Test BMW R1200GS Rallye 2017: an option towards Adventure
How to renew the success of the R1200GS, a motorcycle which dominates – even crushes – its category of maxi-trails? When its superiority is so unanimously approved that it even becomes the best-selling motorcycle over 500 cc in the world, despite its price above 16,000 euros ? BMW’s answer is simple and unstoppable: just duplicate it! Explanations and demonstration with our MNC test of the R1200GS Rallye 2017.
R1200GS Rally test page 1 – Static: three GS are better than one !
Once is not custom, our first turns of the wheel with one give rise to mixed feelings: unheard of for almost two decades already that MNC tests and compares the evolutions of the queen of maxi-trails, sold to some 4,010 copies in France last year (standard and Adventure combined)! The cause ? Mainly the presence of Continental TKC 80 tires – available as a “free option” – on this brand new Rally version of the R1200GS 2017 tested by us…
- MNC of 8 November 2016 :
- MNC special file :
These studded tires generate a strong rolling noise accompanied by parasitic vibrations, caused by the resonance on the asphalt of their "paving stones" intended to bite the earth. In addition, they considerably alter the usually flawless behavior of the Munich "benchmark": at low speed, the 19-inch front wheel resists slightly before tilting almost too sharply, which makes grip difficult to pinpoint. However, these TKC 80s do not provide grip optimally on dry roads and even less in the wet….
You will have understood it: except to envisage an essentially all-road use, flee these tires which excel in the earth or in the sand – offering an amazing grip and a quick clearing in the mud – but which logically struggle to convince on tar . Unless you’ve fallen for the very "adventurer" look they give to the German icon, particularly in this new Rallye edition. This approach more focused on style than on performance has already been noted by MNC during our .
Because this is one of the peculiarities of the 2017 vintage of the R1200GS, in addition to its mandatory compliance with Euro4 standards: to the traditional R1200GS standard and Adventure are now added two new versions previously equipped with specific equipment packs, the R1200GS Exclusive and its rather chic surface treatments (including its elegant glossy chocolate paint), and the R1200GS Rallye more typical off-road.
This off-road orientation goes through cross spoke wheels (tubeless compatible, therefore), a very racy "Motorsport" color, notched footrests (topped with frame pads welcome to avoid scratches on the boots), metal under the engine and around the radiator, or a specific saddle and bubble, both less bulky. A small successful transformation at a lower cost … for BMW: interested bikers will add 595 euros to the 16,200 € of the base model, or 16,795 € for this Rallye 2017 edition.
This sum, tidy, however, remains lower than the 17,250 € requested for the R1200GS Adventure Euro4, much larger with its 30 liter tank (20 l on the other three GS) and its generous tubular protections! In reality, the R1200GS Rallye positions itself as a more accessible alternative to the intimidating "GSA". Not stupid in view of the number of bikers riding trails equipped as if to cross the desert … while they will never cross the "border" of the periphery. !
The Boxer switches to Euro4, the "Gehessiste" to the cashier !
Beyond these cosmetic evolutions, the R1200GS 2017 releases modifications aiming on the one hand to improve the approval and the comfort, and on the other hand to allow its twin cylinder of 1170 cc to meet the Euro4 standards. In the mechanical chapter, no surprise: the twin offers identical services to the 2016 model (125 hp and 125 Nm of torque), BMW having pre-arranged its Boxer at Euro4 during its transition to liquid cooling released on the .
- MNC duel :
The changes come down to a reconfiguration of the injection and the exhaust, as well as the use of an unburnt gas recovery unit (canister). Not enough to reduce the exciting response of this cardan transmission engine, which also presents a more careful integration for 2017. The criticisms concerning the aspect "clutter" at the level of the admission on the top of the cylinders have been taken take into account: cables and sheaths are better organized, for the benefit of better perceived quality.
The general presentation of the BMW flagship takes the opportunity to reach an irreproachable level, whether in terms of surface treatment quality, the integration of the electrical network or the realization of the welds. This high-end finish is underlined by the braided hoses connected to the Brembo radial calipers, whose golden hue is specific to the Rallye and Exclusive editions. Same satisfaction regarding the half-analog, half-digital monochrome instrumentation, readable even back to the sun and full (see) in addition to being easily controlled from the "Info" and "Trip" buttons on the left stalk.
In static, the R1200GS achieves a real flawless … with the notable exception of the nature and the truly staggering amount of equipment installed as an option! It’s simple: each new vintage of GS seems to push this annoying optional policy up a notch on a motorcycle charged at least € 16,200 as standard. Or, by the way, the trifle of 1050 euros more than in 2013 (15 150 €) !
Heated grips (+ € 215), LED indicators (+ € 105), cruise control (+ € 335), tire pressure indicator (+ € 225), full LED lighting (+ € 695), case racks (+170 €): all this is added at the retail level or via option packs. Even the hand guards (+85 €) are not standard on this Rallye version, yet supposed to be an invitation to off-road … Thus, the R1200GS Rallye tested here reaches the price of € 19,445 with all its equipment. optional (see "Conditions and routes" in the right column)…
And among these "expensive" options is electronically controlled damping, ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), equipment almost systematically installed by "Gehessists" whose additional cost amounts to 800 euros. For 2017, this system takes a step forward and incorporates a new automatic adjustment of the preload of the shock absorber. This functionality is added to the real-time variation of the hydraulic laws of the front-rear suspensions, whose basic setting is defined by the driving mode engaged ("Rain" and "Road" as standard … "Dynamic" and "Enduro" optional) !
Next Generation pendant lights
Concretely, this ESA "Next Generation" measures at start-up the stress exerted on the rear spring by the pilot and his possible passenger, as well as their possible luggage. Put more simply: the system weighs you down, like on the last generation of Triumph Explorer! The ESA then chooses itself the taring deemed most relevant: no need to select before leaving the "solo", "solo loaded", "duo" or "duo loaded" mode..
If necessary, this automatic setting ("Auto" function) can be softened or hardened using the new "Min" and "Max" functions, by long pressing – when stationary only – on the dedicated button on the left hand. Let us remind our readers that the spring preload of the Telelever at the front is on the other hand definitively adjusted at the factory: only the rear shock absorber – which determines the attitude – is therefore concerned by this automation of the preload adjustment..
A little complex to understand on paper, this new generation of ESA can actually be understood very simply thanks to the shortcuts on the controls which make navigation more fluid. No need to tap on several keys to scroll through the different menus: pressing the button identified by the symbol of a spring leads, for example, directly to the damping settings, while the command located above deactivates – in rolling – traction control and – when stationary – ABS.
Simple and functional: the and, more complex to tame from an electronic point of view, can be inspired by it! The windshield height adjustment without tools is also one of the obvious ones on the market: raising or lowering it only requires turning the notched wheel on the right of the dashboard, just above a practical 12V socket. (standard, let’s be precise!).
The only problem with this R1200GS Rallye: if this screen retains its adjustment system, it is unfortunately copiously "cut" for aesthetic reasons! BMW praises this choice by explaining that this bubble in miniskirt format guarantees "an unobstructed view of the rough terrain downstream while increasing the freedom of movement of the driver standing scanning the terrain standing on the toe clips".
This beautiful marketing speech translates into passable protection, 1000 leagues from the excellent deflection provided by the standard windshield: the shoulders are fully exposed and only half of the helmet is sheltered. This is also the second reason for our mixed impressions announced in the introduction: on expressways, we are quickly drunk by the noise emitted by the crampons at high speed and tired of taking the quiche full because of the weak protection. !
All the more reason to quickly set sail for the secondary network in order to continue our dynamic test of the R1200GS Rallye, to be discovered in !
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