2006 Bmw R1200
BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE (2006 - 2009) Review
15
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5) |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £320 |
| Power: | 99 bhp |
| Seat height: | Tall (35.0 in / 890 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (492 lbs / 223 kg) |
Prices
New N/A
Used £5,000 - £7,000
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)
This is the last word in round-the-world motorcycling can do. With a monstrous 33-litre tank, grunty motor, shaft-drive and excellent reliability in all climes and conditions the BMW R1200GS Adventure redefines the giant trailie motorcycle class. And the BMW R1200GS Adventure is a giant – at nearly a quarter of a ton fully-loaded and with a lofty 910mm seat only the brave or foolish will venture far from the tarmac on this motorcycle.
Watch BMW's R1200GS Adventure take on the KTM 990 Adventure
Hear Charley Boorman talk about BMW's R1200GS Adventure
Watch the BMW R1200GS Adventure in our on and off-road test
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)
On the road the BMW R1200GS Adventure belies its weight and height and handles lightly and surely, though it takes a while to get used to the slightly detached feeling the front Telelever suspension produces. The servo-powered brakes are too powerful off-road, but work well on it, providing you swap the Continental Twinduro tyres to more road-biased motorcycle tyres like Bridgestone's Battlewing.
Engine
Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)
The new 1170cc, Boxer twin SOHC motor in the BMW R1200GS Adventure is taken from the best-selling motorcycle, the BMW R1200GS. It's powerful, torquey and well-geared for effortless cruising at motorway speeds. The BMW R1200GS Adventure's gearbox is pretty indifferent; clunky, with the odd false neutral, especially from second to first. Sixth is no longer the overdrive it was on the older BMW R1150GS Adventure, on this motorcycle the ratio is a normal accelerative gear.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)
Apart from an early recall over a faulty ABS switch the BMW R1200GS Adventure seems blessed with the same indefatigable reliability as its predecessors. The exhaust is fully stainless, the motor unstressed, the shaft drive is hassle-free and BMW R1200GS Adventure owners tend to keep their motorcycles in good condition and regularly serviced.
Value vs rivals
Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)
There's no such thing as a cheap BMW R1200GS Adventure and you can look forward to high prices and high residuals for this motorcycle for a very long time. Find a BMW R1200GS Adventure for sale.
Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)
As stock the BMW R1200GS Adventure already drips with off-road protection like bash plates, hand guards and crash bars. There's ABS, a sat nav system and heated grips as optional extras for this motorcycle along with a selection of hard and soft luggage. Find parts for the BMW R1200GS Adventure in the MCN Shop.
Specs | |
| Engine size | 1170cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 8v Boxer twin, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Tubular steel trellis |
| Fuel capacity | 33 litres |
| Seat height | 890mm |
| Bike weight | 223kg |
| Front suspension | Preload |
| Rear suspension | Preload, rebound |
| Front brake | Twin 300mm discs |
| Rear brake | Single Disc, ABS Optional |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance | |
| Average fuel consumption | 41 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £96 |
| Annual service cost | £320 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £5,000 - £7,000 |
| Insurance group | 14 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance | |
| Max power | 99 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 85 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 130 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 12.5 secs |
| Tank range | 300 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
1999: BMW R1150GS - 85bhp, 229kg, six-speed gearbox, twin headlights.
2002: BMW R1150GS Adventure released – 253kg, bigger tank, taller suspension.
2004: BMW R1200GS – 100bhp, 199kg, more powerful Boxer motor, new chassis.
2006: BMW R1200GS Adventure – new motorcycle.
