Powwwwwwaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrr! BMW’s 2010 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure are getting the DOHC, eight valve horizontally opposed twin from the HP2 Sport boosting output to 110bhp and 88lb/ft of torque. More importantly other than the valve covers and a fancy flap in the exhaust it’s wrapped in a bike that doesn’t invoke a gag reflex on viewing.

Visually the R1200GS/A engine is distinguishable from the outgoing bikes by a black-coloured intake manifolds with magnesium-coloured cylinder head covers with two instead of four retaining bolts.

There’s a little more bark to go with the bite as the new engine gets a modified exhaust system from the downpipes back. The mid section is modified to deal with the “different vibration characteristics of the DOHC motor”. And the exhaust features a new electronically-controlled flap which opens at higher RPMs reducing back pressure and gives the bike a rorty exhaust note.

Down to brass tacks, the main features of the 2010 BMW R 1200 GS and Adventure are:

• New engine now with two overhead camshafts per cylinder and valves in radial arrangement.
• Increase in engine output by 5 per cent to 110 hp at 7,750 rpm and maximum torque to 88 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm.
• Increase in maximum engine speed by 500rpm from 8,000 to 8,500 rpm with an even wider power band.
• Significantly better acceleration and torque.
• Electronically controlled exhaust flap for an aggressive muscular sound.
• Revised dash
• Larger knobs to adjust the windscreen more easily (earth shaking…)
• Asymmetrical clamps which can be turned through 180 degrees to give a handlebar mounting position to suit stand up off road riding or road riding
• Color variants of the R 1200 GS Adventure: Smoke Grey matt metallic and Brilliant Yellow metallic.  Yes, yellow and black are back this season, giving us the default choice for anything with a GS label.

All of which is a great excuse for a gallery or BMW shots. Because, hey, server space is cheap…

2010 BMW R 1200 GS Specifications

Engine
Capacity         1,170 cc
Bore/stroke      3.98/2.87 inches
Max output                   110 hp at 7,750 rpm
Max torque          88 ft-lb @ 6,000 rpm
Configuration      Flat-twin
No. of cylinders     2
Compression ratio/fuel grade  12/S 95-98 RON, max output with 98 RON, optional 91 RON SA
Valve/gas timing     DOHC
Valves per cylinder     4
Intake/exhaust valve diameter    1.54/1.30 inches
Throttle butterfly diameter   1.97 inches
Fuel supply      BMS-K+
Exhaust management     Fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter

Electrical System
Alternator (W)     720 W
Battery (V/Ah)      12/14, maintenance-free
Headlight (W)     H7
Starter (kW)      1.1

Transmission/Gearbox
Clutch       Single-plate dry clutch, diameter 7 inches
Transmission      Dog-type six-speed gearshift
Primary ratio      1.737
Gear ratios      I   2.375; optional 2.600
II  1.696
III 1.296
IV 1.065
V  0.939
VI 0.848
Rear-wheel drive     Drive shaft
Final drive ratio     2.91

Suspension
Frame       Tubular steel frame, load-bearing engine
Front wheel guidance     BMW Telelever
Rear wheel guidance     BMW Paralever
Overall spring travel, front/rear    8.0/8.7 inches
Castor       3.0 inches
Wheelbase      59.4 inches
Steering head angle      65.2 degrees

Brakes
Front      Dual disc brake, diameter 12 inches
Rear      Single disc brake, diameter 10 inches
Optional     BMW Motorrad Integral ABS
(semi-integral, on-demand)

Wheels

Cast Cross-spoke
Front      2.5 x 19
Rear      4.0 x 17
Tires
Front      110/80 R 19
Rear      150/70 R 17

Dimensions and Weight
Length       88.2 inches
Width (overall, with mirrors)    39 inches
Handlebar width (without mirrors)  37.4 inches
Seat height       35.8/35 inches
Dry weight       492 lbs
DIN (unladen weight in road trim)   564 lbs
Max permissible     1,047 lbs
Tank capacity      8.7 gallons

Performance Data
Acceleration 0-62 mph    3.95 sec
Top speed       124 +