2010 BMW R1200GS Adventure First Ride Photo Gallery

To mark 30 successful years, BMW opted to spice up the engine on its workhorse R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure.

BMW's best-selling R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure get an updated engine for 2010. Read our motorcyle review in the 2010 BMW R1200GS Adventure First Ride

A larger throttle manifold and revised air intake also contribute to what BMW claims is a higher rev ceiling of 8500 rpm and a 5% boost in horsepower to a claimed 110 hp and 88 lb-ft of torque.

New cylinder heads are the targeted area with each featuring four larger valves - the intakes are oversized 8.4% to 39mm and the sodium-filled exhaust valves increase by 6.6% to 33mm.

BMW has equipped the GS machines with excellent binders – dual four-pot calipers up front with floating 305mm rotors and two-piston rear calipers with 265mm rotor.

the GSA’s oversized footpegs should be standard on the GS model. They are far superior in traction, comfort and safety.

It’s very easy to get deep into the levers with confidence, and once the ABS is installed, that security is increased immensely.

Trail braking into corners is amazing, especially when worried about the knobby tires, and the gentle pulse of the ABS was never a negative factor.

A wonderful morning ride featured all types of fast and slow roads, both paved and dirt.

The taller GS Adventure fit our rider best and the extra protection was at a premium in these riding conditions.

Off-road, night riding or pavement twisties, the BMW R1200GS is designed to do it all.

With the added suspension travel, we bottomed out less over the rolling water bars, though the additional weight was quick to overcome the slight advantage.

Our trip through Yosemite National Park didn't allow for much
sightseeing, but the morning ride was a perfect match for the GS.

BMW's Boxer engine has loads of usable torque which help keep wheelspin under control in slippery off-road terrain.

The original R80GS was introduced in 1980 and the 30-year commemoration includes a special-edition version.

As the weather quickly proved, the optional heated grips are by far the best supplementary $250 that can be spent.

Whether or not you opt for the Special Edition or an upgraded package on either model, both machines are phenomenal in their performance. They’re the same old lovable Adventure Touring bikes we’ve come to expect from the propeller gang.

BMW records nearly 30% of its world volume sales from the GS and GSA – making it the workhorse, literally and figuratively, of the brand.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of BMW’s R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure – two bikes that have dominated a niche and carried the weight of BMW Motorcycles on their broad backs.

The GSA we sampled was equipped with the optional Enduro Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA). This left-side button controls 15 different preload and damping settings ranging from solo rider to fully-loaded pillion and designated off-road use.

It's amazing how good this bike is in most situations, even those where it seems out of place. It's never to be underestimated, and that's why it's a favorite around MCUSA.