Motorcycle specifications BMWR 1250 GS 2023 The smile of ambush

A troop of specially prepared 1250 GS models is to set off to Albania for the International GS Trophy. They receive a special paint scheme, the essentials of which can be found in the new GS Trophy styling available as an option this year: Gravity Blue metallic, rally seat, black spoked wheels (alternatively gold spoked wheels), sport bubble, radiator protection and Enduro footrests. Just enough to affirm its Geländerather than Straßeside. And before?

Earlier, the Euro5 standard was introduced in 2021. The R 1250 GS had been preparing for this for a long time, so having to comply was a formality. BMW took the opportunity to enhance the standard equipment on its flagship model. DTC traction control, Integral Pro ABS and 12V and USB sockets were added.

A new 'Eco' driving mode has also been added. After that, the new features are in the options clan: pre-selection of riding modes, heated saddles, adaptive headlight, multifunction indicators, handlebar risers and a new Enduro pack. The GS likes to gorge itself, as it always has.

It all began with a test. Undoubtedly the hardest, demanding compromises, sacrifices, doubts and convictions. That of choice. When it comes to choosing the one who will accompany us on the road, for a breath of fresh air, an evening jaunt or a week's stroll across a continent.
And then, sometimes, there's a saving grace: the obvious. For most BMW GS owners, there's little or nothing else they could want in the way of a ride. We have to admit that the Bavarian trail bike has some solid arguments. The same arguments as yesterday, now enhanced by a bigger, bolder engine with variable valve timing.

Are we being prolix or direct? The engine will be both. By loading it with additional technology, BMW has endowed its fetish boxer with commendable, modular vigor.
As the pistons were fed up with this space confined to 1170 cm3 for 15 years, they pushed the walls to express themselves in 84 cm3 more. The result is most gratifying: 136 horsepower now and strong torque peaking at 14.5 mkg. Available in large quantities over a wide rev range. More than the power, it's the spectacular increase in Nm that's the real attraction. You don't gain 18 with just a teacup's worth of extra blast volume. At least double that would be necessary. So?!?
Then comes the ShiftCam to the rescue. This is the name of the variable valve timing system used in the 1250's cylinder heads. The idea is to change the cam profile according to engine speed. At low revs, you need an engine that's available and generous in torque and smoothness - for this, it's best to keep valve lift low and short. On the other hand, if you're looking for watts at high revs, you need longer and higher valve lift. So you'll need two different sets of cams. But how do you get them to co-exist and switch?
That's the job of the ShiftCam. The intake shaft supports two cams for each valve. To select one or the other, an electromechanical actuator acts on a kind of barrel at the end of the ACT, shifting it to one set of cams or the other. And bingo, we've got our two timing profiles. What's more, a phase shift between the left and right valves creates a more efficient vortex for combustion.
The engine-makers have therefore taken great pains to achieve what many expect from an engine used for multiple missions: a generous muscle when you're on the move, then full of tone when you're getting excited.

Such are the insides of the R 1250 GS. From the outside, all you'll see is a modified cylinder head cover and updated nameplate monogram. Even the exhaust system, modified for the occasion, reveals nothing new. General design and detailing remain unchanged, contrary to the usual pattern where each major change results in a different generation and a new silhouette. Fussy BM? Not exactly; rather, we're consolidating what's already been achieved. However, a touch of freshness would have wisely accompanied this evolution.
Important? Not really. You don't really buy a GS for its design, but for its driving qualities. Quidam won't be disappointed with the 1250, because...

because the 1200 was already an excellent machine, among the most consistent and enjoyable on the market. Some will say that the media praise it because they've sold out to BMW... Others who have tried it, or those gifted with this recent concept called intelligence, will understand the legitimacy of opinions, tests and excursions on all sides. So, yes, everyone says this trail bike is great... and it is. It's easy to get to grips with, but it doesn't immediately disguise its undeniable weight, which is beaten from 10 km/h onwards by the efficient weight balance and chassis design. The 1200 GS proved to be a formidable performer in terms of efficiency, driving pleasure and homogeneity. With a Germanic rigor, it left behind the fun and carefree side for a feeling of unlimited riding, with no fatigue and no mileage limit.
The 1250 GS takes everything from the 1200, including the tubular steel frame, fork, gimbaled monobar, 20-liter fuel tank, rugged appearance and on-board power-assist stronghold. Only the wheelbase and weight have changed, with an increase of 5 kilos on one side and 18 mm on the other. Braking is still handled by 305 mm discs squeezed by 4-piston radial calipers - but the jaws are no longer from Brembo, but from Hayes.
Regular users will find the intrinsic qualities of this trail-GT, fortified with a new sense of exhilaration and rejuvenation provided by the twin.

Although this engine is THE new feature of this chapter of the GS, we'd be a little disappointed at the lack of innovation... if it weren't for a few digital inserts. Such as? The new 6.5" TFT'Connectivity' screen. Not entirely new, since it was offered as an option on the previous GS. Now, however, it comes as standard. This panel provides an all-digital, full-color on-board display, smartphone pairing, music, headphone and phone call connection, as well as a basic GPS system.
Let's stay in this area. A sensor here, a cable there, a box on the right, another sensor on the left, a.... Ah, they're everywhere. Sensitive and reactive with its assistants, the German remains one of the most equipped with electronic co-pilots, provided you combine original equipment and additional features. Three driving modes (Eco / Rain / Road), traction control, HSC hill start, cornering ABS and LED headlights come as standard.
As an option, everything goes up very quickly. The 'Pro Riding Mode' unlocks the Dynamic, Enduro and Enduro Pro modes, a combination of DBC engine braking and full rear braking force to stabilize and slow the bike, the dynamic brake light and the Pro version of Hill Start Control - depending on the gradient, HSC is activated automatically by pressing the brake controls after the bike has come to a halt. Fans of dynamic damping combinations will be delighted to be able to treat themselves to the 'Next Generation' ESA, available on the big GS since 2017. BM's semi-active suspensions are load-sensitive and continuously adjust the ride height to suit road conditions, rider requirements and riding style. For added safety, eCall is also available.

the problem with travel is the destinations. Asphalt, sand, pebbles, the 16th arrondissement, Timbuktu, the Grésivaudan valley or Monument Valley. The BMW R 1250 GS has found a way to adapt to it all. Well, almost. Rather than several colors, it's offered in several styles, each arguing for distinctive equipment. Let's take a look:
- The 'Triple Black' and 'Light White' are the most roadworthy, with stick wheels, a double-decker seat and a touring bubble
- The 'Rallye' and'40 Years' versions are more dynamic, with striking colors, a sport bubble, spoked rims and the absence of a center stand.

The R 1250 GS clearly wants to surprise. Absolutely not in terms of looks, content to copy and paste its predecessor. It's more demonstrative when it comes to the engine, which will make the competition suffer a little more. More power, less noise, less fuel consumption and more carafon. As usual, BMW charges a high price for its qualities, and some services would be more appropriate as standard than as optional extras. The Spezial Option 719 elements, the chrome muffler or the flashlight are all understandable. But heated grips have long been standard equipment on many competitors.
This will in no way dampen the GS's spirits. It knows how to dominate its market, its roads and its adventures. There's no doubt that it's going to write a very interesting new opus.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos