BMW GS Experience: Back To Basics

There is a way we do things, and then there is the right way to do them. When it comes to riding a large adventure motorcycle off-road, the difference is significant. You may get through a tricky section using a technique developed over years of riding, but that does not necessarily mean it is the easiest, most effective or safest way. This is precisely what the BMW GS Experience aims to address.

Designed specifically for GS owners, the programme is divided into two levels. Each drill helps riders understand not just what they are doing, but also how their inputs affect the motorcycle. Having spent a fair amount of time riding lighter motorcycles off-road, I decided to take on the challenge on a R 1250 GS.

The right way

The first day began with body positioning, before moving on to exercises that familiarised us with the motorcycles. The enduro steering technique was one of the first exercises to expose a track-style tendency in my approach. I found myself moving away from one side of the tank with my knee. Correcting this felt unnatural, and it took several attempts to get comfortable with the right technique.

The next exercise involved tight U-turns. Here, the lessons from the previous drill began to come together, and the manoeuvres felt surprisingly easy. Another important lesson was the emphasis on vision. Where you look has a significant influence on where you go.

Next up, the parallel logs drill that simulated riding through a deep rut. It involved riding between two large metal bars dug into the ground. The idea was to remain composed, avoid abrupt handlebar corrections and focus your vision on where you wanted to go rather than immediately in front of you.

The final exercise involved short climbs and descents, followed by emergency braking. The former demonstrated distributing body weight correctly on slopes, while the latter taught us how to apply the brakes firmly in an emergency. By the end of the day, I felt considerably more comfortable on the R 1250 GS.

Taking it up a notch

Level 2 introduces more advanced challenges while revisiting some Level 1 exercises with more detailed explanations. One of my biggest weaknesses has always been riding through sand. The key takeaway from this drill was to trust the motorcycle and use the correct technique despite it feeling unnatural to you. A bike moving around beneath you can be unsettling, but maintaining the right body position, looking ahead and not gripping the bars too tight allows the motorcycle to easily find its way through the sand.

Another enjoyable exercise involved riding through a berm. The technique relied on quickly switching vision from entry to exit, body positioning and maintaining steady momentum. The final challenge was a technical trail section that made us apply all the techniques we had learnt in succession. The day ended with a water crossing drill. Fairly deep water and loose dirt underneath made it challenging, but the more adventurous participants took the opportunity to have some fun. 

Totally worth it

Beyond the riding exercises, the event was really well organised. The sessions ran on time, there was adequate time to rest between exercises, and the briefing sessions were interactive. The team was attentive, and this ensured that riders could practise at their own pace while maintaining safety.

Our trainers, Adib Javanmardi and Anand Dharesan, were excellent. Their jovial and personalised approach made the training more effective, especially when correcting each rider’s bad habits.

The training was priced at Rs 3,000 for Level 1 and Rs 4,000 for Level 2 for owners of 310cc and 450cc motorcycles. For owners of 850cc bikes and above, the respective fees were Rs 6,500 and Rs 8,000. Considering the skills taught and confidence gained, these prices are reasonable.

Overall, the BMW GS Experience was enjoyable, and it teaches you how a big adventure bike is not as intimidating as it looks. Whether you are an inexperienced rider or someone who has spent years riding, there is always something new to learn. Sometimes, all it takes is a weekend of going back to basics to discover just how much better you can ride.