Completely right about the back lit switches, not needed at all. I don't agree about the combined rear indicators, it doesn't matter at all about the indicator the car can see you braking, that's the important part. People spend hundreds putting on tiny rear lights.... My 2021, 1250 GSA getting picked up this week and a 1300 TE triple black being dropped in its place. Hands down, a better bike.

Hi, thank you for the interesting video and overall opinion on the new GS. As you, I currently ride a GSA. And I agree that we adapt to overcome its “imperfections”, but on the other hand, the GSA is the bike I felt better riding in the latest years, at least from 2018 till today. I tested this new 1300 GS (the option 719 version), and besides feeling a great deal smaller than my bike, what wasn’t a good sensation, I think because the bike and the engine are brand new, it gave the sensation of abrupt response to the throttle, of stiffer suspension and very sensible breaking reaction. It was a not so enthusiastic first impressions experience. I will ride it once more to consolidate those impressions, but at the moment I couldn’t feel all the nice evolution that I was expecting. I think that this new GS represents an affirmative step forward, from a rational and logic point of view. The aesthetic is very attractive to me, I support the whole change operated in this sense, but I found the bike to be excessively nimble and small. I don’t know if my feel of the bike will change with some more miles on my belt riding it and I suspect that after exploring it more I will discover its real virtues but at the moment the idea that is impressive to me is that BMW undressed the bike, and in exchange they gave a more energized behavior to the whole equipment that will demand from the rider a different approach in order to capitalize all the modernization made to the bike. We have to adapt again! Now, that I was in perfect harmony with my GSA. I think that I’m not done with my 1250 GSA. So, at this moment I m not very convinced about what’s going to happen and what’s going to be my decision. I might stay with the GSA a little longer. Cheers! ✌️✌️

Great review.im trying one out next tuesday.A suprising video for me when i realised you were riding where i used to live until 5 years ago.Take care murf

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

It’s a small world of sure. Thank you for your message. Murt 👍

I like backlit switches... my 2 grand Zontes had lovely red ones. This thing though - the king of 'diminishing returns'.

Thanks really interesting!

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching! Take care. Murt

Thanks for the video. I saw a soundmeter comparison of R1300GS against the R1250GS and they seem very similar, yet almost all videos lead 😂viewers to believe this new engine has a higher noise level. The engine noise also see a bit weird. It would be great to have an explanation for that. The headlight and tail don't look good at all. I expect they'll be changed in future models. Note:. No Apple/Google Apps connection on this crazy expensive bike is unacceptable. Stay safe and enjoying the rides.

Outstanding review, I have a triple black, ordered, with all the options, I live in Billings Mt., after I get mine, I will break it in, change oil, and leave on a trip around, the U.S., I am 77 yrs. young, my last name is Jerry Young, not enough room for all the bikes that I have had, again WELL DONE Jerry D.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Thank you Jerry appreciate you taking the time to write your message. Safe travels. Enjoy. Murt

Thanks for the video. 😃👍 I sat on one yesterday and will have a test ride soon. I'm sure I won't be disappointed! I believe the white one is the most basic, as the one you were on is the Trophy edition, which costs, I think, an extra £850 for the paint job. I think also, the other 3 models come with a higher windscreen as standard. I guess the cramped feeling depends on leg length rather than height and I think the Enduro pack comes with adjustable footrests etc. They all seem to be very customisable. 😃👍

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

I bow to your superior knowledge! You are probably right! Unfortunately I only had a bike a very short time and just wanted to do a review, from a current 1250 owner! You won’t be disappointed! And you have been warned! Thank you for your comment much appreciated! 👍🏍️💨💨

Agree with that tail light set up Just asking to get rear ended

@the_mad_leprechaun

6 ай бұрын

I hope to do something about the lights on my 1250 very soon. I’m not overly happy with them either! 😆 Happy new year! Thank you for your message! 👍

