Jim Patton is a good friend of ours, a “Bob’s Ambassador,” and a devoted GS enthusiast who has logged a zillion miles or so on BMWs over the years. We asked him to take a spin on our brand new GS Adventure and tell us what he thought. Well, Jim was kind enough to do one better (because he’s a “go-the-extra-mile” kinda’ guy) and write down his impressions so that we can share them with you!
 
Obviously, these are Jim’s opinions, and his alone. They do not necessarily reflect those of Bob’s BMW, BMW Motorrad USA, Fox News, or Major League Baseball. Please enjoy his comments, then come on in and test ride the big GS Adventure for yourself!
All,
 
I had an opportunity to test ride the brand new R100GS Adventure last Saturday.  The bike had just been put in service as a demonstrator.  Color: Alpine white, though there just isn't too much painted surface on these big bikes.  The seats were black with red side panels.
 
My 40-mile ride included about equal distance of four lane and back roads. To my pleasant surprise, the extra weight of the BIG tank and stainless gear didn't produce a "heavy" feel, as I had expected it to.  The Adventure has the same, fantastic, predictable handling as the R1200GS.
 
The bike appears to be mechanically identical to the R1200GS.  Most of the differences are cosmetic and include the larger tank, taller suspension, bigger windshield, stainless engine and tank protection, jug protection, clear turn signal lenses, dark colored rims and a stainless tail rack.  It also sports new, flat foot pegs and adjustable rear brake and shift levers.  This demonstrator was a non-ABS model equipped with non-knobby, street tires.  
Unlike its older sibling, the R1150GS Adventure, the transmission does NOT have lower ratios in first and sixth.  Sixth gear at 4,000 rpm produces ~70 mph, the same as on the R1200 GS.  Shifting is smooth and there is adequate roll-on power, even in sixth gear over 65 mph.
 
The big tank creates a nice protection bubble for your knees similar to an RT.  I didn't take the time to play with the windshield adjustment.  It was set all the way forward.  Wind was gusting to 30+ mph during my ride.  The windshield didn't do a great job with these conditions at highway speeds, and since I'm not a super fan of BMW windshield designs, this didn't surprise me.
 
For those who like the traditional, expandable R1200GS side bags, it appears that a retrofit is possible.  The retrofit will require the removal of the stainless tail rack and grab rails to accommodate the bag mounts.
 
My first ride impression is that this bike is ideal for a non-short rider who wants a general purpose bike capable of handling ANY road conditions he might encounter—even in downtown DC.  The bike is probably too big for serious off-road riding, but it will fully support all-day highway crunching with the best touring machines.  It will also be able to stay with any bike once the road starts to twist and turn.  The big tank will certainly limit the number of fuel only stops on a long trip.  However, some of that fuel may be eaten by the less aerodynamic shape if the Adventure. The weather protection should make it rideable year-round (even for old knees).
 
Jim Patton