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• How does it look after 35,000 kilometers?
• 19,884 km: tank cap replaced, clutch pressure pin replaced
• BMW R 1200 GS impresses all along the line
• 31,218 km: new front and rear brake pads
• Defects in the test
• Accessories put to the test
• Driver opinions

Photo: www.

34 photos

1/34
Gerhard Eirich, MOTORRAD Classic: “There really only remains to be said: Hats off”.

2/34

Artist

3/34
With a crashing gearbox, the new BMW R 1200 GS initially damaged its reputation enormously. The Bavarian has now unwound 35,000 kilometers – and has become the queen of the long-term test fleet.

Lohse

4/34
With the GS to Cameroon? Sure, that’s in Upper Franconia.

Fox

5/34
Comes better than an Opel: GS fahrn is’ like if you flee – but definitely much cheaper.

Hertler

6/34
Mirror extension from Wunderlich (64.90 / pair)

Hertler

7/34
The original cases (680 euros plus carrier for 185 euros) are convincing across the board. With the Vario technology (photo), the boxes can be easily widened by 55 millimeters each. The valuable parts can also be attached in next to no time.

Hertler

8/34
For 675 euros (without bracket) the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV is not a bargain.

9/34

Hertler

10/34
Termignoni slip-ons 13-14: weight: minus 53%; Performance: minus 5.4%; Price: 755 euros; Sound: aggressive, loud.

Hertler

11/34
“Cut” windshield (149 euros).

Hertler

12/34
“Marathon” windshield (198 euros).

Hertler

13/34
Fender extensions from Wunderlich (front and rear, each 35.90 euros).

Hertler

14/34
Jungbluth bench (driver 210 euros / pillion 180 euros).

Hertler

15/34
Touratech bench (276/251 euros).

Hertler

16/34
BMW seat (230 euros).

mps photo studio

17/34
Crash bar (344.85 euros) with extension (206.79 euros) from Altrider (www.hattech.de).

Jahn

18/34
Jorg Lohse, MOTORRAD: “Because this BMW is addicting”.

19/34

Hertler

20/34
SR-Racing: Weight: minus 35%; Performance: minus 1.6%; Price: 692 euros; Sound: full, balanced.

Artist

21/34
Hunting area: Friday evening heading south. The reigning MOTORCYCLE Alpine Champion is magically drawn into the mountains.

22/34
Referendum: big hit or newbie with teething troubles? Two thirds were enthusiastic about the GS – one third not.

Artist

23/34
For the joy of driving: The BMW company slogan also applies to the GS.

mps photo studio

24/34
Clutch pressure pin.

wagner

25/34
Clutch hydraulics.

Bilski

26/34
Fuel cap.

27/34
Continental Trail Attack 2 tires.

28/34
Metzeler Tourance Next tires.

29/34
Michelin Anakee 3 tires.

Hertler

30/34
HP sports silencer: Weight: minus 27%; Performance: minus 0.4%; Price: 930 euros; Sound: fat, bassy.

31/34

Hertler

32/34
Hattech titanium oval: weight: minus 43%; Performance: minus 1.7%; Price: 648 euros; Sound: deep, grumpy.

33/34

Jahn

34/34
Peter Mayer, MOTORRAD: “I could call the GS Bavaria Twin”.

Endurance test interim report BMW R 1200 GS (2014)

How does it look after 35,000 kilometers?

With a crashing gearbox, the new BMW R 1200 GS initially damaged its reputation enormously. In the meantime, the Bavarian has unwound 35,000 kilometers – and has advanced to become the queen of the long-term test fleet.

“You can always complain. With the GS, this takes place at the highest level, ”noted Jorg Lohse in the logbook after his very first ride with the long-term test machine. It seemed as if the travel-loving head of the advisory department with this defiant remark was the BMW, which was completely renovated for the 2013 model year R. 1200 GS as if wanted to defend against a conspiracy. What happened?

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Endurance test interim balance of the BMW R 1200 GS
How does it look after 35,000 kilometers?

First inspection at 11,656 kilometers

And in June last year, too, with the first entries in the driver’s log of the endurance test BMW R 1200 GS. “Oh, the good old dry clutch …”, MOTORRAD Classic editor Gerhard Eirich pointed out against the concept change. Ultimately, the clutch, which rotated in an oil bath for the first time in the history of the Boxer model, turned out to be the cause of the gearshift mishap. But more about that later.

Because initially, rapidly decreasing rear brake pads forced an unscheduled visit to the workshop after almost 8000 kilometers. The screwing staff was already aware of the faulty material quality of the brake pads in the BMW R 1200 GS of the first series, the exchange was unbureaucratic and free. However, with replacement intervals of around 10,000 kilometers, brake pad wear remains unusually high to this day. Presumably, the brake force distributor of the partially integrated brake system (hand lever activates the front and rear wheel brakes) modulates a comparatively high proportion of the brake pressure on the rear brake calliper. The first inspection at mileage 11,656 was financially reasonable with 136 euros for the oil change including working hours.

