BMW R1200GS

2004-2012 > £3750-£9000 > 98/110bhp > 225/238kg > 1170cc flat twin

So good it single-handedly turned the world on to adventure bikes. Before this GS, big-engined dual-purpose machines were a knobbly-tyred niche, from a strange and alien universe. While BMW’S boxer-engined overlanders had built up a cult following over their 20-year existence, it wasn’t until the 1200 proved lighter, smoother, more civilised and less peculiar than the outgoing R1150GS that the mainstream paid attention.

Today there are thousands of used air-cooled 1200s to pick from. Early bikes look temptingly affordable, but keep an eye out for knackered brake servo motors and unchanged final-drive oil, as both can lead to huge repair bills. Safest is a tidy twin-cam from 2010 onwards, with a full BMW service history – prices start around £6500.