In the realm of motorcycle touring, where the thrill of exploration collides with comfort and luxury, the BMW R 1250 GS emerges as the standard in high-end, two-wheeled adventure—on and off-road.
The iconic adventure touring motorcycle transcends basic transportation—it serves as a manifesto of luxury motorcycle touring, appealing to enthusiasts worldwide.
With its popularity soaring in some of the world’s prime riding destinations, from oceanside California highways to the sweeping hills of Tuscany, the BMW R 1250 GS—and its predecessors—are poised as the go-to machines for adventurer tourers seeking unparalleled riding experiences.
Recognizing the allure of BMW Motorrad’s R 1250 GS, we’re proud to announce the addition of four 2023 examples to our California fleet, available through our esteemed rental partner, Twisted Road. We also have an R 1150 GS for rent.
As Twisted Road founder Austin Rothbard asserts, “[MotoCalifornia’s] deep experience with rentals and tours lends itself well to using Twisted Road as their rental platform. Our insurance and technology allowed [them] to immediately put [their] fleet of bikes on our site without having to use separate booking software. We love having [their] pristine BMWs on our site!”
In a move aimed at improving our stateside MotoCalifornia tours, these additions deliver the pinnacle of motorcycle touring opulence to our clients. Here’s why we chose the BMW R 1250 GS as the main rental for our California tours.
What Sets the BMW R 1250 GS Apart?
The BMW R 1250 GS isn’t merely a motorcycle—it’s the benchmark of luxury touring. The bike’s ergonomic, upright seating positioning promotes comfort across long distances, while its cutting-edge technology and track record for reliability underpin its status as—what many consider—the best luxury touring motorcycle available today.
A Glimpse into Greatness: The BMW R 1250 GS
Unveiled in 2019, the enhanced R 1250 GS marked a significant evolution from the 1200 GS. Displacement grew to 1,254cc through a refined boxer engine, significantly augmenting horsepower and torque.
In the technological arena, the R 1250 GS is without rival. Its crystal-clear 6.5-inch TFT display is pleasant on the eyes, while its intuitive Multi-Controller wheel paves the way for seamless engagement with BMW’s Connected app, enriching the rider’s experience with smartphone integration. The assembly of advanced riding modes, controls, and semi-active suspension position the R 1250 as BMW’s most sophisticated GS model yet.
Heritage: A Defining Moment in Moto Lore
While adventure touring motorcycles are commonplace in today’s market, such wasn’t the case prior to 1980. It took a team of bright-eyed German engineers and a wild prototype—unlike any the world had ever seen—to bring the world’s first Adventure Tourer to life.
These efforts culminated in 1980, upon the release of BMW Motorrad’s first-ever dual-sport—the R 80 GS. In a move that ultimately birthed the adventure touring market, the R 80 GS’ debut paved the way for every adventure tourer that followed—including several GS revisions and generations. At the bottom of the family tree sits the R 1250 GS—BMW’s latest and greatest successor to the GS throne.
And boy, does it live up to the family name.
The Engine: Where Adventure Begins
At the heart of the BMW R 1250 GS beats a meticulously engineered 1,254cc boxer engine, optimized with BMW’s ShiftCam Technology—proprietary language for the company’s variable valve timing and lift. This engineering marvel promises a ride filled with power and grace, ready to dominate both bustling city streets and the untamed wilderness with unparalleled vigor.
Advanced Riding Modes and Control Systems
The 2023 incarnation of the R 1250 GS offers a suite of pre-programmed riding modes—including the range-maximizing “ECO” mode—ensuring maximum rideability regardless of terrain types or inclement weather conditions.
Rain and Road modes accompany ECO on every R 1250 GS, while the optional Ride Modes Pro package adds four additional options (Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, Enduro, and Enduro Pro). The add-on also includes mode pre-selection, automated hill start control pro (HSC Pro), dynamic brake assistant (DBC), and engine brake control (MSR) features—along with an integrated mode control to shift between four pre-selected riding modes on the fly.
Together with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Integral ABS Pro (inclination-optimized ABS), the BMW R 1250 GS’ rider assistance tech inspires confidence behind the handlebars.
