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The next generation of the R 1200 GS Adventure.

The sheer visual presence, the feeling of riding with no barriers, and the cool look have made the R 1200 GS Adventure the “it” bike in our line-up. The Adventure enjoys all the updates of the new R 1200 GS for 2008, plus a few of its own.

The most important features of the revised R 1200 GS Adventure at a glance:

• New design
• Engine power increased by 5%
• Introduction of the new and optional enduro ESA
• Two part, two color hand protectors

Design:

The Enduro nature of the bike has been enhanced. The knee covers have been replaced by high quality nano-layered stainless steel covers in the front tank area. The upper front has also been redesigned to create a more rugged appearance. In order to emphasize the adventure-ready looks of the new R 1200 GS, technical surfaces, such as the silver fin, the magnesium colored anodized slide tubes, and the magnesium colored cylinder head covers have been redesigned to create a dynamic contrast with the traditional painted surfaces.

Engine and Drivetrain:

The 2008 R 1200 GS engine now makes 5% more power (105hp) and maximum engine speed has been increased to 8,000 rpm giving an even wider spread of power. The transmission has completely revised transmission ratios with a focus on better acceleration in the upper half of the speed range which makes low speed traction even better. In addition the transmission has increased bearing diameters to cope with the extra power and increased revs. The R 1200 GS Adventure has a no cost option of an Enduro Gearbox, which has a shorter 1st gear ratio, so that you can go slower by 10% without using the clutch. The force displacement relationship of the gear mechanism has been optimized and the diameter of the bearings increased to give more precise shifting and improved response to gear shifting.

Chassis and Suspension:

After a successful launch of ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) this technology is now coming to the enduro segment for the first time with the new R 1200 GS. Enduro ESA was designed to meet the special needs of an adventure tourer and is a full factory option. Load options are solo rider, rider with luggage, and passenger. Further, there are three damper modes (Sport, Normal, and Comfort). Note that in all settings the front spring preload is always at the minimum.

The new off road mode has two spring options (Medium Reserves and Maximum Reserves) and three damping modes (Soft, Norm, and Hard). In the Medium Reserves setting the front preload will be increased to 50% as well as the rear. This setting is ideal for both slow and fast off road riding where no large bumps or holes are expected. In the Maximum Reserves setting the front and rear preload is set to 100%. This setting should be used when maximum puncture protection is required for rough off road use with large bumps and holes. The ground clearance in this mode is approximately 0.78 inches higher than in the solo rider on road mode.

Ergonomics:

In addition to the above improvements, the new R 1200 GS also benefits from other small details. For instance there is a new conical aluminum handlebar. This new handlebar is combined with new clamps which can be mounted in two different positions for more rider comfort when off road in the standing position. For the on road sitting position, the seat foam thickness at the front of the seat has been increased.