Motorcycles
The BMW R 1250 GS and R 1300 GS are superb on long stages, on tarmac and on smooth gravel. On rocky karst tracks, in river crossings and on narrow forest trails, though, it quickly becomes clear that a big boxer is not a lightweight enduro. That doesn't mean you should leave it at home – just that you should plan honestly.
This guide covers what a large GS can realistically do in Bosnia, which route suits it on the Bosnia Marathon, the techniques that matter most on a heavy bike, and how to prepare tyres, electronics and luggage.
On wide gravel roads across the high plateaus the GS is in its element: plenty of torque, comfort and stability. It gets harder where tracks turn narrow, steep and rocky. The mass pushes on in corners and under braking, and once the bike is on its side, lifting it takes real effort.
So don't plan on the basis that "the GS can do anything". Plan around your own experience on loose surfaces. If you have mostly ridden on the road, a long off-road day will tire you far more than a day in the Alps.
On the Bosnia Marathon there are two GPX tracks every riding day: a longer, more technical Rally route and an easier Classic route that is specifically recommended for beginners and large adventure bikes. On top of that, individual sections can be bypassed on tarmac.
That combination is ideal for a GS. You ride the Classic route, and if a stretch is too rough – or too slippery after rain – you take the tarmac option. There's no timing, so there's no reason to push beyond your limits. Once you feel confident after a few days, you can try individual Rally sections.
Water crossings are part of riding in Bosnia. Walk unfamiliar fords first: depth, current and large rocks are almost impossible to judge from the saddle. Then ride through standing up, in a low gear and on a steady throttle, without stopping.
The riverbed is often covered in round, slimy stones. Stay relaxed, let the front wheel find its line and don't pull the clutch in mid-stream. If in doubt, cross with other riders nearby so someone can help.
Depending on model year and equipment, the R 1250 GS and R 1300 GS offer different riding modes and ABS settings for off-road use. Your owner's manual explains exactly what your bike has and how ABS and traction control behave in each mode – read it before the trip and try the settings on a safe patch of gravel.
Knobbly off-road tyres are a requirement, and for around 1,500 km they should be new or nearly new. Our guide to off-road motorcycle tyres for Bosnia explains which tread patterns work on heavy machines.
Every kilo counts, especially high up in a top box. Each stage returns to Kupres, and vehicles and trailers can stay at the base at Hotel Adria Ski, so leave most of your luggage there. On the stages you only carry what you need for the one night away in Bihać, Sarajevo or Neum.
Practice pays off on a big GS. For the Bosnia Marathon we arrange off-road training with an experienced instructor at no extra cost: it starts three days before the event, and the instructor also accompanies riders through all six riding days. It's the perfect place to practise standing, slow-speed riding and lifting the bike under guidance. For more on preparation, see our guide to a Bosnia enduro trip for beginners.
Yes. Large adventure bikes such as the BMW GS are explicitly welcome. The easier Classic route is recommended, and individual sections can be bypassed on tarmac.
Not automatically. A larger tank means more weight when it's full. The right tyres, crash protection and your experience on gravel matter more than the version.
No. The base is Hotel Adria Ski in Kupres, and every stage returns there. On the stages you only need what you'll use for a single overnight stay.
Knobbly off-road tyres, ideally new or nearly new. On a heavy bike, road tyres make loose gravel dangerous very quickly.
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