BMW R 1200 GS test

Intro: NEW SKIN

The GS is the best seller in the BMW range, over 180 000 models have been sold world-wide, has been given a face lift to get sales off on the right foot in 2004.

Esthetique: DIET AND A SHOT OF YOUTH

Everything has been changed on the GS that now goes by the name R 1200 GS. The first thing you notice is the restyling of the lines, but the look of the package remains loyal to that which we already know. The design is, anyway, more luxurious and more modern, but the style still attracts as much controversy. The changes introduced on this bike are simply enormous.
We’ll begin with 2 important stats. : 15 more horsepower and 30 less kilograms . We can safely say without risk of mistake, the GS has been given a shoot of youth, worthy of the best Japanese constructors.
In fact, this bike inaugurates a new philosophy from the Bavarian constructor, which is to offer lighter; more powerful machines, which come closer to the Japanese standard, all the while keeping its rather unique character. And to finish, all these elements on the GS have been lightened. The result, as we already mentioned, is an enormous reduction of 30 kilograms, coming from the motor, the gearbox and the chassis ... even the wiring loom has been lightened. The GS now comes in at a lean 225 kilograms, including all the liquids. This is the most revolutionary aspect of the new BMW. As for the dashboard, nothing revolutionary but the presentation has been improved. You will find a speedometer, an analogue tachometer, as well as a very complete liquid crystal display.
But it is the manually adjustable windscreen that draws all the attention. You have five different setting to choose from, a slightly delicate move but possible to do while riding and it sensibly improves performance.

Motorization: LIVELY AND VERY HEALTHY

As for the motor, it is more than a case of just increasing the displacement. The flat twin was completely reviewed. Lighter and livelier despite the two imposing cylinders, this engine is simply awesome and for these three reasons. Firstly, the figures, 100bhp, and a torque that comes in at more then 72 foot-pounds between 3000 and 7000 rpms, a truly, free breathing machine, that’s the first reason.
The second, the 2004 version is equipped with a balancing arm. Otherwise said, good-bye to vibrations and unwanted torque reaction. Without selling its soul, the road handling of the twin cylinder is nothing at all like its predecessor.
And the third reason, the motor is accompanied by a new gearbox, which blows the old one away. Smoother, more precise and less noisy, you almost forget it is there!

On the road: MORE CONTROL

Logically, once aboard, you notice the significant weight loss of the 1200 GS. The weight lose combined with the new front axle geometry make the 1200 GS far livelier , without changing its legendary ability to improvise its trajectories. In a word, the GS has become much easier. Tight corners, long bends, smooth asphalt or rougher roads, the GS can handle it all. While riding, you also notice other less spectacular modifications but just as effective. The riding position has been completely changed. Firstly, the rider sits farther forward on the bike, the handlebars are smaller than on the 1150 and finally the foot rests are positioned lower, without forgetting the adjustable seat, in any case, you can take to the road with the least of worries. There is where BMW contradicts the competition; the German constructor wants this bike to perform just as well on the dirt. And even for a beginner, the progress made is quite sensible. The simple reduction in weight is enough to explain its enhanced abilities. Lest not forget that the ABS is there to save the day in case of a mistake. The breaks are the only key element that hasn’t evolved. The GS comes with the same 2, 305mm discs at the front and the 265mm for the rear, and the EVO system helps out by raising the pressure to the pads. Worth noting: the ABS system is proposed as an add on option. Thus, the BMW R 1200 GS has become a much easier motorbike to control and is the perfect mount for everyday riding. Able to do it all, it remains more than ever the trial bike boasting the biggest engine displacement on the market, which is nothing to sneeze at when you consider the selections in the sector. When compared with its rivals it is clearly the most versatile.