For decades, BMW has been a key player in the world of motorcycles, especially in the adventure and touring segments. The BMW R 1250 GS, a flagship model in the brand’s renowned GS (Gelände/Straße) line, continues the company’s legacy of building high-performance motorcycles that blend off-road capabilities with on-road comfort. The R 1250 GS is a bike built for adventure, whether it’s tackling winding mountain roads, long highways, or rough dirt trails. With an impressive mix of power, technology, comfort, and style, the BMW R 1250 GS is designed for riders who want the best of all worlds.
Design and Aesthetics
The BMW R 1250 GS showcases the rugged yet refined design that the GS series is known for. It’s a tall, muscular bike with a commanding presence on the road. The large fuel tank, upright riding posture, and distinctive headlamp design give the bike a purposeful, almost aggressive look that is unmistakably BMW. The R 1250 GS is available in multiple color options, including the classic Racing Blue, Alpine White, and the striking Kalamata Matte.
The ergonomics are built with comfort and versatility in mind. The bike’s high seat height and wide handlebars contribute to an upright and comfortable riding position, offering excellent visibility and control. Whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating tight trails, the R 1250 GS provides stability and confidence, making it a great choice for long-distance touring or adventurous off-road excursions.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the BMW R 1250 GS is the impressive 1,254cc boxer engine. This air/liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine is known for its low-end torque and smooth power delivery, making it a favorite among adventure riders. The engine produces 136 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 105 lb-ft of torque at 6,250 rpm, giving the bike ample power for both on-road acceleration and off-road climbing.
One of the standout features of the R 1250 GS is its ShiftCam technology, which adjusts the intake camshaft for better efficiency and performance at various engine speeds. This results in improved fuel economy, better throttle response, and enhanced power across the rev range. The ShiftCam system also provides greater smoothness and refinement, ensuring that the bike is as comfortable on long highway stretches as it is navigating technical off-road terrain.
The R 1250 GS’s engine offers an exhilarating ride whether you’re commuting, touring, or off-roading. The low-end torque is particularly impressive, giving the rider instant power when needed, especially when the bike is loaded with gear or riding up steep inclines. The overall performance is extremely well-balanced, with the bike feeling powerful yet manageable, making it suitable for a wide range of riders, from seasoned adventurers to newcomers looking to explore.
Suspension and Handling
The suspension system on the BMW R 1250 GS is one of its highlights, designed to provide maximum comfort and control in any environment. The bike comes equipped with the Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) system, which automatically adjusts the suspension based on the road conditions and rider inputs. This ensures a smooth and controlled ride, whether you’re riding on smooth tarmac or navigating rough, uneven trails.
The front suspension features a 37mm upside-down fork, while the rear has a Paralever monoshock with a WAD (Wisch/Anti-Dive) feature, offering excellent feedback and stability during cornering. The dynamic adjustment of the suspension helps maintain a comfortable ride, even when the terrain becomes challenging. The R 1250 GS also comes with adjustable ride modes, including Road, Rain, Dynamic, and Enduro modes, allowing the rider to fine-tune the suspension and throttle response to match different riding conditions.
The handling is equally impressive. With a low center of gravity due to the boxer engine, the R 1250 GS feels agile and balanced despite its large size. Whether navigating tight corners or traversing off-road obstacles, the bike remains stable and easy to control. The wide tires, robust suspension, and overall design make it a dream to ride on diverse terrains.
Technology and Features
BMW has equipped the R 1250 GS with a wealth of technology to enhance both rider experience and safety. The bike is fitted with a 6.5-inch TFT display that shows essential information like speed, fuel level, navigation, and ride modes in a clear, easy-to-read layout. The display can be customized and is fully integrated with BMW’s smartphone app for seamless connectivity.
Safety is also a priority, and the R 1250 GS comes with multiple advanced rider assistance systems, including:
- ABS Pro: An advanced version of the anti-lock braking system that adjusts braking power based on lean angle for better control during cornering.
- Dynamic Traction Control (DTC): A system that prevents wheel spin and maintains optimal traction, especially on slippery or loose surfaces.
- Hill Start Control: A feature that helps prevent rolling backward when starting on an incline, which is particularly useful during off-road riding.
- Cruise Control: For long rides, this system ensures that the rider can maintain a consistent speed without needing to manually throttle.
Additionally, the R 1250 GS comes with an optional adaptive headlight system that automatically adjusts the direction of the headlight based on the bike’s lean angle, improving nighttime visibility during cornering.
Comfort and Long-Distance Touring
The BMW R 1250 GS was designed with long-distance touring in mind. The comfortable ergonomics, coupled with adjustable handlebars, footpegs, and a variety of seat height options, make it a customizable ride for different rider preferences. The bike’s wide, comfortable seat provides ample support during long journeys, and there is enough room for a passenger if needed.
For long tours, the R 1250 GS can be fitted with a variety of accessories, including panniers, top cases, and more, offering plenty of cargo space for riders heading out on extended adventures. The windscreen is also adjustable, offering added comfort on highway speeds by reducing wind turbulence.
Off-Road Capabilities
While the R 1250 GS is an excellent performer on paved roads, it truly shines when it comes to off-roading. With its large wheels, long suspension travel, and tall clearance, the bike can tackle uneven terrain with ease. The Enduro riding mode is optimized for off-road riding, adjusting the throttle response and traction control for better grip and control on loose surfaces such as dirt, gravel, and mud.
The R 1250 GS’s well-balanced design, coupled with its powerful engine and high-tech suspension, ensures that it can take on the toughest trails while keeping the rider safe and comfortable.
Conclusion
The BMW R 1250 GS is, without a doubt, one of the best adventure touring motorcycles on the market today. It excels in almost every area—performance, comfort, technology, and versatility. Whether you’re looking to explore off-road trails, cruise on highways, or take a long cross-country journey, the R 1250 GS is a bike that can handle it all.
With its combination of power, technology, and comfort, the BMW R 1250 GS continues to define what an adventure motorcycle should be. For those who demand the best in all aspects of motorcycling, the R 1250 GS is a motorcycle that delivers an unmatched riding experience, making it an ideal choice for riders who crave both adventure and refinement.