Of course there are innovations galore – the
throttle automatically closes off when under
emergency braking – to stop panicking riders
from accidentally rolling on the throttle? It seems
so.
A Hill Hold Control system that applies brakes
at a standstill, on gradients over 5% up or down.
And the footpeg rubber inserts are removable
for off road use.
Menus offer access to semi-active and preloads
on the suspension, and can give readouts
on everything from tyre pressures to service
intervals and gas mileage.
The GS was fitted with the quickshifter and
autoblipper, further smoothing and speeding up
road riding capability and cornering control. And
more genius awaits full personal investigation.
Along with great stalwarts like the usual telelever
and paralever front and rear, and brilliant shaft
drive tech.
68 KIWI RIDER
All in all, the 1250 is a freaking fantastic
motorcycle, that will deal with every known
riding situation to the ‘state of the art’ ability of
the cleverest teutonic minds, and is delivered
with achingly smart attention to detail.
Frankly, folks, it’s eleven out of ten, and almost
certainly the best all round motorcycle in the
world today; that bestseller position is only going
to get reinforced with this new 1250.
And yet, there’s one tiny tinge of regret. Unfair
as it may be. I think they’ve underestimated the
rider’s passion for doing it with their own skill.
That said, BMW set out to build the Best
Motorcycle in the World, with the very best
safety elements – allowing you to ride it to
the very best of your own abilities, and the
difficulty of achieving that goal cannot be
underestimated. That they have done it, and
done it brilliantly, is a testament to the genius of
BMW’s design and delivery.