Murt, I know exactly where you are coming from. Some years ago I agreed to meet my top mate Stu at Triumph Woburn. I rode down from Leicester, it was a beautiful day, sure enough Stu arrived a few minutes before me at the Triumph dealership, big grin on his chops. He'd booked a test ride on a Triumph Thunderbird Ltd Edish, he said to me, what you gonna test ride Daz? ...I hadn't even considered it , but at the time Triumph had the Speed Triple 94R and had a yellow demonstrator available. The rest is history, rode it for an hour, got back and bought one !! PCP it was and that was a big mistake !! This Beamer looks the bizzo. Cheers, Daz, Leicester.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Cheers Daz! Love your story man! Don’t agree with finance, it’s not for me! I would love to ride a triumph but my local dealer just won’t let me! Ducal are not much better! One day! Glad you enjoyed my video thank you so much for your message! Take care. Murt

Great video, I'm buying the 719.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Very nice too! Good luck on your mission! Thank you for your support! Glad you enjoyed the video. I would have liked to have it for longer. Cheers buddy. Murt

Another good one Murt, I will have a test ride when we come back from Tassie, the old GSA 800 has treated me well,I do mainly dirt riding when I can get away so will have a run on a 1300, like you the rear end does nothing for me and it looks very different up front, may look better up close, will have a look at the specs thank you for the heads up cheers for now Al.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Cheers buddy! Thank you as always! Murt

I too have a GSA with 26k on it in two years and today I test rode the 1300. Nimble light and very torquey. Turns and handles well. I found the engine very twitchy compared to the 1250 and the suspension in Road mode was like the GSA in dynamic. I need another test ride. The gear box….. 1st to second you still need to use the clutch, 2nd to 3rd the same. I have an s1000xr in my garage as well and if ever you get an opportunity to ride one , do it. It has a proper quickshifter and it works smoothly from 1st to 6th and back.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Hi David, well as you can probably tell my channel is quite small and I have been a bit blown away by the response. I did find the gear box a bit odd to begin with, but as I only had the bike for just over an hour. Yes I would very much like to ride an XR. I have ridden the RR and R. Thank you for watching my for your message. Take care. Murt

Great video Murt,agree about the back lite switches,currently have my muffs on my bike,can’t see my switches at all,but saying that hasn’t got that many as it only a bandit.🤣

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Cheers mate! Thank you for your support! Handle bar muffs, it’s been a while since I’ve used them! But you are right! Take care buddy! Murt

Interesting video sir, enjoyed that!

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Thank you very much appreciate it!

Good first impression. 🤙

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Thank you Ian. Appreciate it! Sorry I took so long to reply! It’s been a bit mad! Glad you enjoyed the video! Murt

I've had the same problem when I testrode a triumph street twin some 8 years ago. So I came home and said to my wife look, here's the deal...I'm gonna buy that bike. Amazingly enough she said well go ahead then. 😳😳

@the_mad_leprechaun

Ай бұрын

Hi Danny. Do you realise that when a woman say go on then she actually means No! 😆 just joking. Thank you for your message!

@itlapol

Ай бұрын

@@the_mad_leprechaun Ooooh no you don't know her at all. A NO is a NO, then it's time for me to stop arguing 😇 Unfortunately she is usually right

A Brake Free would greatly help when slowing (you don't even need to be braking) to illuminate your presence. Illuminated switchgear is handy of you have several bikes, otherwise I agree with you.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Mmmmmmmmm! Not sure I understand you! All I am concerned about is the indicator being overwhelmed by the brake light! Thank you for your message! 👍

Thanks for making a video on it, can't wait to try it out (once the snow melts lol) =) Sean and Emily

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

You are very welcome! Thank you for your message. Murt

Agree with you re backlighting but the rear end lighting is not an issue, tested following a friend over 100 miles on Sunday. I prefer it to the 1250 and I now ride a Multi after three GSs, lovely bike too but a more sporty ride.

@the_mad_leprechaun

3 ай бұрын

Cheers Ian appreciate you taking the time to message! Fair point well made! 😁👍 take care!

Really good entertaining review. I've been browsing the comments and for the people that aren't a fan, theres a real feeling of one foot in the grave. Which i think it's mainly the reason BMW have done such a big change. Once you've had that intial tax free sum out of your pension, buying power really drops off... They can't see lights, the socket fittings arent imperial, the headlight is too headlighty. Guys it looks like a headlight, the old one now looks like some sort of thing that fell off a uboat.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Ha ha ha! Thank you very much! Thank really made me smile. I guess in a few years we will look back, and have a different opinion. Thank you for your message. I really do appreciate it. Murt

If one had traveled to places at night where the road or hotel parking don't have lights, I can attest backlit switch gear is a must. I can't even see my hands let alone the switch gear.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Mmmmmmmm! Ok 🤔

Apologies, I'm late to your video (been on holiday). Interesting, excellent review. I sat on one at the NEC show and thought what a comfortable riding position. Those rear lights/indicators are awful, and I completely agree with you. As a non GS owner, I don't mind the headlight. It will seem normal in a few years, and it will remind all other GS owners on older bikes that they are riding 'the old model' As for all the tech on these bikes..... I honestly just want ABS and heated grips, but I'm old! I suspect I may really like this bike if I ever try one. Thanks for the vid. Cheers

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

No need to apologise! Thank you for your comment! You are always on holidays! 😆 I do hope you made a video. I don’t however think you will be watching my next video, ever! 😆

@Banditmanuk

7 ай бұрын

@@the_mad_leprechaun I may have filmed something..... but you have me intrigued on your next vid

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

@@Banditmanuk Tomorrow!!!

Great little review bud ! But Murt, my new low version 1250 gsa, feels far different to my old 69 plate standard height gsa ! It handles night and day different ! New one feels lighter and more nimble, throttle response is fantastically light & responsive and is so flickable ! We need to get you on my new 1250 to compare to the 1300 bud ! Atb !

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Very interesting! Wow thank you for that! I literally had the 1300 for an hour so had a lot to pack in! Hope you enjoyed it anyway! Talk to you soon! Murt

good one

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Cheers mate! It was a bit rushed. So I am pleased that some people are enjoying what I put together! Thank you!

Thanks mate great review, I will avoid riding one for a little while 😉

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Good idea! Shame I didn’t have it for longer!! Or maybe it’s a good thing I didn’t! The power plant is amazing and buttery smooth gear box. Just can’t get my head round the tail light situation! Cheers buddy!

The Front LED lights are cornering lights. Out Back they are LED lights

i drove one - and i ordered one

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

I wish you many happy miles! Enjoy.

Have done 👍

@the_mad_leprechaun

3 ай бұрын

Thank you very much! 👍😁

Remember the days we rode motorcycles I instead of two wheeled computers

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Yea do you know you are right! Too much stuff! The engine on this, has to be said it epic! Cheers cuz! 🏍️💨

I agree on the tail light and more importantly drivers of cars are familiar with the middle brake light…..and that’s important 😳😳 great vid and honest review. I ride an R1200RT and love the bike ❤️

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Thank you very much! I really do appreciate the feedback and support! It is however just my opinion! Something others seem to forget! I won’t be changing my 1250 any time soon! Thank you once again! Ride safe! Murt

Murt ya legend ! - chris here from Auto Innovations, i bought one mate :) - currently working on some designs for graphics :)

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Long long long time no see! I must call in and do coffee one day! Hope you’re keeping well! Thank you for your message! 👍

@autoinnovationsuk

7 ай бұрын

@@the_mad_leprechaun - you would be most welcome buddy !

