BMW's new R1200 GS is a revelation. John Wheeler tested it in South Africa
In 1980 BMW introduced its first large enduro machine, the R80 GS a machine with "go 'most anywhere" capability. (The GS stands for Gelände / Straße or Offroad/Road.)
In 1981 it was in top place in the gruelling Paris-Dakar Rally. By 1988 a larger R100 GS model was introduced, followed in 1999 by the hugely successful four-valve R 1150 GS.
Now comes the all-new R1200 GS, a machine even more able to master very tough off-road conditions, winding country roads, mountain passes and motorways, with panache.
The R1200 GS is not merely a newer variant of a familiar theme: it has been completely re-engineered in virtually every respect. It's 30kg lighter; torque and power output have been increased by 18 per cent; the engine now has a balance shaft; and the six-speed gearbox is totally new. Motors was able to inspect and thoroughly test this machine at the international press launch in South Africa in mid-January.
The most impressive fact about the bike is the minute attention to detail. The utmost ingenuity has been used to achieve the weight reduction without compromising strength. Bolts are waisted and have concave head domes to reduce weight, rocker covers are magnesium instead of alloy and single-wire electrics are some of the methods employed.
The two-cylinder boxer engine now has a balance shaft which makes what was a smooth two-cylinder now utterly turbine smooth. The re-designed six-speed gearbox is a revelation; smooth and precise.
It can achieve a 0 - 62 mph time of 3.4 seconds. Compare that to the 0-60 mph times for the Honda ST 1300 Pan European (4.38 seconds), BMW K 1200 GT (3.41 seconds) and Yamaha FJ 1300 (3.87 seconds). Claimed top speed is 129 mph, and in ideal conditions it is 10 mph faster.
In fuel economy terms we achieved 4.23 litres/100 kilometres, (67 mpg) despite pushing the machine to its limits whenever sanity and the chance afforded. That speaks volumes for the efficiency of the engine management technology.
Other details, such as an easily adjustable screen, panniers and a topbox which expand at the touch of a lever, handguards as standard, centre stand as well as a side stand, heated grips, switchable ABS, easily adjustable seat height, digital engine management and a re-designed drive train are all part of the package.
Our test ride started out at sea level; a 68 km ride took us 2,500 ft up the mountains along near empty main roads with fast, sweeping bends. We then went higher up the mountains to tackle the gravel road of the Swartberg Pass.
This was a real test of any machine; riding in gale force winds, in thick cloud and drizzle with less than 25 metre visibility on 1 in 3 gradients, on a wet, slippery, gravel and clay surface, littered with hairpin bends and 1,000 foot and more unguarded precipitous drops.
The conditions were as testing as any rider would wish to tackle. On the far side of the pass, and now lower down, out of the clouds, on a gently sloping gravel road, the bike proved its high speed surefootedness. On into canyon carving mode through a twisty gorge edged with sheer 1,000ft cliffs. Despite near-gale force gusts from ever changing directions in the canyon, the bike stayed firmly on line.
We rode a further 107 kms over a high plateau and then down to sea-level and along a section of the coastal motorway. In all we rode the R1200 GS for 395 kms in every sort of conditions, city traffic excepted, for which you could wish.
The overall impression is of a very well thought out, surefooted machine which copes excellently in a wide variety of conditions. It is a machine far more capable than the vast majority of people who will ever ride it. Those attracted by its off-road capabilities, unless they have considerable previous off-road experience, would be well advised to go on an Off Road Skills Course to get the best and safest enjoyment of this machine.
The power and torque, providing seamless acceleration and effortless high-speed cruising, can only be described as absolutely faultless. Roadholding, whether on appalling, treacherous surfaces, on fast bends or on motorways is unquestionably in the pedigree class.
For a brief, twisty, on-road section we switched to an R1100 S. Despite its somewhat higher top speed, the engine seemed quite gutless compared to the R1200 GS, and it also confirmed just how effective is the seemingly small screen on the GS.
The "body" as BMW refers to the fairing, retains the re-designed ellipsoid headlight cluster, but it still reminds us of a monocle wearing Prussian general. BMW regards this as "distinctive". We consider it rather ugly. BMW persists in retaining its unique "three switches to do what one could do" indicator switching system. However, they have now added a time-delay, self-cancelling facility on the R 1200 GS.
It is no mean feat to come up with a machine that "is all things to all men". Used just for the ride to work, its faultless performance, economy and tall seat view will please.
Take it for a weekend spin and it will utterly delight on the twistiest roads you can find. Take it off-road, or on the worst of Irish roads and its surefootedness and superb suspension will impress.
On the open main road, seamless power and acceleration makes for rapid progress and safe overtaking. On the motorway, its comfort, reasonable wind protection and long-legged gait ensures mile-munching ease. All this versatility comes at a price of €14,400 and you will be able to see one at a BMW Motorrad dealership from March 13th.
Tech Spec:
Engine: 1,170cc air/oil cooled 4-valve flat twin, 74kW / 100 bhp and 115Nm / 85 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm. 11.0:1 compression. 600W alternator. 6-speed gearbox, shaft drive.
Chassis: Tubular spaceframe, Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension, travel:190mm front and 200mm rear. Brakes: front double 305mm disc, rear 265mm disc with integral ABS.
Dimensions: Seat height 840-860mm. Weight with full tank 225kg. Fuel capacity 20 litres.
Performance: Fuel consumption: 4.3 litres / 100 km @ 90 km/h, 5.5 litres / 100 km @ 120 km/h. 0 - 100 km/h 3.4 seconds. Top speed 208 km/h.
Price: 14,400 with integral ABS. Warranty: 2 years unlimited mileage plus 2 years European breakdown cover. Various options include: Heated grips 260, Alarm 180, Cross-spoked wheels 360.