Compression ratio 12.0:112.5:1 (LC) | ||
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Production R1200GS (2004–12)R1200GS Adventure (2005–)R1200GS (LC) (2013–) Engine 1,170 cc (71 cu in) boxer twin:air/oil cooledair/liquid cooled (LC) Bore / stroke 101 mm × 73 mm (4.0 in × 2.9 in) | ||
2015 bmw r1200gs first ride review
The BMW R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure are motorcycles manufactured in Berlin, Germany by BMW Motorrad, part of the BMW group. It is one of the BMW GS family of dual sport motorcycles. Both motorcycles have an 1,170 cc (71 cu in), two-cylinder boxer engine with 4-valves per cylinder. The Adventure has a larger capacity fuel tank and longer travel suspension. As of 2012, BMW's R1200GS bikes are their top-selling models.
Contents
2013 bmw r1200gs review
History
At its launch in 2004, the R1200GS was 30 kg (66 lb) lighter than the R1150GS it replaced, and produced 100 bhp (75 kW), an increase of 19%. BMW continued to produce the R1150GS Adventure, releasing a final run-out special edition model, before launching the R1200GS Adventure at the end of 2005, for the 2006 model year.
Upgrades for model year 2008 included increased power to 78 kW (105 bhp), a new Integral ABS II anti-lock braking system was released without servo assistance and new options were added including electronic suspension adjustment (ESA) and the Automatic Stability Control (ASC) traction control system.
In 2010 model year, both models had a revised cylinder head with double overhead camshaft, an increased redline limit to 8,500 rpm, and an exhaust flap to give the exhaust a different tone. Power is increased to 82 kW (110 hp) @ 7,750 rpm.
At the 2012 Intermot, BMW announced that the 2013 model would have water cooling, deliver an additional 11 kW (15 hp), and weigh approximately 9.1 kg (20 lb) more than the outgoing model.
Although the 2013 model has since proved itself, it had a somewhat shaky start. In the UK, the R1200GS has been subject to various DVSA vehicle recalls covering the front brakes, anti-lock braking system, throttle cable, fuel pump, clutch, final drive assembly, brake pipes, and gearbox; and similar recalls have been issued in other countries. Early journalistic reports described the bike as having a front end "head shake" or speed wobble, and deliveries of the motorcycle were halted while BMW revised the front end geometry.
For the 2014 through 2016 model years, there were incremental annual updates, including adjustments to road handling, and adding options such as LED headlights, keyless ignition, a quickshifter, an anti-theft system, and another lower seat option. A new ABS mode available as a software update allows safer braking while cornering.
For the 2017 model year the bike was given a facelift, with technical changes to meet European EU4 regulations. Side reflectors and an on-board diagnostic (OBD) indicator light in the cockpit to indicate a malfunction were added. Like the R1200GS Adventure, all liquid-cooled boxer models were given a damper on the transmission output shaft. The selector drum actuator, transmission shafts and transmission shaft bearing were revised. The GS was also given a new crash bar option, allowing cylinder protection covers to be mounted, as had been standard on the Adventure.
Sales
In 2004 the Adventure model of the bike was used by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman for an epic motorcycle road trip from London to New York City via Europe. Asia and Alaska; and the adventure was in the book and TV series, Long Way Round. In 2007, the same pair used BMWs for a sequel trip from John o' Groats in Scotland to Cape Agulhas in South Africa, this project being documented in Long Way Down. Ever since, the publicity from these episodes has enormously boosted sales of the BMW GS models, particularly in the UK.
As of 2007, the R1200GS was BMW's best-selling motorcycle, exceeding 100,000 units. In 2006, the R1200GS was the best-selling motorcycle in the United Kingdom, with combined sales of 2,227 units. The next-best-selling bike, the Honda Fireblade, sold 2,067 units.
Nearly one third of the 100,000 units sold by BMW Motorrad worldwide in 2006 were R1200GS.
In 2008, the R1200GS was again BMW's best-selling motorcycle, with 22,845 standard models and 12,460 Adventure models delivered.
In 2012, Cycle World called the R1200GS "the most successful motorcycle in the last two-and-a-half decades" and credited it for creating the adventure touring category.
In popular culture
The R1200GS appeared in several episodes the BBC Two television programme The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook, ridden by chefs Dave Myers and Si King.
Noted motorcycle journalist Kevin Ash died from injuries sustained in a crash while test riding the R1200GS at its 2013 press launch. An inquest give a finding of accidental death, but the UK coroner could not give full reasons "due to insufficient evidence".
Drummer Neil Peart from the rock band Rush traveled North America on a 1994 BMW R1100GS after his wife and daughter died, subsequently authoring a book about his trip.