Great review…absolutely amazing bike…ride one and you’ll buy one for sure…I did😊

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Hello thank you Andy! Appreciate your message! I would like to take it for a longer ride! Just to make sure! 😉

Thanks for your review, really enjoyed it. You said it had a more whinny engine noise, did you find it annoying, thanks! BTW I totally agree with you regarding the integral brake light and indicators, not good.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Hello thanks for your message! Really appreciate it! Answer to your question! No not at all! I was amazed by the lack of notice coming from the exhaust! Take care! Murt

@Fernando90054

7 ай бұрын

Hi, thank you for the interesting video and overall opinion on the new GS. As you, I currently ride a GSA agree that we adapt to overcome its “imperfections”, but on the other hand, the GSA is the bike I felt better riding in the latest years, at least from 2018 till today. I tested this new 1300 GS (the option 719 version), and besides feeling a great deal smaller than my bike, what wasn’t a good sensation, I think because the bike and the engine are brand new, it gave the sensation of abrupt response to the throttle, of stiffer suspension and very sensible breaking reaction. It was a not so enthusiastic first impressions experience. I will ride it once more to consolidate those impressions, but at the moment I couldn’t feel all the nice evolution that I was expecting. I think that this new GS represents an affirmative step forward, from a rational and logic point of view. The aesthetic is very attractive to me, I support the whole change operated in this sense, but I found the bike to be excessively nimble and small. I don’t know if my feel of the bike will change with some more miles on my belt riding it and I suspect that after exploring it more I will discover its real virtues but at the moment the idea that is impressive to me is that BMW undressed the bike, and in exchange they gave a more energized behavior to the whole equipment that will demand from the rider a different approach in order to capitalize all the modernization made to the bike. We have to adapt again! Now, that I was in perfect harmony with my GSA. I think that I’m not done with my 1250 GSA. So, at this moment I m not very convinced about what’s going to happen and what’s going to be my decision. I might stay with the GSA a little more longer. Cheers! ✌️✌️

Hi, I agree with you the rear lights are the worth thing on this bike. but Weiser Technics have a solution.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

What’s the solution? I have seen “A bike thing” video with Tea pot one, that looks like an option! Thank you for your message! Murt

@lagrange-munuzerezh9245

7 ай бұрын

@@the_mad_leprechaun , "a bike thing" have done a test on the Tea Pot One 1300. Weiser are available in 2024 for 1300.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

@lagrange-munuzerezh9245 I am hopeful to get something done with the back end of my 1250! Stay tuned! 👍

Nice review Murt, after seeing the rain I remember why I drive a car lol! I also wonder why drivers feel the need to indicate to pass parked cars, and didn't the driving instructor do well pulling to the left to allow you to filter! Power to the ADI's

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

I did find it strange that he pulled to the left! I wasn’t looking to over take! Maybe it was the time of day. The instructor may have thought I was in a rush! Thank you mate! Did you see my news?

@Tazonsax

7 ай бұрын

Not sure if I saw your news though?@@the_mad_leprechaun

@Capp2101

7 ай бұрын

One thing that was in your favour as regards the seat. That's the bench seat which is 20mm higher than the standard seat. Leaving it at 870 instead of 850. The GSA if memory serves is 890 on the low setting and 910 on high. For someone as tall as yourself or Chopsey the drop to the bench seat might not be as significant as to the standard which could be as much as 60mm lower than what you're used to.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Wow ok! Thank you for that!

I'll be more worried when the new GSA is released 😅😅😅😅 great vid as usual!

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Have you still got batteries 🔋 in your calculator? 😁🏍️💨💨

Murt, having just returned from the dealer and thinking about the product overall, then spec’d to my requirements I have to say I’ll pass. For me wind protection was non existent (like my old Triumph Scrambler which is totally a different style of bike) various KZreadrs mentioned it, but Cricky that quick shift is diabolical, no back lights on switch gear is another minus. Cost was £21500 plus panniers and top box another £1500!!

