BMW R 1250 GS - Strengths and Weaknesses of the Versatile Talent

The BMW R 1250 GS - Universal tool or overpriced status symbol for dentists and lawyers?

The BMW R 1250 GS succeeded the R 1200 GS in 2018 and remains one of the most renowned and best-selling adventure bikes in the world.

It's a solid choice for long highway stretches, winding mountain roads, and even off-road adventures.

The shaft drive delivers low-maintenance power, while the electronic suspension Dynamic ESA ensures optimal comfort and stability across various terrains.

Visually, the 12.5 GS stays true to its iconic adventure style, featuring the distinctive "beak", a tall front end, and rugged proportions.

The BMW R 1250 GS truly is the ultimate all-rounder for tourers, adventurers, and long-distance riders.

It offers cutting-edge technology, high comfort, and strong performance - but at a steep price. Nevertheless, it remains the benchmark for many in the adventure bike segment.

"Drop us your experiences in the comments," is not just a throwaway line we usually tag at the end of our 1000PS videos. Nobody knows a bike's true essence better than its owner. That’s why your opinions and experiences are so valuable to us. We’ve sifted through countless comments on BMW R 1250 GS videos to gather insights for this gallery.

Mr. Dendalo: The reason I love riding the GS isn't just its perfection; it's the bike's unique character. I adore the boxer engine, the side vibrations, the Telelever, the wide handlebars—everything about this bike speaks to me. You have to love a GS; otherwise, you should look elsewhere.

Matthias EB: On my home turf, some GS riders are absolutely tearing it up... with luggage and everything—slow is definitely not how they roll!

Hansen B: As a nearly 50-year-old, I probably fit the target audience, but I couldn't care less. What matters to me is that I have fun.

MrComar1979: A GS with DCT? I’d have to cash in my savings… Well, with the new ASA system on the current R 1300 GS, MrComar might just go for it!

Guenter S.: I've got one main gripe, and that's the suspension. Even in the sportiest setting, it's soft—way too soft. The KTM was way better; the comfort was just right, and when I switched to the sport mode on the Alpine passes, it felt sporty and super direct. You don't get that direct, responsive handling with the GS. I'm definitely not much slower on the passes with the BMW compared to the KTM, but it feels a bit wobbly.

Markus Bernhard: A note on the suspension: I upgraded to a WESA setup from Wilbers. It makes a noticeable difference.

Markus S: I've been riding a GS for 5 years now, and I'm on my second one, currently the R1250. This bike is truly a jack-of-all-trades. I also take it off-road extensively, and it performs just as well as it does on-road. A fantastic machine and simply perfect for me.

Firstname Lastname: Disappointing: Splash protection in wet conditions – boots, pants, jacket, and helmet (not to mention the unoccupied passenger seat) get heavily soiled from the rear wheel spray. Definitely a downside on a tour. Which restaurant owner looks forward to their decor or the clothing of other guests getting dirty?

Kowalski: I owned the 1250 GS for a year – it's a solid ride, no doubt, but I got bored with it pretty quickly; I craved a bit more edge. It's almost too smooth. Plus, it's just too much bike for me; I don't really ride long distances anymore to justify the GS.

Hashi Me: I used to be a BMW hater... until I took the GS 1250 for a spin. I've since personalized it, so I’ve yet to see another one like mine!

Hans Buschbach: I resisted riding a GS for years, mostly for image reasons. Last year, I took one for a spin on a test ride and ordered it two days later. After a few thousand kilometers, I can say it was the right choice! […] Great write-up, and yes, there are definitely things that aren't perfect. For instance, that outdated navigation system. I bought it anyway and added a phone mount so I can keep using my Calimoto.

Alwin Kalverkamp: Service costs are quite reasonable; the small 10k service usually runs at or below 200 euros, while the major service with valve clearance check costs less than 450 euros. [… ]Maintenance of a GS is indeed affordable, plus the low fuel consumption. A GS, when ridden within legal limits, barely uses 4 liters even with luggage and a passenger.

Michael Püchner: I switched from my 19-year-old 1150 GS (93,000 km) to the 1250 GS in 2021. Nowadays, everyone seems to be complaining at a very high level. For me, one of the biggest advantages from my 19 years with the 1150 is reliability and quality.

Christian: Just for kicks, I took the new 1250 ADV for a spin and fell in love. Two weeks later, I picked it up. Awesome bike. I went for a solid weekend ride covering 356 km straight, and got off without any aches—never happened with any other ride.

Klaus Werkstetter: By chance, I took a 1250 GS HP for a spin at the end of last year. After just half an hour on the saddle, I bought it and have since clocked 20,000 km. I'm blown away every day by what an awesome machine this is.

Gérard Jouvancourt: My 1250 GSA is my... I guess... twelfth GS since the 80 GS I bought new in Darmstadt back in 1987. The current GS is my race machine, motocross bike, and camper all in one. On the autobahn, I can easily outpace SUVs and fast cars, while in narrow rock canyons in Georgia or Morocco, many can't keep up with the trails I ride. With two panniers, a tank bag, and my waterproof roll, I'm self-sufficient for weeks. Senegal, Mali, Niger, Cameroon, RCA, Gabon, and back by ship.

Markus Bernhard: This bike is so well designed that you feel like a better rider than you actually are. And that's the secret to its success!

Simon R.: Even though I always crave something sportier, this bike is just awesome. [...] If I could choose, more power and a stiffer chassis for high-speed corners would be great, along with more lean angle freedom. I sometimes wish for something different, but no other bike thrills like the GS. It can truly do it all, even if nothing is perfect. No matter which other bike I check out, the GS always comes out on top for me.

Wolfgang Weiss: I'm riding the 1200GSA in Asia and the 1250GSA in Germany. Both are undoubtedly fantastic bikes, especially when touring with a passenger. The only thing that's becoming more noticeable with age is the hefty weight.

vuluci1: If there's one thing I could nitpick, it's the hefty weight that doesn't do me any favors during low-speed maneuvers.

Volker Thies: What bothers me about adventure bikes is that many older riders don't always have the necessary stature to maintain a safe stance on these beasts. That's why, for me, a GS is only an option in a lowered version.

Robert robert: A reverse gear would be handy with this weight. Just tweak it via the starter.

Michael Schlademann: I rented a 1250 GS in the Alps during summer '21. Way too heavy for me, no feel for the front end, and that clunky transmission was a pain.

Glen Gebhardt: The GS is an absolute joy to ride. But I went with the Roadster (R1200R LC) since I prefer its looks. In terms of riding pleasure, they’re quite similar. Touring is also fantastic.

Martin VR Jewelry: I used to ride a 2007 Adventure, and now I’ve got a 2020 GS. With both bikes, I knew right away that I wanted one. That massive look is just killer. Apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks so. On my long tours, I’ve often had complete strangers let me know how much they dig my ride.