BMW R1200GS THE FIGURES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
You need to turn the traction control o for the quickest start, as the GS wheelies readily in rst gear. That said, it’ll still barge forward even with the TC ickering. It romps to top speed in under a mile.
FACTS AND FIGURES
The big GS has a stretched-out wheelbase, but there’s nothing lazy about the short trail. Add in a tall seat height and high centre of gravity, and the bike tips easily into corners. It’s certainly agile.
TYRES
The BMW comes on Michelin Anakee IIIS. They look a bit like a sport-touring tyre, but with deeper grooves to give light o-road ability. They’re OK, but getting the best out of the GS’S handling requires faith in the front tyre, and we never really had it. Dunlop’s new Trailsmart Max give the 1200 a lighter, more accurate feel.
POWER AND TORQUE
If you rode an R1100GS in the ’90s the latest bike’s blunt grunt will shock. The delivery doesn’t feel as wibbly as the curves look – short gears help hide it. Overlay these lines with those of a 2004 1200 and the new bike only gives you more over 6000rpm.