For more than 35 years, the flat-twin boxer engine in the BMW Motorrad GS and RT models has stood for distinctive, powerful and reliable propulsion when it comes to setting off on an extended tour or a long-distance journey – or simply enjoying the satisfying pleasure of a short weekend trip.
2019 BMW R 1250 RT
The new R 1250 GS offers travel and off-road prowess in two modern basic finishes and two striking style variants. The new R 1250 RT meanwhile offers exclusive touring character in one basic colour, two style variants and Option 719 Spezial finishes.
2019 BMW R 1250 GS
Overview of the new BMW R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT
- Boxer engine with BMW ShiftCam Technology for variation of the valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side
- Increased output and torque: 100kW (136hp) at 7750 rpm and 143Nm at 6250 rpm
- Capacity increased to 1254cc
- Asynchronous valve opening on the intake side for optimised swirl and combustion
- Latest generation of BMS-O engine control
- Use of twin-jet injection valves for even more effective carburetion
- New exhaust system for optimum performance characteristics
- New additional front spoiler on the R 1250 RT
- Two riding modes, ASC and Hill Start Control as standard
- Riding Modes Pro, featuring additional riding modes
- Dynamic Traction Control DTC
- ABS Pro (standard in the R 1250 RT)
- Hill Start Control Pro
- Electronic suspension Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” with fully automatic load compensation
- LED headlamp for the R 1250 GS as standard
- LED daytime riding light for both models as optional equipment items ex works.
- Connectivity: multifunctional instrument cluster with 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen and numerous features as standard in the R 1250 GS.
- Intelligent Emergency Call as an ex works option.
- BMW Motorrad Spezial – customisation features as optional equipment items ex works
- Extended range of optional equipment items and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories
2019 BMW R 1250 GS and RT Engine
BMW R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT Engine
With the extensively advanced boxer engine, the new 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 new 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 BMW Motorrad engines: this enables variation of the valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side. In addition, the intake camshafts are designed for asynchronous opening of the two intake valves, resulting in enhanced swirl of the fresh, incoming mixture and therefore more effective combustion.
2019 BMW R 1250 GS and RT ShiftCam
Other technical changes to the engine relate to the camshaft drive – now taken care of by a toothed chain (previously a roller chain) – an optimised oil supply, twin-jet injection valves and a new exhaust system.
The boxer engine in the new BMW R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT goes a step further with boosted performance figures across the board. In the latest generation it has a capacity of 1254cc (previously: 1170cc). The ratio between bore and stroke is now 102.5 to 76mm (previously: 101 to 73mm).
2019 BMW R 1250 GS
It has an output of 100kW (136hp) at 7750 rpm and generates a maximum of 143Nm at 6250 rpm (previously: 92kW (125hp) at 7750 rpm and 125Nm at 6500rpm. With a seven per cent capacity increase, the new boxer engine offers 14 per cent more torque and nine per cent more output than its predecessor, making it the most powerful BMW boxer engine ever to be manufactured in serial production.
The boxer engine also uses the well-established 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.
2019 BMW R 1250 RT
The gearbox and clutch are integrated in the engine housing in the new 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.
Power transmission to the six-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. 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.
2019 BMW R 1250 GS
BMW R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT Electronics
There are two riding modes available as standard in order to be able to adapt the motorcycle to individual rider preferences. The standard Automatic Stability Control ASC ensures a high level of riding safety due to the best possible traction. The set-off assistant Hill Start Control is likewise a standard feature in both models, enabling convenient set-off on slopes.
2019 BMW R 1250 GS
Riding Modes Pro, featuring additional riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, ABS Pro, Hill Start Control Pro and Dynamic Brake Assistant DBC (new), available as an optional equipment item ex works.
2019 BMW R 1250 RT
The option “Riding Modes Pro” is now available as an optional equipment item, featuring the additional riding mode “Dynamic”, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, and in the R 1250 GS also the riding modes “Dynamic Pro”, “Enduro” and “Enduro Pro”. DTC enables even more efficient and safe acceleration, especially in banking position.
ABS Pro (part of Riding Modes Pro in the R 1250 GS, a standard feature in the R 1250 RT) offers even greater safety when braking, even in banking position. The new Dynamic Brake Control DBC provides additional safety when braking, also in difficult situations, by avoiding unintentional accelerator activation.
2019 BMW R 1250 GS
By means of intervention in the engine control, drive torque is reduced during braking so as to make full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance.
LED headlamp for the R 1250 GS as standard and LED daytime riding light for both models as an ex works optional equipment item.
The new R 1250 GS now features the LED headlamp as standard. In addition to this, the LED daytime riding light is available as an optional equipment item for both the R 1250 GS and the R 1250 RT, which has halogen headlamps.
2019 BMW R 1250 GS
The new R 1250 GS now has the equipment feature Connectivity 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.
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.
Ensuring the fastest possible assistance in the event of an accident or in situations of emergency and danger can save people’s lives. The optional equipment item Intelligent Emergency Call summons assistance to the scene as quickly as possible. As before, this feature can be ordered for both models.
2019 BMW R 1250 RT
BMW R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT Suspension & Brakes
Standard suspension fitted includes BMW Motorrad Telelever with central spring strut front, while the rear features a cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD spring strut, continuously adjustable spring preload by means of hand wheel, rebound-stage damping adjustable by hand wheel.
With the optional equipment item BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA “Next Generation”, damping automatically adapts to the situation according to riding state and manoeuvres, and there is also automatic compensation in all load states. This allows finely tuned adaptation of the motorcycle to riding states, achieving optimum damping comfort and a very stable ride response – this is now also available for the R 1250 RT.
2019 BMW R 1250 GS
The sports suspension optionally available for the style variant HP allows the new 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 new functions of automatic damping and load compensation.
2019 BMW R 1250 RT
Brakes on the front are twin disc brake, 305mm floating brake discs on the GS and 320mm discs on the RT, with four-piston radial brake calipers. The rear is a single 276mm disc, with two-piston floating caliper.
BMW Motorrad Spezial Accessories
BMW Motorrad Spezial offers a range of iconic customisation features that enhance both performance and value, available as optional equipment items ex works. The focus is on harmonious integration in the vehicle as a whole, use of the very highest-quality materials, elaborate manual workmanship and characteristic attention to detail.
The Billets Packs Option 719 Classic and HP are available for the new R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT, for example. The new R 1250 RT can be additionally enhanced with Option 719 wheels Classic or Sport, an exclusive seat and one of two Spezial paint finishes. An HP sports silencer is likewise available ex works for the two new boxer models.
The new R 1250 GS showcases its travel and off-road prowess in two modern basic finishes and two striking style variants. The new R 1250 RT embodies its exclusive touring character in one basic colour, two style variants and two Option 719 Spezial finishes.
2019 BMW R 1250 RT
2019 BMW BMW R 1250 GS (RT) Specifications
Price: TBA
Claimed power: 100kW/136hp@7750rpm
Claimed torque: 143Nm@6250rpm
Kerb weight: 249kg (279kg)
Fuel capacity: 20L (25L)
Engine: Air/liquid-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer, 1254cc, 12.5:1 compression ratio, 102.5 x 76mm bore x stroke, four-valves per cylinder, two overhead spur gear driven camshafts, counterbalance shaft, variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam
Gearbox: Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system
Clutch: Wet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Chassis: Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine, cast aluminium single-sided swing arm
Rake: º Trail: mm
Suspension: BMW Motorrad Telelever front, central spring strut Ø 37 mm, BMW Motorrad Paralever rear, WAD spring strut, continuously adjustable spring preload by means of hand wheel, rebound-stage damping adjustable by hand wheel. Option: Dynamic ESA
Brakes: Twin front disc brake, floating brake discs 305mm (320mm), 4-piston radial brake calipers, single rear disc brake
276mm, two-piston floating caliper, BMW Motorrad Integral ABS as standard, part integral, disengageable. Option: ABS Pro
Wheels & Tyres: Die-cast aluminium wheels, 3.00 x 19in (3.50 x 17in) front, 4.50 x 17in (5.50 x 17in) rear, 120/70 R19, 170/60 R17 (120/70 ZR 17, 180/55 ZR 17 )
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2207mm (2222mm)
Seat height: 850/870mm (805/825mm) (Low/High options available)
Instruments: Full-colour TFT dash.
2019 BMW BMW R 1250 GS & R 1250 RT Gallery
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December 29, 2018
I own a 2015 1200gs. I test rode the new 1250gs with the intention of buying one but was left disappointed. The throttle response compared to my gs is way too soft even on Dynamic mode which felt like rain mode on my bike. I struggled to feel any extra power over my gs. Engine is smoother but too quiet with no exhaust note. Gearbox and quick shifter is smoother. Has anyone else had this exsperience? The bike i rode was brand new.
March 8, 2019
On 1250 GS I have a problem with rear shock bounce on corner at high speed. The rebound is too soft and the rear spring is also to soft. And the front brake is not that efficient. Maybe it is possible to mount a front brake from R1250 RT.
March 8, 2019
Hey Dan, Heath tested out these models recently and didn’t note any issues with the brakes. Were they bedded in properly and been bled when you noticed that issue? A bit harder to comment on suspension, have you had any luck within the adjustability provided?