BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE (2014 - 2017) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £390 |
| Power: | 125 bhp |
| Seat height: | Tall (35.0 in / 890 mm) |
| Weight: | High (573 lbs / 260 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesBMW has made the new R1200GS Adventure more comfortable, easier to ride and even more accomplished. It might be more refined and luxurious than ever but crucially it’s still the ultimate go-anywhere tourer and will comfortably hoover-up miles of tarmac, mud and whatever else you decide to throw at it. You might not literally be able to ride over water, but you get the feeling that with BMW it’s only a matter of time! A worthy successor to the legendary Adventure name.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineOwners aren’t going to buy the new Adventure to ride like a loon, but it handles crisply, like a sportsbike on the twisties, like a smooth tourer on the motorway and an enduro off-road. It also boasts an enviable level of electronic sophistication, which helps you ride faster, safer and smoother. BMW reckon you can squeeze 350 miles from the new 30-litre tank and with its spacious riding position and loads of little luxuries such as heated grips and power sockets, not to mention the tall screen, this may well be achievable.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe new motor is a peach, mixing power, refinement and ground-churning levels of grunt. Spin the 125bhp liquid-cooled boxer engine hard and the Adventure leaps out of corners, emitting a pleasing, gravelly exhaust note as it does so. On the way into corners, the motor pops and bangs on the overrun. Select ‘Rain’ mode and you get an electronic comfort blanket that takes the edge off the power delivery and gives you full ABS and traction control. Many still scoff at electronic aids but when you are on a big bike like the Adventure, they really make a difference to your confidence levels.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe boxer engine is very reliable and the level of build quality very high. The Adventure is a rugged bike designed to take on the world, and win!
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentIn basic specification it isn’t that much more than the standard GS.
Equipment
The GS comes with two riding modes, traction control and ABS as standard. Semi-active suspension and cruise control are extra.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 1170cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled DOHC, 8v boxer twin |
| Frame type | Tubular steel |
| Fuel capacity | 30 litres |
| Seat height | 890mm |
| Bike weight | 260kg |
| Front suspension | BMW Telelever, adjustable spring preload |
| Rear suspension | BMW Evo Paralever, fully adjustable rear shock |
| Front brake | 2x305mm discs. Brembo four-piston radial calipers. ABS |
| Rear brake | 1x276mm petal disc, Brembo two-piston caliper. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70ZR19 |
| Rear tyre size | 170/60ZR17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 46 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £96 |
| Annual service cost | £390 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £8,700 - £14,000 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 125 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 92 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 135 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 350 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2002 The R1150GS Adventure is launched. The R1200GS Adventure is unveiled in 2006 and gains twin cams in 2010.
Other versions
Standard R1200GS
MCN Long term test reports
New 2018 BMW R1200GS Adventure first ride
Whatever your preconceptions are about BMW’s ubiquitous R1200GS, there’s really only one reason for its success: it’s devastatingly effective at doing its job. And the Adventure model just got even better – albeit through the introduction of key new optional extras. Following a year behind the …
Owners' reviews for the BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE (2014 - 2017)
13 owners have reviewed their BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE (2014 - 2017) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW R1200GS ADVENTURE (2014 - 2017)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £390 |
Version: Triple Blzck
Year: 2017
Finish is poor, rust despite applying protection, paint blistering and peeling away from front engine cover, cylinders, centre stand and final drive
Version: Triple Black
Year: 2017
The best bike I’ve ever owned
Loads of torque and it’s all delivered in what I call the sweet spot
ESA suspension and the brilliant boxer engine. BMW Metal panniers & Givi trekker outback 42ltr top box. Michelin Road Pilot 5 tyres are top performing tyres far better than the anekee 3 original fitment
Buying experience: Bought from Alan Jefferies South Yorkshire. Absolutely brilliant dealership
Version: Triple Black
Year: 2017
It just does everything very well and always puts a smile on my face. Can’t imagine not owning a GS best bike I’ve ever had.
It’s at its best when fully loaded up panniers top box and me, point it anywhere you fancy and enjoy this brilliant motorbike
Loads and loads of torque looking forward to owning a R1250GSA
Had an issue with the wheels (loose spokes) wheels replaced at no cost buy Alan Jefferies South Yorkshire under warranty, nothing is to much trouble for them,excellent dealership.
Had one minor service £150 and one major service £350 so 500 quid in 26 months of ownership is not bad in which I’ve done 8500 miles, would have done more but Covid had obviously restricted us all. Bike had done 3400 miles when I got it in September 2018.
