The
BMW GS series of dual purpose off-road/on-road
BMW motorcycles have been produced from 1980, when the
R80G/S was launched, to the present day. The GS refers to either
Gelände/Straße (German: off-road/road) or
Gelände Sport. GS
motorcycles can be distinguished from other BMW models by their longer travel
suspension, an upright riding position, and larger front wheels – typically 19 to 21 inch. In May 2009, the 500,000th GS was produced, an
R1200GS model.