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A good part of this can be attributed to the superb Paralever and Telelever suspension, the rather wise use of a 17 inch rear and 19 inch front wheel combination (another journalist noted that, a different bike with a more traditional dirt bike-sized tire up front wouldn't have allowed for such successful riding by the less-experienced among us), the smooth fuel injection, powerful but sensitive brakes, light clutch action combined with a trouble-free transmission and a well-balanced package. I give credit to the ease with which the bike can be manipulated, to the low center of gravity inherent in the boxer configuration.

Ultimately, no machine is perfect, and a few minor, items need to be noted. Of most concern to most people is the tall saddle height due to the long suspension travel. Standing 5'8", I was able to overcome the challenge but many that day weren't so lucky. More than one bike was tipped over in a parking lot dismount or slow-speed maneuver through rough terrain. The saddle was a touch on the firm side, especially for longer freeway jaunts. But that's where the over-sized footrests come in handy. Where a little additional riding leverage is needed or just a change of position, simply standing up on the pegs can be a welcome change. Others complained, that when adjusted to its highest position, the large windscreen was distracting to look through, making them wish they were looking over it instead. Short of those few remarks, my admittedly limited dirt riding expertise makes it difficult to dissect any nuances to the point that they would be a useful consideration.

The R 1200 GS, like all Beemers, is prepped to receive a large variety of accessories offered by BMW. With a base price of $16,600.00, there's plenty of room to grow that figure rather quickly considering the list of options available, many of which are the same on BMW motorcycles. Before you bolt all those accessories on, BMW says the GS Adventure will weigh 492 lbs dry and 564 lbs wet.

Finally, to return to my regaling of the ride, what lay at the end of that glorious red road was the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Never having been to the Canyon, I couldn't think of a better way to end such an incredible ride on a bike so well-suited to just such an adventure.

To my mind, the most worthwhile attraction is "Big Bertha." Once the primary source of power for the mining town, Big Bertha is a three-cylinder generator. She's now partly disassembled since she doesn't need to provide anything other than laughs. For the sum of $10.00, Don will fire-up the old, stationary tractor that is used to, well, start the starter on the generator. Once rolling, Big Bertha sucks in a huge volume of air with such ferocity that you can hear it "breathe." As an added surprise Don will fiddle with the compression release, causing Big Bertha to backfire with enough force to send anyone who hasn't heard her, run for cover. If you're a true gear head or just someone who likes the old and weird, be sure to visit Gold King Mine and Ghost Town. It's well worth the time spent.   http://www.goldkingmine.net/