Trail – 2014 R1200GS Adventure test: always more – It is heavy, but it is good

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2014 R1200GS Adventure test: always more

Trail - 2014 R1200GS Adventure test: always more - It is heavy, but it is good

Completely redesigned in 2013, the BMW R1200GS remains the benchmark for maxi trails and one of the best-selling motorcycles in France. This year unveils its Adventure version for bikers who want more … always more ! First try.

She’s heavy, but she’s good

Much thinner and lower at the front than the old model, the saddle of the R1200GS Adventure 2014 facilitates access to the ground – as we saw on the first page of this test – but remains sufficiently wide and high in its part. rear to spare the driver’s hindquarters and consider long links.

The bubble that is always so easily raised by means of the wheel placed on the right – on the left would have been even better – is very effective. Raised fully, it protects both the shoulders and the head of the pilot. Only the heaviest users will feel the air rushing over the top of their helmet.

The hands are well insulated from the wind, in particular thanks to the elegant transparent deflectors, but the showers get the better of the too thin hand guards, especially at their outer end. Too bad, because the rest of the body benefits from good protection: thighs, knees and shins are sheltered behind the large tank and the flat.

Like its cousin R1200RT, the 2014 Adventure takes care of its pilot. On the motorway – or on the straight sections of the N196 in Corsica! – you cruise on your handlebars without ever getting tired. Only a few tingling sensations are felt in the feet at high speed. Perfectly stable, the German would certainly swallow the kilometers more greedily but beware, binoculars scan the horizon…

The regulator – optional – allows you not to get caught stupidly: in ascent as in descent, the Behème stalls on the preselected speed via the small control which overhangs the left stalk. The bike then waits patiently for the exit to stretch the four camshafts – yes, two doubles.

At the toll, we appreciate the presence on the top of the tank – of the GS "Adventure" only – of a small watertight storage compartment with quick closing. This allows you to store your motorway tickets, your credit card or the few numerous coins needed for payment..

Conversely, long-haul travelers will regret that the Adventure – displayed at € 16,650, a tidy sum – is not delivered with its suitcases. An extension will be necessary to take advantage of the new specific aluminum luggage: 36 and 44 liter suitcases and 32 top case.

No need to look at the catalog of options to benefit from the services of the on-board computer (phew !?) However, the R1200GS Adventure "full options" tested by MNC (see in particular the content of the three packs on the next page) comes back like this more than 20,000 €, the price of a "full" RT too !

But unlike its road cousin GT, the "super" maxi trail will not turn around at the first trail! The German manufacturer precisely guarantees that its Adventure is cut for the big roads: its travel and its ground clearance are respectively increased by +20 and +10 mm compared to the GS.

The sound of the pot, the same as that of the standard GS, remains particularly rocky and immerses the pilot in a typical "enduro" atmosphere! Too muddy, the Corsican paths did not allow us to play with the "Enduro" modes (optional), but these had been tested and approved by MNC last year when the GS "tout court" was launched ( read our).

On the other hand, the small roads of the Island of Beauty offered us the possibility of engaging the "Dynamic" mode (always optional, unlike the "Road" and "Rain" of series) and to note a "slight" difference between the Adventure model and the basic one.

Engine level, the contribution of the heavier flywheel (+950 g) and the vibration damper between the output of the box and the cardan shaft is difficult to assess because no standard GS accompanied us during this rolling. The original block was already very "smooth", and the new version remains.

Very alert and ready to go with a quarter-eighth turn of the right grip, the "fleet-twin" does not care about the additional 12 kg of the Adventure: like on the GS or the RT – the R is waiting its turn! -, it ensures frank acceleration from 3000 rpm and downright exhilarating beyond 5000 rpm.

The "Road" mode, a little less nervous but no less powerful (125 horses in the free world), is already very satisfactory while the "Rain" is particularly reassuring at low revs. Also reassuring: the presence of the steering damper … although MNC never felt that the GS lacked it !

ABS and ASC are also watching, which is a good thing – especially on the tricky small roads of Corsica where caution is required – but not always enough … Gravel, wetlands, white or native bands cutting trajectories: electronic aids – fitted as standard – can save the day.

It was while traveling "pistons" beating the south of Corsica that Site realized the main weak point of the GS Adventure: its agility, set back compared to that of the standard GS … itself inferior. to the previous model (read our).

With all its fittings, the flagship "gelande strabe" (all-terrain and road in German) loses in liveliness in the sequences and asks its pilot to play shoulders, elbows and wrists to make his mount dive from a turn to another.

The notion of effort is particularly striking when stepping off the 2014 R1200RT, which is more agile and easier to lead in the winding than the high Adventure. It should be noted, however, that our test motorcycles were equipped with suitcase racks, thus making the beast even heavier and slightly off-center its center of gravity..

In addition to the very high overweight, ‘the inertia felt on the handlebars of the Adventure is also due to the weight of the spoked rims: "6.4 kg at the front and 5.43 kg at the rear, compared to 5.43 and 4.58 kg for the aluminum rims of the standard GS", specifies BMW Motorard France.

To be able to go further, the pilot must therefore give up the subtle balance of agility / stability which characterizes the standard GS. However, this sacrifice will not be insurmountable for motorcyclists who deem the additional 10 liters of coconut oil, the cylinder guards and the tank guard essential..

For their part, customers who are only tempted by the Adventure for its looks – especially in the Olive color, very "military"! – will have to seriously question the usefulness of this larger, heavier and more expensive version.

MNC observes, however, that at a more moderate pace or in the city, the all-new BMW Adventure does not prove to be overly tiring. It still steers incredibly well and its closed frame angle (0.2 ° compared to the standard GS) allows the front end to remain pleasantly neutral. But be careful, the weight of the motorcycle remains high and requires perfect control during maneuvers at very low speed..

Braking calls for no criticism: perfectly dosable, it allows you to have fun off the beaten track. Supported by excellent ABS, it is safe in town. And very powerful, it offers plenty to tease roadsters … even sports cars.

In terms of transmission, it’s flawless – or almost, because the selection is still a dry suspicion – since it turns out to be transparent whatever the pace or the workload. The injection is finely calibrated, and once the sensitivity of the throttle lever is integrated by the right wrist, everything goes without a hitch.

The suspensions of our "full option" models (ESA Dynamic included) are also remarkably efficient, adapting in the blink of an eye – or rather by pressing the switch – to the conditions of the road. . or the state of mind of its pilot.

In 2014 more than ever, the R1200GS Adventure is therefore ready for adventure. But will its owner be? Not obvious as the weight, size and inertia of the motorcycle require a substantial technical background and very good physical health.

We observe on Site that the adventurers of lost trails prefer 650 cc (Versys or V-Strom in particular) much less heavy, much less demanding – in terms of piloting as of physical engagement – and much less expensive. Do we necessarily have to "spend more to ride more"? To be continued … Stay connected !

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