Tell me about BMW GS 1200 bikes

[HardDrive]

I got rid of my Harley Road King, and need a larger bike. Never had an adventure bike. Thinking about a BMW GS. Moto Guzzi Stelvio also a thought, but I generally don't buy my bikes new. Looking at the later model 1200s, nice 2016 near me. Any thoughts about these models? Any milestones that would need to be addressed with higher milage? Anything scary about buying a well maintained 30k bike? Kind of thinking $10-15k budget.

(Super Tenere also a thought....Africa Twin is fugly, not my cup of tea....)

[MMARSH]

There are 2 models. The regular GS and the GS adventure. The Adventure has a larger fuel tank and is much taller then the regular GS. It also only comes with the spoke wheels.

I have a 2015 GSA that I bought new. It has 32K on it. I have not been kind to it and it has been absolutely trouble free. It's been dropped, jumped and dragged thru all sorts of stuff. I've done a couple BDRs with it and have done several multi day road trips with it. I have several bikes, this one would be the last one to go because I can literally do all the types of riding I enjoy with it. There are subtle differences in the options on the 1200. For example the last year 1200 has the TFT screen and even more so with the 1250. The 1250 has a little more power and the newer TFT screen.

I've done a month riding the 1250 and the only thing that was a big improvement over the 1200 was the TFT screen and thats just because it is easier for my older eyes to see.

2016 is a good year, it will have cornering ABS, it should have shift assist and keyless with the analog guages. All years of GS/GSA are available in a low seat/ low suspension option as well, there is a big difference, so if bike height is an issue you might want to look into that as well.

I really didn't want to like the GS, then I rode one for 2 weeks and couldn't believe how good it is. There really is a good reason you see so many of them on the road.

[wswartzwel]

I loved my R1200GS. routinely pushed over saplings on old logging roads. it was also the best long distance traveling bike I have ever had. Would leave Paonia Colorado at 7:00am. Roll into my garage in central Arkansas at 2:00am the following morning riding straight through Feeling fresh as a daisy. Very comfortable motorcycle. Watch the year models. some had final drive issues and fuel pump assy recalls

[Rick Lee]

The new 1300s are FUGLY. I think that will make the 1250s a little more desirable. I love mine and absolutely will never buy a 1300 in current form, unless someone comes up with an aftermarket headlight that makes it look like the previous generations(s). I'm on my third GS - 2005, 2012 and 2020. You can't go wrong, as long as maintenance has been good and documented. They are not the best at any one thing, but are great at everything. Sort of a Swiss Army Knife kind of bike.

[911boost]

Rick sums up my experience with my 1150GS as well.

The only real big downside for me was finding a windshield tall enough.

I’m the opposite HD, I’d never sell my Harley and get another GS, but that’s mainly because the type of riding I do has changed.

[HardDrive]

I could easily see getting another Road King. I looked at bunch of 103s, just want to try something new. I go through bikes pretty quickly. Nothing better than rolling down the freeway at 80 on a Harley.

Originally Posted by 911boost

Rick sums up my experience with my 1150GS as well.

The only real big downside for me was finding a windshield tall enough.

I’m the opposite HD, I’d never sell my Harley and get another GS, but that’s mainly because the type of riding I do has changed.

[HardDrive]

It really is ugly. That light, the big panels on the side. Not my cup of tea.

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

The new 1300s are FUGLY. I think that will make the 1250s a little more desirable. I love mine and absolutely will never buy a 1300 in current form, unless someone comes up with an aftermarket headlight

[unclebilly]

Have a look at the Ktm adventure bikes before you buy bmw… Kim’s are artwork combined with impeccable engineering design.

[Rick Lee]

I got a smoked Puig windscreen for my current bike. It's pretty tall, but there is a knob for moving it up or down. I can ride over 100mph with my helmet visor open and not get wind blasted.

