BMW R 1250GS

The BMW R 1250 GS: concentrated performance meets impressive efficiency. With the BMW R 1250 GS you will experience the Boxer even more directly. An increase in engine displacement brings you even more performance – pumping out 136 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. BMW ShiftCam variable camshaft control system ensures consistent power delivery – throughout the entire power band. Whether in the city, on the motorway, or off road, every mile gives you more freedom and riding pleasure. Unique styles and colors, numerous technical details, and exciting individualization options combine to bring you the BMW R 1250 GS.

The BMW R 1250 GS conveys its refined character and universal talents with two new colours in the basic version and the style variants Exclusive and HP. The presence of a new power unit is demonstrated by means of newly designed cylinder head covers bearing the inscription “ShiftCam” as well as the pipe ducting of The exhaust manifold system. Basic version in Blackstorm metallic and Cosmic Blue metallic: Each of the finishes Cosmic Blue metallic and Blackstorm metallic give The 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 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 model inscription.

The R 1250 GS: travel and off-road prowess in two modern basic finishes and two striking style variants.

R 1250 GS Exclusive:

In the style variant Exclusive and The colour combination Blackstorm metallic / Night Black, The 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 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 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 R 1250 GS.

R 1250 GS HP:

In the style version HP The 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 power unit, 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 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 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.

Further advanced boxer engine with BMW ShiftCam Technology for an additional increase in power across the entire engine speed range, reduced emission and fuel consumption levels, optimised running smoothness and refinement.

With the extensively further advanced boxer engine, The R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT not only achieve a whole new level of power and torque. It was also possible to significantly optimise refinement and running smoothness – especially within the lower engine speed range. What is more, The engine offers improved emission and fuel consumption levels as well as a particularly satisfying sound. For this purpose, BMW ShiftCam Technology has been used for the first time in the serial production of 1. Overall concept.

Technology

Further developed boxer engine with new top levels for output, torque, ridability and refinement.

While the previous boxer power unit itself provided supreme forward thrust in all situations, the boxer engine in The BMW R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT takes this a significant step further. In the latest generation it has a capacity of 1 254 cc (previously: 1 170 cc). The ratio between bore and stroke is now 102.5 to 76 mm (previously: 101 to 73 mm). It has an output of 100 kW (136 hp) at 7 750 rpm and develops a maximum torque of 143 Nm at 6 250 rpm (previously: 92 kW (125 hp) at 7 750 rpm and 125 Nm at 6 500 rpm). With a 7 % capacity increase, The boxer engine offers 14 % more torque and 9 % more output than its predecessor, making it the most powerful BMW boxer engine ever to be manufactured in serial production. At its latest stage of development too, the boxer engine uses the wellestablished system of air/liquid cooling. So-called precision cooling means that the cooling fluid flows through the engine elements that are more heavily exposed to heat – namely the two cylinder heads and parts of the cylinders. Heat is dissipated via two radiators positioned at the left and right of the front vehicle section.

BMW ShiftCam Technology for increased power across the entire engine speed range, enhanced running smoothness and refinement as well as further optimised fuel consumption and emission levels.

The objectives in developing The boxer engine in the R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT were to further enhance the already impressive output and torque figures of the predecessor model. This also involves a significant increase in refinement and running smoothness as well as optimised emission and fuel consumption levels.

It was possible to achieve these enhancements by means of BMW ShiftCam Technology. This is a technology that is completely new to BMW motorcycles: its function is to vary the valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side. The core of the technology is a single-unit shift camshaft with two cams per valve to be activated: one partial-load cam and one fullload cam, each featuring cam geometry in optimised design. While the partial-load cam has been configured to ensure optimised fuel consumption and refinement, the full-load cam is designed for optimised output.

Axial shift of the intake camshaft means the intake valves are activated by either the partial-load or the full-load cam, depending on load and engine speed. The axial shift of the intake camshaft and the use of the partial-load or full-load cam are effected by means of a shifting gate on the camshaft and an electronic actuator which intervenes at this point.

Variation of the intake valve stroke and asynchronous valve opening.

The varied configuration of the cam geometry also enables variation of the intake valve stroke. While the full-load cam provides maximum valve stroke, the partial-load cam delivers reduced valve stroke. There is also a difference between the intake cams for the left and right-hand intake valve in stroke and angular position. This phase shift means that the two intake valves are
opened to different degrees and on a time-staggered basis.

The effect of this phase shift is to create a swirl and therefore greater agitation of the fuel-air mixture flowing into the combustion chamber. This results in particularly effective combustion and better utilisation of the fuel as a result. Given the appropriate riding style, BMW ShiftCam Technology enables a reduction of fuel consumption by up to 4 % as compared to the already economical predecessor model.

The benefits of BMW ShiftCam Technology:
• Increased torque and pulling power across the entire engine speed range.
• Enhanced refinement and more even engine running when travelling at a constant speed due to optimum configuration of the partial-load cam geometry for the lower load range and engine speed range.
• Significant increase in peak output to 100 kW (136 hp) (previously: 92 kW (125 hp) / 125 Nm at 6 500 rpm)).
• Reduction of load change loss in the partial load range.
• Reduction of idling engine speed by 100 rpm.
• Reduction of exhaust emissions and optimised sound.
• Reduction of fuel consumption by 4 % as compared to the predecessor model.

