BMW R1250GS
If you like the sound of adventure motorcycling, then there’s one machine that you need to know about: BMW’s R1250GS.
The success story of BMW’s rugged, large capacity GS adventure bikes is one of the greatest in motorcycling history. Selling in large numbers worldwide, the popularity of the range has grown slowly since the birth of its iconic R80G/S back in 1980. Admittedly, it took time for the virtues of the GS to be truly appreciated in the UK, but as time passed and the GS continued to grow in size, so did its popularity. Ever since BMW’s 1170cc R1200GS appeared in 2004, the adventure bike market has gone from strength to strength – and the GS remains its undisputed king.
Helping the cause and bringing the big BMW to more people than ever before, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman used a pair of 1150 Adventures for their famous Long Way Round TV show back in 2004, and then in 2007 they used a couple of 1200 Adventure models to film their Long Way Down follow-up.
As a result, BMW’s GS has stood near the top of sales charts in the UK and much of Europe for years, and with the biggest update in years coming for 2019, it’s no surprise the Bavarian brand has continued its dominance in the adventure motorcycle market.
Of course, it’s been gradually updated over the years – with improvements made right across board. One of the bigger changes came about in 2013 with the introduction of a new water-cooled engine, complete with a new chassis and styling. But the basic recipe has stayed the same since its inception – a thumping boxer twin, Paralever shaft-drive rear end, Telelever front suspension, lopsided headlights and the trademark beak at the front.
For 2019 BMW isn’t about to mess around too much with its tried and tested adventure machine. After all, the company prefers to make gradual, incremental changes, honing its bikes rather than undertaking any radical changes. But there is one big change for the latest GS – its new 1250cc powerplant with ShiftCam technology.
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TECHNOLOGY: BMW is well known for its top-level tech and as you’d expect, the 2019 GS is well kitted out. The new R1250GS features LED headlights, a 6.5in full-colour TFT screen with connectivity, and the choice of two distinct ‘Road’ and ‘Rain’ riding modes, too. There’s also an Automatic Stability Control ASC as standard, which works to keep you safe when the weather’s bad or grip’s not plentiful, helping the bike find the best traction possible, while its set-off assistant Hill Start Control helps to allow convenient and (comparatively) hassle-free set-off on slopes.
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ERGONOMICS: The GS is a big bike – there’s no denying it. It weighs in at a fairly hefty 249kg (wet) and the seat stands at 850/870mm, but BMW has worked to make it lightweight and manoeuvrable out on the Tarmac and trails. A big part of that weight distribution is it’s hefty, but low down Boxer engine.
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DYNAMIC ESA SUSPENSION: The BMW GS has been lauded for its sophisticated suspension set up in recent years, and for 2019, the GS comes with its next generation Dynamic ESA. Essentially, Dynamic ESA helps to provide an even higher level of riding safety, performance and comfort through a set of unique riding modes and automatic damping adjustments.
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BRAKES: At the front the GS is equipped with twin 305mm diameter floating disc brakes with four piston radial brake calipers, and at the rear there’s a single 276mm diameter disc with a two piston floating caliper. Basically, it’s the same set up as on the outgoing R1200GS and if you’ve ever ridden one, you’ll know that there’s no need for any upgrades, as the set up works extremely well.
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STYLING: The new BMW R1250GS has had a bit of a styling upgrade. Nothing wild, but there’re a few nice touches, which help make the latest model distinctive from previous incarnations. For 2019, there are a few different models, each with its own claimed benefits. In essence, there’s the basic R1250GS, an Exclusive variant and a
Rallye variant. The standard version is available in Blackstorm metallic and Cosmic Blue metallic; the road-focused, well equipped R1250GS Exclusive is available in Blackstorm metallic/Night Black; and the R1250GS Rallye, which is geared towards off-road riding, is available in a HP-style Light White/
Racing Blue metallic/Racing Red colour scheme.
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ADVENTURE PROWESS: With its 19in front wheel and 17in rear, 20 litre fuel tank and dynamic ESA, the new GS is a true adventure machine. It’s a hell of a bike as standard, but BMW also offers a huge range of aftermarket bits and pieces to help get you ready for your next big trip. There’s everything from luggage and engine protection, through to comfort seats and eCall technology – and even a range of HP sports performance-oriented kit.
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ENGINE: The GS’s new 1250 boxer engine is the big change for 2019. Building on the success of the previous generation powerplant, BMW has introduced and added its own ShiftCam technology, which offers variation of the valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side. In turn, that translates to even more power, better fuel consumption and lower emissions.
"One of the things that makes motorcycling so great is because it never fails to give you a feeling of freedom and adventure Steve McQueen