The BMW R 1250 GS is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a legend in the adventure touring world, especially popular among American riders. Renowned for its unparalleled capability, versatility, and comfort, the R 1250 GS is designed to tackle everything from long-distance highway cruises to challenging off-road trails, making it a true go-anywhere, do-anything bike.
Distinctive Design Built for Adventure
The R 1250 GS has an iconic and purposeful look that immediately tells you it’s ready for adventure:
- Asymmetrical Headlight: A signature design element, the unique asymmetrical LED headlight gives it a distinctive face.
- Rugged Stance: With its tall, upright posture, ample ground clearance, and robust protective elements, it projects an image of strength and readiness for any terrain.
- Beak-Style Front Fender: The characteristic “beak” below the headlight is a hallmark of the GS series, designed to deflect debris.
- Adjustable Windscreen: A large, adjustable windscreen provides excellent wind protection for rider comfort on long rides.
- Ergonomic Comfort: The riding position is upright and comfortable, with wide handlebars and an adjustable seat height (typically ranging from 33 to 35.8 inches, depending on the model and options) to suit a variety of riders, even when standing on the pegs for off-road riding.
Powerful Boxer Engine with ShiftCam Technology
At the heart of the R 1250 GS is BMW’s signature “boxer” twin engine, known for its unique character and potent performance:
- 1254cc Boxer Twin: It’s powered by a liquid- and air-cooled 1254cc flat-twin engine with BMW’s innovative ShiftCam technology. This system varies the valve timing and lift on the intake side, delivering impressive power and torque across the entire engine speed range.
- Horsepower and Torque: This engine produces 136 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and a stout 105 lb-ft of torque at 6,250 rpm. This translates to strong acceleration for highway passing and plenty of grunt for climbing steep trails.
- Smooth Delivery: ShiftCam also contributes to incredibly smooth running, especially at lower RPMs, making the bike very manageable in technical off-road situations or slow-speed maneuvers.
- Shaft Drive: Power is sent to the rear wheel via a low-maintenance shaft drive, a hallmark of BMW motorcycles, which is ideal for long-distance touring.
Exceptional Handling and Versatility
The R 1250 GS is renowned for its surprising agility despite its size, thanks to its advanced chassis:
- BMW Telelever Front Suspension: This unique front suspension system (with 8.3 inches of travel) separates braking and steering forces, providing excellent stability and reducing “brake dive.”
- BMW Paralever Rear Suspension: The single-sided swingarm with the Paralever system (offering 8.7 inches of travel) provides a smooth ride and excellent traction. Many models offer Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), which automatically adjusts damping and preload based on riding conditions and load.
- Advanced Braking: Equipped with dual disc brakes up front (305mm) and a single disc brake at the rear (276mm), with BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro (optimized for lean angles) for powerful and safe stopping in corners.
- Multiple Riding Modes: Standard riding modes like “Rain,” “Road,” and “Eco” (for maximum fuel efficiency) allow riders to tailor the bike’s behavior. Optional “Riding Modes Pro” adds “Dynamic,” “Enduro,” and “Enduro Pro” for more aggressive or off-road specific settings, along with features like Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Hill Start Control.
Cutting-Edge Features and Technology
The R 1250 GS is packed with state-of-the-art electronics for safety, convenience, and performance:
- 6.5-inch TFT Display with Connectivity: A vibrant full-color TFT display provides all essential ride information, navigation, and integrates with your smartphone via the BMW Motorrad Connected App for calls and music.
- Dynamic Traction Control (DTC): This advanced traction control system helps maintain grip on varying surfaces.
- LED Lighting: Full LED lighting, including an adaptive headlight (on some models) that illuminates turns, enhances visibility and safety, especially at night.
- Heated Grips and Seat: Optional heated grips and multi-level heated seats for both rider and passenger enhance comfort in colder weather.
- Keyless Ride: Enjoy the convenience of keyless ignition.
- USB Charging Socket: A convenient USB port keeps your electronic devices charged.
Fuel Economy (MPG)
Given its large engine and adventure capabilities, the BMW R 1250 GS offers reasonable fuel economy. Riders typically report figures in the range of 45-50 miles per gallon (MPG) in mixed riding conditions. With its generous 5.3-gallon fuel tank (or a massive 7.9-gallon tank on the Adventure model), the R 1250 GS can cover long distances between fuel stops.
Price in the U.S.A. (MSRP)
The BMW R 1250 GS is a premium motorcycle, and its price reflects its advanced technology, capability, and brand prestige. For the 2024 BMW R 1250 GS, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) typically starts around $17,995.
The more off-road capable and long-distance oriented BMW R 1250 GS Adventure model, with its larger fuel tank, crash bars, and longer suspension travel, generally starts at a higher MSRP, around $20,745. Prices can increase significantly with optional packages (such as Dynamic, Comfort, Touring, and Billet packs), premium paint colors, and individual accessories. These MSRPs do not include destination charges (often around $695), dealer preparation fees, sales tax, title, or registration fees, which will vary by state and dealership.
The BMW R 1250 GS remains a top choice for American riders seeking the ultimate adventure touring motorcycle. It offers a sophisticated blend of rugged capability, touring comfort, and high-tech features, making it a truly versatile machine for exploring the vast and diverse landscapes of the U.S.