New Water Boxer GS Test Ride

[eng943]

I owned a 2010 R1200RT, which was the same air cooled version of the boxer used in last year's GS, so I was curious about the new water cooled boxer. Although my RT moved along fairly well, and was commendably smooth for a boxer twin, it did leave me with a sense of being a bit mundane.

Today I rode the new water cooled boxer, and I was completely shocked by this new boxer. The new engine has incredible snap, and the front end of the GS would easily come up on roll on acceleration in 1-2 gears, and get light in 3rd gear as well...amazing considering how pedestrian the outgoing engine felt. The GS absolutely stomps now, and is a thrilling bike to ride just in terms of sheer engine performance. I have ridden previous gen GS's, and this new bike has a new found character.

The engine is noticeably more aggressive sounding, and smoother than the older boxer as well. This engine certainly feels like it was given substantially more than an extra 15hp, and I would say that in it's current form it will have plenty of torque and power for two up riding.

Although a GS would not be a bike for me, I think the upcoming new RT with this engine might be. A sub 600 lb sport-touring bike with light weight, agile handling, and finally an engine with the power to provide some excitement. We shall see what BMW comes up with for the RT, as no spy shots have even been revealed yet, but the new boxer engine is a winner.

       

[Pokey]

I read the exact same thing that you experienced, seems you are not alone in being amazed with the new water boxer. I am actually pretty fond of the boxer lump, maybe it is because I love my Subaru so much.    I am betting this boxer will be extremely reliable, lets see if they finally have a good final drive too.

[pistole]

- don't be a beta tester for BMW !!

.

[ugocon]

- don't be a beta tester for BMW !!

.

+1 

[eng943]

- don't be a beta tester for BMW !!

.

 

[Strawboss]

So far, I like what I'm hearing, they finally got standardized switchgear, wet clutches, more liquid cooling, redesigned engine, tele-lever forks. I don't care for all the electronics though, all bikes are going this way, the price should not be too much more than it is now, whic is still a bit high for me. I was amazed at how much more compact the new engine is compared to the older design though.

[Rhino]

So far, I like what I'm hearing, they finally got standardized switchgear, wet clutches, more liquid cooling, redesigned engine, tele-lever forks. I don't care for all the electronics though, all bikes are going this way, the price should not be too much more than it is now, whic is still a bit high for me. I was amazed at how much more compact the new engine is compared to the older design though.

Test rode an R1200R a few years back. Pricy for what is essentially a naked street fighter. But I liked the bike especially the tele-lever forks. Almost no nose dive when hitting the brakes.

[Son of Pappy]

FWIW, the 1200 is a pig off road, if all you plan on is gravel roads or pavement, it is an OK bike.  Another FWIW, my F800GS has a greater load capacity and is far more trail worthy.  Yes, I have chain maintenance, but I consider it quallity time well spent on some distant ridge as I watch the sun set on a far away mountain range.

Last FWIW, the best thing about the new 1200 is the wet clutch, hands down...

[CADMAN97]

We shall see what BMW comes up with for the RT, as no spy shots have even been revealed yet, but the new boxer engine is a winner.       

Saw this the other day...
Looks like their using the adaptive headlight from the K1600GT
Spy Shots - BMW R1200GT / R1200RT - New Model 2013 / 2014 - Top Secret

[martin_14]

Saw this the other day...
Looks like their using the adaptive headlight from the K1600GT
Spy Shots - BMW R1200GT / R1200RT - New Model 2013 / 2014 - Top Secret

they aren't.

[CADMAN97]

they aren't.

Yeah I couldn't tell for sure, & should of just left it at "saw this the other day"...lol!

[eng943]

they aren't.

Source??? I read that they are getting adaptive headlights.

[twowheeladdict]

I rode with a group of retired hooligans this past weekend who were riding 1200 GS bikes from various years.  One guy on a 2010 already had 80,000 miles on the bike.  Anyway, they may not be exiting in acceleration as mentioned here, but these guys sure were exciting to watch in the twisties.  They kept a steady pace regardless of the curve.  It was pretty impressive to watch.

I personnally prefer twins of various configurations over I-4 bikes.  They just tend to make power at the right RPMs for street riding.

[eng943]

Saw this the other day...
Looks like their using the adaptive headlight from the K1600GT
Spy Shots - BMW R1200GT / R1200RT - New Model 2013 / 2014 - Top Secret

Good find! I see a lot of K1600 styling cues on the dash, bags, and headlights. Appears the fairing is similar in shape to the R1150RT.

This looks really promising!   

[martin_14]

sorry guys, my bad! I read this post at work where YouTube is disabled, so I thought the statement about adaptive lights was regarding the GS, not the RT. I apologize... 

However, now that I look at the video (in particular at 2:15), the central reflector is not the adaptive light module of the GT, but by the size of it I would guess that BMW might offer the adaptive light as an option. It looks awfully similar, me thinks.