At its launch in 2004, the R1200GS was 30 kg (66 lb) lighter than the R1150GS it replaced,
and produced 100 bhp (75 kW), an increase of 19%.
BMW continued to produce the R1150GS Adventure, releasing a final run-out special edition model,
before launching the R1200GS Adventure at the end of 2005, for the 2006 model year.

Upgrades for model year 2008 included increased power to 78 kW (105 bhp), a new Integral ABS II anti-lock braking system was released without servo assistance and new options were added including electronic suspension adjustment (ESA) and the Automatic Stability Control (ASC) traction control system.

In 2010 model year, both models had a revised cylinder head with double overhead camshaft, an increased redline limit to 8,500 rpm, and an exhaust flap to give the exhaust a different tone.
Power is increased to 82 kW (110 hp) @ 7,750 rpm.

At the 2012 Intermot, BMW announced that the 2013 model would have water cooling, deliver an additional 11 kW (15 hp), and weigh approximately 9.1 kg (20 lb) more than the outgoing model.

Although the 2013 model has since proved itself, it had a somewhat shaky start.
In the UK, the R1200GS has been subject to various DVSA vehicle recalls covering the front brakes, anti-lock braking system, throttle cable, fuel pump, clutch, final drive assembly, brake pipes, and gearbox; and similar recalls have been issued in other countries.
Early journalistic reports described the bike as having a front end "head shake" or speed wobble, and deliveries of the motorcycle were halted while BMW revised the front end geometry.


For the 2014 through 2016 model years, there were incremental annual updates, including adjustments to road handling, and adding options such as LED headlights, keyless ignition, a quickshifter, an anti-theft system, and another lower seat option.
A new ABS mode available as a software update allows safer braking while cornering.

For the 2017 model year, the bike was given a facelift, with technical changes to meet European EU4 regulations.
Side reflectors and an on-board diagnostic (OBD) indicator light in the cockpit to indicate a malfunction were added.
Like the R1200GS Adventure, all liquid-cooled boxer models were given a damper on the transmission output shaft.
The selector drum actuator, transmission shafts and transmission shaft bearing were revised.
The GS was also given a new crash bar option, allowing cylinder protection covers to be mounted, as had been standard on the Adventure.
At its launch in 2004, the R1200GS was 30 kg (66 lb) lighter than the R1150GS it replaced,
and produced 100 bhp (75 kW), an increase of 19%. BMW continued to produce the R1150GS Adventure, releasing a final run-out special edition model,
before launching the R1200GS Adventure at the end of 2005, for the 2006 model year.
Upgrades for model year 2008 included increased power to 78 kW (105 bhp), a new Integral ABS II anti-lock braking system was released without servo assistance and new options were added including electronic suspension adjustment (ESA) and the Automatic Stability Control (ASC) traction control system.
In 2010 model year, both models had a revised cylinder head with double overhead camshaft, an increased redline limit to 8,500 rpm, and an exhaust flap to give the exhaust a different tone. Power is increased to 82 kW (110 hp) @ 7,750 rpm.
At the 2012 Intermot, BMW announced that the 2013 model would have water cooling, deliver an additional 11 kW (15 hp), and weigh approximately 9.1 kg (20 lb) more than the outgoing model.
Although the 2013 model has since proved itself, it had a somewhat shaky start. In the UK, the R1200GS has been subject to various DVSA vehicle recalls covering the front brakes, anti-lock braking system, throttle cable, fuel pump, clutch, final drive assembly, brake pipes, and gearbox; and similar recalls have been issued in other countries. Early journalistic reports described the bike as having a front end "head shake" or speed wobble, and deliveries of the motorcycle were halted while BMW revised the front end geometry.

For the 2014 through 2016 model years, there were incremental annual updates, including adjustments to road handling, and adding options such as LED headlights, keyless ignition, a quickshifter, an anti-theft system, and another lower seat option. A new ABS mode available as a software update allows safer braking while cornering.
For the 2017 model year, the bike was given a facelift, with technical changes to meet European EU4 regulations. Side reflectors and an on-board diagnostic (OBD) indicator light in the cockpit to indicate a malfunction were added. Like the R1200GS Adventure, all liquid-cooled boxer models were given a damper on the transmission output shaft. The selector drum actuator, transmission shafts and transmission shaft bearing were revised. The GS was also given a new crash bar option, allowing cylinder protection covers to be mounted, as had been standard on the Adventure.
BMW R1200GS