2020 BMW R 1250GS Specifications

Name: 2020 BMW R 1250GS
Brand: BMW

Enduro / Off-Road • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2020 BMW R 1250GS Overview

The 2020 BMW R 1250GS is an enduro / off-road motorcycle built around 1254 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. The bore and stroke measures 102.5 x 76 mm. 2020 BMW R 1250GS delivers 143 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 200 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2020 R 1250GS tips the scales at 249 kg, carries a 20-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 850 mm and spans a 1525 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 79.5 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2020 BMW R 1250GS spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2020 BMW R 1250GS compared with other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category

Here is how the 2020 BMW R 1250GS stacks up against other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1434 models.

Torque of 143 Nm is higher than that of 806 of the other 815 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category.
Only 12 of the other 1433 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category have a larger engine displacement than the 1254 cc of the R 1250GS.
With 249 kg, the R 1250GS has the joint 69th heaviest wet weight of 774 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category, 47% above the category average of 169.5 kg.
Narrowing the field to the 291 models within five model years of it, the torque of 143 Nm is higher than that of 281 of the other 290.

Versus the 2019 model

The figures we track are unchanged from the 2019 model: peak torque, wet weight, displacement, seat height and top speed all match.

2020 R 1250GS - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: The fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Strong front braking: The double disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
ABS fitted: Anti-lock braking is standard, adding a real margin of safety on wet roads or in an emergency stop.
Large fuel range: The 20-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.

Considerations

Tall seat height: The 850 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling comes from fuel injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.

Valve clearance checks

Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation on the R 1250GS means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.

Brake disc and pad wear

The double disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the R 1250GS runs BMW Motorrad Telelever and Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Handling the weight at a standstill

At 249 kg, the R 1250GS is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.

R 1250GS - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2020 BMW R 1250GS with its 1254 cc enduro / off-road, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 6 years old, this enduro / off-road is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 1250GS should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the R 1250GS's 1254 cc two cylinder boxer, four-stroke. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With a 12.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Fuel system care

The R 1250GS's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.

Valve clearance service

Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used R 1250GS. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.

2020 BMW R 1250GS - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2020 BMW R 1250GS have?

The 2020 BMW R 1250GS uses a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1254 cc of displacement.

What is the top speed of the 2020 BMW R 1250GS?

The 2020 BMW R 1250GS has a factory-quoted top speed of 200 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 2020 BMW R 1250GS weigh?

The 2020 BMW R 1250GS weighs 249 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much torque does the 2020 BMW R 1250GS produce?

The 2020 BMW R 1250GS produces 143 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2020 BMW R 1250GS?

The 2020 BMW R 1250GS has a 20-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 333-400 km between stops.

Is the 2020 BMW R 1250GS suitable for shorter riders?

The 2020 BMW R 1250GS has a seat height of 850 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2020 BMW R 1250GS have?

The 2020 BMW R 1250GS uses double disc with ABS, floating discs and four-piston calipers at the front and single disc with ABS, floating disc and two-piston calipers at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2020 BMW R 1250GS use?

The front tyre size on the 2020 BMW R 1250GS is 120/70-R19.

BMW R 1250GS Spec Evolution

The BMW R 1250GS was produced across 5 model years (2019-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Wet Weight	249 kg / 549 lbs	249.0 kg / 549.0 lbs	249 kg / 549 lbs	249.0 kg / 549.0 lbs	249.0 kg / 549.0 lbs
Engine Detail	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm	Balancer shaft	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead spur gear driven camshafts, a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm	Balance shaft and variable engine timing system	Balance shaft and variable engine timing system
Top Speed	201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph	200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph	200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph	193.1 km/h / 120.0 mph	199.6 km/h / 124.0 mph
Seat Height	850 mm to 870 mm / 33.5 in to 34.3 in 800 mm to 900 mm / 31.5 in to 35.4 in - Optional	850 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm to 870 mm / 33.5 in to 34.3 in 800 mm to 820 mm / 31.5 in to 32.3 in - Optional	850 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.
Fuel Capacity	20 Litres / 5.3 US gal	20.00 litres / 5.28 US gallons	20 Litres / 5.3 US gal	19.68 litres / 5.20 US gallons	19.68 litres / 5.20 US gallons
Comments	Windscreen.	-	-	3 Ride Modes (ECO, Rain and Road). Traction Control.	3 Ride Modes (ECO, Rain and Road). Traction Control. Hill Start Control. USB charging.
CO2	109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)	110.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)	110.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)	110.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)	110.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Mods from previous model	Introduction of ShiftCam variable intake valve lift timing orchestration	-	Introduction of standard Eco riding modes and full Euro 5 emissions tracking compliance	-	-

Key Specifications

Engine

Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke

Power

Not recorded

Torque

143.0 Nm (14.6 kgf-m or 105.5 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions

Top Speed

200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph

Weight

249.0 kg / 549.0 lbs

Fuel Capacity

20.00 litres / 5.28 US gallons

Full 2020 BMW R 1250GS Specifications

Colours Black Storm Metallic, Cosmic Blue Metallic, Style HP, Style Exclusive

Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.) 34.3 inches

Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm) 870 mm

Seat Height 850 mm / 33.5 in.

Wheelbase 1525 mm / 60.0 in.

Height 1430 mm / 56.3 in.

Length 2207 mm / 86.9 in.

Width 953 mm / 37.5 in.

Fuel Capacity 20.00 litres / 5.28 US gallons

Wet Weight 249.0 kg / 549.0 lbs

Top Speed 200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph

Max Torque 143.0 Nm (14.6 kgf-m or 105.5 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions

Bore x Stroke (in,) 4.0 x 3.0 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 102.5 x 76.0 mm

CO2 110.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)

Displacement (cc) 1254.0 cc

Displacement (ci) 76.52 cubic inches

Engine Type Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke

Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

Engine Detail Balancer shaft

Fuel System Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection

Compression Ratio 12.5:1

Emissions EU-4

Engine Lubrication Dry sump

Fuel Consumption 4.75 litres/100 km (21.1 km/l or 49.52 mpg)

Fuel Reserve 4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

Clutch Oil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated

Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)

Gearbox 6-speed

Primary Drive Constant mesh

Frame Type Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine

Suspension - Front BMW Motorrad Telelever

Suspension - Rear Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever

Rake 25.5°

Trail 100 mm / 3.9 in.

Wheel Travel - Front 190 mm / 7.5 in.

Wheel Travel - Rear 200 mm / 7.9 in.

Brakes - Front Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.

Brakes - Rear Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.

Rims Aluminium-Gussräder

Tyres - Front 120/70-R19

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.