Buy the BMW R 1200 GS on markt.motorradonline.de

Exhaust & silencer

14 accessory mufflers for the BMW R 1200 GS

Videos about the boxer sound

read more

Motorsport

Twin Cup 2018

Now Kawasaki is starting

read more

Enduro

BMW R 1200 GS in the top test

Model 2013 and 2012 in a comparison test

read more

Enduro

BMW R 1200 GS in the test

PS tester rides the new wild cow

read more

19,884 km: tank cap replaced, clutch pressure pin replaced

In the case of the BMW R 1200 GS, the shiftability of the transmission remained in constant criticism. With a venting of the hydraulic line, workshop manager Gerry Wagner successfully tackled an increasingly shorter lever path, but the final turn should only be brought about by the 20,000 inspection, during which the clutch pressure pin was exchanged on goodwill. The background: the original part, which is not dimensionally accurate in some of the machines delivered, causes too much engine oil to penetrate the clutch. When the clutch is disengaged, the amount of oil cannot be thrown out quickly enough. The clutch therefore only disengages incompletely (residual drag torque) and causes the lamented consequences when changing gears. Even if BMW does not provide information about the number of pressure pins replaced, it can be assumed that this is well above the communicated per mille range.

After all: Since the renovation, the control center has been largely quiet. Other current machines cannot resist the impact that is still present when engaging first gear. On the other hand, gas caps that dismantle themselves do. Test boss Gert Thole suddenly fell against the seals on the weekend 600-kilometer trip to his native Cloppenburg when opening the gas cap. Although the long-distance pilot was able to realign the rubber rings in such a way that he was spared a fuel shower during the journey, the lid was replaced as a gesture of goodwill after the 20,000 inspection (261 euros for oil, oil filter, spark plugs, air filter and working time). However, a few weeks later the part that had been unscrewed from a new machine in the workshop came apart again. Since repair number two, the tank cap on the BMW R 1200 GS has worked flawlessly.

The roar of the drive train is perceived quite differently in push mode. While some GS owners mocked this in the MOTORRAD survey, the criticism in the editorial team remains cautious. The grinding noise occurs at around 4000 rpm in both solo and passenger mode. In this respect, BMW’s attempted explanations should only partially apply. The Bavarians want to have identified a two-person vote by the ESA that was accidentally left in solo use as the cause. The rear lifted in this mode actually causes a greater articulation angle of the universal joints of the cardan and makes the drive shaft run loudly. However, since the relatively unobtrusive roar accompanies the BMW R 1200 GS even with the correct setting, its cause may lie elsewhere. It is probably due to resonance vibrations in the drive train.

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BMW R 1200 GS impresses all along the line

The list of the ailments of the new BMW R 1200 GS is not intended to call into question its fundamental qualities. Because one thing is certain: with the realignment of the GS, the Bavarians have achieved a great success. The lively boxer equipped with a significantly lower flywheel gives the overall package a noticeably sporty note without – and this is important – weakening the tourist strengths of this concept. New German would be called a win-win situation. Because just after the disparaging letter about the initially improper behavior of the clutch, Classic-Mann Eirich literally raved about it. “What a change in character! Lively, fresh, handy and yet just as suitable for travel as the previous model. A great motorcycle ”, the editor sums up. And so sums up the quintessence of the comments.

The majority of the MOTORRAD team is enthusiastic about the all-round qualities of the new BMW R 1200 GS. Because whether the first-class seating comfort for driver and passenger, the successful wind protection, the intuitively operated electronics or the huge tuning range of the new Dynamic ESA, the GS is convincing across the board. Details are also impressive. During an extensive tour of the Pyrenees by database specialist Christian Vetter, the lugs on the right suitcase broke in a fall. But because the hooks are fixed to a screwed-on bar, they can be exchanged in no time at all. The plastic damage was manageable at 82 euros for the spare part. A new original case would have cost 340 euros.

31,218 km: new front and rear brake pads

And although the Triumph Trophy and the KTM 1190 Adventure are two other long-distance alternatives to choose from in the long-term test fleet, the BMW R 1200 GS covers the test distance at high speed. Between a few Alpine crossings, many weekend trips home in high-speed mode and the daily commute, there was hardly any time for the 30,000-meter inspection. New front and rear brake pads, the replacement of the brake fluid, fresh spark plugs and oil changes burdened the endurance test cost center with 398 euros. After just seven months, there are already an impressive 35,000 kilometers on the digital display. The GS has been running smoothly since the clutch pressure pin and the tank cap were replaced. Oil consumption cannot be measured, and there are no subjective signs of wear and tear. In this respect, the signs are good that the BMW – assuming a moderate winter – will reach the 50,000-kilometer goal in record time. And to be honest: You wouldn’t have expected anything else from a GS, right?

