After announcing the BMW R1250 GS earlier this fall, we now see the new 2019 BMW R1250 GS Adventure as well. It’s basically the same bike, but optimized for adventure riding and long-distance travel.
Like the rest of the R1250 platform, the R1250 GS Adventure uses BMW’s new Shiftcam technology, which brings variable valve timing to the lineup. The intake valve timing on the new liquid-cooled 1,254 cc flat twin adjusts via a shiftgate, allowing optimization based on the bike’s airflow needs. This makes for more consistent power delivery across the rev range, as well as lower emissions and better fuel economy.
Max output is 136 hp at 7,750 rpm and 105 lb-ft of torque at 6,250 rpm. Max alternator output is 508 watts. The R1250 platform has a six-speed gearbox.
The frame itself is BMW’s two-part steel construction, with bolt-on rear subframe and engine as stressed member of chassis.
Once again, BMW includes its Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension on the R1250 GS Adventure, with 210 mm of travel in front and 220 mm of travel in back. Next Generation Dynamic ESA (on-the-fly semi-autonomous electronic suspension adjustment) is an option.
There are twin floating 305 mm brake discs up front, with four-piston radial brake calipers; there’s a single 276 mm disc with two-piston floating caliper in the back. ABS is standard, and you can switch it off for dirt riding. ABS Pro (BMW-speak for leaning ABS) is optional.
The R1250 GS has a 19-inch front rim and 17-inch rear rim, with tubeless spoked design.
There’s an LED headlight, but a daytime LED riding light is optional. Bodywork is slightly re-designed from the standard big-bore GS, and crash bars are standard equipment.
In base trim, the R1250 GS Adventure has two riding modes, stability control and hill start assist. Pony up for the Riding Modes Pro option and you can have Enduro and Enduro Pro riding modes (Enduro Pro can be configured by the user). Riding Modes Pro also offers Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Assistant (an electronic interference system which restricts engine torque while decelerating) and the already-mentioned ABS Pro system.
The R1250 GS Adventure also has a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT dash, which not only functions as the bike’s gauge cluster but also allows Bluetooth integration with navigation, communication or entertainment systems.
Wheelbase is 1504 mm, and wet weight is 268 kg. Fuel capacity is 30 litres, and claimed fuel consumption is 4.75 L/100 km. Seat height is adjustable from 820 mm to 910 mm, and a selection of OEM replacement seats makes for even more fine-tuning.
Along with those accessory seats, BMW also offers a truckload of other accessories: tank bags, hard luggage, soft luggage, heated grips, touring windshields, emergency calling system, which alerts 911-type systems if it detects a crash.
Canadian pricing for the 2019 BMW R1250 GS Adventure is $23,800.
