Reflecting on My BMW 1250 GS
I am me. An individual. I don’t belong to any tribe or follow one truth. I’m not a nodding dog. Not a lemming. I don’t dress to impress or ride to be noticed. I don’t chase validation or wear my identity like a patch on my sleeve.
Aches, Pains, and Warranty Claims
New exhaust flaps. Driveshaft. Wheel bearings. You name it. My GS has had its fair share of ailments. Thankfully, BMW’s warranty has covered the cost.
But that’s not what defines this bike.
Protection matters. Crash bars were a must. So were solid handguards and durable mirrors. This isn’t a lightweight trail bike—it’s a beast. An adventure tourer. Not a dirt shredder, and not a show pony. It’s built to go the distance, not bounce off rocks for fun.
And so is my motorbike.
A run-of-the-mill BMW 1250 GS. Bought brand new. My first ever new bike. Two and a half years later, it’s scarred, it’s seasoned, and honestly, it’s starting to feel a lot like me.
The Look – Yeah, I Got It Wrong
All black. Silver and yellow accents. Looked sharp on paper. Reality? Not so much.
Too dark. Too serious. Too “trying to be something.
”I realised it didn’t match me at all. I’m not Mad Max. I’m not here for drama. I’m here to ride.
So, I changed it. Wrapped it. Designed something more personal. Not copied. Not catalogued. Mine. And it took a few tries, sure, but now it works. And more importantly, it feels right.
Tyres – The Eternal Debate
Everyone’s an expert. But I’m not here to convince you.
I’ve ridden over 100,000km on Mitas E07+. They’re 50/50 tyres that just work. Are they perfect? No. But they do exactly what I need.
Ignore the YouTubers swapping tyres in a layby for clicks. Ride your own ride. Use what works for you.
Here is a link to another article I wrote. Mitas E07+ 50/50
For more information on the current lineup from BMW,
Here is the link to the website:
The Name’s Juergen
Yeah, I named it. Juergen.
Stubborn. Solid. Maybe a bit lazy. But dependable. Just like an old friend who needs a nudge to get moving. And once he does, you’d better keep up.
Skid Plate – Because Metal Protects Metal
The stock plate? Fine for lattes and light trails.
But if you’ve ever felt a rock ring your engine block like a church bell, you’ll understand why I swapped it. AltRider makes a no-nonsense version that bolts on, bolts off, and takes the hits.
A Bike That Fits
I didn’t choose the GSA. I didn’t want the tank, the bulk, or the extra weight. This GS is mine. Flawed. Familiar. Right.
I like that it’s not perfect.
It reflects the way I see the world: independently. Without pretence. Without waiting for someone else to approve.
Time moves. We get older. Things change. But this bike? It’s part of the ride.
My Final Thoughts
If you’re still wondering why I didn’t go for the GSA—read this again. You might get it.
“Choosing the right protection is critical; see my 100,000km review of the BMW GS Carbon Helmet for the technical details.”