Customer review - R 1200 GS

Want to see what others think of the latest R 1200 GS?

Heres an account from one of our customers Andrew Sercombe who gave the new bike a go...
 

I borrowed a 2010 BMW 1200 GS today. My own 2008 GS went into the workshops for a 30,000 service and it was the perfect opportunity to take out the latest version. Tell me what you think of it,” Mark Slade from Chandlers Bikes in Brighton told me, so here is my report - to him and you.

Needless to say, this 2010 is an upgrade, not a new model, so as I left Chandlers’ Portslade base my questions were “Have the changes worked?” and “Are they worth changing my bike for?” 

As I got out onto the road, I soon appreciated how it has been improved. None of the changes seem individually that important, but together they make a significant difference. Its more refined. The engine is smoother, and kinder. Riding initially in traffic, then onto some dual carriageway, then into some village roads, I found I was changing up earlier,  with the bike pulling harder at lower revs. It has an extra 5hp and although that seems small, it make the bike feel lighter, and more willing. The exhaust sound is deeper too - more burbly. Nice.

More than anything this 2010 GS felt gentler on me, subtly less invasive, without losing any of the seduction I’ve experienced with my 2008. It drew me in, as if taking responsibility for my riding enjoyment. Its a more rounded ride and difficult to fault.  That matters more than the redesigned computer readout, the LED pencil indicators, the quirky-looking rear light and the odd (unnecessary) changes in paint colour: silver to black.  I was pleased to notice the cylinder head covers have had some attention, though, giving more weather protection to the stick-coils. They were a weak spot on the old GS, so maybe they’ll last longer now. And it did 52 miles to the gallon too. That’s better than mine. 

But a report like this is about you as well as me. You’re reading this and maybe are thinking about treating yourself to one.  Then I can tell you that the 1200GS has never been better. If you’ve been concerned, put those concerns aside. Just do it.  This is a great bike.  It ticks so many boxes. I’ve had mine for 16 months and have ridden it tens of thousands of miles on fast main roads and rough backwood country tracks all over Europe, and that’s what its designed for, not to be carefully polished on a Friday night ready for the Saturday rideout (if its sunny). The truth is, whatever you do with it, it will put a smile on your face mile upon mile. 

Yes, I’m a 12GS fan and all my friends know it, but this latest version has reminded me that even the best can get better. From today’s ride I’m happy to report it just did.  The iconic GS has come of age and feels mature - without losing any of its engaging playfulness. My thought was that it will be the last upgrade before BMW Motorrad introduce an ‘all-new” version in another year or so.

Have the changes worked? Yes. Will I change my bike for them? Well, I’m very satisfied with my ’08, but I’d be equally delighted to discuss the prospect of owning this latest model with a member of BMW’s sales team. After all, who knows what I’ll be riding next year?

Andrew Sercombe

 

If you're interested in taking a test ride or finding out more then take a look at the details or call us on 01273 426600.