2019 BMW R 1250 GS Unveiled — First BMW Motorcycle Featuring VVT-Technology

The BMW R 1200 GS was first launched in 2004 and since then has been the highest-selling motorcycle for the brand, globally. The R 1200 GS, received a minor update back in 2013, with the addition of water-cooling.

The new R 1250 GS comes powered with a larger, 1,245cc boxer engine, replacing the older 1,170cc power unit. The new engine produces 136bhp and 143Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed gearbox. This is an increase of 11bhp and 18Nm of torque compared to its predecessor.

Suspension on the new R 1250 GS is through the 37mm BMW Motorrad Telelever at the front and cast-aluminium single-sided swing arm at the rear. BMW, however, has updated the suspension system to fully-automatic load compensation (previously it was semi-active electronic suspension).

While braking on the new motorcycle is handled by dual-floating 305mm and single 276mm discs at the front and rear, respectively.

However, the main difference between the two motorcycles is the addition of VVT-technology on the R 1250 GS, called as ‘ShiftCam' technology by BMW. The brand claims that the R 1250 GS is the first production motorcycle in their product line-up to feature VVT (Variable Valve Timing) technology.

The company also claims that the addition of VVT-tech on the new adventure motorcycle has resulted in better overall performance. This includes a more efficient combustion, improved refinement and more power across the rev range.

Other new additions on the BMW R 1250 GS: a new camshaft drive, an optimised oil supply, twin-jet injection valves and a new exhaust system as well.

The new BMW R 1250 GS comes with a styling similar to the outgoing model, without any major updates. However, the brand has equipped the R 1250 GS with LED headlamps, with optional LED DRL. The adventure motorcycle now also gets the addition of a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen.

The adventure motorcycle will be available in a range of four colour options: Black Storm Metallic, Cosmic Blue Metallic, Motorsport and a dual-tone Black Storm Metallic/Night Black Matte.

Standard features on the R 1250 GS includes Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Hill-Start Control. Other optional features on the adventure-tourer: Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering ABS, Hill-Start Control Pro, Dynamic Brake Control and Riding Modes Pro.

Thoughts On The BMW R 1250 GS

The 2019 BMW R 1250 GS will make its global debut either at INTERMOT or the EICMA Motorcycle show, both of which will be held later this year.

Once the adventure-tourer has been launched in the international markets, we can expect it to be introduced in India as well. However, we can expect it to come to the Indian shores only by late-2019.