After months and months of spy photos and a few teaser videos and leaked information, BMW Motorrad has finally showed the new 2019 R1250 GS and the R1250 RT. Not only these German adventure and touring bikes get a bigger engine, but they get variable valve timing and more electronics to suit every rider needs.
More than the little design tweaks on both models, the biggest news is the arrival of the much awaited twin-cylinder Boxer engine.
This new unit gets an increase in capacity – it’s now 1,254cc rather than 1,170cc – courtesy of a 1.5mm larger bore and 3mm added to the stroke (now 102.5x76mm up from 101x73mm), and BMW also reworked the engine internals at many levels like oil jet cooling for the piston undersides, new injectors, and a new unit gearbox design with updated wet slipper clutch.
The result is an increase in power to 136 hp, 11 hp more than the current generation Boxer engine.
But there’s more!
To get a better usability at all rpm’s, BMW Motorrad has come up with a variable valve timing system dubbed ShiftCam. A slotted drum on the end of the camshaft is moved axially by an electronic actuator. The camshaft then slides along its bearings, moving from one set of cam profiles to another. One is optimized for low-speed engine running, with smaller lift and shorter duration, while the high-speed cam profile has more valve lift and duration, for the best breathing at peak engine speeds.
BMW also says that this new engine, and specifically because of the ShiftCam variable valve timing, is able to lower fuel consumption compared to the current engine.
Besides the engine, BMW also changed the electronic packages available to both the R1250 GS and the R1250 RT.
From factory both bikes come fitted with hill start assist and ASC stability control, while in riding modes there are now more dynamic riding modes. The electronic semi-active suspension gets a new function, and is now able to automatically compensate for the bike load. And speaking of suspension, the GS adventure bike will get an optional Sports package, which gives the bike increased springrates and longer fork struts for longer wheel travel.
The option “Riding Modes Pro” is now available as an optional equipment item, featuring the additional riding mode “Dynamic”, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, and in the R1250 GS also the riding modes “Dynamic Pro”, “Enduro” and “Enduro Pro”. DTC enables even more efficient and safe acceleration, especially in banking position. ABS Pro (part of Riding Modes Pro in the R1250 GS, a standard feature in the R1250 RT) offers even greater safety when braking, even in banking position.
The new Dynamic Brake Control DBC provides additional safety when braking, also in difficult situations, by avoiding unintentional accelerator activation. By means of intervention in the engine control, drive torque is reduced during braking so as to make full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance.
In the looks department, the new bikes R1250 GS showcases its travel and off-road prowess in two modern basic finishes and two striking style variants. The new R1250 RT embodies its exclusive touring character in one basic colour, two style variants and two Option 719 Spezial finishes.