BMW R 1200GS Rallye

Introducing the 2012 R 1200 GS Rallye special edition, inspired by the Dakar winning GS bikes.

Whether stony terrain or winding road: with the new special model R 1200 GS Rallye in a new colour combination you will leave a lasting impression wherever you go.

The tank cover is finished in Alpine White, while the rear frame is in a powerful Magma Red - all in memory of the legendary and victorious Dakar GS machines. The overall sporty impression is rounded off by the cylinder head cover in Granite Grey metallic and the aluminium die-cast single-sided swing arm in Asphalt Grey metallic. Contrast is provided by the engine finished in black and the fork of the same colour, as well as the seat in black/off-white with red inlaid seams.

The paint finish of the special model is rounded off with an extensive range of equipment: the on-board computer, bag holder, heated grips and Enduro ESA provide unsurpassed ride comfort, while the hand protector in exclusive white and the chrome exhaust ensures a conspicuous appearance.

The special model R 1200 GS Rallye - no fan will ever want to be without this unique special series of the GS legend.

Extended tours, long distance travels, and even journeys to the remote places of our planet run like a thread through the history of BMW GS, just like spectacular adventure rallies and magnificent sporting success. All of this now finds the ultimate testimony in the special model R 1200 GS Rallye from BMW Motorrad.

The sporting look of the 81 kW / 100 hp travel enduro is underscored by the seat in black and white. Cross spoke wheels, heated grips, hand protectors in white, case holder, onboard computer, and the electronic suspension adjustment Enduro ESA make this extraordinary GS ideal for a very wide range of applications.

2012 BMW R1200GS Rallye Model Highlights

• body parts painted in Alpine white
• graphics in the BMW Motorrad Motorsports colours
• fork slider tubes lined in black
• engine lined in black
• rear frame lined in Magma red
• swingarm (Paralever) lined in Asphalt grey metallic
• cylinder head covers in Granite grey metallic
• seat in black and white
• Enduro ESA
• all chrome exhaust system
• cross spoke wheels
• heated grips
• hand protectors in white
• pannier holder
• onboard  computer

Review

BMW recently put out the latest edition of its hefty adventure bike, the R1200GS, now newly decked out in white and graphics inspired by the German builder's own racing branch.

With a black-clad fork and engine, some aluminum accents, and a frame steeped in magma red, the new Rally is also more equipped, featuring a chrome exhaust, cross spoke wheels, heated grips, hand protectors, side bag and pannier holders, an on-board computer and electronic suspension adjustment (ESA).

This Rally model will certainly keep a lot of people happy while they wait for the 1250-cc, liquid-cooled Boxer engine, which should be making its appearance later this fall.

A positive experience Comfort is key to enjoying really long rides, and, by and large, BMW is ahead of the game on this front. No matter how tall you are, the bike's tool-free adjustable windshield protects you from the wind without causing any side turbulence. Seated on its well-formed and perfectly plush seat, you'll be able to enjoy 300-km sessions without the urge to take a break. Moreover, with its variety of settings (solo, duo, with luggage, sport or comfort), there aren't many bikes, across all segments, that can beat its high-end ESA suspension system.

Although the seat is still a touch high for shorter riders, the Rally still provides ergonomic seating for both riders and passengers, that is, unless you’re unfamiliar with the engine configuration. If so, you might find yourself knocking your shin against the cylinder head and the exhaust, especially when parking.

Runs well, wherever you go Currently rigged out with the HP2's double overhead camshafts, the Boxer engine now boasts a lot of character, torque and power – a 5 HP increase over the previous model. Thanks to this most recent development, the flat, bi-cylinder engine is available at any speed, and definitely livelier at higher speeds than its ever been before. Same goes for the transmission, and given these latest improvements, it handles well right from the first run.

A faultless ride Forever a darling of the international press, handling on this new Rally remains efficient and well-balanced. It's hard to fault the GS on how it does the job, both off-road and on - it's always a pleasant experience, whether you're riding in the city, on the highway, or over winding rural roads.

Quick on the offensive when rolling down an uneven, twisting course, its agility and precision are the stuff that miracles are made of - you'll find yourself riding as hard as you would on a sportsbike, especially when the road gets rougher. Plus, the R1200GS is one of the few machines to provide genuine driving pleasure in bad weather, thanks to its all-terrain capacities and its 50/50 dirt/street tires, which provide impressive grip, even in wet conditions.

Not the most stylish look, but... Looks-wise, we have to admit that the current competition has a leg up on the Rally. Maybe this is the reason BMW decided to dress it up in a 'racing' outfit for 2012. However, given its recent improvements, it has proven yet again that it handles better than its closest rivals. Mind you, if you look into the rear-view mirror, you’ll see them gaining ground...

One thing is certain: the R1200GS is one of the few bikes of its kind to inspire instant confidence, which is, after all, what you want the most in an adventure bike.

Pros Recent engine, transmission and suspension developments Super-slick frame Comfort and safety

Cons Big handlebars A somewhat dated look compared to the competition's most recent models

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by Pascal Bastien , moto123.com