More horses and more revs for GS

BMW has decided to update its R 1200 GS series, with a more feisty powerplant borrowed from the road bike and a shorter first gear for the Adventure model.

There are numerous minor alterations as well, and the company claims it has produced a staggering 100,000 of the machines so far.

Here is the list of gear on offer...

R1200 GS (pictured in orange)
The key changes to the R 1200 GS are nano-coated stainless steel lining for the front of the tank shroud, a robust and masculine upper 'beak' above the front wheel, a new standard LED tail light and white indicator lenses, and four new colours, Metallic Titanium Silver, Matt Metallic Slate Black, Tanzanite Blue and Namibia Orange.

Further visual changes include magnesium-gold anodised forks and magnesium coloured valve covers and wheel rims.

The new oversize alloy handlebar can be adjusted to two positions. The LCD display has revised read out for fuel level, while there is an optimised battery charging system, and a revised air box.

The revised fuel readout is fed more accurate information thanks to a new sensor and a more consistent blow-moulded tank.

In the engine department a development of the Boxer engine used in the R 1200 R is employed, developing 105 hp (77 kW) and 115 Nm of torque. A new elevated 8000 rpm red line allows greater acceleration between gear changes, while a new secondary drive ratio (1:2.82 instead of 1:2.91) gives more low down urge.

The gearbox has been revised and strengthened with a beefier, wider driveshaft and revise mechanism for more precise shifting.

Standard equipment for Australia includes: Heated grips, chrome exhaust pipe, on-board computer, white indicators, pannier fastenings and hand guards.

Australian pricing starts at $21,140 plus dealer delivery and statutory charges.

R 1200 GS Adventure (pictured in red)
For the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure the changes comprise two-piece dual colour hand protectors, white indicators and LED tail light, mildly revised crash bars, a new air-dam for improved cooling and a revised upper beak over the front wheel.

The R 1200 GS Adventure comes in two colours, Red and Matt Metallic Magnesium.

The shorter first gear reduces the need for the clutch to be used at slower speeds for better control crawling up difficult terrain. It also improves control in steep, slow speed descents.

The motor is identical to the revised R 1200 GS, and the new oversize alloy handlebar is also fitted along with hand guards.

Off Road ESA and ASC and RDC are all available as options, as is the latest generation BMW partial integral Anti-Lock Brakes which is switchable.

Standard equipment for Australia includes: Heated grips, off-road tyres, chrome exhaust pipe, on board computer, white indicators, hand guards and pannier fasteners.

Pricing for the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure starts from $25,470 plus dealer delivery and statutory charges.