An overview of the new BMW R 1200 GS

• Even more dynamic drive with more pep in the upper half of the rev range.
• Engine power increased by five percent
• Maximum engine speed increased to 8,000 rpm with a wider usable speed range
• Different gear and secondary transmission ratios for a clear improvement in traction and acceleration
• Redesigned six-gear transmission with enlarged bearing diameters and optimised switching kinematics for even more precise gear shifting
• Electronic chassis modification from the optional enduro ESA, used for the first time in an enduro.
• Further increase in agility, suitability for touring and off-road use through individual spring-suspension coordination
• Electrohydraulic spring adjustment of the spring struts at front and rear as part of the enduro ESA
• Optimised ergonomics through new, double-butted aluminium handlebar in combination with new hand protectors and newly designed seat
• Fuel display with expanded measurement range and new sensor system
• Optimised battery charging for higher generator performance
• More dynamic design emphasising the enduro attributes
• Colours available: Titanium Silver Metallic, Dark Slate Metallic Matt, plain Namibia Orange, plain Tanzanite blue
• Special equipment and tailor-made accessories in accordance with familiar BMW standards.

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 require¬ments 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, expan¬ded 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 sus¬pension 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 con¬ditions 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 require¬ments 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 re¬duced 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 adjust¬ments 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 correspon¬ding 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 sus¬pension setting for most off-road use. The suspension mode ‘Hard’ is par¬ticularly 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 protec¬tors (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 Akrapovic.*

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.

Technical data for the BMW R 1200 GS

Engine

• Capacity cm3 - 1170
• Bore/lift mm - 101/73
• Power kW/HP - 77/105 at engine speed min–1 7500
• Torque Nm - 115 at engine speed min–1 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 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 - 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 0–100 km/h s, 3,3
• Maximum speed - km/h >200