2013 BMW R1200GS Adventure

                                   BMW R1200GS Adventure

BMW Motorrad has taken the wraps off of its newest GS Adventure model. Based on the R1200 GS, the Adventure trim makes an already tough bike just a bit tougher, thanks to a number of technical changes that improve off-road capabilities without sacrificing any of the R1200 GS' riding manners.

The new Adventure is powered by the same air- and liquid-cooled 1,170cc boxer twin found in the standard GS, replete with “vertical-flow” heads and an integral six-speed gearbox featuring a wet clutch. But for improved tractability, especially when negotiating tight off-road trails, the engine’s flywheel has been made nearly 2.1 lbs. heavier, which, together with a new vibration damper between the gearbox and shaft drive, is said to improve powertrain smoothness.

The 2014 Adventure, based on the tubular chassis of the standard GS, has 0.8 inches more travel front and rear, and the new 7.9-gallon aluminum fuel tank is 2.6 gallons larger than a standard GS’s. What’s more, the big Adventure model is fitted with a steering damper, and an unspecified tweak to swingarm geometry is claimed to improve the bike’s handling.

The new motor is more compact which gives the rider a little more room in the cockpit. The Ride-by-Wire throttle has an easy and precise twist at your wrist and is controlled by the five different riding modes: Dynamic, Rain, Road, Enduro Pro or Enduro. Each mode reacts as you would expect and affects the ABS, ASC (traction control) and Dynamic ESA suspension. The ABS and ASC can be easily disabled and the Dynamic ESA has soft, normal or hard settings that can be selected in any riding mode. This makes the new GS very tunable so you can easily adjust the bike to fit your riding style or riding conditions.

With the traction control set to 'Dynamic' mode there's a more aggressive throttle response, whereas 'Road' and 'Rain' are smoother and more forgiving. Either way, shown a straight the new Adventure is fast by nearly anyone's standards. BMW say the new steering damper is needed because flat-out the bike goes 6mph faster than the old one.

The adventure highlight is showcased at its most impressive: the anniversary outfit of the R 1200 GS Adventure comprises a matt black/gold paint finish. Like all the special models, it also bears high-quality model inscriptions and an exclusive brass plate on the clamp. The R 1200 GS Adventure stands for a level of fascination which can barely be surpassed.

The R 1200 GS is 87 inches long and 37.5 inches wide. The wheelbase measures in at 59.3 inches, shorter than average in this segment. A seat height of 33.5 inches is 2.60 inches higher than the average motorcycle's, making it ideal only for taller riders.

The new R1200GS comes with plenty of price/package options starting with a standard package at $16,600 and working up to the premium plus package at $18,870.