By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Adventure
BMW R 1200 GS (K50) vs R 1200 GS Adventure (K51)
2013 BMW R 1200 GS vs R 1200 GS Adventure: which one's easier to live with on a long trip.
You'll look into a tight bend on the 2013 BMW R 1200 GS and it's already tipping in. On the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, all that bulk rolls into the bend on a Telelever front that doesn't wander. Mid-corner, it carves a precise arc and stays put.
So which one do you buy?
The 2013 R 1200 GS has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Nose ahead: 2013 R 1200 GS
The 2013 R 1200 GS makes slightly more sense as a commuter. Don't read much into a gap this small.
The R 1200 GS Adventure has the edge if…
Comfortable long-distance riding
Small edge: R 1200 GS Adventure
On a long day in the saddle, the R 1200 GS Adventure comes out a little ahead. Most of that is more range per tank and better wind protection. Ride both before you decide.
Which one's the smarter buy
Nothing in it on value
The price gap is too small to drive the decision. Neither bike is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
2013 R 1200 GS
Hectic riding isn't what the 2013 R 1200 GS wants, because the boxer's huge pull from low rpm gets it moving quick without any fuss. The front end doesn't flinch when the brake lever gets a big, late squeeze off the straight. The gearbox doesn't shift smoothly at big lean, and the engine runs out of revs in a fast right-hander. It lugs home over Alpine passes.
Nils rode the 2013 R 1200 GS in Andalusia and Croatia/Dalmatia in 2013, in Austria in 2015, and in 2016 (NastyNils Testride).
R 1200 GS Adventure
The boxer rumbles and shoves the R 1200 GS Adventure past traffic on a flat surge of thrust that doesn't run dry. A bump on a gravel track sinks into 8.3 in (210 mm) of travel up front and 8.7 in (220 mm) at the rear, and the chassis doesn't lose its composure. Stopped or on tricky terrain, those 573 lb (260 kg) take strong technique at the bars. The plush seat swallows long days.
Nils rode the R 1200 GS Adventure in Ireland in 2015 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 2013 R 1200 GS has the lower seat: 33.5 in (850 mm) vs 35.0 in (890 mm).
- The 2013 R 1200 GS has the lower wet weight: 525 lb (238 kg) vs 573 lb (260 kg).
- The R 1200 GS Adventure has the larger fuel tank: 7.9 US gal (30 L) vs 5.3 US gal (20 L).
Which one for the way you ride
Nothing splits them on the dirt, twisty roads, and running costs. Ride both back to back and the decision usually makes itself.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
2013 R 1200 GS
Strengths
- ABS works so finely you forget it's there
- Finds the line almost by itself in tight corners
- Huge low-rpm pull rewards a calm, lugging style
- Late, hard braking with a stable front end
- Track-capable in the morning, Alpine passes home in the evening
Trade-offs
- Runs out of revs and shifting is awkward at big lean
- High cost to buy and maintain
- Wind protection falls short of expectations
R 1200 GS Adventure
What owners say
Strengths
- Potent, characterful boxer engine
- Surprisingly agile handling
- Strong, progressive brakes
Trade-offs
- Heavy and cumbersome at low speed
Known problems to check before you buy
2013 R 1200 GS
- Shaft drive U-joint corrosion The cardan shaft U-joints can exhibit premature rust, particularly on bikes used in wet conditions or not regularly lubricated, leading to driveline lash or failure.
- Fuel pump cracking On bikes built between 2013 and 2014, the fuel pump unit can crack due to a stressed support washer, leading to fuel leaks and engine hesitation.
- Water pump failure Early water-cooled GS models are prone to water pump failure, often requiring replacement around 20,000–30,000 miles. Symptoms include coolant leaks and overheating.
- Clunky gearbox The transmission can feel harsh, especially shifting between 1st and 2nd gears, with a noticeable clunk. Some owners report difficulty finding neutral.
R 1200 GS Adventure
- Front fork stanchion separation (safety recall) Recall 17V438000 Under extreme off-road stress the fork plug could loosen, allowing the stanchion to separate from the triple clamp, affecting handling. BMW recall 17V438000 added a fork tube bush to prevent separation.
- Blocked rear reflector (safety recall) Recall 17V481000 Optional aluminium panniers can obscure the rear reflex reflector, failing FMVSS 108. BMW recall 17V481000 added additional reflectors to the cases.
What they cost used
These prices compare an 8-year-old 2013 R 1200 GS with an 8-year-old R 1200 GS Adventure.
- 2013 R 1200 GS
- about $12,200
- R 1200 GS Adventure
- about $12,100
What they share
- Displacement
- 1170 cc
- Engine
- Flat-twin (boxer)
- Cooling
- Air/liquid-cooled
- Power
- 125 hp (92 kW)
- Torque
- 92 lb-ft (125 Nm)
- Peak torque at
- 6,500 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Fork
- Telelever
- Front brake
- 305 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-19
- Rear tire
- 170/60-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 2013 R 1200 GS | R 1200 GS Adventure | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 33.5 in (850 mm) | 35.0 in (890 mm) |
| Wet weight | 525 lb (238 kg) | 573 lb (260 kg) |
| 2013 R 1200 GS | R 1200 GS Adventure | |
|---|---|---|
| Peak power at | 7,700 rpm | 7,750 rpm |
| Top speed | 132 mph (213 km/h) | 137 mph (220 km/h) |
| 2013 R 1200 GS | R 1200 GS Adventure | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 35 mpg (US) / 6.7 L/100 km | 43 mpg (US) / 5.5 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 5.3 US gal (20 L) | 7.9 US gal (30 L) |
| 2013 R 1200 GS | R 1200 GS Adventure | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 59.3 in (1507 mm) | 59.4 in (1510 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 7.9 in (200 mm) | 8.1 in (205 mm) |
| Front travel | 7.5 in (190 mm) | 8.3 in (210 mm) |
| Rear travel | 7.9 in (200 mm) | 8.7 in (220 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 2013 R 1200 GS | R 1200 GS Adventure | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard (from 2016) | Standard |
| Cornering ABS | Option | Option (from 2016) |
| Steering Damper | Not offered | Standard |
| Quickshifter | Option (from 2014) | Option |
| Slipper Clutch | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