ESA suspension and riding modes
Buying experience: Bought the bike from Alan Jefferies South Yorkshire
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £80
With over 550,000 miles on BMW motorcycles, this is the finest BMW I have owned. The motor is simply amazing and much easier to maintain. With over 67,000 miles, I required only 1 shim change that cost me $8. The new dynamic ride setting and ABS are the best of any bike on the market.
The best suspension and brakes on any bike.
With over 550,000 miles on BMW motorcycles, this is the best motor of them all. Incredible power and responsiveness to the ride.
This bike has never broke down or had a part failure. I did have a recall for a reinforcement coupling on the front forks.
Since I service my bikes, the cost is for BMW oil and filters. Checking the valve shims cost nothing unless need replacement. I replaced 1 shim at 67,000 miles that cost $8.
The ability to ride all day on or off road, and the ability to pack like a mule without any affect to the bikes handling.
Buying experience: Purchased from a dealer
Version: adventure
Year: 2014
I bought a motorcycle. we are a portugal company. it was the second bike we bought him. they sent the invoice, we paid and send the proof off payment we had the transport carried, when they arrived they had sold the other person. they gave us less money than we did. I have the invoice and the transfers to demonstrate ...
Buying experience: 10250£ and i paid 9800£
Version: TE
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £97
Ronseal
Nothing goes like a GSA
Addictive
24k and absolutely spotless
Buy your own oils and tell them what you want done.
Heated grips are crap otherwise all good.
Buying experience: Ocean Plymouth, such good people.
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £1,500
Overall the bike was noisy at low speed, the riding experience was very good but there was always a niggling feeling of don't push the bike incase it fails, it did. I have no faith in BMW bike products it will take a lot to change mine and many others opinions.
Discs corrode after being ridden, very poor for suck a high end bike, discs are thin and care is required, for a off-road bike this is poor.
Noisy and very lumpy at low raves through towns, still noisy which I complained about to BMW. Eventually its had full engine failure at 10K after 8 months of ownership mostly winter. This is extremely disappointing and all trust in quality has gone after owning BMW bike for years with no issues ever this R1200 GS WC TE, has been a nightmare.
Various corrosion issues all passed of by the dealer as being normal and that I should paint myself. Electrical issues and switches inoperative. Paint issues on tank lacquer peeling off. Complete engine failure and knocking noise, metal in oil when drained by the dealer, as yet not resolved.
The new GS has a habit of eating rear tyres and Michelin has assisted in providing tyres Pilot Road 4 (brilliant road grip in the wet or dry) to address the issue, maximum milage achieved has been 2700 and as low as 1400, I've had four sets of tyres in 8 months of riding. Fuel consumption leaves a lot to be desired, its not economical with varied riding all distances of 50-600 miles. Servicing is astronomical from BMW with seemingly no fixed costs.
GPS and electrical glitches continue, gear selector failure.
Buying experience: Very poor the bike I ordered was built wrong and recalled, the replacement from a UK dealership has been a suspect bike from the start. The dealer was not at fault, BMW customer service is appalling.
