Back then, in autumn 1980 BMW Motorrad introduced the R 80 G/S as a very special machine combining two very special worlds with one another: off-road and on-road. Offering this unique combination of on-road, touring and off-road qualities without the slightest compromise in everyday use, the R 80 G/S paved the way as a brand-new concept for the grand touring enduro, a completely new type of motorcycle created by BMW Motorrad.
Throughout the last thirty years, BMW Motorrad has consistently nurtured the outstanding talents of the GS boxer models, focusing on riding dynamics, off-road qualities, superior comfort and endurance, consistently enhancing these qualities to en even higher level and carrying them over successfully to other series of BMW motorcycles.
In 1993, for example, a BMW enduro with a single-cylinder engine - the F 650 - made its first appearance in the market. And while the F 650 derived its dynamic riding qualities from ideal weight distribution, its unique concept and the superior power of its 47-hp single-cylinder, the BMW GS models with their flat-twin boxer engines moved on to the next generation.
Introducing the BMW R 1100 GS, BMW Motorrad not only presented the first GS with a four-valve boxer engine and 80 horsepower, but also entered a new era of grand touring enduro riding in terms of the suspension and running gear: This was the first enduro using the engine and transmission as load-bearing elements on the chassis, making a conventional main frame superfluous.
While BMW Paralever rear-wheel suspension had already eliminated any unwanted drive and power reaction of the drive shaft on the two-valve boxer engines years ago, BMW's engineers now introduced the Telelever as a highly innovative concept of front wheel suspension. Offering anti-dive and highly sensitive response, this new technology quickly set new standards.
Apart from numerous new and ongoing developments including the F 650 GS, the first single-cylinder with electronic fuel injection, catalytic converter and ABS brakes built in Berlin as of the year 2000, the F 650 GS and F 800 GS introduced in 2007 set a further outstanding milestone in the history of the BMW GS. With their high-performance and high-torque two-cylinder inline engine and their torsionally rigid spaceframe, they interpret the BMW GS theme in their own very special way nevertheless typical of BMW.
Introducing these new models, BMW Motorrad not only presented the successors to the highly successful single-cylinder F 650 GS, but also expanded the range of enduro machines in the midsize segment.
The latest highlight so far then came in autumn 2009, with BMW Motorrad introducing the updated BMW R 1200 GS. Now featuring an even more free-revving DOHC boxer engine with two overhead camshafts per cylinder, this new machine offers maximum output of 81 kW/110 hp and an even higher level of dynamic riding performance.
Launching the "30 Years GS" special versions of the BMW R 1200 GS, the R 1200 GS Adventure, the F 800 GS, and the F 650 GS, BMW Motorrad is paying its tribute to the outstanding success of the GS models both in the production of series machines and in motorsport. Indeed, it was also motorsport that provided the input for the attractive design of the Edition Models in the livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport thirty years ago.
BMW's GS motorcycles with their boxer engines have developed consistently since 1980, shaping the image of BMW Motorrad more than any other model series. So whether in off-road sports or, in particular, as a grand touring enduro, the BMW GS models have created and shaped a strong market throughout the last three decades.
Introducing the R 1200 GS "30 Years GS", BMW Motorrad is now presenting an exclusive special model commemorating the thirty-year tradition of the highly successful GS model series, at the same time upgrading the already well-equipped travel enduro within the boxer segment by adding a wide range of additional features and equipment.
The R 1200 GS "30 Years GS" special model highlights the sporting enduro DNA of BMW's large grand touring enduros. Particularly outstanding features are the exclusive paintwork in Alpine White non-metallic with three-coloured decals in the former colours of BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the "30 Years GS" model designation, cross-spoke wheels with their spoke ring in black eloxy finish, has a tinted windscreen, aluminium engine guard and hand protectors.
The seat finished in red with its three-dimensional GS stamp in the side flanks gives this special model a particularly masculine and sporting look.
Highlights of the BMW R 1200 GS "30 Years GS":
- Paintwork in Alpine White non-metallic.
- Three-coloured decals in the livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
- "30 Years GS" model designation on the tank.
- Cross-spoke wheels with a spoke ring in black eloxy finish.
- Hand protectors.
- Tinted windscreen.
- Seat in red with three-dimensional "GS" stamp in the side flanks.
NZ Pricing $33,065.
The BMW GS - for thirty years this abbreviation has stood above all for genuine adventure on your motorcycle, crossing deserts or going on expeditions to remote parts of our planet, from the Sahara all the way to Tierra del Fuego. The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is a special offer from BMW Motorrad optimising the qualities of the R 1200 GS for the most demanding long-distance tours.
Introducing the "30 Years GS" special model, BMW Motorrad is highlighting the particularly rugged and masculine character as well as the off-road qualities of the R 1200 GS Adventure. This very special machine comes with exclusive paintwork in Alpine White non-metallic and three-coloured decals in the historical livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, a "30 Years GS" model designation on the tank, extra-large hand protectors all in black, as well as a robust engine protection hoop made of aluminium. The seat finished in red/black with its three-dimensional "GS" stamp in the side flanks emphasises the sporting look and character of this unique machine.
Highlights of the BMW R 1200 GS "30 Years GS":
- Paintwork in Alpine White non-metallic.
- Three-coloured decals in the livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
- "30 Years GS" model designation on the tank.
- Cross-spoke wheels with a spoke ring in black eloxy finish.
- Hand protectors.
- Tinted windscreen.
- Seat in red with three-dimensional "GS" stamp in the side flanks.
NZ Pricing $39,303.
Proudly launching the F 800 GS enduro in 2007, BMW Motorrad enlarged the model range by yet another, brand-new version of the GS. Like its counterparts, this unusually dynamic grand touring enduro perfectly suited for off-road use, through its robust look and long spring travel, clearly underlines what it is able to offer also beyond the beaten track.
Indeed, the message conveyed by the F 850 GS weighing just 207 kg or 456 lb with a full tank is both clear and meaningful: maximum riding pleasure both on-road and off-road, combined with fatigue-free riding qualities for long tours.
As a very special model, the F 800 GS "30 Years GS" celebrates a major birthday with a wide range of features underlining the dynamic riding qualities of this supreme machine.
As its first highlight, the F 800 GS "30 Years GS" also comes in exclusive Alpine White non-metallic paintwork with three-coloured decals in the traditional livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport as well as the "30 Years GS" model designation on the airbox cover, robust hand protectors with a stainless-steel hoop and a large spoiler element, as well as an aluminium engine protection hoop really able to take heavy loads.
The seat finished in red with its three-dimensional "GS" stamp at the front of the seat bottom as well as white LED indicators set further sporting highlights. And last but not least, a tinted windscreen blends harmoniously with the dynamic overall look of the F 800 GS "30 Years GS".
Highlights of the BMW F 800 GS "30 Years GS":
- Paintwork in Alpine White non-metallic.
- Three-coloured decals in the livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
- "30 Years GS" model designation on the airbox cover.
- Hand protectors with stainless-steel hoops, plastic protectors, and an extra large spoiler element.
- Robust engine protection guard made of aluminium.
- Tinted windscreen
- White LED direction indicators.
- Seat in red with three-dimensional "GS" stamp at the front of the seat bottom.
NZ Pricing $24,892
In addition to the F 800 GS, BMW Motorrad also offers a smaller model of the same kind, the F 650 GS aimed at riders who do not need quite that much spring travel and are not out only for adventure and off-road riding. The particular fortes of this machine are its lower seat height, the high standard of all-round qualities, easy riding characteristics, and excellent suitability for everyday use.
Introducing the "30 Years GS" special model, BMW Motorrad is taking up the tradition of the GS model series also on the F 650 GS. Hence, the F 650 GS "30 Years GS" likewise comes in exclusive Alpine White non-metallic paintwork with three-coloured decals in the historical livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport and its special model designation, in this case on the rear section, together with stainless-steel hand protectors and a black plastic protector as well as a colour-matched engine protection cover again in black. Magnesium-coloured cast wheels, the red seat with its three-dimensional "GS" stamp at the front of the seat surface, as well as white LED direction indicators give this special edition of the F 650 GS a particularly exclusive note. An extra-high, tinted windscreen underlines the particular qualities of this machine for long-distance touring.
Highlights of the BMW F 650 GS "30 Years GS":
- Paintwork in Alpine White non-metallic.
- Three-coloured decals in the livery of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
- "30 Years GS" model designation at the rear.
- Magnesium-coloured cast wheels.
- Hand protectors with a stainless-steel hoop and plastic protector.
- Engine protector made of special plastic.
- Tinted, higher windscreen.
- White LED direction indicators.
- Seat in red with three-dimensional "GS" stamp at the front of the seat surface.
NZ Pricing $20,899.
