid of the buffeting. It's not perfect on the new bike but it's actually better.

The whine, yes I definitely have noticed the whine, I don't mind it, but I can't say I "like" it either. I've also noticed theres a ton more engine braking on the new bike even in Road mode. Again doesn't bother me but it took some getting used to.

Surprisingly I can't say I've noticed a mega difference in the handling between the GSA and this one, handles very neutral and gives the same confidence. Brakes to me at least don't feel any better or worse, but they are good.

One thing suspension wise I did notice is that when pulling away from a standstill the bike seems to have "dipped" a little on stopping and as I pull away the front of the bike lifts up like an inch maybe which I assume is normal. But even with the damping set to -2 I still think the 1250 in Road mode for the suspension was softer and more supple on british roads. The new bike is defo harder, not by a long way, but I've noticed it.

Electronics wise for me it's mostly business as usual, the multi function button took a little getting used to but now it's second nature. The blind spot system is actually pretty good to be fair.

On the topic of the engine again, I don't know if its raw power/torque or a more aggressive throttle map but I definitely noticed the performance increase over the 1250, ok I had the heavier GSA but this thing wants to wheelie in 2nd constantly and even 3rd on overtakes, it's definitely more "eager".

Alot of people seemed to really have alot of dislike for the quickshifter/auto blipper on the 1250 and called it clunky, agricultural and even in some cases said it was rubbish and they don't use it. I've heard plenty of people say they don't use the quickshifter on any gear change between 1-3 and don't use the auto blipper for going from 2nd into 1st. Ok sure it's not as slick as say the quickshifter on the S1000 range but I never had an issue with the one on the 1250, in fact I used to often go from 1st to 2nd with it and back from 2nd to 1st without issue (barring the odd fluffed change) so the new bike doesn't feel THAT much different. To me it's maybe 10% better at most.

My one and only proper gripe about the bike (aside from when it tried to burn itself to the ground) is the starting "problem" that alot of people seem to have. Sometimes it starts on the button first time, sometimes it refuses to even turn over and I have to wait anything up to 30 seconds, sometimes it attempts but gives up, sometimes after starting the heated grips have turned themselves off but the heated seat hasn't. Very random but I'd say well over 50% of the time when trying to start it (cold or hot) I have an issue. Dealer says theres nothing wrong with it and all battery tests are fine. It's connected to the BMW charger when not in use (in lithium mode) so I can't really do alot more but it's starting to get on my moobs.

Hi, check out Nothing To Prove you tube, this one and part 2. Should help you, help your dealer with the starting issue.

 

[littleade]

I'm 1200 miles in on mine and I have similar thoughts/impressions although I came from a 1250GSA so for me I definitely notice the size difference.

I was always able to flat foot the standard height GSA so I can do the same on this, although my gut feeling tells me it's a little lower, presumably with the longer travel suspension the GSA was a bit higher maybe?

I did 157 miles on it on Sat and I have to say my bum was feeling it more than I'd have expected given I've done a 430mile day on my old bike and didn't have any arse-ache so time will tell. I think it's the standard height seat on mine.

I definitely feel like my legs are at a slightly more acute angle than before, but again, time will tell. I'm off to Greece on it in less than 6 weeks so I'll find out then.

I get less wind blast with the new bike around my head, which is surprising considering the GSA had more of a frontal area and I had the Puig touring screen WITH the winglet and couldn't get rid of the buffeting. It's not perfect on the new bike but it's actually better.

The whine, yes I definitely have noticed the whine, I don't mind it, but I can't say I "like" it either. I've also noticed theres a ton more engine braking on the new bike even in Road mode. Again doesn't bother me but it took some getting used to.

Surprisingly I can't say I've noticed a mega difference in the handling between the GSA and this one, handles very neutral and gives the same confidence. Brakes to me at least don't feel any better or worse, but they are good.

One thing suspension wise I did notice is that when pulling away from a standstill the bike seems to have "dipped" a little on stopping and as I pull away the front of the bike lifts up like an inch maybe which I assume is normal. But even with the damping set to -2 I still think the 1250 in Road mode for the suspension was softer and more supple on british roads. The new bike is defo harder, not by a long way, but I've noticed it.

Electronics wise for me it's mostly business as usual, the multi function button took a little getting used to but now it's second nature. The blind spot system is actually pretty good to be fair.

