2014 BMW R1200GS Adventure Preview/PhotosOne of the motorcycles that helped push BMW Motorrad summer sales to new highs was the F800GS Adventure, an upgraded version of the Bavarian manufacturer’s mid-weight enduro-touring motorcycle.
Rumors immediately began of when BMW would offer the granddaddy of all enduro tourers – the revamped semi-water cooled R1200GS – in an Adventure model.And on Monday, BMW Motorrad announced the arrival of the 2014 BMW R1200GS Adventure. The bike takes the already high-spirited R1200GS, and adds the essentials needed for true enduro riding and globe trotting, including a larger fuel tank, more suspension travel, additional riding modes, additional adjustability, and additional vibration damping from the boxer twin.The 2014 BMW R1200GS Adventure features the new semi-liquid cooled 1170 cc boxer engine featured on the R 1200 GS, which produces 125 horsepower at 7,750 rpm. The biggest change in the new model is the new precision cooling system which uses water instead of oil as a cooling agent. Also new is the engine’s through-flow, which is now vertical for even more efficient power output, as well as the six-speed gearbox that is integrated into the engine housing along with the wet clutch.BMW also moved the cordon-shaft drive to the left side of the motorcycle, which is a first for the R1200GS motorcycle. New to the R 1200 GS Adventure is the drive’s flywheel mass has been increased by around 950 grams and an extra vibration damper has been incorporated into the powertrain.The 2014 R 1200GS Adventure features the same tubular steel spaceframe as the base model, but is upgraded with other essentials needed to make globe trotting much easier.BMW added a 30-liter tank, which is 10 liters more than the base model, and the fuel tank is made from a lightweight aluminum instead of steal.Regarding electronics, The R 1200 GS Adventure already comes equipped as standard with ABS, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), as well as the two riding modes – “Rain” and “Road”, which enable the riding characteristics to be adapted to most road conditions. This further enhances the range of use of the new R 1200 GS Adventure considerably, at the same time as providing a significant safety boost on slippery surfaces in particular.Three further riding modes can be added by ordering the optional Riding mode Pro feature, which is accompanied by the Enduro ABS and Enduro ASC add-ons for off-road riding. The three extra riding modes Dynamic, Enduro and Enduro Pro (which can be activated with a coding plug) make it possible to adjust the settings of both ASC and ABS and, if fitted, the semi-active suspension Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) to suit the specific requirements of off-road operation, BMW Motorrad says.The R 1200 GS Adventure features a new chassis setup that features 20 millimeters of additional spring travel, additional ground clearance, and a trailing arm with modified geometry for even better handling. A larger windshield with convenient hand-wheel adjustment, additional air flaps as well as hand protectors greatly increase wind and weather protection.Also, the new R1200GS Adventure features wide enduro footrests, adjustable, reinforced foot-operated levers and completely restyled, more muscular bodywork.BMW has not released when the R 1200 GS Adventure will be released in the US, or the US MSRP, but the Germany model will sell for € 15,900 (including 19-percent VAT).Following are the highlights of the 2014 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure:
Based on the same versatile overall concept as the R 1200 GS, with spirited twin-cylinder boxer engine and agile chassis, but with enhanced off-road prowess and globetrotting abilities.
Increased flywheel mass in the engine and additional vibration damper for even smoother running and superior rideability.
Spring travel 20 millimeters longer at front and rear compared to R 1200 GS.
10 millimeters more ground clearance than predecessor.
Modified geometry of trailing arm for even sharper handling.
Completely restyled bodywork in distinctly robust and masculine GS Adventure design.
30-liter fuel tank with similar range to predecessor.
ABS, ASC and two riding modes as standard.
Three further riding modes available as an ex-works option.
Semi-active suspension Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) available as an ex-works option.
More comfortable, tilt-adjustable bench seat.
Large, adjustable windshield and air flaps.
Wide enduro footrests.
Adjustable, reinforced foot-operated levers.
Robust engine and tank protection bar.
Wide range of special accessories and optional extras available ex-works.
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory + Steve ’Stavros’ Parrish
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
Our first segment features the new Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his report on the flagship version of Aprilia’s upright middleweight machine. He gives us insight into whether it’s worth spending the extra money on the Factory version, and also of course, whether this sporting Aprilia is really the motorcycle for you.
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The next guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In this segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with (arguably) one of the most interesting Suzuki race riders of all time. the iconic RG500 alongside teammate double World Champion Barry Sheene. The two were almost as famous for their exploits off-track, as for their success on it. Those were the days! Steve also raced the Isle of Man TT for about ten years where he won 13 Silver Replicas, and got a podium finish. His insight into that particular brand of mayhem are fascinating.
But there’s waaay more to Steve Parrish than his motorcycle racing. He is also the most successful Semi-Truck racer ever, and, little known piece of useless trivia—he’s my birthday twin: 24th February. He is a natural entertainer and you can’t miss his recounting of the world’s most entertaining—and arguably terrifying—double-decker bus ride ever. If any of you were actually on that hell-ride then we’d love to hear from you!
