|
| Review |
insidebikes.com editor, Alastair Walker spent a day riding the standard 2008 R1200GS and 2008 R1200GS Adventure model.
IN SEARCH OF PERFECTION
Last year BMW sold over 2200 GS models in the UK, making it the most popular big motorcycle, outselling every sportbike on the market.
Part of that success was down to Ewan and Charley showing us what a great, life-affirming experience motorcycle touring can be, on prime time BBC TV. But there's no denying that the GS is a very accomplished motorcycle. In fact I rode the `old' R1200 GS just before hopping onto the latest 2008 model for an instant reminder of how good it still is.
But time marches on and the new 2008 GS is a hi-tech showcase, featuring ESA, ABS braking, different seat heights, spotlights, ASC traction control and possibly a solar-powered teasmade too. OK, I was joking about the teasmade but the ESA is a great bit of kit. Basically this allows the rider to choose the ride height of the bike - perfect if you are planning some off-road biking, plus adjust the suspension rebound settings, three ways, whilst on the move.
There are some 18 combinations to select overall, so if you think you're approaching some pothole-strewn urban jungle, switch into comfort mode and the supsension gets decidedly softer. Nice...and your pillion passenger will love that touch of luxury too.
I rode the Narnia-like hills around Peckforton in Cheshire on the `regular' GS and the new Adventure and both demonstrated the extra torque the new engine has over the old model, which made overtaking, even in top gear, a piece of cake.
It was also good to know that if I did accelerate hard on the freezing roads away from a junction, the traction control would cut-in to stop the tyres sliding in a tricky situation. The more I rode the bike, the more impressed I was with the Metzeler tyres' grip and the Adventure's handling in near freezing conditions - no scary moments at all.
Both the standard R1200GS and the Adventure are confidence-inspiring and very comfortable bikes to ride. New handlebars and a bigger screen offer a slightly improved riding position, although the old model was very good.
There are styling tweaks to the bike's bodywork and the bike's alternator has more capacity now to cater for the extra electronic gadgets which may be fitted.
There's also an impressive range of seat heights on offer, especially with the ESA equipped models. Luggage, heated grips, spotlights, light-guards, sat-nav etc is also in the accessory catalogue.
I couldn't get over simply parking the bike up, pushing a button or two and watching the bike slowly rise up, Thunderbirds style, into its `off-road mode.' Great fun and it made me want to head for the sunshine in Morocco, which this bike could definitely handle. Both the standard GS and the Adventure returned about 45mpg by the way, so you can commute the Long Way Round if you feel like it.
The only downside with the GS is that it costs from £9100 to around £12,600 depending on the model and the accessories spec. That said, depreciation isn't so bad on the GS as it can be on rival machines, like say the Varadero 1000 or V-Strom, especially if the mileage is high. New rivals like the KTM Adventure 990 and Guzzi Stelvio however might be competitive in both price and riding ability - time will tell.
Is it the perfect adventure touring bike? Can't say for certain as I haven't ridden the big KTM 990, or the Guzzi Stelvio yet, but there's no doubt in my mind that BMW keep adding tweaks which make the big GS a better `real world' motorbike. It has a destinct road `presence' for sure and it is surprisingly easy to ride, for such a huge bike. It's probably still the King, but the competition is definitely hotting up.
Thanks to Williams BMW, Old Trafford, Manchester for the loan of the GS and the Adventure models. More at
www.insidebikes.com
|
|
| Submitted by |
| northpoint in Chester, Cheshire on 05/03/2008 |
|
| This review has been shown 173213 times |
|
| Write a Review for BMW R1200 |
|
| See ads for BMW R1200 for sale |
|
|
Comfort
Handling
Braking
MPG
Reliability
Running Costs
Performance
Dream Appeal
|