On the topic of the engine again, I don't know if its raw power/torque or a more aggressive throttle map but I definitely noticed the performance increase over the 1250, ok I had the heavier GSA but this thing wants to wheelie in 2nd constantly and even 3rd on overtakes, it's definitely more "eager".

Alot of people seemed to really have alot of dislike for the quickshifter/auto blipper on the 1250 and called it clunky, agricultural and even in some cases said it was rubbish and they don't use it. I've heard plenty of people say they don't use the quickshifter on any gear change between 1-3 and don't use the auto blipper for going from 2nd into 1st. Ok sure it's not as slick as say the quickshifter on the S1000 range but I never had an issue with the one on the 1250, in fact I used to often go from 1st to 2nd with it and back from 2nd to 1st without issue (barring the odd fluffed change) so the new bike doesn't feel THAT much different. To me it's maybe 10% better at most.

My one and only proper gripe about the bike (aside from when it tried to burn itself to the ground) is the starting "problem" that alot of people seem to have. Sometimes it starts on the button first time, sometimes it refuses to even turn over and I have to wait anything up to 30 seconds, sometimes it attempts but gives up, sometimes after starting the heated grips have turned themselves off but the heated seat hasn't. Very random but I'd say well over 50% of the time when trying to start it (cold or hot) I have an issue. Dealer says theres nothing wrong with it and all battery tests are fine. It's connected to the BMW charger when not in use (in lithium mode) so I can't really do alot more but it's starting to get on my moobs.

I think the starting problem might be because your bike tries to draw too much current when starting so the computer says no. The YouTuber Nothing to prove has a vid all about it

From what I remember It's a software issue awaiting a solution from the mothership

 

[Tyzer]

I don't have the starting issue BUT it always feels as though it's a struggle to fire up so far so good though

 

[Flopper]

I'm 1200 miles in on mine and I have similar thoughts/impressions although I came from a 1250GSA so for me I definitely notice the size difference.

I was always able to flat foot the standard height GSA so I can do the same on this, although my gut feeling tells me it's a little lower, presumably with the longer travel suspension the GSA was a bit higher maybe?

I did 157 miles on it on Sat and I have to say my bum was feeling it more than I'd have expected given I've done a 430mile day on my old bike and didn't have any arse-ache so time will tell. I think it's the standard height seat on mine.

I definitely feel like my legs are at a slightly more acute angle than before, but again, time will tell. I'm off to Greece on it in less than 6 weeks so I'll find out then.

I get less wind blast with the new bike around my head, which is surprising considering the GSA had more of a frontal area and I had the Puig touring screen WITH the winglet and couldn't get rid of the buffeting. It's not perfect on the new bike but it's actually better.

The whine, yes I definitely have noticed the whine, I don't mind it, but I can't say I "like" it either. I've also noticed theres a ton more engine braking on the new bike even in Road mode. Again doesn't bother me but it took some getting used to.

Surprisingly I can't say I've noticed a mega difference in the handling between the GSA and this one, handles very neutral and gives the same confidence. Brakes to me at least don't feel any better or worse, but they are good.

One thing suspension wise I did notice is that when pulling away from a standstill the bike seems to have "dipped" a little on stopping and as I pull away the front of the bike lifts up like an inch maybe which I assume is normal. But even with the damping set to -2 I still think the 1250 in Road mode for the suspension was softer and more supple on british roads. The new bike is defo harder, not by a long way, but I've noticed it.

Electronics wise for me it's mostly business as usual, the multi function button took a little getting used to but now it's second nature. The blind spot system is actually pretty good to be fair.

On the topic of the engine again, I don't know if its raw power/torque or a more aggressive throttle map but I definitely noticed the performance increase over the 1250, ok I had the heavier GSA but this thing wants to wheelie in 2nd constantly and even 3rd on overtakes, it's definitely more "eager".

Alot of people seemed to really have alot of dislike for the quickshifter/auto blipper on the 1250 and called it clunky, agricultural and even in some cases said it was rubbish and they don't use it. I've heard plenty of people say they don't use the quickshifter on any gear change between 1-3 and don't use the auto blipper for going from 2nd into 1st. Ok sure it's not as slick as say the quickshifter on the S1000 range but I never had an issue with the one on the 1250, in fact I used to often go from 1st to 2nd with it and back from 2nd to 1st without issue (barring the odd fluffed change) so the new bike doesn't feel THAT much different. To me it's maybe 10% better at most.

