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BMW R1200GS

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The long-awaited successor to the R1150GS Adventure enters the market with vast improvements and a long list of standard equipment. It also comes with a new 1 200 motor.

The 1150GS Adventure has been the undisputed off-road king since its launch a few years back.

It has been the first choice of adventure riders all over the world and the 1200GS Adventure claims to have even more off-road capabilities.

Power is up, weight is down, and, gladly, the size is down too. Because the newcomer is based on the 1200GS it should be a perfect dirt-flinging machine.

You also get a 33-litre fuel tank, a new windshield for enhanced protection, a height-adjustable seat, robust tank and engine protection hoops, as well as extra-wide rider footrests combined with adjustable gearshift and brake levers.

The engineers managed to reduce the weight of the new Adventure as well as increase the power and torque.

A 1 200cc, two-cylinder boxer produces a maximum output of 74kW at 7 000rpm and peak torque of 115Nm at 5 500rpm.

Your BMW Dealer will offer a new range of aluminium cases, the BMW Motorrad Navigator, as well as numerous practical accessories.

Features found on the new R1200GS Adventure compared to the 'standard' GS is the 33-litre fuel tank along with a larger windshield, aluminium tank, and engine covers.

You also get a stainless-steel luggage rack with an adjustable seat with off-road ergonomics.

The aluminium handlebar is adjustable and comes with hand protectors and extra-wide rider footrest adds extra comfort when standing on the pegs.

Off-road riding should be easy with longer spring travel on both the front and rear suspension.

Up front you get 20mm more wheel travel over the normal 1200GS. The front Telelever unit measures 41mm in diameter with the Evo-Paralever at the rear featuring a central strut and travel-dependent damping unit.

This means that the more the spring strut is compressed, the firmer the damper becomes.

The two-section seat can be adjusted to two different levels.

At its high slot it is 915mm off the ground, but can be lowered to 895mm. This should make the bike easier to handle in town and more accommodating for shorter riders.

To remain as relevant as possible, the bike has an extremely long list of standard equipment. This includes off-road tyres, ABS, heated grips, additional lights, an on-board computer, and an all-new baggage system.

This comprises aluminium cases and stainless-steel case supports as well as an aluminium top case complete with a top case holder to be assembled on the stainless-steel luggage rack featured as standard.

Together, the cases offer a volume of 79 litres, with the top case offering an additional 33 litres. All cases are watertight and feature an inner lining for easy cleaning.

The 1150GS Adventure has been the absolute king of globetrotting. The new 1200GS will have big shoes to fill.

It will be available in South Africa in time for the next Great African GS Challenge 2006. Expect to pay around R130 000.

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