BMW + Touratech's R1200GS Rambler Concept

BMW + Touratech's R1200GS Rambler Concept

BMW Motorrad and adventure parts and gear company Touratech have recently come together to create the R1200GS Rambler Concept Bike.

The R1200GS has been one of the most successful bikes BMW has ever produced. IN 2002 CycleWorld called the R120GS "the most successful motorcycle in the last two-and-a-half decades", after they sold hundreds of thousands of units. So, the decision to modify an already beloved bike was a bold choice that easily could have been received negatively by the dedicated and longtime fans of the GS line, but thus far the two companies appear to have gotten it right.

Touratech, a company known for its rugged and dependable off-road/adventure parts, accessories and rider gear, appeared to be a logical choice for the reputable German manufacturer to collaborate with on a project such as this, and collaboration between these two companies has clearly paid off.

The R12KGS Rambler borrows various existing production parts from other BMW models to become one of the most capable ADV bikes of all time. Weighing in at just over 440lbs - more than 110lbs lighter than the standard R1200GS model - the 1200cc liquid cooled boxer engine gearbox has been swapped out of a BMW R1200R Roadster, with the rear swing-arm and shaft drive coming from the stock GS. This gives the GS Rambler a high torque drive system that puts down 125hp and which Touratech claims makes the power delivery "incredibly responsive". In addition, the concept's chassis comes equipped with a conventional fork, instead of the GS' Telelever system.

Shaving weight off of the GS was clearly a major priority throughout this project. A powerful but light-weight lithium-ion battery was added, as well as a full titanium Akrapovič exhaust system to even further reduce the overall weight. Accomplishing this without throwing off the center of gravity/weight distribution was a crucial aspect of the GS' transformation. The team behind the Rambler opted to use aluminum tubing and carbon fiber for the transitional fabrication, as well.

While weight was a primary concern for those behind the GS Rambler, some stylistic liberties were taken such as the use of spoked rims and a single-sided-swing-arm which weighs more than a traditional (dual-sided) swing-arm.

The bike is also surprisingly slender in contrast to the somewhat bulbous mid-section on the standard GS. The 4.75 gallon capacity tank is accompanied by minimal enduro-style bodywork, cemented by a slim enduro-like seat and high front fender, less reminiscent of the classic "beak" found on the GS line and more similar to a traditional dirt bike's front fender.

The GS Rambler is available in two liveries: BMW's classic red, white and blue, or Touratech's trademark black, grey and yellow scheme.

While the Rambler is only a concept bike, Touratech has said it's "ready to go", a statement that is vague but optimistic.

The R1200GS Rambler will likely be the most anticipated ADV concept since Yamaha's 700cc "T7" Tènèrè Concept bike unveiled a few months ago at EICMA 2016. With the introduction of two sub $5,000 bikes, a successful Scrambler line-up, their consistently selling ADV bikes and the updated S1000RR receiving stellar reviews, (not to mention the GS Rambler Concept), BMW Motorrad is on track to have a fantastic year.

Below are two videos of the Rambler: one, a walk-around video and the other a promo-video from Touratech of the Rambler in action.

For more info on the R1200GS Rambler you can check out the official Touratech Rambler Webpage.