BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs. BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs BMW R 1200 GS 2016

The BMW R 1250 GS model year 2021 and the BMW R 1200 GS model year 2016 are both enduro motorcycles with similar technical specifications. They both have a Boxer engine type, with the R 1250 GS having a slightly larger bore and stroke (102.5 mm and 76 mm) compared to the R 1200 GS (101 mm and 73 mm). The R 1250 GS also has a higher engine power of 136 HP and torque of 143 Nm, compared to the R 1200 GS with 125 HP and 125 Nm.

Both motorcycles have a prop shaft transmission and 2 cylinders, with the R 1250 GS having a larger displacement of 1254 ccm compared to the R 1200 GS with 1170 ccm. In terms of suspension, the R 1250 GS has a Telelever front suspension and a single swing arm rear suspension, while the R 1200 GS has a strut front suspension and a single swing arm rear suspension. Both motorcycles have preload adjustment for the front and rear suspension, and the R 1250 GS also has rebound adjustment for the rear suspension.

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have a steel frame, with the R 1250 GS having a load-bearing engine frame type and the R 1200 GS having a twin tube load-bearing engine frame type. Both motorcycles have double disk front brakes and 19-inch front tire diameter, with a 170 mm rear tire width and 17-inch rear tire diameter.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The R 1250 GS has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1525 mm compared to the R 1200 GS with 1507 mm. Both motorcycles have a seat height of 850 mm and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The R 1250 GS has a slightly higher kerb weight of 249 kg compared to the R 1200 GS with 238 kg.

Now let's compare the strengths and weaknesses of each motorcycle. The R 1250 GS has several strengths, including great ride comfort and great ergonomics, a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, an easy-to-read display, a confident feel in the saddle, practical riding aids, and a versatile chassis that accommodates every route. It is also described as easy to ride.

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

On the other hand, the R 1200 GS also has its strengths, including a powerful engine, low consumption, a comfortable seating position, the ability to be used off-road, and a high reputation.

In terms of weaknesses, the R 1250 GS has a rough overall appearance and gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy. The R 1200 GS has a long and expensive surcharge side, the Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to, and the brakes are described as very sharp.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers improvements in terms of engine power and torque, suspension, and overall ride comfort compared to the BMW R 1200 GS 2016. However, both motorcycles have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2021 compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1250 GS 2021
BMW R 1200 GS 2016

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore102.5 mmBore101 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke73 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio12.5
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionProp shaft
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquid-airCoolingAir
Can be restricted for A2 licenceCan be restricted for A2 licenceYesCan be restricted for A2 licenceYes
DisplacementDisplacement1,254 ccmDisplacement1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTeleleverFront suspensionStrut
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engine

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,207 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth952.5 mmWidth953 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,525 mmWheelbase1,507 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The BMW R 1250 GS also presents itself as a very complete bike in 2022. Confident and well-balanced, it impresses on intensive rides. The bike scores points with its superb engine, great ergonomics and practical riding aids including great app integration. However, in a direct comparison with other top-of-the-range touring enduros, it shows its first weaknesses in terms of features and components. In direct comparison, however, the 136 hp from the boxer engine is convincing in every situation.

Extremely high-torque boxer engine

comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

great app integration

sophisticated operating concept

great ergonomics

many customisation options

great handling with strong confidence in the front

easy to ride

Shifting at low revs is choppy

seat too slack

brakes and suspension no longer at the level of the strong competition

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

For over 35 years, BMW has continued to expand the boxer range and is consistently working on the evolution of the GS. In addition to the EURO4 update of the engine with new catalytic converter and mapping, there are now even more features such as the Dynamic ESA Next Generation with automatic riding position compensation, which further improves stability and comfort for the rider. With its subtle colour scheme, the Exclusive version is intended for friends of a neat and subdued appearance and, unlike the flashier Rallye variant, is designed more for the road. Many features are at extra cost, but GS customers usually don't care - 90 percent are ordered with full equipment.

Mature concept

strong engine

easy handling

powerful brakes

adjustable modes and traction control

extensive equipment range

good image and value retention.

many features at extra cost

boxer exposed in really tough terrain

Price Comparison Average Market Price BMW R 1250 GS vs BMW R 1200 GS

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and a BMW R 1200 GS 2016. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is about 33% higher. A BMW R 1250 GS 2021 experiences a loss of 350 GBP in one year and 300 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 420 GBP and 900 GBP for a BMW R 1200 GS 2016. Compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2016 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 66 compared to 47. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 55 days compared to 70 days for a BMW R 1200 GS. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS and 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS since model year 2005. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS was published on 19/09/2018 and now has more than 305,600 views. This compares to more than 19,100 views for the first review on BMW R 1200 GS published on 20/01/2004.

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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