For more than 35 years, the boxer engine in the BMW Motorrad GS and RT models has epitomized distinctive, powerful, and reliable performance whether you are leaving on an extended tour, long-distance journey, or a short weekend trip. For more than 25 years, BMW Motorrad has utilized four-valve technology in this engine, combined with electronic fuel injection and closed-loop catalytic converter technology to improve power and torque delivery, efficiency, and environmental compatibility.
Improved boxer engine performance with BMW ShiftCam Technology, increased power across the entire engine power band, with reduced emissions and fuel consumption.
With an extensively enhanced boxer engine, the new R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT not only achieve a whole new level of power and torque; they improve performance and smoothness – especially within the lower end of the power band. The new engine offers reduced emission and fuel consumption levels as well as a particularly satisfying exhaust sound. All of these enhancements are the result of BMW ShiftCam Technology, which is being used for the first time in the production of BMW Motorrad engines.
The new BMW ShiftCam technology enables variation of the valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side. In addition, the intake camshafts are designed for asynchronous opening of the two intake valves, resulting in enhanced swirling of the fresh incoming air-fuel mixture, and, therefore, more effective combustion. Other technical changes to the engine relate to the camshaft drive – now with a toothed chain (previously a roller chain) – an optimized oil supply, twin-jet injection valves and a new exhaust system.
Two Ride Modes, ASC, and Hill Start Control as standard.
There are two ride modes available as standard to adapt the motorcycle to individual rider preferences. The standard ASC (Automatic Stability Control) offers improved traction and riding safety. The Hill Start Control is also a standard feature on both models, providing braking when stopped on an incline without having to hold the foot or hand brakes.
Ride Modes Pro: featuring additional riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control, ABS Pro, Hill Start Control Pro, and new Dynamic Brake Control, available as optional equipment.
“Ride Modes Pro” is available as an optional equipment item, featuring the additional “Dynamic” ride mode, “Dynamic Traction Control” (DTC), and for the1250 GS also the “Dynamic Pro”, “Enduro” and “Enduro Pro” ride modes. DTC enables even more efficient acceleration, especially when cornering. ABS Pro (part of Ride Modes Pro in the R 1250 GS and a standard feature in the R 1250 RT) offers improved performance when braking and cornering. The new Dynamic Brake Control provides improved performance when braking in challenging situations by preventing inadvertent throttle actuation. By means of intervention in the engine control, drive torque is also reduced during braking to make full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance.
Next-Generation Dynamic ESA with automatic ride height adjustment and automatic damper settings, now also for the R 1250 RT.
With the newest generation of optional Dynamic ESA, damping automatically adapts to riding conditions and maneuvers, and provides automatic ride height adjustment. This allows finely tuned adjustment of the motorcycle to a rider’s load, achieving improved damping comfort and a very stable ride response, regardless of cargo or terrain.
Standard LED headlamp with LED design element for the R 1250 GS and optional LED design element for the R 1250 RT
The new R 1250 GS now features the LED headlamp with design element as standard. In addition to this, an LED design element is available as an optional headlight enhancement for the R 1250 RT, which has halogen headlamps.
Connectivity: Multifunction instrument cluster with 6.5-inch full-color TFT display and numerous features as standard in the R 1250 GS.
The new R 1250 GS now has the equipment feature Connectivity as standard, including a 6.5-inch full-color TFT display. In conjunction with the standard BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller, the rider can access vehicle and connectivity functions swiftly and conveniently.
The R 1250 RT is equipped with a large 5.7-inch full-color TFT display. This is supplemented with an analog speedometer and tachometer.
BMW Motorrad Spezial – high-quality customization features as factory options.
BMW Motorrad Spezial has a range of iconic customization features that enhance both performance and value, which are available as factory options. These include the harmonious integration of the very highest-quality materials, elaborate manual workmanship, and characteristic attention to detail.
For example, the Option 719 Billet Pack Classic and HP Billet Pack will be available for the new R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT in the first quarter of 2019.
The new R 1250 RT can be enhanced with Option 719 Classic or Sport Wheels, an exclusive Option 719 Saddle Brown Seat, and one of two Spezial paint finishes.
New attractive colors and style variants.
The new R 1250 GS showcases its adventure and off-road prowess in two modern basic finishes and two striking style variants. The new R 1250 RT embodies its exclusive touring character in one standard color, two style variants, and two optional colors with special finishes.
An overview of the highlights of the new BMW R 1250 engines:
- Newest boxer engine with BMW ShiftCam Technology for variation of the valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side.
- Greater power across the entire engine power band, reduced fuel consumption and emission levels, increased overall performance.
- Increased output and torque: 136 hp (100 kW) at 7,750 rpm and 105 lb-ft of torque (143 Nm) at 6,500 rpm (previously: 125 hp (92 kW) at 7,750 rpm and 92 lb-ft of torque (125 Nm) at 6,500 rpm.)
- Displacement increased to 1,254 cc (previously: 1,170 cc).
- Asynchronous valve opening on the intake side for improved air-fuel mixture and therefore more effective combustion.
- Camshaft drive now via toothed chain (previously roller chain)
- Improved oil supply and engine cooling.
- Knock sensor system to allow for use of variable fuel quality while traveling.
- Latest generation of BMS-O engine control and use of twin-jet injection valves for more effective combustion.
- New exhaust system for improved performance characteristics.
- New additional front spoiler on the R 1250 RT.
- Two Ride Modes (Rain and Road), ASC, and Hill Start Control as standard.
- Optional Ride Modes Pro featuring additional riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control, ABS Pro (standard in the R 1250 RT), Hill Start Control Pro, and Dynamic Brake Control.
- Next-Generation Dynamic ESA with automatic ride height adjustment and automatic damper settings.
- Wide range of seat height options.
- LED headlamp with design element for the R 1250 GS as standard and optional LED design element for the R 1250 RT.
- Connectivity: Multifunctional instrument cluster with 6.5-inch full-color TFT display and numerous features as standard in the R 1250 GS.
- BMW Motorrad Spezial – customization features as optional factory equipment items.
- Extended range of optional equipment items and BMW Motorrad Accessories.
- The new R 1250 GS: Adventure riding and off-road prowess in one modern basic finish and two additional metallic paints with striking style options.
- The new R 1250 RT: Exclusive touring character in one basic color, two metallic paint finishes with style options, and two Option 719 Spezial finishes.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; technology offices in Silicon Valley and Chicago, and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, and X6 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 346 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 153 BMW motorcycle retailers, 127 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.