MCN Long term test reports
New 2018 BMW R1200GS Adventure first ride
Whatever your preconceptions are about BMW's ubiquitous R1200GS, there's really only one reason for its success: it's devastatingly effective at doing its job. And the Adventure model just got even better – albeit through the introduction of key new optional extras. Following a year behind the …
Read the latest report
Owners' reviews for the BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE (2006 - 2009)
25 owners have reviewed their BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE (2006 - 2009) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE (2006 - 2009)
Summary of owners' reviews | |
| Overall rating: | 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5) |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5) |
| Engine: | 4 out of 5 (4/5) |
| Reliability & build quality: | 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5) |
| Value vs rivals: | 3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5) |
| Equipment: | 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5) |
| Annual servicing cost: | £320 |
4 out of 5 BMW adventure
10 October 2020
Year: 2008
Annual servicing cost: £450
Go anywhere but the downside is the cost of parts. Suspension is very expensive to repair. A heavy bike so learn how to properly pick it up when you drop it.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
It performs very well and braking is good. Ride quality is good and comfortable with long or short distances
Engine 4 out of 5
Powerful enough and torque at low RPM is great
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Corrosion on frame
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Standard servicing is acceptable. I do some of the easier jobs myself
Equipment 4 out of 5
Extra engine protection including plates and bars
Buying experience: Bought new from dealer. Fully loaded with all bells and whistles £ 14,655
5 out of 5 Top Quality Motorcycle R1200GSA
30 August 2020 by Black Smith
Year: 2006
A Perfect 10. All around excellence.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
I am an Adventure / Touring Mota~Camping Motorcyclist and th GSA is The Perfect all around bike for getting to places and getting off-road to remote sites through any terrain. Yes it is a beast, like a Rhino it just plows through whatever is in its way. Not for everyone; & that's ok. I outgrew my 650 thumpers and the GSA is a big boy bike.
Engine 5 out of 5
100 horses. Nice powerband & torque. Plenty of giddy-up & go in any situation and tons of top end for Hiway or Autobahn cruising.
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
First word in quality & reliability. The Legendary engineering or BMW Motorrad delivers the ultimate riding machine. Peace of mind is knowing your bike is always reliable.
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Yeah quality costs a bit more but that's ok. I could do it myself but for warranty purposes, I have my bike serviced at a licensed BMW dealer. Just basic maintenance service, brakes, tires, engine, oil change. No issues.
Equipment 4 out of 5
The stock paniers are a bit heavy and cumbersome. I only use em when i need 'em.I'd get aftermarket soft panniers.Suspension is fine but I'd upgrade to accommodate more aggressive off~roading.
Buying experience: Bought from a dealer. Fair price. Good experience.
5 out of 5 Ultimate (Adventure) Riding Machine
23 August 2020 by Black Smith
Year: 2006
Annual servicing cost: £400
Perfection on 2 wheels. I tried to find faults or something things I'd change and it is a fools errand, this bike is everything. I could not ask for anything more or different. I did upgrade the shocks to suit my height / weight & more aggressive off~roading tendencies.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
[ ✓ ] Daily Commuter [ √ ] Touring [ √ ] Off~Road [ ✓ ] Enduro adventure riding. Checks all the boxes easily.
Engine 5 out of 5
Perfect Powerband & Reliability more horses than tou need or can use but its nice to know you can git-up-n-go in any situation.
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Never had any issues. Always starts right up & purrs like a lion ready to pounce on whatever you can throw at it.
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Proper maintainence is a given for proper performance. I don't mind paying for precision crafted parts & certified maintenance.
Equipment 5 out of 5
Paniers are great. Recommend soft paniers for offroading.Heated grips. Sounds like a luxury...until you need them & them you are grateful they're standard.
Buying experience: From a great dealer Dream Machines of Austin. Great deal, Great Crew, Great support, no stress.
5 out of 5 Pete & max go riding
10 April 2020 by Pete coleby
Year: 2009
Annual servicing cost: £500
Best all round bike on the road.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Can ride all day i get tired before bike.
Engine 5 out of 5
Superb, unbreakable, a little underpowered compared to the new models.
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Had a drive shaft break and a valve chip other than that just general repairs, not bad for 203,000 miles. Now had a new clutch but just done in February.