My one and only proper gripe about the bike (aside from when it tried to burn itself to the ground) is the starting "problem" that alot of people seem to have. Sometimes it starts on the button first time, sometimes it refuses to even turn over and I have to wait anything up to 30 seconds, sometimes it attempts but gives up, sometimes after starting the heated grips have turned themselves off but the heated seat hasn't. Very random but I'd say well over 50% of the time when trying to start it (cold or hot) I have an issue. Dealer says theres nothing wrong with it and all battery tests are fine. It's connected to the BMW charger when not in use (in lithium mode) so I can't really do alot more but it's starting to get on my moobs.

Also coming from a 1250GSA I echo word for word your thoughts, I also have the starting issue and the switching off of the grips but not the seat. The other day I think I had the opposite (seat turned off but not the grips) but I can't be certain if I just imagined that. I haven't done a single long ride yet so can't comment on the seat and comfort.

With regards to everything else you mention you pretty much sum up my thoughts, I'm guessing you are a fairly tall / big chap? I definately fall into that catagory so really notice the leg angle and size difference. I have my first trip away in 4 weeks time so looking forward to seeing how I connect with it spending 7 days in the saddle, at the moment I am not entirely sure that I made the right move and having thoughts of going back to a GSA.

 

[stick]

Find it hard to agree as I came from a Gs and always found the Gs much more nimble than the GSA which always felt heavy and wide especially fuelled up and gear on.
The new 1300 is way lighter in feel (maybe not kgs as the 1250 ) but its just so flickable and responsive. I have ridden the Gs range for many years and this is a huge improvement on a tired theme .
The suspension is more adjustable now , I run (Dynamic Pro Mode) and the choice Road +2 damping , and Dynamic -1 on the suspension dependant on the roads ridden and my mood at the time and feel I have found the sweet spot , something the 1250 lacked but you rode around it , the new one you no longer need to .
The quick shifter was a little stiff at first but now is very smooth ( as was the 1250 over the same milage) and now works perfect up and down and is better than the 1250 , not as good as the Ducati V4 Multi but very close.
The seat , well agree with that one but have changed to the high set now and fine but some will suffer on any seat , my riding mate could sit on a steel plate and still be fine , all day lol , so its a personal thing to fair.
The engine now its past the 1500 miles has loosed up a treat and feels smoother as well , just need to get past the 3 k now .... compared to the 1250 its just better , faster , more pull , great fuelling , a peach.
It may not be the fasted out there but its a more than capable bike in any situation ( as was the 1250) and always follow a Gs rider with caution as they might surprise you and leave you behind with a puff of dust and what the fook just happened lol... it happens a lot.
The new 1300 just makes it even easier now.

 

[zoltan]

Would I have changed if my 1250 wasnt nearly 5 years old probably not, it's hard to improve on what was an already great bike.
Overall I'm happy with my choice, fingers crossed its as good as my 1250 was.

Why not get an other 1250GS? Took out a 1300GS for a test ride last w/e. Found the gear change better and wind protection superb. However I have a purchased an 1250RS last year which I really like. Going from a 1200 to 1300 would make sense. But from 1250 to 1300?

 

[TheStammeringBiker]

Also coming from a 1250GSA I echo word for word your thoughts, I also have the starting issue and the switching off of the grips but not the seat. The other day I think I had the opposite (seat turned off but not the grips) but I can't be certain if I just imagined that. I haven't done a single long ride yet so can't comment on the seat and comfort.

With regards to everything else you mention you pretty much sum up my thoughts, I'm guessing you are a fairly tall / big chap? I definately fall into that catagory so really notice the leg angle and size difference. I have my first trip away in 4 weeks time so looking forward to seeing how I connect with it spending 7 days in the saddle, at the moment I am not entirely sure that I made the right move and having thoughts of going back to a GSA.

Yeah I’m 6’2, 35in inside leg and I’d say “cuddly”

I’m off to Greece on the 5th May so I’ll be spending almost 9 days straight in the saddle so hopefully it’s not too uncomfy!

 

[Flopper]

Yeah I’m 6’2, 35in inside leg and I’d say “cuddly”

I’m off to Greece on the 5th May so I’ll be spending almost 9 days straight in the saddle so hopefully it’s not too uncomfy!

Lol! I'm 6'2, 34in & 18 (and a bit) stone! Does that fit the profile of a GS rider?

Enjoy Greece