VOL. 55 ISSUE 39 OCTOBER 2, 2018 P83
here—but that isn't what governs your enjoyment
in everyday riding. Torque is what does that, and
it's clear that Klauer and his team understand that
very well, for the new GS engine is a tribute to
that. There are two riding modes available—Road
and Rain—plus Hill Start Control.
While the redesigned Boxer twin engine is
clearly the star of the show on this new Beemer,
that's not to say BMW engineers haven't paid any
attention to the running gear, because the same
sense of refinement that's present in the sparkling
new engine is repeated here. The ultra-compliant
Sachs suspension works as well as ever. The new
GS brakes work very well, too.
Curb weight has increased by 11 pounds over
the R 1200 GS to 549 pounds, including a full
5.2-gallon fuel load.
Off-road the new flat-twin BMW is still not as
light and confidence inspiring in tight sections as
a V-twin KTM 1090 R Adventure, but the engine's
extra grunt and controllable throttle response
makes the GS a great dirt roads bike. It has a
