In this video, INFO MOTO trials the new BMW R 1250 GS 40 Years Edition on- and off-road, and gets the skinny from adventure bike legend Miles Davis.
What we like:
- Beautifully refined electronics
- Boxer as special as ever
- Versatile, versatile, versatile
Room for improvement:
- 40 Years of GS edition pricey
- Quickshifter could be smoother
2021 BMW R 1250 GS pricing and specs
BMW now offers its R 1250 GS from $23,170 plus on-road costs, or $25,270 for the touring-oriented R 1250 GS Adventure, however, opting for the special edition ’40 Years GS’ ups pricing to $32,590 and $34,090, respectively.
This ’40 Years GS’ edition features a yellow, black and silver livery that is inspired by the late-80’s R 100 GS ‘Bumblebee’ colour scheme, as well as a bunch of optional extras.
An enhanced rider assistance suite sees the R 1250 GS and R 1250 GSA gain Dynamic Traction Control as standard, as well as a new ‘Eco’ rider mode to encourage efficient riding.
BMW has also included dynamic engine brake control as part of the ‘Pro’ rider mode, which aids in traction while coasting or when downshifting, and an improved hill start system makes riding uphill easier.
The tech suite also gains BMW’s Integral ABS Pro as standard, meaning that anti-lock braking characteristics now adjust depending on the respective rider mode.
A new LED headlight with a swivel function is also featured, as part of an upgraded lighting package, while adaptive headlights remain an optional extra.
In response to customer feedback, Australian market R 1250 GS units come with a regular height two-piece seat, which can be heated for both rider and passenger, as well as a regular height GS screen.
The big adventure bike retains its 1254cc 100kW/143Nm boxer motor, which uses BMW ShiftCam to vary valve control timing and valve lift on the intake side.
This technology helps deliver linear acceleration, while also improving fuel consumption and emissions.
The BMW R 1250 GS and R 1250 GSA come standard in light white and ice grey paint, while the triple black, Rallye and 40 Years GS colourways are available optionally.
BMW R 1250 GS: $23,170
BMW R 1250 GS Rallye: $31,090
BMW R 1250 GS Rallye X: $31,430
BMW R 1250 GS Triple Black: $30,335
BMW R 1250 GS 40 Years: $32,590
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure: $25,270
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Rallye X: $32,430
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 40 Years: $34,090
For 2021, BMW has also released updated versions of its learner-approved G 310 GS and middleweight F 750 GS/F 850 GS.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
Mate, cracking test, well done.
Years ago a workmate had a 1100 GS in canary yellow, and I loved it! So bumblebee gets a nod from me.
I rode my mates newish GS pre covid and loved it. My first experience with a 2 way quick shifter. It was quirky, worked well, but on a big adventure bike? Your thoughts?
Keep up the fabulous work.
darky….
Thanks Darky! I like quickshifters, but hated them at first. I think you sorta have to get used to them. Having said that, they are better in some applications than others. I personally reckon Triumph does quickshifters the best.
You commented that the quickshifter could be smoother but watching the video it’s obvious you are still blipping as you downshift. The throttle needs to be completely closed on downshifts, the bike blips itself. If you manually blip it confuses the system. On my R1250GS downchanges are still pretty good from 2nd to 1st. The higher gears are excellent.