BMW R1250GS – does it still lead the pack?

The instigator of all things adventure in the motorcycle world continues to evolve since its launch over 40 years ago. The GS’ engine has grown in capacity, the mechanical features have advanced, and rider aids have become plentiful, but is it still the King? My own personal motorcycle is a 2015 GS Adventure. I’ve ridden all other versions up to the 1250, so I was super-keen to throw some miles on the latest incarnation to see how much better it was than my own, and the versions in-between, as in my opinion the 2015 model, before all the Euro restrictions started to kick in, is the best GS money can buy.

Flexible start

The journey started from the MSL HQ in Horncastle and from there we headed south on the A153. Being last in the pack I was left to try and keep up with the bunch and this provided a great opportunity to test the overtaking and torque of the ShiftCam Boxer engine. The response through the throttle to the rear Bridgestone AX41 knobbly was instant, but super-smooth and more flexible than an Olympic gymnast.

The gear you use simply depends on how fast you want to overtake; the amount of torque this thing produces will allow you to sneak by the traffic without changing gear. Just twist the noise tube and meander on by. The ShiftCam technology does make a considerable difference, far more so than any model in-between itself and my 2015 version.

Off-roading

With us having the Bridgestone AX41 knobblies fitted, we did take in some off-road riding. Yes, the GS is very capable in talented hands but a bit cumbersome with the not so talented. The route we took was pretty muddy and in parts the only way to get through was to sit down and paddle. This, for me, is where the GS is flawed as the gigantic pots sticking out either side get in the way of your shins and it really hinders your leg movement. I did the same route on the Harley and it was so much easier to paddle that through. I guess it depends on the type of off-road one does but if it’s deepish mud, I wouldn’t use a GS.

Weighty matters

The handling itself is typical GS. It simply defies its weight and overall size, and once up and rolling you really do have to keep looking down to check you’ve not jumped on a more nimble bike. Fast, sweeping roads are where this bike excels and it potters along with so much ease.

The TFT screen is super-easy to read and navigate whilst on the move and for my 6ft 2in, 19-stone frame, the ergonomics were good from the off. Being the GS and not the Adventure, the bike did seem small, (even though it’s far from it) and therefore easier to manage in tight parking areas. With the weight difference between the GS and the A you’d need to question why you would bother with the A version as the fuel range is only as good as the least economical bike in the group – you have to stop anyway when one of your mates needs fuel! If you ride mostly on your own with some off-road, then the A would be the preferred choice.

Is the King still the King?

Having ridden all the bikes back-to-back on this trip, the GS still feels the best; it still feels the most refined and I guess with 40 years of development, you can see why. The other bikes on the test are extremely good bikes and let’s face it, they’re closing in on the BMW at a rapid rate.

It’s all down to personal preference and brand loyalty, but the GS is the Range Rover of the bike world and in my opinion remains at the top of the list, but only just, and BMW is going to have to work hard to fend off the competition.