While virtually every bike firm tries to get a chunk of the big adventure bike market BMW has really got it sewn up with the R1200GS. So its rivals are sure to be disheartened to see that an updated version of Europe’s best-selling bike is set to go on sale next year.
It would be a stretch to call the 2017 R1200GS a totally new bike, but there are several big updates. First is the engine, which is now fully Euro4 compliant while retaining the same 125bhp power output as the current model. The compliance comes from a new catalytic converter and updated engine management.
It also gets electronic tweaks including the option of ‘Riding Modes Pro’ which adds a host more riding modes above the standard bike’s ‘rain’ and ‘road’ settings and Dynamic Traction Control that works even when the bike is banked. The Pro set-up also includes Hill Start Control, cornering ABS and a dynamic brake light.
Optional ‘next generation’ Dynamic ESA offers automatically-adapting suspension settings that vary depending on usage and riding conditions, as well as offering self-levelling to counteract the weight of luggage or pillions.
A new model, the R1200GS Rallye, will add more serious off-road ability in the form of stiffer suspension and longer travel.
Finally, the bike also gets new paint schemes and styling tweaks including a new front mudguard, wind deflectors and trim to the air intake and sides of the fuel tank.
Elsewhere in BMW’s range, the K1600GTL has gained similar updates to those revealed on the K1600GT a month ago. These include Euro4 compliance for the 160bhp straight six engine, a mild restyle, better wind protection and revised riding position. The bike also gets ‘reverse assist’ to help manoeuvrability and the option of Shift Assistant Pro for clutchless up and down gear changes.
The F800R and F800GT are also tweaked. Again, they get Euro4 compliance for their engines plus newly designed exhaust tips, ride by wire, two riding modes and a new instrument panel.
