2012 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure
The main features of the new
BMW R 1200 GS and the new BMW R 1200 GS Adventure
at a glance:
- New, even more dynamic drivetrain now with two
overhead camshafts per cylinder and valves in radial
arrangement.
- Increase in engine output by 5 per cent to 81
kW (110 hp) at 7,750 rpm and maximum torque to 120
Nm (88 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm.
- Increase in maximum engine speed from 8,000 to
8,500 rpm with an even wider range of useful engine
speed.
- Significantly better acceleration, torque and
pulling power.
- Electronically controlled exhaust fl ap for even
more muscular sound.
- Colour variants of the R 1200 GS: Alpine White
non-metallic, Magma Red non-metallic, Ostra Grey
matt metallic, Sapphire Black metallic.
- Colour variants of the R 1200 GS Adventure: Smoke
Grey matt metallic, Brilliant Yellow metallic.
- Optional extras and accessories tailored to each
model with BMW’s usual high level of quality.
- New additional headlight in LED technology for
the R 1200 GS (accessory).
New, even more powerful drivetrain with
extra torque for even greater driving dynamics both
onroad and offroad.
Introducing the new BMW R 1200 GS and the new R
1200 GS Adventure, BMW Motorrad is opening up yet
another chapter in the story of highly successful
GS models which, for almost three decades, have been
the epitome of the large-capacity grand touring enduro.
Moving on from the former generation of the R 1200
GS and R 1200 GS Adventure, which already offered
supreme power and performance as well as a very broad
range of practical riding qualities for long tours
combined with supreme pleasure on winding country
and mountain roads, BMW Motorrad is now enhancing
this standard, as impressive as it already is, to
an even higher level.
In its construction principle and fundamental layout,
the new fl at-twin power unit is the same as the DOHC
engine on the BMW HP2 Sport. But marking the new generation,
the engine has been carefully updated and optimised
for the R 1200 GS and the R 1200 GS Adventure, tailored
to the specifi c requirements of a grand touring enduro.
With the 1,170-cc Boxer engine on the former models
already ensuring supreme power under all conditions
and in all situations, the new R 1200 GS and R 1200
GS Adventure have even more to offer in virtually
every respect:
Delivering maximum output of 110 hp, reaching top
engine speed up by 500 to 8,500 rpm, and with an even
broader range of engine speed, the new GS models are
even more dynamic, powerful and muscular in terms
of both torque and acceleration throughout the entire
speed range, thus setting the standard once again
for the grand touring enduro also in terms of riding
dynamics.
New DOHC cylinder heads for even more efficient
cylinder charge.
Designed and built from the start for higher engine
speed, the new flat-twin power unit in the R 1200
GS and R 1200 GS Adventure, like the power unit featured
in the BMW HP2 Sport, comes with two overhead, chain-driven
camshafts (DOHC) per cylinder. The valves are operated
by very light rocker arms able to cope with even very
high engine speeds through their low weight alone.
Radial arrangement of the four valves is ensured by
the very compact combustion chambers. Like on the
former models, the fuel/air mixture is ignited by
two spark plugs (HP2 Sport: one spark plug), and the
compression ratio of 12.0:1 is also the same as before.
Thanks to efficient knock control, both models are
able to run on premium (plus) fuel with an octane
rating of 95-98 RON (maximum output is measured at
98 RON). Under certain conditions there may be a very
small loss of torque and a slight increase in fuel
consumption as soon as knock control cuts in. On long
tours where the rider might be required to use inferior
fuel, the engine may also run on 91 RON regular fuel,
using specifi c running data available as special
equipment free of charge straight from the factory.
Horizontal arrangement of the camshafts in the direction
of travel gives the new fl at-twin power unit two
particular technical features: Each camshaft controls
one intake and exhaust valve and, due to the radial
arrangement of the valves, the cams come with a conical
profi le. To increase both output and torque, gas
throughput has been increased throughout the entire
speed range by increasing valve plate diameter over
the former models from 36 to 39 millimetres (1.42–1.54")
on the intake side and 31 to 33 millimetres (1.22–1.30")
on the exhaust side.
Intake and exhaust timing on the two camshafts has
been optimised in particular for supreme power at
low and medium engine speeds and for even faster,
free-revving engine performance throughout the entire
range. To increase the free valve cross-section, valve
lift is up by 10.54 mm (0.415") on the intake
and 9.26 mm (0.365") on the exhaust side to 10.8
mm (0.425") on both sides. Valve clearance is
compensated by light semi-hemispherical shims.
