When
I first rode the BMW R1150GS I was more than a little impressed. My only near
criticism of the bike was that it lacked the excitement of something like the
Triumph Tiger.Road Test – BMW R1200GS
When
I first rode the BMW R1150GS I was more than a little impressed. My only near
criticism of the bike was that it lacked the excitement of something like the
Triumph Tiger.
Well all that has now changed with the introduction of the all new BMW R1200GS. Not only is it quick and fast, but it’s lighter (225kg new 249kg old) with more new improvements than I can detail here in 600 words.
I reported that the 1150GS was “ugly”, but, after the release of some of the other recent dual purpose bikes, I’m more inclined to accept it’s once unusual appearance, even like it.
The new bike doesn’t appear to be much different style wise to it’s predecessor, but side by side it becomes apparent that it is a quantum leap away from the 1150. Just about everything has been uprated and improved.
The flat twin cylinder fuel injected engine has
increased only 50cc in capacity, but the output has gone from 63kW to 74kW
(100hp) with about 20% more torque. Anti-knock sensors mean that she’ll run
quite happily on unleaded fuel. The 20 litre fuel tank should give around 300
kilometres before you start looking for your favourite petrol symbol. A balance
shaft irons out all but top gear/low rev vibrations. I found this “boxer” to
be as quick and smooth as my 1100cc four cylinder BMW, with overtaking
manoeuvres being something to look forward to.
The 6 speed transmission is oh so smooth and
quiet, a joy to use. There is an all new low maintenance rear swing arm/final
drive assembly (never have to change the diff oil) with 200mm of infinitely
adjustable spring travel for whatever your journey may throw at you. The superb,
surefooted telelever front-end has 9 preload settings and 190mm of travel.
On the tar the GS is tall with a seat height of
840 to 860mm. Both rider and pillion get much improved seating which will make
mile munching more comfortable. The handling is different to road bikes due to
the taller geometry but as I adapted to this I found myself happily toe touching
the tar through corners and having more fun than a gambler at Star City Casino.
Mirror vibration is almost non existent, adjustable levers, windscreen and seat make for easy fitting of your body to the GS. Uprated headlights will satisfy those with crook eyes, while the new instrument cluster is effortless to read and offers LED trip computer information at the touch of a gloved thumb.
Accessories include an adjustable waterproof
“Vario” top box (37 to 46 litres) and panniers (40 to 83 litres) a must for
those long distance holidays, add approximately $2300 for the set.
The BMW EVO braking system is probably the safest around and this became more apparent when I took a spin on the dirt out to Riverwood Downs (12klms), it’s idiot proof I tell you! Here was I, hooning up to corrugated corners and grabbing a hand/bootfull of brake and the bike making me look like a dirt riding expert.
On road price is $23,300 which includes an alarm, heated grips and ABS.
This is the best performing “boxer I have ever had the pleasure to ride, and I can only trust that BMW are going to transplant this new technology into their road-bike range.
Got a hankering to ride around this great brown land? Then this is the bike to do it on.
Test bike supplied by John Brisan Motorcycles, Cnr Hannell & Greenway Strs Wickham NSW – 2293 Ph49694500 Fax49612825
May your lid never skid…. iparks@hunterlink.net.au …www.users.hunterlink.net.au/~mbbidp