This motorcycle tour takes us through British Columbia, to Telegraph Creek. It’s a detour on an itinerary for the West Canadian Arctic, and if you love the combination of scenery and riding, this video is for you. The bikes in question are a BMW R1200 GS Adventure, the KTM 990 Adventure and the BMW F800 GS. One of the first pieces of advice is not to forget the wine for a little celebratory drink at the destination. My kind of tour…

Source | OneWheelDrive

Continue reading: Motorcycle tours to the Arctic: Telegraph Creek itinerary

After taking a look at the new BMW R 1200 RT, here is the 2010 BMW R 1200 GS model, with a more powerful engine and greater torque, taking on the same BMW DOHC technology (double overhead camshaft) as the HP2 Sport and the 2010 R 1200 RT.

The main features of the 2010 R 1200 GS are:

* New, even more dynamic engine now with two overhead camshafts per cylinder and valves in radial arrangement.
* Increase in engine output by 5 per cent to 110 hp at 7,750 rpm and maximum torque to 88 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm.
* Increase in maximum engine speed from 8,000 to 8,500 rpm offers a wider range of useful engine speed.
* Significantly better acceleration and torque.
* Electronically controlled exhaust flap for an aggressive muscular sound.
* Color variants of the R 1200 GS: Alpine White non-metallic, Magma Red non-metallic, Ostra Greymatt metallic, Sapphire Black metallic.
* Optional extras and accessories tailored to the model with BMW’s usual high level of quality.
* New additional headlight in LED technology for the R 1200 GS (accessory).

After the jump are more pics of the R 1200 GS and the full technical specs (USA) for the 2010 model.

BMW R 1200 GS 2010

Continue reading: 2010 BMW R 1200 GS

The new BMW R1200GS gets some significant engine updates in a bike perhaps not meant to be revolutionary, but that has become an icon in the world of European motorcycling. It has DOHC cylinder head and cam set-up, with different valve positioning and overall lower emissions.

For full details on the whole valve cover/cylinder head cover and camshaft modifications, see Hell for Leather’s comments section which has some nice technical info. The BMW R1200GS should have 115 hp, with spark plug and cylinder modifications for greater fuel emission and to enter into Euro4 emissions laws. The BMW R1200GS will appear with the R 1200R and R1200RT at this year’s EICMA so stay tuned.

The R1200GS is already in production, ready for sales success in 2010, and we should see an interesting battle between it and the road enduro Ducati Multistrada/Stradaperta. Take your bets now…

BMW R1200GS engine pics

Continue reading: BMW R1200GS engine pics

Fancy a ride through the volcanic deserts of Iceland? Or how about the ice deserts of Northern Siberia? Motorcycle adventurer and desert expert Michael Martin will be doing just that this year, as he tours the world’s major ice and volcanic deserts in a project called “Planet Desert”.

Martin’s vehicle of choice for his tour is the BMW R 1200 GS, after also have travelling deserts in Asia, Australia and America. The trip will become a kind of documentary as Martin focuses on the people who live in the extreme conditions of these areas, and the changing climactic conditions of the world.

Martin is geographer and will go to some regions he has already visited, while also travelling to the Patagonian desert, the Tibetan Chang Tang desert and other places, before heading to the ice deserts of Antarctica.

Continue reading: Fire and ice: Michael Martin's world tour with a BMW R 1200 GS

BMW Motorrad has developed this new R 1200 GS Alpine White Version to celebrate 500,000 GS units produced. 300 models of the special version will be made, after the last GS was produced on May 12th.

The R 1200 GS has been a successful model for BMW with over 35,000 units sold around the world in 2008 across both the R 1200 GS and the GS Adventure. The special Alpine White version will have a new colour, as the name suggests, with black spoke wheels, wider mudguard, black spoiler, bronzed windshield and black and grey seat.

The new seat can be adjusted to modify the height between 870 and 890 mm, slightly higher than the standard version, though a lower seat is also available at 820 mm. Post-production suspension kit can be purchased to further lower the bike to 790 mm.

Continue reading: BMW R 1200 GS Alpine White Version

The possible heir to the Ducati Multistrada has been spotted in Spain, although the name and look of the bike are still uncertain, especially with this camouflage job.

The rear swing arm and redesigned tail are the notable updates, if we exclude the likelihood of a mixed alluminium, trellis frame. The Motociclismo.es site confirms that the bike will have a four valve engine like the Ducati 1098, powerful enough to rival the BMW R 1200 GS.

This looks to be another step in Ducati’s offroad movements, after indiscretions on the Stradaperta plan.

Source | Motociclismo.es

Continue reading: Spy shots of Ducati enduro 1098 for 2010

Obiboi (Oberdan Bezzi) has surprised us again with preview design renderings of the new Cagiva Elefant 1125.

With all probability this will be the model for the relaunch of the Cagiva brand and its twin cylinder, Buell BRP-Rotax engine. The aim is to provide some contrast and competition to the BMW R 1200 GS, queen of two wheel SUVs.

The colour is set to be a homage to the historic livery of the Cagiva Elefants of the old days; will we see a “Lucky Stripe” from Varese amongst the dunes at Tènèrè or around the Egyptian pyramids.

Source | Motosketches

Continue reading: The future Cagiva Elefant 1125 sketches

Motorevue has given us its interpretation of the probable future Ducati enduro with its current hybrid name of Hyperstrada. It’s a model that could come to light in 2010.

According to the French magazine, the model has already been announced to various dealerships and will be the sports competition to the BMW R 1200 GS. The current Ducati Multistrada should evolve into a more complete bike with offroad characteristics and a look inspired by the recent 1198.

While it’s a long way off, we’re expecting a presentation of this “Hyperstrada” at the end of 2009, where it’s true name and look will be revealed.

Source | Motorevue

Continue reading: Motorevue interprets the Ducati Hyperstrada 2010

Openroad could be the name of the new possible maxi-enduro Ducati, InfoMotori has reported. Enduro and maxienduro have come back in fashion after the success of the BMW R 1200 GS, and projected sales for the new F 800 GS, Transalp and Stelvio 1200 demonstrate that a return to its heyday is on the cards.

The InfoMotori reports have a shortened distance between the Multistrada and the dream of seeing a new enduro bike from the company. Rumours are circulating that we could even see a new concept at the next Milan show.

Designs are from Oberdan Bezzi and the Openroad seems more sporty than the competition, slimmer, lighter but with more grunt as characterised by the pylon frame.

Continue reading: Openroad, maxienduro Ducati?