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New 2013 R 1200 GS

stubdetoe

New member
Here is the press release with all details confirmed:


At the show now, Press Release:

The new BMW R 1200 GS.
The worldÔÇÖs most successful travel enduro is perfected.

The ÔÇ£BMW GSÔÇØ concept has embodied riding pleasure and the desire for adventure for over 30 years. This applies especially to the GS motorcycles with the opposed-twin ÔÇ£boxerÔÇØ engine. The ÔÇ£big GSÔÇØ allows motorcyclists to explore the most remote corners of the world - an idea that has already inspired numerous globetrotters to set off on their travels.
But the GS was and still is much more than this. Whether sports-style cornering on winding country roads, excellent travel times due to high motorway speeds, relaxed tours with a passenger or daring rides over rough terrain - every GS has offered supreme mastery of these skills in its respective era and this wonÔÇÖt change with the new version.
It is the unique integrated concept of the big travel enduro bike with boxer engine, complete with authentic charm and a powerful, high-torque engine, which is loved by legions of motorcycle fans all over the world to this day. It is not for nothing that the ÔÇ£big BMW GSÔÇØ with boxer engine has been the undisputed frontrunner in its market segment for many years and is the
best-seller within the BMW Motorrad model range. BMW is now beginning a whole new chapter in GS history: the most popular travel enduro in the world has been brought to perfection.
The challenge: how to improve even more following nine years
at the top.
Even in its ninth year of production, the current BMW R 1200 GS is still setting the benchmark in its segment in comparative tests with its outstanding overall concept and innovative technology. With over 170,000 units sold,
it is the most successful and top-selling travel enduro in the world.
So the challenge facing the BMW Motorrad development department was considerable: to further optimise the GS - an icon of three decades - improve it in all areas and equip it with innovative technical solutions to ensure it is in good shape for the future.
The development goals of the new BMW R 1200 GS:
ÔÇó Further increase performance overall - without neglecting its
well-established virtues.
ÔÇó Perfect its touring suitability.
ÔÇó Increase off-road suitability.
ÔÇó Achieve superior figures within the travel enduro segment and beyond in terms of engine and riding performance.
ÔÇó Ensure preparation for the future in terms of noise and exhaust emissions.
ÔÇó Suspension with top handling, optimum traction and increased off-road performance.
ÔÇó Increase active and passive safety.
ÔÇó Unmistakable BMW Motorrad design in typical GS style.
ÔÇó Top quality as is characteristic of BMW Motorrad.
Newly designed air/water-cooled boxer engine with vertical through-flow, integrated gearbox and left-hand cardan shaft drive.
Geared towards the above goals, the entire R 1200 GS was completely redefined, particularly the drive concept.
The performance aspired to, as well as adherence to future anticipated requirements in terms of noise and exhaust emissions, is ensured among other things by a change in the cooling system. The boxer engine in the new R 1200 GS continues to use air/liquid cooling, however, the coolant oil has been replaced by a glycol-water mixture. This ensures a high level of heat absorption capacity of the cooling liquid for more efficient heat dissipation.
So-called precision cooling (a principle similar to that used in Formula 1) involves only those engine elements being cooled with coolant, which are particularly exposed to thermal stress. The engine still continues to use air cooling, thereby preserving the characteristic appearance of the opposed twin boxer engine. The two radiators are small and inconspicuously integrated.
The through-flow is now vertical instead of horizontal for improved filling, and the engine housing integrates the 6-speed gearbox as well as a wet clutch with anti-hopping function instead of the dry clutch as was used previously. What is more, the secondary drive now runs via the well-established cardan shaft on the left-hand side. With an output of 92 kW (125 bhp) at 7700 rpm and 125 Nm at 6500 rpm, the new engine offers superior power and performance in the travel enduro segment and beyond.
The empty weight (ready for the road) according to DIN of the R 1200 GS is 238 kg including standard BMW Motorrad Integral ABS.
E-gas and cruise control.