Version: TE
Year: 2014
I bought this bike brand spanking new in June 2014 and believed that I was buying a quality motorcycle from a premium manufacturer. As we all know, they are not cheap and all the press reviews raved about how well they ride. The motorcycle journalists are not equipped with a crystal ball and can't tell you what it's really like owning the big GS in the real world. The corrosion (rust) issues started to manifest themselves on my bike when it was around 8 months old. The bike had been treated professionally with ACF50 within the first few weeks of my ownership and was washed twice a week using SDOC100 gel cleaner. I would then top up the ACF50 with a hand spray about once a month. I started to notice that the front and rear wheels were stained and that this staining seemed to be coming from the spoke apetures. The frame started to show tiny specks of rust and I noticed that the coating of the shaft drive housing was beginning to oxidise. A thorough inspection of the bike revealed that the engine was also starting to corrode and the coating was peeling off due to the oxidisation. The main stand was also suffering and was more red than black due to the rust. I alerted the franchised dealer (Chester Motorrad) and it was agreed that they would look at the issues when the bike came back in for the big service. By the time the big service was due the bike had a number of other issues such as the rear brake pedal sticking on causing the rear disc and pads to wear out and the left hand Adventure lamp flashing and then packing in. The dealer at first decided that the majority of these issues were my fault and that I had neglected the bike, stating that I wasnt using the bike properly (How do you not use a bike properly?) After getting a bit shirty with them they eventually caved in and agreed to raise these issues with BMW Motorrad using the internal PuMA system. I'm going to cut a very long story short by saying that after a fair bit of tooing and frowing, the bike went into the dealers in October 2016 and was rebuilt using the following new parts. Wheels front and rear. Engine and complete frame. Rear drive unit external and internal (it had rusted inside) Main stand. Rear disc and pads. I went to collect the bike after about 5 weeks and was told that all of the warranty work had been completed and that the bike had been properly tested and was now good to go. After about 3 miles I realised that the bike was not quite right and returned to the dealers. The front tyre was only partially inflated and the rear shock absorber had thrown its hand in. So much for the thorough testing? I little more discussion took place with the dealer and they consulted BMW UK and eventually agreed to replace the defective unit as part of the warranty claim. I was then told by Chester Motorrad to bring the bike back for the first oil change and that they would deal with any further issues that had resulted from the rebuild of the bike. I contacted the dealer last week to book the bike in and told them that the rear brake pedal has siezed solid again, the front tyre would not hold pressure for more than a few days, the adventure fog lamp had done the flickering thing and then had thrown its hand in and finally one of the LED's in the rear indicator had decided to stop working. All of these things had manifested themselves in the space of a few weeks. They sealed the front tyre, did the oil and filter change,but have insisted that the other issues are again down to me neglecting the bike and that they would require me to pay for any subsequent parts and labour.I flatly refused this and rode the bike home. I'm going to give BMW one final chance to sort this out and if they don't then my only option is to put the matter in front of a court. The bike is fantastic and it rides really well but the quality issues are appalling. I wouldnt recommend this model of bike to anyone.
Superb ride quality and handles really well with bags of performance. A great tourer even with a pillion passenger.
Plenty of grunt and bags of tourque.
Please see above
The bike does around 50MPG. main agent servicing costs are steep.
Buying experience: List price from a franchised dealer.
Version: TE
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £250
After having numerous bikes over the years a friend introduced me into the GS world. I had never even considered one thinking there not for me. But one ride on my first GS adventure changed everything. They truly are a bike for all seasons. They forgive, inspire confidence, eat the miles and are great fun on the twistys!!! Get one and you will not be sorry.
Outstanding ride and handling. Had lots of fun dusting sports bike round Austria. Brakes are pin sharp and the telelever suspension is outstanding, allowing for some aggressive braking into corners...if required. Long distance, then the seat needs works. BMW take note my bum suffered! Th ride though is superb 300-400 mile day....easy!
Granted the engine is a little noisy and agricultural, but it pulls like a train and loaded up it with panniers and pillion it still eat the miles.
Had 4 never had a single failure or breakdown.
They are an expensive machine. So be sure it what you want.
What more bells and whistles could you want? well if i am being really choosy then maybe the screen having electric adjustment. That about it.
Buying experience: Williams BMW Motorad Manchester. Top dealership end of!
Version: te
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £220
Long legs, but too ungainly and very uncomfortable for a long distance tourer.
The brakes are excellent and cant be faulted. The ride quality and comfort however are poor. The engine vibrates at an unacceptable level and can be very fatiguing on a long journey. The seat is hard and too thin and the suspension is too stiff even on the softest settings
Plenty of power handles all situations with ease. But, very agricultural, fuelling needs some work ,and there is a lack the refinement you would expect at this price point.
Cheap flimsy plastics, very poor quality paintwork, poor attention to detail and and finish where the manufacturer things you wont see it!
Bmw service is very expensive and im sorry to say can be very poor these days. In the last 18 months ive had the engine substantially overfilled with oil twice! And the bike dropped and damaged!
Plenty of bells and whistles which is nice, but not all that neccesary.
Buying experience: Agreed a price with the bmw dealer. For the bike but on the day of collection the price went up by £139. Not not a pleasant experience.
Version: Adventure
Year: 2014
I have ridden this bike from Germany to Sri Lanka across twelve countries and it performed unbelievably great in all areas.
Year: 2015
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £200
Great bike. Does everything really well.
Fun Playing with the different modes. Subtle differences between them. Not earth shattering.
Brilliant.
Still too early but everything feels solid.
Mine is fully equipped, Even reduced suspension. Keyless is the Way to go.
Buying experience: Long delivery time, but good support from my dealer.
