BMW R1200GS &
R1200GS Adventure

Standard R1200GS fitted with optional Vario panniers
Manufacturer	BMW Motorrad
Production	R1200GS since 2004 Adventure since 2005
Predecessor	BMW R1150GS
Engine	1,170 cc, 2-cylinder boxer, air/oil cooled
Bore / Stroke	101 × 73 mm (4.0 × 2.9 in)
Compression ratio	12.0:1
Power	81 kW (109 hp) @ 7,750 rpm[1]
Torque	120 N·m (89 lbf·ft) @ 6,000 rpm[1]
Transmission	6-speed, shaft drive
Suspension	Front: BMW Telelever Rear: BMW Paralever Optional electronic adjustment
Brakes	Front: Twin floating 305 mm discs, four-piston fixed callipers Rear: Single 265 mm disc, two-piston floating calliper Optional ABS
Tires	Front: 110/80VR19 Rear: 150/70VR17 Spoked or alloy, tubeless wheels
Wheelbase	1,507 mm (59.3 in)
Dimensions	L 2,210 mm (87 in) W 935 mm (36.8 in) H 1,450 mm (57 in)
Seat height	850 mm (33 in) 895 mm (35.2 in) - Adventure
Weight	203 kg (450 lb) Adv: 223 kg (490 lb) (dry) 229 kg (500 lb) Adv: 256 kg (560 lb) (wet)
Fuel capacity	20 L (4.4 imp gal; 5.3 US gal) Adv: 33 L (7.3 imp gal; 8.7 US gal)

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 feature a 1,170 cc, 2-cylinder boxer engine with 4-valves per cylinder. The Adventure features a larger capacity fuel tank and longer travel suspension.

History[link]

At its launch in 2004, the R1200GS was 30 kg (66 lb) lighter than the R1150GS it replaced,^[2] 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,^[3] before launching the R1200GS Adventure at the end of 2005, for the 2006 model year.^[4]

In 2007, upgrades were made to both models for the 2008 model year. Power was increased to 105 bhp (78 kW), 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.^[5][6]

In 2010 model year, both models had a revised cylinder head with double overhead camshaft, increased redline limit to 8,500 rpm, and an exhaust flap to give the exhaust a different tone. Power is increased to 110 hp (82 kW) @ 7,750 rpm.^[7]

A R1200GS Adventure equipped for touring

Popularity[link]

The R1200GS is the best selling motorcycle that BMW has built, on 3 August 2007 it produced the 100,000th model.^[8] In 2006, the R1200GS was the best selling motorcycle in the United Kingdom. The two models had combined sales of 2,227 units, compared with the next best selling bike, the Honda Fireblade which sold 2,067 units.^[9] Nearly one third of the 100,000 units sold by BMW Motorrad worldwide in 2006 were R1200GS.^[9] In 2008, the R1200GS was once again BMW's best selling motorcycle, with 22,845 standard models and 12,460 Adventure models being delivered.^[10] 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.^[11]

A dual purpose bike can be used on track as well as off road

In 2007, the bike was popularised by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, who used the Adventure model for a trip from John o' Groats in Scotland to Cape Agulhas in South Africa.^[12] The trip was documented in a book and television series Long Way Down.

The R1200GS was featured in several episodes the BBC Two television programme The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook, ridden by chefs Dave Myers and Si King.^[13][14]

Safety issues[link]

The R1200GS has been affected by a number of safety issues since launch. The United Kingdom Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has issued nine separate vehicle recalls covering the front brakes,^[15] anti-lock braking system,^[16][17] throttle cable,^[18] fuel pump,^[19] clutch,^[20] final drive assembly,^[21] brake pipes,^[22] and gearbox.^[23] Similar recalls have been issued in other countries.

See also[link]

• History of BMW motorcycles

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: BMW R1200GS

• BMW Motorrad official model information
• BMW motorcycles at the Open Directory Project