whole rev range. From idle it surges forward
with great response, while the mid-range is wide
and flexible before developing into a decent
top-end. What this equates to on the road is a
usefully quick machine around town, a bike that
can confidently out run motorway traffic, and
will deliver a huge grin on our back roads. Yes,
as I said this little single is impressive
and rightly deserves to win fans.
The chassis is typical BMW
adventure style in that, yes, it is
an adventure bike, but no BMW
doesn’t really want you to ride
it like a dirt bike. Sure,
it is capable of gravel
and lighter offroad
duties, but I’m sure
BMW doesn’t envisage
anyone really attacking
offroad terrain. The
suspension is set up for
comfortable, secure
tarmac and gravel road work. While modest offroad
riding could easily be taken on with a change to
knobbly tyres, the speeds will need to be kept down
or the suspension will quickly show its limits – keep in
mind this is still a decent size 170kg bike. However, on
road the GS handles like a treat with a light, nimble,
yet planted feel that inspires confidence. The 19-inch
front wheel enhances versatility as it will allow the
fitment of a knobbly tyre while still working very well
on-road with the standard Metzeler Tourance tyres
fitted. The braking is fine without being excellent,
on the plus side of adequate and a little wooden in
feel. But it does come with switchable ABS which can
be used on the fly, which I think is an outstanding
feature that other brands should embrace.
The overall look, fit and finish is excellent and
well appointed. The screen is small and low,
but is functional to some extent... obviously
the shorter rider will benefit more from
a weather protection perspective. The
single headlight, a departure from
the bigger GS models, works
KIWI RIDER 81