An electromotive throttle actuator is now used for the first time in a GS motorcycle. Here, rider commands are passed on directly by the sensor in the accelerator twist grip to the engine control system; this then regulates the throttle valve electronically. The use of the E-gas system provides a significant improvement in terms of controllability and response. What is more, the rider can adapt engine characteristics to the situation on the road by means of five modes (optional extra). It was also possible to include an electronic cruise control function (optional extra).
ASC and riding modes as an optional extra: five freely selectable modes - ÔÇ£RainÔÇØ, ÔÇ£RoadÔÇØ, ÔÇ£DynamicÔÇØ, ÔÇ£EnduroÔÇØ and ÔÇ£Enduro ProÔÇØ.
For optimum adaptation to the riderÔÇÖs individual needs and purpose, the new R 1200 GS now offers five freely selectable riding modes for the first time: these are an ex works option and feature three different E-gas settings and with varying engine characteristics. Linked to this is Automatic Stability Control ASC with a special enduro configuration. If this option is chosen, BMW Motorrad ABS, ASC and - if installed - the semiactive suspension are all adapted to the respectiveprofiles of these five modes
Semiactive suspension: BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA for optimum riding dynamics in every situation as an ex works option.
The new semiactive suspension BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) taps into a whole new range of possibilities as well as providing maximum riding safety and performance. Dynamic ESA monitors the vertical movement of front and rear wheel control as well as other parameters by means of a spring travel sensor in each position, and adapts the damping automatically to the situation depending on riding conditions and the manoeuvres being carried out. Damping adjustment at front and rear is effected by means of electrically controlled regulation valves.
New chassis with tubular steel bridge frame and specially adapted wheel/tyre dimensions of 120/70 R19 at front and 170/60 R17 at rear as a world first.
The chassis of the R 1200 GS uses a completely newly developed tubular all-steel bridge frame with a bolt-on rear frame. Along with the newly designed Telelever at the front and the EVO Paralever at the rear, this has resulted in a further significant increase in torsional stiffness and hence ride stability and steering precision. Optimised handling qualities are the result of refined master geometric chassis data, and a longer swingarm provides further improved traction - especially when riding over rough terrain.
A globally unique feature of the new R 1200 GS are the tyres in the sizes 120/70 R19 at the front and 170/60 R17 at the rear, specially adapted to improve performance.
Revised brake system with radially mounted Brembo Monobloc brake calipers and BMW Motorrad Integral ABS as standard.
The brake system of the R 1200 GS has been extensively revised, too. There are now radially mounted Brembo Monobloc brake calipers at the front and a larger brake disc at the rear.
In line with the BMW Motorrad principle ÔÇ£Safety 360??ÔÇØ the new GS is also fitted as standard with the BMW Motorrad ABS, here in the part integral version.
The first motorcycle in the world with LED main headlight including integrated daytime running light for even greater safety when riding during the day and at night as an ex works option.
Even in its standard trim the new R 1200 GS has a main headlight with optimised light efficiency. In order to be seen even better during the day, BMW Motorrad also offers a daytime running light as an ex works option. For excellent road illumination and therefore even greater safety both day and night, an LED main headlight with integrated daytime running light is fitted in a motorcycle for the first time ever. It comprises innovative LED technology with a sophisticated cooling and decondensation concept.
Electrical system with new vehicle power supply and
Multi-Controller for the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV.
The new R 1200 GS has the innovative new vehicle power system with altered function partitioning as already used in the 6-cylinder models
K 1600 GT and GTL. As before, CAN bus (Controller Area Network) and LIN bus technology (Local Interconnect Network) enables significantly reduced wiring as compared to a conventional system. The previous central vehicle electronics has been partitioned into two separate control units.