Even more supreme ridability due to increased torque as well as tangibly improved running smoothness and refinement.

In practical terms, BMW ShiftCam Technology results in an even further significant improvement in ridability for The R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT in comparison to the predecessor model. In addition to the considerable boost in peak output from the previous figure of 92 kW (125 hp) to the current level of 100 kW (136 hp), it is the drastic increase in torque and therefore pulling power that is particularly noticeable.

In the range from 2 000 to 8 250 rpm, for example, the level of torque now available is 110 Nm. Within the range that is especially relevant in terms of riding dynamics, namely 3 500 to 7 750 rpm, the impressive level of over 120 Nm is now available. This gives The R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT even greater supremacy and pulling power than before, combining absolutely superior power delivery with remarkable top performance – whether riding alone or with a passenger, on winding country roads or covering long stages of a journey at a high average speed. In short: never before has a boxer
engine provided this level of riding fun and refinement.

Cylinder head with vertical flow and camshaft drive now by means of toothed chain. Optimised oil supply and piston base cooling.

The engine of The BMW R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT also features vertical flow. The advantage here is that the configuration of the intake channel no longer depends on the camshaft control, so it was possible to realise identical intake lengths for both cylinder sides. What is more, the fuel injector is now arranged so that the fuel is injected as directly as possible in front of the intake valves for optimum carburetion.

As before, the two camshafts per cylinder side are powered by a chain running in the shaft behind the cylinders (on the right-hand side of the engine via the counterbalance shaft and to the left via the crankshaft). The timing chain drives an intermediate shaft between the intake and exhaust camshaft and it is from here that power is transmitted to the camshafts via spur gear pairs. The control chain is now a toothed chain (previously: roller chain) with the aim of further reducing running noise. As before, the four valves are arranged at close angles to one another in order to achieve an optimum combustion chamber shape. The valve angle is 8 degrees on the intake side and 10 degrees on the exhaust side, while the disc diameters of the valves are 40 mm on the intake side and 34 mm on the exhaust side. The valve shaft diameter is 5.5 mm. As before, the valves are operated via light, speedresistant rocker arms, the design of which was derived from the highperformance
4-cylinder engine of the BMW S 1000 RR. The valve clearance settings are made by means of replaceable shims.

The increase in output and torque and therefore riding dynamics as a whole also involves two back-up measures to ensure maximum operating reliability: the two pistons have base cooling using
splash oil and the lubrication system has been fitted with variable oil intake.

By means of a shifting piston in the intake area of the oil sump, the latter ensures optimum oil supply in all riding states.

Knock sensor system for optimised travel suitability. BMS-O engine control and twin-jet injection valves for even more effective carburetion.

Unlike their predecessor models, The R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT have a knock sensor system in the form of two knock sensors. This allows the use of fuels with a rating of less than RON 95 – a particular advantage when travelling in the more remote corners of the planet. The R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT are also fitted with a new digital engine control, the so-called BMS-O. Its main features are fully sequential injection, a compact layout and low weight. Carburetion is carried out by an electronic fuel injection system via throttle bodies with an opening width of 52 mm. Injection is via new twinjet injection valves that support even greater refinement and further improved emission levels.

Counterbalance shaft for perfect mechanical running smoothness.

As in the previous models, The engine also has a counterbalance shaft which runs at crankshaft rotation speed so as to eliminate unwanted vibrations. The counterbalance shaft is configured as a hollow intermediate shaft, inside which the clutch shaft runs at the same time. This ensures that The engine in the R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT likewise runs comfortably and with low levels of vibration across the entire engine speed range. Nonetheless, the essential earthy boxer characteristics are still preserved. Gearbox integrated in engine housing, including wet clutch with
anti-hopping function. The gearbox and clutch are integrated in the engine housing in The boxer engine, too. This provides benefits in particular in terms of overall weight due to the omission of numerous bolt connections and sealing surfaces, but also in terms of the torsional response of the unit as a whole. In addition to a design that saves both space and weight, this concept means

that no additional gearbox volume is required.

Power transmission to the 6-speed gearbox, which has been further optimised in terms of gear shifting, is via a multi-plate wet clutch with eight friction discs. The clutch system is fitted with an anti-hopping mechanism.

With this new drive generation, BMW Motorrad has thus especially addressed the wishes of riders with sporty ambitions who prefer country roads. The brake torque of the engine is now passed to the rear wheel at a reduced level during coasting. This prevents brief blocking or hopping of the rear wheel due to the dynamic wheel load distribution when applying the brakes heavily and changing down at the same time. In this way, the motorcycle remains stable and safely controllable during the braking phase.

New exhaust system for optimum performance characteristics. Made completely out of stainless steel, the exhaust system of The R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT is designed entirely for optimum output and
torque in conjunction with BMW ShiftCam Technology and works according to the 2-in-1 principle. In this development area, a homogeneous output and torque curve and thus excellent ridability were once again regarded as requirements for supreme performance on country roads, off-road riding and extended touring activity.