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Bit expensive but have it done at a private garage not bmw dealers.
Equipment 4 out of 5
Good all round but new models have really upped the standards.
Buying experience: From a dealer paid 10,000 it was two years old with 18,800 miles.pete & max
5 out of 5 Perfect bike for me
25 May 2019 by Tony
Year: 2008
Annual servicing cost: £150
Awesome machine. Quite simply a thing of true genius. Yes it has niggles and if I paid 15 grand or so for it new it would not have got 5 stars for the sake of the dodgy fuel guage and seat that should be a fair bit more comfy, but as a 5 grand second hand do all motorcycle in my view it is unbeatable.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
For me the brakes are unbelievably good, highly reassuring and with the none diving front end thanks to the telly leaver I always feel confident on this bike. The balance and all round handling is rea2a thing of genius, with the boxer engine spreading the weight low it is so easy to sit the bike up out of corners and move it around underneath you, (I am 6,2 so may be different if you short?). I tried a KTM 990 between GS's and the brakes and balance were the main factors that got me back on a GS!
Engine 5 out of 5
Rock solid predictable performance from the boxer engine, delivers massive pull through all the gears. Some say its 'a bit agricultural' in feel particularly gear changing however I believe this only adds to the personality of the bike. Mine has been fitted with a decat exhaust and after market can which has added a bit more character to the engine, I would highly recommend.
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
This is the second GS 1200 I have owned and the second to suffer from a fault with the fuel guage where it fails completely without warning. This leaves one to either fork out for it to be fixed or to stick black tape over the flashy warning light and make do with gauging fuel level from the trip meter. Given the brilliance of the rest of this bike this is a problem I can live with. The seat is also a bit of an annoyance, I cna do 100 miles none stop no problem but beyond that I'd have hoped it would be a bit comfier. Other issues are with corrosion which if you leave it outside and don't wash and acf regularly it will corrode! Other than this mine is a rock solid steed that if cared for just goes and goes!
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Parts are expensive if bought and fitted direct from a dealer but like all machines if you have the resourcefulness to scour ebay for decent second hand parts and the mechanical nouse to fit them this is not much more expensive than the average motorcycle to keep going. Annual servicing with oil change is pretty easy with the Haynes manual at hand.
Equipment 5 out of 5
Mine has the ESA system which is fantastic for me when changing between single commuting and two up/luggage trips frequently. Also has the tyre pressure guage which can be useful. Everything feels very functional and robust with easy to use buttons and clear display. The new ones may have all the electronics but to me that is total overkill for a functional motorcycle that demands to be ridden with confidence.
Buying experience: Second hand from a guy who looked after it very well. Iam sure you'd get a decent experience buying new but I could never sanction 15k plus on a bike, even as good as a GS!
2 out of 5 Wouldn't buy another GS
03 August 2017 by Jim10
Year: 2007
Not the quality and reliability you'd expect from a BMW. Mine cost me a small fortune to keep on the road.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Good but not perfect
Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5
ABS failed 20,000 miles,final drive broke 23,000 miles and gear box is rubbish too
Value vs rivals 2 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5
02 March 2016 by David Marquez
Year: 2009
Best aspects: - Balanced engineering, can perfectly cruise, take twisty roads with sport bikes - Comfortable all day long in most conditions - High Quality: in 71kms (44K miles) I have only replaced the telelever union to the fender, and it was more because it looked dry than it actually failed Negative aspects: - Cruising at 100 mph (160kph) for long distances in straight line it transmits significant vibration - The engine vibrates and only until it gets to 50kms (31K miles) vibrations is reduced significantly - Parts are expensive vs Japanese competitors, but if well taken care off, you won't need much than service maintenance parts.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
3 out of 5 Overrated (by MCN)
25 February 2016 by Blackhill
Year: 2006
MCN, who write reviews without apparently knowing anything about the subject matter, should acknowledge that the BMW quality and reliability image are a myth
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Fantastically strong brakes, and the suspension did a good job until the rear damping went south at 15k miles. It's poor quality stuff, but owners gladly spend £1k+ on ohlins, wilber etc. Was this bike cheap to start with? So it was £400 for a hagon shock, which was a good replacement.
