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Into the Baviaanskloof
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BMW R 1200 GS Adventure
Jeff Buchanan
09/01/2006
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A relatively short
ride from the Pezula Hotel the next morning had us at the base of the Outeniqua
Mountains and the end of pavement. As we passed the last village, a group of
children waved enthusiastically. Beyond, a single road ascended into the
primitive remoteness.
The early, easy-going sections of the route gave us the
opportunity to acclimate to the new GS Adventure. One of the most expansive
features of the machine is the 8.7-gallon fuel tank—3-1/2 gallons more than the
standard GS—which can prove to be critical when riding in remote environments.
Cruising at a steady speed of 50 to 60 mph, this capacity gives the Adventure a
range in the neighborhood of 465 miles.
 Stylish hoops of stainless steel
protect the 1170cc flat-twin configuration engine from the elements and give the
Adventure a rugged demeanor. Producing 100 horsepower and tractor-like torque,
the proven Boxer Twin is highly versatile. Delivering excellent performance in
street-going situations the Adventure also possesses forgiving manners for
technical off-road situations as well as stability at speed on wide open
stretches of pavement-free road.(Click image to enlarge)
A six-speed gearbox feeds power
to the rear wheel via an enclosed drive shaft. The benefit of a driveshaft on a
motorcycle destined for long distance travel, perhaps in remote areas, removes
the vulnerability and maintenance needs of a link chain. The water, sand, dirt
and basic wear and tear encountered off-road conspire to destroy
chains.
At 564 pounds wet (with its massive tank full of petrol), the
GS Adventure is not going to win any bathing suit competitions. But this is the
only drawback to the machine. In off-road situations, with the inevitability of
a fall, getting the behemoth GS back up on its wheels often takes the strength
of two men.
Once underway and up on the
footpegs, the bike feels remarkably agile. However, you wouldn’t want to get
into serious single-tracks that require putting a foot down or situations
necessitating muscling the motorcycle—a losing proposition with the hefty GS.
But for dirt roads and sensible trails, the Adventure is a phenomenally
gratifying motorcycle. It can open up an entirely new horizon of two-wheel
experiences. The trick to riding these large off-road machines is to lug the
motor and let the torque roll the GS over the terrain. The Adventure soaks up
the ruts and bumps, tracking remarkably well for a half-ton motorcycle.
The
Adventure’s rugged aluminum side and rear top cases add a functional,
militaristic look to the machine, while providing a volume of 112 liters
carrying capacity. They are perhaps the only luggage cases that look good with
acquired scratches and dings, wearing the patina proudly as an off-road badge of
honor.
Traditional cross-spoke wheels are fitted for all-terrain
performance. Spokes allow for a certain amount of rim flex, essential for
absorbing the impacts sustained riding off-highway. An ingenious flip down brake
pedal accommodates off-road riding, compensating for the change in angle of the
rider’s foot while standing. Extra-wide foot pegs reduce rider fatigue and
tubeless knobby tires complete the Adventure package.
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