@the_mad_leprechaun

3 ай бұрын

Thank you mate! Nice to meet you today. I can’t argue with your points all valid. I didn’t find the gear shit to be too bad! Take care ride safe! Don’t forget to subscribe! 👍

Who is this bike for🤔it’s for people with 20 grand to spare, I just put my ktm 1090 in part ex for a 2018 r1200 gs adventure rallye te with full metal luggage, sat nav prep, 4 Denali spots and air horn, extra tourertech crash bars with bags and god knows what else!!!! it’s in immaculate condition with 8600 miles on it with two brand new tyres, it cost 13,495 for all that and in 2018 it had to be north of 20 grand easy!! oh I forgot the cansmart under the seat!!, it was a wealthy mans toy that was cast aside when the “next thing” came along but I’m grateful those people exist because without them I wouldn’t have that bike👍

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for your support really pleased you enjoyed my video! Loving the picture of the dog by the way! I can’t disagree with you about the price, motorcycle’s in general are really expensive these days. Take care. Ride safe.

I own a 72 plate gsa i tried a triple black 1300 i didnt feel i needed one its toi small too cramped its not worth tbe money also i dont like tbe new menus i am happy i tried it because i now know i like mine better

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

If you don’t try you will never know! Thank you for your comment! Enjoy your ride! 👍

Great review. But would you change?

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

In short! No. I have only had my 1250, nearly 3 years. I am enjoying my bike and can’t justify the expense!! Just don’t tell BMW I said that! 😆

@davidlythgoe8478

7 ай бұрын

Thanks. Have had my GSA only four months and did consider a swap briefly but cant justify it. I think I still prefer the looks and presence of the GSA@@the_mad_leprechaun

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

@davidlythgoe8478 You are only just getting to know your bike, don’t brake up just yet. I have had mine 3 years and it’s a love affair! Take care. Murt

@davidlythgoe8478

7 ай бұрын

I was tempted but personally love the comfort and presence of the GSA on the road.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

@davidlythgoe8478 I agree! It will be interesting to see what the new GSA looks like! Thank you for the message! 👍

The engine whine is pronounced in your video.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Hi Charles. I was having audio issues, my GoPro went very trebly. I didn’t find the whine of the engine bothered me. Please keep in mine the bike had only done 500 miles and hadn’t had its first service. To me it sounded more like a whistle than a whine. Thank you for your message. Take care! Murt

Hey, did the girl at 3:33 observe u at all? Otherwise, the bike looks superb... (a litle more noise for me:-))

@the_mad_leprechaun

6 ай бұрын

Don’t be put off by the noise on my video. My microphone was picking up all kinds of noise. Also the bike was on 500 and something miles so needed it’s first service. 3:33 if she was in a car probably not! 😆 Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Thank you for your message! 👍

wire wheels win every time

@the_mad_leprechaun

2 ай бұрын

Thank you Peter. I couldn’t agree more! I love mine! 😁👍

very nice review, but i dont agree with you about the light in the switch gear first it have nothing to do with age,but after 3 years en tiger 900 gt with illuminated switch gear. i purchase last spring en beUtiful 1250 full Hp with 10000km i got stuck for en brige, after whe got to drive again it was dark on the highway to copenhagen , i have this beautiful diamond 3 mondts and i was sitting on the bike end was thinking fuck....bcs i look reviews from over the whole world, i can tell you this complain is worldwide. it is standard on many smaller and cheaper bike s today.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

I hear you. But I have never felt the need. I guess some people think it’s important. I have had lots of comments for and against. So clearly some people feel the need and like the idea. Thank you for watching, and thank you for your message. Murt

I like the bike but I told Alan he cant have one as it hasnt three wheels.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

He could always put a sidecar on it!! 😆 thank you for your support! Really appreciate it! All messages help my little channel grow! Take care of yourself! Murt 👍

I think lighted switch gear is way over rated - it’s not better than muscle memory for switch position and let’s be honest - how many would actually be able to see those tiny lighted labels 😂?? I might get used to the headlight in time, but I don’t like the profile of the frame from the tank, back. Reminds me of a little dirt bike. Meanwhile, I’m quite happy with my 1250 GSA!

