BMW Motorrad proudly presents the R 1200 GS Adventure, the latest version of its ultimate long-distance enduro for serious globetrotter and adventurer.

Combining the dynamic performance, touring and off-road qualities of the R 1200 GS, acclaimed by critics around the world, capped by the prestigious 2004 International Bike of the Year Award, the new R 1200 GS Adventure offers even more off-road abilities and long-distance riding comfort.

The success of the R 1150 GS Adventure has set a very high benchmark, but the R 1200 GS Adventure eclipses it with a host of improvements and a far larger range of standard equipment and features.

While the Australian R 1150 GS Adventure used a standard 30-litre fuel tank, European market models got by on a 20-litre tank. For the R 1200 GS Adventure, BMW fits a 33-litre tank as standard on all models for all markets, giving a market-leading cruising range of around 750 km at a steady 90 km/h, depending on conditions.

Other notable improvements for the new machine include a new windshield for enhanced protection from wind and weather, a height-adjustable seat, robust tank and engine protection hoops, as well as extra-wide rider footrests combined with adjustable gearshift and brake levers.

Using the highly successful and popular R 1200 GS as a base, the Adventure model benefits from significantly more power and torque from BMW Motorrad’s latest boxer twin: maximum output is 74 kW at 7,000 rpm, with peak torque of 115 Nm at 5,500 rpm.

Using the new six-speed gearbox, the most recent Paralever and Telelever technology, new instruments in digital technology and the on-board network with CAN bus technology represent a significant step forward compared with the R 1150 GS Adventure.

By employing lightweight components in the engine, transmission and exhaust, as well as weight-optimised components such as the frame, suspension and wheels, the new R 1200 GS Adventure, despite more standard equipment, actually weighs less than the R 1150 GS Adventure.

The new R 1200 GS Adventure also benefits from high-quality stainless steel and aluminium components for durability and visual presence. A choice of two colour schemes is available at launch.

Factory-fit features include BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (a partly integrated, on-demand anti-lock brake system), special off-road tyres, additional headlights, and an on-board computer.

BMW Motorcycle Dealers will be able to offer a new range of aluminium cases and the BMW Motorrad Navigator, among a host of expedition-specific items.

The Adventure model was such a success for BMW Motorrad in its previous incarnation, that BMW Motorrad is confident the changes and improvements for the new model will deliver even more ultimate riding machine thrills adventurers, travellers and of course the ever-enthusiastic globetrotters.
As with the R 1150 GS Adventure, which starred in Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s epic “Long Way Round” circumnavigation of the world in 2004, the new R 1200 GS Adventure is a professional machine for bold riders participating in overland expeditions and demanding the utmost of both themselves and their material.

Compared with the R 1200 GS, the new R 1200 GS Adventure has:

•         33-litre fuel tank (inc. approx 4-litre reserve).
•         Larger windshield.
•         Tank, engine and valve cover protectors.
•         Stainless-steel luggage rack.
•         Adjustable seat with offroad ergonomics.
•         Adjustable aluminium handlebar with hand protectors.
•         Longer spring travel for superior offroad qualities.
•         Cross-spoke wheels as standard for all markets.
•         Extra-wide rider footrests, adjustable gearshift and brake levers.
•         High-performance 720 W alternator.

The most significant technical highlights of the new R 1200 GS Adventure versus the former R 1150 GS Adventure:

•         Substantial reduction in weight.
•         15 percent more power and 17 percent more torque.
•         New six-speed manual gearbox.
•         New Evo-Paralever with TDD spring struts.
•         New Telelever.
•         New instruments in digital technology with Info-Flatscreen.
•         On-board single-wire network using CAN bus technology.
•         Electronic immobiliser.

BMW R 1150 GS Adventure bows out with a flourish

The R 1200 GS Adventure follows in the highly regarded wheel tracks of the R 1150 GS Adventure, a machine made even more famous by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, who travelled from London to New York “the Long Way Round” in 2004. The team decided that the R 1150 GS Adventure was the only bike tough enough for the trip, much of which was on dirt tracks and gravel roads.

The R 1150 GS Adventure has been hugely popular in Australia.

From launch in April 2002, more than 450 of these go-anywhere adventure machines have been snapped up by keen overland explorers.

In 2002 and 2003 it was the second best selling model in the BMW Motorrad Australia catalogue. To further enhance the legend, a Special Edition model, celebrating 25 years of BMW GS globetrotting adventures is now available.

Finished in Alpine White with two-tone (blue/Grey) seat and complete with switchable ABS, only 25 units of this 25th Anniversary Special Edition have been built for Australia, guaranteeing exclusivity and rarity.

It is priced at $21,250, just $500 over the price of the regular version, despite featuring ABS, usually a $1,750 option.

For further information contact:
Alexander Corne
PR & Corporate Communications Manager
BMW Group Australia
Phone: 03 9264 4238
Fax: 03 9562 2799
Mobile: 0439 568 819
Email: alexander.corne@bmw.com.au