The F 800 GS Adventure is powered by the liquid-cooled 798 cc four-valve twin-cylinder engine as featured on the F 800 GS, with electronic fuel injection, closed-loop catalytic converter and six-speed transmission. It has maximum power of 63 kW (85 hp) at 7,500 rpm and maximum torque of 83 Nm at 5,750 rpm.
Like the F 800 GS, the Adventure model too features a robust, torsionally resistant tubular steel spaceframe, although the rear subframe is reinforced to cater for the larger, 24-litre tank (8 litres more than on the F 800 GS model), which increases the bike’s range. Like the F 800 GS, the Adventure model is equipped with ABS as standard, while further safety- and performance-enhancing systems – Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) – are available as factory-fitted optional extras, or as special accessories.

As another optional extra, the new F 800 GS Adventure is available with Enduro mode as part of a package featuring ASC. At the press of a button, the rider can increase the slip threshold of the ABS and ASC systems when heading off-road, for an even more dynamic riding experience and with improved acceleration and braking on loose terrain.
The F 800 GS Adventure features a new comfortable bench seat, a larger windscreen for improved protection against the elements and hand protectors also support this image. Other new standard specification on the F 800 GS Adventure includes wide enduro footrests, an adjustable, reinforced foot brake lever, an engine protection bar and a pannier rack which also functions as a tank protection bar.

The new F 800 GS Adventure will first hit the market in a 1,000-unit »Launch Edition«. The highlight of the F 800 GS Adventure “Launch Edition” is its Sandrover matt paintwork in combination with three equipment packages. The Comfort package comprises an onboard computer, heated grips and a centre stand. The Enduro package comes with ASC plus Enduro mode, and the Special accessories package features a lockable aluminium case set, a topcase holder and BMW Motorrad Navigator Adventure including holder and cable.
Further information

Ambato, Touratech’s new soft luggage series, include tank bags, tail and pillion bags. The items are available in different versions for the BMW R 1200 GS (from 2013), the KTM 1190 Adventure / R and the Triumph Trophy.
As the design of the new Adventure bikes continues to develop in exciting ways, the motorcycle equipment specialist from the Black Forest has also treated its soft luggage solutions to a matching new look. This applies equally to the design language and the technical features as well as the colours and the use of new materials.
Touratech combines highly tear-resistant Cordura in various thicknesses with strong, waterproof tarpaulin in different colours. All Touratech luggage systems have been developed to suit each particular vehicle and are hand-crafted in Germany to ensure a perfect, precise fit.
The Ambato range was named after the river in Madagascar. Touratech founder Herbert Schwarz and his wife Ramona have very happy memories of the region, its unique flora and fauna and fabulous motorbike tracks. As the new water-cooled BMW R 1200 GS was first used on this trip to Madagascar and the new Touratech luggage systems were launched on the market with this motorbike, the Rio Ambato was chosen as the name.
Here are some of the properties of the Ambato series (depending on model):

• Insert panels made from strong waterproof tarpaulin
• Rather than using basic nylon, the items are manufactured from certified Cordura fabric, made in Germany, as it is also used for protective motorcycle clothing and expedition equipment
• Sturdy body and top made from high-quality, water-repellent and abrasion-resistant 1100 dtex Cordura, outer pockets and inserts made from 560 dtex Cordura
• Waterproof coating on inside of fabric
• Fluorocarbon impregnation and Teflon coating by DuPont using nanotechnology for protection against moisture, dirt, oil and fading
• Washable and easy to clean
• Reflective 3M Scotchlite panels for maximum visibility
• Water-resistant, high-quality zips
• Water-repellent cable grommet for a charging cable or other power supply

Further information

Only five out of 123 riders were able to finish Hell’s Gate 2013, the extreme enduro annually organized by Fabio Fasola in Tuscany. The winner once again was Graham Jarvis.

Hell’s Gate 2013: 123 competitors at the start. Almost half eliminated by the hardness of the race already at the end of the preliminary competition in the morning. And then, the thirty »survivors« who face the final event of Hell’s Gate with its planned five laps. But it turned out to be too many for a hard race like this.
Mastermind Fabio Fasola realized this at the end of the first lap and took the decision to shorten the race to four laps. Maybe he saved Jonny Walker, who appeared very tired at the end of the second round.

Only five Pilots passed the final test at the Hell’s Peak, the impossible ascent. The small task force is heroic and epic at the same time. Graham Jarvis wins for the third time equalizing, with his victories in 2010, 2011 and that of this evening, the previous record of successes held by David Knight, the first “infernal” Champion of the History of Hell’s Gate.

