BMW R1200GS MY 2018 and the new CONNECTIVITY system

We already talked about the R1200GS during 2017, having first tried the MY2017 (here is our road test), subsequently the new Rallye version (here is the article), then the Adventure around Sardinia (here is the story, complete with photos, of Alessio Sanavio's trip).

Now we find ourselves riding the Teutonic best seller, in Exclusive trim and in 2018 configuration. What changes?

Few tweaks, new colors, but above all new options, which bring concepts previously seen almost exclusively only on cars to 2 wheels. Let's talk about Emergency Call and Connectivity. In addition to these we also find gods new LED headlights optional, but it is the first two that create the most interest.

The first, like the name eCall makes it clear immediately, it is a system capable of call for help in case of emergency, reporting your position, detected via GPS. It works with a button, protected by a system that prevents the accidental start of the call, but above all it can start the call automatically if it detects falls or collisions. In this case in two modes, immediate if the impact is serious, with 25 seconds delay if the accident is minor. During this time it is possible to cancel the emergency call by pressing a button.

The second new optional some of you may have noticed at the recent edition of Eicma, both on the 1200 and on the new F750 and 850 GS, is the Connectivity system. It is the new multifunctional instrument cluster, with 6,5-inch TFT color display, which with a cost of 650 € offers a wide range of additional functions. Especially on a motorbike, having everything under control quickly, clearly visible and without distraction, it's a really important thing. With the new instrument panel, this is precisely what we wanted to achieve. Thanks also to the BMW multi-controller and the excellent ergonomics of the controls, the rider can manage all the information quickly and without practically taking his eyes off the traffic and the road.

Everything is developed mainly to limit distraction to the bare minimum, but the result obtains two further advantages: an even more refined and pleasant aesthetic, In addition to integration with your mobile phone. If you connect a smartphone and a helmet via the Bluetooth interface, it is then possible to listen to music, or voice instructions from the navigator and manage calls. In this case you have visibility and navigate a music playlist, contacts in the address book and can call a person, always using the multi-controller. Likewise, of course, for incoming calls.

BMW Motorrad Connected App, downloadable for free on your phone (both iOS and Android), allows you to use navigation with arrows, repeated on the TFT display. This App also offers other functions, such as recording routes already taken, displaying statistics and other information on trips made. You can also recall the latest destinations or points of interest using the TFT display. A basic navigation system, but particularly interesting for motorcyclists, as it reduces sources of distraction and allows you to navigate without having to carry additional devices around. Obviously, for more intense use the BMW Motorrad Navigator remains the best solution, but for limited daily needs this is a very comfortable and interesting new option.

The other innovations linked to the adoption of the Connectivity option is the Computer PRO, with new and numerous display and adjustment options, all of which can always be managed via the "wheel" on the left of the handlebar.

Alessio Sanavio collaborated

Tester clothing:
Jacket: Mtech Geographic Jacket

Gloves: Mtech Wind H20

Helmet: Caberg Ghost Carbon