"Leave your experiences in the comments" isn't just a throwaway line we tag onto the end of our 1000PS videos. No one can provide deeper insights into a motorcycle's character than its owner. That's why your opinions and experiences are so valuable to us. We've combed through the comments on numerous BMW R 1250 GS videos to compile your experiences in this report.
BMW R 1250 GS - Strengths and Weaknesses of the Versatile Talent
Community Insights on the BMW R 1250 GS
No other motorcycle receives the title of "ultimate all-rounder" from both fans and critics as much as the BMW R 1250 GS. That's because few other adventure bikes are as versatile! The 1250 GS boasts numerous strengths, though, like any bike, it has its weaknesses too. We're here to shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of this versatile talent!
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vauli
published on 2/15/2025
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The BMW R 1250 GS - Universal Genius or Overpriced Status Symbol for Dentists and Lawyers?
In 2018, the BMW R 1250 GS succeeded the R 1200 GS and remains one of the most renowned and best-selling adventure tourers worldwide. With its powerful 1254cc Boxer engine and innovative ShiftCam technology, it delivers an impressive combination of power, torque, and efficiency. It excels on long highway stretches, winding mountain roads, and even off-road trails. The shaft drive ensures low-maintenance propulsion, while the Dynamic ESA electronic suspension provides optimal comfort and stability across various terrains. Visually, the 1250 GS stays true to its distinctive adventure style, featuring the characteristic "beak," high front, and robust proportions. Indeed, the BMW R 1250 GS is the ultimate all-rounder for tourers, adventurers, and long-distance travelers. It offers cutting-edge technology, high comfort, and strong performance—albeit at a premium price. Nevertheless, it remains the benchmark for many in the adventure touring segment.
You can find our tests on the R 1250 GS here: BMW R 1250 GS Reviews on 1000PS
Updates for the BMW R 1250 GS Starting from Model Year 2021
Starting from the 2021 model year, the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) comes as standard, providing optimal traction. The new standard "Eco" riding mode encourages the rider to adopt a more fuel-efficient riding style. As an optional factory feature, the R 1250 GS can now be equipped with the expanded Riding Modes Pro package. New additions to Riding Modes Pro include the Engine Braking Control (MSR). Additionally, the BMW Integral ABS Pro and Hill Start Control are now standard features.
BMW R 1250 GS Strengths:
- Versatility - The GS is an excellent all-rounder for long tours, highway rides, and twisty roads
- Engine & Performance - The ShiftCam Boxer engine is praised for its power and smoothness, especially the torque at lower RPMs is impressive
- Ride Comfort - Dynamic ESA (electronic suspension) ensures a comfortable and stable ride, even with a passenger and luggage
- Shaft Drive - Low maintenance and perfect for long distances
- Confident Handling - Despite its weight, the GS remains agile on the road
- Touring Capability - Very comfortable for long rides, with good ergonomics and weather protection
The BMW R 1250 GS is one of the best adventure tourers on the market. There are alternatives, but many riders remain loyal to the GS.
BMW R 1250 GS Weaknesses:
- Price - Both purchase and maintenance are expensive
- Weight - The high weight can be an issue, especially off-road or when maneuvering
- Electronics & Controls - The TFT display looks good, but the navigation system is often described as impractical
- Gear Shift Assist - Downshifting without the clutch is reported by users to be not very smooth
- Heat Generation - Especially with the Adventure version, some riders are bothered by the heat around the knees
- Luggage System - The original BMW cases are criticized for being small and not well-designed
You can find current offers for the bike here: BMW R 1250 GS Price
BMW R 1250 GS Issues:
- Electronics issues, particularly with the connectivity of the TFT display
- Gear shifting in the lower gears is described as rough
- Partial leaks at the valve covers
- Criticism of the quality of the shaft drive, with some riders preferring Yamaha's (Super Tenere)
BMW R 1250 GS Alternatives:
- KTM 1290 Super Adventure - Sportier, lighter, and more powerful
- Ducati Multistrada V4 - More power, modern design, and high-tech features
- Honda Africa Twin - Better off-road capability, cheaper, more reliable
- Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré - Robust, more reliable shaft drive, cheaper than the GS
- Triumph Tiger 1200 - Also features shaft drive, powerful three-cylinder engine
Popular Accessories for the BMW R 1250 GS:
- Ergonomics & Comfort: Tall windshields, comfort seats, heated grips
- Protection: Crash bars, engine guard plates, hand protectors
- Luggage Solutions: Better pannier systems (Touratech, Givi), tank bags
- Suspension & Offroad: Raised foot pegs, specialized tires (e.g., TKC 80 for more off-road capability)
- Lighting: Auxiliary lights for better visibility
Brief Conclusion: The Strengths and Weaknesses of the BMW R 1250 GS
Overall, the BMW R 1250 GS remains one of the best adventure tourers on the market, but its high price and some minor technical shortcomings have drawn criticism. There are alternatives, yet many riders remain loyal to the GS.