On the podium, alongside the English rider of the Husaberg Extreme Factory Team, his compatriot Jonny Walker, KTM, and the American Cody Webb (Beta). Off of the podium, but honored like the winners, Alfredo Gomez (Husaberg) and the other British of this exciting evening at Il Ciocco, Ben Hemingway.

The Dakar 2013 has officially ended with a spectacular victory and closing ceremony after 8,000 km later after 14 stages in Santiago de Chile. The dominating brand has been – once again – KTM with capturing the top five positions.

KTM factory rider Cyril Despres picked up his fifth Dakar trophy when he crossed the line of the 2013 edition of the world’s most famous rally. It was KTM’s twelfth consecutive title.

Cyril Despres’ long time »water carrier« and factory support rider Ruben Faria of Portugal won the final stage and finished second overall, 10:43 minutes behind the leader. Chilean Chaleco Lopez (KTM) was third overall while Slovakian KTM rider Ivan Jakes was fourth and KTM factory rider Joan Pedrero of Spain was fifth.

The French rider, a veteran of this amazing race said it all after securing his fifth title: »I went for it, with all the surprises a Dakar can throw at you,« Despres said. »Little navigational mistakes, perhaps fewer than the others, taking care of my motorcycle and being in a good team. In the end, I’ve got a good reason to be very happy. The day when winning the Dakar becomes easy, it won’t be interesting any more. And this day is still far! It’s too long, it’s too tough, it’s too hot. It’s too cold. You’ve got to get up early in the morning. You’ve got to find your way out of the maze of dunes in Peru and Chile. You’ve got to tackle the stones and cactuses on the courses near Córdoba. It’s just too tricky for it to be easy to win. And it’s even better when you win a difficult race. I’m always focused on what I have to do. We’re up against a gruelling element, the desert. Then there are the stones, the Andes… and we experience them. It’s as real as it gets.«
Despres won Stage Three and led the overall standings from Stage Ten.

The Dakar 2013 had more than its share of dramatic moments for the KTM Factory team, including the last minute withdrawal just before the race by Despres’ long time teammate and rival Marc Coma.

Despres also suffered a major setback in the marathon Stages 7-8 during which riders were unable to call upon outside mechanical help from their team. He was put back on track after being offered the engine from KTM supported rider Marek Dabrowski of the Orlen Team and by the collective effort of his fellow KTM riders who banded together to work at night and change out the engine themselves in the riders’ bivouac.

Honda HRC

With two riders in the top ten the debut of Honda HRC at the Dakar turned out to be a success. The HRC Team celebrated the arrival on the podium with HRC President Tetsuo Suzuki. He congratulated Helder Rodrigues, Javier Pizzolito and Johnny Campbell, who finished respectively 7th, 8th and 40th in the overall classification.

»I’m very proud of this team«, said Tetsuo Suzuki, »all three riders completed the whole rally and everybody worked so hard to get the best possible result. Dakar has a special fascination as it is the toughest rally in the world and requires machine reliability, strong riders and strategic team work. This year’s results are promising and we will continue to work on the development of the CRF 450 Rally to return stronger next year.«

Husqvarna

The Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain was considered to be a podium threat upon only its second participation. Although the team ultimately couldn´t quite meet the expectations, the squad led by Team Manager Wolfgang Fischer is satisfied with the result. Altogether 12 podium spots were achieved, among them four stage victories.

Wolfgang Fischer, Team Manager Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain: »We took part with a great team and well prepared. The stage victories and the many podium spots have emphasised the winning capabilities of the team. We all could see that especially Joan Barreda is a certain front-runner. After the Dakar is before the Dakar, that´s why we together with our partner Husqvarna Motorcycles and the BMW Group will start into the new season already next week.«

Yamaha and the French

Leading the rally for a moment French veteran David Casteu had to withdraw after a collision with a cow. The of his Yamaha tank became leak and David himself injured his arm. »I was roughly at km 100 and riding calmly, without pushing it too hard. I was hot on the heels of Pedro Bianchi when a cow popped out of a turn. I hit it with the handlebar and fell hard on my shoulder. My fuel tank got a hole in it, so I quite obviously ran out of petrol. Vincent Guindani gave me some and I managed to finish the first part. The doctors strapped my shoulder so I could start the second special, but my motorcycle stopped 30 km from the finish. I think it was a sign: I had to stop. It wasn’t worth it. I wanted to fight at the front. I already had my fair share of bad luck in 2011 and 2012. I’m going back home tomorrow. It’s a hard blow. One day you’re crying of joy and the next you’re crying of pain and sadness«, resumes David.

