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Photo of a BMW R 1250 GS

BMW R 1250 GS

The Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles, powered by a 143 Nm ShiftCam boxer.12

Researched October 25, 2026 from 40 sources

Also called

  • Swiss Army Knife of MotorcyclesA GS-boxer nickname for its mix of canyon riding, gravel roads, two-up touring and commuting.1
  • Mastodon of AdventureAn affectionate name for the GS boxer family used in the 2019 R 1250 GS long-term review.1

At a glance

0100200
134 hpPower
0125250
218.4 km/hTop speed
0150300
143 N·mTorque
05001,000
249–268 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.2461114

Layout
Shaft drive; Telelever/Paralever; 19-in front, 17-in rear412
Gearbox
6-speed with shaft final drive13
Built at
BMW Motorrad Berlin-Spandau, Germany410

The story

2018: ShiftCam unveiled for 2019 · 128 hp and an 11.7-second quarter-mile20182019: Adventure: 30 L and a steadier chassis20192022: 126 GS Trophy Competition bikes20222023: Ultimate Edition: 2,100 worldwide · The millionth boxer GS is Triple Black · R 1300 GS takes over the standard GS20232024: Adventure Ultimate Edition announced2024 BMW R 80 G/S: 1980–1987BMW R 80 G/SBMW R 100 GS: 1987–1996BMW R 100 GSBMW R 1100 GS: 1994–1999BMW R 1200 GS (air/oil-cooled): 2004–2012; Adventure to 2013BMW R 1200 GS (liquid-cooled) (LC): 2013–2019LCBMW R 1250 GS Adventure: 2019–at least 2024BMW R 1300 GS: From 2023 19801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones320212223242526
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1980–1987BMW R 80 G/S
1987–1996BMW R 100 GS
1994–1999BMW R 1100 GS
2004–2012; Adventure to 2013BMW R 1200 GS (air/oil-cooled)
2013–2019BMW R 1200 GS (liquid-cooled) (LC)
2019–at least 2024BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
From 2023BMW R 1300 GS
2018ShiftCam unveiled for 2019
2018128 hp and an 11.7-second quarter-mile
2019Adventure: 30 L and a steadier chassis
2022126 GS Trophy Competition bikes
2023Ultimate Edition: 2,100 worldwide
2023The millionth boxer GS is Triple Black
2023R 1300 GS takes over the standard GS
2024Adventure Ultimate Edition announced
  1. 2018

    ShiftCam unveiled for 2019

    The R 1200 GS successor brought a 1,254 cc boxer with variable intake timing and lift, the first use of ShiftCam in a production BMW motorcycle engine.345

  2. 2018

    128 hp and an 11.7-second quarter-mile

    In testing, a 2019 GS made 128 hp on the dyno, ran an 11.7-second quarter-mile and hit 218.4 km/h; the R 1200 GS stopped sooner and used less fuel.6

  3. 2019

    Adventure: 30 L and a steadier chassis

    The 2019 Adventure combined a 30 L tank and longer suspension travel; the GS used 20 L. Revised steering geometry and wheelbase aimed for more stability.347

  4. 2022

    126 GS Trophy Competition bikes

    BMW prepared 126 event bikes for Albania; South Africa won both men's and women's competitions after 1,230 km and 15 special stages.8

  5. 2023

    Ultimate Edition: 2,100 worldwide

    Based on Triple Black, the GS Ultimate Edition paired Option 719 Shadow I/II trim with a titanium Akrapovic silencer and dedicated badges.9

  6. 2023

    The millionth boxer GS is Triple Black

    On June 21, Berlin-Spandau built the millionth boxer GS: a Triple Black R 1250 GS.10

  7. 2023

    R 1300 GS takes over the standard GS

    The R 1300 GS debuted in September as the standard R 1250 GS ended its 2019-2023 run. The Adventure continued into 2024.3411

  8. 2024

    Adventure Ultimate Edition announced

    Announced from EUR 32,950 for a February 10 debut, the Dutch Adventure Ultimate Edition combined gold cross-spoke wheels with three aluminum cases.11

Every generation

  • BMW R 80 G/S
    BMW R 80 G/S1980–1987
  • BMW R 100 GS
    BMW R 100 GS1987–1996
  • BMW R 1100 GS
    BMW R 1100 GS1994–1999
  • BMW R 1200 GS (air/oil-cooled)
    BMW R 1200 GS (air/oil-cooled)2004–2012; Adventure to 2013
  • BMW R 1200 GS (liquid-cooled)
    LC2013–2019
  • BMW R 1300 GS
    BMW R 1300 GSFrom 2023

Power over the years

From 134 hp to 134 hp in 0 years.

050100150 2018202020222024 hp 2019 · 134 hp · R 1250 GS launch2021 · 134 hp · GS/Adventure: Euro 5, unchanged2024 · 134 hp · Adventure Ultimate: unchanged 134 hp R 1250 GS launch
341114
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2019134R 1250 GS launch
2021134GS/Adventure: Euro 5, unchanged
2024134Adventure Ultimate: unchanged

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    R 1250 GS TE

    2019

    134 hp

  • Special

    R 1250 GS Exclusive TE

    2019

    134 hp
  • R 1250 GS Style HP / Rallye / Rallye TE

    Special

    R 1250 GS Style HP / Rallye / Rallye TE

    2019

    134 hp

  • Special

    R 1250 GS Triple Black

  • Special

    R 1250 GS 40 Years GS

    2021–2022

    134 hp
  • R 1250 GS Style GS Trophy

    Special

    R 1250 GS Style GS Trophy

    2023

  • Special

    R 1250 GS Adventure Ultimate Edition

    2024

    134 hp

  • Limited

    R 1250 GS Ultimate Edition

    2023

  • Limited

    R 1250 GS Edition Spirit of GS

    2022

How to spot one

Look for

  • Shiftcam lettering is embossed on each cylinder-head cover.15
  • An asymmetrical full-LED headlight.7
  • Launch front brake calipers wear BMW lettering instead of Brembo.15
  • The cockpit has a 6.5-inch color TFT display.5

Year by year

  1. 2019

    The Adventure gets new intake and radiator covers, crash bars and a black GS cover on top of the tank.7

  2. 2020

    Gold cross-spoke rims spread across paint choices; HP Style can instead have black cross-spoke rims.20

  3. 2023

    GS Trophy replaces 40 Years GS, bringing Gravity Blue paint, cross-spoke wheels, a rally seat and a sport windscreen.16

  4. 2024 Adventure

    Adventure Rallye switches from white/blue/red to Racing Blue Metallic.21

  5. 2024 US/Canada Adventure

    A covered SOS button, speaker and microphone appear on the right handlebar as Intelligent Emergency Call becomes standard.21

Don’t confuse it with

  • BMW R 1200 GS

    The 1250 has Shiftcam on its head covers and straighter exhaust headers; launch front calipers say BMW instead of Brembo.61215

Against its rivals

  • R 1250 GS vs BMW R 1200 GS (2018)

    Standing ¼ mile lower is better

    R 1250 GS11.7 s
    BMW R 1200 GS (2018)12 s
    6
  • KTM 1290 Super Adventure

    R 1250 GS vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure

    Claimed power

    R 1250 GS134.1 hp
    KTM 1290 Super Adventure160 hp
    12

  • R 1250 GS vs Ducati Multistrada V4 S (2021)

    Test-bike price lower is better

    R 1250 GS$26,307
    Ducati Multistrada V4 S (2021)$29,245
    27
  • Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

    R 1250 GS vs Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

    Test-bike price lower is better

    R 1250 GS$26,307
    Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special$24,073
    27

Prices

Value today $10.4K–$22.1K13

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K 201820202022202420262028 Value today: $10,400–$22,100 2019 · $17,695 · US base, GS2019 · $19,945 · US base, Adventure2019 · $21,570 · US tested, GS HP + Premium2020 · $17,895 · US base, GS2021 · $26,307 · US tested, GS 40 Years2022 · $17,995 · US base, GS2022 · $20,345 · US base, Adventure2023 · $17,995 · US GS base, before Premium2023 · $20,345 · US Adventure base, before Premium2024 · $20,745 · US base, Adventure; + destination 2019 · From $17,695 MSRP · US base price, 2019 model year 2024 · $20,475 · 2022 Adventure TE Triple Black, 81 mi; £1≈$1.30, Collecting Cars2024 · $13,500 · 2019 R1250GS, BaT2024 · $19,500 · 2022 R1250GS Adventure, 232 miles, BaT2026 · $15,750 · 2020 R1250GS Adventure Style HP, 5k miles, BaT2026 · $11,200 · 2019 R1250GS, 25k miles, BaT2026 · $16,750 · 2019 R1250GS Adventure HP, 264 miles, BaT2026 · $24,000 · 2021 R1250GS Adventure 40 Years, 231 miles, BaT2026 · $15,500 · 2021 R1250GS, 2k miles, BaT2026 · $18,250 · 2023 R1250GS Adventure Trophy, 6k miles, BaT $24.0K BaT, 2026
1716172021273334353637383940
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2019Launch price$17,695US base price, 2019 model year
2019Price when new$17,695US base, GS
2019Price when new$19,945US base, Adventure
2019Price when new$21,570US tested, GS HP + Premium
2020Price when new$17,895US base, GS
2021Price when new$26,307US tested, GS 40 Years
2022Price when new$17,995US base, GS
2022Price when new$20,345US base, Adventure
2023Price when new$17,995US GS base, before Premium
2023Price when new$20,345US Adventure base, before Premium
2024Price when new$20,745US base, Adventure; + destination
2024Auction sale$20,4752022 Adventure TE Triple Black, 81 mi; £1≈$1.30, Collecting Cars
2024Auction sale$13,5002019 R1250GS, BaT
2024Auction sale$19,5002022 R1250GS Adventure, 232 miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,7502020 R1250GS Adventure Style HP, 5k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$11,2002019 R1250GS, 25k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$16,7502019 R1250GS Adventure HP, 264 miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$24,0002021 R1250GS Adventure 40 Years, 231 miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,5002021 R1250GS, 2k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$18,2502023 R1250GS Adventure Trophy, 6k miles, BaT
2026Value today$10,400–$22,100

