BMW R 1250 GS

We have gone in to much detail about the larger new powerplant fitted to the 2019 BMW R 1250 GS at this link, but in summary…

2019 the engine gains more capacity, growing from 1170cc to 1254cc, via both a longer stroke and an enlarged bore, and gains 9 per cent more power along with 14 per cent more torque.

The new 1250 Boxer produces, according to BMW, 136 hp (100 kW) at 7750 rpm, and 143 Nm of torque at 6250 rpm. The outgoing model’s numbers were 125 hp and 125 Nm. 

While there are improvements from idle all the way through to redline, from the accompanying dyno chart it appears that the greatest gains are made from 5000 rpm up. There is at least 110 Nm of torque available right from as low as 2000 rpm, and over 120 Nm from 3500 rpm.

The other big news is the move to what BMW are calling ‘Shiftcam Technology.  This is, essentially, variable valve timing of the inlet cam. The inlet cam has two sets of lobes, one set with shallow lift and modest duration, for great torque, reduced emissions and improved economy.  While the second set of lobes are of a much more wild duration and lift, which promises a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde character to the new Boxer.

Engine idle speed is also lowered by 100rpm thanks to the Dr Jekyll set of cam lobes while fuel economy in some parts of the rev range is up to four per cent better than before.

For a more technical run down on the new engine, its ShiftCam tech, new cylinder heads and exhaust, riding modes and improved gearbox click here.

R 1250 GS gains standard 6.5” Full Colour TFT

The new R 1250 GS now has the equipment feature Connectivity as standard including a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen. In conjunction with the standard BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller, this means the rider can access vehicle and connectivity functions particularly swiftly and conveniently.

This means it is possible to enjoy the convenience of making a phone call or listening to music during travel. If a smartphone and a helmet with the BMW Motorrad Communication System are connected via Bluetooth to the TFT screen, for example, the rider can conveniently access media playback and telephone functions. These functions can also be used without the need to install an app. With an active Bluetooth connection to any standard smartphone, the rider can enjoy the pleasures of listening to music during travel.

In addition, the freely available BMW Motorrad Connected App offers handy arrow-based navigation suitable for day-to-day use directly via the TFT screen. The BMW Motorrad Connected App can be downloaded free of charge from the Google and Apple app stores. It also comprises attractive additional functions such as route logging and the display of other travel statistics and information. In this way, logged routes can also be shared directly with other motorcyclists via the REVER community. The basic navigation system will be of particular interest to motorcyclists since it enables convenient organisation of day-to-day travel and short trips without the need for additional equipment.

Optional Dynamic ESA “Next Generation”

An even higher level of riding safety, performance and comfort is achieved with the BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), here, the damping automatically adapts to the situation depending on riding state and manoeuvres, and there is also automatic riding position compensation in all load states. In terms of the technical background, signals from the rotational speed sensor and the two travel sensors at the front and rear enable comprehensive data collection and therefore finely tuned adaptation of the motorcycle to riding states. Based on additional parameters, riding states are detected such as compression, acceleration and deceleration, and these are incorporated in the adaptation of damping forces, both at the rear spring strut and Telelever front wheel control. This adaptation is applied by means of electrically actuated regulation valves within the millisecond range. As a result, optimum damping comfort and a very stable ride response is ensured even in banking position.

Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” is pre-set to the “Road” damping characteristics in the standard set-up of the riding modes “Rain”, “Road” and “Dynamic”. At the press of a button – conveniently positioned on the handlebars so it can even be operated during travel – the rider can switch to the damping characteristics “Dynamic” in the riding modes “Rain” and “Road”, thereby selecting a tighter damping set-up. The tighter damping variant “Dynamic” is pre-set in the riding modes “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro”. Meanwhile the riding mode “Enduro” and “Enduro Pro” – additionally available for the R 1250 GS – are configured to include the damper setting “Enduro”, which is geared towards the loose surfaces to be anticipated.

Sports suspension for the R 1250 GS HP as an optional feature.

The sports suspension optionally available for the style variant HP allows the new R 1250 GS to be optimised for more ambitious off-road use as before. The increased spring rate means the suspension is set up harder and along with the longer spring struts, and therefore longer spring travel, this leads to a significant enhancement of ride stability in off-road use, as debuted in the recent Rallye X model.

This sports suspension benefits experienced off-road motorcyclists who know when to convert suspension reserves into increased performance without overtaxing the motorcycle or themselves. Heavy and tall riders will appreciate the advantages of this spare capacity due to the tighter suspension set-up, especially when riding off-road. This optional equipment item, only available in conjunction with Dynamic ESA, also includes all the new functions of automatic damping and load compensation.

New colours and bling

The new R 1250 GS comes in two modern basic finishes and two striking style variants.

Basic version in Blackstorm metallic and Cosmic Blue metallic

Each of the finishes Cosmic Blue metallic and Blackstorm metallic give the new R 1250 GS a pronounced modern appearance, combining the standard cast wheels in Granite Grey metallic matt with black brake calipers, a black rear frame, a silver main frame, silver handlebars and a silver drivetrain as well as a luggage bridge in White Aluminium matt with trim holder in Nürburg Silver. The Telelever slider tubes anodized in gold emphasise the off-road talents of the new R 1250 GS. The two body finishes are to be found on the central fuel tank cover and the front wheel cover. Here, the fuel tank side trim elements in Asphalt Grey metallic provide a touch of contrast. The radiator trim in galvanised plastic adds a quality accentuation, as does the new model inscription.

R 1250 GS Exclusive

In the style variant Exclusive and the new colour combination Blackstorm metallic / Night Black, the new R 1250 GS blends classic understatement and masculine character with a commanding presence and elegance. The drivetrain coated in black matt provides the perfect counterpart to the main frame in Agate Grey metallic matt as well as the black rear frame and the black anodized tube handlebars. In addition, the trim holder at the front and the luggage bridge are finished in black, thereby adding an appropriate accentuation. Cast wheels in Night Black along with black anodized Telelever slider tubes reinforce the masculine, hands-on character of the new R 1250 GS. The body finish Blackstorm metallic is applied to the central fuel tank cover and the front wheel cover. Meanwhile the fuel tank side trim elements in Night Black combined with a graphic make for a fascinating contrast.

The innovative aspirations of the new R 1250 GS are underscored by a newly designed radiator trim, in this case made of stainless steel. Brake calipers in gold reinforce the exclusive touch of the new R 1250 GS.

R 1250 GS HP

In the style version HP the new R 1250 GS emphasises its sporty ambitions, dynamically showcasing its off-road expertise as a travel enduro with the colour combination Light White/Racing Blue metallic/Racing Red.

Light White is to be found on the main frame and in combination with graphics on the fuel tank side trim elements and front wheel cover, while Racing Blue is applied to the central fuel tank cover.

The masculine, robust character of the travel enduro is borne out in the style HP by means of black matt for the engine, black Telelever slider tubes and additional elements such as the extended front wheel cover and frame guard. In this colour variant, too, the tube handlebars, front trim holders and luggage bridge are finished in black.

The new R 1250 GS also reflects its enhanced off-road competence with a radiator guard, finely wrought cross-spoke wheels, a radiator trim in stainless steel and golden brake calipers. The new R 1250 S is also given a particularly sporty, agile and active riding look by means of a black rear frame and the Rallye seat in HP colour scheme.

Wide range of seat height variants

For the new R 1250 GS there are numerous seat height variants available as before – from the low-slung version with low seat (800 mm) through to HP style with sports suspension and Rallye seat (900 mm).