The two manifold tubes and the interference pipe were redesigned in terms of shaping, length and diameter. Exhaust gas purification is taken care of by a closed-loop catalytic converter controlled by an oxygen sensor. In this way, The R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT meet current exhaust standards and are excellently equipped for future requirements.

Two riding modes, ASC and Hill Start Control as standard.

Even in standard trim, The R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT offer two riding modes for adaptation to individual rider preferences. Here, the standard Automatic Stability Control ASC ensures a high level of riding safety due to excellent traction. What is more, the riding modes “Rain” and “Road” allow adaptation of the bike’s properties to most road surface conditions. The setoff assistant Hill Start Control is likewise a standard feature in both models, enabling convenient set-off on slopes.

Riding Modes Pro, featuring additional riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, ABS Pro, Hill Start Control Pro and Dynamic Brake Assistant DBC, available as an optional equipment item ex
works.

As an optional equipment item ex works, The R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT can be fitted with the option “Riding Modes Pro”, featuring the additional riding mode “Dynamic”, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, and in the RT 1250 GS also the riding modes “Dynamic Pro”, “Enduro” and “Enduro Pro”. DTC enables even more efficient and safe acceleration, especially in banking position. The riding mode “Dynamic Pro”, and in the R 1250 GS “Enduro Pro”, both activated by means of a coded plug, also each have customisation options that allow the character of the motorcycle to be adapted to individual needs, thereby further enhancing the fun of riding.

ABS Pro (part of the optional equipment item Riding Modes Pro in the R 1250 GS and a standard feature in the R 1250 RT) also offers even greater safety when braking, especially in banking position, while Dynamic Brake Control DBC provides the rider with extra support on brake manoeuvres.

DBC increases safety when braking, even in difficult situations, by avoiding unintentional accelerator activation. By means of intervention in the engine control, the drive torque is reduced during braking, making full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance. With the dynamic brake light (part of the optional equipment item “Riding Modes Pro” in the R 1250 GS, standard in the R 1250 RT ), vehicles to the rear are made more aware of the fact that the motorcycle is decelerating.

The optional equipment item Hill Start Control Pro goes beyond the functions of a comfort system such as Hill Start Control to facilitate stopping and setting off on a slope. Hill Start Control Pro offers The additional function Auto HSC. The settings menu allows this additional function to be individualised in such a way that the parking brake is automatically activated on a gradient (greater than +/- 5 %) when the hand or foot brake lever has been activated, shortly after the motorcycle comes to a standstill.

Electronic suspension Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” with fully automatic load compensation, now also for the R 1250 RT.

An even higher level of riding safety, performance and comfort is achieved with the BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), now also available as an optional equipment item for the R 1250 RT: 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 setup.

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 R 1250 GS to be optimised for more ambitious off-road use as before. The increased spring rate (“harder suspension”), longer spring struts and therefore longer spring travel lead to a significant enhancement of ride stability in off-road use, which is especially noticeable over gravel passages. 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 functions of automatic damping and load compensation.

Wide range of seat height variants.

With The R 1250 RT the customer has a choice of three rider seat variants. The two-level seat is the standard version, with a seat height of 805/825. In addition there is the 760/780 mm and the 830/850 mm variant. As such, a total spectrum covering a height difference of 90 mm is offered between the lowest and highest seat variant ex works. All three variants can also be ordered with seat heating.

For The 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). See and be seen even more effectively – LED headlamp for the R 1250 GS as standard and LED daytime riding light for both models as an optional equipment item ex works.

For decades now, BMW Motorrad has been regarded as a frontrunner when it comes to safety in connection with motorcycling. One shining example in the truest sense of the word is the LED headlamp which is now offered as a standard feature of the R 1250 GS. In addition to this, the LED daytime riding light is available as an optional equipment item for the R 1250 GS and also the R 1250 RT, which has halogen headlamps. The LED headlamp of the R 1250 GS illuminates the road with a hitherto unrivalled clarity, thereby ensuring additional perception in traffic. The light unit consists of two LED units for low and high beam and, in connection with LED daytime riding light as an optional equipment item, four additional LED units for daytime riding light and side light.

Connectivity: multifunctional instrument cluster with 6.5-inch fullcolour TFT screen and numerous features as standard in the R1250 GS.

Even in its standard version The R 1250 GS has the equipment item Connectivity, which now shows the existing instrument cluster in the form of a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen. In conjunction with the standard BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller with integrated operation, it gives the rider fast access to vehicle and connectivity functions. The R 1250 GS now has the equipment feature onnectivity 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.

The R 1250 RT is fitted with a large 5.7-inch TFT colour screen. This is supplemented with an analog speedometer and rev counter.

Intelligent Emergency Call as an ex works optional equipment item for further increased safety. Ensuring the fastest possible assistance in the event of an accident or in situations of emergency and danger can save people’s lives. For this reason, BMW Motorrad has developed an eCall system – “Intelligent Emergency Call” – which aims to get help to the scene of the incident as quickly as
possible. This system is available as an optional equipment item ex works for the R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT.

Unrivalled scope of ex works optional equipment items and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.