BMW R nineT Urban G/S versus BMW R 1200 GS Adventure K255

BMW R nineT Urban G/S

Retro

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure K255

Adventure

Retro, Scrambler, Naked, Tourer - what kind of machine is this?

The classification of the BMW R nineT Urban G/S is not easy. Is it a retro bike, a scrambler, a naked bike or even a tourer? Like the model, the R80G/S from the 80s, is probably a mixture of everything. How did the Urban... weiter

BMW R nineT Urban G/S im Test

Gallery

The mountain is calling.

Is it still worth buying an "old" BMW R 1200 GS Adventure from 2006? We take a closer look at a GSA K255 with over 80,000 km and say as a conclusion: Yes, of course, it's definitely worth it. A mountain of a motorcycle There is... weiter

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure (K255) im Test

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2017 bis 2023

Built von 2006 bis 2013

RRP 14.750 €

RRP

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

Engine
Handling
Brake
Chassis
Impression of quality
Optics

Pros:

Load donkey
good-natured driving behaviour
long range
comfortable seating position
very good wind protection
also suitable for long and fast motorway passages

Cons:

missing indicators for fuel level, engine speed and gear
Travel possibilities and wind protection not at GS level

Cons:

heavy, manoeuvring problematic
vulnerable ABS

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.527 mm
Length : 2.175 mm Height : 1.105 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 221 (max: 430 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.510 mm
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.470 mm
Seat : 890 mm until : 910 mm
Weight : 256 (max: 475 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Cooling: Luft/Ölgekühlt
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 220 km/h
Performance: 110 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 6.000 U/Min

Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 321 km

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

Chassis

Frame type:
Lattice tube (steel)

Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 43 mm (travel 125 mm)

Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever

Tyres at the front: ZR
Rear tyres: ZR

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

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 265 mm)

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

Conclusion - what sticks

Without question, Urban G/S is beguiling. Our tester Markus let himself be carried away to the remark that in his eyes it is currently the most beautiful motorcycle on the market. It is also a typical boxer child and high-quality workmanship from front to back. For those who do not constantly commute between Germany and Mongolia, the Urban G/S may even be better suited than a normal GS, because the Urban G/S is handier and weighs significantly less.

The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg for this test. There is exactly this bike as a demonstrator and is looking forward to a lot of test riders. So, let's go to Pinneberg near Hamburg!

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.