More Reviews on 1000PS
- How much does a BMW R 1250 GS cost?
- Here you will find an overview of the price level of new and used motorbikes!
More from 1000PS Magazine
BMW R 1250 GS - Strengths and Weaknesses of the Versatile Talent Images
Source: 1000PS
The BMW R 1250 GS - Versatile Genius or Overpriced Status Symbol for Dentists and Lawyers?
The BMW R 1250 GS succeeded the R 1200 GS in 2018 and remains one of the most renowned and best-selling adventure touring bikes in the world.
It is a confident choice for long highway stretches, twisty mountain roads, and even off-road terrain.
The shaft drive ensures low-maintenance propulsion, while the Dynamic ESA electronic suspension provides optimal comfort and stability across various terrains.
Visually, the 1250 GS stays true to its distinctive adventure style, featuring the characteristic "beak," a tall front, and rugged proportions.
The BMW R 1250 GS truly is the ultimate all-rounder for tour riders, adventurers, and long-distance travelers.
It offers cutting-edge technology, high comfort, and powerful performance—albeit at a high price. Still, it remains the benchmark for many in the adventure touring segment.
"Leave us your experiences in the comments" isn't just a throwaway line we tag onto the end of our 1000PS videos. No one provides deeper insight into the essence of a motorcycle than its owner. That's why your opinions and experiences are so valuable to us. We've sifted through comments from numerous BMW R 1250 GS videos to compile the experiences featured in this gallery.
Oft kann eine Entscheidung so einfach sein:
Mr. Dendalo: The reason I love riding the GS isn't just its perfection, but the bike itself has its own character. I love the boxer engine, the lateral vibration, the Telelever, the wide handlebars—I just love everything about this bike. You have to love a GS, otherwise, you should ride something else.
Matthias hat Erfahrungen der anderen Art gesammelt:
Matthias EB: On my home track, some GS riders really push it hard... with panniers and all—so this thing is definitely not slow!
An dieser Einstellung können wir uns alle eine Scheibe abschneiden:
Hansen B: As someone nearing 50, I probably fit the target demographic, but I couldn't care less. What matters to me is that I have fun.
Bei der Idee einer Automatik-GS, hat dieser User eine klare Meinung:
MrComar1979: A GS with DCT? I'd cash in my savings immediately... Well, with the new ASA system on the current R 1300 GS, MrComar might just have to go for it!
Auf Seiten des Fahrwerks findet sich Kritik:
Guenter S.: I have only one criticism, and that's the suspension. Even in the sportiest setting, it's soft—way too soft. The KTM was much better, the comfort was sufficient, and when I switched to the sportiest mode on the Alpine passes, the ride was sporty and super direct. The GS doesn't have that direct, noticeable handling. I'm certainly not much slower on the passes with the BMW than with the KTM, but it's definitely wobblier.
Der Zubehörmarkt bietet jedoch Abhilfe:
Markus Bernhard: A tip regarding the suspension: I treated myself to a WESA upgrade from Wilbers. It offers a noticeable improvement.
Die GS hat auch Offroad-Potential:
Markus S: I've been riding a GS for 5 years and I'm on my second one, currently the R1250. This motorcycle is simply the ultimate all-rounder. I use it extensively off-road, and it handles just as well as on-road. A fantastic bike and simply perfect for me.
Das ist der tatsächliche Username, dieses GS Fahrers
First Name Last Name: Disappointing: The splash protection in wet conditions—boots, pants, jacket, helmet, and even the unoccupied passenger seat get heavily soiled by spray from the rear wheel. Definitely a disadvantage on tours. Which restaurant owner is happy about their furniture or wardrobe, as well as potentially the clothing of other guests, getting dirty?
Die bayrische Perfektion ist nicht für Jedermann:
Kowalski: I owned the 1250 GS for a year, it's a good bike, no doubt, but I got bored of it quickly—it lacked some edge. It's almost too smooth. Plus, for me, it's just too much bike, I don't really do the huge distances anymore to justify the GS.
Der gewaltige Zubehörmarkt ist ein Argument für die GS-Baureihe:
Hashi Me: I used to be a BMW hater... until I test rode the GS 1250. By now, I've customized it to the point where I've never seen another one like mine!
