First Look: 2014 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

The arrival of the new BMW R 1200 GS Adventure marks the start of the next chapter in the success story of the large, boxer-engined GS models that extends back over more than 30 years. Since its debut in 2005, BMW Motorrad, the world’s most successful manufacturer of large-capacity travel enduros, has firmly established the big GS Adventure as the definitive machine for long-distance travel. It transports two-wheeled explorers to the farthest-flung corners of the world and allows them to keep pressing on when others have long since turned back.

The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is the quintessential travel companion for expeditions and long-distance exploration.

The new R 1200 GS Adventure continues in this same tradition, building on the dynamic performance characteristics and excellent off-road and touring capabilities of the R 1200 GS to provide the new, ultimate solution for globetrotters, adventure travel aficionados and touring riders with a passion for off-road action.

The new R 1200 GS Adventure is powered by the same spirited liquid-cooled boxer engine featured on the R 1200 GS, with a displacement of 1,170 cc and an output of 92 kW (125 hp) at 7,750 rpm. The stand-out feature of the power unit – introduced last year after being newly developed for the R 1200 GS – is the new precision cooling system which uses water instead of oil as a cooling agent. Also new is the engine’s through-flow, which is now vertical for even more efficient power output, as well as the six-speed gearbox that is integrated into the engine housing along with the wet clutch. For the first time on a BMW production motorcycle, the maintenance-free cardan-shaft drive is now positioned on the left-hand side. With the aim of further improving the rideability of the R 1200 GS Adventure, especially on off-road terrain, the drive’s flywheel mass has been increased by around 950 grams and an extra vibration damper has been incorporated into the powertrain.

Designed, engineered and equipped for supreme globetrotting capabilities.

The big BMW GS Adventure is something of an icon amongst large-capacity adventure bikes and is the top choice for world travellers on long-distance tours, even to the remotest regions of the planet. No matter whether it is negotiating tarmac roads, gravel tracks or rough terrain, the large-capacity GS Adventure gets its riders safely to their destination. This both compelled and inspired BMW Motorrad to make the new R 1200 GS Adventure even better in every way.

Like the R 1200 GS, the Adventure is also built around a robust and torsionally resistant tubular steel spaceframe. However, it has a larger 30-litre tank (10 litres more than on the R 1200 GS) to allow for an increased range, while the fuel tank itself is now made from lightweight aluminium. The R 1200 GS Adventure already comes equipped as standard with ABS, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), as well as the two riding modes “Rain” and “Road”, which enable the riding characteristics to be adapted to most road conditions. This further enhances the range of use of the new R 1200 GS Adventure considerably, at the same time as providing a significant safety boost on slippery surfaces in particular.

Three further riding modes can be added by ordering the optional Riding mode Pro feature, which is accompanied by the Enduro ABS and Enduro ASC add-ons for off-road riding. The three extra riding modes Dynamic, Enduro and Enduro Pro (which can be activated with a coding plug) make it possible to adjust the settings of both ASC and ABS and, if fitted, the semi-active suspension Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) to suit the specific requirements of off-road operation.

Besides new bodywork styling with even more masculine flair, the globetrotting abilities and greater off-road expertise of the new R 1200 GS Adventure are clearly brought to the fore by a new chassis set-up with a further 20 millimetres of suspension travel, increased ground clearance and a trailing arm with modified geometry for even better handling. A larger windshield with convenient hand-wheel adjustment, additional air flaps as well as hand protectors greatly increase wind and weather protection. Wide off road foot pegs, adjustable, reinforced foot-operated levers and completely restyled bodywork add the finishing touches to the look of the new R 1200 GS Adventure.

Highlights of the new BMW R 1200 GS Adventure:

• Based on the same versatile overall concept as the R 1200 GS, with spirited twin-cylinder boxer engine and agile chassis, but with enhanced off-road prowess and globetrotting abilities.
• Increased flywheel mass in the engine and additional vibration damper for even smoother running and superior rideability.
• Suspension travel 20 millimetres longer at front and rear compared to R 1200 GS.
• 10 millimetres more ground clearance than predecessor.
• Modified geometry of trailing arm for even sharper handling.
• Completely restyled bodywork in distinctly robust and masculine GS Adventure design.
• 30-litre fuel tank with similar range to predecessor.
• ABS, ASC and two riding modes as standard.
• Three further riding modes available as an ex-works option.
• Semi-active suspension Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) available as an ex-works option.
• More comfortable, tilt-adjustable seat.
• Large, adjustable windshield and air flaps.
• Wide off road footrests.
• Adjustable, reinforced foot-operated levers.
• Robust engine and tank protection bar.
• Wide range of special accessories and optional extras available ex-works.

Key technical differences at a glance: