Following the success of the original R 80 G/S, BMW continued to evolve its dual-purpose adventure bike. In 1999, it became the R 1150 GS, with dramatic new styling from David Robb’s design team, plus a six-speed transmission to go with its 85-horsepower boxer engine and the comfortable Paralever/Telelever chassis. The R 1150 GS seen here accompanied the Olympic torch from Atlanta to Salt Lake City for the 2002 Winter Olympics—a 13,500-mile journey that provided excellent publicity for the reliability of BMW motorcycles.

For more pictures and information on this or any other vehicle in the Motorcycles exhibit, check out the exhibition book in our store!