Twenty-five years ago the launch of the BMW R80 G/S established a new category in motorcycling – the large capacity enduro machine. After numerous Paris-Dakar victories and hundreds of thousands of customer deliveries later, the GS range has become BMW Motorrad’s greatest success story.

BMW’s new philosophy of producing lighter, faster, more dynamic machines was first realised with the launch of the new generation R1200 GS in March 2004. It is now BMW’s best selling model worldwide and its GS credibility has resulted in many new riders being attracted to the brand.

Despite the R1150 GS Adventure remaining largely unchanged since its launch in 2002, sales have remained particularly healthy due to its cult status as the ultimate long distance enduro machine. This has undoubtedly helped BMW Motorrad retain its dominance in the Adventure Sport category.

The R1150 GS Adventure’s reputation as the machine of choice for long distance travel has seen it used by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman for their Long Way Round odyssey. Global endurance riding specialists Kevin and Julia Sanders set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest Trans Americas crossing by riding a GS Adventure. They have since recreated this journey with 12 other riders, all on R1150 GS Adventures, albeit at a slower pace!

Among many other long distance journeys made possible by the durability of a R1150 GS Adventure is the fundraising ride undertaken by seven members of The White Nights Ride Team (all on GS Adventures) who rode from Vladivostok to St Petersburg to raise $1million for charity. A fleet of R1150 GS Adventures are also used as instructors’ bikes at BMW’s award-winning Off-Road Skills courses in south Wales.

Despite the 1150’s status as the ultimate travel enduro, BMW Motorrad’s designers and engineers have not been content to rest on their laurels. The overall aim for the R1200 GS Adventure has been for less weight, more power and increased off-road ability. In fact, with the introduction of the R1200 GS Adventure, BMW has delivered much, much more.

Some of the highlights of the new model are that it has 15 per cent more power than its predecessor and 17 per cent more torque. It is lighter, has a larger fuel tank and a potential range of up to 450 miles. The larger screen provides better protection from wind and weather, and there is longer spring travel to give even more off-road ability.

To perfectly suit individual riders, many of the components can be adjusted and tailored, such as the seat, handlebars, footrests, gearshift, brake and clutch levers.

Like its predecessor, the new R1200 GS Adventure aims to be the definitive bike for serious long-distance on and off-road riding. Although BMW Motorrad expects many riders to trade up from the outgoing 1150cc model, it believes that the majority of purchasers will be new to the brand, attracted by the extra potential offered by a motorcycle of this type, as well as the credibility that comes with GS ownership.

The UK market launch of the R1200 GS Adventure is in Spring 2006. At this time, demonstrator machines will be available at every BMW Motorrad dealership. Initial production will feature a choice of Alpine White non-metallic with black and red seat; or White Aluminium matt Metallic, with a black and grey seat. The on the road price for this model will be confirmed shortly.

BMW Motorrad is proudly pre­senting the latest version of the ultimate long-distance enduro for serious globetrotters and adventurers. Apart from its dedicated combination of dynam­ic performance, touring and off-road capability, the new R 1200 GS Adventure offers additional off-road qualities and an even higher standard of long distance riding com­fort – straight from the factory.

Compared with its predecessor (the R 1150 GS Adventure) the new 1200cc model enters the market with numerous improvements and a far greater range of standard equipment. The R 1200 GS, on which the new Adventure is based, naturally remains in production.

Many features previously available only as special equipment or accessories now come as standard on the R 1200 GS Adventure. These include a robust 33-litre (7.3 gal) fuel tank, a new screen for better protection from wind and weather, an adjustable seat, engine pro­tec­tion bars, and extra-wide rider footrests with adjustable gearshift and brake levers.

Because the new Adventure is based on the R 1200 GS, the rider also benefits from significantly more power and torque from BMW Motor­rad’s latest generation boxer engine. Maximum output is 74kW/100 hp at 7,000 rpm, and peak torque is 115Nm/85 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm.

The use of lighter materials in the engine and transmission, as well as a lighter frame, suspension components and wheels, means that the new R 1200 GS Adventure (despite a wider range of equipment) weighs no more than the previous version.

In addition, a new six-speed gearbox, the most re­cent Paralever and Telelever technology, new digital instrumentation, and an on-board network with CAN bus technology re­present a significant development when compared with its predecessor, the R 1150 GS Adventure.

High-quality materials and surfaces, such as stainless steel and aluminium, ensure a unique touch of high-tech and functional elegance. Depending on personal preference, the customer can choose from two entirely different colour schemes.

To reflect its wide ranging capabilities the new R 1200 GS Adventure has an equally wide range of special equipment and acces­sories. Features available from the factory include BMW Motor­rad Integral ABS (semi-integral on-demand operation), special off-road tyres, additional headlights, and an on-board computer. In addition to the above features – and available straight off the production line – BMW motorcycle dealerships are able to supply a new range of aluminium cases, a BMW Motorrad Navigator GPS system, and numerous practical accessories for personalisation.