View source for BMW GS


The '''BMW GS''' series of dual purpose off-road/on-road [[BMW motorcycles]] have been produced from 1980 to the present day. The GS refers to either '''Gelände/Straße''' (German: off-road/road) or '''Gelände Sport'''. GS [[motorcycle]]s can be distinguished from other BMW models by their longer travel [[Suspension (motorcycle)|suspension]], an upright riding position, and larger front wheels &ndash; typically 19&ndash;21&nbsp;inch.

==GS models==
The GS has been available with a range of different engines including single cylinder, twin cylinder water-cooled and twin cylinder air ("Airheads") and air/oil cooled ("Oilheads" and "Hexheads").

===Airheads===
[[Image:Bmw-r80-gs.JPG|thumb|BMW R&nbsp;80&nbsp;GS]]
[[Image:Bmw r 80 gs 944px.jpg|thumb|1989 BMW R&nbsp;80&nbsp;GS]]
[[Image:BMW R100GS.jpg|thumb|BMW R&nbsp;100&nbsp;GS]]
The first [[Driveshaft|shaft driven]] GS model was the R&nbsp;80&nbsp;G/S with a 797&nbsp;cc [[flat-twin]], [[air-cooled]] boxer engine. The [[BMW 247 engine]], which was also fitted to many other bikes in the BMW range, is known as an [[Airhead (motorcycle)|airhead]]. The most valued version was the R&nbsp;80&nbsp;G/S-PD "Paris-Dakar" model featuring a larger tank. In certain markets a 649&nbsp;cc R&nbsp;65&nbsp;GS version was also available. These early machines used a combined rear suspension / drive [[swingarm]] called a Monolever. 

In 1987 the G/S name was changed to GS with the S meaning "Sport" rather than "Straße" and the Monolever was replaced with the [[BMW motorcycles#Paralever|Paralever]] swingarm, which included a torque arm intended to lessen [[shaft effect]] and strengthen the swingarm-to-final drive connection. The new bikes were produced with engines of 797&nbsp;cc (R&nbsp;80&nbsp;GS) or 980&nbsp;cc (R&nbsp;100&nbsp;GS).

Production of the standard machines stopped in 1995 with the R&nbsp;100&nbsp;GS-PD (unofficially [[Dakar Rally|Paris Dakar]]), but special "Kalahari" and "Basic" editions were made available in 1996 and 1997, which ended GS production. 

Airhead models still have a following among adventure [[motorcyclist]]s and often sell at a premium price when compared with bikes of a similar age.

====Airhead production history====
*Monolever
**'''R&nbsp;80&nbsp;G/S''' 1980&ndash;1986 
**'''R&nbsp;80&nbsp;G/S-PD''' 1984&ndash;1987
**'''R&nbsp;65&nbsp;GS''' 1987&ndash;1990 
*Paralever
**'''R&nbsp;80&nbsp;GS''' 1987&ndash;1994
**'''R&nbsp;100&nbsp;GS''' 1987&ndash;1994
**'''R&nbsp;100&nbsp;GS-PD''' 1988&ndash;1995 
**'''R&nbsp;80&nbsp;GS Basic''' 1996&ndash;1997 
**'''R&nbsp;80&nbsp;GS Kalahari''' 1996&ndash;1997

===Oilheads===
[[Image:Bmw r1100gs 1997.JPG|thumb|BMW R&nbsp;1100&nbsp;GS]]
[[Image:BMW R1150GS.JPG|thumb|BMW R&nbsp;1150&nbsp;GS]]
[[Image:1200gsfr.jpg|thumb|BMW R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;GS]]
In 1995, the introduction of the next generation R-259 or [[Oilhead]] engine signalled BMW's entry into modern adventure models, with a succession of larger [[Engine displacement|displacement]] models including the R&nbsp;850&nbsp;GS, R&nbsp;1100&nbsp;GS, [[BMW R1150GS|R&nbsp;1150&nbsp;GS]] and the [[BMW R1200GS|R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;GS]]. Later models have electronic engine management, [[Anti-lock braking system|ABS braking]], twin [[spark plug]]s, and more power than airhead models. The current R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;GS, sometimes referred to as a hexhead because of the revised cylinder head shape, is 30&nbsp;kg (66&nbsp;lb) lighter and, with {{convert|105|hp|kW}}, more powerful than the R&nbsp;1150&nbsp;GS. Electronic fuel injection systems provided more even overall riding performance for the great range of altitudes commonly ridden with these motorcycles.

