2013 BMW R 1200 GS: $21,250

BMW Motorrad’s heavily revamped R 1200 GS – the first major update in nine years – will go on sale in March for $21,250.

The "wasser boxer" comes equipped with ABS (switchable), chrome exhaust, heated grips, hand protection, tyre pressure control, white LED indicators and pannier fastenings. and can be optionally delivered with electronic suspension adjustment, stability control, an LED headlight and daytime riding light, wire spoke wheels, cruise control and alarm. There is also the ex-factory option of low suspension. A large range of accessories is also available to customize the bike for on or off road touring.

Output is now 125hp (92kW) at 7700rpm and 125N at 6500rpm for the 1170cc twin, compared to 110hp (81kW) at 7750rpm and 120Nm at 6000rpm for the old model. Wet weight is 238kg.

BMW has unveiled its E-gas system on the R 1200 GS – ie a type of ride-by-wire where rider commands are passed on directly by the sensor in the accelerator twist grip to the engine control system. The use of the E-gas system allows BMW to offer five different five modes: "Rain", "Road", "Dynamic", "Enduro" and "Enduro Pro". The modes are available as an optional extra ex-works.

The chassis uses a completely newly developed tubular all-steel bridge frame with a bolt-on rear frame. Along with the newly designed Telelever at the front and the EVO Paralever at the rear, BMW claims a significant increase in torsional stiffness -- and hence stability and steering precision. Tyres sizes are 120/70-19 at front and 170/60-17, both wider than the current model.

The brake system of the R 1200 GS has been extensively revised, too. There are now radially mounted Brembo monobloc brake calipers at the front and a larger brake disc at the rear 276mm, (previously 265mm).

The new R 1200 GS has the same power system with altered function partitioning as already used in the six-cylinder K 1600 GT and GTL. As before, CAN bus (Controller Area Network) and LIN bus technology (Local Interconnect Network) enables significantly reduced wiring as compared to a conventional system. The previous central vehicle electronics has been partitioned into two separate control units.

The newly developed windshield of the R 1200 GS offers claims to offer improvements in wind and weather protection, while also reducing wind noise. Adjustment is simple: an easily accessible and ergonomically optimised selection wheel is operated using one hand.

As far as alterations are concerned, the rider’s seat can now be adjusted in height and tilt angle and the passenger seat can be shifted longitudinally. The new handlebars can easily be turned upwards and, there’s a new optimised knee grip in the fuel tank area.