BMW R1250GS or S1000XR - it couldn't be more clear!

03:09 - Engines and performance
08:27 - Offroading
09:35 - Suspension
11:46 - Technical differences in suspension
15:12 - Seat height
15:44 - Equipment comparison
18:07 - Sound
20:02 - Build quality

[regislacomme]

Thank you, excellent review/comparo!... same as some of your other follower, I come from sportbikes all my life, been riding for almost 50 years and even did road/track racing in my early years, anyways, .... I have had a 1200 LC GS from 2014 to 2016, since I needed it to get to my work on a wild life reserve /farm in South Africa, and I thoroughly enjoyed that particular GS, then there after I went back to a K1600 GT, then a S1000 "single R" 2016, and then last year I bought a new R1250 GSA in October.... strangely enough, I never really enjoyed the 1250 GSA that I found too heavy and too high/bulky ( much more so than the K16) and in February 2021 I bought the latest Gen 2 S1000 XR and have since clocked 15 000 km of absolute fun and bliss.... obviously I am more of a tar road rider than off road, and I find the XR the perfect weapon for adrenaline, fast touring, fast scratching in the mountain passes and canyons carving on long and even sharp slower corners.... both the GS/GSA and XR can indeed be ridden fast, but the XR is far more agile, and handles far better in every tarmac / asphalt roads situations when ridden hard, fast and skillfully than any of the current GS or GSA although the high torque at lower revs of the GS/GSA can be a non negligeable advantage in some of the tight twisties roads, but again the XR ridden at high revs in the correct gears is mostly untouchable.... just my opinion and personnal experience, ... at the end of day to each its own of course, and both are absolutely wonderful quality machines from one of the greatest manufacturer ! Thank you again for your reviews, greetings from Still Bay, South Africa.

[elithegreat]

My 2021 Triple Black GS, is the most comfortable bike I ever owned. So neutral. It can go long distance, and it can play as a sport bike as well, Handles Amazing 👍🇺🇸🇩🇪

[kenrollins]

I've owned a 2018 XR for three years and have 35, 000 miles on the odometer. I keep trying to like the GS because I do a lot of touring and I read/watch lots of reviews telling me that it is the "best" bike for that, but when I actually ride the XR and GS back to back there is no comparison for me. The GS feels so slow and big compared to the XR, despite what people say it doesn't feel quicker to me even in the lower RMP range, and I hate the quiet farting sound of that GS engine (notwithstanding that I know it's a technologically great system). V-Told is right about fuel capacity though -- my GS buddies still have 1/4-1/3 of a tank of fuel left when I need to stop for gas on my XR. 38 miles to the gallon on my XR versus nearly 50 on the GS. Oh well, I still love the XR. Most fun I've ever had on a motorcycle!

[cuzimaluzer]

Hello from Texas. This channel deserves more subscribers. Great content.

[miguelxambre]

I used to own a GS and now an XR. Like Regis L. says, there’s no way that the GS feels lighter, quite the opposite, it has less 26kg but it seems 50kg less.
Congrats to Regis. He described it very well.

[jamesmelendez]

I bought a 2021 XR. I'm 5'7" and the GS felt too big. I'm coming off sportbikes so I wanted a very fast, comfortable sports touring bike that I will never go off road with. The XR fit that bill perfectly 🥰. The GS is a fine bike BUT "very fast" is probably not a word I would use to describe that bike. Two very different types of bike for sure...

[PedroSilva-mnph]

For a guy who doesn’t like the XR so much you are always returning to her constantly. Why is that? Just put it aside and compare the GS with another bike…KTM…Ducati…etc. I have a 2021 XR and I can tell that it blasts the GS anytime. Drop 4 gears? Nop…just ride on the right one and there’s enough power for anything! Cheers and keep the good work on the reviews.

[bvoltron]

Bmw must have a lot of fun dividing riders into camps with these bikes. Great review!

[billhaynswo]

I’ve owned both. Eventually chose the GS over the XR because GS, for me, was more of a “jack of all trades” kind of bike.

[RandallsAdventureESEE]

Awesome comparison...I've got quite a few miles on my 08 GS Hex head and am looking at a new bike. My sons ride Street Triples and I wanted something in that vein. Having ridden an XR I think I'm gonna just stick with a NEWER GS. The bottom end torque is just too good and the higher revving inline 4 just doesn't suit my riding style. The GS pulls like a tractor from idle and I enjoy that torque and the rideabilty it fosters. Thanks again for a great review.

[rosemont]

Was trying to decide between the two, now it's clear: the GS is the better choice for me.

[arag]

Although I love the motor on the XR, for me the GS is king of comfort and long distance touring.

[mandiwacker]

i have a R1200R LC and a 21 S1000XR, i love both but the XR is very dangerous for your Driver License

[VikramRajpal]

Very informative video, nicely done with really good points of comparison. I don't have a bike yet but will likely own one next year. I have been confused about these two but the video helps de-clutter in a simple way. Thanks!

[robertwilliams]

😁😁😁 ...Brilliant report. Thanks Amigo!

[Brad-RB]

GS for me. I like the XR but it doesn't fit well with the roads in my area or my riding style as I like to go off the beaten path.

[roundingcorners]

some misreporting, you can get a lowered suspension on the XR from the dealership making the seat height lower.

[davidwinfield-bennett]

Having had a GSA and currently owning a s1000xr I have to say there is no comparison really. The big GS is a workhorse, easy position and is built for lugging lots of luggage if required. I feel it lacks top end umph.
The xr is a bit like Marmite you either love it or hate it. The lower end is uninspiring but once you hit 4th gear it gets real. The handling is great and the response is wicked.
Both very different beasts in there own right!
I’m waiting to see what BMW are going to bring out in 2022, hopefully with more bhp so keeping up with the KTM 1290 should be easier. The XR can match them but it’s limited being a sports tourer. Love the grey colour though, mine has matching grey luggage sets it apart.

[rukshanaally]

Gs adv. All the way...
Loving it..
Have a 2020 model.. From brand new... 93000 km.
What a bike

[lgx]

I love the big chunky, masculine GS. Time to buy another one.