Engine 3 out of 5
very rough initially, but smoothed out slightly after 10k miles. Still quite coarse and it's unpleasant to use the engine agressively
Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5
When I purchased this bike new in 2006, I reckoned that the high cost (£10+) would be offset by absolute reliability and quality. They are not, and you don't have to ask round many owners or make a forum enquiry to find that out. So, MCN? The key fob failed, once leaving me stranded in France. The driveshaft seal had to be replaced (the leak almost spat me off). the gear position indicator and neutral light failed twice (25k miles from new). rear shock lost all damping after 15k miles, and I'm not even 13 stone and rarely carried a passenger. The fuel indicator sender also failed after 18k miles. These are all common faults, by the way.
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Servicing costs are probably average, but there are repairs that will need to be done outside that which will double those costs. And I was one of the lucky ones, with no driveshaft or fuel pump issues.
Equipment 4 out of 5
The trip computer was good, until it broke, and the heated grips are nice. ABS is very useful too. Lots of other expensive optional extras are available.
5 out of 5 Brilliant!
23 January 2016 by Jimbo
Year: 2007
Annual servicing cost: £100
Utterly brilliant! Love it more every time I ride it. It's got so much character. The equipment levels are good I bought mine 2nd hand but comes standard with grip heaters large adjustable screen, hand guards, power socket, engine protection, on/off road brake pedal, switchable servo enhanced abs brakes which are absolutely epic btw! It's got a 33L fuel tank giving a 450 mile range on a run and the mapping to run on just about anything slightly flammable, the suspension is great completely adjustable and works perfectly if you know how to set it up, flick a switch and the headlamp adjusts for extra load, the mirrors work, the gearbox is so quiet and smooth riding this bike is an absolute pleasure at low speed it is light and easy to control due to the steering and suspension set up and the fact they've lost 25kg weight over the last model. It's brilliant fun in the bends too and will always put a smile on your face, the torque from that twin is something else! I've got the optional additional headlamps on mine (not that you need it as the standard headlamp is great) but with the the spots on too the lights are much brighter than most cars it runs 3x55w lights on dip beam! It's also got full on board computer even tells you if you have a bulb out which I think is great as many people will ride their bike at night and not realise their rear bulb is out till they get home.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
You have to try them to believe it!
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
It's well made, unfortunately mine was left outside for a year when the old owner passed away so has got a few bubbly spots on it but gave it a spuce just get on and ride it! If you're the kinda person that would rather sit there with a toothbrush, cotton buds, cloths and a box full of polishes than get out and have fun the GSA is not the bike for you! these bikes are built for a purpose and they tick every box they intended to. Most of these bikes do a lot of miles and a lot of people have had issues with bearings ect but these people forget how many miles their doing! If you did 40-50k miles on a jap chain driven bike I'm sure you'd have replaced the chain a few times and be looking at similar issues! Personally mines been fine but I look after it myself and know how to use the spanners
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
3 out of 5 Mr
17 September 2015 by Richard
Year: 2006
Very disappointed. I had corrosion issues. The dealer told me I hadn't washed it with the BMW approved cleaner. I had electrical reliability issues. Honestly - on a bike you're supposed to be able to go to Africa on. All in all a big and expensive disappointment
Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
Buying experience: I will never buy another BMW after this experience
3 out of 5 Not another one!
25 February 2014 by Arrow
54 months old (not ridden for 6 months due to non bike related arm injury = 48 months), 74,000 miles and have just had to have the third set of final drive bearings replaced i.e. average approx. 25,000 miles per set of final drive bearings. Now if this was a BMW car ............... Needless to say this is my last and final BMW motorcycle.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 Rear Drive.....!!!
05 April 2012 by burrich
Having owned my GSA for nearly two years, I can say it rides superbly, but like so many others the rear drive is a definite weak link. Mine has had two rebuilds and then BMW put a updated one on it. Corrosion is atrocious for a bike of this cost. Have BM heard of stainless steel fasteners!! Front engine casing...not a problem according to BMW.Other than that, a superb bike.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
3 out of 5 "Shaft drive hassle free"
08 October 2011 by
I think that it is about time MCN updated their revue of this machine, stick three words, final, drive and failure into any search engine and see what comes up, pages and pages of BMW final drive failures. The fact that some do 100,000 miles with no problems and others only 10,000 smacks of poor quality control. The corrosion on the front engine cover is a result of poor design with the water channels behind the cover directing the water over the rigid foam noise insulation behind the cover - not very clever. The fixing bolts tend to rust but I have seen this on most other makes of bike when ridden in all weathers however at this price it shouldn't be. My engine hasn't missed a beat so far but in heavy rain water is getting into the electrics somewhere causing the tyre pressure monitoring system to pack up; again not very clever for a bike that is supposed to be an all weather, all terrain motorcycle. Its good points for me are that it has kept going in all weathers, has good weather protection (GSA), it handles really well even when loaded and fully fuelled, reasonably good on tyres and good fuel consumption providing you keep it legal and the finish, at least on mine, has been good although in the winter it has plenty of ACF50 sprayed all over it. Needless to say with 33 litres (actually it is probably nearer 35 if the fuel pumps are correct) the range is brilliant with 300 miles easily achievable ridden hard and over 400 when ridden gently. Overall I have to say I lack confidence in its ability to be fault free and hence took out the insured warranty, which at my current annual mileage will only be for this and another year after which I will probably look elsewhere if I haven't changed beforehand.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 gs1200adv
30 March 2010 by gs12
Having owned 43 bikes since 1978 this is by far the best and with committment can be ridden as fast as any bike on the road. I have covered 26,000 miles from new 08 and toured 12 countries! It should be higher than 21st, TOP 5 for sure number 1 for me now nothing else comes close.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
3 out of 5 Value for money?
06 January 2010 by richardlyz
Great bike let down by poor quality. Good to ride - I did 10,000 miles in a year on mine. The corrosion was atrocious & BMW didn't want to know. Got shot of it while it was still worth something and got a KTM. I'm very glad I did
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5
Value vs rivals 2 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 Pros and Cons
16 September 2009 by McCabe25
Personally I think the 1200 GSA is a great bike and cant imagine going back to anything else. It's great in the winter or the summer, on short trips or long and you can carry a ridiculous amount of luggage etc etc. My only issue - and it is quite an important one - is that the build quality of BMWs is clearly not what it used to be. I bought my first Adventure in 06 thinking that I would have it for years and years but have just swapped it for a new one given the problems that I have had with it. If you are paying £12,500 for a motorbike that is built to go around the world (ish) then you shouldn't have to worry about the wheel starting to corrode or the rear suspension failing after a couple of years. The long and short of it is that there is no point owning an Adventure outright anymore as it wont last much longer than 3 or 4 years so just get one on the options scheme that BMW offer and you can get a new one every 3 years. Although there are still lots of reasons why you should buy a BMW - and especially a GS Adventure - they can no longer claim that they produce bikes that are of high build quality.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
3 out of 5 Poor Quality
15 September 2009 by grahew
BMW should be producing bikes that are very high quality based on the cost of the them but they dont my 1200GSA has now been sold due to major brakedowns including three Final Drives,Master Cylinder and Slave Cylinders being fitted ALL under 6K Dealer was superb at trying to sort out the problems but i'am afraid after 14 previous BMW this was my last..to conclude very comfortable and great to ride when running but to unreliable for a bike that is built? to travel the world....buyers beware!