Defects in the test

34 photos

Images: Endurance test interim balance of the BMW R 1200 GS (2014)

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fact

Artist

Lohse

Fox

Hertler

Hertler

Hertler

Hertler

Hertler

Hertler

Hertler

Hertler

Hertler

Hertler

mps photo studio

Jahn

Hertler

Artist

Artist

mps photo studio

wagner

Bilski

fact

fact

fact

Hertler

Hertler

Jahn

Tire recommendation

17th photos

Images: Endurance test interim balance of the BMW R 1200 GS (2014)

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Debus

Lohse

Manufacturer

Sdun

Debus

Schahl

Manufacturer

mps photo studio

mps photo studio

Touratech AG

Sdun

Lohse

Debus

Exhaust recommendation

Hertler

HP sports silencer.

Higher performance than the production version (126 PS, 4.9 kg) is hardly an issue with retrofit systems. What matters? Better sound, less weight and more torque.

HP sports silencer

The silencer manufactured by Akrapovic for the BMW high-performance accessories line is already appealing when it is attached to the BMW R 1200 GS with its first-class fit. The noble finish of the 3.6 kilo titanium part is also impressive. The test bench data too. Between 4000 rpm and 6000 rpm, the torque is well above the level of its series counterpart.

Weight: minus 27%; Performance: minus 0.4%; Price: 930 euros; Sound: fat, bassy.

Hertler

Hattech titanium oval.

Hattech titanium oval

As part of MOTORRAD’s muffler comparison test for the predecessor model of the current BMW R 1200 GS (issue 18/2013), the Hattech received a purchase tip. The 2.8 kilogram heavy titanium system for the current model also pleases with more powerful torque in the practice-relevant range at mid-speed – and a low price.

Weight: minus 43%; Performance: minus 1.7%; Price: 648 euros; Sound: deep, grumpy.

Hertler

SR racing.

SR racing

The exhaust system manufacturer from Schrobenhausen in Bavaria has a good reputation, which is also confirmed by the 3.2 kilo stainless steel system for the 2013 GS. The torque increase in the middle speed range is noticeable and measurable and far outweighs the minimal loss of peak performance. The accuracy of fit is also impressive.

Weight: minus 35%; Performance: minus 1.6%; Price: 692 euros; Sound: full, balanced.

Hertler

Termignoni slip-on 13-14.

Termignoni slip-on 13-14

Even if the manufacturer has a good reputation in racing, the silencer for the BMW R 1200 GS leaves a gap to the competition. Both torque and peak power are below the standard level, the price is higher than two of the three competitors. Even the lightest weight of the carbon damper at 2.3 kilos does not iron out this shortcoming.

Weight: minus 53%; Performance: minus 5.4%; Price: 755 euros; Sound: aggressive, loud.

Accessories put to the test

Hertler

Case (680 euros plus carrier for 185 euros).

Navigation and suitcase

For 675 euros (without bracket) the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV is not a bargain. In normal operation the signpost works satisfactorily, but the recalculation reacts with a time delay to spontaneously changed routes. In addition, the system occasionally hung up when trying to follow recorded tours. In contrast, the original cases (680 euros plus carrier for 185 euros) are convincing across the board. With the Vario technology (photo), the boxes can be easily widened by 55 millimeters each. The valuable parts can also be attached in next to no time.

Mirror broadening

Basically, the series mirrors of the BMW R 1200 GS offer a very good review. In this respect, the benefits of the 25 millimeter long mirror extensions from Wunderlich (64.90 / pair) are more limited to broad-shouldered bodybuilder types. After all: the parts are beautifully made.

fender

Visually inconspicuous, but clearly visible in their effect: the fender extensions from Wunderlich (front and rear, each 35.90 euros) effectively keep the BMW R 1200 GS blown up road debris away. Good value for money.

Windshield

There is actually no need for alternatives to the effective series windshield. But they do exist. For example from Wunderlich. The lower version “Cut” (149 euros) is slightly wider in the upper area than the standard part. The wind protection is good. The GS offers weather protection at touring level with the “Marathon” (198 euros). And: The huge sign – around 12 cm higher and 8 cm wider than the original! – creates neither turbulence nor negative pressure even at top speed. Great.

Bench

Even if the standard bench meets high demands: GS riders with a sensitive popometer or a body size outside the norm could benefit from accessories. The seat combination from Jungbluth not only looks great (driver 210 euros / pillion 180 euros). However, the upholstery is very tight. That takes getting used to. In addition, the original seat from the BMW R 1200 GS must be used as the basis. The Touratech seats (276/251 euros) became favorites. The foam rubber strikes the right compromise between comfort and the necessary firmness. Like Jungbluth and Touratech, BMW (230 euros) also supplies different seat heights. The upholstery largely corresponds to the standard bench.

Crash bars

If you look closely at the valve cover, you will notice: The crash bar (344.85 euros) with extension (206.79 euros) from Altrider (www.hattech.de) was only fitted to the endurance test BMW R 1200 GS after it fell over. The 6.3 kg heavy stainless steel cane could be fitted precisely and makes an extremely stable impression. The massive look of a travel enduro is additionally emphasized by the part.

Driver opinions

43 photos

Images: Endurance test interim balance of the BMW R 1200 GS (2014)

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