GS Survival Tool

Ok this one almost had me going—at least raised my eyebrows. Those Germans and their dry humour...

BMW Motorrad presents the BMW GS Survival Tool. Ride on where others have long since given up.

1 Apr 2016 Press Release 

Munich. All motorcyclist adventurers are familiar with the challenges: a slip-up out in the bush causes a technical failure - the bike is out of action, the nearest garage is hundreds of miles away and there’s no phone signal. Normally this would mean that the long-planned motorcycle adventure was over.

In view of the constantly growing desire for adventure among BMW GS riders, BMW Motorrad assembled a group of experienced GS motorcyclists to look into this issue and has now developed a special new tool for the BMW GS models R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure which even enables complex repairs and replication of spare parts out in the field: the BMW GS Survival Tool.

This special device was developed based on a historical precursor used by many mechanics in Bavaria back in the early 20th century: the so-called axe-hammer pliers. Like its classic role model, the BMW GS Survival Tool possesses unique multifunctional qualities: it can be used as an axe, a hammer, a pair of pliers, a knife, a screwdriver and a saw.

The GS Survival Tool was refined and perfected in the course of numerous endurance tests carried out by BMW engineers in some of the world’s most remote and barren regions. Many a fantastic motorcycling adventure would have been brought to a premature finish had it not been for this multifunctional device.

The product’s final test came at the 2016 International GS Trophy Southeast Asia from February 26th to March 5th 2016 in Thailand. Here the universal tool demonstrated its capabilities on numerous occasions – though only for hammering in tent pegs and opening bottles and cans using the fully integrated opener. In spite of the very extreme conditions, there was no need for spare parts to be replicated for the motorcycles.

The BMW GS Survival Tool is forged from high-quality chrome molybdenum steel and mechanically processed. As a weight-saving measure, however, the shaft is made of aluminium and plastic. Alternatively, the BMW GS Survival Tool Pro is available in solid titanium and there is also an extremely handy version made of titanium and carbon fibre - the BMW GS Survival Tool HP. Both variants bear a lasered GS inscription.

Prices (RRP) including 19% VAT for Germany:
BMW GS Survival Tool: €389.00
BMW GS Survival Tool Pro: €1,479.00
BMW GS Survival Tool HP: €1,699.00

The price includes the high-quality BMW toolkit service set and a multilingual construction manual for parts made of renewable raw materials.

Preparations are already underway to make a Survival Tool that is specially adapted to the mid-range enduro models BMW F 800 GS and F 800 GS Adventure.

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BMW has had a long tradition for April Fool’s Day press releases and of course this year was no exception. I’m curious how many people actually enquired about such a device!

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The extraordinary convergence of a name

The GS name was used in the automotive industry long before BMW’s famous line of bikes. From 1970–1986 French carmaker Citroën manufactured a small family car—the Citroën GS (and later GSA).

At first glance, this humble, plucky car would seem to have nothing in common with BMW’s contemporary range of dual sport bikes other than its name, but look more closely and a most extraordinary convergence appears.

Citroen GSA circa 1980

Bearing in mind the Citroën GS was launched in 1970, it was equipped with unheard-of technologies for its day. A hydropneumatic suspension system which, through mechanical means, self levelled and adjusted damping according to road conditions, and prevented the front of the car from diving during braking. A precursor to anti-lock brakes which linked the braking and suspension systems to distribute front/rear brake force according to load, helping to prevent lock-up under hard braking. Even the option of clutchless manual gear changes.

Many of its technological features are mirrored in the R1200GS, and a few in the F800GS—more than 40 years later. The table below compares some key features:

Citroën GS/A		R1200GS/A		F800GS/A
Air cooled boxer engine 1,000–1,300cc depending on version		Air/liquid cooled boxer engine 1,200cc		Liquid cooled parallel twin 800cc
Self levelling air/oil double wishbone/trailing arm suspension with anti-dive braking and mechanical adaptive damping		ESA semi-active wishbone/trailing arm suspension with electronic preload adjustment, anti-dive braking and electronic adaptive damping		ESA fork/swing arm suspension with electronic adaptive damping (on rear only)
All disc brakes with load sensing, pressure propotioning system linked into suspension to reduce likelihood of locking brakes		All disc brakes with load sensing, pressure proportioning system and ABS		All disc brakes with ABS
Optional clutchless manual shifting via C-Matic system		Optional clutchless manual shifting via Gear Shift Assist Pro system		n/a
Class leading aerodynamics, among the first vehicles to utilise Kamm tail design which used airflow to keep the rear window clear of water without the use of a wiper		Wind tunnel optimised design to optimise airflow, reducing the amount of spray reaching the rider/pillion when riding in wet weather and maximising high speed stability		Wind tunnel optimised design, maximising high speed stability
Unique design which set it apart from other vehicles of the era		Individualist design unique to BMW		Individualist design unique to BMW
Class leading fuel efficiency		Class leading fuel efficiency		Class leading fuel efficiency
Popular with more than 2.5m sold		BMW's top selling motorcycle worldwide		Popular bike in its class

However, the Citroën GS had one party trick up its sleeve that not even BMW’s latest can match—the ability for that hydropneumatic suspension system to balance the car on three wheels.

Citroen GS circa 1975 turning with a wheel removed

The point? Back in the 70s, tyre failure occurred at an alarming rate compared to today, and the GS remained perfectly controllable during a blow-out even at its top speed, enabling the driver to safely come to a stop.

In fact, the suspension was so stable, the car could negotiate a slalom on three wheels.



It’s interesting that the GS name represented such advanced technologies back in the 70s, and continues to do so today, albeit in a very area of the transportation marketplace.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

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