2019 BMW R 1250 GS
FIRST IMPRESSION
P76
baby out with the bathwater, was very definitely a major chal-
lenge for BMW's R&D team headed by project leader Jochen
Beck. So that's surely one reason that the new-for-2019
R 1250 GS doesn't look a whole lot different than the outgo-
ing R 1200 GS that's been in production since 2004, receiv-
ing three major updates along the way while building an ever
more loyal band of customers for a bike whose versatility is
legendary. The R 1250 GS has some big shoes to fill.
So while making detail changes to the aesthetics, like the
snazzy new cam covers on the Boxer engine or the crisp new
paint schemes, the BMW R&D team's big focus has been on
further improving the engine's performance and usability.
BMW achieved this with the radically innovative ShiftCam
system (see sidebar) combining both variable valve timing and
differential valve lift, all in the same package. This is a key
ingredient of the heavily revised version of BMW's trademark
air/water-cooled eight-valve Boxer-twin engine powering the
R 1250 GS, the result of three years of development. Capac-
ity has been increased to 1254cc from the R 1200 GS motor's
1170cc, via revised dimensions of
102.5 x 76mm, against the R 1200
GS's 101 x 73mm. Compression ratio
has been bumped up to 12.5:1 but
the engine is now fitted with dual
knock sensors to permit the use of
low-grade fuel in remote corners of
the earth. This new engine delivers
136 bhp/100 kW at 7750 rpm, with
maximum torque of 143 Nm at 6250
rpm (versus 125 bhp/92 kW at 7750
rpm, and 125 Nm at 6500 rpm, previ-
(Right) Previously available only as an option, a 6.5-inch full-color
Connectivity TFT dash is now standard equipment. (Below) BMW
focused on improving overall rideability with the new R 1250 GS.
