Motorcycle specifications BMWR 1250 GS Adventure 2020 Vigorous expedition

Long journeys, warming up by the fire while gazing at Kilimanjaro, eating ice cream after a day on the road in Sri Lanka, changing routes to follow intrepidity - that's a little of what transpires from the R 1250 GS Adventure. The sherpa of the BMW range becomes even more muscular by adopting the new 1254 cc engine. Like its GS sibling and the entire R range, the time has come for more spirit.

The Boxer engine has entered a new dimension. So much so, in fact, that the manufacturer is introducing it at full speed in all models dedicated to it. The GSA is a big, imposing, almost intimidating motorcycle. No problem to give it wings with the new vigor it will find in the pistons. With a little more displacement and, above all, ShiftCam technology, power climbs to 136 hp, torque to 14.5 mkg, and the availability of mechanical muscle becomes much more present. ShiftCam allows the intake camshafts to be shifted and the valves to open in two different ways. The Adventure can draw unrestrainedly on an abundant reserve of watts, especially at low and mid-range speeds. In addition to variable valve timing, the engine is optimized for air intake, oil lubrication and exhaust. More powerful, this Adventure is also 8 kilos heavier.

we're emboldened to go far, ever farther. And it likes that. Except BM won't let you set off with a backpack, a knife and a slingshot. There's a whole host of companions among the electric wires. As standard, the R 1200 GS Adventure comes with two riding modes, "Rain" and "Road", as well as ASC traction control, ABS and Hill Start Control. You can easily and cost-effectively boost the equipment by selecting the Driving Modes Pro option. This unlocks a host of functions:
Driving Modes "Dynamic", "Enduro", "Dynamic Pro" and "Enduro Pro", the last two being configurable; DTC traction control, more efficient than ASC; ABS Pro, enabling modulation of braking power in curves; the new DBC engine brake control; hill Start Control Pro, self-activating according to the inclination of the slope on which you've stopped (+/- 5%); and finally, Control Brake Light, a system that makes the brake light flash more or less quickly according to the intensity of emergency braking, with the warning light on at the end of deceleration.

A little more technology? How about LED headlights and a 16.5 cm TFT color display. This "Connectivity" panel recently appeared as an option on the Bavarian manufacturer's Enduro models. Now, it's becoming a standard feature almost everywhere. In addition to a rich, modern display, it offers enhanced connectivity, enabling a high degree of interaction with smartphones. With the right equipment, you can listen to music, make phone calls and access a simplified navigation system. The "BMW Motorrad Connected App" makes it easy to get where you're going: you enter your destination, the phone and the GS screen chat, then icons and brief information guide you to your destination. This is standard equipment; if you want a more conventional GPS, with maps and multiple functions, there's the Navigator... at a hefty price.

Let's stay with the options catalog to see what's new. The GSA also benefits from the semi-active ESA Next Generation suspension. The BM system reads the road, constantly calculating the best possible damping according to road surface, riding style and chosen mode, and also takes into account the load on board to automatically compensate and level out the bike's ride. As always in Bavaria, the plethora of accessories and options on offer will allow you to personalize the GSA, for more adventure, comfort, efficiency, or all three. The seat height can be adjusted to 890 or 910 mm; other saddles range from the low-slung 820 mm model to a Rally version also at 910 mm. Also available are daytime running lights, aluminum panniers, cruise control, shifter, heated grips, emergency call system, the.... No, there's too much.

unlike the GS, which didn't change its plastic one iota when it went from 1200 to 1250, the Adventure has subtly shown that it has more in its belly and shoes. Its shoulders are still as broad as ever, imprisoning a 30-liter fuel tank for long stages. But they've gained aluminum elbows, new air intake gills and tubular reinforcements in a new, significantly reinforced design. The brake calipers are new, while retaining the same technical data: two 305 mm front discs with 4-piston radial shoes and a 276 mm disc with two pistons.

Are you hooked? Can't wait for sandy mountains, Timbuktu fishing and foggy memories? You'll have to make a choice first. The R 1250 GS Adventure doesn't offer colors, but themes.
The basic version makes the distinction with black brake rims and wheels, plus a provocative red seat cover.
The Exclusive version prefers gold for its calipers, but abounds in gray and dark on the frame and various components.
The HP is the one that stands out the most. With its Motorsport color scheme and gold rims; and its sportier look, with a shorter windscreen, a much smaller, almost single-seater seat, and protectors on the lower frame.

Retaining its prerogatives with a punchier engine, the R 1250 GS Adventure boasts a breath of fresh air, enriched standard electronics, and the potential for Ushuaïan conquests that are just as skin-deep. A perfect illustration of the frontier-devouring adventurer, the BM must maintain its fighting strength to stand up to the KTM 1290 Adventure R, Triumph 1200 Explorer XC, Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro and other high-calibre rivals.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos