Offroad Performance - The TOURATECH R 1250 GS RR (Prototype Motorcycle) For the extremely tough offroad tests of the new electronic suspension "Plug & Travel Evo," a prototype motorcycle was specially developed that is many times more suitable for unpaved terrain: the Touratech R 1250 GS RR with 21" front wheel.
Hard enduro specialist Kevin Gallas tried the Touratech R 1250 GS RR at the 2022 Transitalia Marathon and was enthusiastic about the prototype's off-road characteristics. An R 1250 GS with 21" front wheel and extra-long suspension travel; what sounds like a sporty enduro traveler's wet dream has long been in use at Touratech. However, not, and some readers will be disappointed about this, as a prototype for series production, but as a test vehicle for the new electronic suspension "Plug & Travel Evo".
We needed a vehicle that would exceed the capabilities of a standard BMW R 1250 GS when used on unpaved terrain in order to test the semi-active suspension elements under more far-reaching loads to which they are exposed in the hands of the customer," explains Jo Glaser, product manager at Touratech Suspension. "And that is exactly what our prototype R 1250 GS RR does.
Built up, the machine was assembled at WM Bikes in Potsdam, under the direction of Lars Würdemann. The most drastic change to drastically improve its suitability for unpaved terrain was the conversion to a 21" front wheel. But that wasn't enough. "For the loads during sporty off-road use, we needed a very sturdy rim. We preferred an Excel rim rim and fitted it with spokes in combination with the original hub. Because, like a sports duro, we spoked inward and the nipples had to be on the rim, we needed special adapters," explains Lars Würdemann. "While that was a lot of work, the enormous rigidity of the 21" front wheel proved us right.
21" front wheel with very strong Excel rim
Originally, a rear wheel with enduro-compliant dimensions was also going to be used. But the combination of the larger rolling circumference of an 18" wheel with the fixed final gear in the bevel gearbox would have meant that the gears as a whole would have become too long. Therefore, the wrenchers left it at the original diameter and spoked a slightly narrower 17" rim on the original hub.
During the development process of the electronic suspension "Plug & Travel Evo", the machine designated as Touratech R 1250 GS RR was repeatedly provided with new, fully functioning prototypes of the semi-active suspension elements "Plug & Travel Evo", in order to test the respective development phase on tough terrain.
In the course of time, the struts naturally became more and more suitable for series production, until finally series products were used. And this in the version with a longer suspension travel, such as those available for the R1250 GS Adventure and the sports suspension model variant, respectively.
Comprehensive enduro equipment
Of course, numerous other Touratech products in the series contribute to the R 1250 GS RR's very good suitability for off-road riding. The adjustable shift and foot brake levers allow perfect adaptation to the standing riding position. Collapsible levers for front wheel brake and clutch reduce the risk of breakage to a minimum, solid protection is given to the steering arms by the very sturdy aluminum brackets of the Defensa protectors.
To achieve the smallest possible construction width for narrow passages, the offroad professionals did not apply an engine drop bracket and instead used the Touratech valve cover protector. The underside of the Boxer is protected from damage by the "Rally" engine block protector made of high-strength, hydroformed aluminum.
From Mecklenburg to Italy: intensive off-road testing
The Touratech R 1250 GS RR endured a wide variety of conditions over many thousands of miles of tough testing on which the suspension concept and suspension elements had to prove their worth. Thus, rally-crack Dirk von Zitzewitz drove the prototypes through sandy plains and over chippings in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The next thousands of miles the bike covered under the skillful hands of Lars Würdemann in the off-road regions of Brandenburg. And Touratech-CMO Martin Wickert took the extreme GS through the demanding sections of the newly scouted adventure country track through the United Kingdom.
Wickert was enthusiastic after the leaden five-day trip: The Touratech suspension conversion R 1250 GS RR surprises not only because it stays so neatly on track on gravel roads. Particularly on roads with very deep ruts, such as those often found on the ACT VK, the strengths of the suspension in combination with the 21" front wheel came out very well. The combination of the Boxer's torque and low center of gravity with the large front wheel is what is missing from BMW's portfolio: an offroad performance machine.
RR's big presentation to probably Europe's most committed adventure riders then took place during the Transitalia Marathon. None other than hard enduro specialist Kevin Gallas piloted the machine from the Adriatic right through Tuscany and across the Apennines to the Mediterranean - and back.
Kevin was able to make use of a navigation tower fully equipped with roadbook holder, tripmaster and GPS device during this adventurous trip. The gravel roads and trails of the Italian hinterland provided the perfect terrain for the modified GS. I was very surprised at the bandwidth in which you could use the electronic suspension, Kevin summarized his experiences on the TIM. Especially on the offroad section, you could assess the front wheel and roadholding super, and you had great reserves even at high speeds and jumps as well as on hills and on plains with lots of stones, according to the enduro crack.
"Sharpened tread"
Lars Würdemann, mastermind behind the time-consuming conversion, sums up his impressions with the Touratech R 1250 GS RR very matter-of-factly as follows. "The standard GS is a universal talent that satisfies amazingly well the most diverse requirements from cozy touring, a sporty riding style to off-road riding.
By comparison, the RR has a sharper handling profile. What it loses in handling onroad, it more than makes up for on dirt. It drives playfully over edges, has - not least because of the electronic suspension elements - gigantic traction and runs extremely quietly on gravel tracks. This makes it the superior enduro, but it is not the better GS.
This last conclusion as a consolation to anyone who also desires a 21" wheel. When that wish will not still be fulfilled one day by BMW.