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EICMA: BMW R 1200 GS
Stronger, livelier and more agile more driving enjoyment
on- and off-road.
With the new BMW R 1200 GS, BMW
is writing another chapter in the success story that started
in 1980 with the BMW R 80 G/S. The new, comprehensively reworked
R 1200 GS meets all the requirements that an ideal travel enduro
should meet. It offers superb performance, maximum comfort and
a wide range of use on the longest trips and, with even better
acceleration and agility, guarantees maximum enjoyment on twisting
country and mountain roads. The optimised chassis and suspension
properties guarantee the best possible handling both on and off-road.
The predecessor model the R 1200 GS presented in 2004,
of which over 75,000 were produced already embodied an
incredibly synthesis of off-road and on-road characteristics.
And yet the new version outstrips its predecessor (still acknowledged
as outstanding) in every major respect.
A torsion-proof chassis, the front wheel suspension with the
unique BMW Telelever and rear wheel suspension with the BMW Paralever
still offer first-class, safe handling. Extremely efficient brakes
combined with the BMW Motorrad Integral ABS ensure maximum safety,
even in critical driving situations. Excellent environmental
compatibility is achieved through cutting-edge exhaust purification
with a regulated three-way catalytic converter.
The proven maintenance-free cardan drive means that there is
no need for scheduled maintenance work, which can be inconvenient
and time consuming on extended trips and long-distance tours.
As is traditional, BMW is again offering a reliable, ingenious
luggage system for the new R 1200 GS, plus further made-to-measure
accessories and special equipment.
The new engine more powerful, higher revving and more
dynamic
In terms of design principle, basic structure, power transmission
and mixture preparation, the engine in the new R 1200 GS is based
on that of the R 1200 R. However, improvements have been made
to the engine management for use in the R 1200 GS with regard
to the special requirements a large-volume travel enduro has
to meet.
While the 1170cm3 boxer engine of the predecessor model offered
superb power development in all conditions and situations, the
new R 1200 GS can give much more. With a power output of 105HP,
the maximum engine speed has increased to 8,000 rpm and provides
an even wider engine speed range and completely revised transmission
ratios. The result is that the R 1200 GS is even more dynamic
than before, with more acceleration in the upper half of the
speed range, and even better traction over the whole range.
In combination with the reworked six-gear transmission, the R
1200 GS thus offers the most dynamic performance of all the travel
enduros.
Like the models to date, the new, 12:1 compressed R 1200 GS can
still be used with 95-octane fuel. Normally designed for lead-free
Super petrol (RON 95) the engine can also be operated with normal
petrol (RON 91) without manual intervention, thanks to its knock
control.
Redesigned transmission and new shift kinematics for even
more dynamic driving and more precise gear shifting
The redesigned six-gear transmission, with increased bearing
diameters and modified shaft distance, maximise the increased
engine power, expanded engine speed range, and sometimes the
extreme conditions of use on long-distance trips.
A modification of the transmission ratios to the new dynamic
engine characteristics and a shortening of the secondary
transmission from i = 2.82 to i = 2.91 are reflected in
increased drive in the upper half of the engine speed range and
increased traction at low and medium engine speeds.
Following the redesign of the transmission, the R 1200 GS was
also given an optimised shift mechanism with improved force-displacement
for even more precise gear shifting and feedback.
Chassis modification through the optional enduro ESA
further increasing agility, suitability for touring and off-road
use
Around three years after the successful launch of ESA (electronic
suspension adjustment) as a special equipment item for the K
1200 S in 2004, this technology is now used in the enduro segment
for the first time with the new R 1200 GS. With its incredibly
broad range of uses and the resultant varied demands made on
it, the R 1200 GS was almost destined to use this unique chassis
technology. Designed to meet the special needs of a travel enduro,
the enduro ESA, which can be provided as special equipment (factory
fitted), allows the chassis to be simply modified to various
operating conditions and load situations simply by pressing
a button.
The ESA used in the K 1200 S operates the electronically controlled
suspension modification of the two spring struts of the Telelever
(at the front) and the Paralever (at the rear) and for the adjustment
of the rear spring base. However, the enduro ESA, with the additional
electro-hydraulic adjustment of the spring base at the front
spring strut, takes account of the specialised requirements of
a travel enduro. This gives much better impact resistance for
off-road use without any of the associated disadvantages encountered
during on-road use, such as reduced negative spring travel or
increased seat height. In this way, the successful concept of
the R 1200 GS has been improved still further in such areas as
agility, suitability for touring, and off-road quality.
