Revisited: BMW’s R1200GSA
The ultimate long-range land cruiser can now be yours from £9500
What we said then
Whatever your preconceptions are about BMW’s ubiquitous R1200GS, there’s really only one reason for its success: it’s devastatingly effective at doing its job. And the Adventure model just got even better. Following a year behind the standard GS and Rallye models, the new-for-2018 Adventure is available in five model variations, from the stock model (£13,400), up to the heavily spec’d Rallye TE (£17,670), which ticks most of the obvious must-have optional extra boxes.
Already treated to a halfupgrade for 2017, when it adopted the current GS drivetrain modifications for smoother final drive and gearbox operation, the 2018 model also gets a revised exhaust system and engine mapping to make it Euro4 compliant – while maintaining identical performance figures. Visually there are a host of nips and tucks to the instantly recognisable style, too.
It’s a subtle evolution, but in motion there is a notable improvement in the smoothness of the drive over pre-17 models, especially low in the rev range. The pick-up and surge of vibe-free acceleration from as low as 2500rpm is impressively creamy, and the gearbox feels crisp and precise in both directions.
The story is the same throughout the bike, with the incremental improvements working much as the overall design always has: nothing individually stands out, but the holistic effect of the whole package feels superbly effective and refined on road and off it. The only tangible downside of the Adventure compared to the standard GS or Rallye is the width of the 30-litre fuel tank. Its flanks are so flared that, for my 5ft 11in stature, I find it pushes my knees apart. It’s absolutely fine when riding casually, but gripping the tank with your knees under braking becomes a splayed-out affair. I love the 315-mile (plus) tank range though. MCN launch report, October 25, 2017
What’s it like now?
Just £9500 can get you a twoowner 25,000-mile 2015 GSA complete with metal luggage, cruise control, heated grips and a smattering of useful bolton extras. It’s an awful lot of motorcycle for the money. Up your budget to £10,500 to bag a TE version with fewer miles and electronic suspension, autoblipper and hill-hold control. Just be aware that the Sachs ESA rear shock lasts between 20,000 and 30,000 miles before it needs a rebuild. For bikes no longer in warranty, Firefox Racing (01535 606200) offer an overhaul service for £250, which is very reasonable when compared to £1700 for a complete new unit from BMW.
Worthwhile extras
On the used market, a bogstock R1200GS is a very rare thing indeed, in fact it’s more common to see machines that have been lavished with every possible extra than examples than have none at all.
The most common aftermarket extras are ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), heated grips, comfort seats, cruise control and luggage - but when buying used buy the best specced example you can afford. Being partially liquid-cooled means the GS now has a pair of radiators craftily hidden beneath the side pods. Fitting radiator guards is a really good idea, especially if you ride off road. Touratech seem to be the most popular at £110, however Evotech make an equally good and cheaper version at £66.
‘Most have been lavished with extras’