New BMW R 1200 GS coming

BMW Motorrad is readying a major upgrade to its top-selling R 1200 GS adventure touring motorcycle, which is still as far away from launch as 2013.

The final GS is similar to the model illustrated here, and shall sport revised, modern styling with a sharper, more aggressive snout apart from other substantial cosmetic changes. Refreshed instruments and an altered, adjustable wind deflector will be a part of the new model, and you can expect a big jump up in features, apart from a bi-colour seat.

Amongst the more major changes will be the GS ditching its signature air-cooled engine for an all-new liquid-cooled, Boxer twin, with the driveshaft mounted on the left of the motorcycle, the opposite side as on the current model. Although engine capacity remains a question mark, the cylinder intake ports will come in from above instead of behind and the exhaust pipes will also have new routing.

The new go-anywhere GS can be expected to enjoy a host of electronic rider assist functions, including electronic suspension control, plus an ABS brake system, for which the new front brake calipers will be radial mounted.