Adventure Biking - BMW R1200 GS
The BMW R1200 GS is an amazing all around bike, a true modern day classic. Adjustable seat height and screen plus wide handlebars feel good as soon as you sit on the bike. But this is a big bike, if you're not used the Bavarian twin, the sight of the big cylinders sticking out either side looks very strange. Seat height can also be a problem for those below average height. But once on the move, any worries you may have had about riding such a heavy, tall bike all disappear behind you, and at some speed, because this bike is deceptively fast.
Comfortable upright seating position and screen make long distance riding a breeze with the big horizontally opposed motor chugging along via a shaft drive, I've did several 600+ mile days touring on the big GS. City driving was also a breeze as I joined the morning commuters in rush hour traffic into New York city center with no problems. But could this same bike cut it on the track?
Comfortable upright seating position and screen make long distance riding a breeze with the big horizontally opposed motor chugging along via a shaft drive, I've did several 600+ mile days touring on the big GS. City driving was also a breeze as I joined the morning commuters in rush hour traffic into New York city center with no problems. But could this same bike cut it on the track?
Leaf spotting in beautiful New England
Next test was a track day, so early one morning I rode the bike to the track at Monticello, New York State. The only modification was to tape over the lights and turn signals. It pretty much rained all day, which probably tipped the odds in my bikes favor. Wide bars give you plenty of feedback and confidence in slippery conditions and I was soon blasting (splashing) around the circuit passing sports bike left and right. The ABS gives you supreme confidence when breaking from high speed into the chicane, with rain now only drizzling, but the track still very wet, nobody could live with me under braking and several rider came over for a chat about how fast my Beemer was lapping.
Track day at Monticello, New York
After a very enjoyable track day I looked for my next challenge. Such a serious off-road event I left until last, as I felt I might be asking too much for any street legal bike, let alone a big twin cylinder, Bavarian behemoth! Nevertheless I rode the bike up to Rhode Island for an Enduro event.
This event was advertised as "Big bike friendly" but at the morning riders meeting I looked at the sea of Orange KTM full blown competition bikes and hardened dirt bike riders, feeling a little out of place. But fellow competitors were all very friendly, offering plenty of encouragement and help if needed.
Some fellow competitors pit set-up were a bit more complete than my effort.
Ready for the off.
After the riders briefing, I taped the route to my tank and set off. The event was split over two days, the course was mostly fairly easy but fast dirt trails with some extra hard hero sections with easier options for the less heroic. I mostly took the easy option but as my confidence grew, I took in a few hero sections, while very tough I found with the occasional big handful of throttle and lots of paddling were rideable on the big BMW. And the end of two tough days, I completed the course.
I started this test wondering if it's possible for a single bike distinguish itself in 3 very different disciplines, what I found was a bike that exceeded my expectations in all arenas, a true adventure bike.
I started this test wondering if it's possible for a single bike distinguish itself in 3 very different disciplines, what I found was a bike that exceeded my expectations in all arenas, a true adventure bike.
