2010 BMW R1200 GS
Added on Friday, December 11th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
2010 BMW R1200 GS
One of the most important motorcycles in BMW’s range, the R1200 GS, has received a makeover for 2010 to help it compete with an increasing number of rival machines, reports Alastair Walker. The GS found fame as the motorbike which transported Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman around the world and for over decade, the big adventure tourer has been the main driver in recruiting new dealers, and many riders, to the BMW marque.
For 2010 the big news is that the popular GS has a power increase of 5%, plus more mid-range torque, thanks to the HP2 Sport DOHC twin-cylinder motor being utilised. Peak power is now 110bhp at 7750rpm, which should help the BMW compete a little better with faster rivals like the Tiger 1050 and new Ducati Multistrada 1200.
BMW have also fitted an exhaust valve which they say helps the bike make a `more muscular’ sound. It’s interesting to speculate on BMW’s reasons for enhancing the sound made by the big twin, as the typical 1200 GS customer doesn’t care what the bike sounds like, only that it is quiet enough not to annoy the neighbours. Are BMW trying to make the GS more exciting, more appealing to younger bikers? Could be.
The transmission has been tweaked a little bit, as power has increased, but essentially it remains the same six speed `box, with the shaft drive assembly unchanged. The motor breathes via a new air filter and air intakes by the way.
The new model has an optional Enduro ESA mode. This allows the rider to tweak the suspension at the touch of a button and you can fit it to the standard R1200 GS, plus the Adventure variant. As the UK government cuts back on road repairs in 2010, enduro-level suspension could be a welcome extra on any motorcycle.
Visually, the 2010 isn’t that different from the existing model. It will be easy to spot with two bolt cam covers on the cylinder heads, rather than four bolts.
Disappointingly, many features that a buyer of a £12,000 motorcycle might reasonably expect to be included, are optional extras; heated grips, hand protectors, low seat option, ABS braking, anti-theft warning system and of course all the hard luggage and its mountings, even Sat Nav, which is included on some of the most basic cars on the market these days - all extras.
The ace card which BMW’s R1200 GS still has of course, is its excellent re-sale value, especially in Adventure format. This remains arguably the only motorcycle you can own for three years, do 30,000 miles on, yet still recoup 50% of the initial purchase price. The harsh truth is that many adventure touring budget rivals, with the same mileage on the clock, would be almost worthless as a PX after three years.
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