BMW R1200GS Adventure: Review

Stand aside world - there is no stopping this globetrotting behemoth

There is something gloriously over the top about riding a BMW R1200GS Adventure. Let's face it, this is a bike designed to achieve something that few of us will ever manage. Built with the intention of transporting riders to the furthest flung corner of the world it's a shame most rarely see more than an overgrown gravel driveway. But that doesn't seem to stop riders buying BMW's iconic globetrotter and the Adventure is a popular model, accounting for half of GS sales in the UK.

Adventure will do adventure; will most owners?

That number was skewed slightly as Adventure fans snapped up the last of the outgoing air/oil-cooled versions, inspired by deals from BMW and a suspicion about the partially water-cooled models. They're probably not about to head around the world but there's still a mistrust of the new version's perceived complexity. Should they be concerned?

Beefed up and ready for action
For a start the new motor isn't water cooled, it's partially (35 per cent precisely) water-cooled but that's just splitting hairs. The 2014 Adventure is essentially an R1200 GS on steroids and has the same engine as the GS (the flywheel is heavier for smoother throttle response), the same chassis with an extra 20mm of travel in its suspension, sharper geometry, a massive 30-litre tank and styling changes including engine protector bars, a bigger screen and a new nose. There is also the small matter of the stratospheric 890mm (910mm on its highest setting) seat height...

Sidecar and machine gun NOT on options list

When you first get on an Adventure there is no way of disguising the fact this is a big old beast. Part of the charm of the bike is that it feels huge, unstoppable and quite probably capable of driving right over any impediment in its way. The riding position is typical GS, but the massive petrol tank and mountain of plastic around you, not to mention the tall seat height, all combine to make the BMW feel enormous and in some ways quite intimidating. At low speeds it can be a bit unwieldy, especially if you are short in the leg. But once you get moving it is far less cumbersome.

Nimble performer
Despite its bulk, once on the go the BMW can really be thrown around through corners. The longer travel suspension means it isn't quite as planted as the standard GS, and there is a slight feeling of vagueness that takes a bit of getting used to due to the extra spring travel. But once you understand what the Adventure's chassis is telling you it's a very impressive ride. Add into the equation the semi-active suspension, which does a great job of stiffening up the ride when you want to boogie, and you have a bike that not only looks and feels like nothing in the world will stop its progress, but is extremely comfortable to boot.

The SUV mentality, translated to two wheels

A few years ago I took an Adventure to Moscow and it proved a brilliant machine for churning out the miles. The monster 30-litre tank means you can easily cover 300 miles before you need to find a petrol station and the larger screen, brush guards and comfortable seat mean you can cover this distance with ease.

Standard GS or Adventure?
If you aren't planning to pop off to Africa, is there actually any need to own an Adventure over the stock GS? Well for a start the Adventure, especially in green, looks absolutely awesome. It couldn't be any more manly if it tried and this counts for a lot. So on sheer presence the Adventure wins hands down. It is also a brilliant machine if, like me, you detest the process of filling up with fuel. On an average commute the Adventure would only need filling once or twice a week at most, which is a good thing.

However it does have limitations. The seat height is massive and shorter riders will struggle at low speeds, especially with 30-litres of fuel sloshing around. On the road the feeling of the long travel suspension isn't quite as precise as the GS's standard length stuff, but there isn't much in it. Personally, if I was commuting for long distances I'd get the Adventure, if I was more of a short hop rider through town I'd go for the GS. But either bike is a cracking tool.

2014 BMW R1200GS Adventure
Engine: 1170cc, air/water-cooled boxer twin
Power: 125hp@7,750rpm
Torque: 92lb ft@ 6,500rpm
Top speed: 140mph (est)
Weight: 260kg (wet)
MPG: 49mpg (est)
Price: £12,600 in basic spec

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crofty1984

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