Concept and Transformation
Introduced to the North American press in Las Vegas, Nevada, the BMW R1200GS is the latest version of the BMW off-road adventure touring series started back in 1980 with the R80GS. And, while the bike has been evolving since then, growing from 800cc to 1150cc along the way, for 2005 the GS has been radically changed. So much so, that the new bike weighs in a phenomenal 66 pounds lighter than last year's bike while pumping out an extra 15 horsepower.

It has also been restyled and looks pretty mean and lean when parked next to the older GS. Thankfully, it has not lost its signature look, and there is no way you are going to mistake the new BMW R1200 GS coming at you on the road. This is no accident, as BMW wanted to make sure the new bike remains "a typical BMW." And, after two days spent thrashing the bike on a mixture of demanding dirt roads and twisty mountain asphalt, I am happy to say they have succeeded.

Engine and Transmission
Displacing 1170cc, this year's engine is the largest version of BMW's famous "oilhead" four-valve twin to grace the GS line, which has been with us since 1994. Producing 100 horsepower at 7250rpm, and an impressive 85 foot-pounds of torque, the new engine is also the most powerful. For reference, last year's 1130cc GS produced 85 horsepower at 6750rpm and 71 foot-pounds of torque at 5500rpm. This power increase comes from a combination of larger valves and a longer stroke. Further down inside the engine, a lighter crankshaft spins the 2.5-mm-longer rods. A new balancer shaft allows the engine to rev higher, while reducing vibration.

To complement the new engine, BMW has also updated the fuel injection to a full-sequential system that breathes through a larger airbox. It is no secret that BMW's fuel injection has given problems in the past, the most obvious of these being a surging condition - but after two days trying every type of riding you are likely to encounter, I have reason to believe the new system is absolutely faultless. I've noticed on big twins, that high rpm, low throttle situations seem to be the hardest for the fuel injection, but I couldn't catch this system out. And, whether lugging the motor just off idle in the dirt, or spinning it to the rev limiter on the highway, I received nothing but smooth, seamless and abundant power.