BMW R1250GS Review:The Shocking Truth About This ₹26 Lakh Adventure Bike Will Change Your Riding Forever!

The moment you lay eyes on the BMW R1250GS, you understand its aura. It’s a big, tall, and bulky motorcycle, with its height reaching up to the nose of a person of average height. The design is purposeful and iconic.

• The GS Aesthetic: It features the signature “beak” at the front, massive fuel tank shrouds, and a tall stance that screams capability.
• Special Colors: Available in special tri-color GS schemes (like the one in our test), it stands out in a sea of ordinary motorcycles.
• Commanding View: Despite its size, the dimensions are well-proportioned, making it look both aggressive and elegant. It’s a head-turner everywhere it goes.

On paper, the R1250GS’s 249 kg (kerb) weight seems intimidating. However, BMW’s engineering genius shines through in its phenomenal weight distribution.

• Perfect Balance: The motorcycle balances itself effortlessly at a standstill. You can literally let it go with the handlebar turned, and it will stay put.
• Low Center of Gravity: The opposed-twin (boxer) engine places its mass very low, creating a surprisingly low center of gravity. This makes slow-speed maneuvering and U-turns far easier than the specs would suggest.
• Easy to Lift: If the bike tips over, the cylinder heads act as crash guards. By locking the handlebar and using a specific technique, a single person can lift this behemoth without superhuman strength.

This is the core of the GS’s identity. It is a true all-rounder, designed to excel on both the highway and the dirt.

• Mile Muncher: On the open road, it’s a supremely comfortable and stable touring machine, capable of eating up hundreds of kilometers without breaking a sweat.
• Off-Road Prowess: With the right set of tyres (the stock ones are dual-purpose), the GS is more than capable on gravel, dirt, and light off-road trails. The key is to trust the bike and look where you want to go – the GS will follow.
• Quality Suspension: It features an aluminum single-sided swingarm with a monoshock at the rear. The star of the show is the electronically controlled suspension.

The R1250GS is the only motorcycle in its segment to feature an electronically controlled suspension at the front and rear – the Dynamic ESA.

• Automatic Leveling: The system automatically calculates the load (rider, pillion, luggage) and levels the motorcycle, maintaining optimal ride height and geometry.
• Riding Modes: It offers ‘Road’ and ‘Dynamic’ damping modes. ‘Road’ is plush and comfortable, perfect for long tours. ‘Dynamic’ firms things up for aggressive riding on twisty roads.
• Magic Carpet Ride: The way it irons out bumps and provides confidence is nothing short of magical, making every journey an event.

BMW understands that riders come in all shapes and sizes. The GS caters to this brilliantly.

• Adjustable Seat Height: The seat height is adjustable from 820 mm to 870 mm. There’s also a low suspension option for shorter riders.
• Lumbar Support: The rear seat can be moved forward or backward to act as a lumbar support for the rider, a fantastic feature for long-distance comfort.
• Tall and Short Rider Friendly: Whether you are 5’6″ or 6’4″, you can find a comfortable riding position. The wide, adjustable windscreen (manual) further enhances comfort by reducing wind blast.

Don’t let the size fool you. On the move, the R1250GS feels like a much smaller, lighter motorcycle.

• Toy-like Handling: The feedback from the handlebar is precise, and the chassis is incredibly responsive. It handles city traffic with ease and carves corners on mountain roads with confidence.
• Stupendous Brakes: The braking power is phenomenal. A light tap on the lever provides immense stopping force with excellent feel and feedback. It inspires confidence in all conditions.

The heart of the beast is the 1254 cc air/liquid-cooled boxer-twin engine featuring the revolutionary Shift Cam technology.

• Unlimited Torque: The torque curve is incredibly wide and flat. From 2500 rpm in fifth or sixth gear, it will pull cleanly without any hesitation. This makes overtaking and cruising utterly effortless.
• Refined Power: The engine is vibration-free and incredibly smooth. The gearbox shifts slickly, and the hydraulic clutch, while decently heavy, is manageable for a bike of this class.
• Throaty Exhaust Note: The boxer engine produces a unique, throaty, and unanimous exhaust note that is music to an enthusiast’s ears.

Thanks to the Shift Cam technology, which optimizes valve timing for both power and efficiency, the R1250GS returns surprisingly good mileage.

• Highway Riding: On steady highway cruises, it can deliver around 20 km/l.
• City & Mixed Riding: In city conditions, the figure ranges between 16-18 km/l.
• Hard Riding: Even with aggressive riding or off-roading, it rarely drops below 12 km/l.
• Long Range: With its 20-litre fuel tank, a touring range of 350-400 km is easily achievable.

The R1250GS is packed with electronics that enhance safety, comfort, and convenience.

• Full LED Headlight with DLC: The headlight is not just LED; it’s mounted on a gimbal that automatically adjusts its level based on the bike’s attitude (acceleration, braking, load), ensuring optimal illumination at all times.
• Multiple Riding Modes: It comes with Rain, Road, Dynamic, and two Enduro modes. The “Pro” modes (Dynamic Pro and Enduro Pro) allow riders to customise traction control and ABS settings to their preference.
• Cruise Control: Essential for long highway stretches.
• Comprehensive Electronics: It features multiple levels of traction control and ABS, including settings for off-road use where you might want the rear wheel to lock or slide.

Owning a GS is like joining an exclusive club. It’s an icon from BMW Motorrad with a global community. This strong brand loyalty and desirability also translate into excellent resale value, making it a sound long-term investment.