Water-cooled BMW R1200GS

[cmoreride]

Water-cooled BMW R1200GS is new from the ground up

This exclusive spy shot proves the next generation BMW R1200GS will be new from the ground-up,
with an all-new water-cooled engine, revamped styling and major chassis changes.
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Photos reveal a prototype of what appears to be BMW's 2012 R1200GS.
The updated GS will utilize an all-new liquid-cooled version of the iconic Boxer Twin.

[Bones]

Interesting...wonder if the RT and R bikes are next ?

[stlee29]

You Tube

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[Davy F]

Seen it, sat on it, not overly impressed by it. Yes, it's a totally new engine etc, but still the same, if you know what I mean. Quality seems ok, but no prices yet available.





Having owned an '05 model, I can't see me rushing out to place an order anytime soon.

The new KTM Adventure looked better IMO. Quality also seemed better than the BMW offering. I think I'd be more inclined to go to the orange side from first impressions.



The Ducati MS Pikes Peak edition was gorgeous, but would I ever buy a Duke ? Not too sure.

[Bones]

The Beemer's beak looks downright comical.

I wonder if liquid cooling will fix the vibration inherent in a flat twin...that's been the deal breaker in RT's and GS's for me.

[Davy F]

Originally Posted by Bones

I wonder if liquid cooling will fix the vibration inherent in a flat twin.

I presume you haven't had a ride on a 1200 then ? They fitted a balance shaft into that motor which makes it pretty smooth, especially compared to a Versys.

[Seeya]

< amusing > <- article :-)

[twowheels]

I love the look of the BMW and the the old air cooled boxer had one of the nicest engine sounds and hardly any vibration for a twin. Nice to see they stayed with the same basic powerplant and layout and styling but just improved things. It will be interesting to see how it stacks up against the competition from Triumph, Yamaha, and Ducati.

[Bones]

Originally Posted by Davy F

I presume you haven't had a ride on a 1200 then ? They fitted a balance shaft into that motor which makes it pretty smooth, especially compared to a Versys.

I have ridden an R1200RT and the word "agricultural" comes to mind. It was better than the R1150RT and R1150GS, but the change was incremental. For the kind of dough BMW's cost, they should be exemplary in every detail. The character of the boxer configuration doesn't speak to me.

FWIW, I rode my Versys to and from a test ride on an R1200RT and I found my Versys smoother. The RT had a sweet spot for cruising, but you had to keep it there. It vibrates on acceleration which was annoying especially in hilly terrain. The RT comes with all the touring goodies, it is wonderfully light for such a big bike, and it handles nicely despite it's vague front suspension, but the motor spoils it. For me, anyway.

All of that said, I won't dismiss the water-cooled boxer out of hand as I haven't ridden it. The GS is probably too tall for me anyway. A new RT with the water-cooled boxer is on the way, and I'd like to ride one.