R1200gs

[bmwterrien]

Anyone put $$ down to reserve the new GS? My 2004 is a dinasaur compared to the new one, IMHO. However, it is probably the best one of the 1100-1150 GS series......

Steve

[sfarson]

Read a post in the advrider.com forum of someone putting down a deposit for a 1200GS in California after the dealer called and said they were taking deposits. Poster enumerated all the costs and options. In the ballpark of the 1150GS.

I'm going to be content with my 1150GS for awhile. It is still more bike than me. I use it to explore all the Rocky Mountain forest roads in my vicinity. I don't go on the gnarly stuff and its weight is fine for dirt roads.... adds a nice street stability too. Throw in the mods I've made and I'm not ready to go credit card crazy for new 1200GS add-ons. Will definitely wait for the accessory market to produce products for the version 1.0 product. BMW stock seats are notoriously unfriendly to taller riders. Put me down on the happy-with-the-1150 list, and I don't think it is a dinosaur versus the 1200GS :).

[DarkCloud]

The 1200GS is a totally new bike. It is not a replacement for the 1150GS. It is lighter, it is in a different power class with the added torque and horsepower. What will this bike be like in the twisties and sweepers? The manufacturer's spec's make it look like it will run with the S. Looks like BMW is redefining their market and products.

What non BMW market is the new GS designed for to get new BMW customers?

JON

[bmwmotorhead]

On the contrary, the R1200GS is a replacement for the R1150GS! The 1200 is an 05 whereas the latest 1150 is an 04. Expect not to see future production of the 1150GS beyond 04...

BMW is simply applying the latest technology to their bikes and I am glad to see them pioneer this latest technology. In fact, the entire BMW line of R bikes will be replaced with this newest generation R bike technology. The same thing happed 10 years ago when the current R259 engine debuted in 1994.

I would never put a deposit down on something I haven't test rode. But if all reports of the R1200GS are true, it will overshadow the R1150GS bikes.

Keep up the good product development and engineering BMW!

The only thing constant in life is "CHANGE!" and in this case, it's "CHANGE FOR THE BETTER!" In 10 years from now, expect to see another evolution of bikes from BMW. :idea

[lorazepam]

I am not sure I want to be the "beta" test animal for a new product from BMW. I am very happy with my heavy, now "old technology" '04 R1150RS. The bugs are worked out, and it is a proven design that is more bike than I will ultimately use (depending on how the track day goes:p ) I have worked for manufacturers that push out new products for new product's sake, and made a living making them right. I still do it, but in a different capacity. I think I would wait for a year or two and make sure that after these bikes have a season of hard riding on them, that nothing is going to go wrong.

[bmwmotorhead]

´There is something happening´, says chief editor Michael Pfeiffer in his editorial. ´The 2004 motorcycle season has not even started and already the surprises are mounting up. BMW Motorrad presents the successor of what has for a number of years been its best selling motorcycle, the new GS. And what a machine it is! Thirty kilograms lighter (66 lb), 100 hp engine power, and so much technology that you don’t know where to start. When you look at the new R 1200 GS, you realize that everything really is new - from the engine (.) to the gearbox (.) to the weight, which now puts this bike on a par with the KTM 950 Adventure and which makes the new GS far more agile both on and off the road. Bravo BMW Motorrad!´ ´Furthermore, the new four-cylinder series is due at the end of the year. The competitors of the white and blue brand are really going to have to dress up warm.´ Destined for success. More than two decades ago, BMW invented the two-cylinder Enduro. Since then, 170,000 units of the GS have been built. The new motorcycle is destined to continue this success story. ´Anyone who knows the R 1150 GS will notice after only a few turns of the accelerator that the engine has been completely redesigned. It roars its sonorous roar out of the oval exhaust pipe, displays more obvious sensitivity while producing less counter-torque. Nothing remains as it is.´ ´The future began three years ago, when BMW Motorrad embarked on the process of thoroughly reworking the GS. And they were very thorough. It would even be correct to say they have revolutionized it. It is now 30 kilograms (66 lb) lighter, more powerful and cultured. Less of a well-mannered travel Enduro and more of a real sports bike for off road use, with a shot of Supermoto.´ A declaration of war on KTM´s 950 Adventure, the innovations also mean that the model is distancing itself from Honda and Suzuki. ´And all this without ever losing sight of the traditional BMW attributes such as safety, travel suitability and long service life. A Herculean task, which necessitated a completely new construction. The motorcycle press assembled in South Africa to admire the slimline R 1200 GS, be amazed at its 100 hp engine with 115 Nm and astounded at its weight of only 225 kilograms (496 lb) - with a full 20 litre (5.28 gal) fuel tank. ´There is no doubt that the Boxer now has much faster fists.´ Even at 1500 rpm, it displays great power, with an emphatic frontal thrust, its revs remain happy and free right up to the 8,000 limit. ´The balancer shaft means that the large two-cylinder engine is now more cultured and smooth, without being soft.´ Although nobody has an inner performance test bench to hand, the riding test gives no reason to doubt the stated 100 hp. ´The GS darts joyfully up the slopes. This is a great joy to the rider too, especially since he can hear nothing above the noise of the engine and the rush of the wind,´ and the gearbox keeps its cool. In Germany, the R 1200 GS will be supplied as standard with 98 hp, to keep in a lower insurance class. ´Despite the incorporation of so many innovations and improvements, the 1200 still feels like a typical GS. The small turning circle, the short first gear, the seat comfort, sense of balance, the safe feeling that everything you need is on hand. All this together produces an inimitable feeling. The latest GS contains all this, in increased intensity.´ After all, it is a Boxer, though one that has slimmed down to enter a new weight class, and whose new figure gives it increased speed and extra punch. ´The substantially reduced fuel tank form and the narrow handlebars were the starting point that led to a complete redesign of the seat position.´ The slim waist makes it easier to touch the ground with the feet. ´This new ergonomic feature has made it possible to unite the demands of riding dynamics with the desire for comfort. Not least because the wind shield now produces considerably less air turbulence.´ The powerful brake system which comes complete with integral ABS and a modified brake power enhancer makes the difference in comparison with the R 1150 GS quite clear. ´In all other areas, the R 1200 GS represents a huge advance in development. The success story is set to continue. Congratulations!´