BMW R 1200 GS Adventure K255 versus Triumph Tiger Explorer

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure K255

Adventure
Triumph

Triumph Tiger Explorer

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2006 bis 2013
Built von 2012 bis 2015
RRP
RRP
waveform
Pros:
  • Load donkey
  • good-natured driving behaviour
  • long range
  • comfortable seating position
  • very good wind protection
  • also suitable for long and fast motorway passages
Pros:
Cons:
  • heavy, manoeuvring problematic
  • vulnerable ABS
Cons:

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.510 mm
Length :
2.250 mm Height : 1.470 mm
Seat :
890 mm until : 910 mm
Weight :
256 (max: 475 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.530 mm
Length :
2.248 mm Height : 1.410 mm
Seat :
840 mm
Weight :
280 kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Cooling: Luft/Ölgekühlt
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Number 3 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.215 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 85 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 200 km/h
Performance: 98 HP at 7.000 U/Min
Torque: 115 NM bei 5.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 33 Litre
Reach:
600 km
Maximum speed: 210 km/h
Performance: 137 HP at 9.000 U/Min
Torque: 121 NM bei 6.400 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre

Chassis

Frame type:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel)
Front suspension:
Telelever 41mm central strut (travel 210 mm)
Rear suspension:
WAD strut (travel 220 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm Paralever
Tyres at the front: 110/80 R19
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17
Frame type:
Lattice tube (steel)

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 265 mm)
Front brake
Double disc Rear brake
Disk

Conclusion - what gets stuck

"Excellent off-road capability with even increased road characteristics" was the press release for BMW's new adventure. By offroad, the scribes probably didn't mean the cross-piste with jumps and deep sand at that time - the GS 1200 Adventure is simply too heavy for that. Nevertheless, this motorcycle is the ideal bike for the gaaaanz long journey. Charly Boorman and Ewan McGregor provided the proof in 2007 on their "Long Way Down" journey, in which they covered 23,500 kilometers through Africa precisely on these machines.
 
Unfortunately, even used and older GS Adventure bikes are not quite cheap. Depending on age, mileage, condition and equipment, up to 13,000 euros are required. However, it is doubtful that such prices are actually paid, but for a good GSA K255 one has to reckon with 8,000 euros. Back to the initial question: Is it worth it? Clear "YES!" on our part, because these machines last forever and still bring a lot of joy after 15 years.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • New price: 13.500 € (naked)
  • Used: 6,000 to 13,000 € (depending on age and condition)
  • Years built: 2006-2013
  • Colours: various