The BMW R1250 GS

How do you improve on an already legendary Adventure machine? Give it great handling, BMW already has that covered. Improve on the platform; for many, the GS is already more than ideally suited. Or merely increase the power and hope riders trade in their current bikes for something new. Indeed, for many, it raised an eyebrow or two when the adventure industry leader announced that their new flagship would see an increase to their engine size, along with its curb weight. Interesting, considering that many might already even term the R 1200 GS a behemoth. For BMW Motorrad the way forward would be to match any, and all upgrades with their legendary German engineering and reliability while still keeping a firm grasp on the fun factor. As we find out, Bavarian Motor Works has managed to do just that with its new machine. Join ADVroad as we get to test out the new BMW R 1250 GS in the wilds of the United Arab Emirates and see what all the fuss is about.

In a way, one feels more like Jean-Luc Picard instead of Helge Pedersen when piloting the new R 1250 GS. Gone is the analog feel of the boxer engine and its idling side to side lullaby. Indeed throwing a leg over the new Bavarian flagship, one can’t help but get a slight emotion usually reserved for modern day sports bikes. The new 1250’s on-road feel further enforces this. It’s crisp, with some whopping power delivery while being nothing like its predecessors, yet still being like it’s predecessors. The cockpit and slim tank lines, even on the standard model, almost obscure the horizontal twin configuration from a pilots perspective. On tarmac, it’s easy to forget that you are riding a horizontal twin because it is so smooth. The new leader of the pack provides one with a subtly different yet unmistakable experience to the previous R 1200 GS Liquid Cooled models. Never mind the legendary Air and Oil Cooled editions.

However, it is when the tires hit the gravel that the pure pedigree of the R 1250 GS comes to the fore. Pulling off the side of the road onto a gravel track one easily accesses the rider modes through the switchgear toggling to Enduro Pro mode. And then you are off. The Dynamic ESA coordinating rear wheel traction and “optimizing power characteristics” for the terrain, while still maintaining just a smidgen of ABS. But you are none the wiser for this computer-controlled fun. This feels like a GS, with its typical BMW tail end bop and power delivery on the loose stuff. Except there is more of it now, quite a bit more. And this extra power is delivered in a package that performs smoother than it’s predecessors. Indeed, a couple of minutes of off-road glee should have you in no doubt that this Geläde Straße (GS) delivers much more than its forerunners.

Most of the performance is due to the reworked Air/Liquid cooled four stroke flat twin engine that is the hallmark of the GS. The 1254 cc power-plant features all the usual modern tweaks one would expect. The increased in engine displacement is the obvious culprit for the extra performance with the Boxer engine putting out 136 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. However, it is the ShiftCam technology with its variable camshaft control system that delivers the magic. “At the heart of this technology is a one-piece camshaft, which has two cams pair per actuated valve; a part-load and a full-load cam. Each with different and optimally designed cam geometry for it’s intended purpose. These differences help vary the valve timing and valve lift on the intake side via an actuator. The result is more power over the entire, particularly in the lower engine end speed range. The part-load cam was developed with regards to consumption optimization and smooth running, while the full-load cam is optimized for performance.” In real world use this power delivery is seamless, and twisting the throttle to get out of tight spots gives up some seriously enjoyable torque to the rear wheel. All without the rider being any the wiser to the engineering trickery happening beneath him or her.

“BMW Motorrad offers you five different riding modes for various application cases such as on-road, wet road or off-road for the first time on the R 1250 GS as a factory-installed optional accessory. This has three different E-gas settings, three different ABS settings, and four ASC settings. These can be selected by pressing the “Mode” button on the right handlebar, which remains actuated until the desired riding mode is selected in the instrument cluster display. If you pull the clutch lever when the throttle grip is closed and bring the throttle twist grip to an idle position, your request is confirmed while riding and the mode is switched over. When the motorcycle is restarted, the last setting selected is always retained.”

The cruise control is another feature that at first sight might be considered excessive. However, one use of this technology will be enough to change one’s mind. It’s not only intuitive to use with a flip of a switch located on the right switchgear but provides a stable pace for those long miles on the highway. It allows you to set your speed just under the legal speed limit and hopefully avoid pesky fines while on a long autobahn haul. Where it does shine though is that at any point while the cruise control is engaged, you can happily twist the throttle to speed up and past slow drivers. Once you are past, letting go of the throttle will settle you back into your predetermined speed without the need to reset everything. Cruise control is also easily disengaged by a tap of the brakes or pulling in the clutch lever.

Also worth mentioning is the Dynamic Brake Control feature that BMW is pioneering or DBC as it’s called. The idea behind this technology is that it assists the rider in an emergency braking environment by counteracting involuntary throttle actuation. The system also mediates engine torque while increasing braking force. The result is a far superior braking power in adverse conditions that stabilize the motorcycle while also shortening the required stopping distance. Just as the advent of ABS, this technology should prove the be a life saver for those unforeseen obstacles that pop up on the roads.

BMW is also handing out some nifty little tricks as standard with the new 1250. A futuristic 6.5” TFT color display provides all the standard motorcycle info and then some. As one toggles through the multiple menus, you are shown information about the motorcycle, your trip, navigation, phone connectivity, media, and several more aspects probably not strictly required for motorcycle travel. All in a rather impressive interface that is surprisingly intuitive for its complexity. LED headlights are also fitted standard and with their “illuminated style elements” and a wider, more consistent light source that is whiter one can’t help but be noticed. All models now also receive the Hill Start Control that works like a parking brake for your motorcycle. Clamping down on the handbrake lever with a “firm” pull while on a rise activates the feature. It then releases automatically when you want to pull away again. This can take a bit of practice though so try it out before you need it. Last but not least, especially if your 1250 plans to do some serious “Coffee Runs” is the BMW Motorrad Spezial service that offers “particularly design-defining billet packs for the R 1250 GS, personalizing your motorcycle from the valve covers and levers down to the oil filter plugs.”

However, at a base MSRP of US $17,695, not everyone will be running to put their cash down, especially considering the cost of adventure personalizing a new motorcycle. If you are new to ADV riding and want to get out there to experience the thrill of off of the beaten path riding you might not want to spend this much on your first big pony. If you are a die-hard GS rider, you might upgrade because you love the look and could genuinely use the extra horses. It all depends on what you are after. That in itself one can argue is the beauty of adventure motorcycling. The new R 1250 GS is, however, a staggeringly comfortable and powerful machine to ride, with a clear advantage over its precursor. At its core, it builds on the decades of enduro touring that is synonymous with the GS brand, and does so while bringing something truly new to the table, and it does this in a subtly refined way. Whoever does upgrade will not be disappointed. The R 1250 GS is in many ways the best all-rounder for long overland travels and serious big bore adventure riding. In one package it manages to tick all of the boxes that a rider could ask for, and, it does it with style, reliability, and some definite wow factor. Well worth the extra $’s in our book.

Special thank you to BMW Motorrad Dubai for supplying the demo model.

All images copyright ADVroad.com 2019