Out with the old...

...and, in with the new! 

2016 BMW R1200GS Adventure

On May 17, I took deliver of the 2016 BMW R1200GS Adventure.  This is the 22nd motorcycle, 5th BMW, 4th GS and 3rd Adventure.  I had been lusting after the new water-cooled version ever since its debut in 2014.  But, at the time I was concerned about the reduction of fuel capacity and range.  The new version reduced the fuel capacity by 3 liters or from 8.7 gallons to 7.9 gallons.  At the time I was very happy getting 350 miles of range at 79 mph moving average on the 2013.  After deciding not to put in for the 2017 Iron Butt Rally, the 3 liter reduction did not matter much.  So, I marshalled the funds, negotiated the deal and took the plunge.  

As of this writing I have put over 5,000 miles on the bike.  The new water-cooled model is beefier, smarter and handles noticeably better.  Its 92 ft-lbs of torque and 125hp engine is very responsive.  The upgraded data management computer is very useful.  Compared to the 2013 model, the 2016 GSA seems lighter, more nimble on and off pavement.

I'm already on my way to "Farkling" it to enhance its utility.  Gone are the digital ACU camo bags and pouches.  They served me well on the 2013 GSA, but I've opted to go conventional black load bearing equipment.   Haven't installed my FLIR PathFindIR camera and display yet.  I've ordered a Wunderlich screen reinforcement and device mount to accommodate the Pyle display.

One of the first performance issues I want to resolve is the fuel endurance range of the new water-cooled engine with the rated 7.9 gallon fuel tank.  As with my previous GSA I'm going to do a 'run out of gas' experiment at three different moving average miles per hour.  The first of these "ROG" tests will be at 80mph from Kerrville TX to probably near the I-10 & I-20 merge near Cherry Creek.  At that moving average speed this test will give me good idea of how far the bike will go on a full tank of gas at the highest sustained speeds I would expect to encounter.

So, follow along with me as I wup this now GSA into shape for more Hard Riding Adventures!

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A tribute to my 2013 GS Adventure.  Acquired in October of 2012 from Lone Star BMW of Austin, this motorcycle carried me over 139,000 miles of hard riding adventures.  Including two Iron Butt Rallies, 10,000 miles in 10 days all in the state of Texas and many other long-distance rides.  All without a single breakdown of any mechanical or electrical component.  Truly, a most reliable machine.