R1300 GS vs R1200 GS - Is it Worth Upgrading?

My BMW R1200 GS is now 10 years old and of course the new R1300 GS is on the scene - how do the two bikes compare and should I upgrade? In this video I compare the two bikes side by side and try to come to some sort of a conclusion....

Get 5% off your ABR Festival tickets with "TMF5" at checkout!

Links to my channel sponsors:-

If you want to follow my socials then I'm most active on Instagram @missendenflyer
I'm also - rarely - on that X (Twitter) thing! Join me @MissendenFlyer

Don't forget your other TMF Discounts!:-

I use the following equipment to record and edit my VLOGs:-

My current motorcycles are:-
BMW R1200GS
Kawasaki Z900 RS SE
Triumph Speed Twin
Royal Enfield Custom 650 Interceptor
Honda GL1800 Goldwing Tour DCT (Airbag)
Suzuki GSXS125 (OK, that's the Mrs bike!)

Please be aware I am not a professional journalist or otherwise claim to be an expert in any way in motorcycles or anything else. I'm just an ordinary biker like you probably are. Please regard my videos as entertainment only and if information presented is important to you, please verify it via a knowledgable third party....the videos I post are just my opinions and are no more valid than anyone elses.

[jamesf]

That intro sequence, flipping between the two bikes, was a brilliant way to start the video! As a fellow video editor, I know how long that must have taken, and how challenging it must have been to film and deliver, so well done for all that effort for what comes across as a short and simple snippet to kick things off! Great insights as ever, and exactly the video a lot of people will have been waiting for, I'm sure. Good job, Andy 👏👍

[mattJsy]

I would really struggle with the price, my pockets aren't nearly deep enough for that. Prefer the 1200 looks wise, and also feel that with all the extra gadgetry of the new model there's way more (probably exceedingly expensive) senors and doohickies to fail in years to come. Like anything new these days, it'll be wonderful under warranty, but after that, possibly not so much joy. Great video as always. Very slick edititing! 👌🏼

[jude.]

Excellent review. I also ride a 2014 GS. Your review has helped me decide to stay off of the new GS and save myself a lot of money. The truth is, my 1200 does everything I want it to do.

[chriscm]

Your old 1200 has become part of you and has got to be a keeper. There will be yet another GS with more superfluous gadgets in a year or so, with another 10hp. Just keep her and tell us about how she goes over the next several years.😂. Thanks for another fab video.👍👴

[msims]

This was a very well thought out and well put together video. As of now, I still prefer the looks of the 1200/1250 and as I’ve only had mine a very short while, I’m not in a rush to upgrade. But the 1300 is starting to grow on me, the more videos I watch. Thanks, Andy!

[davidupson]

Very impressive video, one of the best comparison videos I've ever seen, your editing skills continue to develop and it's much appreciated. Detailed, informative and impartial. I'm sure this will be very useful to those with deep pockets.

[ekkycecil]

TMF reviews are always a must watch for me. I find your delivery precise and enjoyable. In Uganda where I live, the new GS could end up costing nearly 50% more than the price listed at the dealerships in the UK and my pockets aren't that deep. But as always, I enjoy learning something new and experiencing these new bikes in some way from your channel. Keep up the amazing work.

[forkyRS]

I have a 1200GSA 2018 and have a 1300 coming in March following a very enjoyable test ride. I agree with majority of your comments but the overwhelming difference I noticed riding them back to back was the wind protection. My GSA has the standard but much bigger screen than the GS but some work in the wind tunnel has worked miracles. There was 10pct of the buffeting riding the new vs old at slow medium and higher speeds.

[dartmoormole]

Great video. Personally I sold my GS and bought a vsrtom 650. Never been happier!

[mathullaparampil]

😊i have the same bike like yours ..2015 model..and i am a keen fan of your videos.. I love my bike... and hats off to you for keeping that bike in great nick..
Keep riding ❤

[specialcircs]

I think the styling only appears bad to GS veterans. As a non-GS owner I couldn't care less, the differences are hardly enormous and it wouldn't prevent me considering it - but the stupid price would.

[supergnorf]

Nice sum up as always, Andy! Don't think the older GS'es will lose their appear or shine as a result of the coming of the 1300GS. Perhaps the contrary. And, as many would agree, it's seldomly a good idea to buy the first generation of a new model anyway. And we know the old GS can last for almost half an eternity. Proof is in both the pudding and on youtube.

I did a wee under 35.000 miles on a 2016 1200GSA over the course of 3 seasons.. More than half of that with a software update package that gave the engine almost the same amount of bhp as a 1250, and almost the same amount of torque. For £360ish that was a cheap, if somewhat fake, 1250 :) Fuel consumption was vastly improved. well if you rode normally.

I've no doubt the new GS is a nice bike, but for big/tall blokes like myself the shrinking isn't necessarily an advantage. And as for looks well, the asymmetrical appearance of the old bike never bothered me. A bit like us humans one could say. Handling-wise, anyone who's done a considerable amount of miles on a 1200GS/GSA, or 1250, probably will ask themselves the question if it is worth all the extra cash. I think the used ones will be as popular now, as the generation before them.

The question for many people might be whether or not they need all the fancy-schmanzy stuff. Or if they need a new beemer to ride comfortably on long hauls. Having been down through Europe multiple times for the old GS(A) I can't say I think it would matter to me. I've since gone over to the orange side. Late 2024 KTM owners will likely face the same questions. Whether or not the new model(s) are more attractive than the older. Cheers.

[ewendavidson]

Great video, you’ve made an excellent job of the comparisons!
I like my GS’s, I’m on my 9th GS in 20 years but I’m struggling with justifying the cost of a new bike, . You also highlighted what’s available in the Used GS Market! A lot of nice low mileage 1200GS’s available for £10, 000 and less! Great video, well done 👏👏

[xfactor]

I have had a number of BMW bikes and all except 1 has been used. The new price has always been well outside of what I am willing to spend. As a matter of fact, that is how I ended up with my first new Triumph. Couldn't swallow the price of the BMW, so I switched brands. Outstanding review. Thanks.

[derranstokes]

Another great video, Andy. The looks of the new 1300GS are too radical for my tastes, especially the headlight. Having spent most of Saturday in the BMW dealer deliberating between an R1250RT and an R1250 GSA, I have decided to go for the latter. All being well, the new bike should be with me in late January/ early February.

[stephenspiteri_zunkus]

I think you did a great job with this. Most riders looking t the 1300 are already GS users which are tempted to upgrade. This review is exactly what is required.

[patdwyer]

Great video but I think I'll stick with my 1150.
Less to go wrong and looks better then any of the rest.
Also leaves me with a heap of cash to enjoy life with! 🙂

[geoffhillier]

A great and really balanced review. I have a 12 very much like yours as a result of your previous reviews and enthusiasm. I have loved it since I got it and it provided amazing value for money second hand with a 2 year warranty. Of course if money were no issue a 1300 would be lovely, but until there are a good number of used bikes around, my trusty 12 will serve me well. I may go to the 1250 in between.cheers

[stephennewell]

Fair assessment Andy, great new bike and worth it over the 1200, not so sure about if it’s worth it over a 1250 yet.
Agree that it just doesn’t do it looks wise, not that it’s bad but it’s lost the thing that makes you look back as you walk away.
Think I’ll stick to my 1250 for a few years.
Enjoying Japan!

[JohannesDalen]

Great, informative video!
I saw the new 1300gs for the first time with my own eyes yesterday, and I thought it looked absolutely brilliant. The job BMW done is incredible, looked and felt so much sportier, smaller and more aggressive. I can't wait to test ride it once the snow melts!