So I rented a BMW R1200GS.....

[Triple J]

My boss has an 1150GS. Says it's the last bike he'll ever buy. That says a lot to me.

Nice write-up.  I'm too short for it though, at 5'-9".

[Speeddog]

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. 

As long as you're talking hard-packed surfaces and dirt-oriented tires, a bike like that is fine.
Deep sand, loose dirt or mud, you'll wish you hadn't.

I've not ridden a GS, but....
My Cagiva Gran Canyon is roughly eqivalent, but probably lighter at about 500 lbs. wet weight.
With TKC-80 tires, it's a hoot on fire-roads.
In deep sand, it's only a matter of time before you go down.
And lifting the bike back up is a *bytch*.

I had an XT600, which was about 350 lbs or so, with dirt tires it worked quite well in sand.

[Popeye the Sailor]

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. 

No off pavement, but wet my S4R is around 450-this is only 50 pounds more. I noticed to weight issues, not even putting it on the centerstand.

[GLantern]

Great writeup i hope to have a GS in the stable one day!

[the_Journeyman]

I've often flirted with the idea of picking up one of these.  I'm too short.

JM

[Popeye the Sailor]

I've often flirted with the idea of picking up one of these.  I'm too short.

JM

I put Paula on it. She couldn't stand it up. I stood it up for her, and both feet were a good 3" off the ground. Amusing 

[NuTTs]

Nice write up man. I went with the Adventure version as I found the GS looks a bit awkward with the skinny stock fuel tank and no "scaffolding" around the bike. You might find the ADV more comfortable as it's taller and the seat to peg height is a bit taller also. I'm 5'10" with a 30" inseam and am able to handle the bike perfectly at stand still so someone taller than me, like yourself, would be right at home on the bike.

It's addictive, isn't it? 

Here's a video of a R1150GS around the Isle of Man having fun with some sports bikes:

[akmnstr]

Anyone considering the R1200GS should watch The Long Way Down

[the_Journeyman]

I've seen some guys take GS's places I'd never think you could put a bike that large ~

JM

[LA]

What amazes me is just how well one of those things will go around a corner.

A friend of mine rides an earlier model 1150 that I call the "Panzer", as in Tank.  I may not be the fastest guy in the world, but I'm no slug either and it is all I/we can do to keep up with him when he "gets the call".

If you're a mine to, those bike will just haul ass.

LA

[bluemoco]

A very nice writeup, MrIncredible!   

I agree with your strategy of renting bikes rather than taking test rides.  It's nice to have an extended time with a bike to get the true feel for it.  When I was last in LA, I rented a BMW R1200RT from Eagle Rider.  Until recently, I thought Eagle Rider dealt exclusively in Harley rentals, but their fleet includes BMWs (R1200RT, R1200GS), Hondas (Gold Wing, ST1300, others), Kawasaki Concours 14, and a few other tasty bikes. 

What's gonna be the next bike you try?   

[hydra]

nice post MrIncredinble! hope you get to own one soon...

i bought a new R1100GS in '94 and had lots of fun with her until i sold her last year. i'm only 5'8" so she was a bit tall for me but once she was moving she was very nimble. never got her to the track but she was a great canyon carver. very confident over any road surface and just ate up the bumps. heated grips were a great bonus as well as the amazing brakes as the OP described.

but alas, i had to sell her as it became more and more of a production for me to go for rides. top heavy and too tall for my inseam. but she was ultra reliable and great touring bike. and like most poeple, i thought the styling was a bit wierd but i kind of liked the "batmobile" look of that bike (with a beak). the GS wasn't as popular then as it is now so i would get some crazy reactions from bikers when i would glide past.

the lastest generations of the GS platform are more refined than the R1100GS that i had. they've shed a bunch of weight and added more power. i've done a couple trackdays with guys on GS's and they're quite capable on the track as well...

my old sweetheart: first year with the 1100 FI engine and the telelever/paralever suspension on the GS models. replacing the R100GS, 1000cc  and "conventional" suspension.



a fellow bmw forum member at the track a couple weeks ago.

[GLantern]

WOW that's a sight to see the BMW at the track!

[teddy037.2]

yeah, I couldn't throw a leg over the dang thing.

sucks they gotta be so tall.

and dubbelju rocks!!!! 

[ducatania]

, it absolutely dwarfs most bikes (seriously-I'm not sure anyone shorter than 6' could actually ride one of these),

The R1200GS (and the R1200RT)  is now available with a factory lowered frame and low seat option. I've got a 32" inseam and it's almost too low for me.