introducing the new BMW R 1200 GS and the new R 1200 GS Adventure, BMW Motorrad is opening up yet another chapter in the story of highly successful GS models which, for almost three decades, have been the epitome of the large-capacity grand touring enduro.

Moving on from the former generation of the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure, which already offered supreme power and performance as well as a very broad range of practical riding qualities for long tours combined with supreme pleasure on winding country and mountain roads, BMW Motorrad is now enhancing this standard, as impressive as it already is, to an even higher level.

Intake and exhaust timing on the two camshafts has been optimised in particular for supreme power at low and medium engine speeds and for even faster, free-revving engine performance throughout the entire range. To increase the free valve cross-section, valve lift is up by 10.54 mm (0.415") on the intake and 9.26 mm (0.365") on the exhaust side to 10.8 mm (0.425") on both sides. Valve clearance is compensated by light semi-hemispherical shims.

More power and extra torque throughout the entire speed range.

The existing ratio of bore and stroke of 101:73 millimetres (3.98 : 2.87") remains the same as before, as does the engine's cubic capacity of 1,170 cc. Other features likewise carried over from the former power unit are the crankshafts and connecting rods as well as their mounts and bearings, while the two new cast-aluminium pistons have been re-designed to match the change in combustion chamber geometry.

Interacting with the upgraded intake system now featuring black instead of silver throttle butterfly manifolds as on the former models measuring 50 mm (1.97") instead of formerly 47 mm (1.85") (HP2 Sport: 52 mm/2.05") opening clearance and with newly designed intake air funnels and an air filter element with higher throughput, the engine now develops maximum output of 81 kW/110 PS at 7,750 rpm and peak torque of 120 Nm/88 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm. An oil cooler ensures stable thermal conditions even when riding to the extreme.

In all, the modifications to the drivetrain provide a significantly more homogeneous flow of power and torque throughout the entire speed range. In this process of technical development, the engines now feature magnesium-coloured cylinder head covers with two instead of formerly four fastening bolts and come in new, even more dynamic design. A valve cover guard made of aluminium or plastic as well as a chrome-plated aluminium cylinder head cover may be retrofitted as special equipment.

Electronically controlled exhaust flap for even more muscular sound.

Moving on to the exhaust system, the two manifolds are the same as before in their design, length and diameter, while a modified interference pipe caters for the change in vibration conditions in the exhaust system.

Featuring an exhaust flap controlled by an electric motor as well as opening and closing cables, both the new BMW R 1200 GS and the new R 1200 GS Adventure provide a particularly throaty boxer sound naturally in full compliance with legal standards. And to reduce ram pressure and improve the sound of the engine even further, the rear silencer remaining the same in design as on the former models comes with a completely new interior structure. Ideal transmission of power through six-speed gearbox and drive shaft.

Power is transmitted as before by the proven six-speed gearbox with larger bearing diameters and a modified distance between the individual shafts already upgraded technically for the 2008 model year. In the process the gear ratios were once again adjusted and the secondary transmission has been modified from i = 2.82 to i = 2.91.

In conjunction with the new, even more powerful engine, this once again means significantly more torque and pulling force throughout the entire range of engine speed.

The new R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure also benefit from optimised shift kinematics with an optimised power/travel curve for precise gearshift and clear feedback at all times.

The maintenance-free drive shaft to the rear wheel also remains unchanged, relieving the rider of annoying and time-consuming maintenance requirements particularly on long tours.

Proven running gear and high-performance brakes with Integral ABS.

Like their predecessors, the new R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure offer an almost perfect synthesis of offroad and onroad riding qualities. As in the past, the stiff and torsionally-resistant suspension, front wheel guidance with the unique BMW Telelever, and the rear wheel incorporating the BMW Paralever guarantee first-class and absolutely safe riding qualities also with the new engine offering even more power and torque.

In conjunction with optional BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, extremely powerful brakes serve additionally to provide maximum safety even in critical situations. Optimum environmental compatibility, finally, is ensured also on the new boxer engine through the most advanced exhaust gas management with a fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter.

Enduro ESA as special equipment for optimum electronic adjustment of the running gear for every purpose.

Designed and built for the specific requirements of a grand touring enduro, Enduro ESA Electronic Suspension Adjustment available also on the latest version of the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure as an optional extra straight from the factory allows adjustment of the running gear under all kinds of running conditions and with virtually any load level, simply by pressing a button. An important feature is that Enduro ESA offers both an onroad and offroad mode within which the rider, choosing specific settings for the spring base and damping, is able to adjust the suspension even more precisely to specific needs and requirements.

Optimum ergonomics and even more practical features.

Made of a heat-treated aluminium tube, the high-quality and sophisticated handlebar, interacting with two asymmetrically mounted clamps turning by up to 180o, as on the HP2 Enduro Sports, may be fitted in two ergonomically different positions. While the rear handlebar position for riding onroad and in less demanding terrain ensures optimum ergonomics particularly for the shorter rider, the front handlebar position offers advantages in particular when standing up on the machine in rough terrain.

The hand protectors available as special equipment for the R 1200 GS are fitted as standard straight from the factory on the R 1200 GS Adventure. In the process of technically upgrading the successful R 1200 GS models, the instrument cluster has received a new dial in new design. And last but not least, the windshield now comes with larger hand-bolts with even better grip for adjusting its position with greater ease.

Optional extras and accessories tailored to both the rider and the machine.

As a genuine, fully-fledged systems supplier, BMW Motorrad has developed a wide range of optional extras and special equipment for further customisation of the new R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure. One particularly important new feature is the additional headlights in LED technology.

Optional extras come directly from the factory and are fitted during production at the Berlin Plant, accessories and special equipment are fitted subsequently by the BMW Motorcycle Dealer.

The main features of the new BMW R 1200 GS and the new BMW R 1200 GS Adventure at a glance:

• New, even more dynamic drivetrain now with two overhead camshafts per cylinder and valves in radial arrangement.

• Increase in maximum engine speed from 8,000 to 8,500 rpm with an even wider range of useful engine speed.