Motorcycle specifications BMWR 1200 GS 2005 Trail supremacy

We've been talking about it for a while now... and now it's finally here: the new generation of the big BM trail bike with the R 1200 GS. The reworked bodywork rejuvenates and refines the silhouette, without betraying the style, which remains in the spirit of the previous 1150 . Subtly cut with serpents (it's fashionable), its identity owes much to the new, smaller fuel tank, adorned with 2 aluminum side covers. Innovative when its first version was born over 20 years ago, the GS has been pampered by the brand's engineers.

And the manufacturer hasn't done things by halves. The German model has been slimmed down by 30 kgs to a kerb weight of 225 kgs. Very fine work by the manufacturer. And this is just the beginning... Improved chassis with a new, lighter Telelever offering greater steering precision - and a new Paralever single-arm. In addition to its new shape, the Paralever is also lighter, stiffer and, above all, more comfortable to use, with optimized operation.

BM has given the boxer a thorough overhaul, increasing the stroke from 1130 to 1170 cm3. Power rises to 98 hp and torque makes a spectacular leap of almost 2 mkgs. The engine's cylinder heads become hexagonal, retain dual ignition and are 15% lighter. Although offering more displacement, the block remains the same width and is 3 kg thinner. For even greater comfort, a balancer shaft has been added to the flat twin to totally eliminate vibrations. The new crankshaft also loses 1 kg and the crankcase 1.4 kg. To drive all this, a new ultra-modern electronic management system with a new anti-rattle regulation system.

Designed to run on premium unleaded petrol, the engine can also run on regular petrol or comparable grades of fuel, as sometimes found in distant countries, without having to be adapted by manual intervention. This is because, as far as possible, the anti-cyclic regulator automatically adapts the ignition points to the fuel used. A third less weight for the exhaust system, 2.2 kg less for the electrical equipment... there are many examples of how the R 1200 GS has become a sveltesse in the big trail mode. The new gearbox uses high-strength helical gears, a gearing that ensures silence and smoothness, because the gears mesh smoothly. 6th gear is no longer an overdrive, but a conventional gear for greater responsiveness.

In terms of suspension comfort, the Telelever should continue to work wonders, combining precision and anti-dive braking. The rear suspension uses a top-of-the-range gas spring/shock absorber combination with travel control (WAD). The principle (pioneered on the R 1150 GS Adventure) is to increase the progressivity of the shock absorber as the travel increases. In this way, the shock absorber reacts finely and comfortably to the slightest irregularity in the road, while offering sufficient potential for rough terrain where violent shocks and other undulations follow one another.

A new instrument cluster, an indispensable anti-theft device with coded key, a new headlamp unit with complex surface reflectors, a seat with improved comfort and adjustment... The GS has really evolved. With all this attention to detail, the new 1200 is sure to establish its dominance in the GT trail segment.

BMW is making a lot of promises with this GS; with pride and optimism, because the Bavarian brand rarely disappoints. More powerful and lighter, the Munich-based company has broadened its field of action by becoming a tad sportier. With 30 kg less to move, and 15 hp more in the pistons, the boxer is bursting with life. A model of suppleness, the twin doesn't shy away from efficiency, even becoming very lively at the top of the rev counter. What a peach! With its new balance shaft, vibrations have been given an education. Although still present (the new rigidity of the chassis has a lot to do with it), their company is most discreet. Perhaps we'll pay them a little more attention on our senatorial journeys...

Leaving the motorway network will bring a whole new set of sensations. For the GS has become more playful, lighter in its handling while retaining sovereign precision. Infallible, the Telelever ensures efficiency, serenity... and sportiness. The front axle now offers a more "direct" feel of the road, which is appreciable if you like to know what's going on under your wheels; but you lose (moderately) in comfort. This is perhaps the only point where the 1200 falls down compared to the 1150. OK, some rivals offer a more liquorous ride; but the BM passes everyone else when the sequences alternate with changes of angle. It's even enough to disgust some hot-blooded sports bikes.

Back on the main roads, you'd almost forget about the gearbox, such is its improved performance. Not so much praise for the protection: neither worse nor better than theold GS. No reason to cry scandal. You can pass quickly (very) comfortably. Ergonomics are meticulous and modular. At BM, it's the bike that adapts to the rider, not the other way around. If it's time to venture off-road, the GS won't say no, as long as the terrain isn't too rough. While it's not up to the level of a KTM Adventure (which is less well-travelled), it does very well, even better than the 1150. But don't be too optimistic: a 230 kg trail bike can't be made up like a 600 XT!
Slightly less comfortable but superbly improved, the GS remains the ultimate getaway machine. It's a pity that no basic version (without ABS) is available. The "reworked" aesthetics may put some off, but on the whole, there's very little to criticize about this excellent machine.