2017 Bikesales Big-Bore Adventure Bike Comparison: BMW R 1200 GS Rallye X

It's impossible to discuss adventure bikes without referencing the giant on the landscape, BMW's R 1200 GS. And now, to raise the already capable off-roader's abilities even further, we have the R 1200 GS Rallye X, with longer suspension travel, firmer springs, more ground clearance and a long list of standard inclusions.

Features and electronics
In fact, the Rallye X comes with all the fruit; the only optional factory gear is an alarm and an extra-high seat. Everything else is there, and that spans two-stage heated grips, tyre pressure monitoring, hand guards, the chunky Continental TKC80 tyres, enduro foot pegs, cruise control, an LED headlight, a quickshifter, daylight running lights and LED indicators, along with a thoroughly comprehensive electronics package.

The latter includes BMW's Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) and Riding Mode Pro (giving the rider a choice of Rain, Road, Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, Enduro and Enduro Pro modes), plus Hill Start Control, Dynamic Traction Control and ABS Pro (cornering ABS).

The seat has been reshaped for ease of movement for off-road riding, and there's also stainless steel radiator trim.

Essentially the Rallye X receives BMW's Dynamic Package ($2250) and some elements of the R 1200 GS Touring package, such as the Dynamic ESA, cruise control, and the preparation for the Navigator 5 sat-nav unit. Our test bike was fitted with the sat-nav ($1290), a small accessory tank bag ($285) and a headlight guard ($195). But don't confuse it with the R 1200 GS Adventure, which – among other changes – boasts a monster 30-litre fuel tank.

That's why the Rallye X share its top-shelf pricing of $27,250 plus on-roads with the R 1200 GS Touring – $4200 more than the R 1200 GS Rallye, which misses out on the Dynamic ESA and the Dynamic Package, and $5400 more than the base model R 1200 GS.

If you're unfamiliar with this bike it's a lot to take in (click here for our 2017 R 1200 GS launch review, but it also underlines one aspect that has made BMW's dual-purpose flagship so popular – it's all beautifully integrated into one seamless, well-rounded package.

Ergonomics and performance
You sit more in the Rallye X than on it, yet it's still easy to move about on – especially when standing on the rugged, bear trap-style enduro pegs. The small screen makes more sense off-road, giving the rider a greater range of movement, but it still does enough to deflect the worst of the wind's blast at speed on the blacktop. It's manually adjustable via a wheel adjustor.

The Boxer flat-twin has been refined over the decades into the superb 1170cc air/liquid-cooled unit before us here. Boxers of old were renowned for their low-down grunt, but today that grunt is available just about everywhere – even the top-end feels strong.

Any inherent vibration has been beautifully tamed too, and the precise fuelling and shaft final drive affords a visceral connection between throttle and rear wheel. It's Goldilocks grunt – not too little, not too much – and perfect for thrills on a winding mountain road or out in the boonies.

On the dirt the Rallye X really shows its prowess. The suspension just works on road or trail, and the geometry of BMW's Telelever front end effectively separates braking and cornering forces. On a winding sealed road and in the right hands this bike can shame many a sportsbike, while it ability to soak up big hits in the bush is sure to impress.

At highway speeds on the dirt the Rallye X springs displayed a level of compliance the others couldn't match. It felt stable and secure on the dirt, the bike's inherently forgiving nature also gently encouraging you to push harder.

There's just a lovely sense of balance to this bike, helped in no small part by the low centre of gravity afforded by that flat-twin. 'Confidence inspiring' is a phrase often bandied about in bikes these days, but if ever there was a model to which it could be applied, the Rallye X is it.

Comfort
The seat is compliant enough for all-day comfort and the ride position is quite roomy. In short, the ergonomics are thoroughly sorted – it places the rider in a position of total control, whether sitting or standing.

All the fancy electronics allow the rider to access functions quickly and easily via the logically laid out buttons on the handlebars, and an intuitive and easy-to-use menu system. It's a better setup than the other high-tech offerings here, many of which require you to drill down through several menu levels to get to what you want.

That's evident with traction control, which can be switched on or off on the fly with a button on the switchblock. That same button can also disengage ABS, but you have to be at a standstill to do that one. One downside, however, is that the buttons aren't illuminated – meaning it's a 'stab in the dark' at night, literally, to change settings.

The bike's Riding Mode Pro gives four ride modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic Pro and Enduro Pro – with each delivering tailored engine, traction and ABS (Enduro Pro disengages ABS at the rear) setting to suit the conditions. The suspension, meanwhile, can also be adjusted at the touch of a button for damping and preload.

With a claimed dry weight of 244kg (dry) the Rallye X falls mid-pack here for weight, while the bike achieved an average fuel consumption of 6.47lt/100km. With a 20-litre tank, that's a safe working range of around 275km. If you're willing to sacrifice some off-road ability for a longer range, the R 1200 GS Adventure comes standard with a 30-litre tank.

Other issues? The Rallye X doesn’t come with crash bars (a $706 accessory) or a centrestand, but it does comes fitted with the aforementioned Continental TKC80 road-legal knobbies.

Summing up
The R 1200 GS Rallye X just works. At $27,250 plus on-roads it's certainly getting up there in price, but it's a clear case of 'you get what you pay for'. And what you get is a superb all-rounder – a bike that's even better on the dirt than other GS variants, yet one that still more than holds its own on the tar. Throw in the clever electronics, the long features list and the sturdy, robust construction, and the Rallye X will easily carry the GS legacy proudly into the future.

SPECS: BMW R 1200 GS RALLYE X

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 125hp (92kW) at 7750rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 125Nm at 6500rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Final drive: Shaft

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Two-section frame, engine as a stressed member
Front suspension: BMW Telelever, electronic adjustment
Rear suspension: BMW Paralever, electronic adjustment
Front brakes: Dual 305mm discs with radial-mount four-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single 276mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Tyres: Continental Twinduro TKC80 – 120/70 R19 front, 170/60 R17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: 244kg
Seat height: 850/870mm (extra high seat height available)
Wheelbase: 1555mm
Fuel capacity: 20 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $27,250 (plus on-roads)
Colours: Lupin Blue Metallic
Warranty: Two-year/unlimited kilometres
Bike supplied by: BMW Motorrad Australia

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