2023 BMW R 1250GS Specifications

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

No images available
Tap to enlarge

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

  • Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
  • 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.
  • Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft drive (cardan)   (final drive) final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

  • 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. - - 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

Advertisement

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
Top Speed 199.6 km/h / 124.0 mph
Max Torque 143.0 Nm (14.6 kgf-m or 105.5 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
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.

Advertisement