BMW R 1200 GS 2017 vs. BMW R 1250 RS 2021

The BMW R 1200 GS model year 2017 and the BMW R 1250 RS model year 2021 are both motorcycles manufactured by BMW. While the R 1200 GS is an enduro bike, the R 1250 RS is a sport touring bike.

In terms of their technical specifications, both bikes have a Boxer type engine and shaft drive transmission. The R 1200 GS has a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm, while the R 1250 RS has a bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm. The R 1250 RS has a higher power output with 136 HP compared to the R 1200 GS's 125 HP. The R 1250 RS also has a higher torque of 143 Nm compared to the R 1200 GS's 125 Nm. The displacement of the R 1200 GS is 1170 cc, while the R 1250 RS has a displacement of 1254 cc.

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

In terms of suspension, both bikes have a single swingarm rear suspension with pre-load adjustment. However, the R 1200 GS has a support suspension at the front, while the R 1250 RS has an upside-down telescopic fork. The R 1250 RS also has the additional feature of recovery adjustment for the rear suspension.

Both bikes have a steel frame and dual disc front brakes. The R 1200 GS has a front tire width of 120 mm and a diameter of 19 inches, while the R 1250 RS has a front tire width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The rear tire width of the R 1200 GS is 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches, while the R 1250 RS has a rear tire width of 180 mm with a diameter of 17 inches.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the R 1200 GS has a wheelbase of 1507 mm and a seat height of 850 mm. It has a curb weight of 238 kg with ABS and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. On the other hand, the R 1250 RS has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1530 mm and a lower seat height of 820 mm. It has a curb weight of 243 kg with ABS and a fuel tank capacity of 18 liters.

BMW R 1250 RS 2021

In terms of strengths, the R 1200 GS is praised for its mature concept, strong engine, easy handling, powerful brakes, adjustable modes and traction control, wide range of equipment, good image, and value retention. On the other hand, the R 1250 RS is praised for its high stability in long curves, agile and high-revving boxer engine, good looks, comfortable seating position, extensive list of accessories, and excellent ESA chassis.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The R 1200 GS is criticized for having many additional features at an extra cost and its exposed boxer engine in very difficult terrain. The R 1250 RS is criticized for its high weight, which is noticeable in tight curves, the windshield could be higher, the many mandatory features with additional costs, and being a bit slow.