Enduro ESA with on-road and off-road settings specifically
designed for the purpose
The electronic suspension adjustment Enduro ESA distinguishes
between on-road and off-road modes, within which, the driver
can make further adjustments to specific requirements. This is
done by selecting particular modes for the spring basis and suspension.
Continuous pressure on the ESA button changes from one spring
mode to another and pressing the button for a short time makes
changes within the suspension modes.
On-road modes: by pressing a button, shown on the display by
corresponding symbols, the driver can choose between three different
load states 'driver only', 'driver with luggage', and 'pillion
use'. These produce a corresponding lifting of the spring base
of the rear spring strut. Each of the three load states can also
be combined with three different suspension modes: 'Sport', 'Normal'
and 'Comfort'. In all on-road modes, the spring base adjustment
of the spring strut at the Telelever is in the 'Minimum' setting.
Off-road modes: for off-road use the enduro ESA offers two modes
of springing, which can each be combined with one of three suspension
modes. The spring base mode 'Medium reserves', shown by the 'round
hill' display symbol, increases the spring base of the suspension
strut at the Telelever to 50%, and the rear spring strut is adjusted
to the same value.
This setting is suitable for slow and fast off-road travelling
where large ruts, holes and impacts are likely. 'Maximum reserves',
shown by the 'pointed hills' display symbol, increases the spring
base of the front and rear spring struts to 100% and is suitable
when maximum impact safety is required. In this setting, the
ground clearance is also increased by 2cm (in comparison with
the on-road setting).
The two modes for the spring base can be combined with the three
suspension modes 'Soft', 'Norm' or 'Hard'. For example, although
'Soft' is suitable for trial sections that have to be ridden
slowly, 'Norm' is a practical suspension setting for most off-road
use. The suspension mode 'Hard' is particularly suited to level
surfaces which can be traversed quickly. It is also suitable
for deep sand.
Ergonomic optimisation of handlebars, hand protectors and
seat
Because of the two clamping elements, which can be rotated
through 180 degrees and are mounted asymmetrically (as in the
HP2 sports model), the high-quality double-butted aluminium tubing
handlebars can be mounted in two ergonomically different positions.
While the rear handlebar position offers the best ergonomic conditions
for riding on roads and on moderate off-road surfaces, the front
handlebar position is particularly advantageous when in a standing
riding position off-road. The newly developed hand protectors
(fixed directly to the handlebars) are available as special accessories
for the R 1200 GS but already factory fitted as standard on the
R 1200 GS Adventure. For more conventional riding the thickness
of the seat foam, at the front, has been increased.
Fuel display with new sensor system
A newly developed sensor system, with an expanded measurement
range and improved resolution, is used for the fuel display.
This allows a differential fuel level display, starting at maximum.
Optimised battery charging with higher generator output
The AC generator output has been increased from 600 to 720W
and the battery charging has been optimised.
Dynamic design with the emphasis on enduro attributes
In line with its more dynamic performance, the new R 1200
GS also visually reflects the enduro aspect. Following the extensive
model revision of the R 1200 GS, new stainless steel deflectors
are used on the front fuel tank area. The upper part of the front
mudguard has also been redesigned to embody the masculine design
language typical of an enduro. The new appearance of the R 1200
GS is completed by the two-colour optional hand protectors and
a newly designed fin for the optimised flow of cool air. The
newly designed LED rear light and white indicators also reflect
the R 1200 GS's dynamic image.
Surfaces and colours
The new R 1200 GS also shows its increased sportiness through
its new colours and the way they are combined.
Technical surfaces as in the silver fin, the magnesium-coloured
anodised slide tubes or (following the lead of the sporty HP2)
the magnesium-coloured coated cylinder head covers and tyre rims
create a dynamic interplay with the traditional painted
surfaces of the tank and mudguards.
In combination with Titanium Silver Metallic there is a deliberately
technical version of the R 1200 GS conveyed by the changing colour
of the metals.
Dark Slate Metallic Matt, on the other hand, is in the tradition
of the particularly sporty BMW models and gives the new R 1200
GS a very masculine look.
The sporty off-road character of the new R 1200 GS is emphasised
by the two plain paintwork colours: strong Tanzanite Blue and
glowing Namibia Orange.
Special equipment and made-to-measure special accessories
As a traditional system supplier BMW Motorrad has also developed
a wide range of special equipment for the new R 1200 GS and an
extensive selection of made-to-measure special accessories. These
provide a great opportunity for personalisation. Special equipment
is supplied factory fitted, and forms an integral part of the
manufacturing process. Special accessories are fitted by BMW
motorcycle dealers.
Special equipment
· Enduro ESA.
· BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partly integral, can be switched
off).
