2019 BMW R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT
A larger capacity Boxer engine is the piece de resistance of the updated models, with hikes in power and torque joined by variable valve timingAs Bikesales teased last week, BMW has unveiled updated Boxer-engined R 1250 GS adventure and R 1250 RT sportstouring models for 2019.
The flat-twin Boxer engine, a four-decade stalwart for BMW, has evolved again in 2019 with not only a hike in capacity from 1170 to 1254cc, but BMW has also adopted ‘ShiftCam Technology’ which introduces variable valve timing. The intake camshafts open the two valves in an asynchronous (ie not simultaneous) manner, which BMW says produces more effective combustion as well as increasing power across the entire rev range and reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
Other changes to the engine are the adoption of a toothed chain for the camshaft instead of a roller chain, optimised oil supply, twin-jet injection valves and a new exhaust system.
The 1254cc Boxer engine now produces 136hp (100kW) at 7750rpm and 143Nm at 6250rpm, compared to 125hp (92KW) and 125Nm for the outgoing 1170cc version. Peak torque is now reached 250rpm lower than before.
Moreover, the 143Nm even usurps KTM's master blaster, the 1290 Super Adventure R, which is good for 140Nm. And the R 1250 GS is well above other adventure machines like the Triumph Tiger 1200 (122Nm) and the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro (128Nm).
There's no mention of weight in the BMW press material – always a keen topic for adventure riders in particular – but we've done some digging and our calculations reveal the R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT will both be heavier – so the end results are modest power-to-weight increases.
What else is new?
Both machines now have TFT screens with full connectivity – a 6.5-inch version for the R 1250 GS and a 5.7-incher for the R 1250 RT. On the RT, the TFT dash is also complemented by an analog speedometer and rev counter.
There’s also a new front spoiler on the R 1250 RT.
Standard and optional features
• Two riding modes, Automatic Stability Control and Hill Start Control are standard features, while Riding Modes Pro – featuring additional riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, ABS Pro (standard in the R 1250 RT), Hill Start Control Pro and Dynamic Brake Assistant DBC – is available ex-works (ie direct from the factory).
• In addition to standard adjustability of seat height, a wide range of seat height variants are available ex-works.
• An LED headlamp is standard on the R 1250 GS, and LED daytime riding lights are avaialable ex-works.
• BMW Motorrad Spezial – customisation features available ex-works.
• An HP sports silencer is available ex-works for the two new boxer models.
What about the R 1200 GS Adventure?
Bikesales understands an updated R 1250 GS Adventure will also make it to market – to the extent that it's already been homologated in Australia – but we’re yet to hear an official word from BMW. However, we won’t be surprised if the R 1200 GS Adventure is launched to the public alongside the R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT at the Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne, Germany on October 3.
And, in the not-too-distant- future, we’d also expect the other current R boxer models – the R 1200 R and R 1200 RS – to get the 1254cc engine and other updates.
No word on price or availability of the new models for the Aussie market yet.
2017 Bikesales Bike of the Year: BMW R 1200 GS Rallye X
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
