2010 BMW R1200 GS Adventure review

To read about the updated engine, click here

The Adventure is updated with the same twin-cam motor as the standard GS. The radial-valve engine’s additional torque is arguably even more useful with that extra weight to shift – at 223kg dry, it’s 20kg heavier than the standard GS, even before you top up its 33-litre tank. Like the standardmodel, the Adventure retains its existing chassis, complete with extra suspension travel. It comes with the hand-protectors and aluminium cylinder head guards that are an accessory for the standard bike.

There’s no doubting the Adventure’s exceptional ability, for those who need an even bigger, better equipped dual purpose mount than the standard GS. It’ll sit on the motorway at a lazy 90mph, its bigger screen giving even better protection, and with a range of over 300 miles. If that distance would be just the start of your trip, there’d be no better (or taller) seat to be sitting on than the Adventure’s. But you have to be prepared for its sheer size and weight, as well as a £10,745 price that will inevitably be swollen by accessories including some classy aluminium panniers.

TECH SPEC
BMW R1200GS (Adventure)
Engine: 1170cc air/oil-cooled fuel injected six-speed boxer with four valves per cylinder
Power (claimed): 110bhp@7750rpm
Torque (claimed): 88lb-ft@6000rpm
Bore x stroke: 101 x 73mm
Rake and trail: 25.7º/101mm (24.8º/88.7mm)
Tyres: Front: 110/80 x 19in Rear: 150/70 x 17in Bridgestone BW501 Battlewing
Suspension: Front: Telelever single shock, 190mm (200mm) spring travel, adjustment for rebound damping. Optional ESA electronic adjustment.Rear: Paralever single shock, 200mm (220mm) spring travel, remote adjustment for preload. Optional ESA electronic adjustment
Wheelbase: 1507mm(1510mm)
Seat height: 850-870mm(890-910mm)
Dryweight (claimed): 203kg (223kg)
Fuel capacity: 20 litres (33 litres)
www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk