Gelände/Straße (German: off-road/road) refers to the GS series of dual purpose off-road/on-road BMW motorcycles produced from 1980 to the present day. These can be distinguished from other BMW models because they have longer travel suspension and larger front wheels, typically 19-21 inch.
Models
Airheads
The first of the shaft driven "GS" models, known as "Airheads", was the R80G/S with an 797 cc flat-twin, air-cooled boxer engines. The most valued version was the R80G/S-PD "Paris-Dakar" model featuring a larger tank. In certain markets a 649 cc R65GS version was also available. These early machines used a combined rear suspension / drive swingarm called a Monolever.
In 1987 the G/S name was changed to GS with the S meaning "Sport" rather than "Straße" and the Monolever was replaced with the Paralever swingarm, which included a torque arm intended to lessen shaft effect. The new bikes were produced with engines of 797 cc (R80GS) or 980 cc (R100GS).
Production of the standard machines stopped in 1995 with the R100GS-PD (unofficially Paris Dakar), but special "Kalahari" and "Basic" editions were made available in 1996 and 1997, which ended GS production.
Airhead models still have a following among adventure motorcyclists and often sell at a premium price when compared with bikes of a similar age.
Airhead Model Production History
- Monolever
- R80G/S 1980-1986
- R80G/S-PD 1984-1987
- R65GS 1987-1990
- Paralever
- R80GS 1987-1994
- R100GS 1987-1994
- R100GS-PD 1988-1995
- R80GS Basic 1996-1997
- R80GS Kalahari 1996-1997
Oilheads
In 1995, the introduction of the next generation Oilhead signalled BMW's entry into modern adventure models, with a succession of larger displacement models including the R850GS, R1100GS, R1150GS and the R1200GS. Later models have electronic engine management, ABS braking, twin spark plugs, and more power than airhead models. As well as being more powerful, the R1200GS is 30 kg (66 lb) lighter than the R1150GS. Electronic fuel injection systems provided more even overall riding performance for the great range of altitudes commonly ridden with these motorcycles.
Both the R1150GS and R1200GS are available in an Adventure version which adds a larger fuel tank, lower gearing and upgraded suspension to make it more suitable for long trips with heavy gear and supplies. The opposed two-cylinder "boxer" engine provides a comparatively low centre of gravity. This strongly contributes to the ability of these 1000 cc-class machines to travel on dirt roads and trails. The distribution of torque over a broad RPM range coupled with with the relatively wide power pulses inherent in a long-stroke two cylinder motor provides consistent and predictable traction on loose road surfaces.
As with the airheads, all oilhead GS models are shaft driven. However, the front suspension was changed from conventional forks to the Telelever, developed by British company Saxon Motodd, which uses a control arm to eliminate dive under braking.
Oilhead model production history
From 1994, when production of the oilhead began, until July 27 2007, a total of 219,468 oilhead GS bikes have been produced.[1] Oilhead GS models are listed below together with production figures where known:
Model Dates Production R1100GS 1994–1999 39,842 R850GS 1996–2001 2,242 R1150GS 1999–2004 58,023 R1150GS Adventure 2001–2005 17,828 R1200GS 2004–present 84,373 up to July 27 2007 R1200GS Adventure 2006–present 15,627 up to July 27 2007
Although not strictly GS models, the following closely related bikes were also introduced by BMW:
- HP2 Enduro 2005 - present date
- HP2 Megamoto 2007 - present date
Single cylinder
In 1993 BMW introduced GS models powered by a single cylinder 4-valve 652 cc Rotax engine and chain drive. The off road-capable F650 Funduro had a 19 inch front wheel, long travel suspension, bash plate and a high seat. The more road biased F650ST Strada had a smaller diameter 18 inch front wheel, narrower handlebars and smaller screen. The bikes were manufactured alongside the virtually identical 5-valve Aprilia Pegaso.
Following BMW's win in the 1999 (and subsequently the 2000) Dakar Rally with an F650RR ridden by Richard Sainct, BMW introduced the fuel injected F650GS in 2000. A taller, more off-road biased Dakar version was introduced which included a taller screen, 21 inch front wheel and longer suspension travel.
The single cylinder bikes have a strong following and are thought by many of their riders to be better off roaders than the heavier boxer engined bikes. Like the larger two-cylinder models, they offer significant capacity to carry gear and supplies over long distances. Their versatility is attractive to riders who intend to spend weeks, months, even years travelling on two wheels. There is a large "after market" of suppliers catering to riders of these motorcycles.
Popularity
The GS is a popular choice with adventure motorcyclists and travellers. There are also a number of owners clubs dedicated to the bike. There is a strong aftermarket of accessories for the GS range which includes aluminium luggage, saddles, shock absorbers, screens, lights and GPS mountings.
In 2004 the R1150GS Adventure was made more popular after being used by actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in their journey Long Way Round, which involved riding from London to New York by going east across Europe, central Asia, Alaska, Canada and the USA. They continued their association with the GS when Boorman used an F 650GS during his 2006 Dakar Rally attempt (documented in the book and TV series Race To Dakar), and in 2007 when both used the R1200GS Adventure in their journey, Long Way Down — in which they rode from John O'Groats at the northern tip of Scotland, to Cape Town at the southern tip of Africa.
Both the R1200GS and the F650GS were featured in the BBC TV series The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook, ridden by chefs Dave Myers and Si King.
Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart used a R1100GS for a 14 month long 55,000 mile self-healing trip, documented in the book Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road, that he made in the late 90's following the tragic deaths of his only daughter and wife. Peart also used the R1150GS on his 2004 motorcycle trip between gigs on Rush's 30th Anniversary tour, a trip he documented in the book Roadshow: Landscape with Drums, A Concert Tour By Motorcycle.
On 27 July 2007, the BMW R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure reached a production record of 100,000 units since its launch in 2004, making it the most popular BMW motorcycle.[1]
Future Models
It is expected that a new R1200GS model will be released for 2008. Details of the model will be made known to dealers in November 2007 ahead of the NEC International Motorcycle & Scooter Show. It is rumoured that there will be a face lift to the standard R1200GS model with no change to the Adventure model. Possible developments are use of the engine from the R1200RT model (110bhp), new colours and other options such as HID lights and cruise control.
The future of the BMW trademark boxer engine is also in some question. Future noise and emissions regulations may mean that the engine will have to be water cooled. As this would add to the overall width of the boxer engine making cornering impossible due to lack of ground clearance, water cooling is thought to be an impractical development.
See also
- Simon and Monika Newbound - GS riders who hold the world record for motorcycle endurance.
References
External links
- The Chain Gang F650 owners forum
- GS Club UK, owners club
- F 650 UK & Ireland Forums, info, blogs, etc
- Horizons Unlimited, website dedicated to adventure motorcycling
- Adventure Rider, US-based adventure riding community
- Wild Dog Adventure Riders, African adventure motorcycling forum
- Video of a BMW 1200 HP2 at play
- R1200GS Info, Reference for information on R1200GS