BMW R1250 GS, GS Adventure and RT
It seems like just yesterday when I turned 40, yet it was almost half a decade ago. Firstly, I had to acknowledge that I am becoming antique furniture, but luckily not many people make it to this milestone.
So, the latter was somewhat comforting. Secondly, it also meant accepting wrinkles on my face.
The BMW GS is celebrating its four-decade anniversary and the national launch was in the Mother City, with the BMW R 1250 RT invited as a guest speaker (close family friend).
Luckily for these two soul mates, GS(A) and RT, getting older only meant a new facelift job and a few surgical nips and tucks, to ensure that they were aging gracefully and handsome.
Appearance:
The anniversary package of the GS, as it is fondly known, comes with a “bumble bee” colour scheme: black and yellow on the tank, 40-years decals on the beak, some yellow trim on the protruding boxer cylinder heads and polished aluminium mirrors. Add to these celebration colours are yellow spoked wheels.
On the other hand, the R 1250 RT receives a facial makeover but keeping its identity as we have come to appreciate. The facial lines emulate the “bad boy” look. While the predecessor had analogue display, round headlights with DRL on the outer circumference, the new RT now shows off a huge TFT display, all 10-inches of it.
What is also a first on the RT are heated seats for both rider and pillion and cornering front lights, adaptive headlights as BMW refers to them.
The seat also felt a tiny bit wider but more comfortable for those endless hours on long countryside hauls. What is missing, without trying hard to look for, is a sound system: one can easily see where the speakers were supposed to be.
The rear complements the front and is kept simple and tidy, bearing its identity with pride.
Performance:
Both the R 1250 GS(A) and RT are powered by the current 1250 boxer engine with a displacement of 1254 cm3. When commanded to do so, the engine rumbles to life, unsettling the balance of an eager rider until both cylinders are firing harmoniously. The power remains at 100 kW at 7 750 rpm and so has the torque remained unchanged at 143 Nm at 6 250 rpm.
As you will recall, the ShiftCam technology is synonymous of these engines and responsible for delivering power/torque almost at any rev range, at any speed and in almost any gear.
The off-road capabilities of the GS and GS Adventure are nothing less than what we have come to know and expect, with an addition of the following:
- Dynamic Traction Control
- Eco riding mode as standard
- New BMW Integral ABS Pro as standard
- New full LED adaptive headlights and function-integrated turn signals
- Hill Start Control Pro
What I found really fascinating on the R 1250 RT is the adaptive cruise control and an enhanced travel capability and dynamic performance, thanks to a new fairing. The screen can be raised or lowered electrically.
A USB port, hidden in one of the compartments on either side of the tank, can be locked to keep charging electronic gadgets from prying eyes. Other features like Dynamic Traction Control, Eco riding mode also come standard like in the GS and GS Adventure range, without any of the off-road features, of course.
Pricing:
BMW R 1250 GS from M322 900 to M350 400
BMW R 1250 GSA from M343 700 to M368 700 (for the special edition)
BMW R 1250 RT from M341 600 to M353 100
Final thoughts:
Whether we want to admit it or not, the BMW R 1250 GS and GS Adventure are popular bikes and I have a feeling they are going to retain their market share for a while longer. They say that life begins at 40 and I can attest to that.
Forty is the new thirty as older men are more in demand and young boys are left behind with their tongues hanging on the ground, the latter lacking tact, wisdom and/or experience.
Unlike most men in the 40-year range who are held hostage by poor and inconsistent performance, the BMW ShiftCam technology never disappoints.
I liked the GS more over the GS Adventure, purely from a management point of view. The GS is not as bulky.
The refinement of the R 1250 RT will also maintain its popularity as a touring bike and I want to think that law enforcement agencies may finally get an opportunity to burn those doughnut calories on the heated seats, making their early morning duties slightly more bearable.
