BMW GS

The BMW GS is a model series of adventure-touring motorcycles produced by BMW Motorrad since 1980 until present day. The GS acronym has had several different meanings over the years. Originally designer Hans Muth had intended to call it the "Gentleman's scrambler" but it was later launched under the name G/S meaning "Gelände/Straße" (Lit.: terrain/street). Later models removed the forward slash and now GS is generally accepted to be german for "Geländesport" (Lit.: terrainsport).

The GS models of motorcycles can be distinguished from other BMW models by their longer travel suspension, an upright riding position, and larger front wheels – typically 19 or 21 inch.

The BMW GS is generally accepted to be the first "adventure bike" combining some off-road capability of a dual-sport motorcycle, with the comfort and luggage carrying ability of a touring motorcycle.

The BMW GS is also a commercial and historically significant model for BMW Motorrad. Before its launch in 1980 the motorcycle division of BMW was struggling financially and in early 1979 the new director of BMW Motorrad Karl-Heinz Gerlinger was tasked with either making the motorcycle business profitable or shutting it down entirely. Initially some reviewers of the new R80G/S model were unimpressed with the compromised dual nature of the motorcycle, with the magazine Motorcyclist calling it "barely capable of holding its own [and] heavy and akward". On the contrary the German publication Motorrad claimed the R80G/S was "the best roadbike BMW has made yet". By the end of 1981 BMW had sold 6,631 R80G/Ss which was more than twice the number originally hoped for, contributing to saving the motorcycle division.

The GS models have gone on to become the best selling model in BMW Motorrads lineup. On 21 June 2023 BMW announced they had produced their one millionth boxer-engined GS motorcycle.