From a press release issued by BMW North America:

Even more agile, more powerful and lighter for maximum riding pleasure on and off the road.

The new BMW R 1200 GS fulfils the old dream of the ideal touring enduro: Superiority in every respect, outstanding performance and superior comfort even on the longest tour, equally superior handling and agility for maximum riding pleasure on winding country roads and mountain passes give the rider exactly what he wants. Add to this low weight of just 225 kg or 496 lb quite unique in this class, plus outstanding chassis and spring qualities, and you can be sure to enjoy even the toughest tours on the roughest terrain.

The BMW R 1200 GS offers an unparalleled synthesis of harmony in its
combination of offroad an onroad riding qualities. With its predecessor,
the R 1150 GS uniquely successful over so many years, setting the standard in its segment consistently throughout its lifecycle, the R 1200 GS now takes you into a new dimension, raising the outstanding features of its predecessor to an even higher level on all important counts.

At the same time it goes without saying that the R 1200 GS continues all
the traditional features and fortes so characteristic of all BMW motorcycles:
First-class and extra-safe riding conditions ensured by even more stable running gear with the unique BMW Telelever for the front wheel and a newly designed weight- and geometry-optimised Paralever at the rear.

High-performance brakes of the highest caliber together with BMW’s unique Motorcycle Integral ABS guarantee supreme safety even in a critical situation. Superior environmental compatibility, in turn, is ensured by a fully controlled three-way catalytic converter with the most advanced emission management – a technology, incidentally, which has been a natural feature on all
BMW motorcycles for years.

Equipped with dual ignition, brand-new Digital Motor Electronics featuring integrated knock control, as well as further improved catalytic converters and separate oxygen sensors for each cylinder, the R 1200 GS increases the leadership of BMW motorcycles in the large-volume touring enduro segment to an even higher standard than ever before.

A further feature not to be forgotten is the maintenance-free driveshaft avoiding the need for unpleasant and time-consuming service particularly on long trips. The sophisticated new luggage system as well as the wide range of accessories available straight from the factory and tailored to the R 1200 GS also help to clearly prove that this new machine is powerfully continuing the tradition of large-capacity BMW touring enduros which now goes back almost 25 years to the R 80 G/S launched in 1980: This is most certainly the original straight from the inventor of this type of motorcycle, a machine once again setting the standard in this class.