roadrider
Registered user
1200GS (do you still want one)
"The outer sign of distinction and a visual highlight of this extremely compact and elegant lightweight structure is the 50-mm hole drilled through the axle pipe of the final drive housing. The final drive itself comes with lifetime oil filling and this means that there is no need to change the final drive fluid throughout the entire life of the motorcycle."
There is no need for conventional fuses at any point throughout the on-board network, the electronic processor simply switches off the function involved in the event of a short-circuit or malfunction. Subsequent diagnosis will quickly trace and remedy the defect. Since other functions are not affected, the network philosophy featured on the R1200 GS therefore offers further advantages in reliability and failsafe operation.
The new on-board electronic system featured on the R1200 GS allows the introduction of a high-tech, extra-light instrument cluster - based completely on digital technology. Incorporating the speedometer, rev counter and the Info Flatscreen Display, the instrument cluster replaces the former Rider Information Display, providing permanent information on oil temperature, fuel level, the remaining range of fuel in the tank, the time of day, and the
gear currently engaged.
The windshield adjusts to five different angles without requiring tools, offering riders of different size optimum protection from wind and weather. The two plastic side covers to the right and left of the tank come off easily by means of rapid catches.
Maintaining BMW's usual standard, the new two-piece double seat offers the rider and passenger comfortable and ample space. The seat is not only available in two colours, Grey and Black, but also adjusts to two different heights for the rider - 840mm and 860mm (33.1in and 33.8in´) respectively. With a higher +30mm (1.18in) seat and lower -30mm seat available as special equipment, the customer is able to choose from four different seat heights ranging from 810mm (31.9´in) to 890mm (35´´), thus benefitting from unprecedented variability and freedom of choice.
Made of stable but light plastic, the luggage rack on the R1200 GS is a new design and offers adequate storage space for additional luggage. This is easy to fasten and transport safely thanks to the incorporated lashing points. A further option is to fit a top box. The plastic cover beneath the removable passenger seat serves as a flat loading area at the same level as the top edges of the top box. It is functional and practical all in one. Even after fitting the cases available as special equipment, the rider has lots of space for additional baggage. Once again, integrated lashing points are used for optimum security.
The gear shafts run on anti-friction ball bearings and the gears in low-friction needle bearings. The ball bearings come in clean bearing mounts to keep out even the finest particles. This allows longer maintenance intervals and reduces servicing costs - only one gearbox oil change is required every 40,000km or 25,000 miles.
Innovations in the on-board network - the BMW Motorcycle Single-Wire System (SWS)
Another special feature of the R1200 GS is the new on-board electrical system. The term Single-Wire System describes a highly innovative on-board network using electronics and CAN-bus technology (Controller Area Network) to offer functions and features never before seen. Reducing the number and length of cables required, this network offers a much wider range of functions than a conventional on-board network, information being transmitted along just one single path (hence "single-wire") as opposed to the double-wire system otherwise required.
Apart from a wide range of functions, the main advantages of this intelligent combination of electrics and electronics are lighter wiring harnesses, substantial resistance to interference, and a complete range of diagnostic functions. A further point is that the system may be flexibly expanded by simple updates.
The basic principle of the Single-Wire System is to connect all control units, sensors, and power-consuming items via one single, common wire in order to form a complete network transmitting all signals regardless of their subsequent function. In other words, all information is readily available at all times for all the components.
Signals are assigned and transmitted to the respective power-consuming item at junction points in the electronic system of each control unit. Here the signals, or data, are processed and then used to activate the functions desired in the respective component. This eliminates the need for elaborate cabling (required for each function operating through a separate wire) thus reducing potential effects and errors in a conventional on-board network using a large number of cables. This is an important factor in contributing to a system's high standard of reliability.
All control units are connected to one another and are able to communicate directly and exchange data in a bi-directional mode. This allows simple and comprehensive diagnosis of the entire system from one central point - the electronics incorporate suitable programs in order to filter out unimportant data and interference signals within a defined tolerance. It therefore makes the system less sensitive to electromagnetic disturbance.
In all, the new R1200 GS comes in standard trim with three control units (the cluster instrument represents a control unit in its own right). The control unit for the Digital Motor Electronics (BMS-K) is not only responsible for the engine management (already described) but also transmits all data to the central diagnostic system. Central Suspension Electronics (CSE) serves to mastermind the electrical units and functions not specific to the engine.
And if the motorcycle is fitted with Integral ABS and an anti-theft warning system (as an option) the control units are also integrated in the network.
