2020 BMW R1250GS Review
Discussion
BobSaunders said:
Same as the old one just with “eco” mode and updated headlight?
Wish they rolled the eco mode down as a software update.
Far from it in fairness. Wish they rolled the eco mode down as a software update.
The engine is night and day compared with the last of the 1200's.
Revs to the top without getting breathless and seems to have pull right through the rev range.
Auto suspension is good albeit the min and max settings are pointless.
Front brakes seem less modulated than the Brembo's I.e lots of power very early on.
Overall.... not a bad effort
BobSaunders said:
Ah. I was comparing 2019 GS1250 vs 2020 GS1250. Just released.
Has yours just turned up?
Yep, I got one of the last 2020's before the new stock arrives. Has yours just turned up?
Compared to my previous 2016 it's a huge improvement especially in the engine.
2021 isn't much different than colour schemes and the corner lighting so not that fussed. Got a great deal on a BMW Rallye jacket as compensation which suits me fine
Tribal Chestnut said:
Tempted.
Shall be working very close to the Park Lane dealer soon so will aim to test ride one of these and an XR out.
Think I’ll be keeping the FZ1 though and would be adding this as a third.
In the real world, I think the new shiftcam boxer trumps the IL4 for the vast majority of riding conditions. Shall be working very close to the Park Lane dealer soon so will aim to test ride one of these and an XR out.
Think I’ll be keeping the FZ1 though and would be adding this as a third.
You might be surprised
[footnote]Edited October 13:15
Edited by Steve Bass on Sunday 11th October 13:15
Steve Bass said:
In the real world, I think the new shiftcam boxer trumps the IL4 for the vast majority of riding conditions.
You might be surprised
[footnote]Edited October 13:15
That’s part of the appeal really - I’ve got two reasonable IL4s but have never ridden, let alone owned a boxer, so at the very least I’m looking forward to a little ride on one.You might be surprised
[footnote]Edited October 13:15
Edited by Steve Bass on Sunday 11th October 13:15
I ran a 1250 last winter for 3 months and did more miles between Dec and Feb than I did all year on my 1198. It was fun - like you say, it feels incredibly strong everywhere. I also 'get' the whole GS thing now – getting on one on a drizzly cold and dark December morning is like getting into a bubble of calm. It's like being in a car, except you can filter… yet it's also fun razzing around on muddy B-roads. When I get enough space for more than one bike I'll add one to the Hypermotard…
TimmyWimmyWoo said:
I ran a 1250 last winter for 3 months and did more miles between Dec and Feb than I did all year on my 1198. It was fun - like you say, it feels incredibly strong everywhere. I also 'get' the whole GS thing now – getting on one on a drizzly cold and dark December morning is like getting into a bubble of calm. It's like being in a car, except you can filter… yet it's also fun razzing around on muddy B-roads. When I get enough space for more than one bike I'll add one to the Hypermotard…
I'll readily admit to being dismissive of the GS's of old. Rough engine, tw
ky switches and an overall agricultural product. Fast forward to 2016 and while living in Vietnam a 1200 triple black entered my life. Was capable and in a country where high speed is never going to happen, it did the job well. Wasn't sold entirely, motor was clattery and asthmatic but it worked.
So time for another 'do it all' bike to be in the garage and it was difficult to discount the GS.
So far, it's actually quite impressive. Good performance for the roads in my area, uses the same vario luggage which is a bonus and is comfortable enough for fair distances.
The GS might just be the bike it should always have been...
I never rode the 1200 because of generic aversion and short leg worries. But after not fitting on a low XR I just asked to sit on the low chassis GS 1250 and I could comfortably reach the ground. Test ride and bought!
I do find a big difference in ride height with that min, auto, max long press setup. If I'm having a gravel day I keep it in low/min, but when in high/max it does seem to feel a bit more comfortable at the end of a long day riding... as long as I don't have to pull up on mud/gravel!
I do find a big difference in ride height with that min, auto, max long press setup. If I'm having a gravel day I keep it in low/min, but when in high/max it does seem to feel a bit more comfortable at the end of a long day riding... as long as I don't have to pull up on mud/gravel!
GriffoDP said:
I never rode the 1200 because of generic aversion and short leg worries. But after not fitting on a low XR I just asked to sit on the low chassis GS 1250 and I could comfortably reach the ground. Test ride and bought!
I do find a big difference in ride height with that min, auto, max long press setup. If I'm having a gravel day I keep it in low/min, but when in high/max it does seem to feel a bit more comfortable at the end of a long day riding... as long as I don't have to pull up on mud/gravel!
You say you have short legs, can I ask how short? I have a low seat 2013 GS1200 (LC) which I love but I'm on tiptoes which is always a stress when I have my girlfriend on the back. When she's getting on or off I'm always worried in case she over balances me and also when we stop on a slope etc I'm nervous. I'm ok when I'm on my own but the extra weight is a concern when I can't get any more of my foot down that my toes. I have 29/30" inside leg. I would buy a 1250 tomorrow if it weren't for this concern. Is the low chassis something other than the low seat? i.e. can you have a low chassis and a low seat??I do find a big difference in ride height with that min, auto, max long press setup. If I'm having a gravel day I keep it in low/min, but when in high/max it does seem to feel a bit more comfortable at the end of a long day riding... as long as I don't have to pull up on mud/gravel!
Gixer968CS said:
GriffoDP said:
I never rode the 1200 because of generic aversion and short leg worries. But after not fitting on a low XR I just asked to sit on the low chassis GS 1250 and I could comfortably reach the ground. Test ride and bought!
I do find a big difference in ride height with that min, auto, max long press setup. If I'm having a gravel day I keep it in low/min, but when in high/max it does seem to feel a bit more comfortable at the end of a long day riding... as long as I don't have to pull up on mud/gravel!
You say you have short legs, can I ask how short? I have a low seat 2013 GS1200 (LC) which I love but I'm on tiptoes which is always a stress when I have my girlfriend on the back. When she's getting on or off I'm always worried in case she over balances me and also when we stop on a slope etc I'm nervous. I'm ok when I'm on my own but the extra weight is a concern when I can't get any more of my foot down that my toes. I have 29/30" inside leg. I would buy a 1250 tomorrow if it weren't for this concern. Is the low chassis something other than the low seat? i.e. can you have a low chassis and a low seat??I do find a big difference in ride height with that min, auto, max long press setup. If I'm having a gravel day I keep it in low/min, but when in high/max it does seem to feel a bit more comfortable at the end of a long day riding... as long as I don't have to pull up on mud/gravel!
https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/accessories-and-...
vonhosen said:
Does the low suspension affect the handling?Esceptico said:
vonhosen said:
Does the low suspension affect the handling?Iminquarantine said:
I'm on my first BMW (not a GS though) after Japanese bikes. Glad I'm trying it but I think I like Japanese bikes better.
I much prefer Italian bikes but as a "do it all" bike the GS and the like are pretty bloody good. Quick enough for my local roads, Carry's luggage so trips to the shops are viable and comfy enough for a full day out. Otherwise I'd have another (4th) RSV4 Factory in the garage
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