Motorcycle specifications BMWR 1200 GS ADVENTURE 2018 To get away from borders

Where there's GS, there's adventure; I mean ADVENTURE. The globetrotting version of the world's most famous trail bike is getting seriously beefed up for 2014. After the liquid revolution of the R 1200 GS in 2013, BMW didn't wait long to develop the now-traditional version for long trails, African tracks and campsites off the Rockies.

2018 sees the return of a number of options that recently appeared on the standard R 1200 GS. Suspension is always a tactical issue. The Adventure can now be fitted with E.S.A Dynamic "Next Generation". These electronically-adjustable components adapt in real time to riding conditions, automatically correcting the bike's ride height and adjusting the spring rate according to the rider's weight when stationary.
The catalog of goodies has also been extended with a handlebar emergency call and a new TFT instrument panel. Dubbed"Connectivity", this screen lets you monitor all the bike's functions in a high-tech universe, let yourself be taken along by an on-board guidance system, and link up a smartphone via Bluetooth to control calls and playlists - all in a multicolored 6.5-inch panel controlled by a thumbwheel on the handlebars.

It's hard to believe that the R 1200 GS Adv keeps coming up with more and more every year. Already in 2017, a little fine-tuning was carried out. Improvements to the transmission enhance driving pleasure, while the engine receives the adaptations needed to pass Euro4. Previously, in 2016, the 1200 GSA had already gained some small bonuses: ABS Pro is now available as an option. This improved anti-lock braking system varies braking pressure according to various parameters (cornering, lateral acceleration, angle of rotation). As a result, the more the bike is on an angle, the less the jaws are used, to avoid losing the front end when cornering.

There's also Control Brake Light, a system that flashes the brake light more or less quickly depending on the intensity of emergency braking, with the warning light on at the end of the deceleration phase. This way, those behind you can assess whether you're braking harder or slower, and whether the situation up ahead sucks.

In 2015, the R 1200 GSA's bivouac of options gained further refinements: the Adventure can be fitted with Keyliss Ride, so you can control access to the bike without taking the key out of your pocket. Steering, fuel tank and ignition all unlock by themselves. The Shifter Pro allows you to upshift without disengaging the clutch or losing load, as well as downshifting.
An imposing machine that can be intimidating for smaller riders, it can be lowered by 50 mm. The seat height is thus 860 / 840 mm. And it gets even better: the Adventure can be fitted with the seat from the standard 1200 GS, saving a further 20 mm.

The least we can say is that the "liquid cooled" R 1200 GS Adventure is not lacking in aplomb. It's much more assertive than before. Gone is the stature of Howard Carter, replaced by the audacity of Benjamin Gates. We salute the particularly equivocal work of the designers: whatever the generation, the GS Adventure instantly makes you want to take to the road. You could almost see the sand crumbling between the spokes of the rims.
One of the strengths of this machine is that the plumage matches the ramage. This bike wants to go from desert to pebble, and brings its share of differences to go to more adventures than the standard GS. Suspension travel has been increased by 20 mm (210 at the front and 220 at the rear), and the aluminum fuel tank has been enlarged by 10 liters to accommodate a total of 30 units. With protective bars covering the cylinder heads and high sides, the GS is ready to take a beating. Until then, you can hit the road with peace of mind, protected by the new bubble, handguards and generous side panels. And it's a good thing it's a cousin of the floaty R 1200 GS, because it's got the Boxer back, full of peach and upheaval - almost enough to turn the Atlas into a Pikes Peak.

let's take a quick look at this flat-twin, BMW's first to use water cooling. The most noteworthy (r)evolutions are the use of liquid cooling to thermo-calm where it's hottest (notably the cylinder heads), the dethe most notable changes are the use of liquid cooling to thermo-calibrate where the heat is most intense (notably the cylinder heads), the now vertical intake of gas flow, a 6-speed gearbox integrated into the crankcase, an oil clutch with anti-dribble device, and a nice set of extra watts. A special feature of this engine on the Adventure is that the weight of the flywheel on the vilo is 950 gr heavier. An "ointment" to improve the smoothness of the Bavarian block.
The GS Adventure now develops 125 hp at 7,750 rpm and 12.7 mkg at 6,500 rpm. Since the previous generation, this adventurous machine has gained 15 grunts and half a mkg. And what can be said of the gap between the first of the name, R 1150, and our charismatic machine here: 85 grunts and not even 10 mkg for the ancestor, released in 2002.

