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We’ve been talking about it for a while now … and here it is finally unveiled: the new generation of big BM trails with this R 1200 GS. The revised trim rejuvenates and refines the silhouette, without betraying the style that remains in the spirit of the previous 1150. Subtly cut with billhooks (it’s fashion), its identity owes a lot to the new tank, smaller, and adorned with 2 aluminum side covers. Innovative when its first version was born over 20 years ago, the GS was pampered by the engineers of the propeller brand. And the manufacturer has not done things by halves. The Teutonne lost 30 kgs to reach a working weight of 225 kgs. Very good work from the builder. And that’s just the start … Improved chassis with a new Telelever that is lighter and offers more steering precision – as well as a new Paralever single-sided arm. In addition to its new shape, the paralever is also lighter, more rigid, but above all offers more comfort of use while optimizing its operation; we will come back.
The boxer has been thoroughly revised by BM: it goes from 1130 to 1170 cm3 by increasing the stroke. The power rises to 98 hp and the torque jumps dramatically by almost 2 mkgs. The cylinder heads of the engine become hexagonal, keep the double ignition and lighten by 15%. Although offering more displacement, the block retains the same width and loses weight of 3 kgs. For even greater comfort, a balancing shaft is installed in the flat twin in order to completely eliminate vibrations. The new crankshaft also loses 1 kg and its crankcase 1.4 kg. To bring it all to life, a new ultra-modern electronic management system with a new anti-knock control system.
Designed for operation with premium unleaded gasoline, the engine can also, thanks to the anti-knock regulator, run on regular gasoline or with comparable qualities of fuel, as sometimes found in distant countries, without having to first adapt it by manual intervention. Indeed, as far as possible, the anti-knock regulator automatically adapts the ignition points to the fuel used. A third of the weight less for the exhaust line, 2.2 kg on the side of the electrical equipment … there are many examples and allow us to understand how the R 1200 GS has become a slender in the mode of large trails. The new gearbox uses highly resistant helical-toothed pinions, teeth that provide silence and smoothness because the pinions mesh together smoothly. The 6th is no longer an “overdrive” but a conventional report for more responsiveness. In terms of suspension comfort, the Telelever should always do wonders, combining driving precision and anti-diving effect when braking. The rear suspension uses a combined high-end gas spring / shock absorber dependent on the travel of travel (WAD). Its principle (inaugurated on the R 1150 GS Adventure) results in an increasing progressiveness of the shock absorber as the travel stroke increases. The shock absorber thus reacts with fine and comfortable reactions to the slightest irregularity in the road while offering sufficient potential for rough terrain where violent shocks and other undulations follow one another..
New instrument cluster, appearance of an essential anti-theft system using a coded key, new optical unit with reflectors with a complex surface, saddle improved in comfort and adjustment … The GS has really evolved. We can bet that with all these attentions, the new 1200 has the pretensions of asserting its domination in the trail GT..
BMW makes a lot of promises to us with this GS; with pride and optimism because the Bavarian brand does not disappoint 
very rarely. More powerful and lighter, the Munichoise widens its field of action by becoming a more sporty chouïa. With 30 kg less to move, and 15 more hp in the pistons, the boxer is brimming with life. A model of flexibility, the twin does not deprive itself of efficiency, even becoming very lively at the top of the tachometer. What a catch! With its balance shaft, vibrations have found an education. Although still present (the new rigidity of the chassis is not foreign), their company is very discreet. Maybe we’ll give it some attention during senatorial trips…
We will have many other sensations when leaving the motorway network. Because the GS has become more playful, lighter in its conduct while maintaining supreme precision. Infallible, the Telelever ensures efficiency, serenity … and sportiness. The front axle now offers a more “direct” feeling of the road, appreciable if you like to know what is happening under its wheels; but we lose (moderately) in comfort. Perhaps the only point where the 1200 is disillusioned compared to the 1150. OK, some competitors offer a more syrupy ride; but the BM passes in front of everyone when the sequences alternate with changes of angles. There is even something to disgust some hot-blooded sportswomen.
Back on the nationals, we would almost forget the box as the operation of it has improved. Not as much praise for protection: no worse but no better than the old GS. Not enough to cry scandal. You can pass quickly (very) seated in the greatest relaxation. The ergonomics are neat and flexible. At BM, it’s the bike that adapts to the rider, not the other way around. If it is a question of venturing out of the asphalt, the GS does not say no, as long as the ground does not deteriorate too much. If it is not at the level of a KTM Adventure (less traveler), it does however very well, even better than the 1150. Moderate the optimism, however: a trail of 230 kg cannot be caught up like a 600 XT !
A little less comfortable but superbly improved, the GS remains the tool of escape par excellence. Too bad that no basic version (without ABS) is available. The aesthetic “recut” may put off some but overall, there are very few complaints against this excellent machine..
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Opinion
on 17 opinion
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Replaces
R 1150 GS 2003
Model marketed in
2004
2005
2006
2007
Performances
-
Max speed:
208 km / h -
Acceleration
0 to 100: 3 s -
Consumption
medium: 6.10 l
The technical aspect
BMW R 1200 GS 2004
- Frame
- Frame: tubular steel trellis, supporting motor, removable
- Tank: 20 liters
- Seat height: 840 mm
- Length: 2210 mm
- Width: 915 mm
- Height: 1,430 mm
- Wheelbase: 1641 mm
- Dry weight: 199 kg
- Weight in running order: 225 kg
- Train before
- Telelever fork Ø 41mm, deb: 190 mm
- Double discs Ø 305mm, 4 piston calipers
- Front wheel:
110/80
– 19
- Transmission
- 5-speed
- final by gimbal
- Rear axle
- single shock absorber and Paralever, deb: 200 mm
- Single disc Ø 265mm, 2 piston caliper
- Rear wheel:
150/70
– 17
- Motor
- Twin cylinder
flat
, 4 stroke - Cooling: air and oil
- injection
- 1 ACT per cylinder
- 4 valves per cylinder
-
1170 cc
(101×73 mm) -
100
ch
at 7,000 rpm -
11.50 mkg
at 5,500 rpm - Weight ratio /
power
: 1.99
kg / hp - Compression: 10: 1
- Crit’air:
Detached pieces
exhaust
motor
fluid
electricity
filtration
braking
chain kit
Competitors
Kawasaki KLV 1000 2004
Honda VARADERO XL 1000 V 2004
Suzuki DL 1000 V-STROM 2004
Aprilia CAPONORD 1000 ETV 2004
Gallery
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