The R 1200 GS is unique for touring because of the range of adaptations it offers: you can easily adjust seat and windshield height, as well as the handlebars. The additional features available for this model include everything from ABS to cross-spoke wheels. And let’s not forget about the stylish design. The R 1200 GS is available in Magma Red, Ostra Grey Matt Metallic, Alpine White and Triple Black. In Triple Black, the body comes in Sapphire Black Metallic, the engine, forks, wheels and seat in plain black, and the rear is subtly set apart in Asphalt Grey Metallic.
The R 1200 GS provides comfort to its passengers as they encounter challenges on the road. It accomplishes this by a series of synchronized adjustments: at the front of the bike the BMW Motorrad Telelever can take on any pothole using a spring preload–mechanically adjustable to five settings–and at the rear a compression damping system, fixed to suit the ground and the load. With the BMW Enduro ESA all these settings are available at the touch of a button. However, this upgrade is part of the premium package, priced at $17,735 USD; the base price is $14,990 USD.
The days of Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson biking through the desert in the movie Easy Rider have definitely changed. The BMW R 1200 GS is a good reminder of the evolution of the motorcycle. ■
