Perfecting the art of the enduro
BMW Group Malaysia has launched the all-new R1200GS and claims to have now perfected the art of the travel enduro.
They could have a very valid point, as the R1200GS is the undoubted sales king when it comes to bikes of this type. “As the undisputed frontrunner in its segment and the bestseller within the BMW Motorrad model range, the all-new BMW R 1200 GS sets a new benchmark for BMW Motorrad’s inventive strength as a trendsetter in this segment” said Dr. Gerhard Pils, CEO of BMW Group Malaysia.
Though it hasn’t changed a lot stylistically, the R 1200 GS does get a redesigned boxer engine for increased performance with compact air/water cooling and it is the first motorcycle in the world to come equipped with an LED main headlight. There’s also an E-gas system for improved riding control and response as well as a wet clutch system with eight friction discs.
Despite being based on an engine design more suited to World War II aeroplanes, the 2-cylinder boxer engine retains its air/liquid cooling which now runs a glycol water mixture for more efficient heat dissipation. Churning out 125bhp at 7700rpm and a muscular 125Nm at 6000rpm, it’s mated to a 6-speed gearbox and should ensure lots of grunt for both on and off-road riding.
The bigger news however is the use of a ‘ride-by-wire’ system, which is a first for the GS range. It also allows the use of an electronic cruise control system, thus making it easier for relaxing long haul rides. The gearbox and clutch are also now integrated in the engine housing, saving space and weight and negating the need for additional transmission oil.
Speaking of the clutch, the new multi-plate wet clutch system is fitted with an anti-hopping mechanism that addresses the needs of ambitious drivers as the brake torque is now passed to the rear heel at a reduced level during coasting, or in lay mans terms, should prevent the rear end from bunny hopping as you slam down through the gears.
As with most tech laden BMW bikes, the R1200GS gets a riding mode selector. Riders can choose between Rain, Road, Dynamic, Enduro and Enduro Pro. Each mode features three different E-gas and ABS settings, and four ASC settings with varying engine characteristics. There are also wider tires for enhanced riding dynamics (120/70 R19 front and 170/60 R17 rear) and radial Brembo brake callipers for better braking feel.
It sounds like a lot to take in - and at RM125,000 for the Touring model and RM128,800 for the Dynamic model these are expensive machines, but BMW are confident of the new GS selling in strong numbers. For the first quarter of 2013, the company delivered 148 bikes, which is a 17 per cent increase over its 2012 numbers.
Is it the perfect travel enduro then? We’ll need a test ride to confirm that but KTM and Triumph may have a thing or two to say about that.
