John Donald looks over the new BMW R 1150 GS Adventure, just launched in Ireland
Some 20 years ago BMW took motorcycling into a new realm with the introduction of the legendary R 80 G/S. This new breed of bike, combining the qualities of a long distance tourer with the ruggedness of a true off-roader, has undergone numerous revisions in the two decades since then.
Now the GS story has taken yet another turn with the introduction of the R 1150 GS Adventurer. Being marketed alongside the conventional GS, the Adventure is made to gobble up terrain which other bikes won't reach - a point highlighted by BMW's decision to use the remote Bolivian outback as the setting for product pictures.
At a quick glance, it is strikingly similar to the standard GS. Only through closer inspection can one identify the subtle changes that have been introduced.
Noticeable among these are its anodised spoked wheel rims, painted cylinder head covers, larger 30 litres fuel tank, higher windshield and a more pronounced gargoyle like nose. Powered by BMW's renowned flat twin cylinder, air cooled 'boxer' engine, the Adventure delivers 85 bhp at 6,750 rpm from its 1130 cc, 4-valves, six speed, shaft driven power plant. Maximum speed is 118 mph with fuel consumption of about 60 mpg (at 56 mph) dropping to 52 mpg (at 74 mph).
Borrowing on the technical experience gained through its participation in the gruelling Paris -Dakar Rally (in which they have achieved four outright victories), BMW has endowed the Adventure with a plethora of technical features.
Used in conjunction with a coding plug, an electronic engine management system enables the serious tourer to make appropriate engine adjustments to provide for the poor fuel quality sometimes available in remote regions.
Chassis geometry, increased suspension travel, an ergonomically designed 35" off-the-ground seat and larger windscreen ensure that riders remain comfortable even over long distances. Suspension is provided by a telelever system (front) and paralever system (rear) which includes a special intelligent damping strut which acts progressively depending on surface conditions. A low centre of gravity delivered by its flat twin engine also promises outstanding handling qualities.
Weight-Wise, the Adventure tips the scales at a ready-for-the-road 558 lbs and has a permitted total weight of 9 cwt. Other features include ABS brakes, high-profile lug tyres for extra grip, reinforced under body protection, two 12 volt power sockets, hand protectors, heated grips and digital rider information display and engine protection bars.
At €15,950 (€530 above the standard GS), the R 1150 GS Adventure comes in two colour choices - a non-metallic Night Black with yellow/black seat and metallic White Aluminium with grey/red seat.
As with all BMWs, a host of optional items is available. Included amongst these are front fog lamps, stone chip protection grid for main lights and fog lamps, lockable aluminium panniers (36/38 litres) and top box (30 litres), removable waterproof inner bags and GPS navigation system.