with all the sensors, software and technology that come between you and the machine, the 1200 Adventure thinks along with you, or even before you, in the many riding conditions it will encounter. As standard, the bike is equipped with ASC traction control and 2 riding modes: "Rain", with gentle acceleration, adapted ABS and preventive traction control; and "Road", where all riding aids are optimally configured.
When the machine is fitted with ESA Dynamic semi-active damping, the suspensions adapt to the chosen driving mode. This option adds considerably to the price tag (around 750 euros), but gives you the best suspension possible, capable of reading and adapting to the road ahead.

Are you more demanding? No problem. BMW offers other electronic co-pilots with the "Pro driving modes" opion. The Adventure is then enriched with "Dynamic" and "Enduro" modes. With a coding plug, "Dynamic" becomes "Dynamic Pro" and "Enduro" becomes "Enduro Pro".

because I wanted to come back to the adventurous side of this R 1200 GS Adventure, clearly determined to stand out as it is and no longer as a variant of the GS. To this end, in addition to the aforementioned equipment, it features a more adventurous front and sides, a sturdier beak, and small deflectors to enhance its efficiency.windscreen, and a seat adjustable for inclination and 2 heights (890 and 910 mm): equivalent and more to a KTM 1190 Adventure R. Also different from the GS are the wider, enduro-style footrests, redesigned intake air intakes with protective grilles, kickstands adapted to the bike's greater displacement, and controls at the rear.foot controls, and the addition of a vibration damper between the gearbox output and the PTO shaft to enhance responsiveness on technical and/or trialistic sections.

as with the R 1200 GS, we're not talking about evolution, but about a new generation of Adventure, whose leitmotiv remains: to take you as far as possible. Already ready to take you to the gates of the desert, you'll still need to check out the options to get enough to penetrate the harsh terrain. A bit of luggage, a bit of GPS, cruise control, heated grips, an update to adapt the cartography to ordinary petrol... and why not treat yourself to the full LED headlight unit complete with daytime running lights, Akra pot, tire pressure control, etc.... Yes, well, the percentage of debt will take a monstrous leap. But in this category, the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is the bike of choice.

The 5 riding modes available on the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure:

-"Rain" offers smooth engine throttle response to support the rider. The ABS law is adapted to the road, and ASC traction control responds earlier than in "Road" mode. When the motorcycle is equipped with the Dynamic ESA option, the damping of the front and rear spring/damper combinations is rather soft, in line with prevailing conditions.

- "Road": the engine responds spontaneously and the riding aids are set to achieve optimum performance on all roads. ABS is adapted to the road and ASC ensures optimum traction. If the bike is equipped with dynamic ESA, the front and rear spring/damper combinations are in the normal damping position.

- "Dynamic" brings out the sporty side of the bike on the road. The engine is tuned for a direct response to acceleration, and the discreet intervention of ASC allows discerning riders to indulge in light, controlled skids. The ABS remains on the road setting. Damping is firm if the bike is equipped with the Dynamic ESA option.

-the "Enduro" mode lets you discover the R 1200 GS Adventure off-road. In this mode, the engine's response to acceleration is smooth and ASC intervention is discreet, allowing the experienced rider to deliberately trigger the ABS.rienced rider to deliberately trigger controlled rear-wheel slippage. The ABS law is optimally adapted to unstabilized terrain and road tires. Dynamic ESA provides soft damping to match the bike's use.

- "Enduro Pro" is aimed at ambitious enduro riders, opening up the full potential of the R 1200 GS Adventure in the field. This riding mode, distinguished by spontaneous engine response, is designed for use with studded tires. when the brake pedal is depressed, the rear ABS function is deactivated, while the optional dynamic ESA switches to a firm setting.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos