BMW R1250GS

About the BMW R1250GS (2019-2023)

The R1250GS is the big adventure BMW that finally got variable valve timing. For 2019 the boxer twin grew from 1,170 cc to 1,254 cc and gained ShiftCam: the intake camshaft slides sideways to swap between a low-lift profile for economy and a high-lift one for power. Output rose to 136 PS and torque to 143 Nm, and the extra flexibility low in the rev range is what riders notice first.

The appeal is the usual GS case made stronger. It will cross a continent two-up with luggage, handle a gravel road at the end of it, and be serviced almost anywhere. Standard, Adventure, Rallye and Exclusive all share the same drivetrain, so the choice comes down to suspension, tank size and equipment.

Specifications at a glance

Known issues to check before you buy

• Gearbox input shaft recall. BMW recalled 2019 to 2023 R1250GS and GS Adventure models because the gearbox input shaft can be damaged or break under certain operating conditions, roughly 18,500 bikes in the US. Have the VIN checked for completion.
• Front brake caliper recall. On 2019 and 2020 bikes the front calipers can weep brake fluid while parked, because of a seal and groove mismatch. Dealers fitted revised calipers; look for wet calipers and a falling reservoir.
• Driveshaft corrosion. Condensation inside the hollow swingarm rusts the driveshaft and rear universal joint; BMW's service action drills a small drain and fits a rubber valve. Confirm it was done and listen for driveline clunk.
• Ticking from the left cylinder. Usually the cam chain tensioner, for which an updated part exists. Listen from the left at warm idle.
• Electronic suspension. Electronically adjustable (ESA) shocks weep and lose damping with miles, and replacements are expensive. Cycle every mode and check the shock bodies for oil.
• Service book and Telelever joints. Oil intervals are 6,000 miles, so a thin book matters. On high-mileage bikes feel for a slight low-speed weave (worn Telelever ball joints) and listen at the rear hub for bearing noise.

Owning one

The ShiftCam engine is very durable, with well kept examples passing 100,000 miles on almost no oil; what costs money is everything around it: servicing, tyres, electronic modules and suspension. Buy the paperwork and the recall record, not the mileage. This volume documents the BMW R1250GS (2019-2023) specifically: verified specifications, the documented weak points and how to inspect each, the service data, and the parts and owner community that keep them running.