BMW R 1200 GS: Let the adventure begin

I'll be honest, I knew BMW as a motorcycle brand until now too little. In my few memories emerge hazy images of a BMW as a police motorcycle in Germany and it is soon. All the more I was amazed when ch learned that the GS series already has over 30 years on the hump and the theme of enduro / adventure travel has long been successfully worked. Obviously, as a former Ténéré rider, I have not noticed or simply ignored some things here. So it was all the more exciting to discover the new R 1200 GS in view of the upcoming season.

Would you like some history, some statistics?
In 1980, the history of BMW's GS series began with the R 80 G/S model equipped with an 800-cubic, two-cylinder, two-valve boxer engine with 50 hp and a single-sided swingarm; the G/S stood for off-road/sport, and later for off-road/road. Within about 15 years, further models were created with the R 100 GS and the R 65 GS. In 1993, a smaller and more maneuverable model with a 650 cc single-cylinder engine producing 48 hp was launched with the F 650 model, and others have followed in the past 20 years. In 1994, a machine with a two-cylinder, four-valve boxer engine with 1085 cc and 80 hp was launched for the first time with the R 1100 GS model. It was to take 10 years and two more models before the first R 1200 GS with 1170 cc and 98 hp was available for purchase in 2004. Today, the R 1200 GS can soon celebrate its 10th anniversary. And BMW is particularly proud of the good piece, since it is the best horse in the stable. It's not just in Germany that the sales racer is doing so well over the counter, no, in Switzerland too. In 2012, the BMW R 1200 GS ranked second on the hit list of the 20 best-selling motorcycles in Switzerland with 552 units. If the sales figures of the R 1200 GS Adventure model were added to this, it would top the hit list. In Germany, the successful model tops the list of best-selling motorcycles with 6,641 units, while the second-placed model only manages 2,444 units.

Why is it so popular?
The high sales figures naturally arouse curiosity. What is it about her that makes her so popular? For a long time, it was considered an ugly duckling because of its looks, even though the latest generation has gained in visual attractiveness. Accordingly, it can't be the look. I think the machine combines so many positive features and so many benefits from a biker's point of view as hardly any other motorcycle. The regal riding position in traffic and the relaxed riding posture even on long tours, which are inherent in such enduros, are the first plus points, their wide handlebars and their agile geometry make them universally suitable for use, whether off-road, overland or in the city , these are further plus points. In contrast to earlier touring enduros, today's companions also deliver impressive power: with currently 125 hp and over 200 km/h top speed in the latest version, the R 1200 GS can compete with any classic road machine thanks to wind protection. There simply wasn't anything like it in the past. If you wanted to go fast, you had to switch to a sporty machine. Especially in terms of power delivery, many testers and riders rave about the BMW and see it as superior to its competitors. I don't need to elaborate on BMW's experience in developing sporty engines and vehicles. It is obvious that BMW is using all its experience here. In terms of technology and reliability, as well as image, the BMW R 1200 GS is hard to beat by its competitors. In addition, these touring enduros are nowadays strongly trimmed to the road, where they are used anyway for the most part. In addition a always low consumption of 4-5 liters per 100 km, as final plus points. It seems to me with the motorcycle customers probably to a large extent a rational decision, it goes here probably around the optimal mix: the many comfort and achievement advantages, the versatile application type, the technically high culture and the good economic values let the segment on the one hand like also the BMW R 1200 GS on the other hand in the competition surrounding field shoot up. The fun in many respects seems to promise and prepare the BMW R 1200 GS obviously to a large part of the customers.

What's new?
Hardly a handful of testers have been able to test the new BMW R 1200 GS. But the few who could are currently raving about its better handling, it feels much lighter and it has significantly more power and pull. The tank has been moved back and down, which noticeably improves the control of the machine, and the new R 1200 GS has also gained in stability. This is also due to the improved frame and the revised suspension system, which increased comfort and stability. Technically, much has changed: new water coolers cool particularly heat-stressed parts such as the cylinders, so the engine works even more efficiently and reliably. Other innovations such as E-gas, wet clutch with anti-hopping function, optional four different riding modes with stability control or Dynamic ESA for automatic chassis adjustment, new LED headlights, and much more clearly document that the new BMW R 1200 GS has a lot to offer.

Now you're like me, I know a lot, but am still not really smarter, there is only one thing to do: test drive! Off to the nearest dealer and test drive. I wish you a lot of pleasure now.