2011 BMW R1200R and G650GS - First Look

BMW updates a flat-Twin naked bike and single-cylinder adventure motorcycle at EICMA.

**

" src=

**

BMW stole the show at INTERMOT with its first production Six: the K1600GT and K1600GTL luxury-touring motorcycles. So it would be difficult to expect another exploit of that intensity at the EICMA show in Milan. Yet, the revised R1200R flat-Twin naked bike is a refreshing sight, as it an updated G650GS adventure Single.

The R1200R’s main aspect of newness is in the powertrain department, with the latest dohc, radial-valve edition of the 1170cc Boxer engine replacing the previous cam-in-head version. It was an expected move, yet we cheer it because it pushes the most classic of all BMW Motorrad models to a higher level of technology and performance. Power, torque and rev limit are on par with those of the same units powering the R1200GS and RT: 110 hp at 7750 rpm and 88 ft.lb. of torque at 6000. These twin-cam heads truly transform the engine, with a more-broad torque curve and smoothness of delivery.

Chassis geometry and structure remain unchanged on the R1200R, with the noteworthy exception of the Telelever front suspension that now sports beefier 41mm stanchions in place of the previous 35mm units. This alone should provide a much more solid and precise front-end feeling. As always with BMW, the list of optional equipment is impressive and includes some very practical items like semi-integral ABS brakes and the  effective ESA electronically adjustable suspension, plus heated handgrips and an array of windshields and seats of various heights, starting from a very inviting and confidence-inspiring 30.3 inch-high unit (standard is a reasonable 31.5 inches). Available in either Standard or Classic editions, the Classic gets wire-spoked wheels, in place of cast aluminum units, and also a metallic black paint job with chalk white striping running from the tip of the front fender through the rear end of the tank. Very classic, indeed!

At the other end of the spectrum is the G650GS. Despite of the excellent overall quality of its 650cc Single, the latest generation “G” series models can hardly be rated among BMW Motorrad’s recent successes. Looking hard, this new GS version does not suggest much is new, but rather it appears based on the previous generation chassis. Because of this, the G650GS should come to the market at a very accessible price, an honest runabout with that GS adventure look that never fails to appeal. In this iteration, the mighty 100.0 x 83.0 mm liquid-cooled, dohc, four-valve, fuel-injected Single generates 48 hp at 6500 rpm, and 44.3 ft.-lb. of torque at 5000 rpm, 5 hp less than the unit that powers the G650 of the present X-Moto, X-Challenge and X-Country. Pricing has not yet been set but we expect to see both models Stateside.

005 2011 BMW R1200R

004 2011 BMW R1200R

003 2011 BMW R1200R

002 2011 BMW R1200R

001 2011 BMW G650GS

Slot: div-gpt-ad-leaderboard_sticky
Slot: div-gpt-ad-leaderboard_middle1
Slot: div-gpt-ad-leaderboard_middle2
Slot: div-gpt-ad-leaderboard_middle3
Slot: div-gpt-ad-leaderboard_bottom