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Reliable? Quality?
04 August 2009 by Magni1200
My 2007 R1200GSA has done 21k (in Japan) and is as good to ride as everybody says. Vibey, rough engine between 4 - 5k rpm. The biggest let down is quality: 3 ignition blocks; 2 fuel pumps; new front suspension; new wheels (rotted); new crash bars (rusted); new stand (ditto); new disk retaining screws (ditto) and the list goes on. Very sticky 1st to 2nd gear change when cold and a generally clunky box. 3 breakdowns... Despite these shortcomings, a brilliantly devised and executed concept. BMW do need to get their act together on quality and reliability and I hear they have been listening.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 Gobs of Range
06 June 2009 by gloverll
I love this bike...it is fast enough, roomy enough, stable enough, fun enough to do anything. It commutes, it tours, it does track days... and I go over 300 miles between fill-ups. The only thing I would change is the wind screen... but I haven't found a viable alternative yet.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 It just does it all...really well
23 June 2008 by kyojitsu
I bought my bike 6 months old nearly 2 years ago. It had already got 14k on the clock as it had been used by a serious rider who did road trips to europe but had been very well looked after. I chose it for a number of reasons: I was sick of sportsbikes and wanted something different, I'm tall and so is the GS, I wanted a bike I could ride all year round without complaint, with great weather protection, could cope with traffic, inner city riding, A-roads and motorways in equal measure and wouldn't fall apart in a few months. In short it's been brilliant. Fabulous handling, grunty motor, very practical, you can see for miles and it's got enormous road presence so you don't get bullied by the traffic. The reliability has been superb and the fit and finish is remarkable. I've ridden through 2 salt encrusted winters and not really washed it much and it still comes up gleaming after a jet-wash. Shaft drive is a godsend - no fiddling around, chain lube or tensioning. Heated grips are great, BMW recovery are great (I ran out of petrol!!), fuel economy is around 45mpg, it's unbelievably practical and I'm struggling to find a reason to not buy another one. The downsides? It's bloody heavy stationary or paddling out of a parking spot (not noticeable on the move), the battery is a bit weak (replaced under warranty) and the gearbox is a bag of spanners but you get used to it. If you're a shortie you won't like it so much either. Overall, fabulous bike.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 All you could hope for in a bike.
04 February 2008 by silverfish
Previously, I had an 1150GS for five years and loved every one of the 50k miles I did on it. I then went to a Varadero which was nice, but bland, and a KTM 950Adv, which was fun but lost out on some practical things. The 12GSA is as quick as the KTM on the road, and a bit more stable too. It's more comfortable and has better weather protection than both. The enormous tank lasts for ages and I really dont miss the twin filler caps of the KTM - fun for the first day but a PITA each time you fill up afterwards! It holds its value very well, so the high initial cost is mostly returned back to you when you decide to move on - though you will probably get another GSA! You cant say the same for pretty much any other bike out there which depreciate horribly in the first year. The dealer network are very professional and capable. The servicing for the newer models is actually cheaper now than it was for the 1150.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 An ideal bike for the Alps & Big Guys that normally dwarf lesser motos!
