Picture of Bmw 1250 Gsa With Two People

2021 BMW R 1250 GS 40 Years of GS Launch Review

The new 2021 BMW '40 Years of GS' range celebrates the rich history of company's adventurous spirit

When BMW released the R 80 G/S in 1980, no one could have predicted the legacy it would create. Forty years on, the GS brand is an institute, and BMW is celebrating the anniversary with a special '40 Years of GS' range.

The '40 Years of GS' package features a striking 'Bumblebee' colour scheme and top-spec equipment. It is being offered for all GS models, from the G 310 GS and the R nineT Urban G/S, through to the F series, and the ever-popular R series.

The R 1250 GS and GSA complete in 40 Years of GS guise

The bike that started it all: the R 80 G/S

Rich history

The BMW GS series came to life in 1980 with the shaft-driven R 80 G/S, which was powered by a 797.5cc air-cooled, flat-twin boxer engine. It was arguably the first true dual-sport machine, and gained iconic status through its Dakar Rally exploits – the bike, or a version of it, won the famed rally-raid four times between 1981 and 1985.

In 1987, BMW introduced its second GS model, the R 100 GS, which debuted the new Paralever swingarm, replacing the original Monolever setup. The GS moniker originally stood for Gelände/Straße (German for off-road/road), but in 1987 it was changed to Gelände Sport.

The new 40 Years colour scheme is inspired by the R 100 GS

Early GS models were referred to as 'airheads' thanks to the air-cooled boxer engine but, in 1993, BMW introduced its first 'oilhead' model – the R 1100 GS.

Long way round

The BMW R 1100 GS eventually made way for the R 1150 GS, which actor Ewan McGregor and his mate Charley Boorman rode on their Long Way Round trip in 2004. The resulting television show became part of GS folklore and inspired countless people to take up adventure motorcycling.

The R 1150 GS featured in the Long Way Round series

A sequel titled Long Way Down was released in 2007, with McGregor and Boorman piloting the new R 1200 GS Adventure – a bike that well and truly cemented BMW's place in the top echelon of dual-sport motorcycling.

The R 1200 GS was a hugely popular model that persevered until BMW released the R 1250 GS and GSA, complete with the new ShiftCam technology, in 2019. Bikesales attended the Australian launch of the R 1250 GS in 2019, with our journo saying at the time: "Trail or road, the R 1250 GS is a superb all-rounder, that now benefits from heaps more power and torque, as well as the refinement of the ShiftCam technology."

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in Long Way Down

Technically, not a whole lot has changed since the release in 2019, but with the '40 Years of GS' package, BMW has somehow made the R 1250 GS and GSA even more capable, while also offering GS fans with a hefty dose of nostalgia. Let's take a closer look.

BMW is celebrating 40 years of the GS moniker

The adventure continues

Both the R 1250 GS and GSA are powered by BMW's legendary air/liquid-cooled 1254cc boxer twin complete with the variable valve timing ShiftCam technology. The donk puts out 136hp at 7750rpm and 143NM at 6250rpm, which is plenty for an adventure bike.

Optional equipment aside, the only change to the 2021 R 1250 GS and GSA is the addition of a new engine knock sensor to cater for low quality fuel found in remote parts of the world. The GS pair are otherwise the same as their 2020 counterparts.

The irresistible boxer engine powers the R 1250 GS

Where the big changes come, is in the different levels of optional extras available to customers – particularly with the addition of the '40 Years of GS' range. There is the option of the more-sophisticated ABS Pro system, as well as adaptive LED lighting, extra riding modes, a more advanced hill-start system and heated seats for rider and pillion. And, of course, there is the endless list of pre-existing options.

I'll be honest, trying to figure out BMW's options and packages is enough to make you crazy – it can be very confusing. It is much easier to look at it like this: the more you pay, the more you get.

The new 40 Years models offer a great balance of modern tech and nostalgic looks

Interestingly, BMW told us that nearly every GS model sold in Australia is fitted with one of the many options or packages available. Very few customers request the stock-standard model.

There are loads of different options available, but BMW tries to make it simple (not with much success, mind you), by offering different packages, which come with selected optional extras. Each subsequent package on the GS tree offers more equipment and features. Sitting at the top of this tree is the new '40 Years of GS' package, which comes with all the good fruit.

The R 1250 GS Adventure packed with all the fruit

40 Years of GS package

As well as the aforementioned 'Bumblebee' paint scheme – a nod to the R 100 GS – the '40 Years' package for the R 1250 GS/GSA also adds exclusive Option 719 parts, a passenger kit (two-piece seat, standard windshield and centre stand) and gold cross-spoke wheels. The anniversary GSA also gets a Rallye seat (880mm) and offroad tyres. All of this is on top of the countless features included in the lesser packages available to customers. Put simply, the '40 Years' models are the (Bumble)bee's knees.

Prior to the BMW '40 Years of GS' event, I had never ridden the R 1250 GS or GSA. My last GS experience was on the R 1200 GS Adventure in 2015. And while the R 1250 GS and GSA might not have changed a whole lot since 2019, I was very eager to see what all the fuss is about.

BMW took us through the hills outside Melbourne to test the R 1250 GS

BMW organised a ride from its HQ in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs to the Southbank precinct, via the Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley. The route include a mix of twisty tarmac, meandering gravel roads, and a splash of tricky fire trail. It was the perfect test for this pair of high-end dual-sport machines.

Boxer engine

The standout feature of the R 1250 GS/GSA is, of course, the impeccable boxer engine. It's not a stretch to say that this donk is a proper work of art. While it has loads of torque, it is also versatile in that you can cruise along in a docile manner, or push it to the limits on fast and twisty tarmac. It seems to work perfectly both on and off road, making it a true all-rounder. And while I'm probably not expert enough to notice the effect of ShiftCam, I do get the feeling it adds a certain degree of refinement to an already fine machine.

As for handling, I found it differed between the two variants. The large tank and extra gear on the GSA made it a little more of a handful than the GS – especially in the twisties or on slippery dirt tracks. That said, both machines turned incredibly well for their size and weight. You wouldn't think a 250kg+ adventure bike could feel so sporty, but both these bikes are very dynamic machines.

Sure, the bikes are heavy on paper, but you barely notice the weight when you take your feet off the ground. A combination of great ergonomics, geometry, and the unique boxer engine results in a nimble machine that feels way lighter than it is.

Who knew a bike this heavy could handle so well?

Suspension talk

The suspension is also excellent, handling both tarmac and dirt with extreme confidence. The '40 Years' models come standard with Dynamic ESA electronic suspension, which allows you to switch damping settings on the fly – another great touch. I did find the GSA (which is heavier and has longer suspension travel) to be a bit bouncy when cornering, but it's hard not to expect that with a large machine.

For a bike that needs to juggle both road and dirt, BMW has absolutely nailed the ride position. When sitting, you feel locked in, with every necessary button, lever or display within easy reach. I often call these bikes 'motherships', and the GS models certainly live up to that moniker (in a good way, of course). The seat is super comfortable, and the 'bars were at a nice position for my height.

The standing position on the R 1250 GS is really comfortable

Incredibly, when you shift to a standing position, the bike is even more comfortable. Seriously, I don't think I have ridden a bike with a standing positon as good as this. The 'pegs are set at a perfect angle and the 'bar is nice and wide and just the right height. Where some bikes require you to reach down, or the 'pegs are angled too far forward, the GS models are perfect.

Electronic overload

I won't delve too far into electronics, because we'd probably be here all day. The range-topping '40 Years' models that we tested have everything you can think of. I'm talking TFT colour display, ABS Pro, Riding Modes Pro, hill-start control, Dynamic ESA, LED lighting, heated grips, heated seats, cruise control and much, much more. And honestly, I wouldn't ask for much more – this is a bike that I would ride around the world in a heartbeat.

