30 years of Gelande Strasse

The original R80GS was introduced in 1980 - an entirely new type of motorcycle from BMW Motorrad, with both on and off road capability, a powerful engine and a robust chassis - the GS lineup (“Gelande-Strasse” translates as “on-/off-road”) was born. Whether in off-road sports or as a touring enduro, the BMW GS has created and shaped a strong market over the past three decades. With the distinctive boxer engines, it has been consistently updated and improved since then, shaping the image of BMW Motorrad more than any other model.

The “30 Years GS” line includes special edition versions of the BMW R 1200 GS, the R 1200 GS Adventure, the F 800 GS and the F 650 GS. Each special edition model features the BMW Motorsports colours of the R80G/S Rally Raiders that found success in the Paris-Dakar Rally during the ‘80s.

The R 1200 GS Adventure represents the latest development of the GS concept from the original R 80 GS. This special edition model features exclusive white bodywork with red & blue “30 Years GS” graphic, red seat with three-dimensional embossed GS logo, black cross-spoke wheels, hand protectors and a bigger windshield.


The R 1200 GS "30 Years GS" is an exclusive special model commemorating the 30-year tradition of the highly successful GS model series. This edition highlights the sporting enduro DNA of BMW's large grand touring enduros, and celebrates the anniversary of the most successful BMW model series ever.

Unique features include the exclusive Alpine White non-metallic paint with three-coloured decals in the former colours of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, the "30 Years GS" model designation, cross-spoke wheels with their spoke ring in black epoxy finish, and hand protectors. The seat is finished in red with its three-dimensional GS stamp in the side flanks, which, according to BMW, "gives this special model a particularly masculine and sporting look."


BMW's Boxer engine has loads of usable torque, which help keep wheelspin under control in slippery off-road terrain.

Highway cruising speeds are easy work for the GS with 4000rpm generating roughly 140km/h in sixth gear. It is where the motor is happiest blending smoothness and torque. Second gear is best for anything off-road under about 50km/h, with abundant torque to pull into third gear when extra traction is required.

The Adventure is visually much larger and masculine thanks to the bigger fuel tank and standard crash protection bars, engine and hand guards and cross-spoke wheels. A larger windscreen offers increased protection and front and rear suspension both give 0.8-inches of additional travel. The GSA’s oversized windscreen is better and the additional flares on the lower edges make a world of difference. However, the engine is the same with the previous Adventure, the only change being a shorter first gear in the six-speed transmission. Of course, the weight difference alone makes the GS feel peppier and more nimble than its thicker sibling.


It's amazing how good this bike is in most situations, even those where it seems out of place. It's never to be underestimated, and another confidence-aspiring feature is the Integral ABS. BMW has equipped the GS machines with excellent dual four-pot callipers up front with floating 305mm rotors and two-piston rear callipers with 265mm rotor.

The launch of the "30 Years GS" special versions of the BMW R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure, F 800 GS, and F 650 GS is BMW Motorrad’s way of paying tribute to the outstanding success of the GS models both in the production series machines and in motorsport.


BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

Displacement: 1170cc
Engine type: Two cyls boxer, four-stroke
Bore x stroke: 101.0 x 73.0mm
Valves per cylinder: 4
Fuel system: Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K
Fuel control: SOHC
Cooling system: Oil & air
Gearbox: 6-speed
Power: 103.25hp @ 7500rpm
Torque: 115 Nm @ 5750rpm
Final drive: Shaft drive
Front Suspension: Telelever Telescopic Fork
Rear Suspension: Single Sided Swing Arm
Seat Height: 894.1mm
Top speed: 200km/h