Is the updated BMW R1200GS better than its predecessor? Or is it just a visual thing?
BMW R1200GS got an update for 2017. It’s not a complete overhaul, but a discrete facelift. Still, is it really better than its predecessor, the best-selling liquid-cooled R1200GS launched in late 2012? We tried to find out by putting them one against each other. It wasn’t the best day for a review – rain, wind and 4 degrees Celsius (40 F), but we had a lot of fun.
Actually, it had to be a complete test, but we focused on the off-road part because both bikes were fitted with dual-sport tires: the 2017 R1200GS in Rallye trim came with Continental Twinduro TKC 80 tires, while the 2015 GS was equipped with Heidenau K60 Scout.
There are some key updates that the new R1200GS has: improved transmission, auto leveling suspension, leaning-sensitive Traction Control, a sport suspension for the Rallye version, two different trims (Rallye and Exclusive) and, of course, a new look.
Instead of writing down my impressions (at least for the moment), I will invite you to watch our video in the window below. Or directly