[unclebilly]

https://scenic.app/bmw-1250-gs-vs-ktm-1290-super-adventure-i-chose-the/

[gsxrken]

If you don’t live in an area with logging, fire roads and or don’t plan on any gravel road trips, is there a reason for an adventure bike like the GS? Serious question. I have a 1200 RS, and love it except for the dashboard but whatever. I’ve never once said I wish I had the more off road capable one. But as my bike is getting on to 8 years old and my eye starts wandering I wanted to hear from you guys. You don’t sound like adventure bike posers like I assume the guys i see riding them around here must be.

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

https://scenic.app/bmw-1250-gs-vs-ktm-1290-super-adventure-i-chose-the/

QUOTE=unclebilly;12297428]Have a look at the Ktm adventure bikes before you buy bmw… Kim’s are artwork combined with impeccable engineering design.[/QUOTE]

I have a KTM too. Actually i have two. The first one ate a camshaft, so i bought another one to use for a planned trip. They are great at what they do, but reliability is a real issue. In the price range he's considering, that would be the 1090/1190, 1290SA range. Everyone I know that has had that range of bikes liked them, but has sold them. In my group of riding friends, there's about 7 of us that have the 790/890 KTMs and of that group there are at least 4 of us that have the GS as our bigger bikes.

Interesting, In the article the author states price and dealer experience was the deciding factor for buying the KTM. The big KTM has a great motor, it's pretty darn quick for a big bike, but doesn't have the low speed maneuverability and balance of the GS. The newer KTM 1290s dealt with that by adding the lower fuel tanks like the 790/890s have.

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by gsxrken

If you don’t live in an area with logging, fire roads and or don’t plan on any gravel road trips, is there a reason for an adventure bike like the GS? Serious question. I have a 1200 RS, and love it except for the dashboard but whatever. I’ve never once said I wish I had the more off road capable one. But as my bike is getting on to 8 years old and my eye starts wandering I wanted to hear from you guys. You don’t sound like adventure bike posers like I assume the uys i see riding them around here must be.

I've put alot of miles on BMW RTs, as in several hundred thousand. Between a 2004 1150 RT, 2007 1200RT and a 2010 1200RT I've put way more miles on that platform then I have on a GS. That being said, I really prefer the GS. It feels lighter and more maneuverable then the RT. You give up of a little comfort and wind protection, but I think it makes a great road bike. We will be taking ours on a 14 day 2 up ride thru Glacier in a month or so. I've done 1000 mile days on it. (solo) no problem. I seriously used to be the biggest GS hater. I really didn't get why anybody would buy those ugly bikes...I swapped bikes with a guy riding a GS, I was riding a RT and haven't looked back.

I've always liked the RS, kind of thought of the RS as a much sportier RT. The GS riding position is definitely more relaxed. Take one for a spin and see how it fits.

[Tidybuoy]

I don't have a GS but I do have a 1250RS and previously had a 1200. I like the shift cam of the 1250 and it seems to have a lot more power (about 35 hp more). It seems like a smoother engine.

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by Tidybuoy

I don't have a GS but I do have a 1250RS and previously had a 1200. I like the shift cam of the 1250 and it seems to have a lot more power (about 35 hp more). It seems like a smoother engine.

Its funny because the 1250 is actually only about 11 horsepower and 13 pound-feet of torque increase over the outgoing LC1200. I think the shift cam makes it feel like more, they definitely pull harder coming out of a corner. if I was buying a GS now, it would definitely be the 1250, But I wouldn't sell a 1200 to get one unless you just wanted a new bike.

[Eric Hahl]

I've had a 1200 and now own the 1250. Both are great bikes. I opted for the Rallye version of the 1250 with the 1" taller (GSA) suspension. Might be a bit too tall for me at 5'-11" but its manageable.

Both bikes have that great boxer engine feel with the weight feeling low. Very easy to ride at any speed.

Both bikes feel very similar with the 1250 having more oomph due to the hp and torque increase.
I really enjoy the clutchless shifting, its super quick and fun.

The 1250 has a TFT screen which is much easier to read. I always had a bit of trouble seeing my speed on the 1200.