BMW GS Rallye 2012 Review

The Germans have come under fire from the British and are retaliating with a change of colours and some bling.

BMW's R 1200 GS is now the top-selling bike in Europe and a popular steed here where many of our second-class byways demand all-road capability. 

Triumph is now attacking BMW's lead with its 1200cc Explorer, so the Bavarians have struck back with a couple of special edition models, the Triple Black and the Rallye which come with special paint and extras.

VALUE

We rode the new Rallye which costs $26,250 (plus on-roads), a whopping $4325 more than the standard GS. Cosmetic extras include red, white and blue paintwork reminiscent of the Paris-Dakar racers, a red frame, grey swingarm, chrome exhaust and two-tone handguards, seat and front shrouds.

It also comes with the "Traction Package" which would cost $2235 if fitted to the standard GS. It consists of tyre pressure control, switchable ABS and stability control. There is also enduro electronic suspension adjustment ($1000) and spoked wheels ($580).

There is also a raft of accessories that can be fitted such as panniers ($1263), top box ($1193), tank bag ($475) and Garmin Zumo 660 satnav ($1752 with fit kit).

TECHNOLOGY

Since the twin-cam engine was fitted a few years ago, the power and torque have been lifted marginally with most of the boost down low where it's needed, especially when dribbling along a gnarly forest trail. Triumph has launched their Explorer with a more powerful engine (101kW versus 81kW) but with more mid and top end. 

Torque on the two machines is identical. An advantage that Triumph can't match is the traditional BMW suspension combination of telelever/paralever. BMW has handlebar warmers as standard, but the Explorer has cruise control.

DESIGN

It's big, Bavarian and brutish, but somehow it works. Painting it mainly white with a flash of red frame is perhaps a little bit too pretty for such a macho machine. With its vulnerable chrome exhaust and pretty paint, you fear chips and scratches when riding on gravel roads. It's like taking a $100,00+ Porsche Cayenne into the scrub.

SAFETY

Triumph has matched BMW with the addition of stability control and ABS. The BMW combination is a proven system that works well on road and has limited success in some off-road or dirt-road situations.

Where BMW forges ahead is with its electronic suspension adjustment that adjusts ride heights, spring rate and shocks for a combination of luggage, pillion and road conditions. This system works brilliantly and makes the bike a safe all-terrain machine.

The option of a lowered suspension setting and low seat also makes this a lot safer and confidence-inspiring for a wider range of riders with seat heights ranging from 790mm all the way through to a high 870mm, compared with the Explorer's 837-857mm range.

RIDING

We've ridden a lot of GS models over the years and the basic structure hasn't changed. It is a confident sportsbike-challenger on the twisty roads, it will beat anything across bumpy B roads and it is capable in the right hands off the beaten track. At the same time it will haul loads of gear and a pillion and still return excellent fuel economy with its lean-burn engine.

BMW R 1200 GS Rallye

Price: $26,250
Warranty:  2yr/unlimited kilometre, 2yr road side assist Service  10,000km/12 months
Engine: 1170cc boxer twin, 81kW/120Nm
Transmission: 6-speed, shaft drive
Dry weight: 209kg
Fuel: 4.6L/100km, 20L tank
Tyres: 110/80 R19; 150/70 R17
Body: 2210mm (l), 915 (w), 1450 (h), 790/870 (seat)