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trenace

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posted November 22, 2005 02:28 PM

Edited By: trenace on 22 Nov 2005 14:30

New Bimmer R1200GS Adventure

From Motorcycle-USA.com:

The R1200GS Adventure represents a marked improvement over its 1150 forebear, benefiting most from the latest-generation two-cylinder Boxer motor like in the R1200GS
that Duke tested last year. The GS earns its Adventure tag by offering extra off-road amenities and greater long-distance comfort than its non-Adventure sibling.

The Adventure's power advantage can be seen in the raw numbers with 99 claimed horsepower at 7000 rpm and 85 lb-ft of torque at 5500 rpm - a gain over the 1150 Adventure
of 14 ponies and 14 lb-ft of torque. The Adventure carries over the new Boxer's balance shaft which reduces vibration and engine stress and was first introduced on the
R1200GS. The Adventure also shares the GS's 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing to dole out the 1170cc of power emanating from a 101mm bore and 73mm stroke.
The Adventure differentiates itself from the GS by employing a 120-watt stronger alternator, using the 720 watts of energy to supply power to the many electrical components
including the Info-Flatscreen control panel.

The latest Adventure leaves the factory with many standard features which used to be available only as accessories or special equipment, including a massive 33-liter
(8.7-gallon) fuel tank to encourage long-distance excursions. BMW claims that cruising at a steady 56 mph the new Adventure's fuel range is 465 miles. Judged by the
40 mpg we averaged on the standard R1200GS during our recent Adventure-Touring shootout, a range of about 350 miles can be expected.

Other factory standard components include height-adjustable seat with wider footrests and adjustable brake and gearshift levers for rider comfort and control. A windshield
redesigned to increase rider protection is also angle-adjustable to fit riders of differing stature. Finally, stainless-steel tank and engine guards provide protection from those
unplanned but inevitable spills on the road and off, as befitting a bike with the word Adventure in its name.

To better cope with the bumps you'll find riding in Baja and Morocco, the Adventure's suspension gains 20mm (0.79 inch) of travel on both ends, increasing the front to 8.27
inches and the rear to 8.66 inches. BMW equips the Adventure with its latest generation of the Telelever and Paralever suspension systems as found on the standard GS.
The maintenance-free Telelever up front is pre-load adjustable but is without damping adjustment, while the Paralever takes care of rear suspension duties with a
central spring strut and a TDD (travel-dependent damping) shock which firms damping the more the strut is compressed.

Strong cross-spoke wheels further enhance the Adventure's off-road credentials. The wheel spokes can be replaced one-by-one and tubeless tires may also be fitted.
For the rider who knows they'll be spending more time off-road than on, optional heavy-duty Continental TKC 80 tires can be fitted upon request in lieu of standard tires,
free of charge. The Adventure is also equipped with a light aluminum-alloy handlebar with hand protectors that come standard.

A two-piece steel-tube frame provides the Adventure's structure. The main and front frames are shared with the GS, but the Adventure utilizes a modified rear section. The
changes involve a reconfiguration of the main and sidestand supports. The Adventure is fitted with a stainless-steel luggage rack standard, as well as optional aluminum
side cases and a top case, which add up to a maximum permissible weight of 1047 lbs.

The Adventure itself dwarfs its sibling on the scales weighing in at 564 lbs wet opposed to the 496 lbs of the regular GS, but it should be remembered that the Adventure
has a 3.5-gallon larger fuel tank and several other extra components.

Optional components and accessories include: the partly integrated BMW Integral ABS that can be switched off; additional headlights attached to the tank protection hoop
to improve rider vision and motorcycle visibility; an on-board computer to enhance the standard Info-Flatscreen and provide useful rider information such as temperature,
fuel range and consumption, as well as warnings for low oil and risk of ice when temps reach 3 degrees C (37.4 F). Adventure riders can also opt for typical BMW luxuries
like heated handlebar grips, an anti-theft system, and BMW's Navigator GPS system.