What my R1200 means to me - The BMW R1200 GSA
Review of the BMW R1200 GSA air-cooled
My Outlook
For most people there is always that one bike which changed everything for them. Before I took over ownership of my R1200 GSA I had been riding a Suzuki SV1000 Sports tourer around Europe and many smaller 125cc motorcycles before then. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't change the priceless memories I made with them but entering the world of adventure motorcycling would completely change my outlook.
A TEST RIDE
The first time I rode an R1200 was when I visited a friend in California, before then I was skeptical of the size, the boxer engine and weight of the motorcycle. Any negative preconceived ideas went away immediately as soon as I pulled out of the driveway and onto the coast road. After a 4-day road trip to Yosemite national park i was hooked from what was a relatively short experience of the spirit of GS. I returned home after a year-long travel stint, I had set some funds aside to purchase a car which I needed to transport me around Europe for work. However, I went to see a nearby air cooled R1200 GSA 30-year anniversary edition that was for sale and after a quick test ride and not much thought I was the proud owner of my first adventure bike. A short time later and several attempts of packing what would usually get thrown into the boot of a car I was departing the UK for what seemed like a rather long commute.
MY TRUSTY R1200
The first thing that struck me was the ease in which I could transport everything I needed in a safe and secure manner. The aluminum pannier set seemed to swallow everything I needed and at that time the back seat could accommodate any extras. The upright riding position and extra leg room enabled me to ride all day covering huge distances and still be able to walk normally to a hotel and make me look forwards to getting back on the next day and doing it all again.
Over the next 3 years my trusty R1200 would take me all around Europe without ever letting me down and became my number 1 travel companion only moving to second place after I met the love of my life. For a further 5 years and to the present day the R1200 has played a key part in all the adventures and memories that Emily and I have made together. I've never thought about changing it or trading it in for something newer as we have become very attached to our motorcycle.
Having said that I do enjoy taking the newer models for a spin, especially the R1250 GSA which we recently took to Moldova as it still felt familiar and evoked the same feelings as the R1200 did when i first twisted the throttle. With the development and technological advances of the newer machines I do appreciate both the added safety features and increased power that they provide but the R1200 will always have a place in the garage and my heart.