BMW R 1200 R 2015 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1200 R 2015

BMW R 1200 R 2015

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Loading...

Overview - BMW R 1200 R 2015 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The BMW R 1200 R 2015 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 are both impressive motorcycles, but they have some notable differences.

Starting with the technical specifications, both bikes have a Boxer engine type and a prop shaft transmission. However, the R 1250 GS has a slightly larger engine displacement of 1254cc compared to the R 1200 R's 1170cc. The R 1250 GS also has a higher bore and stroke, measuring at 102.5mm and 76mm respectively, while the R 1200 R has a bore and stroke of 101mm and 73mm. In terms of power, the R 1250 GS boasts 136 HP, while the R 1200 R has 125 HP. The R 1250 GS also has a higher torque of 143 Nm, compared to the R 1200 R's 125 Nm.

Moving on to the suspension, the R 1200 R has a telescopic fork front suspension and a Paralever rear suspension. On the other hand, the R 1250 GS features a Telelever front suspension and a single swing arm rear suspension. Both bikes have a steel frame and a load-bearing engine frame type.

BMW R 1200 R 2015

BMW R 1200 R 2015

In terms of braking, both bikes have double disk front brakes with four pistons and radial technology. The R 1200 R has a front tire width of 120mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the R 1250 GS has the same front tire width but with a larger diameter of 19 inches. The rear tire width for the R 1200 R is 180mm with a diameter of 17 inches, while the R 1250 GS has a rear tire width of 170mm and the same diameter of 17 inches.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, the R 1200 R has a wheelbase of 1515mm, a seat height of 790mm, and a curb weight (with ABS) of 231kg. The R 1250 GS has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1525mm, a higher seat height of 850mm, and a higher curb weight (with ABS) of 249kg. The R 1250 GS also has a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters, compared to the R 1200 R's 18 liters.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Now, let's discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each bike. The R 1200 R 2015 has a sporty look, a powerful engine, and a comfortable seating position. It also comes with ABS and traction control as standard, along with two riding modes. However, it has some weaknesses, such as many cool features only being available at an extra cost and a poorly readable rev counter.

On the other hand, the R 1250 GS 2021 excels in ride comfort and ergonomics. It has a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, and an easy-to-read display. Riders also report a confident feel in the saddle and appreciate the practical riding aids. The versatile chassis of the R 1250 GS accommodates every route, making it easy to ride. However, some riders find the overall appearance of the bike to be rough, and the gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy.

In conclusion, while both the BMW R 1200 R 2015 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 are impressive motorcycles, the R 1250 GS offers some notable improvements in terms of engine power, suspension, and overall ride comfort. However, it also has some minor drawbacks, such as its rough appearance and slightly clumsy gearshifts at low revs. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 R 2015 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1200 R 2015
BMW R 1250 GS 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. Power7,750 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
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionParaleverSuspensionSingle swing arm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeLoad-bearing engine

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial

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 diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,165 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth880 mmWidth952.5 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,515 mmWheelbase1,525 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height790 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)231 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)249 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 R 2015

BMW R 1200 R 2015

The predecessor was already able to be ridden in a sporty manner as well as convincing on tours, the new R 1200 R can do even more - thanks to the pannier system (of course at extra cost), travelling is still no problem, but it masters sport even better. Thanks to the now partially water-cooled boxer twin-cylinder engine, it is wonderfully agile - 125 hp may not seem like much on paper, but the engine pushes incredibly and behaves in a cultivated manner to boot. The chassis and brakes also score highly and the seating position is sporty and upright, covering a wide spectrum from wonderful fun to long-distance touring. Unfortunately, BMW also understands the trick with the surcharge list perfectly. The basic model is well equipped with ABS that can be deactivated, traction control that can also be deactivated and two driving modes, but many interesting gimmicks are almost obligatory - and of course drive the price way up.

Sporty look

powerful engine

good sound, comfortable seating position

ABS and traction control standard

two riding modes

Many cool features only available at extra cost

poorly readable rev counter

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The GS also impressed us with its versatility during the test in November 2021. We rode the bike on a wide variety of terrain and were once again very satisfied. The motorbike convinces in every situation with its easy handling and practicality. On the other hand, it can also be ridden delightfully irrationally.

Great ride comfort and great ergonomics

Powerful engine

Great connectivity app

Easy-to-read display

Confident feel in the saddle

Practical riding aids

Versatile chassis accommodates every route

Easy to ride

Rough overall appearance

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

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

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 R 2015 and a BMW R 1250 GS 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is about 80% higher. A BMW R 1200 R 2015 experiences a loss of 980 USD in one year and 620 USD in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 350 USD and 290 USD for a BMW R 1250 GS 2021. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2021 there are less BMW R 1200 R 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 23 compared to 66. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 55 days compared to 69 days for the BMW R 1200 R. Since model year 2007 1000PS.de editors have written 27 reviews for the BMW R 1200 R and 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS since model year 2019. The first review for the BMW R 1200 R was published on 7/7/2006 and now has more than 14,900 views. This compares to more than 305,600 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS published on 9/19/2018.

Price BMW R 1200 R

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

ChigeeContinental MotorradreifenMotorex AGcalimoto GmbH