The ABS Pro and Riding Modes Pro functions offer a high level of adjustability. You can change the bike's characteristics to suit a wide variety of terrain. The Enduro Pro mode, for example, switches everything off to allow for maximum off-road performance. Dynamic Pro, on the other hand, allows you to fine tune certain functions to create the perfect tarmac experience.

I've used the BMW infotainment system on a few different models now and, once you get used to it, it is very intuitive. It features plenty of info and data, as well as functionality and adjustment to make the bike your own. It is comprehensive, to say the least.

The R 1250 GS and GSA are genuinely capable all-rounders

Perhaps the biggest question I asked of the R 1250 GS and GSA, was with regards to off-road performance. I guess I've always seen BMW as a more road-focused brand, but a quick look back to that early Dakar-winning R 80 G/S shows that the Munich firm isn't a one-trick pony. In the pantheon of big-bore adventure bikes, the R 1250 GS/GSA rates very highly. It may not be the absolute leader at either road or dirt, but many would argue it is the best true all-rounder.

A matter of dollars

Much of my time on the GS/GSA was spent trying to find its negative points, but I struggled. I can honestly say that I have very few criticisms of these machines. But there is one glaring point that keeps bugging me – the price.

Our GS journey ended at BMW's Southbank dealership

Okay, so bikes of this calibre are never going to be cheap, but with the '40 Years' R 1250 GS and GSA checking in at $35,306 and $36,851 ride away respectively, many will immediately dismiss them. Like I alluded to earlier, you get what you pay for, but there are other machines with cheaper price tags that are also incredibly capable. Sure, they might not do it with as much style, comfort or grace as the GS models, but they will do it.

So, I keep thinking, if I had the money (spoiler: I don't), why would I buy these bikes? The truth is, I probably wouldn't – I am not BMW's target market. But there is an army of hardcore GS enthusiasts and adventurous souls out there that are the target market. And for people who want to travel the world, or even just Australia, there are few machines, if any, that are as well equipped for long-distance riding.

The verdict

Add to that the incredible style (and Bumblebee paint scheme), and the certain level of prestige that comes with owning a BMW, and you have a very appealing product. So, is the hefty price justified? Hell yeah, it is! Well…assuming you have the cash, of course.

It is also worth mentioning that the stock-standard R 1250 GS checks in at $26,295 ride away, so if you're willing to sacrifice the creature comforts of the range-topping models, then it's still possible to get decent value for money.

There is a very good reason why Charlie and Ewan did two Long Way trips on BMW GS machines – they are supremely capable and comfortable machines with an adventurous spirit that runs all the way back to that first R 80 G/S. It is the same reason why the GS moniker has lasted for 40 years. And long may it continue!

SPECS: 2021 BMW R 1250 GS/GSA 40 Years of GS Edition

ENGINE
Type: Air/liquid-cooled, DOHC, eight-valve flat-twin
Capacity: 1254cc
Bore x stroke: 102.5mm x 76mm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 134hp (100kW) at 7750rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 143Nm at 6250rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Final drive: Shaft

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Two-section frame, load-bearing engine
Front suspension: BMW Telelever, 190mm travel (GS), 210mm travel (GSA)
Rear suspension: BMW Paralever, 200mm travel (GS), 220mm travel (GSA)
Front brakes: Dual 305mm discs with radial-mount four-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single 276mm disc with twin-piston caliper

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 249kg (GS), 268kg (GSA)
Seat height: 850/870mm (GS), 890/910mm (GSA)
Wheelbase: 1514mm (GS), 1504 (GSA)
Fuel capacity: 20 litres (GS), 30 litres (GSA)

OTHER STUFF
Prices: $35,306 ride away (GS '40 Years'), $36,851 ride away (GSA '40 Years')
Colours: Bumblebee yellow and black
Warranty: Three-year/unlimited kilometres
Bikes supplied by: BMW Motorrad Australia

Picture of Bmw 1250 Gsa With Two People

Source: https://www.bikesales.com.au/editorial/details/2021-bmw-r-1250-gs-40-years-of-gs-launch-review-129805/

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