Twisties? Touring? Gravel roads? It hardly matters because to the R 1200 GS, the most versatile machine in the 2008 GS lineup. This year, a 5% increase in power raises its output to 105 ponies for even quicker acceleration.
Feasts on pavement. Chews dirt. Demands seconds.
Handling is agile and precise thanks to a Telelever suspension system, and with Enduro ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) you can adjust both front and rear suspensions between Sport, Normal, Comfort, and Off-road settings. The 2008 R 1200 GS also gets a few sporty new features that make it even more eye-catching, including stainless steel knee covers on each side of the gas tank, dynamic cylinder covers, as well as an ergonomic aluminum handlebar and a more comfortable seat. The result? A bike that thrashes every road you throw at it and begs for more.
MSRP: $14,600
Features & Highlights:
Engine and Drivetrain
The 2008 R 1200 GS engine now makes 5% more power (105hp) and maximum engine speed has been increased to 8,000 rpm giving an even wider spread of power. The transmission has completely revised transmission ratios with a focus on better acceleration in the upper half of the speed range which makes low speed traction even better. In addition the transmission has increased bearing diameters to cope with the extra power and increased revs.
Ergonomics
This new handlebar is combined with new clamps which can be mounted in two different positions for more rider comfort when off road in the standing position. For the on road sitting position, the seat foam thickness at the front of the seat has been increased.
Suspension
After a successful launch of ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) this technology is now coming to the enduro segment for the first time with the new R 1200 GS! Enduro ESA was designed to meet the special needs of an adventure tourer and is a full factory option. Load options are solo rider, rider with luggage, and passenger. Further, there are three damper modes (Sport, Normal, and Comfort).
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2 Responses to “2008 BMW R 1200 GS”
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May 1st, 2008 at 11:10 pm
BMW 1200 or Harley Davidson 1200 - what to do, what to do?
The last question I posed was whether I should buy a BMW or a Harley. Of the 15 answers I received, 6 were for the BMW, 6 for the Harley, 2 said I should go Japanese, and one really didn’t say anything. The BMW answers generally took note of the technical superiority of the BMW. Of the Harley answers, 3 were undoubtedly from kids who have never owned, much yet ridden a bike, one was from a “disturbed” individual who seems to love the leather lifestyle associated with Harleys, one was from a woman whose grammar was so poor I couldn’t understand what she was trying to say although she was on her “3rd brand new Harley” (why do you need 3? do they keep breaking?), and one answer was from a guy who believed my ancestors died in wars so I could go buy a underpowered bike with 15 year old technology. I’d like a valid argument on why I should buy the Harley as it relates to its technical superiority or I’m afraid I’ll be buying the BMW. Somebody sell me!
May 7th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Having owned both, and realizing (after purchasing a mirror)how incredibly stupid I looked in fringy leather and buttless chaps (as does everyone else), and spending more time wrenching than riding, I don’t know if there is an argument, technically speaking, that can be made. You can make all sorts of arguments regarding being an American product(bogus argument since most of their accessories and many of the bike parts are mfg’d overseas), and how a Harley is cooler and will get you more chicks (and STD’s), or how you’ll be safe because Harley’s are tuned for sound, not performance (oh, how the neighbors will love you). You can wrap yourself in a flag if you want, but after owning both, I can say that you’ll enjoy riding far more on the BMW, you’ll enjoy greater performance and reliability, an easier and way more comfortable ride, nobody will expect you to wear goofy chinese made clothing with HD logos all over it, and you won’t be stopping every 10 minutes so someone can get gas/fix their bike/get something out of the support vehicle/let their back or butt rest, etc. I think you know where I stand.