(July 14, 2020) MUNICH, Germany —  A motorcycle concept that is as legendary as it is sophisticated will celebrate its anniversary in 2020. The BMW GS models are turning 40. In autumn 1980 BMW Motorrad presented the R 80 G/S, a motorcycle which combined two very special areas of riding for the first time: Off-road and on-road.

Thanks to its unique combination of road, touring and off-road capability — without compromising on everyday use — the R 80 G/S became the conceptual forerunner of the new motorcycle category of touring enduros created by BMW Motorrad.

And what is more: The BMW GS models became the perfect synonym for the perfect partner on two wheels to explore even the most remote corners of our planet. To date, BMW Motorrad has been able to hand over more than 1.2 million BMW GS models to customers.

But it wasn't just motorcycle adventures that were ideally suited for the BMW GS right from the outset; the R 80 G/S and its descendants also quickly proved their qualities in racing. In 1981 Hubert Auriol rode to victory in the equally prestigious and challenging Paris - Dakar Rally. This is just one of the many motorsport successes that BMW Motorrad was able to celebrate with a GS.



The outstanding talents of the boxer GS models — riding dynamics, off-road mastery, comfort and robustness — have been continuously maintained and developed by BMW Motorrad over the past 40 years and successfully transferred to other BMW Motorrad model series. In 1993, the F 650 "Funduro" was the first single-cylinder BMW enduro to come onto the market.

While this bike drew its riding dynamics from its low weight and the thrust of the 47 hp single cylinder, the changing of the guard took place simultaneously on the BMW GS models with boxer engine.

With the BMW R 1100 GS, BMW Motorrad not only presented the first GS with a 4-valve boxer and 80 bhp output, but also trod new paths with regard to suspension technology for large touring enduros. For the first time in an enduro, the engine and gearbox acted as load-bearing elements of the chassis, making a main frame superfluous.

While the BMW Paralever rear wheel suspension system had already eliminated the drive reactions of the shaft drive in the models with the two-valve boxer years earlier, the BMW engineers had now created an innovative way of guiding the front wheels using the Telelever suspension. With the pitch compensation and highly sensitive response they set new standards in this area. In addition, the new R 1100 GS was the first enduro ever to be equipped with ABS — a safety plus that is now standard equipment on all BMW motorcycles.