The Multi-Controller, newly available for the GS, allows fast and convenient operation of the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV. It is located on the inside of the handlebar grip. This means that selecting functions is much less distracting than pressing buttons and does not require hands to be removed from the handlebars.
Aerodynamically optimised windshield with one-hand operation and optimum ergonomics.
The newly developed windshield of the R 1200 GS offers further improved wind and weather protection while also reducing wind noise. Adjustment is simple: an easily accessible and ergonomically optimised selection wheel is operated using one hand.
The new R 1200 GS has extended adjustment options for optimum seating comfort. The riderÔÇÖs seat can now be adjusted in height and tilt angle and the passenger seat can be shifted longitudinally to obtain the ideal distance between rider and passenger. The new handlebars can easily be turned upwards and, together with the optimised knee grip in the fuel tank area, they ensure an even better standing position for off-road riding. The improved knee grip can be clearly felt when seated, too. A high and a low seat, as well as an adjustable footrest system and adjustable foot controls, round off the program of special accessories offering individual adjustment facilities.
An overview of highlights of the new BMW R 1200 GS.
ÔÇó Completely newly designed engine for top-level riding dynamics within the travel enduro segment.
ÔÇó Capacity 1170 cc, rated output 92 kW (125 bhp) at 7700 rpm and a maximum torque of 125 Nm at 6500 rpm.
ÔÇó Cylinder heads with vertical through-flow for increased efficiency and performance.
ÔÇó Compact air/water cooling for optimum heat management.
ÔÇó Basic engine with compact, light and yet rigidity-optimised crankshaft.
ÔÇó Vertically separated case in open deck construction.
ÔÇó 6-speed gearbox integrated in engine housing, including wet clutch with anti-hopping function and reduced lever operation force.
ÔÇó New intake system for optimum output and torque with 52 mm throttle valve diameter.
ÔÇó E-gas for improved ridability, running smoothness and special functions.
ÔÇó Innovative exhaust gas system with electronically controlled exhaust flap for optimum performance characteristics and an earthy boxer sound.
ÔÇó Freely selectable riding modes ÔÇ£RainÔÇØ, ÔÇ£RoadÔÇØ, ÔÇ£DynamicÔÇØ, ÔÇ£EnduroÔÇØ and ÔÇ£Enduro ProÔÇØ with three different electromotive throttle actuator settings in conjunction with ASC (Automatic Stability Control), ABS and ASC settings for off-road riding as well as different mode-specific Dynamic ESA settings (option ex works).
ÔÇó New suspension with torsionally stiff tubular steel bridge frame and bolt-on rear frame.
ÔÇó Optimised lightweight cardan shaft drive now running on the left-hand side.
ÔÇó Newly developed and optimised Telelever at front and EVO Paralever at rear for an even more precise ride feel.
ÔÇó Refined master chassis geometry data and long swingarm for excellent traction.
ÔÇó Optimised seating width and position, and adjustable handlebars for even greater comfort.
ÔÇó Optimised ground reach for rider (inner leg length).
ÔÇó Tyre/wheel dimensions of 120/70 R19 at front and 170/60 R17 at rear as a world first, tailored specially to the R 1200 GS.
ÔÇó Revised BMW Motorrad brake system with radially mounted Brembo Monobloc brake calipers at front and 2-piston floating caliper with enlarged brake disc at rear (?ÿ 276mm, previously 265mm).
ÔÇó BMW Motorrad Integral ABS as standard.
ÔÇó Semiactive suspension Dynamic ESA (ex works option).
ÔÇó Main headlight with optimised light efficiency and LED daytime running light (ex works option).
ÔÇó WorldÔÇÖs first motorcycle with LED main headlight featuring integrated daytime running light (ex works option).
ÔÇó New vehicle electrical system with partitioning of functions.
ÔÇó Extended electric switch units.
ÔÇó Electronic cruise control (ex works option).
ÔÇó Preparation for navigation unit with Multi-Controller to operate the
BMW Motorrad Navigator IV (ex works option).
ÔÇó Windshield with one-hand operation for excellent wind and weather protection.
ÔÇó Seat with multiple adjustment functions for perfect ergonomics.
ÔÇó Number plate carriers quick to dismount for off-road riding.
ÔÇó Increased ground clearance (+ 8 mm)
ÔÇó New instrument cluster with on-board computer as standard. PRO on-board computer as an option.
ÔÇó Four main paint finishes to choose from:
Alpine White, Racing Red, Blue Fire and Thunder Grey Metallic.
?À Extensive range of special accessories and rider equipment.
 
