BMW S 1000 XR versus BMW R 1200 GS Adventure K255

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 XR

Crossover
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure K255

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2015 bis 2024~
Built von 2006 bis 2013
RRP 19.690 €
RRP
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Pros:
  • Seating position fits small and big people
  • High-revving motor
  • Strong brakes
  • Very good standard equipment
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:
  • You just always want to step on the gas
Cons:
  • heavy, manoeuvring problematic
  • vulnerable ABS

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.541 mm
Length :
2.156 mm Height : 1.460 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
227 (max: 450 ) 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: Number 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Cooling: Luft/Ölgekühlt
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 250 km/h
Performance: 170 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
323 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:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Upside-down 45 mm (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
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 brake, 4-piston fixed caliper ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, 2-piston floating caliper ( 265 mm)
Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 265 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Man, we had fun with the XR! The standard electronically adjustable ESA suspension really irons everything smoothly and yet this bike still gives you the necessary feedback about the road condition for sporty driving. That's the biggest difference between XR and GS: The XR is always sporty on the road, even if the 4-cylinder can purr at least theoretically like a kitten, that's not what you want as a driver! Better to throttle and loseprint like a cheetah. GS on the other hand: Rather quiet as a lion.
 
Whether the sportiness of the XR has a lasting effect or rather annoys, every driver has to decide for himself. What is clear, however, is that it travels more pleasantly on a GS, because you drive rather relaxed and there is no constant driving jerking or chain care.

The test motorcycle was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne Pinneberg. There she stands as a guide and is happy about every test driver.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 17.000€
  • Used (1 year old): 15,000€
  • Availability: since 2020
  • Colours: red, silver, colorful

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