New BMW R 1200 GS: can excellence be improved?

Improving excellence is possible, or at least you can try. This is the case of BMW which wanted to revisit a great classic like its R 1200 GS to position itself once again as a point of reference in the enduro sector. With over 170.000 units sold, the BMW R 1200 GS it is the most successful and best-selling travel enduro in the world. Difficult to surpass. Has BMW succeeded? Judge for yourself from the video below!

One thing, however, is certain: the new R 1200 GS, despite appearing very similar to the previous version, shows strengths that make the difference and which cannot fail to satisfy even the most demanding.

Which?

• Engine developed completely from scratch to guarantee the maximum level of driving dynamics in the road enduro segment
• Displacement 1170 cm3, nominal power 92 kW (125 HP) at 7700 rpm and maximum torque 125 Nm at 6500 rpm
• Vertical intake cylinder heads to increase efficiency and performance
• Compact air/water cooling system to ensure an optimal thermal balance
• Base with compact crankshaft, lightened and at the same time with optimized rigidity
• Vertical subdivision carter in open-deck construction
• Six-speed gearbox integrated into the engine crankcase with wet clutch and anti-hopping function; reduction of effort
• New intake system with butterfly with a diameter of 52 mm to achieve the best power and torque
• E-gas to improve driveability, silent operation and provide a series of special functions
• Innovative exhaust system with electronically controlled butterfly inserted in the exhaust manifold to guarantee optimal performance and a furious sound from the boxer engine.
• In combination with ASC (Automatic Stability Control – optional) and special ABS and ASC settings for off-road driving, freely selectable riding modes “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic”, “Enduro” and “Enduro Pro” with three different e-gas settings and consequent Dynamic ESA settings for optimal adaptation to personal needs
• New chassis with double beam frame in high torsional resistance steel tubes and dismantling subframe
• New light alloy cardan transmission mounted on the left side
• Newly developed and optimized front Telelever and rear EVO Paralever for an even more precise driving feeling
• Even more rigorous chassis and long swing arm to ensure the best traction
• Optimized width and seating position, adjustable handlebars to increase comfort.
• Optimization of the rider's ground clearance (crotch arch)
• Wheel and tire sizes adapted to the R 1200 GS. World first: 120/70 R19 front wheel and 170/60 R17 rear wheel
• Revised BMW Motorrad braking system with radially mounted Brembo monobloc front brake calipers and rear brake disc with floating calliper and double piston with increased diameter (Ø 276mm, previous model 265mm)
• BMW Motorrad Integral ABS as standard
• Dynamic ESA semi-active chassis (optional)
• Low beam with optimized light output and LED daylight (optional)
• First LED low-beam headlight on a motorcycle with integrated daytime running light (optional)
• New on-board network with functional distribution
• Expanded electrical system control units
• Electronic speed regulation (optional)
• Preparation for navigation system with multi-controller for operating the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV (optional)
• Windshield for better protection against wind and weather adjustable with one hand
• Saddle adjustable in various positions for perfect ergonomics
• Easily removable license plate holder for off-road driving
• Increased ground clearance (+ 8 mm)
• New instrumentation combined with standard on-board computer. Pro on-board computer as an option
• Four main colors: Alpinewhite, Racing Red, Blue Fire and Thundergrey metallic
• Wide range of options and riders