Pfeiffer words

Just chatted with Chris Pfeiffer at Intermot, he has been riding it a fair bit, the best feature he says is the narrowness of the bike and the TBs being moved on top out of the way gives lots of room for the legs to move around. Moving the shaft to the left side has also eliminated any residual driveline pull to one side for some reason. LED lights are an option. Weighs about the same as the current GS.:german

Some pictures of the bike at Intermot:

http://photobucket.com/albums/x459/Stubdetoe/NEW 2013 BMW GS
 
Thanks, Bill! It sounds like an awesome machine. Now let's see what Mr. John Q. Public thinks about it.
 
That may all be well and good. But, has the bike been designed to run on a 10% ethanol mixture? Many of you may not know, but the current model is not. And because of that, riding it in the US is a pain in the butt. The ethanol in our fuel damages the fuel system over time. I believe I was told by BMW the bikes should go at least 36,000 miles or so on E-10. If you get, by "accident", a mixture as high as 20%, the fuel pump will last about 9 hours! Ouch. And this happened to me. Thank you BMW for replacing nearly my entire fuel system under warranty.

So when traveling, I pour in more "crap" into the fuel tank, to "protect" the fuel system, adding even more to the already over-polluted fuel we Americans are required to dump in our tanks.

Thankfully, I have a service station nearby that sells non-ethanol fuel. And he does a bang-up business too. But it would be nice if the Germans understood that like it or not, ethanol-laced fuel is here to stay.
 
To me the most interesting aspects of the new bike are the wet clutch and e-gas.

Its no secret that the older dry clutch doesn't have the easiest modulation and that replacing it is a real pita compared to many wet clutch motorcycles though its pretty durable if not abused. So my primary interest is to see the actual design of the new power train to see if service has gotten more sensible. (I suspect it has- there has been a trend to easier serviceability of boxers over the past decade). I suspect clutch durability will decrease somewhat but not enough to be a real problem and that modulation abilty will improve, making riding easier.

E gas may or may not be helpful. Certainly if done well it gets rid of cables that can fail, but at the expense of a part that is tough to jury rig if it fails. Might or might not have a good enough connection to throttle response- need to ride one to see but its encouraging that BMW claims it is an improvement.

Note the torque and power numbers- will be interesting to see how much difference this is in normal riding.

Some good stuff in the spec- the radial monobloc, LED lights, etc.
 
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Throttle by wire;

It is a different feel indeed and not to long a learning curve to get used to. I rode the new GT1600 and its a wire to gas system too(no cables). Weird indeed at first ride, but miles added it got aok. I think the wet clutch will be smoother as most Japanese bikes ARE... Life, who knows? Engine totally redone is a tad scary and my dollars are safe at home 'till this thing gets LOTS of miles added by other owners:). 125HP sure seems cool, BUT how much is needed? My 105 sure getsrdone nicely. IF HP is the end all here, we've lost imo. Seems the HP war continues. Anybody mention MPGs and the new GS/GSA??? Its not on the road yet, so time will tell. VERY nice looker. Randy:usa
 
The bike looks good but I would not buy the first year model

I have a 2005 r1200gs with a build date of 11-2004 and have nothing but problems with the bike. I have corresponded with several owners with early build dates like mine that have had the same leaking counterbalance shaft seals and engine main seals. My bike has been broken in half SEVEN times to repair leaking seals and bad bearings. I am now dealing with electrical problems caused by the bike being broken in half so many times

The new GS will probably be a good bike after all first year production issues are sorted out.

Let someone else be the beta "buyer", I will wait a couple of years.
 
