Changes to the 2008 BMW R1200 GS Adventure?

[mountainpete]

I just got a note from BMW about their 08 product release. It includes some changes to the GS Adventure along with the 800 GS.

R 1200 GS and Adventure
There are also further improvements and developments to the all-terrain big boxer machines - the unchallenged choice of the world's most adventurous overlanders, including Ewan MacGregor and Charley Boorman. The new version of the best selling R 1200 GS, and its Adventure variant, benefit from a more powerful engine with improved drive and traction. New for 2008, both models will be offered with the option of a new Enduro version of ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment).

The unique system offers R 1200 GS and Adventure owners the opportunity to tune their suspension for on or off-road use at the touch of a button.

Tony Jakeman, BMW Motorrad Marketing Manager, said: "With the launch of five exciting new models BMW Motorrad continues to broaden its appeal to a wider motorcycle audience. Eagerly anticipated models such as the F 650 GS and F 800 GS will not only attract new riders to BMW, but will also please existing Motorrad fans with their performance, handling and good looks.

"The up-rated versions of the best-selling R 1200 GS and Adventure, with our unique Electronic Suspension Adjustment system, will reinforce our leadership in the Adventure motorcycle sector. We are also excited to be entering even more diverse market segments with models such as the G 450 X, reinforcing our philosophy to launch class leading machinery into new motorcycle market sectors."

http://www.worldofbmw.com/content/article.asp?article=966&artDate=07/11/2007 10:24:16

Anyone have more details?

Pete

 

[Sleeping Dog]

2008 r1200 GS

ESA is the electronically adjustable suspension that has been offered on the K & other R bikes for the last couple of years. Using a bar mounted control you can adjust the preload for weight, solo, two up, two up w/gear etc. Also you can adjust the valving of the shocks in order to 'tune' the suspension. For the purely street bikes this is a comfort, normal and sport setting. Whether the second adjustment will differ on the GS I'm not sure.

ESA is about a $700 option and works well, but if you are thinking about aftermarket shocks don't bother.

The 2008 GS's were announced yesterday at the Milan MC show so more info should be dribbling out. I'm trying to get my hands on a press kit and if I do I'll post some info.

jim

 

[mountainpete]

Thanks Jim.

Any idea if it will allow the bike to be lowered? The GS Adventure fits me at the low seat setting, but it's right at the max.

Pete

 

[goodtimes]

Stainless steel knee covers drape each side of the gas tank area, while technical surfaces like the slide tubes and cylinder head covers have been redesigned.

New aluminum handlebar which can be mounted in two positions offers increased ergonomics, making its seated (or standing while off-road) position more comfortable.

Increased seat foam thickness.

5% more power, 105 bhp with a maximum engine speed of 8,000 RPM


Revised transmission ratios allow quicker acceleration, better low-speed traction and increased revs.


Off-road version of the ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) technology. It has three damper settings, Sport, Normal and Comfort give the rider the option of customizing both front and rear suspensions. There is also an off-road mode that adjusts the front and rear preload and increases ground clearance.

 

[HMR]

I've used ESA on the 1200RT and didn't really see the point but I'm a "set it and forget it" type when it comes to preload on my bikes. I'm really happy with the 1200GS. It's absolutely the most perfectly designed bike for the type of riding I like to do.

However, I hope BMW doesn't add too many more bells and whistles as it's just more stuff to break out in BFE where we spend alot of time on these bikes. I just had my antennae ring fail on me and I'm still in disbelief that BMW would put such a stupid/show-stopper/no-possible-way-to-fix-in-the-field system on an "Adventure" bike.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

r1200 GS

Pete, ESA doesn't raise or lower the bike on the other models but Goodtimes note about an offroad mode makes sense. I to wish that it had a 'low' setting as I'm marginal in leg length.
Though I'm more interested in the F800 GS as I'd prefer a lighter bike.

Best news from Goodtimes post is revised gearing on the 1200 GS. Hopefully it will be a stump puller first gear.

Jim

 

[Hltoppr]

Although I'm kinda in the "less is more" thinking realm when it comes to electronic controls, I've found that the BMW GS stuff can really hold it's own in the field....they do a good job realizing that at least some of these bikes will be in BFE nowhere, and need to be very reliable...

-H-