Car and Motorcycle

2014 BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE – FIRST LOOK

2014 BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE – FIRST LOOK

    BMW has given us a sneak peek at the 2014 R1200GS Adventure, which will be unveiled to the public at theEICMA show in early November. As expected, the new Adventure is powered by the same air- and liquid-cooled 1,170cc boxer twin found in the standard GS, replete with “vertical-flow” heads and an integral six-speed gearbox featuring a wet clutch. But for improved tractability, especially when negotiating tight off-road trails, the engine’s flywheel has been made nearly 2.1 lbs. heavier, which, together with a new vibration damper between the gearbox and shaft drive, is said to improve powertrain smoothness.

And that’s just the start of the changes. The 2014 Adventure, based on the tubular chassis of the standard GS, has 0.8 inches more travel front and rear, and the new 7.9-gallon aluminum fuel tank is 2.6 gallons larger than a standard GS’s. What’s more, the big Adventure model is fitted with a steering damper, and an unspecified tweak to swingarm geometry is claimed to improve the bike’s handling.

ABS and ASC (Automatic Stability Control) are standard, as are two new electronic ride modes: Rain and Road. In Rain, gentler engine response helps the rider maintain control in slippery conditions, aided by stability control tuned to intervene more quickly. If BMW’s semi-active Dynamic ESA has been ordered, the suspension damping softens. In Road mode, engine response is more immediate, and both ABS and ASC are tuned for conditions with good grip. Dynamic ESA, if fitted, maintains standard damping.



As on the standard R1200GS, the new Adventure is also available with optional Dynamic, Enduro, and Enduro Pro riding modes that are activated via a coding plug. In the sportiest mode, Dynamic, the engine is tuned for “direct” throttle response, and more restrained ASC intervention allows riders to slide the rear a bit. ABS is configured for on-road use, and if Dynamic ESA is on the bike, it switches to firm damping. Enduro mode, for off-road terrain, softens engine response for added control, while reduced ASC intervention means experienced riders can power-slide the rear wheel at will. ABS is optimized for loose surfaces, and Dynamic ESA, if fitted, goes to a soft setting. The last mode, Enduro Pro, allows the full off-road potential of the new GS Adventure to be explored. Designed for use with knobby tires, Enduro Pro offers “spontaneous” engine response, and ABS to the rear wheel is shut off to give the rider better directional control of the bike. Dynamic ESA, again if fitted, switches to a firm setting.

Other highlights for BMW’s new 2014 R1200GS Adventure include revised bodywork, a tapered windscreen, hand guards, and wider footrests, plus a reinforced shift lever and brake pedal. Moreover, the engine and fuel tank are better protected by stout crash bars, and the narrow, tilt-adjustable seat (with seat heights of 35.0 and 35.8 inches) is designed to keep riders comfortable on those long slogs to Tierra del Fuego.



The option list, which contains the aforementioned Dynamic ESA and Dynamic, Enduro, and Enduro Pro riding modes, is long. Besides nav-system preparation and an onboard computer, the 2014 R1200GS Adventure is available with cruise control, a full-LED headlight, LED auxiliary lights, a tire-pressure monitor, heated grips, a chrome-plated exhaust, an anti-theft alarm, and off-road tires.

And in that oh-so-important cargo haulage department, the new Adventure is available with aluminum top and side cases, along with inner bags for each. BMW also offers a water-resistant tank bag and soft bags in large and small sizes. Other items available for the new GS Adventure include an HP sport silencer by Akrapovic, a tinted windscreen, a rally seat (35.2 inches) with luggage plate, and a BMW Motorrad Navigator V navigation and communication system.

BMW has not released pricing, but we expect the new Adventure, which will be available in Olive Matte, Alpine White, and Racing Blue Metallic colors, to arrive in the US in early 2014.

AT A GLANCE: KEY TECHNICAL DIFFERENCES
	BMW R1200GS Adventure	BMW R1200GS
TANK CAPACITY	7.9 gal.	5.3 gal.
FRONT TRAVEL	8.3 in.	7.5 in.
REAR TRAVEL	8.7 in.	7.9 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	35.0/35.8 in.	33.5/34.3 in.
WEIGHT WITH TANK 90% FULL	573 lbs.	525 lbs.
MAX. LOAD	485 lbs.	467 lbs.
LENGTH	88.8 in.	86.9 in.
WIDTH	38.6 in.	37.5 in.
FUEL ECONOMY AT 55 MPH	54.7 mpg	57.4 mpg
FUEL ECONOMY AT 75 MPH	39.9 mpg	42.8 mpg

Source: Cycleworld