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

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

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

The BMW R 1200 GS model year 2016 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure model year 2021 are both powerful enduro motorcycles with Boxer engines. However, there are several notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the BMW R 1200 GS 2016 has a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm, while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 has a slightly larger bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm. This results in a higher engine power of 136 HP and torque of 143 Nm for the R 1250 GS Adventure, compared to 125 HP and 125 Nm for the R 1200 GS. The displacement of the R 1250 GS Adventure is also larger at 1254 ccm, compared to 1170 ccm for the R 1200 GS.

Both motorcycles feature a prop shaft transmission and have 2 cylinders. They also have similar suspension systems, with a single swing arm at the rear. However, the R 1200 GS 2016 has a front suspension strut with preload adjustment, while the R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 has a Telelever front suspension with preload adjustment. The R 1250 GS Adventure also offers additional suspension adjustment options for rebound.

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have a steel frame, with the R 1200 GS 2016 featuring a Twin Tube frame design that is load-bearing. The R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 also has a load-bearing engine frame.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, providing reliable stopping power. They also have the same tire dimensions, with a 19-inch diameter at the front and a 17-inch diameter at the rear. The rear tire width is 170 mm for both models.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the R 1200 GS 2016 has a wheelbase of 1507 mm and a seat height of 850 mm. It has a kerb weight (with ABS) of 238 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. On the other hand, the R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1504 mm and a higher seat height of 890 mm. It is also heavier, with a kerb weight (with ABS) of 268 kg. However, it offers a larger fuel tank capacity of 30 liters, providing a greater range.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

In terms of strengths, the R 1200 GS 2016 is known for its powerful engine, low consumption, comfortable seating position, and off-road capabilities. It also has a high reputation in the motorcycle community. On the other hand, the R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 offers practical details for frequent riders, a gigantic range, low fuel consumption, good wind and weather protection, and great ride comfort. It also has a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, an easy-to-read display, and practical riding aids.

However, the R 1200 GS 2016 does have some weaknesses, including a long and expensive surcharge side, a Telelever front suspension that takes some getting used to, and sharp brakes. The R 1250 GS Adventure 2021, on the other hand, has a high weight that can strain maneuvering, somewhat stiff gearshifts at low revs, and a jagged appearance with little elegance.

Overall, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 offers several improvements and additional features compared to the BMW R 1200 GS 2016. It provides a more powerful engine, greater fuel capacity, additional suspension adjustment options, and practical details for riders. However, it is also heavier and has some minor drawbacks.

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

BMW R 1200 GS 2016
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore101 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 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
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid-air
Can be restricted for A2 licenceCan be restricted for A2 licenceYesCan be restricted for A2 licenceYes
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionStrutFront suspensionTelelever
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engineFrame typeLoad-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 mmLength2,270 mm
WidthWidth953 mmWidth952 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,504 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height890 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)238 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)268 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity30 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

A GS is at home almost anywhere - but only to a limited extent on the racetrack. It's a pleasure to feel the power of the partially water-cooled boxer twin cylinder on the exit of the bend - 125 hp only seems much weaker on paper than 150 or even 160 hp on the competition. With 125 Newton metres of torque, the acceleration from the bottom is superb anyway and the GS, at 238 kilos ready to ride, does not carry too much flab despite its bulky appearance. In very tight corners, the low centre of gravity also has a positive effect - the BMW R 1200 GS is very hard to crack! Even the front telelever suspension, which suppresses the front wheel's tendency to sink in under braking, fits perfectly into the GS's overall package and only slightly detracts from its sporty character.

powerful engine

low consumption

comfortable seating position

can also be used off-road

high reputation

Long and expensive surcharge side

Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to

Brake very sharp.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

The Adventure is the ultimate touring machine. The high seat height limits the target group, as does the high price. But if you overcome these two hurdles, you get a magnificent mile-eater. The engine shakes all kinds of driving fun out of its sleeves. The low fuel consumption in combination with the gigantic 30-litre tank ensures an incredibly long range.

Practical details for frequent riders on board

Gigantic range

Amazingly low fuel consumption

Good wind and weather protection

Great ride comfort

Powerful engine

Great connectivity app

Easy-to-read display

Great ride comfort

Confident feeling in the saddle

Pleasant seating position for pillion passenger

Practical riding aids

Great headlights

Great ergonomics for tall people

Easy to ride

High weight strains when manoeuvring

gearshifts somewhat stiff at low revs

jagged appearance with little elegance

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1200 GS vs BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2016 and a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 is about 43% higher. A BMW R 1200 GS 2016 experiences a loss of 410 USD in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 660 USD for a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2016 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 47 compared to 17. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 51 days compared to 70 days for the BMW R 1200 GS. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 30 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure since model year 2019. The first review for the BMW R 1200 GS was published on 1/20/2004 and now has more than 19,100 views. This compares to more than 43,300 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS Adventure published on 11/6/2018.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

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