2019 BMW R 1250 GS/GSA/RT | First Ride Review

2019 R 1250 GS RT R1250RT
BMW’s best-selling touring bike becomes the R 1250 RT for 2019, with more engine displacement and ShiftCam variable valve timing. (Photos by Kevin Wing)

The time for big changes to your best-selling motorcycle models is generally not when their sales are on the upswing, and BMW knows this as well as anyone else. It moved about 3 percent more bikes in the U.S. last year in a mostly flat market than in 2017, with just three twin-cylinder models responsible for 37 percent of the total: the R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure (GSA) and R 1200 RT. As anyone who owns one can attest, these bikes have become very, very good at their missions, whether it’s knocking out 300 miles of Backcountry Discovery Route on a GS or GSA adventure bike or reaching the end of a 3,000-mile sport-touring ride on an RT ready for 3,000 more.

2019 R 1250 GS R1250GS
All five air/liquid-cooled BMW boxers get the 1250 twin for 2019, including the R 1250 GS adventure bike, which also has an updated rider interface and electronics.

So, if it ain’t broke…you only mess with it if necessary. More powerful competition like the KTM 1290s certainly qualify as a motivator for change to the R 1200s, but not a “have to” when sales are good. On the other hand, tougher Euro 5 emissions standards that take effect January 1, 2020, are definitely a have to. BMW has decided to tick both boxes early, by adding 84cc more engine displacement for more power overall and ShiftCam technology to the new 2019 R 1250 engine’s valve train, a form of variable valve timing that broadens the powerband, increases fuel efficiency and decreases emissions. All five larger air/liquid-cooled R 1250 boxer models (GS, GSA, RT, R and RS) get ShiftCam for 2019, in fact, and related changes such as toothed silent cam chains (previously roller chains), an optimized oil supply, twin-jet injection valves and a new exhaust system. To sweeten the deal there are some nice styling, suspension and electronic upgrades to the bikes as well.

BMW ShiftCam
It’s hard to imagine the R 1250 twin’s intake cams sliding back and forth unnoticed by the rider, but they do, in 2-5 milliseconds and at 5,000 rpm or less depending on load.

Common in the automotive world where economies of scale and more engine elbow room make it easier to implement, variable valve timing is still pretty rare in motorcycles, but as emissions regs tighten we’re likely to see it more often. Honda’s VTEC was first—on the Japanese market 1983 CB400F—followed by the 2002 VFR800 VTEC, and lately Suzuki, Ducati and Kawasaki have all used a form of VVT in a single model. BMW’s system is unique in that—rather than only opening two of four valves at lower rpm, or partly rotating the intake cam independently of the crankshaft to advance or retard the valve timing—ShiftCam slides or “shifts” the boxer engine’s intake cams sideways at midrange rpm, engaging side-by-side partial- or full-load cam lobes as needed. Electronic actuators in the cylinder heads shoot a pin into one of a pair of curved ramps on the cams, shifting it to full load mode at 5,000 rpm no matter what, or at lower engine speeds based on load. The shift happens in 2-5 milliseconds and is undetectable, other than a useful extra gob of smooth grunt at low rpm, noticeably more power on top and a tiny bit more mechanical noise. BMW claims the jump from 1,170cc to 1,254cc and ShiftCam raise output over the entire R 1250 powerband, with 9-percent more horsepower peak (136 at 7,750 rpm) and 14-percent more torque (105 lb-ft at 6,250 rpm). At the same time fuel economy is said to be 6-percent better, the minimum fuel octane requirement has been lowered to 87 AKI and the bikes all meet Euro 5.

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2019 R 1250 GS R1250GS engine
New cylinder head covers and exhaust manifold routing are a giveaway that this is an R 1250. Time for a new nickname–pointy head, perhaps?

Since they’re its best sellers here, BMW launched the R 1250 GS, GSA and RT at a single event in Palm Springs, California, where we could take advantage of some sandy and challenging desert dirt roads on the GS models, and lightly trafficked mountain and desert highways for some RT peg scraping. I also rode an RT away from the event, and we picked up an R 1250 GS Exclusive for some further testing, so we’ll update this story with dyno numbers soon. In addition to ShiftCam 1,254cc engines, all three bikes enjoy some other new features I’ll address here, but for greater technical detail on each model refer to the following:

2017 BMW R 1200 GS Updates & New Style Packages

2014 BMW R 1200 RT Road Test Review

2014 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Road Test Review

2019 R 1250 GS R1250GS
The GS models at the launch were shod with Continental TKC 80 DOT knobbies, a no-cost option we genuinely appreciated in the sandy bits.

The R 1200 GS series is popular because of its Swiss Army knife-like versatility—it’s not just a big dual-sport capable of tackling some pretty gnarly dirt in the right hands, or even just easy dirt roads connecting pavement—it’s also a great sport-touring bike, commuter and corner carver. For many it’s the one bike that does it all…unless of course it’s too tall for you and you don’t ride off-road, in which case the R RT is a better choice. With its lower seat height, excellent wind protection, comfort and handling, the dream of many a BMW enthusiast is to have both it and a GS in the garage.

2019 R 1250 GS RT R1250RT cockpit
Little has changed in the RT’s cockpit for 2019, yet it’s still among the most functional in its class.

For 2019 the R 1250 GS and RT add Hill Start Control (HSC) to the list of standard electronic features that includes two riding modes—Road and Rain—and Automatic Stability Control (ASC), or basic traction control. HSC holds the bike in place on hills when you release the brakes, making it easier to start out.

2019 R 1250 GS RT R1250RT
We had a fair amount of rain on the second riding day of the launch, a good time to be on an RT with its highly effective electric windscreen, protective fairing and heated grips and seats.

Mark’s Gear
Helmet: Nolan N-100 Series 5 (R 1250 RT)
Helmet: Arai XD4 (R 1250 GS/GSA)
Jacket: Spidi 4Season H2Out
Pants: Rev’It Cayenne
Boots: Rev’It Discovery OutDry

The RT also benefits from standard ABS Pro for 2019, essentially cornering ABS, which is still part of the optional Ride Modes Pro package for the GS. Other Ride Modes Pro functions for both bikes include an additional Dynamic ride mode, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), and new Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), which prevents throttle application under hard rear-wheel braking. The GS also gets Dynamic Pro, Enduro and Enduro Pro riding modes and HSC Pro. DTC works in corners, and the “Pro” suffix basically allows more user control over the brakes and suspension. And if you’re not confused by all of that, you’re better off than most of us.

2019 R 1250 GS R1250GS TFT
Large, bright 6.5-inch TFT display is new to the GS and GSA. It’s many functions and information include media, smartphone and navigation connectivity, and it’s all controlled with your thumb on the left grip.

All of this is displayed on a bright and easy-to-use 5.7-inch TFT display on the RT that returns unchanged for 2019, but the GS and GSA get new tablet-sized 6.5-inch TFTs with Navigation, Media and Smartphone app Bluetooth connectivity and enough menu options and information to launch the space shuttle. Once you figure it all out, zipping through all of the selections is quick and easy with the Multi-Controller wheel on the left bar.

2019 R 1250 GS R1250GS wheel
Tubeless cross-spoke wheels are standard on the GS Adventure, or a $500 option on the GS. BMW’s excellent front clampers are partially integrated with the rear brake.

As before changes to the riding modes make complementary changes to the optional Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (D-ESA), which can be customized, and the Auto Leveling preload function introduced on the GS for 2017 has been added to the RT. This eliminates the need to make preload changes, say, when a passenger climbs on, and can be overridden with MIN and MAX preload settings on both bikes.

2019 R 1250 GS R1250GS seat
GS models come with drop-on top case and saddlebag mounts for its Vario hard plastic luggage line, which expands with a lever to hold more gear.

BMW is fond of equipment “packages” that tend to find their way onto most of the bikes sold in the U.S., such as Select, Premium, Exclusive and HP Motorsport packages that include things like Keyless Locking, no-cost high or low seats, special wheels, GPS, TPMS, billet items and more. It’s not easy to find “base” models of the typical BMW motorcycle in the U.S. in fact, but most of the options are pretty desirable even if they tack on cost.

2019 R 1250 GS A Adventure R1250GSA
Chief advantages of the GSA include a larger 7.9-gallon fuel tank, more suspension travel, a larger windscreen, protection bars and luggage racks. It’s ready for a long ride, but tips the scales at nearly 600 pounds fully gassed.

Forgetting about all of the bells and whistles, though, just how well do the new 2019 R 1250 GS, GSA and RT work? I started out in Palm Springs on a GSA, and was immediately pleased to find a new low adjustment position for its rider’s seat, letting me at least get the balls of my feet on the ground now, and I have a 29-inch inseam. Once I got the “dongle” installed under the seat that enables all of the “Pro” functions of the ride modes, I fiddled with the larger new display for a while but decided it could wait until lunch and kept my eye on the traffic and our group leader, who was in a serious hurry to get to the dirt section. The increased power, acceleration, smoother power delivery and throaty exhaust bark of the new engine is quite welcome, and on the road the Dynamic ESA works really well with the longer-travel suspension of the GSA to provide a soft but well-controlled ride.

2019 R 1250 GS A Adventure R1250GSA
A skilled rider can ride the big GS and GSA like a dirt bike off-road, but mere mortals are advised to pilot one more like a Jeep–slow and steady wins the race.

