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2023 BMW R 1250GS Overview
For 2023, BMW offers the R 1250GS as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 1254 cc on tap. The 2023 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. Internally, bore and stroke are 102.5 x 76 mm. Out on the road, the R 1250GS delivers 143 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 199.6 km/h. In everyday use, the 2023 R 1250GS tips the scales at 249 kg, carries a 19.68-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 850 mm and spans a 1514 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 50.2 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 2023 BMW R 1250GS spec sheet below.
2023 R 1250GS - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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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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Large fuel range: With a 19.68-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 drive (cardan) (final drive) final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: A 850 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the R 1250GS comes from fuel 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
Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston 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 Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, 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, front- and bolted 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 2023 BMW R 1250GS should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. 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 a R 1250GS's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. The sump holds 4 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. 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 a 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.
2023 BMW R 1250GS - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2023 BMW R 1250GS have?
The 2023 BMW R 1250GS uses a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1254 cc of displacement.
What is the top speed of the 2023 BMW R 1250GS?
The 2023 BMW R 1250GS has a factory-quoted top speed of 199.6 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2023 BMW R 1250GS weigh?
The 2023 BMW R 1250GS weighs 249 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2023 BMW R 1250GS make?
The 2023 BMW R 1250GS produces 143 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2023 BMW R 1250GS?
The 2023 BMW R 1250GS has a 19.68-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 328-393 km between stops.
Is the 2023 BMW R 1250GS suitable for shorter riders?
The 2023 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 2023 BMW R 1250GS have?
The 2023 BMW R 1250GS uses Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. at the front and Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers. at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2023 BMW R 1250GS use?
The front tyre size on the 2023 BMW R 1250GS is 120/70-R19.
How much oil does the 2023 BMW R 1250GS take?
The 2023 BMW R 1250GS takes 4 litres of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.
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) |
| Frame Type |
Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine |
Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine |
Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine |
Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine |
Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
Not published by manufacturer
Torque
143.0 Nm (14.6 kgf-m or 105.5 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Top Speed
199.6 km/h / 124.0 mph
Weight
249.0 kg / 549.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
19.68 litres / 5.20 US gallons
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Full 2023 BMW R 1250GS Specifications
Comments
3 Ride Modes (ECO, Rain and Road). Traction Control. Hill Start Control. USB charging.
Colours
Black Storm Metallic/Black/Agate Gray, Gravity Blue Metallic, Light White/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red, Light White
Warranty
Up to 3-years or 36,000 miles
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)
870 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)
34.3 inches
Seat Height
850 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase
1514 mm / 59.6 in.
Height
1430 mm / 56.3 in.
Length
2207 mm / 86.9 in.
Width
953 mm / 37.5 in.
Oil Capacity (Quarts)
4.23 US quarts
Oil Capacity (l)
4.00 litres
Fuel Capacity
19.68 litres / 5.20 US gallons
Coolant Capacity
2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)
Wet Weight
249.0 kg / 549.0 lbs
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)
76.52 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
1254.0 cc
CO2
110.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)
102.5 x 76.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
4.0 x 3.0 inches
Engine Detail
Balance shaft and variable engine timing system
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Emissions
Regulated three-way catalytic converter, compliant with Euro 5 emission standard
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
Idle Speed
1050 +/- 100 RPM
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Wet clutch with an anti-hopping function, hydraulic activation
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
Constant mesh
Fork Tube Size (in.)
1.5 inches
Fork Tube Size (mm)
37 mm
Frame Type
Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front
BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, 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
25.7°
Trail
102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
190 mm / 7.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
200 mm / 7.9 in.
Instrumentation
TFT color display with connectivity
Lighting system
LED headlight
Brakes - Front
Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
Brake Fluid Type
DOT 4
Rims
Cast aluminium
Tyre Pressure - Front
36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa)
Tyre Pressure - Rear
42 PSI (2.9 Bar or 290 kPa)
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.
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