BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black 2012 — Specifications

Does a simple black dress suffice to transform a legend into a desirable object? In 2010, BMW answered yes with the R 1200 GS Triple Black, an edition that staked everything on dark elegance without touching the mechanics. It’s not a revolution, but a clever marketing move that seduces those for whom style is as important as efficiency.

Underneath this nocturnal vigilante’s cape, you find the GS of always, a proven engine. The 1170 cm3 boxer twin delivers its 110 horsepower with the quiet authority characteristic of BMWs. Torque, meanwhile, is a real tractor, with 119.6 Nm available from mid-range RPM. These figures don’t make this machine a rocket, compared to some more lively competitors, but they ensure sovereign progress, capable of swallowing up kilometers effortlessly. The weight, a little over 200 kilograms dry, is forgotten once in motion thanks to a low center of gravity. That's the magic of this motorcycle.

Where the Triple Black justifies its status is in its equipment. It’s not just a GS painted black. It inherits the Premium pack, a must-have that includes integral ABS, ESA electronic suspension, and heated grips. Spoked wheels, more robust for off-road use, and the 3D GS logo on the seat complete the picture. For a price of around 15,400 euros at the time, you got a very well-finished machine and immediately operational for the grand voyage. Today, searching for a used BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black can be a good deal to acquire this ensemble without breaking the bank.

But let's be frank, the real subject is its look. Everything is black, or almost. The fairing, the engine, the Telelever fork, and the wheels boast a deep Sapphire Black. Only the cylinder heads and the Paralever swingarm provide a touch of Asphalt Grey to break the monotony. The result is striking, much more aggressive and contemporary than the classic GS attire. This dark aesthetic has so marked people's minds that it has become a classic, declined in subsequent generations, as can be seen on models like the BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black 2015 or 2016.

So, who is this machine for? For the demanding globetrotter who wants a motorcycle capable of everything, from the highway to the dirt road, without sacrificing a certain standing. It won’t suit the hardcore rider seeking raw sensations; the GS remains a smooth and technological motorcycle. But for the urban adventurer or the globetrotter who wants to combine capacity and elegance, this special edition hits the mark. It’s less a motorcycle than a statement, proof that even the most functional tool can become a desirable object. Numerous tests of the BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black 2012 confirm it, its success is unwavering.