· RDC.
· ASC.
· Chromium-plated exhaust.
· Heated grips.
· Additional headlights.
· Optimised Navigator holders.
· Hand protectors.
· Case holder.
· Spoked wheels.
· On-board computer with oil level warning.
· Theft alarm with remote control
Special accessories
Storage space programme
· Vario case.
· Case holder. **
· Vario top case.
· Fixing elements for top case instead of pillion seat.
· Top case carrier installation kit.
· Inside pocket for Vario case/top case.
· Waterproof tank rucksack.
· Waterproof tank rucksack, small.
· Softbag Sport, large, 51 l.*
· Softbag Sport, small, 19 l.*
· Luggage roll 53 l, waterproof.*
Design
· Carbon front mudguard.*
· Carbon splash protection, at rear.*
· Cover for Telelever and fork brace.*
· BMW badge for fork brace.*
· LED indicators.*/**
Sound
· Sport silencer by Akrapovi?.*
Ergonomics and comfort
· Wide enduro footrests (Adventure series).
· Adjustable footbrake lever (Adventure series).
· Handlebar cross strut.*
· Padding for handlebar cross strut.*
· Tinted windscreen.*
· Low driver seat (820 mm) black.
· High driver seat, adjustable (880/ 900 mm) black.
· LED light for onboard socket 410 mm.*
· Additional socket.*
· Heated grips.*/ **
Navigation and communication
· BMW Motorrad Navigator.*
· Holder for BMW Motorrad Navigator.
· Function Navigator Bag.*
Safety
· Hand protection (Adventure series).
· Top spoiler, large, for hand protection.*
· Aluminium valve cover protection (Adventure series).
· Engine protection bar (Adventure series).*
· Cylinder protection, small.*
· Enduro aluminium underbody protection.*
· Extra headlight (from 03/08).*
· Holder for extra headlight.
· Theft alarm with remote control.*/**
· RDC.*
Maintenance and technology
· Paddock stand.*
· Set of on-board service tools.*
· Add-on on-board tools.*
· Safety screw, oil filler nozzle.*
· Emergency kit, cylinder head.*
* As for R 1200 GS.
** Also available ex factory as special equipment.
Power and torque for the BMW R 1200 GS Engine output (to
95/1/CE)
Torque (to 95/1/CE)
Engine Speed (rpm)
Technical data for the BMW R 1200 GS
BMW R 1200 GS (77 kW)
Engine
Capacity cm3 1170
Bore/lift mm 101/73
Power kW/HP 77/105
at engine speed min1 7500
Torque Nm 115
at engine speed min1 5 750
Design Boxer
No. of cylinders 2
Compression/fuel 12,0/S
Valve/gas control
HC (high camshaft)
Valves per cylinder 4
Diameter inlet/outlet mm 36/31
Throttle valve diameter mm 47
Mixture preparation BMS-KP
Exhaust purification Regulated three-way catalytic converter
Electrical systems
Generator W 720
Battery V/Ah 12/14 maintenance-free
Headlights W H7
Starter kW 1,1
Power transmission/gears
Clutch Single-disc dry clutch Ø 180 mm
Gears dog-coupled six-gear transmission
Primary transmission 1,737
Transmission, gear stages
I - 2,375
II - 1,646
III - 1,296
IV - 1,065
V - 0,439
VI - 0,848
Rear wheel drive Cardan shaft
Transmission ratio 2,91
Frame
Frame design Steel tubular frame, carrying engine
Front wheel suspension BMW Telelever
Rear wheel suspension BMW Paralever
Spring travel front/rear mm 190/200
Castor mm 101
Wheel spacing mm 1507
Headset angle ° 64,3
Brakes
front Double-disc brake, Ø 305 mm
rear Single-disc brake, Ø 265 mm
if required: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partly integral, can
be switched off)
Wheels
Cast wheel, or spoked wheel on request
front 2.5 x 19
rear 4.0 x 17
Tyres
front 110/80 R 19
rear 150/70 R 17
Dimensions and weights
Total length mm 2 210
Total width with mirrors mm 940
Handlebar width without mirrors mm 930
Seat height mm 850/870
Empty weight, filled with petrol kg 229
Perm. total weight kg 440
Tank capacity l 20
Travel data
Fuel consumption
90 km/h l/100 km 4,3
120 km/h l/100 km 5,5
Acceleration 0100 km/h s 3,3
Maximum speed \ km/h >200
The colours of the BMW R 1200 GS
Titanium Silver Metallic, Seat black
Dark Slate Metallic Matt, Seat black
Tanzanite Blue, Seat black
Namibia Orange, Seat black
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