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2021 BMW R 1250GS Overview
For 2021, BMW offers the R 1250GS as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 1254 cc on tap. The 2021 BMW R 1250GS is built around a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. Out on the road, the R 1250GS delivers 136 hp @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 143 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 200 km/h. In everyday use, the 2021 R 1250GS tips the scales at 249 kg, carries a 20-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 850 mm to 870 mm and spans a 1514 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 79.4 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2021 BMW R 1250GS spec sheet below.
2021 BMW R 1250GS compared with other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category
Measured against other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category in our database (up to 1434 models, one entry per model), the 2021 BMW R 1250GS comes out as follows.
- With 143 Nm, the R 1250GS has the joint 5th highest torque of 816 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category, 143% above the category average of 58.9 Nm.
- Engine displacement of 1254 cc is larger than that of 1416 of the other 1433 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category.
- Only 48 of the other 799 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category have a higher power output than the 100 kW of the R 1250GS.
- Narrowing the field to the 296 models within five model years of it, the torque of 143 Nm is higher than that of 286 of the other 295.
Versus the 2020 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2020 model: peak torque, wet weight, displacement, seat height and top speed all match.
2021 R 1250GS - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: Peak output on the R 1250GS is 136 hp @ 7750 rpm and 143 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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🔧
Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
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🛑
Strong front braking: The disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
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Large fuel range: With a 20-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
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⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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📏
Tall seat height: An 850 mm to 870 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Air cooling on the R 1250GS keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the R 1250GS comes from Electronic intake pipe injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Valve clearance checks
Valve clearances on Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-equipped engines like the R 1250GS's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.
Brake disc and pad wear
2x 305mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by BMW Motorrad 37mm Telelever, central spring strut up front and Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Shaft final drive on the R 1250GS removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.
Frame & chassis check
The Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The R 1250GS's 249 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
R 1250GS - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2021 BMW R 1250GS with its 1254 cc enduro / off-road should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. 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 5 years old, this enduro / off-road is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 1250GS settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the R 1250GS's 1254 cc two cylinder boxer, four-stroke - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With a 12.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the R 1250GS's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
Valve clearance service
There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if an R 1250GS's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.
2021 BMW R 1250GS - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 BMW R 1250GS have?
The 2021 BMW R 1250GS uses a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1254 cc of displacement. It is liquid / air cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2021 BMW R 1250GS?
The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250GS weigh?
The 2021 BMW R 1250GS weighs 249 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2021 BMW R 1250GS make?
The 2021 BMW R 1250GS produces 136 hp @ 7750 rpm of power and 143 Nm @ 6250 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2021 BMW R 1250GS?
The 2021 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 2021 BMW R 1250GS suitable for shorter riders?
The 2021 BMW R 1250GS has a seat height of 850 mm to 870 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 2021 BMW R 1250GS have?
The 2021 BMW R 1250GS uses 2x 305mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers at the front and single 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2021 BMW R 1250GS use?
The 2021 BMW R 1250GS runs 120/70 R19 front and 170/60 R17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2021 BMW R 1250GS have?
The 2021 BMW R 1250GS is fitted with a Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system transmission.
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. |
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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 |
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Introduction of standard Eco riding modes and full Euro 5 emissions tracking compliance |
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- |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Torque
143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Top Speed
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Fuel Capacity
20 Litres / 5.3 US gal
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Full 2021 BMW R 1250GS Specifications
Year
2021
Make
BMW
Model
R 1250GS
Colours
Black/Grey, Grey/White, White/Red/Blue, Black/Yellow
Make Model
BMW R 1250GS
Warranty
3 years
Ground Clearance (in.)
7.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)
185 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)
34.3 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)
870 mm
Seat Height
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
Wheelbase
1514 mm / 60 in
Height
1430 mm / 56.3 in
Length
2207 mm / 86.9 in
Width
952.5 mm / 37.5 in
Fuel Capacity
20 Litres / 5.3 US gal
Max Load
465 kg / 1025 lbs
Wet Weight
249 kg / 549 lbs
CO2
110.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Stroke
76.0 mm
Displacement
1254 cc / 76.5 cu-in
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
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic intake manifold injection
Bore x Stroke
102.5 x 76 mm
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Cooling System
Liquid / Air cooled
Emissions
Regulated three-way catalytic converter, compliant with EU5 emission standard
Engine Lubrication
Dry sump
Engine Management
BMS-O
Fuel Consumption
4.75 litres/100 km (21.1 km/l or 49.52 mpg)
Fuel Induction
Electronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve
Fuel Reserve
4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons
Fuel Type
Unleaded super, octane number 95 (RON)
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Battery Capacity
12 V / 11.8 Ah, maintenance-free
Chain Size
None (Shaft Drive)
Clutch
Wet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Final Drive
Shaft
Gear Ratios
1st (2.438) 2nd 1.714 3rd. 1.296 4th 1.059 5th 0.943 6th 0.848
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
Constant mesh
Primary Drive Ratios
1.650
Secondary Drive Ratio
1.061
Transmission / Drive
Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system
Frame Type
Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front
BMW Motorrad 37mm Telelever, central spring strut
Suspension - Rear
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
Rake
25.5°
Steering Angle
64.3°
Trail
100.6 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front
190 mm / 7.4 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
200 mm / 7.8 in
Brakes - Front
2x 305mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro (part-integral, slant-layer-optimized)
Rims
Cast aluminium
Tyres - Front
120/70 R19
Tyres - Rear
170/60 R17
Wheels
Cast aluminium wheels
Wheels - Front
3.00 x 19″
Wheels - Rear
4.50 x 17″
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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