BMW Triple Black GS Adventure
(click on images)
BMW has unveiled an all black special edition of the top selling GS Adventure called the Triple Black (even though it has two shades of grey...).
The colours might not sound exciting but black sells on most bikes, and it does look good in a dark and menacing kind of way. Components usually left in silver or plain metal, such as the forks, sections of engine, rear subframe, swingarm and cylinder covers, are instead sapphire black, granite grey or asphalt grey.
A Triple Black version of the stock R1200GS went on sale in 2010, the Adventure adds its huge 7.3 gallon (33 litre, 8.7 gallon US) tank, taller and better screen, wire-spoked wheels, engine bars and longer travel suspension.
The bike is available now in UK dealerships at £11,730.
Tue, 13/09/2011 - 14:45
#2
That's a good point, although there's only rumour and denial about a watercooled version, certainly nothing definite. We'll know at the Milan Show in early November if it will be a 2012 model, and if it's not there then it's unlikely we'll see anything until 2013. The more reliable sources I've heard are suggesting 2013 anyway. It could be even later than that though, the airhead is still doing so well in sales terms - best selling bike in the UK again when you combine GS and Adventure sales.
Wed, 14/09/2011 - 22:41
#3
I've heard rumours pointing at 2013 from well connected posters on various other forums. Apparently the engine is ready, but the rest of the bike is still under development.
I saw a post on ADVRider claiming that BMW has confirmed to Canadian dealers that it's a 2013 model, in which case it could turn up anytime from the autumn onwards, though I'd bet on a spring launch.
If that's the case then I'd expect to see a concept bike at EICMA this year. BMW seem to run these the year before they release a new model, and they're always far cooler than anything they actually build. (Lo Rider or Concept 6 anyone?)
That said, I'm hoping that there's an S variant or even the aforementioned Lo Rider when it makes it into production. I'd better get saving.
Thu, 15/09/2011 - 09:57
#4
I kind of like the big GS in these pictures. It looks a lot sleeker in these shots.
It is of course quite normal for manufacturers to start putting out special versions of machines when they are heading towards the end of their product cycle life. These are purely a marketing exercise to try and keep sales up. In this case though the GS is patently still very successful and I do wonder if BMW will just keep as quiet as possible about any possible update until as late as possible. I also wonder if people will not be too put off about it being air cooled as it is such a proven set up that not only is still competitive but sales figures and a wide swathe of opinion, sow it to arguably be the class leader.
Thu, 15/09/2011 - 17:34
#5
I think you're right shuggie, BMW will likely keep the new one well under wraps for fear of spoiling current model sales. I think though there's a good chance they'll keep production of the airheads going alongside a new water-cooled one, maybe for more than a year, to give the diehards a chance to get used to the new one being around, and there will still plenty of sales left in the old one anyway. It's also an insurance in case the markets react particularly badly to the liquid version, which some think might happen.
Personally I think most people will judge a new one on how it performs - if it's better than the airhead, and it should be or what's the point, then most riders will be happy to move on to that. As long as they can retain the main elements of the old boxer's feel and character then barring disaster the switch to liquid will likely be easy enough.
Mon, 19/09/2011 - 15:31
#6
It will be very interesting to see how BMW launch it- they will want to add to the pool of GS riders initially and then convert the die hards as the Euro emissions police swing into action.
If they want to gain some dirt cred against KTM they won't want to add much power but will want to "add" some lightness. If they want to be more road biased to chase Ducati they'll want to add power ... seems like they need a lighter faster version which fits old bones and can still rider, pillion & tons of luggage.
It will certainly be worth waiting for, having said that I don't think I've read anything bad about the dynamics of the R1200GS ever - are they really that good?
Fri, 23/09/2011 - 11:49
#7
Btw, I've posted on a thread in the forum that I'll give £100 to Riders For Health if there's a liquid-cooled boxer twin 2012 model... I'm convinced it won't happen until 2013 at the very earliest, possibly later than that.
No, nothing wrong with the dynamics of the GS, within the parameters of what it's supposed to do of course. I think it's more a case of there's nothing wrong rather than it's exceptionally good, but that's quite a big blurr of definitions for most kinds of riding anyway.
Fri, 23/09/2011 - 18:07
#8
I don't believe BMW will offer both air/liquid cooled versions - it would be a marketing and production nightmare IMO.
I also think that it will be released as a 2013 model. It's obvious that the bike is in its final testing phase - it just doesn't make sense for a company to postpone the release date for more than a year when a product is ready.
Don't expect it to have much more power. After all, while Ducati was smart in marketing the Multistrada as a sportier version of the GS, they are in different categories. Who rides the Multistrada off-road anyway? A slight power increase (5-10hp) would make sense, but don't expect any more from BMW.
As for the GS's dynamics, anyone who has followed a competent rider on tight country roads with less than perfect tarmac will know just how good it really is.
Cheers.
Fri, 23/09/2011 - 15:25
#9
Whilst I agree that the GS and Multistrada target different market segments, I wonder if BMW's hand could be forced on the power issue.
Honda have the Crosstourer coming soon, and that uses a retuned VFR 1200 lump. No figures have been released, but it'll probably fall into Mutley bothering territory.
I doubt that BMW would want their bike looking too anaemic in comparison. :)
The other issue is where the new Boxer will fit into the range. The Husqvarna Nuda has 100+ bhp and 100 Nm of torque, versus 110 bhp / 119 Nm for the current Rs. The chances are that there'll be a new F900 range before too long, using the Nuda's engine, and they'll squeeze the bigger brothers.
Of course a more powerful Boxer would displace the K series...
Fri, 30/09/2011 - 19:48
#10
Graeme
BMW tried it the other way round before didn't they- the idea was bin the flat twin by replacing it with K bikes. Now of course they are adding engine formats, parallel twin, 6 cylinder.
It will be an interesting couple of years- if the economy is still in a slump people will possibly be aiming at smaller more economical motors (or not changing at all)- that would prevent BMW from moving too far up the price range and mean that they will possibly have Husqvarna as the dirt option and BMW as the road version .. the GS of course straddling both arenas!
I very nearly bought an adventure this week but amazed myself by declining on a difference of c.£250, in the past I would have thought life's too short and gone for it!
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Seems to me though that buyers should wait for the new water cooled version, but I don't know when that one is scheduled for sale. Anyone know?