Only one position behind his aim Yamaha mounted Frenchman Olivier Pain finished sixth. »I had an amazing first week, leading the rally for five stages. Then, a small navigational mistake cost me dearly. I started the first week further back and had a run of bad luck. I fell on my back and, during the same stage, I got a hole in my tank and lost loads of time. Then, I hurt my elbow. I calmed down for a while in order to recover, and over the last few days I managed to claw my way back up the classification. Now I’m sixth. I was aiming for the Top 5, I’m just outside it but the first week makes up for it all. It was a nice Dakar for me«, is Olivier’s summary of his race.

Gallery Dakar 2013

With the new KTM 1190 Adventure the Austrian manufacturer has created an adventure bike to compete at eye level with BMW’s new GS.

The engine

KTM ha adapted the potent V2 engine with 1195 cc of displacement stems from the Superbike 1190 RC8 R to travel enduro needs: lots of low-end torque for off-road riding, lots of punch for touring at full payload, and 150 hp power for crunch time.
Sophisticated technology helps to adapt the Superbike twin to its new mission in the Adventure: the dual ignition lowers fuel consumption and emissions while ensuring refinement at low engine speeds, the drive-by-wire ensures a perfect delivery of the ample torque, and the Motorcycle Traction Control MTC provides dynamic, yet fully controlled traction on different surfaces. MTC can be switched off and has four different riding modes, allowing different degrees of slippage at the flick of a switch on the left handlebar: absolute control through minimal slippage in “rain” mode, smooth slippage in “street” mode, controlled rear wheel spin in “sport” mode and 100% slippage for committed off-road riding, as soon as the switch is set to “off-road”. A yellow LED on the multifunctional display starts flashing whenever the traction control engages.
In addition, a new anti-hopping clutch eliminates annoying rear-wheel chatter under heavy braking while at the same time lowering manual clutch force.
Thanks to an increased mileage, a 23 litre tank and longer service intervals up to 15,000 km, it also needs to stop less often.

The chassis

The Adventure features a light but strong trellis frame, a die-cast swing arm and suspension components by WP Suspension. Smaller wheels – 19 inch front, 17 inch rear – wider tires and a slightly shorter travel suspension optimize the talents of the latest 1190 Adventure on asphalt. The suspension elements are fully adjustable.
Available optionally is the Electronic Damping System EDS: a switch on the handlebar, depending on the bike load lets the rider choose between four levels of spring preload as well as three corresponding damper settings (Comfort, Street, Sport).
In addition a combined antilock braking system C-ABS is standard on the new Adventure.
Seat height, handlebars, foot pegs and windshield are all adjustable for maximum comfort on board.

KTM 1190 Adventure R with longer wheel travel and 21/18 inch sized wheels.

The Adventure »R«

For the real »Adventurer« KTM has build the variant 1190 Adventure »R«. With longer wheel travel (220 mm f/r) and larger wheels – 21 inches front, 18 inch rear – the »R« is the choice for offroad travelling.
To compensate for slightly higher steering forces, it has wider handlebars; because of the longer suspension travel, seat height is higher; and there is a sturdy crash bar for increased protection. In addition, a lower windshield and different graphics help distinguish the R from its sister model. Forks and shock of the 1190 Adventure R are fully adjustable. It also has the combined C-ABS antilock brakes and the fourstage traction control MTC.

»RallyZone – 2012 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship« is the title of a photographic book by Edoardo Bauer and Cristiano Barni on the world championship season’s great international rallies.

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Qatar Sealine, Sardegna Rally Race and Pharaons Rally are covered in this book on the 2012 Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.

Beautiful locations such as the Arab deserts of Abu Dhabi and Qatar, together with the magical lands of Egypt, contrast magnificently with the brilliant colours of the sea and the vivid greens of the Sardinian woodlands to give true meaning to a book which goes far beyond simply portraying race photography. The incredible settings that play host to these races are just as much protagonists of the photographs as the riders themselves.

Designed in horizontal format to show the photography at its best, the book is made up of a total of 128 colour pages with 500 photos and a paperback cover.
The book will be available from mid-November at a cost of 45,00 euro plus delivery charges. It can be ordered in advance before 15th November 2012 at the reduced rate of 35,00 euro plus delivery charges.

For enquiries and orders please contact Edoardo Bauer (edo.bauer@gmail.com) or Cristiano Barni (cristiano.barni@hotmail.it).

Newly designed air/water-cooled boxer engine with integrated gearbox and left-hand cardan shaft drive

The entire R 1200 GS was completely redefined, particularly the drive concept. The performance aspired to, as well as adherence to future anticipated requirements in terms of noise and exhaust emissions, is ensured among other things by a change in the cooling system. The boxer engine in the new R 1200 GS continues to use air/liquid cooling, however, the coolant oil has been replaced by a glycol-water mixture. This ensures a high level of heat absorption capacity of the cooling liquid for more efficient heat dissipation.

So-called precision cooling (a principle similar to that used in Formula 1) involves only those engine elements being cooled with coolant, which are particularly exposed to thermal stress. The engine still continues to use air cooling, thereby preserving the characteristic appearance of the opposed twin boxer engine. The two radiators are small and inconspicuously integrated.

The through-flow is now vertical instead of horizontal for improved filling, and the engine housing integrates the 6-speed gearbox as well as a wet clutch with anti-hopping function instead of the dry clutch as was used previously. What is more, the secondary drive now runs via the well-established cardan shaft on the left-hand side. With an output of 92 kW (125 bhp) at 7700 rpm and 125 Nm at 6500 rpm, the new engine offers superior power and performance in the travel enduro segment and beyond.

The empty weight (ready for the road) according to DIN of the R 1200 GS is 238 kg including standard BMW Motorrad Integral ABS.

E-gas and cruise control

An electromotive throttle actuator is now used for the first time in a GS motorcycle. Here, rider commands are passed on directly by the sensor in the accelerator twist grip to the engine control system; this then regulates the throttle valve electronically. The use of the E-gas system provides a significant improvement in terms of controllability and response. What is more, the rider can adapt engine characteristics to the situation on the road by means of five modes (optional extra). It was also possible to include an electronic cruise control function (optional extra).

ASC and riding modes as an optional extra: five freely selectable modes

For optimum adaptation to the rider’s individual needs and purpose, the new R 1200 GS now offers five freely selectable riding modes for the first time: these are an ex works option and feature three different E-gas settings and with varying engine characteristics. Linked to this is Automatic Stability Control ASC with a special enduro configuration. If this option is chosen, BMW Motorrad ABS, ASC and – if installed – the semiactive suspension are all adapted to the respectiveprofiles of these five modes

Semiactive suspension: BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA as an ex works option

The new semiactive suspension BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) taps into a whole new range of possibilities as well as providing maximum riding safety and performance. Dynamic ESA monitors the vertical movement of front and rear wheel control as well as other parameters by means of a spring travel sensor in each position, and adapts the damping automatically to the situation depending on riding conditions and the manoeuvres being carried out. Damping adjustment at front and rear is effected by means of electrically controlled regulation valves.

New chassis with tubular steel bridge frame and specially adapted wheel/tyre dimensions

The chassis of the R 1200 GS uses a completely newly developed tubular all-steel bridge frame with a bolt-on rear frame. Along with the newly designed Telelever at the front and the EVO Paralever at the rear, this has resulted in a further significant increase in torsional stiffness and hence ride stability and steering precision. Optimised handling qualities are the result of refined master geometric chassis data, and a longer swingarm provides further improved traction – especially when riding over rough terrain. A globally unique feature of the new R 1200 GS are the tyres in the sizes 120/70 R19 at the front and 170/60 R17 at the rear, specially adapted to improve performance.

Brake system with radially mounted Monobloc brake calipers and Integral ABS as standard

The brake system of the R 1200 GS has been extensively revised, too. There are now radially mounted Brembo Monobloc brake calipers at the front and a larger brake disc at the rear. In line with the BMW Motorrad principle »Safety 360°« the new GS is also fitted as standard with the BMW Motorrad ABS, here in the part integral version.

LED main headlight including integrated daytime running light

Even in its standard trim the new R 1200 GS has a main headlight with optimised light efficiency. In order to be seen even better during the day, BMW Motorrad also offers a daytime running light as an ex works option. For excellent road illumination and therefore even greater safety both day and night, an LED main headlight with integrated daytime running light is fitted in a motorcycle for the first time ever. It comprises innovative LED technology with a sophisticated cooling and decondensation concept.

Electrical system with new vehicle power supply and Multi-Controller

The new R 1200 GS has the innovative new vehicle power system with altered function partitioning as already used in the 6-cylinder models K 1600 GT and GTL. As before, CAN bus (Controller Area Network) and LIN bus technology (Local Interconnect Network) enables significantly reduced wiring as compared to a conventional system. The previous central vehicle electronics has been partitioned into two separate control units.

The Multi-Controller, newly available for the GS, allows fast and convenient operation of the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV. It is located on the inside of the handlebar grip. This means that selecting functions is much less distracting than pressing buttons and does not require hands to be removed from the handlebars.

Aerodynamically optimised windshield with one-hand operation

The newly developed windshield of the R 1200 GS offers further improved wind and weather protection while also reducing wind noise. Adjustment is simple: an easily accessible and ergonomically optimised selection wheel is operated using one hand.

