RUST magazine: BMW GS Trophy Special Edition 2016

GS, through its techno-wizardry had mastery
and it allowed even average riders to feel
equal mastery given the sophistication of the
rider aids.
FASTER?
Come the event itself, the rain disappeared
and aside from a few devilishly slick spots
left under trees (on road and trail), we enjoyed
dry, often dusty conditions. On faster
trails again Enduro Pro was the call. It does
fast gravel immaculately. There’s enough
spin allowed in the traction control to get the
back drifting on corner exits – which sometimes
you need if the corner is tightening.
Meanwhile the braking is again spot-on, you
can pin it without fear of a front-end washout,
then drag the back-end out one way or another
using the back brake to align for the
corner.
I’d tailored the set-up on my GS to suit the
semi-aggressive riding. I love the GS for this
adaptability. First job was the simple switching
of the locating plugs under the seat to lift
it into the high position; at 6’0” that suits me
better and I like a high seat feel as it best
replicates an enduro bike. I don’t go for a low
seat as I never plan to paddle a bike of this
size anywhere, I’ll make the odd steadying
dab maybe, but best plan, I think, on a GS is
to ride stood up and feet-up.
I got to tailor the suspension set-up, too. I