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BMW ’ s range of GS motorcycles has broad appeal , enduring many changes in the adventure bike sector , in fact the GS is considered the bike that created the category , and has been at the forefront of development across the 40 years since the first version appeared . However , is it really the great on road – off road bike that the name suggests ?
A first glance at a R1250GS would suggest that it is something akin to a battleship . Its stance dominates the pavement and mostly dwarfs those around it , loaded with gear it looks almost bloated and uncapable of what the name suggests but someone once said something about never judging a book .
Weighing in at around 250 kilograms the most recent of the larger GS ’ s is no featherweight , adding your gear would easily see the scales surpassing 300 , a bugger when you have to pick it up , especially on your own . And yet the advancements in engine technology have seen impressive gains in power and torque , 136hp and 143Nm respectively . The GS pulls like a tractor allowing it to be ridden like a slug if you ’ re a little lazy or relaxed , twist the right wrist and it feels like a sportsbike , well , at least a compromised sportsbike . The bike we had to ride saw well over 70,000 kilometres on the clock and yet it felt as tight as the day it rolled off the production line . The boxer configuration is certainly a joy to ride . However , those comments come with a caveat .
If you ’ re not used to such an engine it ’ s easy to bang your shins against the cylinder heads , especially if you ’ re a dabber . A minor inconvenience , and let ’ s face it , just don ’ t dab . The upside is that the lower centre of gravity allows for great handling , it ’ s amazing how such a big bike can be thrown around in fun . It brings a giggle to many a rider .
Our bike had a moderate amount of the factory electronics , all great and performed as expected , none came on at times to catch the rider out although at some points they dulled the experience so much that we were obliged to switch them off , at the very least the traction control .
The GS ’ s suspension is compliant and performs well in most conditions , in fact it is extremely comfortable . The semi-active suspension works extraordinarily well , adjusting to load and coupled with the tele-lever front end , chassis pitch is kept to a minimum providing plenty of front-end confidence . One aspect that all of our riders commented on was what was described as a ‘ numb front end ’, at times the response at the front felt
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