BMW’s GS adventure bike is an icon. A perennial best seller, it can trace its origins back to 1980, when the company built an unlikely enduro machine around its flat twin boxer engine. The resultant R 80 G/S, the abbreviation G/S standing for “Gelände / Straße” or off-road/street, was one of the last rolls of the dice for BMW’s struggling motorcycle division. It would not only succeed in keeping the lights on at BMW Motorrad, but set the foundations for the huge success we know with the latest R 1300 GS today.
While the slash was quickly dropped to create the GS name we use these days, and over the years the designs became more road orientated to develop the adventure bike we know today, the spirit of those originals (and the slash) are back with a new model – the R 12 G/S.
Retro motorcycles have been big business over the years, with roadsters, scramblers and even sporty reimaginings like the Yamaha XSR900GP, but the new G/S marks the first time we’ve seen a classically styled big enduro bike. The R 12 G/S is a member of the R 12 family, sharing its oil and air-cooled 1170cc boxer twin engine with the R 12 cruiser, R 12 nineT roadster and the range topping R12 S, which pays its respects to another iconic model in the form of the R 90 S.And for fans of 1980s ‘dual sport’ bikes, we think the new R 12 G/S ticks all the styling boxes, and really captures the spirit of the original R 80 G/S.
Of course the big boxer engine, with the cylinders sticking out the side of the bike, dominates the look. It features suitably long travel suspension, 21” spoked front wheel and a natty little headlamp cowl, which combines with the high level front mudguard and classic white, red and blue BMW colours (other options are available) to create a style that’s instantly recognisable.
Being a BMW, it comes with a comprehensive options list which allows owners to customise the bike to their heart’s content. There are three different seat options, alternative footrests, handlebar arrangements, and even a larger rear wheel option to help owners optimise their steeds for more hardcore off-road action. As always, the highest levels of electronic rider aids also come as part of various packages which can significantly add to the base model’s £14,085 screen price (€18,700 in Ireland).
As standard, you get a flat solo seat which gives a not insignificant 860mm seat height. The ‘Enduro Package Pro’ swaps the 17” rear wheel for an 18” item, increasing ground clearance and raising the seat height to 875mm. BMW seems to have been serious about endowing the G/S with good off-road capability (like the original) and the Enduro package also adds higher handlebars, serrated footrests and a fourth riding mode, which optimises throttle response, traction control and ABS for taking on loose surfaces. A 20mm taller Rallye seat also lifts the riding position and should enhance control when riding on dirt.
Although based on the R 12 platform, the G/S has a significantly modified chassis to optimise it to the enduro style. The detachable steel subframe is different, and features two practical steel eyelets on the rear frame, which can be used as lashing points. Geometry is also different, which combines with the taller suspension and larger wheels to transform the riding experience.
Although coming with the solo seat as standard, the G/S can be fitted with a passenger seat, which is among its many options.
The 229kg G/S features the venerable 109bhp boxer twin at its heart, utilising a traditional high level exhaust system which is unique to this model. Thoroughly modern, though, are the three ride modes – while the optional equipment includes stuff like heated grips, an upgraded headlight, cruise control and an up-and-down quickshifter.
With the genre being such big business these days, it’s hardly surprising to see a 1980s inspired retro adventure bike hitting the market – and if anyone’s going to do it, it was always going to be BMW – the company who pretty much established the sector four decades ago and who have really owned it ever since. It’s going to be really interesting to see if it gets buyers into showrooms this summer – and if other manufacturers get in on the act and develop retro adventurers of their own.
