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BMW R1200GS
The 2016 BMW R1200GS is latest version and a benchmark in the adventure motorcycle class purely due to its appearance in many TV series featuring them. Although it has had a ton of publicity doesn’t mean its the best in the Adventure class it just means PR. Note that I have not ridden the current version of the R1200GS yet, although ridden a few other BMW’s over the years.
The BMW1200GS design and specification where unique in the world. I describe the design as the ‘Millennium Falcon’ of the adventure motorcycle class. The various parts look cobbled together yet overall it works and actually looks great! However over the years it’s key design features like the long front guard, its self a derivative of motocross motorcycle has been used by other manufacturers hence making it look less striking than it once did. No-one has made a horizontal twin engine for their bikes so the GS at least remains different from the rest.
The GS also stands out front the rest by having and single sided swing arm with shaft drive instead of a chain which has its benefits and drawbacks and it is a bulky motorcycle on the road with lots of road presence, especially when fully kitted with panniers and protective bar work. I still like the look and you probably will too.
As much as I like the looks the real issue with the BMW R1200GS is price, without any extras the R1200GS is priced about $25,000. That is a lot of money for a motorcycle regardless of any manufacturer. For that sort of money you can get a fully kitted Honda Africa Twin for example. That said the BMW is arguably one of the best adventure motorcycles, based on TV appearances at the very least but I don’t think it’s worth much.
BMW R1200GS Key Specifications | |
Engine: | 2 cylinder 4-stroke DOHC (EFI) |
Capacity: | 1170cc |
Power/Torque: | Approx 92 Kw @ 7750 RPM 125 Nm @ 6500 RPM |
Gearbox: | 6 speed manual – Shaft drive |
Kerb Weight: | 263kg |
Performance: | 0-100kph N/A seconds Approx Max Speed N/A Kph Approx |
Fuel Economy: | 18 litre fuel tank Approx 4 litres per 100km |
Seat height: | 890-910 mm |
Dimensions: | L2255 X W980 X H1575mm |
Wheels: | 120-70-19F 170-60-17R |
Recommended Retail Price: | Approx $24,490 AUD (2016) |