2021 BMW R 1250 GS And R 1250 GS Adventure First Look

[Hugh Janus]

BMW has released details on the updated 2021 R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure. (BMW Motorrad/)

Forty years ago BMW Motorrad created one of the most innovative trendsetters in the evolution of motorcycling: the R 80 GS. Based on a concept ISDT racer that used an overbored R 65 “small boxer” to keep the cross section as narrow as possible, the less extreme R 80 GS gave life to the enduro-GT class of bikes, progressively enjoying a growing success that soon made it the flagship of BMW Motorrad. The GS was a very bright intuition that never missed a beat as it was constantly refined and improved by a team of very competent and dedicated engineers and technicians who kept it always ahead of the competition. That brings us to the present level of excellency represented by the 2021 edition of the R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure.

At the heart of the R 1250 GS is the latest evolution of the 1,254cc boxer twin: Delivering a power level of 136 hp at 7,750 rpm and 105.5 pound-feet of peak torque at 6,250 rpm, but with a secondary peak of 103.3 pound-feet at 4,750 rpm for a wide and usable range. All with full conformity to the very stringent Euro 5 emission standards, a very remarkable result with a big-bore (102.5mm by 76mm stroke) engine running a 12.5:1 compression ratio.

RELATED: 2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure First Ride

This is the result of an extremely rational project featuring a very compact combustion chamber profile consequent to the 18 degrees included angle at which the valves are set. Each cylinder breathes through 52mm throttle bodies and the valves (40mm inlet and 34mm exhaust) are directly actuated by the DOHC distribution through finger-type cam followers. The inlet ports run straight down the valve stems and, most important, the inlet camshafts feature the BMW exclusive ShiftCam technology that modulates valve lift and timing according to the power demand.

BMW’s ShiftCam employs variable valve lift and timing for lower emissions and more power. (BMW Motorrad USA Press Release/)

When power demand is low, like when cruising at constant speed, the inlet valves have reduced lift and almost no overlap to the exhaust. In addition, these cam lobes also feature asynchronous valve opening to induce strong swirl turbulence for a perfect combustion even at the lower rpm. All this generates great engine flexibility and drastically reduces emissions. The final touch is represented by the precision cooling by liquid coolant of the heads and top section of the cylinders.

RELATED: 2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Review

A very advanced and powerful electronics suite provides management of all the engine and transmission functions. Dynamic Traction Control is selectable for three driving modes, starting with the new Eco for relaxed rides and reduced emissions and fuel consumption. When in Eco, your good driving is praised by a graph that appears on the 6.5-inch TFT display. Rain and Road are the other two riding modes available, both behaving as you would expect given their names. The optional Pro Riding kit includes Dynamic and Dynamic Pro, Enduro, and Enduro Pro riding modes for more aggressive riding on and off road.

BMW’s Integral ABS Pro now comes as standard equipment and is managed by a sophisticated six-axis inertial platform. With Integral ABS Pro the brakes'  front hand lever actuates both the front and rear brakes, while the foot pedal only actuates the rear brake. The ABS Pro system also manages the Hill Start Control and the Dynamic Brake Control, both included in the standard equipment.

BMW’s Integral ABS Pro is now standard equipment on both the R 1250 GS (above) and R 1250 GS Adventure. (BMW Motorrad/)

From a structural point of view, the R 1250 GR chassis is unchanged in its GS and GS Adventure variations, which means that front suspension still is managed by a Telelever unit and the rear by a paralever system, both equipped with fully adjustable shock absorbers. In addition, a new-generation Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) is available as a factory option to provide automatic bike leveling along with continuous active suspension adjustment in relation to riding style and road or trail conditions. The efficiency of the Dynamic ESA is further amplified when the system is combined with either the Sport Suspension or the Enduro Pack options, offering extreme tunability like the modulation of the suspension unit spring loads.

The R 1250 GS and GS Adventure are intended for serious off-road specialists and feature long-travel suspension; consequently the standard seat heights are on the tall side: 33.5 to 34.2 inches on the GS, 35 to 35.8 inches for the GS Adventure. Lower seats are available.

BMW’s R 1250 GS Adventure weighs in at a claimed 591 pounds. (BMW Motorrad/)

Given the grand touring vocation of the R 1250 GS, great attention was paid to improving the lighting system, now featuring a cluster of three headlights, all with LED units. Adaptive units are optional, controlled by the six-axis inertial platform that makes the inner unit turn to the inside of the curve while keeping it level. Heated seats in combination with heated grips can make wintertime riding much more comfortable and pleasant. And the powerful TFT display is the central command center for all connectivity functions via Bluetooth smartphone, including a navigation system by Google.

RELATED: 2019 Honda Gold Wing Tour vs. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Fully equipped and ready to go, the R 1250 GS tips the scale at a substantial 549 pounds (claimed) while the GS Adventure reaches up to 591 pounds.

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[Grasshopper]