The BMW R1200 GS Adventure has always been synonymous with the romantic notion of travelling around the world and exploring strange new lands as you ride unshaven and stinky into the sunset. This was entrenched in our inner man brain when a Jedi Knight and his friend, who no one knows, rode these bikes a long way around and down and I think up as well, making us common folk believe that we too could be that adventurous. And now BMW has a brand spanking new water-cooled, electro riddled, sci-fi gizmo smattered version to temp you off the couch and into Africa and maybe the universe. But is it as good as the legacy its predecessors have created?
Well BMW say they’ve made the new R1200 GS Adventure more comfortable, easier to ride and even more accomplished. This may be true, but first let’s talk about the elephant in the room. This thing is MASSIVE and if Dark Vapour decided to conquer the universe, and fail again, he would certainly ride this beast to scatter mortals and instill fear in all (make the deep breathing noises). Need an example? At the launch Big Bad Bill was so intimidated he faked an injury and flew home, well that’s what he said, so when the chance to ride the bike for a week came around he summonsed me to the dark side instead. Yes it is that big and that intimating.
Once the initial impression subsides and you actually start riding the BMW R1200 GS Adventure your impressions start to change somewhat. It might be more refined and luxurious than ever but crucially it’s still the ultimate rugged ‘built like a brick shit house’ go-anywhere tourer that will comfortably conquer any tarmac, mud or whatever else you decide to throw at it, maybe a Death Star or two as well?
The semi-active suspension BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) is designed to maximise ride safety and performance. Spring travel sensors at the front and rear, monitor the vertical movements of the respective wheel suspension and collect additional data, allowing the damping to be automatically adapted to riding conditions and manoeuvres. Dynamic ESA is integrated into the riding mode control, which all sounds a bit like it came from Darth’s space craft, but it is what the public wants from today’s adventure machinery, even though it’s slightly confusing to me, and Bill.
However, the new motor is massively impressive; combining power, refinement and a tremendous 125Nm of flat twin torque. Just twist the throttle hard on the 125bhp liquid-cooled boxer engine and the Adventure leaps out of corners, emitting a pleasing, gravelly exhaust note. Use all six gears and you’ll be rustling up some big numbers on the speedo. The heavier flywheel and extra balancing bits in the bowls of the motor make for a surprisingly super smooth motor. You also have various engine maps that you can select whilst riding by just selecting the program with the button and then pulling in the clutch to save your selection. ‘Road’ mode is the full frontal assault for when power and speed are your priorities as you chase happy hour at the next village. Select ‘Rain’ mode and you’ll get an electronic comfort blanket that takes the edge off the power delivery and gives you full ABS and traction control. Many still scoff at electronic aids (Bill) but when you are on a big bike like the Adventure they really make a difference to your confidence levels. Then there are ‘Enduro’ and ‘Enduro Pro’; these are for when gravel, dust and mud are being pesky for the progress of your journey.
Compared to the standard R1200 GS model there are a few key areas that have received some special attention on the Adventure, like longer travel on the suspension, a 30-litre petrol tank and additional protection are definitely what is needed on an epic journey into the universe and beyond. Like the R 1200 GS, the new R 1200 GS Adventure is equipped as standard with a halogen main headlight with optimised light output for even greater illumination of the road ahead and safety, both day and night. Also an LED main headlight with daytime running light (low beam) is available as a factory option, featuring state-of-the-art LED technology. Just like Darth’s light saber.
Unlike KTM 1190 Adventure R owners, you aren’t going to buy the new Adventure to ride like a stripped baboon covered in vinegar, but it does handle crisply through the twisties like a smooth tourer should and it’s superb on the motorway and then it becomes an enduro off-road, albeit a big fooker. It also boasts an enviable level of electronic sophistication, which helps one ride faster, safer and smoother. But weighing in at 260kg this may be too steep and heavy for the common man. If that’s you, fear not, because your adventure hasn’t been shot down; get the BMW GS 800 Adventure instead, because that’s where my money would go. It just means you’ll be flying a fighter and not the Mother ship, which Dark Visor still prefers anyway.
