BMW R 1250 GS (2019-2023) - Review & Buying Guide

In 2019 BMW didn’t need to reinvent the wheel. In fact, they didn’t even really need to fix a small puncture in its tyre. The R1200GS was fairly comfortably still the adventure bike to beat and while rivals such as the Triumph Tiger 1200, Honda Africa Twin or Ducati Multistrada 1260 were doing their best to take a slice of its pie, buyers were still picking the GS over them in far greater numbers and few were in danger of changing brands if they already owned a BMW. But, not a company to rest on its laurels (mainly as the GS represented such a huge percentage of their annual sales...), in 2019 BMW decided to give the GS a bit of a performance upgrade. A fairly minor update in many ways, the R1200GS evolved into the R1250GS and with it gained a bit more capacity and a ShiftCam element within the motor. Naturally there were refinements to its many electronic assists but realistically, this upgrade was all about giving the boxer motor a bit more performance without ruining the overall balance of the GS. Did BMW succeed in this quest? Oh yes, the R1250GS is undeniably the best of the ‘old-school’ GS models before the R1300GS arrived and made everything more compact and sportier - which it has to be said isn’t to everyone’s tastes...

Pros & Cons

2019-2023 BMW R 1250 GS - Price

Recommended retail price is rather a distracting point with a GS because there is no real set price due to the number of options, paint schemes and variations available. Back in 2019 in the UK there was the option of a stock GS (£13,415) or the TE (£16,500), which had more bells and whistles. And that’s before you add in Option 719 or HP accessories into the equation! Did we mention paint? Yep, there were two basic paint options (Blackstorm and Cosmic Blue) but the Exclusive model added blacked-out details while the HP was more off-road influenced and had a Light White/Racing Blue paint scheme and spoke wheels. Got that? Ok. Nowadays you really need to be looking for a TE model (the majority sold are TEs) as that has more options fitted. Prices start at £7999 for a high-mileage example but you can get a good one for in the region of £8999 that has less than 20,000 miles on its clocks, which is a better idea. A fair few come with luggage, which is always good to see. The HP generally commands a few quid extra as it does look cool and riders like its spoke wheels. Although the GS was updated in 2020 (to celebrate its 40th anniversary), this basically just involved ABS Pro, DTC and an Eco riding mode becoming standard fitment with full-LED lights an optional extra but as the majority of bikes sold are TEs with angle-responsive assists upgrade this isn’t a huge concern to used buyers. And neither is the pretty horrible 40th Anniversary black/yellow paint option, which is best avoided unless you really like it...

2019-2023 BMW R 1250 GS - Engine & Performance

So what exactly has changed within the boxer motor? Quite a lot actually. The R1200GS had a capacity of 1170cc, which has been expanded to 1254cc through both a bigger bore (102.5mm from 101mm) and stroke (76mm from 73mm) on the R1250GS and this obviously necessitated new pistons. According to BMW, the capacity increase saw the GS gain 7% more power (up from 125bhp to 136bhp) and also 14% more torque (up from 125Nm to 143Nm). And alongside this growth a new ShiftCam system arrived...

Activated on the intake side only, BMW say ShiftCam helps enhance torque and improve fuel economy while also optimising emissions to allow the GS to hit stricter limits as well as future targets. Other changes include a vertical flow cylinder head, the use of a toothed cam chain, a revised gearbox and much more. However, despite all these updates, the great thing about the R1250GS is that it feels just like an R1200GS – just better!

Hop on the GS and you instantly spot that wonderfully raw and meaty drive that owners love, yet in this new evolution it punches even harder just where you want it to. Driving with a beautiful amount of flexibility, it’s a great motor and one that is also remarkably brisk when you want it to be. Yet should you decide to take it easy, it’s just as happy burbling around at low revs. There really is very little to criticise (aside from Dynamic mode possibly being a touch too spirited) and even the quickshifter is smooth and predictable in its action.

With GS models only six years old at most, there isn’t really that much to concern yourself about when it comes to the engine’s reliability. Yes, a full service history from an authorised BMW dealership is recommended, but there are lots of GSs that have covered over 30,000 miles in their fairly short lifespan so if you buy one with just 10,000 miles on its clocks you can expect it to keep on going for many more care-free miles. That said, it has been subject to three recalls (two in 2020, one in 2023) – although one was for an incorrectly bonded sticker! Not all bikes are affected, so check you VIN. As so many GS models were sold there are various internet stories about issues such as a ticking from the motor (lefthand side, apparently there is an updated tensioner), leaks, sensors failing and dodgy batteries but generally, they are extremely reliable. It’s unlikely you will buy a lemon, especially if it has a full BMW service history. And should you buy from a BMW dealer, you should be able to get  an extended warranty (two years) – although T&Cs apply.

