BMW R 1200 GS reviews

I had done all my research on this bike before purchase and still couldn't believe its abilities. I live in the big city and love the country aspect so I decided on the enduro and I couldn't have been happier. The suspension system is pure excellence with the ease of adjustment on the right side within seconds. The power is more than one needs for your average to experienced rider. It's been a while since I rode the "dirt bike" style but I've been on bikes all my life from dirt bikes as a kid, rockets in my twenties, custom choppers, to my last harley streetglide and I can honestly say this is most FUN bike I ever owned. Comfortable to ride-the only downfall is being so light and tall profiled you really feel the wind on windy days but that's to be expected. I constantly get looks and compliments. The only WARNING I have is don't underestimate the power of this machine expecially with its light weight. As my buddies say "that's not a birt bike-that's a dirt bike on STEROIDS!!" All in all, I've already put a couple of scratches on it after two days and my other half said you could've waited a month or two. But how else do you test a dirt bike if you never take it off road? I STRONGLY SUGGEST getting it with the knobbies since you never know when you might find that adventure; besides they handle pretty good on the road as well. Good safe riding---ED P.S. Center stand worth it for maintenance and winter storage Show less

Bought the 2002 new in 2005 at a very steep discount. The first owner bought it and only put 38 miles on the machine. The 2002 RT has been very predictable after reading all the materiel available. It is more touring than sport. The problems were the rear seals & front shocks needing to be replaced at 18,000 miles. It had minor surging initially. My dealer suggested injector cleaner and it worked. They do a solid job with scheduled maintenance which eliminates any hint of surging that may have arisen. I am a confident rider and find the motorcycle inspires willingness to ride in less than ideal circumstances. Rain, cold, bugs on summer nights are not an issue. The bike is very smooth at speed. The ABS brakes work great, but power assist is very touchy until you become accustom to the sensitivity. I have kept the bike well maintained and stock. I am finally going to purchase an aftermarket windshield, as the stock does not protect wide shoulders. The seat is not that comfortable, but I do not do over 250 miles/day. I still would like a Russell Daylong Seat. Changing the oil is snap, even for the mechanically handicapped. The silver paint has held up very well and I do not constantly clean or wax. Still the best part is the riding: deep corners, decent acceleration and the ability for my wife to ride comfortably and to carry plenty of stuff when necessary. There is more emphasis on tour than sport. I have a 28 inch inseam and have little difficulty, but have learned to pick my parking spots wisely. I hope this helps you if you are considering purchasing a used one. I plan on keeping mine, the comparable new versions (K1300 GT, R1200 RT, Concours 14) are not worth the extra dollars to me at this time. Show less

Well, after 20K miles, I am happy to say that I am still very satisfied with my R1200R. I haven't found any other motorcycle I would even consider trading mine in on yet (yes, the wife still loves hers too).
As expected, the BMW has been flawless in the reliability department.
Whether you want to take a leisurely ride in the country, or a spirited ride on the twistiest roads you can find, this bike is more than equal to the challenge. Although the R1200R did not seem to get some of the press of the other performance motorcycles out there, I would have to say for real world, everyday riding, it's hard to beat.
The only negative thing I can say is the wind protection is a bit lacking. But hey, it's a naked bike, what do you expect, get the hand warmers.
What do you have to lose? Go take one for a test ride. Go on the twistiest road you can find and don't be afraid to push it past 4500 RPM coming out of the corners. It will pleasantly surprise you with more than enough torque. Show less

I am 53 and finally was able to own the bike I always wanted. I was visiting dealers for about 1 year sitting on the bikes and leaving the stores depressed because I was not confident on a bike tip toeing. One night it dawned on me that when added my bags and gears the bike would sag a bit and it may actually lower it, so that was the key to my problem, with inseam 29/30 I was able to find a stock low seat right away on the craigslist and it kind solved the problem. Took a 6 day tour from Central CA to Portland Or, and was amazed by the comfort and performance. The seat is not perfect but every 2-3hrs a stop made the trip confortable enough. I had a foam pad underneath my behind and it made a world of a difference. I ride it for short rides 2-4hrs and it is a fun bike, because it has plenty of clearance for cornering despite, that I scraped my boot on the pavement a few times, I am not a hard rider but enjoy the twisties. I have owned a hondas 360-750's, hd sportster and I currently own an 05 MV F4-1000 witch is the performance bike but, mile per mile, the bmw R 1150 Rockster I think surpasses the fun factor. Show less

I picked up a GS in February 2009 after trading in an RT. I was hit head on in March by a driver who was interested in texting more than driving. I suffered a minor concussion and the bike was totaled (you should have seen the car!). Thought I would try out a different brand. I lasted about two weeks on that bike before I realized what I had done. I sold that bike and went back to the R1200GS. It truly is the best in its class and better than bikes in most other classes. It is a jack of all trades, and depending on how you look at it, a master of quite a few. I got the new bike on April 30 and already have 5500 miles logged. I will log another 3K this week, heading up the coast and taking a few forest roads along the way. It is one of the most well-balanced bikes I have ever ridden. I can keep up with most sportbike riders on Palomar Mt. and the bike rips up the track (I didn't even have stickies on)! The bike seems to glide over gravel and sand alike. The suspension when off road has to be experienced to be believed. I teach a sportbike riders course on this bike and you should see the faces of all those squids when I demo the course with all cases on. I would shill for this company for no money. Wait, I AM shilling for no money! Great company and a truly amazing riding experience. Next stop: Baja and then Latin America. Show less

I am the second owner of this bike. I have had it 3 mo. So far it has been better than I hoped. Good smooth power, nice ride. I have had many bikes this is the first BMW should have bought one a lot sooner. I think anyone will be pleased with this motorcycle.... Show less

I traded in my 2006 VTX1800R with only 2,000 miles on it and only having been out of the crate for 11 months. Having rode a Harley and other V-Twins there is no comparison between them and the BMW K1200LT. If you're looking for the best of all worlds, do yourself the favor of a life time and take a ride the best handling luxury sport touring bike in the world. There's no returning to the potato-potatopotato-potato for me. I only wish I would have discovered this dream machine decades ago. Show less

I have put 10k miles on this bike in 4 months. Weekend mountains and canyon twisties, San Diego to LA slabbing, San Diego cruising, and a recent 1200 mile weekend. Rider comfort is superb and this is a smooth machine. I had some initial issues with the seat, but after changing to a high seat I can ride for hours with no discomfort. This bike has all the get up and go a body could want and handles the tightest corners like a dream. The suspension was obviously not designed for someone as fat as I am but it does a remarkable job. Have I mentioned I love my R1200R? Show less

I traded in my 09 Harley for the my new 09 K1200LT. I was looking for the bike that gave me comfort, power and enough gadgets to keep me interested and on the road. Well I am super satisfied and must say if you want to rumble get a Harley, if you want to ride get a K1200LT and let freedom reign. Show less

The perfect all around bike. Nice looking, lightweight, low seat height, fuel injection, low center of gravity, and BMW's expandable side cases make this bike perfect within town and out on the highway. Enough power overall without getting yourself in trouble. The cons are: not be most fun to ride (lacks character), front end is not as balanced when coming to a stop, combination trip/odometer defaults at odometer at startup, and the rear seat rack is plastic. It is one bike that can easily do all. Show less