The new R 1200 GS has extended adjustment options for optimum seating comfort. The rider’s seat can now be adjusted in height and tilt angle and the passenger seat can be shifted longitudinally to obtain the ideal distance between rider and passenger. The new handlebars can easily be turned upwards and, together with the optimised knee grip in the fuel tank area, they ensure an even better standing position for off-road riding. The improved knee grip can be clearly felt when seated, too. A high and a low seat, as well as an adjustable footrest system and adjustable foot controls, round off the program of special accessories offering individual adjustment facilities.

The new BMW R 1200 GS at a glance

• Completely newly designed engine for top-level riding dynamics within the travel enduro segment.
• Capacity 1170 cc, rated output 92 kW (125 bhp) at 7700 rpm and a maximum torque of 125 Nm at 6500 rpm.
• Cylinder heads with vertical through-flow for increased efficiency and performance.
• Compact air/water cooling for optimum heat management.
• Basic engine with compact, light and yet rigidity-optimised crankshaft.
• Vertically separated case in open deck construction.
• 6-speed gearbox integrated in engine housing, including wet clutch with anti-hopping function and reduced lever operation force.
• New intake system for optimum output and torque with 52 mm throttle valve diameter.
• E-gas for improved ridability, running smoothness and special functions.
• Innovative exhaust gas system with electronically controlled exhaust flap for optimum performance characteristics and an earthy boxer sound.
• Freely selectable riding modes »Rain«, »Road«, »Dynamic«, »Enduro« and »Enduro Pro« with three different electromotive throttle actuator settings in conjunction with ASC (Automatic Stability Control), ABS and ASC settings for off-road riding as well as different mode-specific Dynamic ESA settings (option ex works).
• New suspension with torsionally stiff tubular steel bridge frame and bolt-on rear frame.
• Optimised lightweight cardan shaft drive now running on the left-hand side.
• Newly developed and optimised Telelever at front and EVO Paralever at rear for an even more precise ride feel.
• Refined master chassis geometry data and long swingarm for excellent traction.
• Optimised seating width and position, and adjustable handlebars for even greater comfort.
• Optimised ground reach for rider (inner leg length).
• Tyre/wheel dimensions of 120/70 R19 at front and 170/60 R17 at rear as a world first, tailored specially to the R 1200 GS.
• Revised BMW Motorrad brake system with radially mounted Brembo Monobloc brake calipers at front and 2-piston floating caliper with enlarged brake disc at  rear (Ø 276 mm, previously 265 mm).
• BMW Motorrad Integral ABS as standard.
• Semiactive suspension Dynamic ESA (ex works option).
• Main headlight with optimised light efficiency and LED daytime running light (ex works option).
• World’s first motorcycle with LED main headlight featuring integrated daytime running light (ex works option).
• New vehicle electrical system with partitioning of functions.
• Extended electric switch units.
• Electronic cruise control (ex works option).
• Preparation for navigation unit with Multi-Controller to operate the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV (ex works option).
• Windshield with one-hand operation for excellent wind and weather protection.
• Seat with multiple adjustment functions for perfect ergonomics.
• Number plate carriers quick to dismount for off-road riding.
• Increased ground clearance (+ 8 mm)
• New instrument cluster with on-board computer as standard. PRO on-board computer as an option.
• Four main paint finishes to choose from: Alpine White, Racing Red, Blue Fire and Thunder Grey Metallic.

The project reviving the German city of Zschopau as a location of the motorcycle industry is taking shape. Recently, the manufacturer ZP Moto has presented their prototype of a classic scrambler – entirely hand made with up to date components.
The ZPsport 449 interprets the Scrambler style with modern components. The engine has been adapted from the Spanish Gas Gas 450cc single-cylinder. The water-cooled single now delivers 45 hp at 6,200 rpm and 52 Nm at 5,500 rpm. A new ignition curve, the modified intake and exhaust system raised to the brawny characteristics.

The motor is integrated is in a grind-steel frame with double joists.
The swing arm is manufactured in a classic round tube construction.
For the rear suspension ZP Moto choose stereo shocks developed by Öhlins. The dampers are also fully adjustable in spring preload, compression and rebound as the conventional telescopic fork, which has been built by MUPO after specifications of ZP Moto.
The 12-liter tank sits low in the frame triangle beneath the rider.
The wheels in enduro like sizes of 21 and 18 inches originate from Excel. The floating calipers are made by Brembo.
Surfaces and finish are executed after customer’s choice. Accessories are also available.
From October 2012 the ZPsport 449 will be available at a starting price of € 22 430.
More Information