BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Edition 40 Years GS: A Legacy Forged in Dirt and Pavement

Introduction

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Edition 40 Years GS isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a monument to four decades of engineering obsession. Celebrating the GS lineage that began in 1980, this 2022 special edition wears its heritage like armor, blending Bavarian precision with a "conquer anything" ethos. With over 1.2 million GS models sold globally, this iteration aims to distill 40 years of rally raids, transcontinental tours, and Sunday backroad blasts into one machine. But does it live up to the legend? Let’s throttle into the details.

Design & Presence: Form Follows Function (and Then Some)

The GS Adventure’s silhouette is unmistakable: a high front fender, beak-like fairing, and asymmetrical headlights that have become BMW’s signature. The Edition 40 Years model leans into nostalgia with a Black/Yellow livery reminiscent of the 1980s R 80 G/S, though modern touches like full LED lighting (including adaptive cornering lights on our test unit) keep it firmly in the present.

At 2,207 mm (86.9 in) long and weighing 268 kg (591 lbs) wet, this isn’t a motorcycle that hides in parking lots. The 29.9L (7.9 gal) fuel tank dominates the profile, offering a range of ~630 km (391 mi) between fill-ups—enough to outlast most bladders. The adjustable windscreen towers up to chest height, and the standard crash bars hint at its off-road intentions.

Engine Performance: The Boxer Heart Grows Stronger

The 1254cc liquid-cooled boxer twin is a masterpiece of compromise. With 136 HP @ 7,750 RPM and 143 Nm (105.5 lb-ft) @ 6,500 RPM, it’s neither the most powerful in its class nor the lightest. But BMW’s ShiftCam variable valve timing system gives it a Jekyll-and-Hyde personality:

• Below 4,000 RPM: A tractor-like demeanor, churning out 90% of peak torque at just 2,500 RPM. Perfect for crawling through mud or filtering through traffic.
• Above 5,500 RPM: The engine sharpens into a sport-tourer, pulling cleanly to its 8,500 RPM redline. The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint takes ~3.6 seconds—quick, but not intimidating.

The shaft drive eliminates chain maintenance, though purists might miss the tactile feedback of a chain-driven bike. Fuel economy impressed at 4.75 L/100 km (49.5 MPG), though aggressive riding easily pushes this to 6.5 L/100 km (36 MPG).

On-Road Manners: Telelever Sorcery

The GS Adventure defies physics on pavement. Despite its 890 mm (35 in) seat height and 1504 mm (59.2 in) wheelbase, the Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear create a planted, almost car-like stability. At 120 km/h (75 mph), the bike feels like it’s hovering—no headshake, no wallow.

Braking is equally confident. Dual 276 mm front discs with 4-piston calipers (and standard ABS) haul the 591-lb behemoth down from highway speeds without drama. The rear brake, however, feels underwhelming—a common trade-off in ADV bikes prioritizing front-end bite.

Off-Road Prowess: Elephant Ballet

Here’s the paradox: The GS Adventure weighs as much as a baby elephant yet dances like a gazelle in the dirt. The 210 mm (8.3 in) front / 220 mm (8.7 in) suspension travel swallows ruts and rocks, while the 19”/17” spoked wheels (shod with optional knobbies on our test bike) provide surprising grip.

The Enduro Pro mode (optional) disables ABS at the rear and allows controlled slides, but even in standard Rain mode, the traction control intervenes subtly. Standing on the pegs reveals the bike’s Achilles’ heel: the 37.5” handlebar width makes threading through tight trees a calculated risk.

Technology: TFTs and Trail Maps

The 6.5” TFT display is the command center. Beyond the usual ride modes (Rain, Road, Eco), it integrates navigation via BMW’s Connected app. During testing, the system flawlessly routed us through a mix of highways and unmarked forest trails—though pairing the phone required patience.

Less impressive: The menu system. Adjusting suspension preload (hydraulically actuated via a handwheel) while wearing gloves feels like solving a Rubik’s Cube.

Comfort: Iron Throne Meets Couch

BMW’s seats are divisive—some riders praise their support; others call them “plywood with padding.” The Edition 40’s perch leans toward the former, offering 890-910 mm (35-35.8”) height adjustability. After 8 hours in the saddle, fatigue sets in less from discomfort than from the bike’s sheer mass during low-speed maneuvers.

Wind protection is stellar. The adjustable screen creates a quiet bubble even at 130 km/h (81 mph), and the heated grips (optional) toast hands to perfection.

Competition: Kings of the Hill

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

• Pros: 160 HP V-twin, 30 kg (66 lbs) lighter, superior off-road agility
• Cons: Chain drive demands maintenance, harsh seat, polarizing styling

Ducati Multistrada V4

• Pros: 170 HP Granturismo engine, radar-assisted cruise control, sublime electronics
• Cons: $4,000 pricier, desmo service costs, shorter service intervals

Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports

• Pros: 30 kg (66 lbs) lighter, lower seat height, unmatched reliability
• Cons: 98 HP feels anemic, plasticky build quality

Verdict: The GS Adventure isn’t the best at anything—except being good at everything. It’s the Swiss Army knife in a segment increasingly dominated by specialists.

Maintenance: Longevity as Standard

The boxer engine’s architecture—with cylinders sticking out for cooling—aids longevity. Key points:
- Oil Changes: Every 10,000 km (6,200 mi) with SAE 5W-40. Watch for weeping cylinder head gaskets—a common but minor issue.
- Shaft Drive: Replace final drive oil every 20,000 km (12,400 mi) with 70W-80 Hypoid gear oil.
- Valve Checks: Every 20,000 km—surprisingly lenient for a DOHC engine.
- Electronics: The 510W alternator handles heated gear and accessories, but aftermarket LED upgrades should be CANbus-compatible to avoid errors.

MOTOPARTS.store Recommendations:
- Upgrade to sintered brake pads for heavy off-road use.
- Install a reinforced skid plate if tackling rocky terrain.
- Swap stock mirrors for foldable units to survive tip-overs.

Conclusion: The Apex Predator

The R 1250 GS Adventure Edition 40 Years GS isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. It says, “I’ll cross a desert, carve Alpen passes, then park outside a Michelin-starred restaurant—all in a day’s ride.” While lighter competitors may outperform it in specific scenarios, none match its breadth of talent. For those seeking one bike to rule all roads (and lack thereof), the GS remains the gold standard.

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Specifications sheet

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