BMW R1200GS Review

Overall Rating

It drives fantastic. Massive torque. I go faster than my last bike which was a Ducati M900. Its a very comfortable bike. We (my girl also on a bikeTDM850) drove to the Dolomiti, Italy and we had a lot of fun.
-ABS.
-Electronic brake assist.
-Hotgrips(keep warm hands).
-Almost everything is electronical/computerized/whizzy.

BMW almost always has a poor standard in shocks and springs. I had Hyperpro's fitted and the bike feels much much better.
I have (like many others) put a Wunderlich windscreen (big) on it and the Wunderlich Ergo seat. Because the original saddle/seat is to soft if you ask me.
I also had the "Tobinators" placed to give the windscreen better angle position and it's stronger than its original windscreen joints.

For far less money I could have had a Japanese competitor but with a "few" adjustments to the GS it drives far better then say the Suzuki Vstrom DL1000 or the KTM 990.
It has stunning design features and it's a nice piece of computer aided engineering. Think of the CANLI system, the single cable wiring and diagnostic computer system.
The engine runs far smoother than its predecessor, the R1150GS. This is because of the balancer in the engine. And the much better injection and valvesystem.
The exhaust pipe is not so nice, both in sound an looks that is. I am thinking of replacing it for a Remus Powercone.
All in all a very recommendable bike but not cheap I'm afraid. But judging by the numerous GS'ses I've come accross during this summer abroad, a lot of people seem to know what I am talking about.

Members' Comments onhenko's Review

• henko on 9th Jun 2008

  I am going to install new fully adjustable 3D-shockabsorbers from Hyperpro. Not cheap but it's a dream to ride your 1200GS after installation. I'ts equivalent to Ohlins shocks but the difference is the progressive charachter of the spring. It's the company's trademark.