BMW R 1250 GS and RT have hi-tech features

The 2019 BMW R 1250 GS and RT come with a host of hi-tech features including hill start, emergency call button, variable valve timing and 100kW of power.

There is no word yet on when the 1254cc boxer bikes will arrive in Australia or their pricing.

The current GS costs $21,850 (plus on-road costs).

There is also no word on how soon the GS Adventure, S  and RS models will follow with the larger capacity engine, up from 1170cc.

More power

The new models now feature BMW ShiftCam Technology which is a type of variable valve timing similar to the systems used by Ducati and Honda.

These systems, which have been used in cars for years, not only boost power, but also reduce emission and improve fuel economy.

BMW claims it also makes the bikes more refined and smoother, especially in lower rev ranges.

Bore and stroke is 102.5 to 76mm (previously 101 to 73mm) with output of 100kW (136hp) at 7750rpm and 143Nm off torque at 6250rpm (previously 92kW (125hp) at 7750 rpm and 125Nm at 6500 rpm).

The new boxer engine offers 14% more torque and 9% more output.

BMW ShiftCam Technology enables variation of the valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side. The intake camshafts are also designed for asynchronous opening of the two intake valves, resulting in “enhanced swirl of the fresh, incoming mixture and therefore more effective combustion”.

The camshaft drive is run by a toothed chain (previously a roller chain), optimised oil supply, twin-jet injection valves and a new exhaust system.

R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT now have two knock sensors to allow fuels with a rating of less than RON 95.

Gearbox and clutch are integrated into the new engine housing to reduce weight and save, and increase torsional response.

Power transmission to the six-speed gearbox, which has been further optimised in terms of gear shifting, is via a multi-plate wet clutch with eight friction discs. The clutch system is fitted with an anti-hopping mechanism.

Riding modes

GS and RT both come with two riding modes, Hill Start Control and Automatic Stability Control as standard.

Riding Modes Pro, featuring additional riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, ABS Pro, Hill Start Control Pro and Dynamic Brake Assistant DBC (new) is available is an option.

The option “Riding Modes Pro” is available as an option with the additional riding mode “Dynamic”, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, and in the R 1250 GS with riding modes “Dynamic Pro”, “Enduro” and “Enduro Pro”.

DTC enables even safer acceleration, especially when leaned over in a corner. ABS Pro (part of Riding Modes Pro in the R 1250 GS, a standard feature in the R 1250 RT) offers more safety in a corner.

The new Dynamic Brake Control DBC provides additional safety when braking, also in difficult situations, by avoiding unintentional accelerator activation.

Engine control reduces drive torque during braking to make full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance.

Electronic suspension Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” with fully automatic load compensation is now also available for the R 1250 RT.

Optional BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” automatically adapts the damping to the situation. There is automatic compensation for all pillion and luggage loads.  This is now also available for the R 1250 RT.

LED, connectivity and SOS

LED headlight is standard on R 1250 GS and LED daytime riding light for both models comes as an ex-works option. The R 1250 RT comes with halogen headlamps.

The new R 1250 GS has BMW Connectivity as standard including a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen. In conjunction with the standard BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller, this allows the rider to access vehicle and connectivity functions.

The R 1250 RT is fitted with a large 5.7-inch TFT colour screen with an analog speedometer and rev counter.

The optional Intelligent Emergency Call summons assistance or SOS button can be ordered for both models.

There will be a range of iconic customisation features such as the Billets Packs Option 719 Classic and HP for both models.

The new R 1250 RT can be additionally enhanced with Option 719 wheels Classic or Sport, an exclusive seat and one of two Spezial paint finishes.

An HP sports silencer is available as an option.

Colours and styles

The new R 1250 GS comes in two basic finishes and two style variants. The new R 1250 RT comes in one basic colour, two style variants and two Option 719 Spezial finishes.

BMW R 1250 GS & RT highlights

• Further developed boxer engine with BMW ShiftCam Technology for variation of the valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side.
• Even more power across the entire engine speed range, optimised fuel consumption and emission levels, increased running smoothness and refinement.
• Increased output and torque: 100 kW (136 hp) at 7 750 rpm and 143 Nm at 6 250 rpm (previously: 92 kW (125 hp) at 7 750 rpm and 125 Nm at 6 500 rpm)).
• Capacity increased to 1 254 cc (previously: 1 170 cc).
• Asynchronous valve opening on the intake side for optimised swirl and therefore more effective combustion.
• Camshaft drive now via toothed chain (previously roller chain).
• Optimised oil supply and piston base cooling.
• Knock sensor system for optimised travel suitability.
• Latest generation of BMS-O engine control and use of twin-jet injection valves for even more effective carburetion.
• New exhaust system for optimum performance characteristics.
• New additional front spoiler on the R 1250 RT.
• Two riding modes, ASC and Hill Start Control as standard.
• Riding Modes Pro, featuring additional riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, ABS Pro (standard in the R 1250 RT), Hill Start Control Pro and Dynamic Brake Assistant DBC, available as an optional equipment item ex works.

Electronic suspension Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” with fully automatic load compensation.

• In addition to standard adjustability of seat height (exception: HP style for the R 1250 GS), wide range of seat height variants ex works.
• LED headlamp for the R 1250 GS as standard and LED daytime riding light for both models as optional equipment items ex works.

  

Connectivity: multifunctional instrument cluster with 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen and numerous features as standard in the R 1250 GS.

• Intelligent Emergency Call as an ex works option.
• BMW Motorrad Spezial – customisation features as optional equipment items ex works.
• Extended range of optional equipment items and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.
• The new R 1250 GS: travel and off-road prowess in two modern basic finishes and two striking style variants.
• The new R 1250 RT: exclusive touring character in one basic colour, two style variants and Option 719 Spezial finishes.