Gelände/Strasse off-road/on-road, refers to a series of BMW motorcycles produced from the late 1980's to the present.
GS Models
Airheads
The first "GS" models, known as "airheads", were produced in 800 cc flat-twin configurations as the R80G/S and R80GS. They were later upgraded to 1000 cc R100GS machines in an air-cooled boxer setup. Special "Kalahari" and "Paris-Dakar" edition was offered in addition to the base model. All airhead machines were shaft driven.
These early "airhead" machines have a following among adventure motorcyclists.
Oilheads
In 1995, the introduction of the next generation oil-head 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, and much more power than the original air-cooled models. As well as being more powerful, the 1200 is approximately 10% lighter (dry weight) than the older 1150 machines.
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.
As with the airheads, all oilhead GS models are shaft driven.
Single Cylinder
In 1994 BMW introduced a single cylinder chain driven model, the F650 Funduro and F650 ST which used a Rotax engine. The bike was manufactured alongside the virtually identical Aprlia Pegaso. Following their first place in the 1999 and 2000 Paris-Dakar Rally, BMW introduced the fuel injected F650GS in 2001. A more off-road biased Dakar version was introduced which included a larger 21" front wheel.
Popularity
As mentioned before the GS is the most commonly chosen bike by adventure motorcyclists and travellers such as those who frequent the Horizons Unlimited and Adventure Rider forums. There are also clubs dedicated to the bike, an example of which is GS Club UK.
In 2004 the R1150GS Adventure was made popular after being used by actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in their journey The Long Way Round, which involved riding from London to New York by going east across Europe, central Asia, Alaska, Canada and the USA.
External Links
Horizons Unlimited Adventure Rider GS Club UK
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