Most of the major manufacturers have now had a stab at offering big trailbikes and there are some very competent and practical options on offer. But when it comes to taking the crown for king of the big trailies, this is where the bullshit stops. BMWs latest R1150GS Adventure comes stomping out with its gloves off, taking on the young pretenders to re-assert its place at the top of the heap.

BMW more or less invented the big trail bike with the original R80GS, launched an astonishing 22 years ago. A string of Paris/Dakar wins led to the model growing through 1000cc options and re-emerging in the early 90's as a thoroughly modern fuel injected boxer twin. This latest 1130cc version uses the latest developments of BMW's radical telelever and paralever suspension systems, now with increased travel and adjustable preload and rebound damping. It also carries the latest EVO braking system and braided steel hoses as standard, resulting in a claimed 50% easier braking input from the rider and significantly more stopping power.

Gearing has been changed with a lower first and a shorter top gear, and the engine management system is now adjustable to cope with the poor quality fuels you'll find if crossing the Sahara or the Indian subcontinent. You can even order the bike with a 30 litre fuel tank and off road tyres.

Make no mistake, this bike not only looks the business, it's designed and engineered as a rugged tool for stomping across continents with barely a whisper of complaint from either bike or rider. Those spoked wheels are cleverly designed to use tubeless tyres, an industry first, and the optional ABS system is switchable-offable for off-road use.

And stomp it does. This whopping boxer engine pumps out 85 BHP and 72 ft/lbs of torque, all in a package that looks huge and imposing. But once on board the bike it's surprisingly easy to ride. This bike is capable of making brisk progress on tarmac, and when the road runs out you can just keep going.

Ergonomics are brilliant with an excellent riding position and well placed footrests and handlebars, and the seat is adjustable for height. You're seated well into the bike instead of perched high up on it like some of the opposition, and the result feels secure and competent. BMWs attention to detail extends to heated handlebar grips with a choice of two settings, a fully adjustable screen, and optional 75 litre hard luggage. There's even a power socket to hook up your GPS navigation system.

Oodles of useable power, state of the art suspension and brakes, and responsive steering. This bike has it all. In terms of useable performance under any possible conditions the big GS has few peers. It won't outrun a 600 sportsbike, but set your sights a little further afield and it all makes sense. Eight out of ten for performance.

For comfort: eight again. I love this riding position, it's big and roomy and, being a BMW, everything is adjustable. And the screen and heated grips are brilliant when there's a chill in the air. The seat is spacious and there's plenty room for a passenger and luggage. I have to say the physical size of the bike may make it more suitable for the larger rider, but don't let that put you off trying one out.

Build Quality: BMW have a reputation for top quality engineering, and the GS is well thought out and well put together. Paint finish is good, but all that exposed alloy may need regular hosing off to keep winter salt corrosion at bay. Watch out for the strange seat colour options too, the yellow topped seat can look grubby fairly quickly if you ride the bike through the winter. BMW give a two year, unlimited mileage warranty on each new bike. I'll give it nine out of ten for build quality.

Value For Money: Retailing at £8,495 on the road the GS isn't cheap, but it does give you an awful lot of bike for your buck. The addition of ABS pushes it up through the nine grand barrier, which makes it much more expensive than the Triumph Tiger or Suzuki V-Strom, both worthy and capable opponents in the market. The GS is such a well focussed and well engineered motorcycle, though, it still looks like good value. And a glance through the small ads shows how these bikes hold their price. I'll give it eight for value for money.

Street Cred: Some BMWs look a little stodgy, but the R1150GS has a street presence like nothing else. This huge profile with enormous duckbill front fender makes other bikes look weedy and soft, and the BMW logo underlines it all with a commitment to top quality engineering. If you're choosing a bike to circumnavigate the world this has to be top of your shortlist. Sports bike riders might leave you behind on the Cat & Fiddle, but the GS opens up the world. Stick a pin in a map, pick a country, and point the GS at it. You'll get there and have adventure on the way. And if you just want to pose on it at the local boozer, well, who could blame you? Nine out of ten for street cred.

Dr.Rod.