2008 Bmw R1200gs
2008 BMW R1200GS
Best-seller made better?
BMW’s most popular motorcycle, the über-versatile R1200GS, has undergone a series of revisions for 2008 that runs deeper than a passing glance across its flanks might suggest.
In fact, the latest big-bore GS is more fun to ride than ever before. More power, revised front-end geometry and other chassis upgrades give the long-legged Boxer a new, more exciting feel. Further, suspension action-both springing and damping-can now be tweaked on the fly via BMW’s excellent Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA), part of the $1495 Equipment Package 2.
As with other ESA-equipped BMWs, there are three basic settings: Comfort, Normal and Sport. Unique to the “Enduro” version, the rider also can differentiate between onand off-road springing—one setting for pavement and two for dirt. The Comfort setting is good off-road. Normal is perfect for everyday riding. Sport gets the best out of the chassis on smoothly "aved canyon roads. The selection is inon the new lifted from the K-bikes. Other available on-board information: average speed, average fuel consumption, trip range and time of day.
But it is the new steering geometry that makes the greatest difference. Rake has been reduced from 27.2 degrees to 25.7, and trail has gone from 4.3 inches to 4.0. With the front wheel moved back half an inch, wheelbase is down from 59.8 inches to 59.3. Because the gas tank is slimmer where it meets the seat, allowing the rider to slide farther forward, weight distribution has benefited, as well. Despite its tallish 33.5-inch seat height, the GS now leans more naturally into bends. It feels sure-footed and perfectly neutral, with great feedback through the handgrips.
With a bump in compression to 12.0:1, a hotter camshaft, bigger valves (36mm intake, 31mm exhaust) and 47mm throttle bodies, the air/oil-cooled 1170cc Twin now produces a claimed 105 horsepower at 7500 rpm and 85 foot-pounds of torque at 5750 rpm. Redline is 8000 rpm. The six-speed gearbox has been beefed up with larger bearings and has more appropriately spaced ratios.
While the small fairing with its adjustable windscreen might not do much at low-to-medium speeds, it makes cruising at 100 mph a pleasant, non-stressful experience. A top speed of more than 130 mph is achievable, but excellent throttle response around town and on a twisty backroad is what really sets the $14,600 GS apart from its adventure-bike competition.
Improved engine performance teamed with an upgraded chassis makes the 2008 R1200GS a great pleasure to ride and an even more comfortable and versatile bike, which is really saying something. -Bruno dePrato
