Watercooled R1200GS unveiled

[UFO]

I struggle to see the point of the current R1200GS.

The point is, people have differing tastes.  The 1200GS is one of the most popular bikes in the world.  Clearly people like it and where BMW is going with it.  Some may not.  They are free to ride F800s.

Looks like a great bike to me.  Will I buy one?  No.

[eurofan]

In fact I understand why the BMW R1200GS is so popular. The main reason is of course the Long Way round movie. I guess the greatest regret of KTM was not lending bikes to the documentary.

The other is that the big GS is a road bike not an adventure bike. Until the Multistrada the R1100/R1150/R1200GS was my favourite adventure bike. In fact the only ADV bike i would consider buying. I hate the vagueness of an ADV bike handling on the road.

Rode the V-Strom, hated it. Honda Varadero? even worst. Aprilia Caponord? what a waste of engine. But the GS is different. Is surefooted, gives confidence while cornering. Doesn't bounce when you brake and accelarate. I guess the majority of those who ride big adventure motorcycles like the look of an ADV motorcycle but prefer to pass the vagueness of an ADV bike handling. The R1200GS is that, a road bike that resembles an adventure bike

If Ducati wants to sell even more Multis it has only one thing to do. Keep as capable on road but make it look tougher. Offer it in khaki not red. Use wire wheels, not SSA.

[atadaskew]

When I look at that bike my breathing gets shallow and rapid...

You're having an allergic reaction.

[Lon]

I'll be the purist and say no thanks. R's should be air cooled. What's wrong with a dry clutch? And why flip the swingarm? There may be perfectly good reasons for them, but I don't care. I'm not interested in all bikes being the same.

The clutch also moved to the front of the engine - where you can actually get to it, so I hear.

"Break the bike in half to replace the clutch" should no longer be a thing.

[Bain Dramage]

I think it will be another great bike when ridden where it is intended to go - paved and primitive roads. It's not a dirtbike - and isn't intended to compete with them.

It will be interesting to see the price points, and see how sales of this latest GS compare the the Yamaha Super-T and the Triumph 1200.

I have never wished I was on a smaller bike when riding long distances on pavement, and I have never wished I was on a bigger bike when I was riding long distances offroad.

[Max Wedge]

I struggle to see the point of the current R1200GS. The F800GS is a better adventure bike and both R1200RT and R1200R are better tourers.  

In Michigan, with our roads, it is a sport-bike. The F800 is more dirt-friendly, the 1200 is more highway friendly. It is the modern standard. I can fit on a 1200, the 800, no way. I don't struggle to see the point.

[Joey Stalin]

In Michigan, with our roads, it is a sport-bike. The F800 is more dirt-friendly, the 1200 is more highway friendly. It is the modern standard. I can fit on a 1200, the 800, no way. I don't struggle to see the point.

The 1200 is the modern standard of a highway friendly bike?

[falconati]

I really like the look of it, and they did a good job hiding the radiator.  Absolutely no way I would want one, but I'm excited to see how they restyle the RT to add in this motor.

[Bain Dramage]

Also interesting to see if they lengthened the service intervals.

[Rincewind]

Also interesting to see if they lengthened the service intervals.

What have they been changed to?

[radon222]

Quote from: Bain Dramage on Today at 08:05:55 AM

Also interesting to see if they lengthened the service intervals.

What have they been changed to?

That's what we're all waiting to find out.

[Max Wedge]

The 1200 is the modern standard of a highway friendly bike?

Pretty much. It is a standard, and it is highway friendly.

What have they been changed to?

I'm betting the head is similar to the current hex head, so I would guess 6k miles.

[Max Wedge]

It does look like a hex head. Good thread with engine cut aways. Wet clutch in the front!

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=831285

[UFO]

IMO this GS is better looking than the previous gen.  I know the cosmetic changes aren't major, but I think it's a damn fine looking panzer.

[Max Wedge]

IMO this GS is better looking than the previous gen.  I know the cosmetic changes aren't major, but I think it's a damn fine looking panzer.

Because it looks more like a MTS?   I agree too, just not for that reason.   Can't wait for the new RT.

[chiltech500]

I really like the look of it, and they did a good job hiding the radiator.  Absolutely no way I would want one, but I'm excited to see how they restyle the RT to add in this motor.

Question for boxer owners (particularly 2010 and newer) - have you ever had a problem with over-heating in traffic in summer?

Horsepower increase vs weight increase seems favorable as long as more is available at bottom end.

[tomek]

The engine is brand spanking new , totally new design . It shares configuration and bore/stroke with its predecessor but that is about it .
 Water cooling allows for much more aggressive tune and more efficient cylinder head design ( narrow valve angle and bigger valves ) .
It is safe to assume new engine is stronger everywhere in its rev range .
I like what BMW has done . They retain air cooling is not important areas  because those jugs out in the air anyway .

Now , those 20 pounds . It is freaking road ( in this case not roadracing bike ) bike , so who cares ?
Average STN and ADV-ner could easily off set that increase by eating right and exercising from time to time .  

BTW , looking at those pictures of the engine , there is plenty of room of overbore without the need for new cases .  This engine has room to grow .  

[vitaminC]

Even with the extra 20lbs, it's still lighter than the old R1150GS, right?

People will gripe for a while, then it will become normal and everyone will wonder how they ever got by with the old one.

[Max Wedge]

Question for boxer owners (particularly 2010 and newer) - have you ever had a problem with over-heating in traffic in summer?

Horsepower increase vs weight increase seems favorable as long as more is available at bottom end.

I have run mine at an indicated 102 degrees in the mountains and while moving, it showed 4 out of 8 bars. It has only shown 6 out of 8 once since I bought it, when it was 98 degrees and I was moving at less than 5 mph. It has never showed all 8. I was moving at that speed for maybe 30 minutes.

[eye.surgeon]

I like it. Not enough to sell my Multistrada, but its' good to have competition in the segment.

People choose Adv bikes because they don't have to be babied on bad roads, they offer a comfortable upright seating position, they can hold a lot of gear, and they are designed for real sized people. It's not only because they look butch Heck my multistrada doesn't look at all off-roady. It looks like a sport bike on stilts.

I just can't get over the boxer engine. It's unnecessarily complex for the power you get. It's an homage to their past and they need to let it go.