BMW Touring reviews

I LIVE TO RIDE. I am at my most comfortable when moving. Bicycles, skateboards, skiis, Motorcycles. Many motorcycles: BMW, Aprilia, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Ducati, Honda. THIS is my last BMW, starting with a 1956 R69 ( I rebuilt one winter of 1970 and subsequently rode x-country twice ), several boxers, 1973 R75/5, 1974 R90S, 1977 R100 RS (2), 1978 R100S, 2103-2015-2017 S1000RR (THE FINEST SPORTBIKE. PERIOD ), but the 2019 S1000XR ( K49 ) is the finest example of BMW ethos; GET FROM HERE TO THERE ON THE BIKE THAT RATCHETS UP YOUR CONFIDENCE TO 11 IN RIDING ANY ROAD, ANY CONDITION, IN ANY WAY YOU CHOOSE. AND ARRIVE NOT WANTING TO GET OFF YOUR RIDE! Boxer engines are the meditative equivalent of the inline 4 cylinder 999cc engine. The water-cooled 4 valve/cylinder two OHCam engine begs to scream, once freed from DOT bureaucratic ecu strangling, the engine provides all its torque at 2500 and will spin to 13,000 rpm! 165 HP = 165 MPH. Not that you need to, it's just so much fun! Want to cover miles? Drop it into 6th, 6000 rpm = ~80mph and 41 mpg. But this is so much more than an interstate traveler, canyon roads are its home, granted you won't attack them as if you're on an RR or a dedicated track machine, but with a 4 inch longer swingarm and >100lbs, you're friends on the RR's won't be waiting for you. Multiple electrical connections, phone mounts ( forget that BMW map BS ) and top case / bag mounts and more. Reliability, ease of Maintenance, Ability to modify and make it your own, set up to be easy to strip down or load it up for your sig other's pleasure and still be relatively light, make this MY choice to ride anytime, anywhere. Why did I give it 4 stars for quality? Remember I've been on BMW's since the 1970's. Back then you got sofa cushions for seats, metal fenders, a COMPLETE tool set, a hand painted and pinstriped bike. I have watched and ridden as the fenders became plastic, the tool kit shrank, the seats lost their cushion, and paint became decals, but BMW hasn't changed their pitiful yellow headlights ( but you CAN replace them with LED's if you're handy ). But the ENGINE, FRAME, SUSPENSION AND BRAKES WORK TOGETHER AS WELL, IF NOT BETTER THAN ANY OTHER BIKE IN THE WORLD! Why did I give it 4 stars for COMFORT? Today's BMW is built for a rider at least 6'2" with a 34-36" inseam and a 34-36" reach and a butt made of steel. If you're say, 5'6" with a 28" inseam and 30" reach, you're standing at lights on one toe, riding bent over trying to reach the bars while laying on the tank. That seat is a carryover from the track focused RR; great for 20 minute sessions but ride out for the day and come back from a 300 mile loop and your butt will be talking to you for quite some time. Easy enough to remedy, but BMW should offer it instead of having to do it on your own ( see QUALITY ) THE FINAL VERDICT IS WE ALL RIDE TO BE AND EXPRESS OURSELVES, THE S1000XR IS ONE OFTHE FINEST PALETTES TO DO THAT WITH. RIDE ON! Show less

This is an amazing motorcyle, best for any day and road. Try it and you will love it. Polyvalent riding in any conditions. Until you drive such a versatile motorcycle, you wont be ready to buy your next 70/30 city/highway motocycle.... Show less

I've been riding for over 54 years. From off road woods machines, motocross, hair scrambles, standard modified 70's street, sport bikes, adventure, and so on. I was introduced to the GS style 25 yrs. ago. Long story short; this is my 4th GS. This bike I picked up after having a 2014 GS. The 2012 is the most reliable bike that BMW ever made. It's the K25 engine that is bullet proof. The handling and performance are equal to anyone that wants to ride; not show. This machine is made for miles and really don't want to let it go. It will take you anywhere with a want to do it again. Show less

One of the best touring bikes I ever purchased in my lifetime and I had many. combination of sport and touring. I toured a big piece of north America with this bike and I never was uncomfortable. All the key comfort features along with the power and torque out of that amazing 6 cylinder engine. You cant go wrong with this Bike! Show less

This bike is a blast to ride, handles and perfoms like a race bike, but has an upright seating position for all day riding. The quickshifer works perfectly, the exhaust tone is awesome. A real head turning motorcycle, expects alot of compliments and thumbs up! Show less

I have owned BMW RT's for over 20 years. I am on my third one a 2020. These bikes are exceptional tourers, providing protection from the elements as well as in minor "downs". The electric adjustable windscreen (on the fly) along with heated grips and heated seat, can extend riding seasons to year round. The boxer twin cylinder engine (horizontally opposed) provides tremendous torque in addition to the 110 (plus) HP. So this machine provides miles and hours of grins while chewing up twisties giving conventional sport bikes a run for the money. I consistently put about 100,000 miles on each one every ten years combining 7,000 mile annual trips with 3,000 annual miles of local twisty riding and have never been let down. Service intervals have been improved by BMW over the generations and the common 6,000 mile service can easily be done by the owner (with some minor wrenching experience). Whether riding two up or solo this bike provides year round comfort, and the panniers and storage components provide excellent ease of traveling and waterproof secure containment. Selectable (on the fly) riding modes can adjust ride-ability from comfort on highways to normal for street riding to sport for the twisties. I can't say enough good stuff about these bikes. Show less

The BMW GS has been the best selling Dual-sport motorcycle for over 40 years by world wide Dual-sport enthusiasts. This bike is at home on the interstate or riding forest service roads, the GS can do it all. With the flip of a switch it can go from highway cruiser to mud slinging beast. This bike is equipped with standard height suspension and off road footpegs with Denali driving lights for night time adventures. Show less

I love this bike. It performs, reliable and refined. Never any maintenance issues. If your interested in many years and miles of enjoyment this is for you. You'll probably never out grow this machine or get bored with it. I'm old and need to hang up my helmet. Otherwise I'd be riding my beemer today. Show less

Love this bike because it's a cruise missle on 2 wheels. Comfortable, quick, and pretty good on the gas. 150hp at the engine is more than enough, even for a short, gravity challenged person. Took this bike in the mountain twisties, highways, and around the Great Lakes. With the cruise control, ABS, heated grips and seat made it a easy choice for my everyday rider - until the snow starts flying. But alas, I'm getting older and this bike is heavy. Moving it around is a little bit of a challenge, but manageable. I think the K-bikes were underrated for what they could do. The in-line 4 cyl really spooled up quick and the next thing you know, you're doing 90 in 3rd gear on a 6 speed transmission. The ride was smooth a butt'ah. Shifting was a little clunky, but if you preload your shift it went thru the gears fine. It was a little pain to do maintenance because of all the tupperware, but that's the same with all these bigger sport-touring and touring bikes (exceptions are the big V twins). Show less

This bike has performed beyond my expectations and I sad to get rid of it. I can no longer control it at slower speeds. It is a very comfortable bike and has taken me several places across the country. It purrs like a kitten and has been serviced at all the increments required by BMW. Show less