"The outer sign of distinction and a visual highlight of this extremely compact and elegant lightweight structure is the 50-mm hole drilled through the axle pipe of the final drive housing. The final drive itself comes with lifetime oil filling and this means that there is no need to change the final drive fluid throughout the entire life of the motorcycle."
There is no need for conventional fuses at any point throughout the on-board network, the electronic processor simply switches off the function involved in the event of a short-circuit or malfunction. Subsequent diagnosis will quickly trace and remedy the defect. Since other functions are not affected, the network philosophy featured on the R1200 GS therefore offers further advantages in reliability and failsafe operation.
The new on-board electronic system featured on the R1200 GS allows the introduction of a high-tech, extra-light instrument cluster - based completely on digital technology. Incorporating the speedometer, rev counter and the Info Flatscreen Display, the instrument cluster replaces the former Rider Information Display, providing permanent information on oil temperature, fuel level, the remaining range of fuel in the tank, the time of day, and the
gear currently engaged.
The windshield adjusts to five different angles without requiring tools, offering riders of different size optimum protection from wind and weather. The two plastic side covers to the right and left of the tank come off easily by means of rapid catches.
Maintaining BMW's usual standard, the new two-piece double seat offers the rider and passenger comfortable and ample space. The seat is not only available in two colours, Grey and Black, but also adjusts to two different heights for the rider - 840mm and 860mm (33.1in and 33.8in´) respectively. With a higher +30mm (1.18in) seat and lower -30mm seat available as special equipment, the customer is able to choose from four different seat heights ranging from 810mm (31.9´in) to 890mm (35´´), thus benefitting from unprecedented variability and freedom of choice.
Made of stable but light plastic, the luggage rack on the R1200 GS is a new design and offers adequate storage space for additional luggage. This is easy to fasten and transport safely thanks to the incorporated lashing points. A further option is to fit a top box. The plastic cover beneath the removable passenger seat serves as a flat loading area at the same level as the top edges of the top box. It is functional and practical all in one. Even after fitting the cases available as special equipment, the rider has lots of space for additional baggage. Once again, integrated lashing points are used for optimum security.
The gear shafts run on anti-friction ball bearings and the gears in low-friction needle bearings. The ball bearings come in clean bearing mounts to keep out even the finest particles. This allows longer maintenance intervals and reduces servicing costs - only one gearbox oil change is required every 40,000km or 25,000 miles.
Innovations in the on-board network - the BMW Motorcycle Single-Wire System (SWS)
Another special feature of the R1200 GS is the new on-board electrical system. The term Single-Wire System describes a highly innovative on-board network using electronics and CAN-bus technology (Controller Area Network) to offer functions and features never before seen. Reducing the number and length of cables required, this network offers a much wider range of functions than a conventional on-board network, information being transmitted along just one single path (hence "single-wire") as opposed to the double-wire system otherwise required.
Apart from a wide range of functions, the main advantages of this intelligent combination of electrics and electronics are lighter wiring harnesses, substantial resistance to interference, and a complete range of diagnostic functions. A further point is that the system may be flexibly expanded by simple updates.
The basic principle of the Single-Wire System is to connect all control units, sensors, and power-consuming items via one single, common wire in order to form a complete network transmitting all signals regardless of their subsequent function. In other words, all information is readily available at all times for all the components.
Signals are assigned and transmitted to the respective power-consuming item at junction points in the electronic system of each control unit. Here the signals, or data, are processed and then used to activate the functions desired in the respective component. This eliminates the need for elaborate cabling (required for each function operating through a separate wire) thus reducing potential effects and errors in a conventional on-board network using a large number of cables. This is an important factor in contributing to a system's high standard of reliability.
All control units are connected to one another and are able to communicate directly and exchange data in a bi-directional mode. This allows simple and comprehensive diagnosis of the entire system from one central point - the electronics incorporate suitable programs in order to filter out unimportant data and interference signals within a defined tolerance. It therefore makes the system less sensitive to electromagnetic disturbance.
In all, the new R1200 GS comes in standard trim with three control units (the cluster instrument represents a control unit in its own right). The control unit for the Digital Motor Electronics (BMS-K) is not only responsible for the engine management (already described) but also transmits all data to the central diagnostic system. Central Suspension Electronics (CSE) serves to mastermind the electrical units and functions not specific to the engine.
And if the motorcycle is fitted with Integral ABS and an anti-theft warning system (as an option) the control units are also integrated in the network.
