BMW R 1200 GS Review

As a motorcycle journalist I am in the enviable position of being able to ride the entire range of offerings from virtually all the manufacturers. So it is with some perspective that I say; the BMW R 1200 GS is my favorite all-around motorcycle. That wasn't always the case. Not all that long ago that I didn't quite get the BMW GS motorcycles.

At one point, I thought BMW motorcycles were ugly ducklings, given to strange leanings by sentimental (read: conservative) riders. With all the beautiful, nasty, sleek motorcycles out there I couldn't understand why anyone would choose one of the little baby Pachyderms.

So, what changed my mind? The press intro in South Africa for the new BMW R 1200 GS a few years back. Four days thrashing about in the bush and winding over mountain pavement and gravel fireroads gave me a new perspective.

I returned to South Africa a few years later to ride the new BMW 1200 GS Adventure motorcycle, traversing the famous Baviaanskloof. I've now racked up miles on BMW 1200 GS motorcycles on three continents--Europe, Africa and North America.

The longest stint was 30 days in Spain. One day we went from steep, winding mountain roads, to open freeway, stop and go traffic in a large city, and ended up running up a gravel road to see the ruins of a castle. It was sitting at that castle, watching the sun set over the plains of La Mancha, that I fell in love with the BMW 1200 GS. It was then I realized the versatility of the motorcycle. It does a lot, very well.

As for versatility and sensibility; a competent rider aboard a 1200 GS can keep pace with most riders on sportbikes in canyon twisties. The motorcycle is comfortable all day in the saddle, riding alone or two-up. It's tall enough to be able to see over most standard cars (a plus in thick traffic) and it's virtually bulletproof.

Add to that the simplicity of an air-cooled motor and shaft drive-which eliminates a lot of maintenance hassles on the road-and you have the makings for the essential peace of mind when traveling; either close or far from home.

Each time I'm graced with a BMW 1200 GS for a review I am swept up into giddy excitement and immediately start planning a trip somewhere. In fact, it recently occurred to me that I have the same fondness for the BMW 1200 GS that I had for my first motorized love: a Honda MiniTrail 70.

For me, I'm tending to reserve the new generation of sportbikes for the track and continually return to the good graces of the GS. Am I getting old - or just smarter? I'd be interested to hear your particular GS story.

Engine

Type	Air/oil-cooled flat twin ('Boxer') 4-stroke engine, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft
Bore x stroke	101 mm x 73 mm
Capacity	1,170 cc
Rated output	110 hp (81 kW) at 7,750 rpm
Max. torque	88 ft-lb (120 Nm) at 6,000 rpm
Compression ratio	12.0 : 1
Mixture control / engine management	Electronic intake pipe injection / BMS-K+ digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition
Emission control	Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3

Performance Fuel Consumption

Maximum speed	over 120 mph (200 km/h)
Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 90 km/h	City: 43.3 mpg (4.6 l Euro)
Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 120 km/h	Highway: 51.1 mpg (6.1 l Euro)
Fuel type	Unleaded super and premium, octane number 91-93

Alternator	three-phase alternator 720 W
Battery	12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free

Clutch	Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Gearbox	Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth
Drive	Shaft drive

Chassis / Brakes

Frame	Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load- bearing engine-gearbox unit
Front wheel location / suspension	BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strut, spring pre-load with 5-position mechanical adjustment
Rear wheel location / suspension	Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Suspension travel front / rear	8.2/8.6 inches (210/220 mm)
Wheelbase	59.4 inches (1,510 mm)
Castor	89 mm
Steering head angle	65.2°
Wheels	Cross-spoke wheels
Rim, front	2.50 x 19"
Rim, rear	4.00 x 17"
Tyres, front	110/80 R 19
Tyres, rear	150/70 R 17

Dimensions / Weights

Length	2,240 mm
Width (incl. mirrors)	990 mm
Height (excl. mirrors)	1,525 mm
Seat height, unladen weight	35/35.8 inches (890 / 910 mm)
Inner leg curve, unladen weight	1,960 / 2,000 mm
Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled 1)	564 lbs (256 kg)
Dry weight 2)	491 lbs (223 kg)
Permitted total weight	1,047 lbs (475 kg)
Payload (with standard equipment)	482 lbs (219 kg)
Usable tank volume	8.7 gallons (33 l)
Reserve	approx. 1 gallon (4.0 l)

1)
According to guideline 93/93/EWG with all fluids, fuelled with at least
90% of usable tank volume
2) Unladen weight without fluids