MCN will be publishing a testof the new R1200gs tomorrow.

chablis

Well-known member
UKGSer Subscriber
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
1,267
Reaction score
225
Location
Essex
Apologies if already mentioned, MCN will be publishing a test of the new R1200gs tomorrow in the MCN.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/N...pMailing&WT.mc_id=MCN Newsletter 12jan2010 (1)

They have a couple of photos on the site, plus the following text.

"The first test of BMW’s eagerly-anticipated new twin-cam R1200GS will feature in the January 13 issue of MCN.

The twin-cylinder adventure bike, made famous by the globe-trotting TV exploits of actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman and in recent years one of the UK’s most popular machines, has for 2010 received its biggest engine makeover in years.

Although remaining at 1170cc, the classic, air and oil-cooled boxer twin unit gets a new four-valve, twin cam cylinder head design (the old version boasted just a single camshaft per cylinder) as developed on the HP2 Sportster.

The result on paper isn’t that dramatic: a slight boost to both peak power and bottom end grunt, thanks in part also to the equally new exhaust valve, plus a slightly higher rev-ceiling.

But on the road, as our test back-to-back with the old two-valve version found out, the improvement is significant: the 2010 GS is faster, quicker away from the line and more flexible, with the unexpected bonus of there being no change in fuel consumption.

Add all that to the GS’s unchanged and peerless ergonomics and versatility and it looks like the GS is set to stay at the top of the pack – until, at least, Ducati’s new 1200 Multistrada arrives in the Spring."

Lets see if they have anything interesting to say.
 
Yeeeeesssss..... please let's not forget the different (shorter) ratio in the final drive. Of course it'll accelerate faster, but not due to power increase. At same speed the new one just revs quicker.
I've had a good look at power and torque curves. It's the difference in the torque curve thats seems interesting :
- more torque below 3000rpm, which should improve smoothness and pick-up at low rev
- the dip in the torque curve is now above 5000rpm. Most riders won't notice it, since they don't rev that high.

dohcGS_600x600_100KB.jpg

All this needs to be confirmed in a testride. Yummy.
 
Yep, i waisted Two quid:blast

MCN has pinched this test from the German Motorrad Mag, and just put there badge on it.:mmmm

I must say I’m a bit underwhelmed by the review. Apart from a bit more Torque, It seems that the new engine and exhaust mods are there to satisfy the Euro3 emissions Gestapo.:ronno

I’ll still take one out for a test though :augie
 
But on the road, as our test back-to-back with the old two-valve version found out, the improvement is significant: the 2010 GS is faster, quicker away from the line and more flexible, with the unexpected bonus of there being no change in fuel consumption.

Some would say that's not a fair or suprising comparison:rolleyes:
 
Looks like a significant inprovement at low revs - I do a lot of commuting so spend most of my time below 4k rpm - I find that peak power fairly meaningless on a bike like this - but a flatter torque curve is a step forward imo.
 
I was browsing through various German bike mags in Dusseldorf airport last night and they've all got on-the-road tests of the new GS comparing it against the usual rivals e.g. Tiger, KTM990, old R1200GS

The 0-100kph time has improved slightly to 3.7 secs, but top speed is around the same at 218kph.

Peak power was the same as the KTM990 Adventure, but with much more torque and it's produced at lower revs.

Seems like a slight improvement on the old 'un, but not enough to justify the price to change if you've a recent old model.
 
Looks like a significant inprovement at low revs - I do a lot of commuting so spend most of my time below 4k rpm - I find that peak power fairly meaningless on a bike like this - but a flatter torque curve is a step forward imo.

Sounds good. I was a bit concerned that the new engine might be a bit 'sporty' needing more revs rather than less.

Probably a smart move to prevent people drifting away from the beand.
 
I know a team of BM techs are in spain building a shedload of these twin cam bikes for a launch later this week / month

Sorry can't really say any more as it wouldn't be appropriate to give all the details as they were sort of given in confidence
 
I know a team of BM techs are in spain building a shedload of these twin cam bikes for a launch later this week / month

Sorry can't really say any more as it wouldn't be appropriate to give all the details as they were sort of given in confidence

Ok, i'll tell then:blast
BuMW are doing another ‘Dealer Launch’ like they did for the S1000RR recently.
They invited staff from all European dealers to a special pre-launch testing weekend in sunny Spanish land.
:Motomartin
 
The 0-100kph time has improved slightly to 3.7 secs..

Always wondered if there is a standard rider & fuel mass for these acceleration tests?
Not important really as I'm sure they don't apply to a majority of the uses here:augie
 
Has anyone ever attempted to do a proper 0-60 mph on a GS/GSA???

Any Santa-Pod enthusiast out there???

I can't believe for a moment that a GS is quicker off the mark than a Subaru Impreza...
 
Got myself in the queue for a new one in April :D.

My 2005 will be up to about 48,000 miles by then and even though it looks almost new (only the hand grips are a bit worn) and running real peachy, I just fancy a change.
 
Has anyone ever attempted to do a proper 0-60 mph on a GS/GSA???

Any Santa-Pod enthusiast out there???

I can't believe for a moment that a GS is quicker off the mark than a Subaru Impreza...

2007 Scubi WRX 0-60 = 4.8s
2008 1200GS 0-60 = 3.3s
:augie
:thumb
:hide
bring it on then
 
Don't get me wrong, I'm not advertising for riding our GS's like superbikes, but it feels like a lot more than 3.3s when I get to 60 mph if I start from standstill...

I don't usually get to the red-line anyway, I don't think it's the spirit, or am I missing the point altogether here?

Maybe I should leave the panniers, top-box, tool bag, air-pump, spares and oil at home one day and go on a good old thrashing session, with a stopwatch, and have a good go at this 0-60 thing...

Without the other-half preferably!!!
 
Maybe I should leave the panniers, top-box, tool bag, air-pump, spares and oil at home one day and go on a good old thrashing session, with a stopwatch, and have a good go at this 0-60 thing...

Without the other-half preferably!!!

That'll be it then.

GS 0-60 = 3.3s (naked bike with 8 stone rider dressed in Licra)

GS 0-60 = how long have you got (fully loaded with 36stone Tosser, with pipe, 40lbs of Ready Rubbed and size 14 slippers:augie).

:thumb
 
I would say 0-60 in 3.3s seems about right! The flat power curve is deceptive, and the lack of a powerband makes it seem sluggish.

As to the 2010GS - I think BMW have got it spot on! Subtle improvements, no big price hike, and my bike isn't going to plummet in value.
 
The new bike looks pretty good.

It does not seem that much different from the previous model - however the evolution of the GS over the last 5 years is very significant - the 1150 is now starting to look pretty dated compared to the latest bike - this evolution has given us a big increase in torque, a 25bhp advantage, a saving of 30kg, a far improved gearbox and other technical improvements.

And if you believe Kevin and Julia Sanders of Globebusters the 1200 is now just as reliable as the old 1150 - what's not to like?
 


Back
Top Bottom