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ADV News2021 BMW R1250GS/GSA 40th Anniversary Models Unveiled

2021 BMW R1250GS/GSA 40th Anniversary Models Unveiled

BMW's flagship models get expanded equipment & 40th anniversary edition.

Published on 10.11.2020

The BMW GS models are celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2020 and BMW Motorrad is introducing the new edition R1250GS and R1250GS Adventure just in time for this. As such, the Bavarian marque is boosting both bikes’ model packages with expanded standard features and new optional equipment. The two models also receive new livery, including an “Anniversary Edition” to celebrate the GS legacy started in 1980.  

At the heart of the R1250GS is still a 1,254cc two-cylinder boxer engine pumping out 100 kW (136 HP). BMW’s ShiftCam technology for varying valve control timing is carried over to the new model as well, and provides great power and smoothness across the entire speed range along with optimized consumption and emission values.

2021 BMW R1250GS and BMWR1250GS Adventure get updates

Standard DTC & New “Eco” Riding Mode

The 2021 R1250GS models will feature Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard equipment offering a high level of driving safety by enabling the best possible traction and safe acceleration. BMW also adds a new riding mode called “Eco” that encourages the rider to drive as efficiently as possible with a soft throttle curve and moderate torque limitation. 

2021 BMW R1250GS and BMWR1250GS Adventure updated

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As an add-on, the new R1250GS and R1250GS Adventure can be equipped with the Pro riding modes option, which have been expanded in scope. The new models also feature new riding mode preselection which allows the rider to have an individual selection of riding modes. The dynamic engine brake control is also a new component of the Pro riding modes. It can be used to safely avoid unstable driving conditions, which can occur in coasting overrun mode or when downshifting due to excessive brake slip at the rear wheel.

New Integral ABS Pro As Standard

The new edition R1250GS and R1250GS Adventure are equipped with BMW Integral ABS Pro as standard. This is a brake system that provides more safety when braking, even in inclined positions, and thinks even further ahead, so to speak. The additional expansion of the riding mode concept results in more new functions. For example, the advanced adaptation of the ABS control characteristics to the respective riding mode.

2021 BMW R1250GS and BMWR1250GS Adventure anniversary edition

Optional HSC Pro with Advanced Function

The Hill Start Control drive-off assistant is standard in both models and enables convenient stopping and starting when driving uphill. Hill Start Control Pro (HSC Pro) goes beyond the Hill Start Control comfort system and noticeably improves the starting performance in all conditions.

New Full-LED Adaptive Headlights & Lighting Function

A newly developed headlight with swivel function boosts lighting functions on the 2021 models. With the optional “adaptive headlight” equipment, the low-beam headlight of the standard full-LED headlight is turned into the curve depending on the inclined position. Curves are almost fully illuminated this way because the light is where the motorcycle is moving.

2021 BMW R1250GS and BMWR1250GS Adventure anniversary edition

With the optional cruising light equipment, the two front turn indicator bulbs are operated so that they are permanently dimmed simultaneously. In the case of the multifunctional rear indicator lamps, the standard rear LED flashing turn indicators are replaced by LED flashing turn indicators (depending on the market), which can emit yellow flashing light and red brake light or rear light simultaneously.

Optional Seat Heating and Handlebar Risers

2021 BMW R1250GS and BMWR1250GS Adventure anniversary edition

Seat heating for rider and passenger as optional equipment provides a significant increase in comfort with 5 heating settings and a new operating concept that enables easy handling. In addition to the different rider’s seats and footrests available as optional equipment, the handlebar height can now also be adjusted 30mm higher with the optionally available handlebar risers.

Standard Colors & “40 Years GS” Anniversary Edition

Both models will come in their respective basic versions, light white solid paint and ice grey solid paint. In addition, the triple black style and Rallye style variants, available as optional equipment, each offer two more expressive color concepts.

BMW is also unveiling a Bumblebee-inspired special edition livery to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the BMW GS models. The two new “40 Years” GS models in black and yellow are based on a milestone in GS history: the legendary R 100 GS.

 2021 BMW R1250GS/GSA Updates

  • New BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro as standard.
  • Three riding modes as standard.
  • New “Eco” riding mode as standard.
  • Pro riding modes with additional riding modes and new riding mode preselection as well as dynamic engine brake control as optional equipment.
  • Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard.
  • Hill Start Control Pro (HSC Pro) with advanced function as optional equipment.
  • New full-LED adaptive headlight as optional equipment.
  • New lighting functions, cruising light and function-integrated turn indicator bulbs as optional equipment.
  • Vehicle voltage and USB sockets as standard.
  • Seat heating for rider and passenger for increased travelling and touring capability as optional equipment.
  • Handlebar risers by 30 mm as optional equipment.
  • A wide range of seat height options.
  • Connectivity: Multifunctional instrument cluster with 6.5-inch full-color TFT display and numerous features as standard on the R 1250 GS.
  • Intelligent emergency call as optional equipment.
  • “40 Years GS” anniversary edition.
  • Extended range of optional equipment and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.

2021 BMW R1250GS/GSA Specs

2021 BMW R1250GS2021 BMW R1250GSA
Engine:Air/liquid-cooled four stroke flat twin engine, double overhead camshaft, one balance shaft and variable engine timing system BMW ShiftCam.Air/liquid-cooled four stroke flat twin engine, double overhead camshaft, one balance shaft and variable engine timing system BMW ShiftCam.
Bore x stroke:102.5 mm x 76 mm102.5 mm x 76 mm
Capacity:1,254 cc1,254 cc
Rated output:136 HP at 7,750 rpm136 HP at 7,750 rpm
Max. torque:105 lb-ft at 6,250 rpm105 lb-ft at 6,250 rpm
Compression ratio:12.5 : 112.5 : 1
Fuel preparation:Electronic intake manifold injectionElectronic intake pipe injection
Emission control:Regulated three-way catalytic converter, compliant with EU5 emission standardClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-5
Maximum speed:over 124 mphover 120 mph
Fuel consumption:49.5 mpg49.5 mpg
Fuel type:Premium Unleaded Unleaded super, octane number 95 (RON), adaptive fuel quality regulation (91 to 98 RON)
Alternator:Three-phase generator with 510 Watt nominal powerThree-phase alternator with 510 Watt nominal power
Battery:12 V / 11.8 Ah, maintenance-free12 V / 11.8 Ah, maintenance-free
Clutch:Wet clutch with an anti-hopping function, hydraulic activationWet clutch with an anti-hopping function, hydraulic activation
Gearbox:Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teethConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth
Drive:Shaft driveShaft drive
Frame:Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engineTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Front wheel location / suspension:BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 1.5″ (37 mm), central spring strutBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 1.5″ (37 mm), central spring strut
Rear wheel location / suspension:Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheelCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheel
Suspension travel, front / rear:7.5″ / 7.9″ (190 mm / 200 mm)8.3″ / 8.7″ (210 mm / 220 mm)
Wheelbase:59.6″ (1,514 mm)59.2″ (1,504 mm)
Castor:4.0″ (100.6 mm)3.8″ (95.4 mm)
Steering head angle:64.3°65.1°
Wheels:Cast aluminium wheelsCross spoke wheels
Rim, front:3.00 x 19″3.00 x 19″
Rim, rear:4.50 x 17″4.50 x 17″
Tire, front:120/70 R 19120/70 R 19
Tire, rear:170/60 R 17170/60 R 17
Brake, front:Dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 12.0″ (305 mm), 4-piston radial calipersDual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 12.0″ (305 mm), 4-piston radial calipers
Brake, rear:Single disc brake, diameter 10.9″ (276 mm), double-piston floating caliperSingle disc brake, diameter 10.9″ (276 mm), double-piston floating caliper
ABS:BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro (part-integral, slant-layer-optimized)BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro (part-integral, slant-layer-optimized)
Seat height:33.5″ / 34.3″ (850 mm / 870 mm)35.0″ / 35.8″ (890 mm / 910 mm)
Seat height OE Lowered Susp.:31.5″ / 32.3″ (800 mm / 820 mm)N/A
Inner leg curve:1,870 mm / 1,910 mm76.8″ / 78.3″ (1,950 mm / 1,990 mm)
Inner Leg curve OE Lowered Susp.:1.750 mm / 1.790 mmN/A
Usable tank volume:5.2 gallons7.9 gallons
Reserve:Approx. 1.1 gallonsApprox. 1 gallon
Length (over mud guard):86.9″ (2,207 mm)89.4″ (2,270 mm)
Height (over windshield):56.3″ (1,430 mm)57.5″ (1,460 mm)
Wide (over hand guard):37.5″ (952.5 mm)38.6″ (980 mm)
Wet Weight:549 lbs (249 kg)591 lbs (268 kg)
Permitted total weight:1,025 lbs (465 kg)1,069 lbs (485 kg)
Payload (standard equipment):476 lbs (216 kg)478 lbs (217 kg)

