All Tests – I am a legend! – Used BMW

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I’m a legend !

All Trials - I am a legend! - Used BMW

Few motorcycles are as legendary as the BMW GS. For almost 30 years, the Bavarian trail has crisscrossed the roads and tracks of the five continents without weakening. And it’s a good start to continue with this new 2008 version of the R 1200 GS … Test drive !

Appeared in 2004, the R 1200 GS inaugurated the transition of the entire range equipped with the famous BMW twin Boxer 1100 and 1150 to that of 1200 cc. The overhaul, profound, focused both on the engine and on this particular chassis … And the improvement turned out to be simply astounding (read our).

Power now flirted with 100 horsepower while the gearbox and injection, reworked in depth, gave the mechanics a smooth running hitherto unknown..

The weight gain was also spectacular, since the "12 GS" displayed 15 kg less on the scale than its predecessor. In addition, the imperturbable handling of the 1150 was animated by a liveliness and a sportiness quite bluffing..

The esteem and commercial success was immediately apparent, making the R 1200 GS the best-selling BMW worldwide. !

As, it is well known, we do not change a winning team, faced with this near faultlessness the Bavarian manufacturer let his bestseller lead his brilliant career only to make it evolve four years later (read).

The R 1200 GS model 2004 being free from serious defects, the objective of this new vintage was to further enhance drivability and safety, while giving it a very slight facelift..

Because the R 1200 GS remains above all a GS, with this "raw foundry" look which makes it very identifiable but which does not please everyone. Let’s say that for the BMW trail, what is functional is beautiful !

Thus, the machine proudly displays its innards – its prominent twin with opposed cylinders – and its skeleton, extended by an impressive luggage carrier. We find the recipes dear to BMW: the tubular frame, the Paralever and the Telelever. The latter receives a new gold anodization which makes it look like a traditional big fork from a distance..

A little sexier

New aluminum sides adorn the tank, while the rear light is now diode. In short, these few aesthetic touches will not change opinions: those who liked the old one will like the new … and those who found it unsightly will continue to quibble !

Even when you’ve already driven a GS, it always takes a little time to get used to the manual in mind: the specificities inherent in this model are numerous…

First of all, there is this frankly impressive size at first glance, especially for those under 1.80 m. Placed on its center stand, the machine, tall and wide, is almost intimidating !

On the 2008 vintage, the saddle height is increased by one centimeter to peak at 850 mm, adjustable to 870 mm for the giants. Fortunately, the low saddle (820 mm) is still available as a free option: phew! As for the handlebars, it surprises with its unusual width.

The "Boxer Touch"

We also find the peculiarities dear to the BMW R series, with first the flat-twin and its opposed cylinders, as well as its reversing torque which pushes you to the left with each gas stroke given when stationary.

You also have to get used to the Telelever again, which offers a very different feeling from that of a traditional fork. The reactions of the front axle and the unevenness of the coating are much more filtered and the bike does not dive at all when braking, which requires a little adaptation time to give full confidence to the Telelever, but efficiency, comfort and security are there !

Finally, we have to get back to mind the not necessarily logical operation of the commodos specific to BMW, which fortunately evolves on the latest models (read). And a fortiori on our test model, packed with options and controls of all kinds !

Almost € 3,000 of options !

Because they are strong at BMW: very quickly, the many options offered become almost essential once you have had the pleasure of tasting them … Which of course has the consequence of inflating an already quite salty note..

Offered at 13,450 euros, the new R 1200 GS indeed displays an already very elitist price. But we are of course tempted to add the excellent disengageable ABS / ASC (traction control), the ESA electronically controlled suspensions, the heated grips, the on-board computer with RDC tire pressure indicator, the on-board coffee machine, etc.

The list is long as a day without bread and allows the GS to happily exceed 16,000 euros! And again, our test machine was not equipped for the raid or the trip, with top case and suitcases…

The top of security

From the first turns of the wheel on the handlebars of the new R 1200 GS, the apprehension due to the elephantine template flies away to give way to total serenity: ease mingles with rigor to provide a rather incredible feeling of security, it must say it.

