New BMW R1200 GS
November 5, 2009 - Jon Pearson
BMW launches new R1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure models for 2010 ... Scroll down for the full story
There are no major changes for BMW's big, selling R 1200 GS. The significant tweaks are more power and torque from the classic and arguably archaic engine design. The flat-twin motor is now closer in spec to the HP2 Sport engine than its predecessor 1200GS models.
Two double overhead (on their side?) chain-driven camshafts per cylinder aid power output and higher engine speeds. The valves are operated by light rocker arms to cope with high engine speeds allowed by their low weight. Like on the former models, the fuel/air mixture is ignited by two spark plugs (HP2 Sport: one spark plug), and the compression ratio of 12.0:1 is also the same as before.
Throttle butterfly valves are now 50 mm (were 47mm - the HP2 Sport's are 52 mm). Newly designed intake air funnels and air filter element help the engine breath to a stronger maximum output of 108bhp @ 7,750 rpm and a peak torque of 88lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm.
Both standard GS and GS Adventure engines now have magnesium-coloured cylinder head covers with two, instead of four fastening bolts and have a more dynamic design. A valve cover guard made of aluminium or plastic as well as a chrome-plated aluminium cylinder head cover is an optional "retrofit".
The 2010 GS will come with added aural character too thanks to an electronically controlled exhaust flap for an "even more muscular sound". The exhaust flap is controlled by an electric motor operated by cables as on many other bikes. The rear silencer is the same in design as on the former models but has a completely new interior structure.
Other than that it's pretty much the same reliably quirky but still hugely popular two-wheeled Chelsea tractor made famous by Hollywood stars and TV-types. Some new colours for each model will distinguish the 10s from the '09s and, BMW hopes, persuade the many who already have a GS that they need a new one.
The new BMW R 1200 GS and BMW R 1200 GS Adventure at a glance:
• Twin overhead camshafts per cylinder and valves in radial arrangement.
• 5 per cent more power up to a claimed 108bhp at 7,750 rpm and 88ft-lb at 6,000 rpm.
• 500 extra rpm up to 8,500rpm.
• Electronically controlled exhaust flap for even more muscular sound (?!).
• New colour variants for both models incuding: Alpine White non-metallic,
Magma Red non-metallic, Ostra Grey matt metallic, Sapphire Black metallic.
• Colour variants of the R 1200 GS Adventure: Smoke Grey matt metallic,
Brilliant Yellow metallic.
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