BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Suzuki GS 500
BMW R 1200 GS (K50)
Suzuki GS 500
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- has neat Wums
- extensive electronic helpers
- significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
- Handy
- Low seat height
- Suitable for everyday use
- Value for money
- Excellent spare parts situation
- Price mainly with full equipment
- No electronic helpers
- Susceptible to rust
- Weak rear damping
Dimensions & Weight
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg
Seat : 790 mm
Weight : 174 kg
Engine
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 487 ccm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kette
Performance
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 403 km
Performance: 45 HP Tank contents: 17 Litre
Chassis
Bridges, motor supporting (steel) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
Brakes
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Conclusion - what gets stuck
No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!
For beginners? Well, yes....
So what remains? In our case, the question of whether a motorcycle can work for only EUR 900 must clearly be answered in the affirmative. And more: Little Suzi is really fun. Of course, she is especially noticeable when it is brakes, but she has no real flaws. If you want or have to ride a motorcycle cheaply, you would have a long time with this Suzi for the narrow thaler.
Two things about it: It worked in our case, because the buyer had been informed exactly what to look for. It should not be concealed that a portion of luck can't hurt: If a previous owner often turned the Suzi out cold or driven it over the runway at full throttle, this conclusion would probably not be so positive.
The second is the concept of an entry-level machine, which is often attached to machines such as the Suzuki GS 500E. Of course, you don't want to spend a lot of money and gain experience first. But whether you should do this with a motorcycle that lacks any electronic safety feature?
Everyone has to make up that with themselves.