Whether in town or on small roads, you even have to think seriously about yourself so as not to commit the worst excesses! Because with this arsenal of active safety, the chances of losing control of the machine seem very reduced..

ASC traction control manages the arrival of power and prevents the rear wheel from losing grip – when exiting a curve, for example – but also prevents the bike from pitching up – which will hardly appeal to stunters, but they are still few to invest in a GS !

In the event of a problem, the ABS and the coupled braking take care of the grain with impressive efficiency! Braking is now only coupled from the front to the rear, and not the other way around. More precisely, the motorcycle brakes a little from the rear when the front brake handle is applied..

In short, the only danger to which the driver of a 1200 GS equipped with options remains exposed is that of losing the front on wet ground or during excessive angle taking … rather rare on the road !

Very comfortable in town

Even if it’s not its favorite terrain, the R 1200 GS plays with the city with ease. Its very wide handlebars are not really a hindrance to squeeze in, because it is so high that it passes over most of the four-wheel mirrors..

The Boxer is very flexible since it accepts to go under 1,500 rpm without hiccuping in the least. And the gearbox is completely forgotten … almost too much since at times, we do not even feel the first go to fire !

The large handlebars and the 110 mm front tire combine to give this 230 kg trail (with full tank) the maneuverability of a bicycle. The only downside: it will take more than a piece of sidewalk or a "special two-wheeled" parking space to park the machine … In some districts of central Paris, you even have to really turn to find a place !

The road: far, long, two, loaded…

The R 1200 GS is one of those motorcycles that make you want to go and cut the road without asking any questions! Comfort and protection are very good, the screen is manually adjustable and protects very well in the high position, without swirling in the helmet.

The saddle, quite firm at first glance, preserves the rider’s buttocks from pain for a few hours. However, there are better for very long runs, such as the almost magical saddle of the Suzuki V-Strom 1000.

Whatever the condition of the coating, the GS will adapt to all driving rhythms, from the duo ride to the frantic arson! Without being transfigured, we feel that the engine has gained some horsepower (105 hp at 7,500 rpm against 98 at 7,000 rpm for the old model), but above all an additional extension which makes it even more shiny in sports use.

The second gear has been shortened so that, without going into a wheelie because of the ASC, the "12 GS" very clearly sheds its front wheel on the first two reports! The Boxer’s push is linear but quite manly. The GS is definitely no longer clumsy, with a very respectable power / weight ratio of 105 hp for 203 kg dry.

On the R 1200 GS, the duo is in a comfort well above the average, although it may be necessary to come to the edge of a sidewalk to embark a passenger of small size as the seat is high.

But once on board, she will be able to benefit from a wide and soft saddle as well as wide handles which extend the imposing aluminum luggage rack. Smoothness of the engine and transmission helps to make driving smooth and pleasant.

Finally, the pilot will take care to set the ESA suspension to "Comfort" mode to navigate in peace. Even without resorting to the various luggage items marked BMW, it is possible to carry a lot of luggage on the GS.

The rack offers an incredible amount of anchor points for straps or turnbuckles. And if the rider is traveling alone, he can even remove the passenger seat, freeing up a load space unique in motorcycle production..

Small autonomy…

The autonomy of the GS is somewhat disappointing for a machine with such pronounced traveling claims: with a 20-liter tank and an average consumption close to 7 l / 100 km, we go into reserve from the 220-230 km. This is little…

The Boxer is finally quite greedy: without claiming the 33 liters of tank capacity of its "Adventure" version, the R 1200 GS would deserve a 22 or 24 liter tank to leave without asking any questions. !

It’s gone again for 30 years !

The BMW GS will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2010: this new model is a very worthy offspring for all its elders. !

Sharper and more versatile than ever, it further strengthens its sporting potential. Enough to go around the world … thoroughly! There remains a very elitist purchase price (13,450 euros), which becomes downright indecent with all the options (16,130 euros)! But as long as that does not cool down the clientele, which is growing in number all over the world, why deprive yourself? !

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