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Hi Gregg I couldn’t agree more back light switches! I too am happy with my 1250 always nice to try something new though! I started to watch your video and got distracted! Sorry I will watch later with a coffee! 😆

🤔 Any review is always subjective .. I rode one and certainly wouldn’t buy one to replace my current 1250GS .. think while BMW may acquire some new fans they’ll loose more current owners on upgrade time than the potential new they may acquire 🤷‍♂️

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Agreed! Overall I loved the bike! But I hate the lights! Very interested to see what the GSA looks like! Thank you for your input! Always appreciate.

@salvaquest2123

7 ай бұрын

@@the_mad_leprechaun 🤔 people buy a GS essentially because it’s a GS .. once one starts to over modify & drastically change it to something that visually resembles an overpriced Suzuki V strom, than a certain demographic of rider will look elsewhere, the once commanding position is now significantly lower and less imposing, a good thing for some I guess, alas others will be less than impressed sitting lower .. for me @ 1.82m or ya old school 6ft, it now sits too low 👎

I Dont Get the rear light system , i have a 1250GS and drivers of other vehicles are idiots , give them this system to look at worries me. Aussie Rider...

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

I don’t understand why BMW thought that this was a good idea. Each to their own! But I don’t like them! Thank you for your message! Murt 👍

No danger there i will never want a GS

I rode it and hated everything about it. Bought a 1250

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

Wow! Everything? It is subjective and as a 1250 owner myself I wouldn’t be getting rid of mine anytime soon! Take care! Enjoy your ride! Thank you for your message! Appreciate it! Murt

@nicks2908

7 ай бұрын

You HATED everything about it but bought a very very similar bike???

@steviepaynter7456

7 ай бұрын

@nicks2908 yes owned 2 1200s and a 1250 triple black. Got back on a 1250 and it seemed far more refined. The 1250 engine is a bit of a tractor the 1300 is a combined havister ... clatering and chain slapping ... winning thumper. The build quality for the 1250 is far superior and the one for me. Each to there own.

Head light looks horrible.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

I have a name for it but it’s not polite! 😆

I don't want it because I have 4 earlier GSes that are better.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

To be honest, I won’t be parting with my 1250 any time soon. However the 1300 is a super nice bike to ride. Thank you for your input! Ride safe. Murt

@a.c.e.7568

7 ай бұрын

@@the_mad_leprechaun I guess if you do not own a motorcycle at all and want a new one, no choice in the matter. But I hate needing specialized tools for a valve adjustment on my 2016 R1200 GSA. On my 2003 R1150 GSA or my 1990 R100 GS or my R80 G/S PD, valve adjustments are a breeze without specialized tools. Keep it simple!

@nicks2908

7 ай бұрын

God yeah I'm always adjusting the valves. Valves valves valves can hardly get time to ride the thing

@a.c.e.7568

7 ай бұрын

@@nicks2908 If you are ALL the time, probably because you do not know what you are doing.

@nicks2908

7 ай бұрын

@@a.c.e.7568 don't have the right tool

💤 😴

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

😆😆😆😆😆 thank you for your message! 👍

I didnt want one, especially after it broke down on demo. Small, ugly, cheap looking. Goes well (when it goes). GS brand diluted.

@the_mad_leprechaun

7 ай бұрын

WHAT? Broke down? Wow!! Not good! I didn’t think it was cheap! Thank you for your message though! Take care! Murt

@nicks2908

7 ай бұрын

🐂 💩

@jackchristodoulou197

2 ай бұрын

That’s what a 5 year warranty is for

@the_mad_leprechaun

2 ай бұрын

5 years? I thought it was 3

@jackchristodoulou197

2 ай бұрын

@@the_mad_leprechaun i just ordered a Trophy model i am in Australia and it comes with a 5 year warranty and 3 years road side assist