BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE (2010 - 2013) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
| Power: | 110 bhp |
| Seat height: | Tall (35.0 in / 890 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (492 lbs / 223 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe world’s biggest monster traillie is a ridiculous concept that on paper at least shouldn’t work at all. It weighs 223kg, the suspension is three inches taller than the standard R1200GS and with a 33-litre tank full of fuel you need to be Britain’s strongest man to lift it off the sidestand. But in reality it’s one of the best mile-eating bikes money can buy and one of the quirkiest, most interesting bikes on the road today. In fact we absolutely love it. For 2010 the BMW R1200 GS Adventure gets even better with a touch more torque at 88ftlb, a new twin cam 110bhp motor and the addition of the updated BMW ESA II suspension system and a clever exhaust valve which passes noise tests but opens up as revs increase, the bike is even better for 2010.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineLike the RT it also gets the ESA2 electronically adjustable suspension which blesses it with beautiful ride quality and comes with sport, comfort, normal and two off-road modes which also adjust the amount of traction control you have. Off road the bike allows you to have some slides without the aggressive traction cutting in. But it’s on the road where the bike will be ridden mostly and a well ridden GS Adventure can handle twisty backroads once you learn to trust the feeling of the suspension and tyres. And on motorways you can lord it looking into lorry windows while wafting along.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityWhere it lacked power now it has it, drive it on and there’s still that annoying hole for emissions around 4500rpm (they all do that mister), but it barks after that. The exhaust definitely sounds more aftermarket than manufacturer standard but is in no way offensive. And on the gas the whole experience revs quicker, cleaner and it’s faster at the top-end yet it still retains that incredible 400-mile tank range.
And where the older single cam model used to feel like it was hitting a brick wall under acceleration after 80mph, the new one pushes its heft through that aerodynamic barrier with a little extra shove.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThey’re well built but many owners complain of the bike’s using oil and there have been some problems with generators in the past. But this is a new engine so all that should be in the past and BMW have made massive steps to up their build quality and reliabilitiy. We’ve ran three bikes in the last three years and have never had a problem with any of them over 28,000 miles.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentAt the basic price this is a hell of a lot of bike for the cash. It is one of the greatest mile eaters that money can buy and if you approve of the looks then we reckon its one of the coolest motorcycles on the road today. But are you man enough? Find a BMW R1200GS Adventure for sale.
Equipment
The new ESAII suspension is a big improvement over the old system and the bike also comes with a height adjustable seat. You can spec the bike up with tyre pressure monitors, heated grips, smaller indicators, LED spot lights, panniers and a sports exhaust. BMW dealers we’ve spoken to say that most bikes bought are fully specced up with every option box ticked. Compare and buy parts for the R1200GS Adventure in the MCN Shop
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1170cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 8v Boxer twin, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Tubular steel trellis |
| Fuel capacity | 33 litres |
| Seat height | 890mm |
| Bike weight | 223kg |
| Front suspension | Preload |
| Rear suspension | Preload, rebound |
| Front brake | Twin 300mm discs |
| Rear brake | Single Disc, ABS Optional |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 41 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £250 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £6,100 - £6,800 |
| Insurance group |
14 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 110 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 88 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 130 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 300 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
BMW 1150GS Adventure (2002-2005)
BMW 1200GS Adventure (2006-2009)
Other versions
BMW R1200GS
Owners' reviews for the BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE (2010 - 2013)
7 owners have reviewed their BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE (2010 - 2013) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE (2010 - 2013)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
Year: 2011
Annual servicing cost: £100
The Swiss Army knife of bikes - long distance tour, off road, cafe run with the other half etc.
I’ve tried other bikes but this one just works for me with a screen extender
See cutting out issue above - but otherwise great
Mines 11 years old, has done 38k miles all over Europe with BMW doing the last service @ 12k Miles and since then ex BMW specialist. Two issues I have had is the engine cutting out very occasionally when moving though (can restart straight away) Diagnostic not picked up cause. Other issue is an exhaust swirl flap valve issue that diagnostic picked up but has no practical implication as far as I can tell - but otherwise faultless
I spend about £200 every 2 years with my ex BMW mechanic mate
Buying experience: Dealer bought - very good - Bahnstormer - when I visited them now they don’t seem as engaging
Version: 90th Anniversary
Year: 2013
Annual servicing cost: £250
On the heavy side when not moving so rider needs to be strong and fairly tall
Amazing ride and excellent linked brakes
Great torque and plenty of power at speed
Perfect quality and reliability
Computer tells you when it needs a service
GSA is fully loaded
Year: 2011
Annual servicing cost: £400
A do it all bike. After a few sports bikes, the odd custom, a nice naked, all roads will lead to this bike. I really love it, couldn't be happier, will never go back.
Exceptional.
Not the fastest but no slouch either. Acceleration and top line speed not important any more!
Only fault is the paintwork, shocking for BMW. Some corrosion on swing arm and engine casings
Need to use BMW to keep value in bike
Love the extras available. Stick to the cool stuff that actually serves a purpose and you will not look like a c%&k.
Buying experience: Private. Check for corrosion, if you are travelling expect to see some paint flaking for an older model. Get one with good tyres, FBMWSH, satnav, full panniers, as many factory fitted bits you can.
Test rode my mates GS 1200, and rode another from shop, now got my own 2010 model. Not run in yet rides handles fantastically, expensive to buy yes, but you do get what you pay for.
What a bike, after all the sports bikes, street bikes, we decided to go sensible with a bit of naughtiness. We certainly got everything we wanted apart from service and parts. If a simple part breaks on a new bike, it shouldn't take 3 weeks to get a switch, and it shouldn't be my fault i can't get in to have it fitted. So, I have 12000 reasons I should be happier and they are all the £12000 I paid for a fully loaded bike, luggage + The gear and new helmets. A great bike, let down by little annoying things, dealers and the manufacturer. What a shame.
Buying the GS 1200 adventure 18 months ago has been the best biking decision of my life. Having owned 42 bikes over the years mostly (sports bikes) i did wonder if i had made a rash decision "NOT". Because if you attack bends & trust the bike it can be ridden just as fast if not faster than most on twisty roads. You also find your having fun at not so illegal speeds and able to explore tight back roads, riding has never been so much fun! I thank the GS & BMW for rejuvinating my biking enthusiasm again. Touring is my new passion now along with 2up bliss! Enough said as i shall get carried away. Im going to get the keys out now even though its raining. See what it does to you owning a GS!!!!!
I am not sure that the new GS1200 has ESA11 as an option, also wheel sizes quoted on your spec's are wrong.
BMW R1200GS Adventure
BMW R1200GS Adventure
BMW R1200GS Adventure
BMW R1200GS Adventure
BMW R1200GS Adventure
BMW R1200GS Adventure
BMW R1200GS Adventure
BMW R1200GS Adventure
BMW R1200GS Adventure
BMW R1200GS Adventure
BMW R1200GS Adventure
BMW R1200GS Adventure
BMW R1200GS Adventure
