Motorcycle tests at motorradtest.de

Driving report BMW R 1200 GS Rallye (Baujahr 2018)

The rally version of the BMW 1200 GS - not only pretty to look at.

21.04.2018

Wild Bavarian in the feisty Rally-Dirndl

The BMW R 1200 GS was a particularly hotly anticipated test object for us. And not only because the popularity of GS gave hope to many interested parties for our test report. No, above all we all had to cruise around with this not quite cheap eye-catcher. So the animinage of the motorcycle test crew did not shine badly when the 2018 model in the rally outfit finally stood in front of you. It came blue in sporty Cordoba, packed with all three packages you can buy. Whether our admittedly quite high expectations for this machine have been met and what advantages and disadvantages can be determined, we want to clarify in this test.

What's in it?

Now, of course, our expectations are not by chance. After all, the GS is a real model of success. And it's probably also because changes here are rather subtle – "never change a winning team". However, it is often small things that make the difference. In the rally version, for example, the smaller windshield, the coarse footrests, the radiator and frame protection or the slimmer seat – in short, a little less comfort leads you to feel much more comfortable in the terrain than with the standard version. In terms of colour, the rally is much fresher and technically you can also retrofit a lot. A sport suspension for 300 € which provides more travel and ground clearance. The driving modes (from the factory only "Road" and "Rain" on board) can be extended for 425 € by "Dynamic" and "Dynamic Pro" and for a further 750€ there is "Dynamic ESA". This way, you are well equipped even in the off-road without having to do without road compatibility.
Well, quite a lot of electro-firlefanz! And the TFT display doesn't really have the charm of a cockpit with pointer instruments. But if you are honest, you have to admit that the electronic helpers all work really well and the TFT display is clear and easy to read.
Not only the rally but also all other GS models have received modified gear shafts and bearings in addition to the Euro 4 adjustment, a torsional damper on the output shaft of the gearbox, a revised shifter star and minor adjustments to the front and tank cladding.

This is how she drives herself

Even though our Bajuwarin probably missed the local mountains here in the north, the driver and the machine were one and enjoyed the test drive to the fullest. From the really wide handlebars, the plentiful high (lowering possible) but comfortable sitting position to an engine with neat whims to the effective electronic helpers – you immediately feel completely comfortable on the machine. The systems open up more coordination possibilities and thus even more comfort and safety than before.

One almost has to wonder how relaxed one can glide around the bend with such a heavy motorcycle (at least broken 250 kg) without ever having the feeling it could get out of control. Only when manoeuvring or turning off you notice her kilos. As long as you are on the move - whether at a stand speed or 200 things - the GS gives the driver a sense of handiness and agility despite its size. No wonder, then, that even BWM speaks of the "most sporty GS of all time".

Conclusion - what gets stuck

No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!

Vergleiche die
BMW R 1200 GS (K50)
mit anderen Motorrädern