So I rented a BMW R1200GS.....

[Popeye the Sailor]

As some of you may be aware, I've been having fitment issues with my monster. After more than two years and roughly 30k, it now causes me a ton of pain to ride it. Nothing has helped this, so it's time for a new bike.

My concern with getting a different bike is that these issues may not show up until a ride that is considerably longer than the typical test drive. With that in mind, I've decided to rent bikes I think I may like, and take them on extended rides to see what it does to my poor back.


Last weekend I rented one of BMW's large dual sports.





Styling.

Yes, insert the BMW means "Bikes Made Weird" comments here. The bike is...odd looking-one would never accuse it of looking like other bikes, and this may or may not be to your liking. It's got the lopsided headlights, (lending it a vague quizzical "what in the hell did you just say?" look to the front end), the huge jugs sticking out on the motor (foot warmers), it absolutely dwarfs most bikes (seriously-I'm not sure anyone shorter than 6' could actually ride one of these), and just general quirkiness. Various tie downs, luggage racks, and power outlets adorn these.

I'll give it one thing-itll always look better than a Multistrada.

Ergonomics.  

Assuming you're or the physically larger side, this bike would probably be comfy for you. The seating is upright to a degree that it makes a stock monster feel like an SBK in comparison. You're back will be vertical. The one I was on had the hinky BMW signals. Why not the standard switch we'll never know-one can fall into using these easily enough, but it never felt quite right. I found the switch for the heated grips up higher than I would like-it was difficult for me to maintain throttle control and operate the switch. This control is necessary if you go from highway speeds on the coast, to lane splitting in the city, or else your hands catch on fire.

The info button and gauges were very well done. The bike knew far too much for it's own good-range, outside temperature, mileage, oil status, and even what gear I was in were all there. At one point on the group ride, it popped up a display mentioning that I was stopped waiting for two more bikes-would I like to watch a movie in the meantime? Weird.

The seats and pegs were laid out fine-I did find that while walking it, my legs hit the pegs-I didn't like this, but with any pressure from the front, they rotated up and out of the way, only to pop back down when you were done walking the bike. By the time the weekend was over, I no longer noticed. The stock seat was comfy-no monkey butt after 6 hours on it on Saturday. Both my passengers did find the passenger seat comfy, though the short one mentioned that getting on was difficult, and would be almost impossible for her if I had a top case.

Brakes.

The brakes were epic. I almost through myself over the handlebars the first time. Coming from an S4R (IE really nice brakes) that's saying a lot. Part of this may be because of the telelever front end (read: no dive on braking)-this sort of directed my momentum straight forward, rather than forward and down-this took some getting used to. I only needed one finger on the brakes most of the weekend-the beast slowed down terribly well.

Clutch. 

Nothing of note, actually-worked fine, no complaints, but it didn't stand out, either. The pull was easy, and I had no trouble starting out smoothly, or shifting smoothly. Looking at that last sentence I guess I'd say "well done".

Engine & Gearing. 

The engine was very torquey and actually revved terribly quick. I had no problems accelerating to highway speeds, or zipping up to 90 from 65. Bike was geared to be happiest around 4500 RPM, and in 6th on the highway put me around 80, which was fine. It was also happy putting around town around 3k. Unlike the duc it did not beg to be flogged through the twisties, but when I did flog, it didn't seem to care.

The nicest thing I noticed about the engine is that because it is a horizontally opposed twin, almost no vibration got translated to the rider. It was smooooooth and this made for a pleasant riding experience for both rider and passenger.

Suspension. 

The telelever suspension is just....make the beast with two backsing great. There is no dive on braking. This lets you trail brake right up to the apex of a corner. Nice for carrying corner speed. For a bike of it's dimensions, most of the weight seemed to be fairly low, around the level of the jugs. The turn is was quick, and while nimble isn't something that comes to mind when you look at it, the bike really is nimble. It held lines very nicely. The bike was very stable through corners, even through bumps or when I ran over gravel leaned over in a corner. Both passengers found it terribly pleasant on their end as well. The rear shock came with the adjustable knob for preload-this was nice in a bike that saw me riding a bunch solo, and two separate passengers of different weights.

Overall initial impression

When one spends that much on a bike, you'd expect it to do everything well. This bike did not disappoint. If I wasn't in the process of buying a house, I'd be at the dealership tomorrow. This is an excellent bike for commuting, long distance riding, and just terribly functional. I want one. I NEED one.

[cbartlett419]

brilliant write up my man, thanks for the effort

[Speeddog]

+1, good job! 

[ROBsS4R]

How much you asking for the S4R....

Do I get a parts discount 

[factorPlayer]

I'll give it one thing-itll always look better than a Multistrada.

wtf? low blow man - the multistrada is nowhere near as gnarly looking. 

[MikeZ]

Great write up.
Thank You

[Howie]

Fantastic review

[lauramonster]

nice review.....how'd the hands/wrists feel after 6 hours??

[DesmoDiva]

Awesome write up!!    

All the witt I would expect from a wise ass.  

[Grampa]

now.... go rent a KTM Adventure 990

[TiAvenger]

I can see marriage has already driven you crazy. 


Good luck in finding the perfect bike for you. 

[Popeye the Sailor]

nice review.....how'd the hands/wrists feel after 6 hours??

No pain. None.


I had some minor soreness, but I'll attribute that to a combination of having no ridden much at all in almost a year, and that I spent 7 hours on it Saturday, and probably four Sunday. I was trying to overdo it.

[Speeddog]

now.... go rent a KTM Adventure 990

+1

[akmnstr]

Thanks for the honest write up.  I've heard these bikes are heavy.  Was that an issue.  Did you take it off pavement?  I'm considering an F800gs as a replacement for my F650.  Lower cost, lighter, same funky looks, and more off tarmac worthy. 

[swampduc]

Thanks for the great write-up. I've been thinking about picking up a BMW R sport tourer next summer, and this is helpful.