2018 EICMA: BMW R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS Adventure and F 850 GS Adventure

While the launch of the game-changing BMW S 1000 RR may have stolen the German brand’s lime-light at this year’s EICMA show in Milan, there were some small but significant announcements made around the firm’s existing models.

The R 1250 R and RS roadsters will employ the 1254cc variable-valve Shift Cam engine for 2019 which offers a significant boost in both power and torque capabilities. Where the R sports LED light-ing and a new belly-pan for 2019, the new RS also gains LED headlights and a new low-mounted front spoiler for 2019 to distinguish it from the current 1200 version.

With the launch of the R 1250 GS earlier in the year, BMW held of the reveal of next year’s higher-spec Adventure model for this year’s EICMA show in Milan. It’s, too, powered by the same 1254cc Shift Cam-equipped boxer twin and gets a different height-adjustable seat, the obligatory full-colour TFT dash, LED lighting and a few minor tweaks to its styling.

Lastly, the higher-spec midsize Adventure model finally gets the same 850cc engine as the base model F 800 GS received this time last year. In what will be welcome news for many, the 2019 F 850 GS Adventure will a 15mm lower seat than the outgoing model and will differ from the standard bike with the ability to carry eight extra litres of fuel, a taller adjustable screen, a stainless steel luggage rack as well as a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen.