BMW R1250GSA

More power from clever engine tech

Just when you think that BMW have evolved their GS to perfection, they add another dose of je ne sais quoi to eke out its advantage and tempt owners to upgrade.

The changes might not make a very long list for 2019, but the headline one is pivotal. The old 1170cc boxer has been usurped by a new 1254cc one that boasts a 9% boost in power, taking peak output to 134bhp and, maybe even more crucially, a 14% boost in torque to 105.4ftlb. It’s the most powerful production boxer engine that BMW have produced. The new engine has a trick up its sleeve, too: ShiftCam technology. This varies the timing and stroke of the intake valves to deliver more power throughout the rev range (and reduce fuel consumption and emissions). There’s no ugly step in power or its delivery, the system switching between a ‘partial load’ cam profile and ‘full load’ seamlessly according to how much throttle you ask for. Now featuring as standard equipment are ASC and Hill Start Control, and you can also add DTC, ABS Pro, HSC Pro as well as Riding Modes Pro. If you add ABS Pro you can also add Dynamic Brake Control, which will shut the throttle automatically under heavy braking. LED lighting all-round and the fantastic 6.5in full-colour Connectivity TFT screen are also now standard fare.

The other big selling point that hasn’t changed is the Adventure model’s larger-than-life stance, with 220mm of travel and a 30-litre fuel tank, giving it a theoretical range of 390 miles.

It’s a true global adventure bike.

ADAM CHILD SENIOR ROAD TESTER ‘It’s outstanding. BMW have given it more power and torque, and it’s almost impossible to find fault’