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The R 1150 GS Adventure is a motorcycle which fulfils even more demanding standards in terms of off-road and long-distance travel with its modified standard equipment and a new special range of special accessories and fittings, and this is reflected in its visual appearance.

Whether on gravel paths, sand tracks, rough terrain or long distances: the chassis of the R 1150 GS Adventure is highly suited to all these even when fully loaded. The spring travel has been increased by 20 mm to 210 mm at the front and 220 mm at the rear.

For the first time in a BMW motorcycle, a strut is used at the rear which has suspension-related damping, i.e. the damping effect increases, the greater the spring deflection. The White Power strut is characterised by sensitive response and a high degree of knock resistance.

The adjustment of the spring base is effected at the front using a sickle spanner and at the rear hydraulically using a hand wheel. At the rear, the rebound damping can be adjusted by means of a small screw.

The calipers of the new EVO brake, introduced in a number of BMW models in the spring of 2001, are to be found in the front wheel. This makes for improved braking performance and greater braking comfort. As with the R 1150 GS, the diameter of each of the brake discs in the front wheel is 305 mm. Brake hoses housed in steel flex (so-called steel flex brake hoses) provide stable and constant pressure.

The R 1150 GS Adventure can of course be fitted with the optional ABS II, which can be switched off for off-road use.

The engine is that of the R 1150 GS in unchanged form. The new R 1150 GS Adventure fulfils one wish frequently expressed by those who travel to distance countries: it now takes regular petrol too. This is made possible by a coding plug for the engine management system, available as an optional accessory. When this coding plug is inserted into the so-called electro-box, an ignition grid is activated which means the engine can be safely operated with regular fuel (RON 91) without risk of damage. The basic orientation of the engine to premium plus fuel for normal operation has been retained, as for the R 1150 GS, due to the higher degree of efficiency.

Unlike the R 1150 GS, the sixth gear of the transmission here does not have a long ratio (overdrive), but a short one. There is also a short first gear for improved starting off on difficult terrain: this is an optional extra.

On the new single-section seat, the rider can occupy seating position according to his needs, for example near to the tank for concentrated riding over rough terrain or far back for relaxed riding on long tours. The seat length is such that two people have sufficient space. The design of a new and larger luggage bridge provides additional lashing options.

For improved wind and weather protection, the windshield has been extended in width at the base by 12 cm and at the top by 5 cm, and the length has been extended by 13 cm. The front mudguard has been extended and widened. The R 1150 GS Adventure has handlebar impact protection and hand protectors as standard. The under body protection panel below the engine in solid aluminium is larger in size and positioned further to the rear than in the R 1150 GS; it provides reliable protection from possible damage due to stone chip or over hard bumps on stony terrain.

A 12-V socket has been added to the cockpit in order to be able to connect accessories such as GPS, Roadbook or a reading light.

Due to a number of effective design elements, the vehicle has been given a distinctive visual appearance. For example, the cylinder head covers are finished in blue and the aluminium rims in blue. The R 1150 Adventure is offered in two different paintwork finishes. The white aluminium metallic finish in a new type of clear matt paintwork provides a special accentuation and is offered with a two-colour seat in grey and red. There is also the option of night black combined with a two-colour seat in mandarin and black.

The specific range of special equipment and accessories for the R 1150 GS Adventure enables the customer to put his own personal motorcycle together according to taste and purpose. The aspects of range and storage space - so important on long journeys - are of priority here. In addition, the already familiar program of special equipment and accessories for the R 1150 GS is also available.

Instead of the standard 22-litre fuel there is the option of a 30-litre fuel tank. A new, robust luggage system in aluminium has been specially developed for the R 1150 GS Adventure; this consists of a multifunctional carrier system, two side cases and a top case with holder. The side cases have a volume of 75 litres in total (39 litres right, 36 litres left), the top case has a volume of 30 litres. The lid surfaces of the side cases are at the same level as the rear section of the seat and thus form an ideal load area for large luggage items. The special multifunctional attachments for the aluminium cases are fitted with a folding mechanism. If the cases are not mounted, these attachments can be folded out to form a load surface and any luggage can be lashed on here.

Resilient, waterproof inner bags with variable volume are available for the aluminium cases (roll-button fastener). There is also a large cylinder protection bracket, protection grille for the main headlamp, fog lamps with protection grilles and coarse profile tyres for improved off-road capability.