The R&nbsp;1150&nbsp;GS and R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;GS are available in an Adventure version which adds a larger fuel tank, lower gearing, upgraded suspension, and optional offroad tires to make the Adventure more suitable for arduous off-road trips with a heavy load of gear and supplies. The horizontally-opposed two-cylinder "boxer" engine provides a comparatively low centre of gravity compared to motorcycles with [[Inline 4|inline-4]] or [[V-twin]] engines. This strongly contributes to the ability of these supra-liter class machines to travel on dirt roads and trails. The distribution of [[torque]] over a broad [[Revolutions per minute|RPM]] range coupled with the relatively wide power pulses inherent in a long-stroke two cylinder motor provides consistent and predictable traction on loose surfaces.

As with the airheads, all oilhead GS models are shaft driven. However, the front suspension was changed from [[Motorcycle fork|conventional forks]] to the [[BMW motorcycles#Telelever front fork|Telelever]], developed by British company Saxon Motodd, which uses a [[control arm]], called an A-arm by [[BMW]] to eliminate dive under braking.

====Oilhead production history====
From the start of oilhead production in 1994 until 27 July 2007, a total of 219,468 oilhead GS bikes were produced.<ref name="GS 100K">{{cite web |url= http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-motorcycles/bmw-r1200-gs.htm?fromrss=1 | title= BMW's 100,000th R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;GS | work= webBikeWorld (from BMW press release) | date= 3 August 2007 | accessdate= 2007-09-26}}</ref>
Oilhead GS models are listed below together with production figures where known:
<blockquote>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Model
! Dates
! Production
|-
| R&nbsp;1100&nbsp;GS
| 1994&ndash;1999 
| 39,842
|-
| R&nbsp;850&nbsp;GS
| 1996&ndash;2001
| 2,242
|-
| [[BMW R1150GS|R&nbsp;1150&nbsp;GS]]
| 1999&ndash;2004
| 58,023
|-
| [[BMW R1150GS|R&nbsp;1150&nbsp;GS Adventure]]
| 2001&ndash;2005
| 17,828
|-
| [[BMW R1200GS|R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;GS]] (hexhead)
| 2004&ndash;present
| 84,373 up to 27 July 2007
|-
| [[BMW R1200GS|R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;GS Adventure]] (hexhead)
| 2006&ndash;present
| 15,627 up to 27 July 2007
|}
</blockquote>

Although not strictly a GS, the following closely related models were also introduced by BMW:
* '''HP2 Enduro''' 2005 - present date
* '''HP2 Megamoto''' 2007 - present date

===Single cylinder chain drive===
{{main|BMW F650 single}}
[[Image:BMW F 650 ST.jpg|thumb|right|BMW F&nbsp;650&nbsp;ST Strada]]
[[Image:F 650 gs dakar.jpg|thumb|BMW F&nbsp;650&nbsp;GS Dakar]]
In 1993 BMW introduced GS models powered by a single cylinder 4-valve 652&nbsp;cc [[Rotax]] engine, also known as a [[Thumper (Motorcycle)|thumper]], and [[chain drive]]. The off road-capable [[BMW F650 single|F&nbsp;650 Funduro]] had a 19&nbsp;inch front wheel, long travel suspension, bash plate and a high seat. The more road biased F&nbsp;650&nbsp;ST Strada had a smaller diameter 18&nbsp;inch front wheel, narrower handlebars and smaller screen. The bikes were manufactured alongside the virtually identical 5-valve [[Aprilia]] Pegaso.

Following BMW's win in the 1999 (and subsequently the 2000) [[Dakar Rally]] with a heavily modified F&nbsp;650&nbsp;RR ridden by [[Richard Sainct]], BMW introduced the [[Fuel injection|fuel injected]] [[BMW F650 single|F&nbsp;650&nbsp;GS]] in 2000. A taller, more off-road biased Dakar version was introduced which included a taller screen, 21&nbsp;inch front wheel and longer suspension travel. Following the launch of the twin-cylinder models in 2008, BMW re-branded the single cylinder bike as the G650GS in some markets.

The single cylinder bikes have a strong following and are thought by many of their riders to be better off roaders than the heavier boxer engined bikes. Like the larger two-cylinder models, they offer significant capacity to carry gear and supplies over long distances. Their versatility is attractive to riders who intend to spend weeks, months, even years travelling on two wheels. There is a large [[Aftermarket (automotive)|aftermarket]] of suppliers catering to riders of these motorcycles.

===Parallel-twin chain drive===
{{main|BMW GS parallel-twin}}
[[Image:2008 BMW F 800 GS.jpg|thumb|right|2008 BMW F 800 GS in Sunset Yellow]]
In 2007 BMW launched two new chain driven GS models using a 798&nbsp;cc [[Straight-two|parallel-twin engine]], the [[BMW GS parallel-twin|F&nbsp;800&nbsp;GS and  F&nbsp;650&nbsp;GS]]. 