More power and extra torque throughout the entire
speed range. The existing ratio of bore and stroke
of 101:73 millimetres (3.98 : 2.87") remains
the same as before, as does the engine’s cubic
capacity of 1,170 cc. Other features likewise carried
over from the former power unit are the crankshafts
and connecting rods as well as their mounts and bearings,
while the two new cast-aluminium pistons have been
re-designed to match the change in combustion chamber
geometry.
Interacting with the upgraded intake system now
featuring black instead of silver throttle butterfl
y manifolds as on the former models measuring 50 mm
(1.97") instead of formerly 47 mm (1.85")
(HP2 Sport: 52 mm/2.05") opening clearance and
with newly designed intake air funnels and an air
filter element with higher
throughput, the engine now develops maximum output
of 81 kW/110 PS at 7,750 rpm and peak torque of 120
Nm/88 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm. An oil cooler ensures stable
thermal conditions even when riding to the extreme.
In all, the modifications to the drivetrain provide
a signifi cantly more homogeneous fl ow of power and
torque throughout the entire speed range. In this
process of technical development, the engines now
feature magnesium-coloured cylinder head covers with
two instead of formerly four fastening bolts and come
in new, even more dynamic design. A valve cover guard
made of aluminium or plastic as well as a chrome-plated
aluminium cylinder head cover may be retrofitted as
special equipment. Electronically controlled exhaust
flap for even more muscular sound.
Moving on to the exhaust system, the two manifolds
are the same as before in their design, length and
diameter, while a modifi ed interference pipe caters
for the change in vibration conditions in the exhaust
system.
Featuring an exhaust flap controlled by an electric
motor as well as opening and closing cables, both
the new BMW R 1200 GS and the new R 1200 GS Adventure
provide a particularly throaty boxer sound naturally
in full compliance with legal standards. And to reduce
ram pressure and improve the sound of the engine even
further, the rear silencer remaining the same in design
as on the former models comes with a completely new
interior structure.
Ideal transmission of power through six-speed
gearbox and drive shaft.
Power is transmitted as before by the proven six-speed
gearbox with larger bearing diameters and a modifi
ed distance between the individual shafts already
upgraded technically for the 2008 model year. In the
process the gear ratios were once again adjusted and
the secondary transmission has been modified
from i = 2.82 to i = 2.91.
In conjunction with the new, even more powerful
engine, this once again means signifi cantly more
torque and pulling force throughout the entire range
of engine speed.
The new R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure also benefi
t from optimised shift kinematics with an optimised
power/travel curve for precise gearshift and clear
feedback at all times.
The maintenance-free drive shaft to the rear wheel
also remains unchanged, relieving the rider of annoying
and time-consuming maintenance requirements particularly
on long tours.
Proven running gear and high-performance
brakes with Integral ABS.
Like their predecessors, the new R 1200 GS and R
1200 GS Adventure offer an almost perfect synthesis
of offroad and onroad riding qualities. As in the
past, the stiff and torsionally-resistant suspension,
front wheel guidance with the unique BMW Telelever,
and the rear wheel incorporating the BMW Paralever
guarantee fi rst-class and absolutely safe riding
qualities also with the new engine offering even more
power and torque.
In conjunction with optional BMW Motorrad Integral
ABS, extremely powerful brakes serve additionally
to provide maximum safety even in critical situations.
Optimum environmental compatibility, finally, is
ensured also on the new boxer engine through the most
advanced exhaust gas management with a fullycontrolled
three-way catalytic converter.
Enduro ESA as special equipment for optimum
electronic adjustment of the running gear for every
purpose.
Designed and built for the specifi c requirements
of a grand touring enduro, Enduro ESA Electronic Suspension
Adjustment available also on the latest version of
the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure as an optional
extra straight from the factory allows adjustment
of the running gear under all kinds of running conditions
and with virtually any load level, simply by pressing
a button. An important feature is that Enduro ESA
offers both an onroad and offroad mode within which
the rider, choosing specifi c settings for the spring
base and damping, is able to adjust the suspension
even more precisely to specific needs and requirements.
As usual, Enduro ESA meets the particular requirements
made of a grand touring enduro by additional electrohydraulic
adjustment of the spring base on the front spring
strut. When riding offroad, this ensures a far smoother
ride without the wheel breaking through, and without
the disadvantages otherwise experienced
onroad such as shorter negative spring travel or greater
seat height.
Optimum ergonomics and even more practical
features.
Made of a heat-treated aluminium tube, the high-quality
and sophisticated handlebar, interacting with two
asymmetrically mounted clamps turning by up to 180o,
as on the HP2 Enduro Sports, may be fi tted in two
ergonomically different positions. While the rear
handlebar position for riding onroad and in less demanding
terrain ensures optimum ergonomics particularly for
the shorter rider, the front handlebar position offers
advantages in particular when standing up on the machine
in rough terrain.
The hand protectors available as special equipment
for the R 1200 GS are fitted as standard straight
from the factory on the R 1200 GS Adventure. In the
process of technically upgrading the successful R
1200 GS models, the instrument cluster has received
a new dial in new design. And last but not least,
the windshield now comes with larger hand-bolts with
even better grip for adjusting its position with greater
ease.
Optional extras and accessories tailored
to both the rider and the machine.
As a genuine, fully-fledged systems supplier, BMW
Motorrad has developed a wide range of optional extras
and special equipment for further customisation of
the new R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure. One particularly
important new feature is the additional headlights
in LED technology.
Optional extras come directly from the factory and
are fi tted during production at the Berlin Plant,
accessories and special equipment are fi tted subsequently
by the BMW Motorcycle Dealer.
Optional Extras.
- Enduro ESA.
- BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (semi-integral, on-demand).
- RDC.
- ASC.
- Exhaust system chrome-plated.
- Heated handles.
- Hand protectors (Adventure: standard).
- Case holder (Adventure: case support for aluminium
case).
- Cross-spoke wheels (Adventure: standard).
- On-board computer with oil level warning.
- Low rider’s seat (R 1200 GS).
- Lowered suspension (R 1200 GS).
- Anti-theft warning system with remote control.
- LED direction indicators.
- Offroad tyres (Adventure).
- Enduro transmission (short fi rst gear) (Adventure).
- Additional halogen headlight (Adventure).
- Power reduced to 98 hp.
- 91 RON.
Special Equipment.
Cases.
- Vario case (GS) / aluminium case (Adventure).
- Case holder (GS) / case support for aluminium
case (Adventure).*
- Vario Topcase (GS) / Aluminium Topcase (Adventure).
- Topcase fastening elements replacing passenger
seat (R 1200 GS).
- Topcase support.
- Inner bags for vario and aluminium case/Topcase.
- Back padding for vario and aluminium Topcase.
- Carrier handle for aluminium case.
- Watertight tank bag.
- Watertight tank bag, small (R 1200 GS).
- Softbag 2, large, 51 litres.
- Softbag 2, small, 19 litres.
Design.
- Cylinder head covers chrome-plated.
- Wheel cover, front, in carbon.
- Splashguard, rear, in carbon.
- HP Carbon cover for engine housing.
- Headlight protector (for offroad use only).
- Cap for Telelever and fork bridge.
- Additional LED headlight.
- Holder for additional headlight.
- LED direction indicators.*
Sound.
- Akrapovic sports muffler.
Ergonomics and Comfort.
- Windshield, tinted.
- Wide enduro footrests (Adventure: standard).
- Adjustable footbrake lever (Adventure: standard).
- Handlebar cross reinforcement.
- Padding for handlebar cross reinforcement.
- Rider’s seat, low (820 mm/32.3") in
Black* or Grey (R 1200 GS).
- Rider’s seat, Grey (R 1200 GS).
- Additional power socket.
- Heated handles.*
Navigation and Communication.
- BMW Motorrad Navigator IV.
- Holder for BMW Motorrad Navigator.
- Navigator function bag.
Safety.
- Hand protectors (Adventure: standard).*
- Spoiler guards, large, for hand protectors.
- Aluminium cylinder head cover protection (Adventure:
standard).
- Plastic cylinder head cover protection.
- Engine protection hoop (R 1200 GS).
- Enduro underfl oor protection, aluminium.
- Frame guard.
- Safety bolts for oil fi ller manifold.
- Anti-theft warning system with remote control.*
Maintenance and Technical Equipment.
- Reduction in power to 98 hp.*
- Paddock stand.
- On-board toolkit/service kit.
- LED light for on-board power socket, 410 millimetres/16.1".
* Also available as an optional extra from
the factory.
New surface and colour design.
The new R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure
demonstrate their enhanced dynamics through new surface
design and colours.
Ostra Grey matt metallic gives
the R 1200 GS a particularly technical touch.
Sapphire Black metallic, on the other
hand, gives the new R 1200 GS a very masculine look,
while the two non-metallic paintwork options in sophisticated
Alpine White and brilliant Magma Red highlight the
sporting offroad ambitions of the new R 1200 GS.
On the R 1200 GS Adventure Smoke Grey
metallic emphasises the almost rustic, masculine character
of the machine, while Brilliant Yellow metallic accentuates
its sporting offroad qualities. Particularly the second
colour variant forms an exciting contrast to the seat
fi nished in Black Olive Grey.
The new throttle butterfl y manifolds
come in Black..
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