2014 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure – First Look Review

2014 BMW R 1200 GS-Beauty
2014 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure with accessory hard cases.

A year after BMW Motorrad unveiled the heavily revised, partially liquid-cooled R 1200 GS at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany, the company has announced an all-new R 1200 GS Adventure.

Powered by the same air/liquid-cooled boxer engine featured on the R 1200 GS, with a displacement of 1,170cc and a claimed 125 horsepower at 7,750 rpm. The engine features precision liquid cooling, vertical through-flow (intake/exhaust) and a six-speed gearbox integrated into the engine housing along with a wet clutch, and the cardan-shaft drive is now positioned on the left side of the motorcycle. For greater comfort and ease of use, especially on off-road terrain, the Adventure’s flywheel mass has been increased by 2.1 pounds compared to the standard model and an extra vibration damper has been incorporated into the powertrain. Like the R 1200 GS, the Adventure is also built around a strong tubular-steel spaceframe. However, it has a larger 7.9-gallon fuel tank (2.6 gallons more than on the R 1200 GS) for increased range, and the fuel tank itself is now made from lightweight aluminum.

The R 1200 GS Adventure comes equipped as standard with ABS, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), as well as the two riding modes “Rain” and “Road,” which enable the riding characteristics to be adapted to most road conditions. Three additional riding modes can be added by ordering the optional Ride Modes Pro feature, which is accompanied by the Enduro settings for ABS and ASC for off-road riding. The three extra riding modes – Dynamic, Enduro and Enduro Pro (which can be activated with a coding plug) – make it possible to adjust the settings of both ASC and ABS and, if fitted, the semi-active suspension Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) to suit the specific requirements of off-road operation.

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The R 1200 GS Adventure’s off-road capabilities are enhanced by an additional 0.8 inches of spring travel, increased ground clearance and a trailing arm with modified geometry for even better handling. A larger windshield with convenient hand-wheel adjustment, additional air flaps as well as hand guards greatly increase wind and weather protection. Wide enduro footrests, adjustable, reinforced foot-operated levers and completely restyled bodywork add the finishing touches to the look of the new R 1200 GS Adventure.

2014 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure
2014 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure outfitted with accessory side cases, engine guards, etc.

Highlights of the new BMW R 1200 GS Adventure:

• Based on the same versatile overall concept as the R 1200 GS, with spirited twin-cylinder boxer engine and agile chassis, but with enhanced off-road prowess
• Increased flywheel mass in the engine and additional vibration damper for even smoother running and superior rideability
• Spring travel 0.8 inches longer at front and rear compared to R 1200 GS
• 0.4 inches more ground clearance than predecessor
• Modified geometry of trailing arm for even sharper handling
• Completely restyled bodywork in distinctly robust and masculine GS Adventure design
• 7.9-gallon fuel tank with similar range to predecessor
• ABS, ASC and two riding modes as standard
• Three further riding modes available as factory option
• Semi-active suspension Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) available as factory option
• More comfortable height and tilt-adjustable rider seat
• Large, adjustable windshield and air flaps
• Wide enduro footrests
• Adjustable, reinforced foot-operated levers
• Robust engine and tank protection bar
• Wide range of accessories and factory options

Key technical differences at a glance:

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure BMW R 1200 GS
Tank capacity: 7.9 gals. 5.3 gals.
Spring travel (f/r): 8.3/8.7 in. 7.5/7.9 in.
Seat height: 35.0/35.8 in. 33.5/34.3 in.
Weight (tank 90% full): 573 lbs. 525 lbs.
Load capacity: 485 lbs. 467 lbs.
MPG at 55/75 mph: 54.7/39.9 57.4/42.8

Availability and pricing for the 2014 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure are TBD. It will be offered in several colors (matte Olive, Alpine white and matte racing blue metallic), as well as a long list of options and accessories.

2014 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure
2014 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure with accessory luggage and optional off-road tires.

BWM R 1200 GS Adventure optional equipment:

• Ride Modes Pro (three additional riding modes – Dynamic, Enduro and Enduro Pro – plus the Enduro ABS and Enduro ASC add-ons for off-road riding)
• Semi-active suspension Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment)
• Navigation system preparation
• Onboard computer Pro
• Cruise control
• Full-LED headlight
• LED auxiliary lights
• TPM (tire pressure monitor)
• Heated grips
• Chrome-plated exhaust system
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Off-road tires

BWM R 1200 GS Adventure special accessories:

• LED auxiliary lights
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Aluminum cases
• Inner bags for aluminum cases
• Aluminum topcase
• Inner bag for aluminum topcase
• Water-resistant tank bag
• Softbag 2, small and large
• HP sport silencer by Akrapović
• Rally seat with luggage plate (seat height 35.2 inches)
• Tinted windshield
• BMW Motorrad Navigator V
• Holder, cable and attachment kit
• Onboard toolkit service kit

2 COMMENTS

  1. Are gear ratios going to be juggled? The last GS adventure used a lower first gear ratio if memory serves, the better to actually do “Rock crawling”

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