RE: BMW 1200GS: Review
Tuesday 21st May 2013
BMW's GS splits opinion but there is no denying its success. While doing this job I've been lucky enough to visit some far flung corners of the world and, without fail, you can guarantee that at some point on your travels you will hear the flat drone of a Boxer engine and a GS will appear around the corner. Well, there have been 180,000 made since it launch in 1980 so they are going to crop up every now and then...
Iconic reputation with a lot to live up toFruity
Back in South Africa I remember being amazed at the GS's exhaust note. Far fruiter and louder than I expected, the new GS barks rather than drones and back home it is still a surprising sound to hear coming from such a machine. But it is the engine's performance that remains the biggest shock.
How fast? Dunno, couldn't read the speedoTech delights
The big new technological advancement (apart from the motor) on the GS is BMW's new Dynamic ESA, or semi-active suspension. And it's an impressive system. Semi-active suspension is hard to notice working but where a 'normal' suspension system squats after being compressed by a bump then releases, the semi-active system seemed to compress and then sit there, taking the rocking motion out of the movement.
Semi-active suspension works a treatWhat replaced it in my garage? Ducati's new Panigale 1199R. Talk about chalk and cheese, I'm a bit nervous about taking the Duke down the same roads as the GS and I can guarantee it won't be half as fast ... or composed ... or able to carry a strimmer back from the garden shop...
BMW 1200GS: Review
PH2 was impressed with the GS in the wilds of South Africa - can it cope with East Anglia?
With the initial launch excitement starting to calm down and the sun now emerging in the UK, I thought it would be a good chance to grab the keys to a water-cooled (ok, I know, partially water-cooled) GS to see how it feels on familiar roads. A new model launch is all very well and good, but nothing can beat hacking around the corners you know or trying to balance a new strimmer on the petrol tank after a poorly planned trip to Homebase...
Iconic reputation with a lot to live up to
Back in South Africa I remember being amazed at the GS's exhaust note. Far fruiter and louder than I expected, the new GS barks rather than drones and back home it is still a surprising sound to hear coming from such a machine. But it is the engine's performance that remains the biggest shock.
Get the water-cooled engine going and it is remarkably fast. Turn off the traction control and it will lift the front wheel in first gear. I left the electronics on most of the time, something that provided quite a lot of entertainment when I hit a humpback bridge at high a rate of knots and made lots of lights start to flash...
For cruising around or even going silly on the back roads the GS is a fast bike. Not as in sports bike fast as, but through towns or on straight roads you need to keep an eye on the speedo as it's a deceptively quick machine. A shame then the speedo is cluttered and quite tricky to read, so much so I ended up resorting to checking the GPS for my speed rather than the GS's clocks. I know analogue clocks are in keeping with the GS's look, but I reckon a clear and large digital item may be a good idea in the future. Or possibly I should invest in a set of reading glasses.
How fast? Dunno, couldn't read the speedo
The big new technological advancement (apart from the motor) on the GS is BMW's new Dynamic ESA, or semi-active suspension. And it's an impressive system. Semi-active suspension is hard to notice working but where a 'normal' suspension system squats after being compressed by a bump then releases, the semi-active system seemed to compress and then sit there, taking the rocking motion out of the movement.
The other electronic assists such as ABS and the traction control worked perfectly and while trying to wheelie with the TC on results in a horrible stutter and the bike kangarooing down the road, hit a crest and the TC gently brings the front to earth in a far more controlled fashion. Personally I didn't bother altering the fuel modes and simply left it in Road as I felt Dynamic was a bit abrupt on the throttle response.
A grower
The thing with GSs is that the longer you spend with one the more they grow on you. After a week kicking about on the BMW I genuinely wanted to buy one. There are about 13,815 reasons why I can't (or 11,395 for a standard model) but I can honestly say apart from the irritating speedo I couldn't fault it. Down a bumpy back road I reckon the GS would be faster than just about any other bike as not only is the handling excellent, its rock solid stable, the suspension is brilliant and the whole machine gives you loads of confidence. It's a fabulous machine and incredibly easy to live with, which is what you would expect from a R1200GS.
Semi-active suspension works a treat
BMW R1200GS
Engine: 1,170cc, flat-twin
Power: 125hp@7,700rpm
Torque: 92lb ft@6,500rpm
Top speed: 130mph (on the GPS...)
Weight: 238kg (wet)
MPG: 51.3 (claimed)
Price: £11,395 (standard), £12,435 (Enduro spec), £13,815 (Touring spec)
Discussion
I worked with someone who's daily transport consisted of a range of BMW GS series bikes on which he rode around the country - clocking 15-20K miles a year - he upgraded about every 18 months and had done since sometime in the 90s.
Around 2004 he got what I think was an early R1200 which transpired to be a disaster in quality and engineering terms, it would fail to start, cut-out when riding and even when it was working the electrics were temperamental.
After 5 trips back to the dealer they admitted it was a dud and provided him a completely new bike - but the replacement wasn't a lot better and broke-down on several occasions so he sold it and moved to something Japanese - and never went back that I know of, tho I lost touch with him a few years ago.
I know that's one isolated anecdotal point but it sticks in my mind every time I see those pricetags - is the long-term quality there because these aren't Sunny Sunday bikes...
Around 2004 he got what I think was an early R1200 which transpired to be a disaster in quality and engineering terms, it would fail to start, cut-out when riding and even when it was working the electrics were temperamental.
After 5 trips back to the dealer they admitted it was a dud and provided him a completely new bike - but the replacement wasn't a lot better and broke-down on several occasions so he sold it and moved to something Japanese - and never went back that I know of, tho I lost touch with him a few years ago.
I know that's one isolated anecdotal point but it sticks in my mind every time I see those pricetags - is the long-term quality there because these aren't Sunny Sunday bikes...
125 bhp - not far off 15 year old litre bikes.
Can't help but feel they miss the point though - genuine round the world bikers probably have a 600 that's cheaper and simpler to fix in Mongolia, it looks good around town but so do lots of bikes for 13k.... maybe I'm just vain and don't want such a popular "lifestyle" choice of bike as it's a bit "me too". Might have to own one someday though
Can't help but feel they miss the point though - genuine round the world bikers probably have a 600 that's cheaper and simpler to fix in Mongolia, it looks good around town but so do lots of bikes for 13k.... maybe I'm just vain and don't want such a popular "lifestyle" choice of bike as it's a bit "me too". Might have to own one someday though
This new R1200GS seems to be attracting mixed reviews, issues with the looks, engine character or strange ride etc. . . Hope to get out on one soon to form my own opinion.
Having ridden a GS Adventurer last summer I have to admit being slightly smitten and wouldn't mind having one on the drive. Next to something lighter sportier and prettier of course. . .
Having ridden a GS Adventurer last summer I have to admit being slightly smitten and wouldn't mind having one on the drive. Next to something lighter sportier and prettier of course. . .
Krikkit said:
Saw one of these in Wales a few weeks ago. White with red frame, looked absolutely smashing. The owner looked rather pleased with it too, although he was bewildered when I asked him how the active suspension felt.
Must have been one of the last air cooled ones then, I don't think the new one comes with red frame yet. Regular suspensions on these. 
As a do-it-all bike, I am sure it ticks all of the boxes and they will sell loads. But I just dont get the "character" thing on the old engine. Test road the air-cooled model and it was nice, but the shaking from the engine just seemed odd. And then there was the wobble from the front at higher speeds.... character yes, desired and wanted? Not really.
It handled well and loved the smooth ride, but I just dont think they are head and shoulders above the competition (as the reviews suggest). Its good, but is it that good? Dont know, not ridden the latest one, but from what I understand and see, the KTM has to be the one to beat. BUT, that said, there has to be a winner in the field and the competition is strong - which is all good and drives everyone else to push to do new stuff.
But the proliferation of technology does scare me. Its all just expensive to fix if it goes wrong and all of these sensors are bad enough on a car, but on a bike that gets wet and muddy etc? Really? Surely good old engineering is the way forward?
It handled well and loved the smooth ride, but I just dont think they are head and shoulders above the competition (as the reviews suggest). Its good, but is it that good? Dont know, not ridden the latest one, but from what I understand and see, the KTM has to be the one to beat. BUT, that said, there has to be a winner in the field and the competition is strong - which is all good and drives everyone else to push to do new stuff.
But the proliferation of technology does scare me. Its all just expensive to fix if it goes wrong and all of these sensors are bad enough on a car, but on a bike that gets wet and muddy etc? Really? Surely good old engineering is the way forward?
I don't understand why people buy this bike, or the 800GS, or the KTM 1190 or 990 and just never use them off-road. It's pointless having this bike, you are better off having either a touring bike or a sports bike or even a naked/roadster bike.
I have nothing against this bike or those mentioned since I do own one but I actually use it off-road for what is mainly designed for.
And more specific to this bike, it's getting beyond heavy now for off-road use, especially if by yourself as its neigh on impossible to pick up if you dropped it on even a slight decline and with slippy mud i.e. where you are most likely to drop it in the UK.
I have nothing against this bike or those mentioned since I do own one but I actually use it off-road for what is mainly designed for.
And more specific to this bike, it's getting beyond heavy now for off-road use, especially if by yourself as its neigh on impossible to pick up if you dropped it on even a slight decline and with slippy mud i.e. where you are most likely to drop it in the UK.
carlosbutler said:
I don't understand why people buy this bike, or the 800GS, or the KTM 1190 or 990 and just never use them off-road. It's pointless having this bike, you are better off having either a touring bike or a sports bike or even a naked/roadster bike.
I have nothing against this bike or those mentioned since I do own one but I actually use it off-road for what is mainly designed for.
And more specific to this bike, it's getting beyond heavy now for off-road use, especially if by yourself as its neigh on impossible to pick up if you dropped it on even a slight decline and with slippy mud i.e. where you are most likely to drop it in the UK.
As an owner of an "adventure bike" I can answer that question easily - a couple of reasons:I have nothing against this bike or those mentioned since I do own one but I actually use it off-road for what is mainly designed for.
And more specific to this bike, it's getting beyond heavy now for off-road use, especially if by yourself as its neigh on impossible to pick up if you dropped it on even a slight decline and with slippy mud i.e. where you are most likely to drop it in the UK.
1) Comfort
2) Luggage / carry capacity
3) Ease of riding
They are almost always softly suspended and ride well and that makes them great at soaking up British roads. They usually have a proliferation of luggage options and can carry a good amount of luggage. Finally, they are often with bigger engines which are tuned for torque and not top-end power, making them easy to roll-on and off the throttle.
Its like the old discussion around cars and SUV's I suppose. But for me (I am 6'5") and what I use a bike for, I need comfort and ease of use. I look a berk on a 675 Daytona and sports bikes in general make my wrists ache after 30 minutes. I often ride 200 miles in a day and I need to have something that is going to work for me. I could never do this on a naked bike and a tourer would be OK, but I find them heavier and wider and sometimes I dont want to carry around my luggage all of the time.
I am off to Scotland at the weekend and really looking forward to it. I am not daunted by the 450 miles to get there as I know I can take it in my stride. And I have a 100 mile ride home from the airport later today, so I would like to do so in reasonable comfort. Could I do the same on something else? Yeah, probably, but for me at the moment, an "adventure bike" is the right mix. And no, I have absolutely NO intention of going off road. I never bought the bike to go off road and its got crap tyres for off-road anyway. A dusty car park is about as far as I will be going...
off_again said:
carlosbutler said:
I don't understand why people buy this bike, or the 800GS, or the KTM 1190 or 990 and just never use them off-road. It's pointless having this bike, you are better off having either a touring bike or a sports bike or even a naked/roadster bike.
