BMW MOTORRAD GS TROPHY

by Steve Wishard

The BMW Motorrad GS Trophy is an International Enduro Motorcycle Competition using BMW R1250 GS Trophy motorcycles.

Participants earn positions on national teams by competing in a series of qualifier events. Qualifier competions are held within the country or region the team will represent. For the 2024 GS Trophy all U.S. qualifiers were held at the BMW Performance Center in Greer, SC. There are 15 national and regional qualifiers worldwide, as well as an international qualifier.

Qualifier events give experienced enduro riders an opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Those riders managing to come out top in navigation exercises involving GPS, off-road riding or technical tests will secure a place in one of the 22 national teams.

Ladies’ teams prevailing at national level will win a trip to the international ladies qualifier. A total of 6 ladies’ teams will be determined at this event and they will join the 16 men’s teams boarding the coveted flight to Namibia.

Participants who enter the qualifier series will use their own motorcycle during the competitions. However, for the final stage, riders are required to ride a BMW-provided R1250 GS with a specific configuration. Only minor adjustments by the rider, to seat and controls, which do not require tools, are permitted. The configuration includes:

• Enduro Pro Mode

• Enduro ABS On

• Traction Control Off

• Tire Pressure 30psi

• Only BMW OEM Seats & Setting

• Non-Tool Control Adjustments

Elegible personal motorcycles for prefinal-stage competitions include the entire BMW GS family, from the G310 GS to the R1250 GSA, and everything between, plus the HP2 Enduro.

We are fortunate to have Scott Acheson, who has qualified and will represent the United States in Namibia, in attendance at the rally. During his after-dinner presentation, Scott will share his experiences while preparing for, and competing in, the U.S. GS Trophy qualifer series. Scott’s presentation is sure to be facinating and may possibly inspire one or more rally participants to begin preparing for a run at making the 2025 U.S. Team.

View From Clingman’s Dome - 5 image stitched panoramic - Nikon D850 28-300 Nikkor @105mm