BMW R 1200 GS reviews

My 2001 black with white pin stripe, as of March 2012, has 50,553 miles on it and has never had a problem. It has been a fantastic motorcycle for daily commuting, twisty road Sunday rides, touring and even seen a track days (yes, I said track day). I have ridden this bike over 5,500 miles from Chicago to the most Southern point in Mexico and Yucatan and back. I've done a few cross country trips all without problems. With all the miles my stock rear shocks were getting soft and saggy. A few weeks ago I did replace the front and rear with Ohlins shocks at $1,300. Shocks are a wear and tear item. I read a review here where the rider said the exhaust was too quiet for him. The stock exhaust is almost silent, yery stealthy! But I did miss a little rumble and wanted to make a few performance changes. I decided to drop 28 lbs. and gain better Bhp by changing the exhaust to a full Two Brothers Racing ($289) setup. I also added a Techlusion Tfi ($169) fuel/air tuner like a power commander. Right away the exhaust note blew me away. This bike rumbles like a Ducati with Termigonis! The weight loss and hp make a huge difference in "get up and go". I will say I love the increase in performance but when on long distance rides, I wish I had the stock silencer on it purely for the peace and quiet. The RL handled twisty curves with grace and now with Ohlin suspension, it feels surgically precise and I feel very, very confident in corners. The R1100RL can be a great all-around bike. It has the museum quality in it's throw back classic BMW styling with new technology performance. It's a great bike for shorter height riders as the seat has three height settings from 29.6-31. 5 inches. You do feel like rider and bike become one. I think everyone who truly rides should own 2-3 bikes. It's a fun bike, a commuter and long distance tourer. This bike is fun, but not as fun as a Ducati sport bike. Although, it will still have your heart pounding and put an ear to ear smile on your face! It is a fantastic city commuter. I have even ridden a suit and tie to work on this stylish machine. I added the Parabellum Scout faring so with side cases, tank bag and large BMW bag on the optional luggage rack, it will get the job done riding long distance tour bike, but not as comfortable as the new K1600GTL on long trips. This why I say you always need the right bike for the job. Some are more versatile than others. BMW does a great job at making a bikes that can have multiple uses. The R1100RL really does this well! This is one bike I don't think I will ever sell. Show less

Since my last review I added 10,000 miles on this bike and my opinion has changed as now I like the bike even more. In the last couple of years I have ridden quite a bit more on the weekends but probably the most inspiring was the day I took off at 3 in the afternoon and did not stop until I reached Canada. The bike was fantastic as the luggage and gear that is readily available for it worked wonderfully and the bike was almost perfect. The only reason I say almost is that the seat is good for a couple hours of riding and then you are in pain. So I had a custom seat made that I wish I had for the trip to Canada but at least I will have it for the next trip. The positives are the great mileage, adequate power, ease and pleasure of riding the bike and reliability. The main negative is the BMW seat is not good for long trips and the headlight could be a bit brighter. If you can only have one bike I recommend an Enduro motorcycle as this class of bike will enable you to do the most varied kind of riding. Show less

I just bought a used 2009 LT with 2,600 miles on the meter. I'm getting ready to retire and was looking for a touring machine - I plan on making some long trips. I traded in a Triumph T-Bird with 15K on the meter. I was originally looking at the 1600GTL but it did not fit my frame. I found this one in the showroom in a like new condition. There is nothing wrong with it - I mean nothing. I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer size at first but was really surprised at how well this bike handles even on the twisties. The quality is superb. It has loads of power, and is wonderfully smooth with all the options. It truely is the ultimate riding machine. I love the hard bags - lots of storage space for the long hauls. It's the first Beemer I have owned but probably wont be the last. I love this bike!! Show less

I'm 59 and a Chopper man since the beginning, until, I had to accept the fact it was time to go for a GT bike. I bought the 1200RT second-hand (20,000 miles) and I can say just one thing: fantastic! It's like a bicycle with the engine of a formula one car. It's easy to pilot, has an unbelievable engine, total comfort and is totally reliable. I regret one thing: I should have bought one earlier. Minus point? Well, when bought new, the options are pretty expensive. Show less

This bike is amazing, I have owned crotch rockets, cruisers, and this is the best of all. I spent almost six months trying to decide which new bike I would get. I went with this, and not a regret in the world! The only downside is the seat, it's a little uncomfortable after the first 150 miles. Other than that everything is awesome! I went to a rider safety course after I owned the bike for four days and I got asked how long I had owned the bike and they couldn't believe it had only been four days because of how easily it is to handle. GET THIS BIKE!! Show less

A V-Star cruiser has been my ride for the past 11-1/2 years. I grew up riding dirt and eventually street motorcycles. It was mostly the on/off style of bike and riding for me. Ever since I first became aware of the GS line of BMW's, in the mid 1980's, I've been amazed by the go anywhere/anytime attitude and culture it inspired. Well I finally rejoined the on/off party yesterday afternoon thanks to Rick and all the kind folks at the dealership. I'm currently the overjoyed owner of a black 2011 R1200GS, with ESA, ABS, heated grips, hand protectors, on board computer and a top box. It's a great beginning to what eventually will become my very own set-up on an ultimate go anywhere/anytime machine. Show less

This is my second KRS, the first was a 2000. I am a long time rider and have owned many from dirt bikes to cruisers to sport tourers. This bike has it all. It's sexy, fast and comfortable. When people ask me about it they are shocked when I tell them it's a 1999 model. It has a timeless look about it that is still sought after. BMW has built a magnificent machine that just continues to last. I ride it to work every day about 80 miles round trip. The newer K's are very nice but I tend to gravitate to the classic lines of the early K1200RS. Show less

This is my first BMW. What a difference in ridability. This bike is so smooth, feels so comfortable and solid. It will not be my only BMW. Show less

I bought mine last summer. I rode it to Las Vegas on September 3, 500 miles in nine days and it was a real joy. I did 2,400 miles to Bike Week in Daytona in March. I had the bike less than a year and put 17,000 miles on it. I don't ride it to work either! At first the bike seems top heavy, and it probably is on gravel roads. On paved roads it cruises as fast as you want, with plenty of reserve to pass other cars. Did I mention this bike has plenty of power to get you out of the way of other cars? With a corded helmet, the stereo sounds great too. I recently completed my first IBA run (1,000 in 24 hours) and was comfortable the whole time. I have had three Harley Ultra Classics, and I won't be going back to them. The Harleys are hot, vibrate, and don't have good wind protection like the LT. I won't buy another bike without reverse either. The reverse, power windshield, and power center stand are just the topping on the cake to a really well engineered bike. Show less

I have owned many motorcycles, some tourers and other cruisers. I have never experienced a motorcycle so well balanced in handling, power, quality of fit and finish and ride ability under all conditions. This K1300GT has it all. At first, I was a little intimidated by the massive amounts of power this bike lays out, but got used to it in short order. When cruising on the freeway and going 80 mph. the engine hums at 5k rpm. but you never feel it because it is vibration free (or almost). It has such great balance on the engine and it pulls away from anything at highway speeds, making it a great "get out of the way" machine. Riding two up couldn't be easier with the ESA II suspension system that allows you to adjust your ride to any condition and number of passenger and/or bags. This bike purrs in mountain riding and handles the wickedest turns with ease. Show less