Short test motorcycle boots BMW Sneaker GS Kawir: More boots than sneakers
BMW Motorcycle has made extensive changes to its half-boots, which are classified as “sneakers”. They are now mainly boots rather than sneakers.
(Image: Clemens Gleich)
Over the winter, we renewed some parts of the motorcycle equipment for our ride tests and photos. Due to the very good experience with BMW's “Sneaker” range of motorcycle half-boots, I ordered the latest generation called “Sneaker GS Kawir”. The main reason (apart from topicality) was the closure system. Like previous models, the Kawir boots close via a side entry zipper. However, a Boa-style ratchet system is used to lock the boot to the foot. This seemed very suitable for use on a motorcycle.
Boa Constrictor
My assessment comes from my experience with Boa systems on snowboard boots. It is simply very practical to be able to tighten the boots with gloves in between. And it also helps that no laces are swinging around dangerously during the lunch break and the associated boot airing. This aspect of the Kawir made itself felt after just a few kilometers. Sitting on the bike at a traffic light, I quickly tightened the laces with my gloves on. Takes about five seconds.
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You simply can't do it without a ratchet. The BMW-labeled system works a little differently to the Boa system. Both tighten the ratchets by turning them clockwise. To release, however, with Boa you pull the button upwards, whereas with the BMW system, you turn the ratchet anti-clockwise. Both have worked comparably well so far. The fear that the BMW Boa analog could open through interaction with the leather trousers pulled over it proved to be unfounded in the test.
BMW Sneaker GS Kawir Details (5 Bilder)
Clemens Gleich
)Soft floor, high toe
The sole feels as if you are stepping in soft mud. It is a very strange sole feeling, and BMW probably had vibration damping from the detents in mind. This would be particularly helpful for in-line four and two-cylinder engines on long journeys, due to their significant second-order vibrations. On my single-cylinder, there is mainly a rough first-order rattling on the feet, so I didn't notice any advantage. However, the sole and the lacing system enclose the foot like a hand in a tailor-made glove, which feels very snug after a short period of getting used to it.
What I didn't notice during the first test without a motorcycle, at the Motorrad Days, is the much thicker toe compared to the previous models. This makes the shoe a much better match for the GS touring enduro, with which it shares a part of its name. However, it is less suitable for sporty road bikes. On the Duke, the gearshift could still be adjusted accordingly. You probably won't be happy with these shoes on an Italian superbike. There are good reasons why racing boots and sporty road boots have flat toes.
BMW Sneaker GS Kawir am Motorrad (2 Bilder)
Clemens Gleich
)Conclusion
The Kawir were not a direct replacement for the old sneakers. BMW went too far in the direction of boots with the stem. Here, the old models were better suited to sporty road bikes. The name GS should be taken seriously: The product is best suited to touring enduros and tallrounders in general. The ratchet system is great, but lace adjustment is much more important for running, hiking or winter sports than on a motorcycle. I laced the old sneakers to the right width once and have only used the entry zipper since then. So I'll keep new and old, and now have a pair of very well-fitting half boots for my next trip on a touring enduro.
(cgl)