BMW R 1200 GS 2012 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2012 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW R 1200 GS model year 2012 and the BMW R 1250 GS model year 2020 are both enduro motorcycles with similar technical specifications. They both have a boxer engine type, with the R 1200 GS having a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm, while the R 1250 GS has a slightly larger bore of 102.5 mm and stroke of 76 mm. The engine power of the R 1200 GS is 110 HP, while the R 1250 GS boasts a more powerful 136 HP. The torque of the R 1200 GS is 120 Nm, whereas the R 1250 GS has a higher torque of 143 Nm. Both motorcycles have a prop shaft transmission and two cylinders, with the R 1200 GS having a displacement of 1170 ccm and the R 1250 GS having a larger displacement of 1254 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the R 1200 GS has a front suspension strut with preload adjustment and a single swing arm rear suspension with preload adjustment. Similarly, the R 1250 GS also has a single swing arm rear suspension with preload adjustment, but it features a front suspension telelever with preload adjustment as well as rebound adjustment.

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

The chassis of both motorcycles is a load-bearing engine type, providing stability and durability. The front brakes of both models are double disk type, ensuring reliable braking performance.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, the R 1200 GS has a rear tire width of 110 mm, a wheelbase of 1507 mm, a seat height of 850 mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The R 1250 GS, on the other hand, has a wider rear tire width of 170 mm, a slightly longer wheelbase of 1525 mm, the same seat height of 850 mm, and the same fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

Now let's compare the strengths and weaknesses of each model. The BMW R 1200 GS 2012 has several strengths, including optimal wind protection, a comfortable seat, a good posture, positive ergonomics, weather robustness, and a quiet chassis. Its only weakness is that the seat is a little too low.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has its own set of strengths. It features an extremely high-torque boxer engine, which provides impressive power and a good sound. The seating position is comfortable, making it suitable for long distances. The braking performance is stable, and it offers good weather protection. Additionally, it comes with a standard color TFT display and LED headlights. However, it has a manageable standard equipment and a long surcharge list, and some may find its appearance to be jagged with little elegance.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 offers several improvements compared to the BMW R 1200 GS 2012. It has a more powerful engine, better suspension with additional adjustment options, a wider rear tire for improved stability, and added features such as a color TFT display and LED headlights. However, it does come with a higher price tag and some may not find its appearance as elegant. Overall, the R 1250 GS is a more advanced and refined version of its predecessor, providing an enhanced riding experience.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2012 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1200 GS 2012
BMW R 1250 GS 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore101 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power110 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque120 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12 Compression Ratio12.5
Clutch TypeClutch TypeToughened, DryClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionProp shaft
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingOil-airCoolingliquid-air
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionStrutFront suspensionTelelever
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeLoad-bearing engine

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width110 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height80 %Front tyre height70 %
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width110 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height80 %Rear tyre height60 %
LengthLength2,210 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth915 mmWidth952.5 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,525 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

Either it was a stroke of luck or the best developers were at work - handlebars, geometry, seat, knee angle, footrests - it just fits really well for the majority of Central Europeans. All in all, there is still no motorbike that can kill the GS.

Optimal wind protection

comfortable seat

good posture

positive ergonomics

weather robust

quiet chassis.

Seat a little too low.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS is the logical further development of the R 1200 GS - logical above all because one should not expect such a popular motorbike to be radically changed. Accordingly, the design has been changed cautiously, and the familiar options for the chassis and electronics have been retained. The new name R 1250 GS, however, promises a new engine - and it really is something! 136 hp at 7750 rpm and a whopping 143 Newton metres of maximum torque at 6250 rpm are an absolute blast! BMW has thus renovated the big GS almost perfectly: it remains clearly recognisable, has a little more electronics as standard, a still long list of surcharges (which customers like to tick from A to Z) and a now even better and more sovereign power plant - what more could you want?!

extremely high-torque boxer engine

good sound

comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

stable braking performance

good weather protection

colour TFT display standard

LED headlights

Manageable standard equipment, long surcharge list

jagged appearance with little elegance

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1200 GS vs BMW R 1250 GS

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2012 and a BMW R 1250 GS 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is about 72% higher. A BMW R 1200 GS 2012 experiences a loss of 580 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 600 GBP for a BMW R 1250 GS 2020. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2020 there are less BMW R 1200 GS 2012 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 23 compared to 71. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 43 days compared to 58 days for the BMW R 1200 GS. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS since model year 2019. The first review for the BMW R 1200 GS was published on 20/01/2004 and now has more than 19,100 views. This compares to more than 305,600 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS published on 19/09/2018.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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