Author: ADV Pulse Staff
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Robert
Robert
October 12, 2020 10:25 am

Every year the current GS is greeted by the motorcycle press with glowing adoration of its astonishing faultlessness. Wait a year and the same people will be telling us that the problems of the previous year have been corrected in the new year. BMW thanks you for the free advertising.

Eric A.
Eric A.
October 12, 2020 10:48 am
Reply to  Robert

If you are looking for a review go find a review of the bike instead of complaining about an announcement of a new model.

Paul T
Paul T
October 15, 2020 1:08 pm
Reply to  Robert

Agreed – where’s the ‘Recall Assist PRO’ on these new GS models? I’ve had 2 GS’s, a 1200 and 1250 – both plagued with issues, even though factory serviced from new. More fool me for getting the 1250 – so far (it’s 6 months old), I’ve had the rear brake calliper and disc replaced, as there was an issue with the brake pads not freeing fully from the disc after braking, causing damage to the calliper and warping the disc. Then the cruise control stopped working while riding back from Italy – and now I’m waiting for a new radiator fan to be fitted. Jeez BMW, it’s only 6 months old!!! I also notice the new S1000XR has a recall on the American market, due to fluid leaking from the front brake callipers (this is the XR that BMW banged on about so much as a ‘game changer’). I guess that will be the next recall on my GS, front calliper replacement….

Christos Lemos
Christos Lemos
April 11, 2021 12:18 pm
Reply to  Paul T

Bad karma! I’ve had my 1250 for 15 months and taken it on long cross-country trips over some very unforgiving terrain. Not a single mechanical issue. The previous GS, an eleven-year old 1200, had 220,000 miles on it. Again, not a single mechanical problem. I hope all issues with your 1250 get ironed out. Ride safe.

Andrew
Andrew
October 12, 2020 5:51 pm

The only thing that seems to be missing is the cost. So just what is all this technology going to cost?

J Brooks
J Brooks
October 24, 2020 2:31 pm

Just took my 2019 R1250GSA in for the 48K service. I have never had a mechanical issue.
This my 5th GS/GSA – all have performed beyond my expectations.
Sorry to hear some people are having issues.

Blink
Blink
October 28, 2020 12:44 pm

Tin foil cams, leaky brakes, limp mode, rear shaft grind. The special super duper package I guess. bmw techs put more miles test riding than me riding it.

Uri S.
Uri S.
November 18, 2020 3:09 am

Will they not offer the lowered suspension option on the GSA model?

Rannochlad55
Rannochlad55
February 22, 2021 3:09 am
Reply to  Uri S.

There is a factory lowered gsa – great bike.

Rannochlad55
Rannochlad55
February 22, 2021 3:18 am

Just be careful if ordering the GSA anniversary model – BMW hide the truth with marketing on the bumble bee. No heated seats on the standard bike and reviews all missing this, no top box capability ( really unbelievable ) no dial for heat to the grips. All of these missing things are on the other colours and the anniversary GS models it’s just the GSA bumblebee that’s a bit of a lemon with he ordering ….I ordered one and found all the bad news on delivery – would have been cheaper and better to order the triple black. BMW blame the dealer for their own misrepresentation with obscure wording on the media releases and websites.

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