The F&nbsp;800&nbsp;GS produces a power output of {{Convert|63|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} and torque of {{auto Nm|81}} allowing it to achieve a 0-60&nbsp;mph time of 4.1&nbsp;seconds. It has twin 300&nbsp;mm discs at the front with optional ABS. It has a seat height of {{auto mm|880|1}}. 

Though it is made with the same engine as the F&nbsp;800&nbsp;GS, the F&nbsp;650&nbsp;GS produces a lower power output of {{Convert|52|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}} and torque of {{auto Nm|75}}. This detuned engine can be further restricted to satisfy European regulations involving stepped licenses.  It has a single 300&nbsp;mm disc at the front with optional ABS. It has a lower seat height of {{auto mm|820|1}}.

Both models feature chain drive, but the other F-series motorcycles now use a reinforced kevlar belt drive which requires less maintenance.

== Popularity ==
The GS is a popular choice with adventure motorcyclists and travellers. There are also numerous owners clubs dedicated to the bike. There is a strong aftermarket of accessories for the GS range which includes aluminium luggage, saddles, shock absorbers, screens, lights and GPS mountings.

In 2004 the [[BMW R1150GS|R&nbsp;1150&nbsp;GS Adventure]] was made more popular after being used by actors [[Ewan McGregor]] and [[Charley Boorman]] in their journey ''[[Long Way Round]]'',<ref name=boorman>{{cite news | url=  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2005/12/24/mnewan24.xml | title= McGregor opts out of Boorman's Dakar Rally challenge | date= 24 December 2005 | publisher= [[The Daily Telegraph]] | accessdate= 2008-08-24}}</ref>
which involved riding from London to New York by going east across Europe, central Asia, Alaska, Canada and the USA. They continued their association with the GS when Boorman used an [[BMW F650 single|F650RR]] during his 2006 Dakar Rally attempt,<ref name=boorman/> 
which was  documented in the book and TV series ''[[Race To Dakar]]'', and again in 2007 when both used the [[BMW R1200GS|R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;GS Adventure]] in their journey [[Long Way Down (TV series)|''Long Way Down'']], in which they rode from [[John O'Groats]] at the northern tip of [[Scotland]], to [[Cape Town]] at the southern tip of Africa.

Both the R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;GS and the F&nbsp;650&nbsp;GS were featured in the BBC TV series ''[[The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook]]'', ridden by chefs Dave Myers and Si King.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.worldofbmw.com/content/article.asp?article=529&artDate=31/05/2006%2014:08:37 | date= [[31 May]] [[2006]] | accessdate= 2008-08-24 | title= Two Hairy Bikers and one lucky winner | publisher= World of BMW}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/showbiz/s/1063073_crumbs__more_hairy_moments | title= Crumbs - more hairy moments | publisher= [[Manchester Evening News]] | last= Welch | first= Andy | date= 18 August 2008 | accessdate= 2008-08-24}}</ref>

[[Rush (band)|Rush]] [[drummer]] and [[lyricist]] [[Neil Peart]] used an R&nbsp;1100&nbsp;GS for a 14 month long 55,000 mile self-healing trip, documented in the book [[Ghost Rider (book)|''Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road'']],<ref>{{cite book | title= Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road | last=Peart | first= Neil | date= 2002 | publisher= [[ECW Press]] | isbn= 1550225464}}</ref> 
that he made in the late 90's following the tragic deaths of his only daughter and wife.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.neilpeart.net/articles/cw/index.html | last= Catterson | first= Brian | publisher= [[Cycle World]] | month= February | year= 2003 | title= Rush's Neil Peart: Rockin' and Rollin'... Rollin'... Rollin'}}</ref>
Peart also used the R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;GS with an 1150&nbsp;GS as a backup on his 2004 motorcycle trip between gigs on Rush's 30th Anniversary tour, a trip he documented in the book ''Roadshow: Landscape with Drums, A Concert Tour By Motorcycle''.<ref>{{cite book | title= Roadshow: Landscape With Drums: A Concert Tour by Motorcycle | last=Peart | first= Neil | date= 25 October 2006 | publisher= [[Rounder Records]] | isbn= 1579401422}}</ref>

On [[27 July]] [[2007]], the BMW R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;GS and R&nbsp;1200&nbsp;GS Adventure reached a production record of 100,000 units since its launch in 2004, making it the most popular BMW motorcycle.<ref name="GS 100K" />

==See also==
*[[Simon and Monika Newbound]] - GS riders who hold the world record for motorcycle endurance.

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==

*{{youtube|NngElIbTboU|R1150GS Promo Video}}

{{BMW motorcycles}}

[[Category:BMW motorcycles|GS]]
[[Category:Vehicles with boxer engines]]
[[Category:Dual sport motorcycles]]