2019 BMW R 1250 GS
FIRST IMPRESSION
P82
a gear higher most of the time com-
pared to the R 1200 GS, with conse-
quently lower engine speeds. But try
as I might I couldn't detect the transi-
tion point for the ShiftCam switch from
partial-load to full-load cam profiles, or
vice versa.
For when you decide to motor a
little harder, the R 1250 GS is ready
to rock. Wind the 52mm diameter
throttle butterflies wide open, and the
BMW leaps forward with surprising
agility and definite purpose, accom-
panied by a muted rumble from that
good-sounding exhaust. In no time at
all you're doing the ton, aka 99 mph
with the engine running at 6000 rpm.
Thanks to the counterbalancer fitted
to the engine to iron out all the vibes
that used to be found with the R 1150
GS of 15 years ago, this thoroughly
modern Boxer twin is completely de-
void of vibration at any engine speed.
A comfortable cruising speed of 80
mph sees the engine turning over just
halfway to redline at 4300 rpm, and
at such speeds this is a very capable
and relaxing ride, even more than its
predecessors already were, thanks
to the increased rideability of the
new, bigger engine. Yes, that R-word
again, but it's what the R 1250 GS is
all about, thanks to the 14% overall
increase in all-important torque. Extra
power is always nice to have—pro-
vided it's delivered in a usable way, as
pressive, thanks to the ultra-flat torque
curve which sees at least 110Nm—
i.e. better than three-quarters of the
143Nm peak torque figure—available
from just 2000 revs upwards, all the
way to its 8250 rpm redline. This
uber-Boxer engine's happy zone is
between 2500 rpm and the point at
which peak torque figure is delivered
at 6250 rpm, and this makes holding
fourth gear for miles on end along
switchback hillside roads very much
an approved option. Okay, occasion-
ally you have to drop down a gear or
even two for a really tight turn, but the
engine is so remarkably flexible that
there simply isn't the need to use the
sweet-shifting gearbox nearly as much
as before. I'm sure this is one reason
for the claimed improvement in fuel
consumption—you find yourself using
Smoother
and more
controllable
power makes
it easier to
do things
like this.
