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Ex-BMW 1200GSA & 1250GS owner shares ride impressions of new R1300GS

If someone already has 1250 or even 1200, I don't see a big reason for an upgrade.

BHPian Turbanator recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

I got to ride one this afternoon at a local dealership in Delhi. As a past owner of 1200GSA and 1250GS, some things are the same and few have changed for good.

  1. Weight- Whether it's due to 12 Kg lower than 1250 or the way the gearbox is now below the engine, the bike is far easier to manoeuvre.
  2. Engine - As observed by others, there is a strange noise from the engine, as if coming from the crank. Per the dealership, this is normal.
  3. Acceleration - This is much faster and the engine does not feel strained at triple-digit speeds. However, the sitting posture as well as the overall placement of the handlebar remains the same as in past generations, implying one has to stretch the hands a bit. My palm below the thumb used to get strained on the older generation and looks it's the same on this as well as my muscle memory sort of revived the pain in a short test drive itself.
  4. Protuded handlebar indicators- I almost hit someone in dense traffic on one occasion. One will need to get used to this, as it's very common for pedestrians to come close to bikes in urban traffic. If we notice, these are now pointing outwards.

Overall, if someone already has 1250 or even 1200, I don't see a big reason for an upgrade. I was considering one for myself but I am eager to try the new clutchless system BMW has implemented on GSA. I expect this to come to GS and RT bikes sometime next year. BMW is not allowing deliveries currently until the relay is updated with a newer design.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 
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