The 1200s: the same, but more so

The advanced party of the 2017 GS range actually arrived in August 2016. That’s when R1200s with Euro 4-compliant emissions levels and sidelights became available. The regular R1200GS also gained the Adventure’s judder damper on the transmission output shaft, plus other physical changes to the transmission, new instruments and some new colours.

Now there’s a whole new 2017 bike. The tank, front mudguard, air intakes, radiator trim and other parts have been reshaped. The revised software and new catalytic converter give cleaner running, but the boxer engine still makes the same 123bhp and 92lb.ft of torque. As standard the R1200GS has two riding modes (Rain and Road) and BMW’S ASC (automatic stability control) traction control system.

As an option, buyers can specify Riding Modes Pro, which brings four extra modes (Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, Enduro and Enduro Pro). As part of that option, ASC is upgraded to DTC (dynamic traction control), which includes cornering traction control. Riding Modes Pro also includes Hill Start Control, cornering ABS and BMW’S dynamic brake light system (designed to make it clear when you slam on the anchors; the brake light shines brightly if you’re decelerating rapidly, but under full-on emergency braking the hazard-warning lights join in).

Another option is the next generation of Dynamic ESA (electronic suspension adjustment). The damping automatically adjusts to the conditions, as before, but now it also automatically levels the bike to compensate for changes in load – not just whether there’s luggage and a passenger, but where they’re sitting and how hard the bike is being ridden. Next-gen Dynamic ESA also has Min and Max settings: low and high ride height – useful, for instance, when off-roading.

The new R1200GS line-up includes the Rallye version, on sale in the spring, priced from £12,730. This is intended for those who want some extra off-road ability, but without the extra bulk of the Adventure. The Rallye has longer but also firmer suspension travel. Seat height and ground clearance are both increased. Optional sports suspension will, BMW say, make it slightly less comfortable on the road, but more manoeuvrable, with better traction off-road.

The Rallye also looks sharp, with styling that owes something to the old HP2 Enduro, in a colour combination not otherwise available, with galvanised trim on the radiator. The seat is unique. It comes with cleated footrests, a low screen and spoked wheels, plus a new frame guard that protects the paint from your boots when you’re standing on the pegs.

Also new is the Exclusive (priced from £15,565), which is basically the bike you’d get if you threw the Comfort, Touring and Dynamic options packages at a basic GS. It’s more road-orientated and lavish, with cast wheels and various brown and grey shades on the bodywork. Both Rallye and Exclusive have gold-coloured brake calipers.