23 September 2006 by Zinny8
Versatility is the key strength of the new GS1200 Adventure. One late morning in July I loaded it up with 2 weeks of luggage, my Italian wife and rode with one fuel stop directly from Zurich to Savona (with time to spare to catch the over night ferry to Corsica). How that!! It's a long way on motorways, yet the riding position and tall screen made it seem easy. A sore backside of course, but even my RT hurts after an hour or three. It bucketed down as I rode over the congested San Bernadino pass but the sure footed GS passed cars on the wet corners with ease, and when in Corsica the bike handled every road surface and twisty with aplomb. Of course ducking down sandy and rocky back roads to beaches only accessed by 4wd's was a breeze for the Adventure (I could never do that on my ol RT). And the huge amount of lockage luggage space meant no easy temptations were left for the casual tea-leafs to pinch. Strengths: Versatile, as mentioned above. At home on any surface on any road at any speed. The much improved gear box, almost as good as a Jap' one, with a first and second gear that makes even the tightest off-camber hairpin simply an easy and smooth throttle roll. The riding position and handling is great (though you need to be a 6 footer plus). The storage is unbeatable with room for 2 helemts and plenty of touring gear. Even a big briefcase fits in. And the sound from the exhaust is a big improvement. Weaknesses: Its' only for long legged 6 footer riders for sure. Yet the one thing that really annoys me, is the roughness at 4kRPM. Unlike my other Beemers this rasping, vibey range is very harsh and not an acceptable in a quality bike. I am talking to BMW about it. They say there's new tuning software, so maybe this will smoothen it out.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
3 out of 5 Fully loaded, ABS, Heated Grips, BMW 3 Piece lugage, High Seat, and more
09 August 2006 by tobygunnee
I bought this bike Specifically to do a 3000+ mile trip to Scotland as at 6'4" I din't think my Sprint ST would be comfortable enough. Whilst it is undoubtedly a great bike I had a few niggles. Firstly though the plus points. Great handling, better than you'd imagine. Loads of torque and can really fly if you want it to. Great riding position, you can see everything. And of course the build quality is excellent. Now the niggles. Firstly I found the seat pretty uncomfortable. After an hour in the saddle my backside was screaming at me. I could push on for another 30 mins but I really had to get off! After that I was having to rest every 45-60 mins. Had gel inserts fitted but didn't make much difference. Also, the vibes through the bars on long motorway rides made my hand go completely numb after an hour, to the point where I found it difficult to use the controls. Plus I don't like the servo assisted brakes. Still searching for a bike under 250kg that'll give me genuine all day comfort. Strengths: Build Quality, Riding position, Handling. Weaknesses: Servo brakes, seat comfort, vibes on motorway riding.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 All New Biking Experience!
31 July 2006 by blackhill
This is a different type of biking experience. I still have a Falco and changing between the two is always an eye opener. Great views and lower speed thrills are the name of the game, which is important if you want to hold on to your licence. A genuine car replacement that you can use everyday, all year round (luggage, if anything, adds to the appearance of the bike). Strengths: The low down effort of the engine, the attention that the bike draws, the detailing and the handling, especially on the rougher B-roads. The rider computer is great and the tank range is a bonus when you want to cover ground, although a full tank makes low speed manoevres tricky. Heated grips are fantastic. Weaknesses: The seat is uncomfortable. No really! other owners on forums agree about this, I can scarcely believe it (the falco is better)! The engine is quite coarse in the upper revs region which is annoying.
Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 The Adventure Bike of Bikes!
23 April 2006 by bmw525
Compared to "normal bikes", this bike is HUGE! After deliberating, went for white with on board computer, alarm, ABS, pannier frames, driving lights, heated grips and knobblies. Depending on the type of riding you do, I would recommend to go for the road tyres as the knobblies do upset the handling and ultimate grip - but they do look so good, in keeping with what the bike is all about. A very competent bike that feels very well built but maybe not as solid as 1150 adv.. Hopefully will have very good resale value and not be outdated within a year as most Jap' sportsbikes seem to be. The riding position is good and it gives an amazing view, even allowing to see over 4x4's. Brakes very strong with minimum lever pressure and maximum stopping power. Engine alot smoother than 1150, with more power right through the rev range. MAKES A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO THE RUN OF THE MILL BIKE. Strengths: Build quality, being able to spec bike with various options, brakes, resale value looks (debatable I know). Weaknesses: None so far.
Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
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BMW R1200GS Adventure motorcycle review - Riding
Source: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/bmw/r1200gs-adventure/2006/
