Comments on: BMW GS 1200

By: JB

JB — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:00:22 +0000

At least the dog is somewhat protected.

By: James

James — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:05:04 +0000

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/

By: Leo

Leo — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:24:18 +0000

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!

By: Subaruzi

Subaruzi — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:12:42 +0000

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.

By: chief22

chief22 — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:20:27 +0000

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.

By: robotribe

robotribe — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:35:36 +0000

Don’t be alarmed. The rich and famous, dogs included, are immune from danger.

By: Zac Hunter

Zac Hunter — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:25:26 +0000

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?

By: robotribe

robotribe — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:17:14 +0000

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.