Das Navi kann mit Calimoto ersetzt werden:
Hans Buschbach: For years, I refused to ride a GS, mainly because of its image. Last year, I went for a test ride on the 1250 GS and ordered it two days later. After several thousand kilometers, I have to say it was the right decision! […] Great review, and yes, there are things that aren't perfect. For example, the outdated navigation system. I still bought it and added a phone mount so I can continue using my Calimoto.
Die Unterhaltskosten spielen auch in dieser Motorradklasse eine wichtige Rolle:
Alwin Kalverkamp: The maintenance costs are reasonable; the minor 10,000 km service is always around or under 200 euros, and the major service with valve clearance check costs no more than 450 euros. […] Maintenance for a GS is quite cheap, plus the low fuel consumption. A GS ridden according to traffic regulations uses barely over 4 liters with panniers and a passenger.
Zufriedenheit über mehrere GS-Generationen
Michael Püchner: In 2021, I switched from my 19-year-old 1150 GS (93,000 km) to the 1250 GS. Nowadays, everyone's complaining at a very high level. For me, one of the most important advantages from my 19 years with the 1150 is reliability and quality.
Komfort ist für viele ein Pluspunkt der Bayern-Reiseenduro:
Christian: Just for kicks, I took the new 1250 ADV for a ride and immediately fell in love, picked it up two weeks later. Great bike. I rode it over a weekend for 356 km straight and got off without any aches—that's never happened with a bike before.
Eine Probefahrt kann vieles ändern:
Klaus Werkstetter: By chance, I test rode a 1250 GS HP at the end of the year before last. After just half an hour, I bought it and have since clocked up 20,000 km. Every day, I'm blown away by what an awesome machine this is.
Rennmaschine und Wohnmobil in einem Paket?
Gérard Jouvancourt: My 1250 GSA is, I guess, my twelfth GS since the 80 GS, which I bought new in 1987 in Darmstadt. For me, the current GS is a race machine, motocross, and RV all in one. On German highways, I can easily outpace SUVs and fast cars, while in narrow rock passages in Georgia or Morocco, many people can't even walk where I ride. With two panniers, a tank bag, and my waterproof roll, I'm self-sufficient for weeks. Senegal, Mali, Niger, Cameroon, CAR, Gabon, and back by ship.
Markus schätzt das unkomplizierte Fahrverhalten:
Markus Bernhard: The motorcycle is so well designed that you believe you're a better rider than you actually are. And that's exactly where its success lies!
Simon findet Kritik, würde sich aber immer für die GS entscheiden:
Simon R.: Even though I always long for something sportier, it's just awesome. [...] If I could choose, more power and a more stable suspension in fast corners would be nice, as well as more lean angle. I sometimes wish for something different, but no bike rips like the GS. It can do everything, even if nothing perfectly. No matter what other bike I look at, the GS always wins out for me in the end.
Auf einer Adventure muss man mit viel Lebendgewicht rechnen:
Wolfgang Weiss: I ride the 1200GSA in Asia and the 1250GSA in Germany. Both are undoubtedly great bikes, especially for traveling with a passenger. The only thing that becomes more of an issue with age is the high weight.
Das Gewicht wird auch beim Rangieren spürbar:
vuluci1: If there's anything I'd criticize, it's the high weight, which doesn't make me look good when maneuvering.
Tieferlegungskits sind gefragte Modifikationen:
Volker Thies: What bothers me about adventure bikes is that many older riders don't always have the necessary height for a secure footing on these big machines. That's why, for me, a GS only makes sense in a lowered version.
Nach Vorbild der neuen K1600-Reihe wünscht sich Robert einen Rückwärtsgang:
Robert robert: A reverse gear would be good with that weight. It could simply be managed via the starter motor.
Man sollte sie probiert haben, auch wenn man keinen Gefallen findet:
Michael Schlademann: I rented a 1250 GS in the Alps in the summer of '21. For me, it's way too heavy, no feel for the front wheel, and then there's that clunky gearbox.
Die Technik begeistert, doch die Optik war für Glen entscheidend:
Glen Gebhardt: The GS is truly a dream to ride. But I went for the Roadster (R1200R LC) because I simply prefer its looks. In terms of riding fun, they're similar. Touring is great on it too.
Martin berichtet uns von der Optik, die schon mehrmals für Aufsehen gesorgt hat:
Martin VR Schmuck: I previously had a 2007 Adventure and now a 2020 GS. With both bikes, I knew right away I wanted one. The massive look is just awesome. Apparently, others feel the same way. On my long tours, I've often had strangers somehow let me know that they like the bike.