I have nothing against this bike or those mentioned since I do own one but I actually use it off-road for what is mainly designed for.
And more specific to this bike, it's getting beyond heavy now for off-road use, especially if by yourself as its neigh on impossible to pick up if you dropped it on even a slight decline and with slippy mud i.e. where you are most likely to drop it in the UK.
As an owner of an "adventure bike" I can answer that question easily - a couple of reasons:I have nothing against this bike or those mentioned since I do own one but I actually use it off-road for what is mainly designed for.
And more specific to this bike, it's getting beyond heavy now for off-road use, especially if by yourself as its neigh on impossible to pick up if you dropped it on even a slight decline and with slippy mud i.e. where you are most likely to drop it in the UK.
1) Comfort
2) Luggage / carry capacity
3) Ease of riding
They are almost always softly suspended and ride well and that makes them great at soaking up British roads. They usually have a proliferation of luggage options and can carry a good amount of luggage. Finally, they are often with bigger engines which are tuned for torque and not top-end power, making them easy to roll-on and off the throttle.
Its like the old discussion around cars and SUV's I suppose. But for me (I am 6'5") and what I use a bike for, I need comfort and ease of use. I look a berk on a 675 Daytona and sports bikes in general make my wrists ache after 30 minutes. I often ride 200 miles in a day and I need to have something that is going to work for me. I could never do this on a naked bike and a tourer would be OK, but I find them heavier and wider and sometimes I dont want to carry around my luggage all of the time.
I am off to Scotland at the weekend and really looking forward to it. I am not daunted by the 450 miles to get there as I know I can take it in my stride. And I have a 100 mile ride home from the airport later today, so I would like to do so in reasonable comfort. Could I do the same on something else? Yeah, probably, but for me at the moment, an "adventure bike" is the right mix. And no, I have absolutely NO intention of going off road. I never bought the bike to go off road and its got crap tyres for off-road anyway. A dusty car park is about as far as I will be going...
Silver993tt said:
Agree. I recently bought a Honda VFR1200X Cross Tourer with the 1250 V4 engine. Fantastic bike, comfortable, fast, loads of torque and all day riding not an issue. Even has a DCT gerbox which is amazing and sure to be seen on may bikes over the next 5 years, including sports bikes.
There is an article in Ride (I think) this month about the DCT stuff. Not fully read it yet, but they rate it highly (not read the final bit yet) and I have to agree. As everything moves towards efficiency, if we like it or not, computers will take over. So many cars these days come with a dual clutch gearbox, I can see the same going for pretty much everything else. The new world is here and its point and twist....
Silver993tt said:
Agree. I recently bought a Honda VFR1200X Cross Tourer with the 1250 V4 engine. Fantastic bike, comfortable, fast, loads of torque and all day riding not an issue. Even has a DCT gerbox which is amazing and sure to be seen on may bikes over the next 5 years, including sports bikes.
Yep, I'm currently swooning at the Crosstourer every other weekend at my local Honda dealer.Maybe next year!
off_again said:
There is an article in Ride (I think) this month about the DCT stuff. Not fully read it yet, but they rate it highly (not read the final bit yet) and I have to agree. As everything moves towards efficiency, if we like it or not, computers will take over. So many cars these days come with a dual clutch gearbox, I can see the same going for pretty much everything else.
The new world is here and its point and twist....
You really need to try the DCT gearbox on a proper bike like the CT. I use it mostly in manual. You can keep on the throttle and simple dab a light weight switch with the left forefinger for instant upward gear changes or use the thumb for instant down changes. The box won't let you change down too lower if that would cause a type 2 over rev which is fantastic as it protects the engine (a great advantage when buying 2nd hand). I can't see myself buying a bike (except a classic etc) without DCT in the future. It's also only in it's 2nd generation now, so in 3-5 years it will be even better.The new world is here and its point and twist....
Hopefully my next bike will be a ZZR1400 with DCT and shaft drive
Edited by Silver993tt on Wednesday 22 May 12:38
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