2019-2023 BMW R 1250 GS - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

The R1250GS and R1200GS’s chassis (ok, bolt-on subframes...) are pretty much identical however the R1250GS has the next evolution of Dynamic ESA. Called ‘Next Generation’, it comes with fully-automatic load compensation as well as the option of an off-road optimised system (only on the HP model). A slightly enhanced system when compared to the old Dynamic ESA, it does make the GS ride smoother and more level but as it has a Telelever, most riders won’t really notice the upgrade unless they are changing from the old R1200GS model. As with all ESA system, check all the functions are working and that there are no signs of leaks from the shocks as they are expensive to replace with BMW units and often not 100% reliable if rebuilt by aftermarket firms. On higher-mileage bikes feel for any slight weave at low speed that hints at the Telelever requiring new ball joints and also check the rear hub for leaks or any bearing grumbles – generally both last well over 40,000 miles without needing servicing. Some owners swear by removing the drive shaft and greasing the splines but this is a job best left to a professional unless you are very confident, stick with replacing the oil every 6000 miles as it’s much easier to do!

When it comes to brakes, the GSs units come in for some online criticism. Unlike the old model that came with Brembo brakes, the R1250GS has BMW branded items made by American firm Hayes. A few owners have experienced issues and it is odd that GS Adventure models arrived with Brembo units, not the BMW-branded items – although not all. According to VOSA there wasn’t an official recall but a fair few owners seem to have been back to their dealer to get the calipers looked at.

2019-2023 BMW R 1250 GS - Comfort & Economy

The GS is a superb mile-muncher and although the Adventure has not only a bigger tank but also enhanced weather protection, it can be a touch intimidating at low speeds, especially for shorter riders. You can generally expect anything from 45mpg to 55mpg from a GS, giving it a tank range of 200-250 miles. Due to the relaxed riding position and extensive creature comforts (BMW’s heated grip are excellent), you can keep on motoring on a GS and only the fuel warning light will stop your progress. Oddly, a taller screen generally isn’t a huge benefit (especially for taller riders) and you are better off using a small screen as the windblast helps support your body where a tall screen can create a lot of helmet buffeting (unless you add a deflector).

2019-2023 BMW R 1250 GS - Equipment

Where do we start? Ok, the stock GS has two riding modes (Road and Rain) alongside Automatic Stability Control (ASC, BMW’s non-angle-responsive traction control system), ABS and Hill Start Control. Riding Modes Pro adds Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, Enduro and Enduro Pro riding modes. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is BMW’s cornering traction control, which is usually fitted alongside ABS Pro, BMW’s cornering ABS system (both standard fitment from 2020). Hill Start Control Pro and Dynamic Brake Assistant (DBC) are optional extras and so is Dynamic ESA, Intelligent Emergency Call and Shift Assistant Pro. Phew!

Generally speaking, a TE model has DTC, Dynamic ESA, ABS Pro, Shift Assistant Pro and Riding Modes Pro but always check just to be sure.

When it comes to accessories, luggage is always popular and most riders either go for BMW’s panniers and top box or Touratech’s versions. Tall screens are also quite common and so are practical add-ons such as crash bars, mudguard extenders, fog lights etc. The GS is quite price-sensitive to accessories and the level of spec, mainly as there are so many out there for sale good ones (or ones with a high spec) tend to stand out.

When buying used, just check the dash hasn’t got any signs of misting, a few were leaky, or glitches and faults...

2019-2023 BMW R 1250 GS - Rivals

Generally, buyers of a GS want a GS. However there are some excellent rivals out there that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro (2022-current) | Price: £7999-£15,999

Read more

Power/Torque

148bhp / 95lb-ft

Weight

240kg

Ducati Multistrada 1260 S (2018-2020) | Price: £7499-£10,999

Read more

Power/Torque

156bhp / 96lb-ft

Weight

235kg

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports (2020-current) | Price: £8499-£15,999)

Read more

Power/Torque

101bhp / 83lb-ft

Weight

243kg

2019-2023 BMW R 1250 GS - Verdict

The BMW R1250GS is undisputedly the best of the old-school GS models and many would argue it feels more of a ‘GS’ than the current R1300GS. Big, robust and able to turn its hand to any task, this is a fabulous bike that sat at the top of the adventure bike tree for its entire lifespan. If you have ever questioned why the GS is such an institution and BMW’s best-selling model by a mile, take an R1250GS out for a test ride – you may very well end up riding home on it! Simply brilliant in every way.

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2019-2023 BMW R 1250 GS - Technical Specification

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