Adventure Motorcycles
2021BMW R 1250 GS
50 fields on record
The 2021 BMW R 1250 GS is a premium adventure touring enduro motorcycle powered by a 1254cc twin-cylinder boxer engine delivering 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque. Renowned for its versatility and reliability, it suits experienced riders seeking a capable machine for both on-road touring and light off-road exploration. Its balanced performance, advanced electronics, and proven boxer-engine platform make it the benchmark in the adventure bike category.
- Capacity
- 1254.0 ccm
- Engine
- Boxer, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 249.0 kg
- Seat height
- 850 mm
- Power
- 136.0 HP (99.3 kW) @ 7750 RPM
What’s new for the 2021 BMW R 1250 GS
vs the 2020| Spec | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Front suspension | BMW Motorrad Telelever | BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, central spring strut |
| Rear suspension | Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever | Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheel |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Designed as a do-it-all adventure tourer that blends long-distance comfort, light-to-moderate off-road capability, and confident everyday road performance.
- Built for
- A composed, torquey boxer-twin character with shaft-drive smoothness that favors steady, controlled riding over frantic revving.
- Not ideal for
- Not ideal for riders seeking a lightweight, flickable city commuter or a dedicated track-focused sportbike.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.
Engine
- Capacity
- 1254.0 ccm
- Power
- 136.0 HP (99.3 kW) @ 7750 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 127 CO2 g/km
- EPA Certificate No.
- MBMXC01.34K5-006
- EPA Est. Fuel Consumption
- 5.43 L/100km (43.3 US mpg)
- EPA CO Emissions
- 0.2 CO g/km
- Torque
- 143.0 Nm (14.6 kgf-m) @ 6500 RPM
- Engine type
- Boxer, four-stroke
- Fuel consumption
- 4.80 litres/100 km (20.8 km/l)
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.5462 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 102.5 x 76.0 mm
- Compression
- 12.5:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Lubrication system
- Dry sump
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Clutch
- Oil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated
Performance
- Top speed
- 200.0 km/h (124.3 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1525 mm
- Overall length
- 2207 mm
- Overall width
- 953 mm
- Overall height
- 1430 mm
- Seat height
- 850 mm
- Wet weight
- 249.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 20.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 185 mm
- Oil capacity
- 4.00 litres
- Reserve fuel capacity
- 4.00 litres
- Dry weight
- Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine
- Front suspension
- BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, central spring strut
- Rear suspension
- Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheel
- Front wheel travel
- 190 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 200 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 25.5°
- Trail
- 100 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.
- Front brakes diameter
- 305 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
- ABS
- Yes
- Front tyre
- 120/70-R19
- Rear tyre
- 170/60-R17
Other
- Color options
- Black/Grey, Grey/White, White/Red/Blue, Black/Yellow
- Warranty
- 36
- Fuel Tank Material
- Plastic
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1254 cc | 1254 cc | 1254 cc | 1254 cc | 1254 cc | 1254 cc |
| Seat height | 850 mm | 850 mm | 850 mm | 850 mm | 850 mm | 850 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 20 L | 20 L | 20 L | 19.7 L | 19.7 L | 19.7 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Safety Recalls
⚠ 2 recalls may applyPOWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:SHAFT:INPUTJan 2023 · 23V011000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2023 R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, and R1250RTP motorcycles. In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheel.
Risk: A damaged gearbox input shaft or a blocked rear wheel can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSAug 2020 · 20V495000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 R 1250 RT, R 1250 R, R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure motorcycles. The tire pressure labels may not remain affixed to the motorcycle frame. As a result, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."
Risk: If the label detaches from the motorcycle, proper tire pressure information may not be readily available. This could result in the rider improperly filling the tires which may affect motorcycle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
These recalls cover some 2021 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.
Source: NHTSA. View all BMW recalls →
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the BMW R 1250 GS?
The 2021 BMW R 1250 GS has a Capacity of 1254.0 ccm (76.52 cubic inches).
What engine power does the BMW R 1250 GS have?
The 2021 BMW R 1250 GS has a Power of 136.0 HP (99.3 kW) @ 7750 RPM.
How many gears does the BMW R 1250 GS have?
The 2021 BMW R 1250 GS has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the BMW R 1250 GS?
The 2021 BMW R 1250 GS has a Torque of 143.0 Nm (14.6 kgf-m or 105.5 ft.lbs) @ 6500 RPM.
How much does the BMW R 1250 GS weigh?
The 2021 BMW R 1250 GS has a Wet weight of 249.0 kg (549.0 pounds).
Shop this bike
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The 2021 BMW R 1250 GS is a powerful and versatile adventure motorcycle that delivers an exceptional riding experience. With its 1,254cc engine, the R 1250 GS offers impressive performance, making it suitable for both long-distance touring and off-road adventures. The bike's advanced technology, including BMW's ShiftCam variable valve timing system, ensures smooth power delivery and efficient fuel consumption. Additionally, its comfortable and ergonomic design, along with adjustable suspension and a range of optional accessories, make it a great choice for riders looking for a capable and reliable adventure bike.
In summary, the 2021 BMW R 1250 GS is a top-of-the-line adventure motorcycle that offers impressive performance and a range of features to enhance the riding experience. Its combination of power, technology, and comfort makes it a standout choice for riders seeking a versatile and capable motorcycle for both on-road and off-road adventures. With its superior engineering and advanced features, the R 1250 GS is a top contender in the adventure motorcycle market.
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