BMW GS 1200
Aug 26th, 2008 by Leo
The GS has pretty much invented the “adventure” class of motorcycle. The SUV of motorcycles – not to mention, the BMW of motorcycles – it manages to have a certain charm…luring “around the world types,” elves, and supermodels alike. Personally I think it’s ugly. But ugly like a pug or the old Saab convertibles, ugly in a way that makes it interesting looking.
We don’t do bike reviews here at CityBiker. Not that we wouldn’t want to, but none of the manufacturers have offered to loan us their bikes. And I haven’t ridden one of these, so until either Orlando Bloom or Ewan McGregor returns my calls (no I didn’t really call them), I’ll do the next best thing: an inverted review… Instead of giving you my uneducated (about this bike) opinion, you can give me yours, and let me know if you think this is a good city bike or not. You get extra points if you’ve actually ridden the thing, but you don’t have to have ridden the bike to have a decent opinion on it. You can read the BMW press release here.
I will say one thing though. The SUV-like suspension would come in handy on the more war-torn streets…like Flatbush Ave going up to the bridge… If you take that into account, it may just be the fastest bike in the city, not to mention around the world.
[PS - if you're not a fan of the GS, or even if you are, you might like this mildly tasteless clip of a true BMW "hater."]
Being a rider of short stature (5′6″), every time I see the one parked in my office parking lot on word comes to mind: HORSE.
Those things are ginormous.
I haven’t ridden one, but I have sat on one at the motorrad dealer here in SF. Funny thing is, they aren’t nearly as big or as heavy as they appear. One of my coworkers rides one as well, and says good things about them. The closest I have come is by vicariously riding with Ewan and Charlie. I agree: ugly but interesting. Makes me want to ride to Panama. One thing is for certain, after watching the way they treated E&C in long way round, I probably won’t buy a KTM if I ever decide to go on some massive trip. I would get one of these.
By the way, does it bother anyone that Orlando Bloom’s passenger is about to bring the dog on the bike?
Don’t be alarmed. The rich and famous, dogs included, are immune from danger.
I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a few days on an R1200GS, not the adventure model, here in NYC. I must say that the bike handles surprisingly better than it may appear. The suspension is tremendous on the streets around town, absorbing the worst of the worst without throwing you off the saddle. The seat height is great for city riding, it puts you above most cars, just like an SUV would. Without the saddlebags, it’s tall and thin so it makes it nice and easy to squeeze in some tights spots. I do recall thinking how ugly it was when I first saw it, but just as that previously mentioned Saab or that pug, it grows on you in a strong and funny way. Bottom line is it’s a fantastic all around motorbike that would make a great city ride – that is if you have the 20+ large to buy one.
As an aside on the dog thing:
The other day I was on 91 in VT (I live in VT) and saw a guy with a handicap plate riding a bike. This struck me as a little odd but then I noticed the guy had a f-ing black lab on the back of the bike. The dog was in a harness type thing and had goggles on. I think it was a service dog but still… a full size 50lbs+ dog on a bike?! I am glad my wife was there too other wise I would have thought I was having a severe flashback.
On the GS…. not worth the money. Why wouldn’t you buy an old beat up enduro? I had a DR250 that would have been ideal in NY. It was beat up enough that I wouldn’t need to be anal about it. I used to live in NY so this is not just a Vermonter talking here.
I like how it’s expensive, yet still manages to look unpretentious… Whereas the Hypermotard looks expensive, sounds expensive, and is expensive (even though it’s a good deal cheaper than the GS)…although that’s not a bad thing either. I never saw the appeal of a Hypermotard (dumb sounding name too) until I saw one up close.
I hear ya robotribe. I like horses, but I don’t think I’ll be climbing up onto one of these unless it becomes legal to roll thru red lights.
Concerning the dog. Not only is the dog going on the bike, but it seems to be going for a ride in a backpack!
Can’t speak for the BMW specifically, but I am continually grateful for the suspension on my Ulysses, whether it’s on dirt roads or in Boston’s potholes.
While we’re talking about dogs on bikes, I spotted this while traveling in Quebec. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jjriders/2733414227/in/set-72157606547335688/
At least the dog is somewhat protected.