The GS is a family of dual sport motorcycles in the BMW scheme of things. The R1200 GS is the flagship BMW dual sport model and is also available in the ‘Adventure’ trim. The R1200 GS is BMW’s top-selling motorcycle across the globe and became famous after the ‘Long Way Down’ and ‘Long Way Round’ trips by Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman.
The R1200 GS is powered by a 1170cc liquid-cooled boxer-twin engine mated to a six-speed transmission. It develops 124bhp of power and 125Nm of torque that is transferred to the rear wheel via shaft drive. The R1200GS gets a 20-litre fuel tank, long travel suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels. The saddle is considerably high at 850mm and the seating upright thanks to the neutral set footpegs and high handlebar.
The BMW R1200 GS is semi-faired with a large wind-screen and gets LED headlamps, keyless ignition and a quickshifter as options. The 2017 model is Euro IV compliant and gets ABS as standard. The R1200GS is not really a looker but is immensely capable both on and off the road provided you have the right set of tyres for every purpose. The R1200GS competes with the Ducati Multistrada 1200 and the Triumph Tiger Explorer along with the erstwhile Aprilia Caponord 1200.