R1100GS vs. R1200GS gas mileage

[carlc]

Just curious: if you had an R1100GS and now have an R1200GS, do you find that your gasoline mileage is better, all other factors, speed, load, city/rural, being equal?

[JKERSH1]

I rode my 1100GS to Alaska along with an 1150 and a 1200. At gas stops the 1100 and 1200 took about the same with the 1150 about 5% more. We each had different luggage, fairings, and were carrying varying amounts of camping crap and related stuff, etc., but traveled the same route at the same speeds so I think the comparison is pretty good.

[carlc]

Thanks. What great comparisons.

carlc

[BMWRich58]

Just curious: if you had an R1100GS and now have an R1200GS, do you find that your gasoline mileage is better, all other factors, speed, load, city/rural, being equal?


The gearing on all the GS's are different compared to RT's/RS's etc.
A big factor is wind, so larger wind screens,wider bags,etc will effect mpg's.
GS's commonly have the higher or taller gearing for off road usage, again having higher engine rpm's at lower speeds.

On my past R1200GS I averaged 40-43 with normal (sane) driving speeds. Anytime I was throttle happy (insane in the twistys), mileages dropped to the high 30's and also if I did highway driving at or above 70mph.
Others have reported close to 50mpg's but with speeds in the lo 50's mph.
I did once see 47mpg's and that was just lollygagging along country roads to the MOA Ralley in Vermont.

[carlc]

Thanks for this great information. In looking at a R12GS in place of my R11GS, I was hoping that maybe with the dropping of 70 pounds and the adding of a sixth gear, I might be able to get in the upper 40s on a regular basis. Your experience on your R12 is about what I can go on my R11.

carlc

[ryeflyer]

FWIW I rode my R1200GS all day yesterday half motorway and half country road - interspersed - I got exactly 45 mpg. I have probably 80 pound of luggage and gear strapped on it. I will ride pure motorway today and will let you know how that does.

[carlc]

Thanks.

carlc

[GlobalRider]

Just curious: if you had an R1100GS and now have an R1200GS, do you find that your gasoline mileage is better, all other factors, speed, load, city/rural, being equal?

Just dig up the BMW published fuel consumption numbers. They're actually accurate based on my last three years of recording every fill-up and recording them on Excel.

[ryeflyer]

FWIW I rode my R1200GS all day yesterday half motorway and half country road - interspersed - I got exactly 45 mpg. I have probably 80 pound of luggage and gear strapped on it. I will ride pure motorway today and will let you know how that does.

Interstate on a 2006 R1200GS, one up with 80 pounds of gear and bags - 42 mpg. Perhaps the speed was a factor :laugh