BMW R 1100 RL reviews

After hours of research, I decided that I wanted to seriously investigate the R 1200 GS Adventure. I have been a motorcyclist since 1974. I've had everything from a Gold Wing to a 250 KLR and many in between, but never had I walked into a showroom and was greeted by such a friendly staff and awesome display and atmosphere. I scrutinized the bikes available and had every question answered with honesty and. In addition, a couple of very knowledgeable BMW Club members were present, and they, too, took the time to point out features and functionality of the GS from their own experiences. With all this friendly expertise, I was even more impressed with the bike. The financing went extremely smoothly, and within a short amount of time, I was the owner of my very own, brand new red and black 2008 R 1200 GS Adventure! And the icing on the cake was the ride! It was unbelievable! Everything from freeway to off road. This was the most incredible machine I had ever ridden! It does it all! I even took my wife for a ride on several miles of dirt road, where with previous bikes, with her aboard, it was dicey at best. With this machine, it was like she was not even back there! Then, I took us out onto the highway, and even with crosswinds blowing at 34 mph, it was like the bike was glued to the road. BMW outdid themselves when they designed this bike. The computer system was a snap to work. I must admit that when I went into the dealership, I commented that I thought it was a little 'pricey'. Now, I've changed my mind! It's worth every penny! Show less

For me, this bike is the perfect combination of speed, power and agility. It has performed flawlessly under every condition I have encountered. It serves very well as a daily commuter and a weekend hell-raiser. It has more than enough torque to pull through the corners. There is no need to downshift to pass, but it's too much fun not to. The suspension inspires confidence in any situation even when traveling over unexpected gravel roads, wet roads, or tight West Virginia switchbacks covered with dirt and leaves. You can't truly appreciate this motorcycle until you decide to push it hard through the twisties. Thanks to the ABS, it is forgiving enough to enter curves way too fast, yet powerful enough to torque your way through in style. 109HP and 85ft lbs of torque! Who could ask for a better balance? I would recommend an R1200R to anyone looking for a fun bike that will help increase your riding abilities so much so that my wife has one too. Show less

This is my first BMW. I have never dished out so much cash for a bike (I have owned mostly Hondas and Suzuki). But I wish I had bought it sooner. The heated grips, cruise control, ESA and ASC and tire pressure monitor; this bike eats miles for breakfast! The engine is well balanced and the linear power acceleration is deceiving! Goes from 0 to 70 mph and you don't even know it! Suspension is adjustable for those really bad freeways and you can take it to the hills, and you have a sport demon. This thing can be flicked in an instant. It has a low center of gravity! If you are short, get the optional low seat; it's worth it. But I did not need it! You pay more, and you get a lot in return! Show less

I have spent the last 32 years owning dozens of different bikes. The R1200GS is the hands-down winner by far. The tall saddle not only helps you see better in traffic, but it allows you to corner much better in that it allows you to lean more. The power output is gut-wrenching from take off to rev-limiter (100 mph in third gear). The bike's off road agility is almost frightening in that the only way you can tell that it is off-road is that you can sometimes feel the bumps. It is just as stable off-road as it is on road. You may think you want to own a hog, but if I were you I would invest in a horse - BMW, there is no substitute. Show less

I purchased my '04 RT in January of '07 with 34,173 miles. As of this writing, I have put 10,000 miles on the bike in 10 months. Riding includes to and from work, to a 5,000 mile trip out west (Nevada) and back. This bike does everything I ask of it - from the power delivery, to the comfort, to the cornering capabilities, to the ease of maintenance. I enjoy this bike, and certainly don't mind riding to work in the rain. The weather protection is decent, and the Metzler tires that it's equipped with really grip the road well, even when wet. And speaking of wet, the heated hand grips are worth their weight in gold. The storage capacity is good, and I keep the necessary gear loaded, just in case Mother Nature decides to add a challenge to the ride. I don't regret purchasing a bike with 34,000+ miles. Show less

I rode my Adventure back home to Virginia in two days and it inspired more confidence at night and on busy wet mountain highways than any bike I've ridden before. But what I'm really excited to report is how well it handled on the dirt and gravel mountain roads around our property in West Virginia. The ABS brakes were fantastic at slowing me down in a controlled manner as I entered sharp turns too quickly. I'm sure they saved me several times. I felt like a kid with a new dirt bike. Then at the end of the day I could ride 2 hours home with the comfort of a touring bike. I would strongly recommend buying a GS Adventure. Show less

This is truly an amazing bike. I can't think of any faults except that the transmission is a bit clunky compared to a Japanese ride; you can't row through the gearbox like other bikes. The seat feels like your sitting in hot fudge - I rode 1300 kms this weekend and never had to stop once because of soreness. I don't think I'll ever go back to anything else. I thought that the adjustable windscreen would be gimmicky but it is a very useful option actually. Previous bikes include 2000 Honda ST1100, 2004 650 V-Strom, 2000 GSX-R, and a beaten 1984 Honda 750 Interceptor. Show less

GS Adventure: 2007 My first taste of a GS and this flavor will be with me forever. Actually bought it and had never even ridden one before. My experience: I am 45 and been riding for 33 years and have ridden just about everything you could imagine. I have raced amature motocross, street raced a formula road bike, AMR back in the day and dabbled in Trials, no competition but still own a Honda TLR. Admittedly, I only have about 2000 miles on my 2007 GS, but I probably have more then 2000 smile and grins from it. No one should ever really buy this bike for off-roading (In my opinion of course). But everyone should ride a BMW GS just once to experience just how comfortable, controllable and safe you will feel riding this motorcycle. Comfort: I have had several, ok, over forty, motorcycles, motocross bikes, trials bikes, street cruisers, exotic six cylinder Honda CBX's and many others. When you ride the GS you will find you are in the most ergonomically correct position for riding. I have seen people add the highway foot pegs to the GS's - to eaches own. Controllable: I recently took an advance motorcycle riding course offered by the DOT, CT. It teaches you some best practices in motorcycle safety. Panic stops, avoidance of road objects, sudden swerve maneuvers etc. Thinking I had nothing to learn after 30 plus years on the road, I was wrong. Riding the GSA, I was cheating the course. Riding Figure- eights in tight boxes drawn on the ground. Combining acceleration through three gears then adding panic stops. Everything they could think of to simulate dangerous situations for a motorcyclist. The GS could have probably done it all by itself. The GSA With ABS stopped in just over half the distance of any bike out there in all the braking tests. You could hit the brakes for everything they were worth and the ABS did the rest, it was unbelievable! You stop straight in line with total control of the motorcycle. Safety: I would strongly suggest adding or ordering ABS package as an option. It by it's self is the best friend you could have to trust with your life! This is the first motorcycle I have owned with ABS I can not say enough about it get it. It could save your life! The suspension is like riding on air with the long suspension travel, you glide over some pretty tough stuff without a flinch. When set up properly for your weight, riding style and ability, there's really nothing this bike won't do short of motocross. The handling is steady, nimble and very responsive. You can toss it around on the street like a toy. It feels sturdy, smooth and sure footed and if you're into dragging your knee around the corner I invite you to do so. I can't believe how much you can crank such a tall bike over and still feel stable. With road tires on it of course. Now if you want to get goofy, the GSA I ride will nail a wheelie for as far as you ae willing, or daring to ride one. Up through the gears 1st, 2nd, and try third it's tall but very manageable on the rear wheel! And did I mention fun as hell? My overall rating is five stars! They only thing I would ask BMW for is just a pinch more HP. But it certainly has enough for the average rider @ 103 HP. I just am spoiled after spending many years on some real hypo machines. Happy trails, Keep the shinny side up! Show less

I have had my GS for about 4 months now and I love it. I love dual sport bikes because of the type of riding I do. I started with the KLR then bought a V-STROM because of my size I needed more power. After some modification on both the KLR and the Suzuki it just wasn't enough for me so I bought my GS. I cruise at 90 with out even knowing it. It's perfect for me. Show less

I am 6'4" and in case you didn't notice they do not design motorcycles for tall people, however the 12 GS is the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. Earlier this summer I did a 2552 mile trip in six days...for me it was a huge trip. Prior my longest day was about 320 miles. The motor is great in the mountains just stick it in 3rd or 4th and go. If you need a little more, down shift and you're getting as much excitement as you want. It handles well. Can go off road with out blinking an eye. I have the original tires, but I bet with knobs it would feel more planted. After all, it is a 500 lb. motorcycle. Show less