2013 r 1200 gs

I don't know if I will buy the GS or not, but I love the looks of the motor. The throttle bodies on top as someone previously said free up some space for your legs. (I would like to know the story behind that one - someone that knows nothing about mechanical things probably suggested it and a light went on).

And thank heavens - it still has fins!

That muffler is huge - so much for luggage capacity on that side.

And the beak has grown longer.
 

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I have a 2005 r1200gs with a build date of 11-2004 and have nothing but problems with the bike. I have corresponded with several owners with early build dates like mine that have had the same leaking counterbalance shaft seals and engine main seals. My bike has been broken in half SEVEN times to repair leaking seals and bad bearings. I am now dealing with electrical problems caused by the bike being broken in half so many times

The new GS will probably be a good bike after all first year production issues are sorted out.

Let someone else be the beta "buyer", I will wait a couple of years.

I had an april '04 build 12 GS. I put 40k on it and my friend got it to 120k with ZERO problems. Since you have a 9 year old GS it is no surprise that you might wait priot to getting the '13...maybe till '2020? Beta buyer? I had a first month 1150RT and it went over 100k with no problems before I lost track of it.
 
Glad you did not have problems with your bike Marty. But....

But if you do any research you will find that a much higher percent of early build 1200gs had seal problems. My leaks started in 2006 at 6,500 miles and the bike has been broken in half 7 times and I am now on my 8th counterbalance shaft seal, 4th engine output seal, 3rd clutch slave cylinder, 2nd clutch, 4th transmission input seal, 2nd transmission output seal, and have replaced one counterbalance shaft bearing. Now I have an electrical problem that Bloodworth BMW wants to replace the $1,400 wiring harness as a starting point but said that I should expect additional parts will be needed.
Marty, it is common knowledge that early build and first year models for any product are prone to more problems.
Again, I am glad you did not have any problems but I have not been a "happy camper",
I love the bike but not the problems. So you buy the "beta bike".
I don't even recommend taking a new prescription drug the first year it is on the market unless it is a life saving drug. I was a drug rep for 14 years and saw several recalls and blackbox warnings added to drugs after they are on the market for one year.
 
But if you do any research you will find that a much higher percent of early build 1200gs had seal problems. My leaks started in 2006 at 6,500 miles and the bike has been broken in half 7 times and I am now on my 8th counterbalance shaft seal, 4th engine output seal, 3rd clutch slave cylinder, 2nd clutch, 4th transmission input seal, 2nd transmission output seal, and have replaced one counterbalance shaft bearing. Now I have an electrical problem that Bloodworth BMW wants to replace the $1,400 wiring harness as a starting point but said that I should expect additional parts will be needed.
Marty, it is common knowledge that early build and first year models for any product are prone to more problems.
Again, I am glad you did not have any problems but I have not been a "happy camper",
I love the bike but not the problems. So you buy the "beta bike".
I don't even recommend taking a new prescription drug the first year it is on the market unless it is a life saving drug. I was a drug rep for 14 years and saw several recalls and blackbox warnings added to drugs after they are on the market for one year.

I think you should have cashed in your chips already.
 
Hard to "cash in chips" when you don't have a buyer

Could you imagine the answer I would have to give to a potential buyer that asked if I have ever had any problems with the bike?

Not an easy sale.
 
But if you do any research you will find that a much higher percent of early build 1200gs had seal problems.

Yep. And the majority of those seal issues were fixed once. My tranny in and out seals were replaced under warranty about 45K miles ago. The replacement wasn't a big deal. Brought the bike in about 7:30 one morning and swapped it for a loaner. Picked the bike up before 6 PM that same day. No seal issues since.
 
Glad yours was fixed quickly marchyman.

Bloodworth took 4 months to repair, I flew in and picked it up, road it 20 miles and the counterbalance shaft bearing went out. Took it back to Bloodworth they promptly ordered the needed parts and this time repaired it in one day. Said that they did not has a loaner.
So the bike is in the shop for 4 months and then last 20 miles. It is not totally Bloodworth's fault, I have had other dealers work on it and the seals keep going bad.
 
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