What is it with the R1300GS? Actually ANY GS!

[Daxaar]

I tested one on Saturday back to back with the Multistrada V4S. It really didn't go too well as you can see in this video I recorded *. Warning it contains a whole lot of inaccuracies and hyperbole as I went into the test totally blind to the bike having been away from BMW for 5 years. Previous bikes were a 2013 GS & 2 GSA's (all LC's).

So, to the title of this post. Why on earth have I been and tested one again today at Cotswold BMW which felt night and day better than the one on Saturday, despite being the same spec Trophy TE except this one had the auto ride height? Perhaps because I was armed with the fucking spreadsheet you need to understand the modes and settings?

They do seem to get under your skin don't they? They do nothing perfectly but so much so very very well, I think! Oh fuck it, I don't know! Anyway, I really enjoyed it, so much so I've put down a deposit on a used Triple Black with a whopping 546 miles on it and all the option boxes already ticked for me!


* I'm not trying to promo my YT channel here. I literally don't give a flying fuck about views etc, I just record vids because I enjoy making them, editing them and looking back at them years later.

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

Good musings and great choice, congrats!

It's just a brilliant GS is the 1300, own it and it just gets better with miles. Slightly physically smaller, but still a big bike, that size makes it sportier (fun) as it literally drops into corners no effort, add in the fastest /torquiest GS boxer ever (it flies), dealer back up/customer service, integrated controls, comfort.

The NO 1 package and best bike in class (imho).

 

[roundincircles]

It is comfy all day, flies around corners, and grunts away at any revs. It is so easy to ride and make 'progress'. The latest engine also spins up like a multi (sort of), and the ride height thingy is useful.

 

[MRDDD]

I tested one on Saturday back to back with the Multistrada V4S. It really didn't go too well as you can see in this video I recorded *. Warning it contains a whole lot of inaccuracies and hyperbole as I went into the test totally blind to the bike having been away from BMW for 5 years. Previous bikes were a 2013 GS & 2 GSA's (all LC's).

So, to the title of this post. Why on earth have I been and tested one again today at Cotswold BMW which felt night and day better than the one on Saturday, despite being the same spec Trophy TE except this one had the auto ride height? Perhaps because I was armed with the fucking spreadsheet you need to understand the modes and settings?

They do seem to get under your skin don't they? They do nothing perfectly but so much so very very well, I think! Oh fuck it, I don't know! Anyway, I really enjoyed it, so much so I've put down a deposit on a used Triple Black with a whopping 546 miles on it and all the option boxes already ticked for me!


* I'm not trying to promo my YT channel here. I literally don't give a flying fuck about views etc, I just record vids because I enjoy making them, editing them and looking back at them years later.

 

[MRDDD]

What’s your YouTube channel

 

[Udders]

At a wild guess I’d say this one! The one he highlighted in his post.

 

[TheStammeringBiker]

Just commented on your video Darren, the screen returns back to whichever height you set it at once you set off moving and get to about 5mph

 

[J biker]

Good choice.
I still have a KTM (superduke) bought just before the sh1t hit the fan.
The problems KTM have..are they even really solvent? makes them a none starter new.
Multistrada…nice, but 35mpg, chain drive and they are big now, all negatives to me.

As you have found out, there are extra suspension settings which do make a big difference. It seems magazine testers (inc recently an MCN video) are incapable of finding out actual specs and making rather simple suspension adjustments in the menu, before passing judgement on ride/handling/lack of or too much damping..
In my eyes the 1300 is much more ‘sports’ tourer than adv tourer with this latest version. Defo a big step forward for those looking for a sporty ride.

 

[bmsouls]

I tested one on Saturday back to back with the Multistrada V4S. It really didn't go too well as you can see in this video I recorded *. Warning it contains a whole lot of inaccuracies and hyperbole as I went into the test totally blind to the bike having been away from BMW for 5 years. Previous bikes were a 2013 GS & 2 GSA's (all LC's).

So, to the title of this post. Why on earth have I been and tested one again today at Cotswold BMW which felt night and day better than the one on Saturday, despite being the same spec Trophy TE except this one had the auto ride height? Perhaps because I was armed with the fucking spreadsheet you need to understand the modes and settings?

They do seem to get under your skin don't they? They do nothing perfectly but so much so very very well, I think! Oh fuck it, I don't know! Anyway, I really enjoyed it, so much so I've put down a deposit on a used Triple Black with a whopping 546 miles on it and all the option boxes already ticked for me!


* I'm not trying to promo my YT channel here. I literally don't give a flying fuck about views etc, I just record vids because I enjoy making them, editing them and looking back at them years later.

Hi,i bought one of the first 1300 gs in 2023 only did 2000 miles couldnt cope with the noisy motor and clunky gearbox,so bought a 1250 gsa very good but very heavy,since then i have rode a couple of 2025 1300 s and cant belive the difference in bikes first one i rode had 150 mile on it was worse than the one i had second one 300 mile on and it was superb whats going on hence i am a bit worried about ordering a new one .

 

[Bubb]

Love mine…. Best gs so far…

 

[botus]

the main points that make the GS different to other big bikes is the way it behaves on the road

large capacity bikes are either a lumbering ton of lard that doesn't like corners and is fortunately so slow, it successfully overcomes the fact nothing happens when you squeeze the brake lever. Or, its a hideously uncomfortable twitchy death trap, that on UK roads tries to throw you in to a ditch or at an oncoming car whenever the dimple in the road is deeper than 3 thou on a DTI. Then add in the fact you're holding on to the front wheel spindle, all meaning you can't actually see where you are going, alleged sports bikes have to be ridden slowly.

to combat that madness they invented adventure bikes - adding in longer travel suspension and a proper size front wheel so the thing has a chance to stay on what we pretend to call roads. But every other manufactures seems oblivious to the fact they don't stop - you end up with 200 yards used up compressing the front suspension before there's any reduction in speed. Then you get in to town where you can actually see where you are going. Where on many you find its got enough steering lock and a riding position that allows you to throw the bike around properly... Which is great till you try to miss some fool trying to kill you, where on all the other ones you end up sea sick from all the pogoing of the front suspension. And when the tanks full massive weight transfer makes it try to fall over...

then you get on a GS and wonder how and behaves like a 125, stops better than any other bike on the road, the front isn't driving at the floor everytime you think about using the brakes, and you get an hour a week riding for free - as you arn't cleaning the back wheel of oil every time you stop at the lights....