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “The millionth boxer GS wore Triple Black”
    • “Auriol and Rahier's Dakar double acts”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 40 sources
  1. 2019 BMW R 1250 GS Test: Long-Term Review Ultimate Motorcycling ultimatemotorcycling.com
  2. The new BMW R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure. press.bmwgroup.com
  3. Moto - News, BMW GS dream: a guide to buying the best used model for every budget | GPOne gpone.com
  4. BMW R1250GS - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. The New BMW R 1250 GS And R 1250 RT press.bmwgroup.com
  6. BMW R1250GS (2019) | World first dyno and speed test bennetts.co.uk
  7. 2019 BMW R1250GS & R1250GS Adventure - First Ride - ADV Pulse advpulse.com
  8. BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2022 Southeast Europe. Recap. press.bmwgroup.com
  9. BMW Motorrad presenta la nuova R 1250 GS Ultimate Edition. press.bmwgroup.com
  10. BMW Motorrad feiert einmillionste GS mit Boxermotor. press.bmwgroup.com
  11. BMW Motorrad Nederland presenteert de BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Ultimate Edition. press.bmwgroup.com
  12. 2019 BMW R1250GS | First Impression - Cycle News cyclenews.com
  13. BMW R 1250 GS (2019-2023) - Review & Buying Guide bennetts.co.uk
  14. New BMW R1250GS Anniversary & Adventure model 2021 bennetts.co.uk
  15. BMW R 1250 GS (2019) - Review | UK Road & Off Road Review bennetts.co.uk
  16. 2023 BMW Motorrad USA Model Year Update Guide. press.bmwgroup.com
  17. 2022 Model Year BMW Motorcycle Update Guide press.bmwgroup.com
  18. BMW Motorrad presents the R 1250 GS Trophy Competition. press.bmwgroup.com
  19. BMW Motorrad France présente la BMW R 1250 GS Edition Spirit of GS. press.bmwgroup.com
  20. Model Year 2020 – Pricing And Equipment Updates press.bmwgroup.com
  21. BMW Motorrad USA 2024 Model Year Update. press.bmwgroup.com
  22. BMW R80G/S - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. BMW R 100 GS – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  24. BMW R1100GS - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  25. BMW R1200GS - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  26. BMW R 1250 GS Review – How It Holds Up After 100,000 km 1000ps.com
  27. GOING BIG | Cycle World | Issue 4 magazine.cycleworld.com
  28. BMW R1150GS - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  29. BMW R 1250 GS engine’s ShiftCam technology explained - Australian Motorcycle News amcn.com.au
  30. BMW R1250GS Converted into a Cafe Racer – DriveMag Riders riders.drivemag.com
  31. Transport Canada Recall - 2023009 - BMW - Canada.ca recalls-rappels.canada.ca
  32. Transport Canada Recall - 2020570 - - Canada.ca recalls-rappels.canada.ca
  33. Collecting Cars hits 100% sale rate for exceptional motorbike collection collectingcars.com
  34. No Reserve: 2019 BMW R1250GS for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,200 on June 23, 2026 (Lot #248,995) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 231-Mile 2021 BMW R1250GS Adventure 40 Years for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $24,000 on April 4, 2026 (Lot #236,330) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. 2020 BMW R1250GS for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,750 on July 7, 2026 (Lot #251,199) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 264-Mile 2019 BMW R1250GS Adventure HP for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,750 on May 3, 2026 (Lot #240,739) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. 2021 BMW R1250GS for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,500 on February 5, 2026 (Lot #228,940) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. 2023 BMW R1250GS Adventure Trophy for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,250 on January 7, 2026 (Lot #225,928) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  40. No Reserve: 2022 BMW R1250GS Adventure for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $19,500 on September 23, 2024 (Lot #163,846) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • ultimatemotorcycling.com
  • press.bmwgroup.com
  • gpone.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • bennetts.co.uk
  • advpulse.com
  • cyclenews.com
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • 1000ps.com
  • magazine.cycleworld.com
  • amcn.com.au
  • riders.drivemag.com
  • recalls-rappels.canada.ca
  • collectingcars.com

Photo credits

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