A Paradigm of Design and Comfort
Designed with the rider’s comfort at the forefront, the R 1250 GS boasts an ergonomic layout that makes long journeys a luxurious affair. Adjustable seating and optional handlebar risers, found on the Enduro Package, offer an enticing, upright seating position, prolonging fatigue for miles of discomfort-free riding.
BMW’s standard Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension offer exceptional riding characteristics on and off-road, only heightened by the optional Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) system, which adds automatic load leveling and damping adjustments.
Either option caters to a wide array of riders, ensuring every journey is as comfortable as it is memorable.
Unparalleled Connectivity and Navigation
Featuring a cutting-edge 6.5-inch TFT display and standard USB sockets, the R 1250 GS offers intuitive navigation and effortless smartphone integration. After all, what’s a touring chassis without a next-gen infotainment system?
When paired with the BMW Connected app, this system transforms the motorcycle into a sophisticated control center, keeping riders connected and in command. Route to a destination, stream a favorite riding playlist, and make calls—all from behind the handlebars.
Vibrant Illumination at Every Turn
Optionally nestled into the front fairing, all-new adaptive LED headlights provide maximum visibility in all conditions. When entering a turn, the BMW R 1250 GS’ headlights automatically project in the oncoming direction, better illuminating the rider’s surroundings for increased safety.
Standard LED front and rear turn indicators provide exceptional styling and increase rider safety. The GS’ all-new front indicators take on DRL functionality in dim conditions, while optional multifunction rear indicators double as auxiliary running and brake lights.
Uncompromising Safety and Dependability
In the luxury touring realm, the BMW R 1250 GS redefines safety and reliability. With state-of-the-art features like BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control, the GS guarantees a ride that is as secure as it is smooth.
BMW Motorrad is no stranger to reliability—after over four decades of production, the manufacturer has essentially perfected the boxter-powered GS platform. Its legendary reliability is a testament to BMW’s commitment to excellence, offering riders peace of mind on every journey.
Touring Refined: The Art of Adventure
Crafted not just for performance but for the soul of exploration, the R 1250 GS makes every expedition an unparalleled adventure. Its dynamic suspension, quick-shifter, and varied riding modes invite riders to seamlessly traverse any terrain, making it the luxurious companion for long-distance voyages.
Concluding Thoughts
The BMW R 1250 GS is not merely another motorcycle in the market. It’s a beacon of high-end adventure on both tarmac and trail—a partner in the epic narrative of exploration, redefining the essence of luxury touring on two wheels. It’s a symphony of power, technology, and comfort, all encapsulated in a design that whispers songs of adventure and luxury.
The tales of those who’ve chosen the BMW R 1250 GS for their luxury tours are not just anecdotal—they are testaments to a sublime partnership between rider and machine. Rider’s first-hand testimonies illustrate the harmonious blend of performance, comfort, and style that upgrades a mere journey into an odyssey. One article that covers these thoughts perfectly is Rider’s BMW R 1250 GS road review.
Amid the curated offerings of MotoCalifornia, your next BMW R 1250 GS-sponsored tour is more than just a trip—it’s a profound testament to the art of luxurious travel.
BMW R 1250 GS: At A Glance
- BMW ShiftCam technology enhances the original boxer engine, offering variable valve control for efficient power delivery.
- Ensures robust acceleration across speeds with notable efficiency and emissions performance, coupled with smooth operation.
- Outputs 136 HP at 7,750 rpm and 143 Nm torque at 6,250 rpm.
- Includes a knock sensor system for improved touring performance.
- Standard features: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro, three riding modes, and an economical “ECO” mode.
- Optional Ride Modes Pro system offers additional mode selections, mode pre-selection, automated hill start control pro (HSC Pro), dynamic brake assistant (DBC), and engine brake control (MSR) features.
- Standard Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).
- Advanced Electronic Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” chassis with automatic load adjustment.
- Optional full-LED adaptive headlight and new lighting features including cruising light and integrated turn signals.
- Standard vehicle voltage and USB sockets.
- Optional seat heating for rider and passenger, plus handlebar risers and varied seat height options.
- Standard 6.5-inch TFT display for connectivity in R 1250 GS.
- Optional intelligent emergency call feature.
- Extended range of optional equipment and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.