BMW Motorrad celebrates 30 years of the GS

BMW is producing special limited edition anniversary models of its range of adventure bikes to celebrate 30 years of its Gelande-Strasse ‘GS’ (on/off road) brand.  GS is still the one to beat when it comes to popular adventure bikes whether you are touring the globe or green laning on the weekend.  Most recent attempts at taking the adventure crown from the hugely successful GS1200 have failed to surpass its core abilities despite valiant efforts by the Ducati Multistrada 1200 and the suspiciously quiet after launch Yamaha Super Tenere.  Below is BMW’s explanation for the special editions and details of each of the bikes updates;

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Launching the “30 Years GS” limited edition versions of the BMW R 1200 GS, the R 1200 GS Adventure, the F 800 GS and the F 650 GS, BMW Motorrad is paying tribute to the outstanding success and popularity of the GS concept.

Back in the autumn of 1980, BMW Motorrad unveiled the R 80 G/S, a unique motorcycle that pioneered the Adventure Motorcycling genre. Offering the unique combination of on-road, touring and off-road qualities, without the slightest compromise in everyday use, the R 80 G/S paved the way as a brand new concept, the first true Adventure Sport motorcycle.

The special edition “30 Years GS” models feature the celebrated BMW Motorsports colours of the legendary eighties’ R 80 G/S Rally Raiders that propelled the likes of Hubert Auriol to victories in gruelling Paris-Dakar races,almost three decades ago.

As well as the glorious retro colour scheme, each “30 Years GS” model has arrange of additional features and equipment.

Highlights of the BMW R 1200 GS “30 Years GS”:
• Paintwork in Alpine White.
• Three-coloured decals in the livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
• “30 Years GS” model designation on the tank.
• Cross-spoke wheels with black hubs.
• Hand protectors.
• Tinted windshield.
• Red seat with “GS” stamp.

Highlights of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure “30 Years GS”:
• Paintwork in Alpine White.
• Three-coloured decals in the livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
• “30 Years GS” model designation on the tank.
• Extra-large hand protectors.
• Aluminium engine protection guard.
• Seat in red/black with “GS” stamp.

Highlights of the BMW F 800 GS “30 Years GS”:
• Paintwork in Alpine White.
• Three-coloured decals in the livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
• “30 Years GS” model designation on the airbox cover.
• Hand protectors.
• Aluminium sump guard.
• Tinted windshield.
• White direction indicators.
• Seat in red with “GS” stamp.

Highlights of the BMW F 650 GS “30 Years GS”:
• Paintwork in Alpine White.
• Three-coloured decals in the livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
• “30 Years GS” model designation at the rear.
• Magnesium-coloured cast wheels.
• Hand protectors.
• Engine protector.
• Tinted, higher windshield.
• White direction indicators.
• Seat in red with “GS” stamp at the front.

The “30 Year GS” range will be launched at BMW Motorrad Dealers on 19th June when prices will be announced.

Ducati Multistrada Better Than BMW’s GS?..Yes Says MCN!

This week’s MCN has a road challenge between the new 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 and the latest version of BMW’s GS, and they are declaring the Multistrada the new King of do-everything bikes.  Now I think they may have been a bit quick off the mark with that statement as there are a number of things they didn’t test. MCN says the BMW is still the best for long tours but gives points to the Ducati for its fun and versatility on the road.  The Multistrada’s four mode riding ability and all-round sportier profile give the bike a clear advantage for speed and handling in urban environments, and the power blast available from the 150bhp engine sounds like great fun on the highways.

However they don’t test the off-road ability of the bikes and while the tank range queries I had seem to have been answered, a long-term test of the Ducati’s durability would be needed before any ‘Long Live the King’ statements are made.  We’ve seen the BMW get dropped on all sorts of rough surfaces (It was a hobby of Ewan McGregor’s on Long Way Round/Down), make it through rivers, and despite its huge top-heavy weight, cope reasonably well off-road.  I can’t imagine the lovely looks of the Ducati being quite so durable.

Don’t get me wrong I really like the Multistrada, and I think that Ducati have made a superb bike and advanced the technology of biking in general greatly with the gadgetry the machine has.  I’d just need a bit more evidence that it’s ‘The One’ before I would spend £14,000 on it. (Like I have £14,000 to spend A-HA, HA, HA, HA!)

Check out the latest MCN in newsagents now and below you’ll find a brief video review.  Have a great weekend and Ride Safe!

Yamaha Super Tenere to cost…”Gulp!”….£13,500

Geez I banged my head when I fainted there!!

Ok, deep breaths, compose myself….

Yamaha has announced the ‘on-line orders only’ XT1200Z Super Tenere will cost £13,500 for UK buyers.  Wait don’t leave in disgust just yet!  A fully tricked out BMW GS 1200 is just over a £1000 less than that and it gives the bike a comparable spec to that of the ‘First Edition’ Super Tenere.  Now if, if, the Super Tenere outperforms the GS in road tests and shows itself to be the ultimate adventure bike, Yamaha might, might, justify this price point, as eye-watering as it is.

I should point out that the spate of ATM robberies here in Ireland isn’t me getting ready to make an on-line down payment for this bike! : )

Pay how much for a Super Tenere!?!?..

Yamaha Super Tenere 2010

Yamaha may have priced the Super Tenere out of reach of decent sales numbers.  French bike site MotoStation says ‘reliable sources’ (love to know where people find them) have leaked the price of Yamaha’s most anticipated bike of 2010. 

Allegedly the R1200 GS killing Super Tenere will cost a whopping €14,999
(£13,416) inclusive of ABS when it launches in June of this year.  With BMW's 2010 revised GS 1200 getting good reviews for adding performance but maintaining a sub £10,000 price point Yamaha may have made a fatal error.  It's also priced higher than the new Ducati Multistrada 1200 another potential competitor.  The Super Tenere is going to have to be really super to justify this.  

BMW GS 1200 2010 – no danger of it losing its crown as best adventure bike

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BMW upgrades two of its finest..

Motorcycle News has the scoop on the much rumoured upgrades to BMWs GS and RT bikes, widely considered to be the best adventure and touring bikes around.

The company has kept everything that works on these popular bikes and added some incremental, but significant changes.

The upgraded 2010 BMW R1200GS

On the GS the engine and exhaust systems get a make over to improve torque and over all speed with its new powerful double overhead camshaft engine lifted from the BMW HP2 Sport.  Looking at comments of GS owners online that would seem to answer the most mentioned complaint of the current bike, that it can run out of steam on the highways.

The same engine is headed for one of the most popular and accomplished tourers on the market, the BMW 1200RT.

The upgraded 2010 BMW 1200RT

That along with improved body work to give further protection when crusiing the autobanns, improved electronic suspension options, and some luxury entertainment upgrades, will make what some consider to be the best only better!

For some more details head over to MCN

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