BMW R1150GS Adventure
This is just a brief impression. We've ridden the bike - Australian Motorcycle Trader's long-termer, a couple of times and like it. However we reckon the stock 1150GS is a better value all-rounder - though it could use the Adventure's superior rear shoBimm's GS series has taken the performance high ground when it comes to all-road tourers, and we reckon the stock GS is a serious road weapon with respectable dirt road abilities. The idea behind the Adventure is to make something with the extras for a full-on world tour. Such as big fuel tank, lower gearing, longer-travel suspension and bigger hard-case panniers.
The bike we've visitied a couple of times has chewed out a gearlever (not easy to replace) and broken a spotlight mount. Not serious problems, but annoying.
The suspension and tyre combo might have some appeal for the dirt road traveller, but the penalty is the greater ride height, which means even six-plus footers are going to wonder why it's so big. Tyres also wear quickly, muddy the steering, and the passenger handles cut into the co-pilot's butt.
Maybe we missed the point, but we really like the stock GS and reckon this an is an interesting addition - that's all. Yes, we know it can be optioned up with a much bigger fuel tank, but the stocker is nothing to whinge about.
Our recommendation is buy a stock R1150GS. Over 95 per cent of users will be happier with it.
Story: Guy Allen
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