2010 BMW R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure first official photographs

BMW‘s massive-selling R1200GS has been given an engine overhaul for 2010 as the firm attempts to keep the bike at the top of the sales league and head-off opposition from rivals.

The 2010 BMW R1200GS and BMW R1200GS Adventure now have a double overhead cam engine with a claimed 110bhp, boosted torque of 88lb-ft, 500rpm more in the rev range with improvements to acceleration and pulling power.

The adventure bike class is one of the few growing markets – the GS has consistently been a top seller but with the new Ducati Multistrada 1200 and an all-new 1200cc Yamaha Super Tenere arriving in summer 2010, the class is going to get even more fiercely contested.

The 1170cc flat-twin motor has been designed from the start with more power and higher engine speeds in mind. It has two overhead, chain-driven cams per cylinder with valves operated by very light rocker arms.

Visually the new engine can be distinguished from the outgoing model by a black-coloured intake manifolds with magnesium-coloured cylinder head covers with two instead of four retaining bolts.

The new engine gets a modified exhaust system from the downpipes back. The mid section is modified to deal with the different vibration characteristics of the DOHC motor. The exhaust also has a new electronically-controlled flap which opens at certain revs to reduce back pressure and gives the bike a rorty exhaust note.

Although the silencer retains an identical outside sleeve, the interior is all new.
Other minor changes include a revised dashboard and larger knobs to adjust the windscreen more easily.

The handlebars also get asymmetrical clamps which can be turned through 180 degrees to give a handlebar mounting position to suit stand up off road riding or road riding more comfortably.

NEW BMW R1200GS HIGHLIGHTS:

New double overhead cam camshaft engine
Power increased by 5bhp to 110bhp at 7750rpm with torque increased to 88lb-ft at 6000rpm
Increase in maximum engine revs from 8000rpm to 8500rpm
Electronically controlled exhaust butterfly valve for reduced back pressure and improved sound
Four colours available on the GS: two non-metallics (white and red) and two metallics (black and grey)
Two colours available on the GS Adventure: grey and yellow (both metallic)
Asymmetric handlebar mounts to change handlebar position for on and off road riding

Further reading:
BMW | R1200GS | R1200GS Adventure | Ducati | Multistrada 1200 | Yamaha | Super Tenere | Motorcycle insurance