Stopping just long enough to make sure we had switched to Enduro Pro ride mode, which allows locking the real wheel, we blasted down an old two-track dirt road which became sandier and rockier as we went, until I was all eyeballs and sweat maneuvering the big GSA with its 7.9-gallon gas tank. Fortunately BMW had equipped all of the GS models with Continental TKC 80 50/50 dirt/street tires that provided good grip, especially in corners, and the additional low-end power of the new engine really helps in the tight stuff. Later on I got some seat time on a regular GS and found that both it and the GSA comport themselves very well on-road, too, with the standard model getting the nod on the street for its lower weight and seat heights. Mission creep has affected their wet weights over the years, however, and our R 1250 GS Exclusive tipped the scales at 570 pounds, a 31-pound gain over our 2013 R 1200 GS test bike. At a claimed 591 pounds the GSA is up by at least 10 pounds for ShiftCam, probably more, but we don’t have an apples-to-apples comparison.

2019 R 1250 GS RT R1250RT wheel
R 1250 RTs can come with Bridgestone, Metzeler or Michelin rubber from the factory. We’ve experienced the most stability with the Michelin Pilot Road 4s.

The R 1250 RT has received fewer changes for 2019 than BMW’s best-selling GS models, but it’s become so refined that every time I ride one I start counting my pennies. The bike benefits nicely from the new ShiftCam engine, too, especially in low-speed maneuvers with its smoother power delivery, and when you’re really caning it, as we did on the winding Pines-to-Palms Highway and the racetrack-like twisting descent to Borrego Springs on Montezuma Valley Road. I left the bike’s ESA settings on Road and Auto Level most of the time, except in the fastest corners where Dynamic damping cleared up a tendency for the bike to wallow a bit. Otherwise the RT retains its former prowess in all sport-touring matters, and has only gained about 10 pounds. BMW should update the RT’s Bluetooth and audio connectivity from the 2014 spec to something like the new GS models, and work on making upshifting smoother with its Quickshifter, but beyond that I had difficulty finding fault with this marvelous sport-touring machine.

With a few exceptions the 2019 R 1250s are changed where it’s needed, and the same where it’s not, maintaining a high level of performance in a shifting world. We’ll append dyno figures to this post ASAP.

2019 R 1250 GS RT R1250RT
2019 BMW R 1250 RT

2019 BMW R 1250 RT Specs
Base Price: $18,645
Price as Tested: $25,445 (Mars Red Metallic/Dark Slate Metallic Matte w/ Sport & Select Packages)
Warranty: 3 yrs., 36,000 miles
Website: bmwmotorcycles.com

Engine
Type: Air/liquid-cooled, longitudinal flat opposed twin
Displacement: 1,254cc
Bore x Stroke: 102.5 x 76.0mm
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Valve Train: DOHC w/ VVT, 4 valves per cyl.
Valve Insp. Interval: 6,000 miles
Fuel Delivery: BMS-X EFI
Lubrication System: Wet sump, 4.2-qt. cap.
Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: Shaft, 2.75:1

Electrical
Ignition: Digital electronic
Charging Output: 540 watts max.
Battery: 12V 12AH

Chassis
Frame: Tubular-steel bridge frame w/ engine as stressed member & Paralever cast aluminum single-sided swingarm
Wheelbase: 58.5 in.
Rake/Trail: 25.9 degrees/4.6 in.
Seat Height: 31.7/32.5 in.
Suspension, Front: Telelever w/ single shock, Dynamic ESA & 4.7-in. travel
Rear: Single shock w/ Dynamic ESA & 5.4-in. travel
Brakes, Front: Dual discs w/ 320mm floating rotors, opposed 4-piston calipers & Integral ABS
Rear: Single disc w/ 276mm rotor, 2-piston floating caliper & ABS
Wheels, Front: Cast, 3.5 x 17 in.
Rear: Cast, 5.5 x 17 in.
Tires, Front: 120/70-ZR17
Rear: 180/55-ZR17
Wet Weight: 633 lbs. (as tested)
Load Capacity: 480 lbs. (as tested)
GVWR: 1,113 lbs.

Performance
Fuel Capacity: 6.6 gals., last 1.0 gal. warning light on
MPG: 87 AKI min. (low/avg/high) 40.2/40.6/41.3
Estimated Range: 268 miles
Indicated RPM at 60 MPH: 3,250

2019 R 1250 GS A Adventure R1250GSA
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

2019 BMW R 1250 GS/GSA Specs
Base Price: $17,695/19,945
Price as Tested (GS): $22,695 (Exclusive Style, Premium & Select Packages)
Warranty: 3 yrs., 36,000 miles
Website: bmwmotorcycles.com

Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled, longitudinal flat opposed twin
Displacement: 1,254cc
Bore x Stroke: 102.5 x 76.0mm
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Valve Train: DOHC w/ VVT, 4 valves per cyl.
Valve Insp. Interval: 6,000 miles
Fuel Delivery: BMS-X EFI
Lubrication System: Wet sump, 4.2-qt. cap.
Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: Shaft, 2.91:1

Electrical
Ignition: Digital electronic
Charging Output: 508 watts max.
Battery: 12V 11.8AH

Chassis
Frame: Tubular-steel bridge frame w/ engine as stressed member & Paralever cast aluminum single-sided swingarm
Wheelbase: 60.0/59.7 in.
Rake/Trail: 25.5/26.3 degrees, 3.9/4.1 in.
Seat Height: 33.5/34.3 in., 35.0/35.8 in.
Suspension, Front: Telelever w/ single shock, Dynamic ESA & 7.5-/8.3-in. travel
Rear: Single shock w/ Dynamic ESA & 7.9-/8.7-in. travel
Brakes, Front: Dual discs w/ 305mm floating rotors, opposed 4-piston calipers & Integral ABS
Rear: Single disc w/ 276mm rotor, 2-piston floating caliper & ABS
Wheels, Front: Spoked tubeless, 3.0 x 19 in. (as tested)
Rear: Spoked tubeless, 4.5 x 17 in. (as tested)
Tires, Front: 120/70-R19
Rear: 170/60-R17
Wet Weight: 570/591 lbs. (as tested/GSA claimed)
Load Capacity: 455/478 lbs. (as tested/GSA claimed)
GVWR: 1,025/1069 lbs.

Performance
Fuel Capacity: 5.3/7.9 gals., last 1.0 gal. warning light on
MPG: 87 AKI min., 41.8 (avg)
Estimated Range: 222 miles
Indicated RPM at 60 MPH: 3,400

6 COMMENTS

  1. Riding since 1958 on a Honda 50 through a Kawa Vulcan 1200 and Connie14, I’ve always believed I would be riding forever!! It’s really great to see all of the great things that are making bikes better, safer, great looking along with all of the fun riding brings. That said, none of those things are available to people like me. I CAN find a bike I want to own/ride (Translation: able to afford) with a diligent effort to locate one. Shelling out over $25K for one won’t ever happen, I’m not even sure I would even if I could. Seeing lenders/dealers going to LEASING bikes now is beyond my imagination. Hell, when Cafe style bikes are being mass produced, you can see where the sport is going. It’s ALL GOOD, for the most part, but approaching my 70th B-Day, it looks like I may have to resort to building my own…again.

  2. Francis,
    Great article, thank you for your writing skills and insight.
    Like you I am over 70 and still love to ride. At the present time I am looking at a new leftover 2018
    GS and hoping to close the deal soon. Today I rode a new MV Agusta touring bike and almost fell in love. If only to have an extra $20,000 for an add on bike.
    Never say youre too old until you have a wheelchair then do wheelchair races.

    • For my 70th b’day my wife bought me a KTM 1290 SAR. Might kill me eventually, but it knocks 20 years off how I feel every time I ride it. I just did a 3.5 hr demo on the BMW 1250 Gs today. Nice bike. No SAR, butt the best GS ever. A great upgrade to MY wife’s 1200 GS

  3. A small update for me, on May 25th I pick up my new 2019 R1250GS and feel like a kid in a candy store. 🙂

  4. I have an RT 2020 model and really like it. I had a 2019 model and it was totaled when I was hit by a drunk driver from behind. I ride in all weather conditions and use this as a two wheeled car, work, errands, trips to the store etc. The cost is comparable to a well equipped small car and much more enjoyable. Add in the extended warranty with no limits on mileage and you have a real value. Did same thing with my previous 2 motorcycles and put over 400000 miles on the two of them, Honda gold wings gl1800s. I like the BMW better but do miss reverse. If you are thinking about a new set of wheels I recommend the RT without reservation.

  5. Surprised that you did not include the RS in your excellant summery of the new shift cam equipped bikes. It is an awesome sport touring rig with a bit more emphasis on sport. Same engine as the RT, but about 100 lbs lighter, Brembo brakes, braided steel hydraulic hoses, the superb new TFT screen, LED lighting, all day comfortable for two, and all the fun to ride of a sport bike.

    Traded my well worn Concours 14 for the RS as an 80th birthday present to myself. Promptly took a an utterly painless 2600 mile ride with wife and a lot of smiles. The bike is a blast to ride up and down the mountain twisties, decent wind protection with the screen in the up position, with massive, instant torque everywhere on the tach.

    I’ve been riding since bikes were reptile powered, but never enjoyed a bike as much as this RS.

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