MCN BMW R1200GS Adventure Review (2010-current)

2010 BMW R1200GS Adventure review by
Motorcycle News
www.MotorcycleNews.co.uk

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BMW shows off new R1200GS and R1200RT at Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show

2010 Ducati Multistrada squares up against GS

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	MCN ratings	Owners’ ratings
Overall		)
Engine		)
Ride & Handling		) to come
Equipment		)
Quality & Reliability		)
Value		)

Compare the latest 2010 R1200GS with the earlier version:
MCN BMW R1200GS Adventure Review (2006-current)

MCN overall verdict

The world’s biggest monster traillie is a ridiculous concept that on paper at least shouldn’t work at all. It weighs 223kg, the suspension is three inches taller than the standard R1200GS and with a 33-litre tank full of fuel you need to be Britain’s strongest man to lift it off the sidestand. But in reality it’s one of the best mile-eating bikes money can buy and one of the quirkiest, most interesting bikes on the road today. In fact we absolutely love it. For 2010 the BMW R1200 GS Adventure gets even better with a touch more torque at 88ftlb, a new twin cam 110bhp motor and the addition of the updated BMW ESA II suspension system and a clever exhaust valve which passes noise tests but opens up as revs increase, the bike is even better for 2010.

Engine

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Where it lacked power now it has it, drive it on and there’s still that annoying hole for emissions around 4500rpm (they all do that mister), but it barks after that. The exhaust definitely sounds more aftermarket than manufacturer standard but is in no way offensive. And on the gas the whole experience revs quicker, cleaner and it’s faster at the top-end yet it still retains that incredible 400-mile tank range.
And where the older single cam model used to feel like it was hitting a brick wall under acceleration after 80mph, the new one pushes its heft through that aerodynamic barrier with a little extra shove.

Ride and Handling

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Like the RT it also gets the ESA2 electronically adjustable suspension which blesses it with beautiful ride quality and comes with sport, comfort, normal and two off-road modes which also adjust the amount of traction control you have. Off road the bike allows you to have some slides without the aggressive traction cutting in. But it’s on the road where the bike will be ridden mostly and a well ridden GS Adventure can handle twisty backroads once you learn to trust the feeling of the suspension and tyres. And on motorways you can lord it looking into lorry windows while wafting along

Equipment

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The new ESAII suspension is a big improvement over the old system and the bike also comes with a height adjustable seat. You can spec the bike up with tyre pressure monitors, heated grips, smaller indicators, LED spot lights, panniers and a sports exhaust. BMW dealers we’ve spoken to say that most bikes bought are fully specced up with every option box ticked

Quality and Reliability

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They’re well built but many owners complain of the bike’s using oil and there have been some problems with generators in the past. But this is a new engine so all that should be in the past and BMW have made massive steps to up their build quality and reliabilitiy. We’ve ran three bikes in the last three years and have never had a problem with any of them over 28,000 miles.

Value

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At the basic price this is a hell of a lot of bike for the cash. It is one of the greatest mile eaters that money can buy and if you approve of the looks then we reckon its one of the coolest motorcycles on the road today. But are you man enough?

Model History

1999: R1150GS – 85bhp, 229kg, six-speed gearbox, twin headlights.
2002: R1150GS Adventure released – 253kg, bigger tank, taller suspension.
2004: R1200GS – 100bhp, 199kg, more powerful Boxer motor, new chassis.
2006: R1200GS Adventure – new model.
2007 – 2009 – various updataes
2010 R1200GS & GS Adventure – 110bhp, 229kg new model

Specifications