BMW announces new GS and RT

 By Réhann Coetzee

It is official, the new GS – and RT – will be a 1250!

The last time there was this much speculation about a new boxer motor was when BMW announced the twincam version in 2010. Rumours were bouncing around that it would be a 1300, but the cylinder capacity had actually been an identical 1 170cc, as with the single-overhead cam motor.

This time the rumour mill had it that the engine to replace the 1200 LC (liquid-cooled) motor will be a 1250. Again, I was rather sceptic. But I should have known better, because the competition has moved beyond the 1200. KTM replaced its 1190 with a 1290 (actually a 1 301cc) and Triumph’s Explorer (now called the Tiger 1200) actually has a 1 215cc engine.

The upgrade has now pushed the BMW boxer motor to a power output of 100kW – up from the previous version’s 92kW.

BMW’s model plans for South Africa have been a little vague lately, as the 1200 GS’s latest upgrade, a TFT instrument screen, was not announced locally and only a few had been imported. The same goes for the 850 and 750 replacements of the F800 GS and F700 GS.

But the information we are sharing with you here comes straight from BMW Group’s media relations team, so let’s hope we will be seeing the new version here shortly.

As expected, the upgrade to the new bikes will be more than just a new engine. The following comes from the media release we received last night.

BMW Motorrad says for more than 25 years, it has used 4-valve technology, combined with electronic fuel injection and closed-loop catalytic converter technology, to achieve the best possible power and torque delivery, efficiency and environmental compatibility.

With the extensively further advanced boxer engine, the new R1250 GS and R1250 RT not only achieve a whole new level of power and torque. It was also possible to significantly optimise refinement and running smoothness – especially within the lower engine speed range. What is more, the new engine offers improved emission and fuel consumption levels as well as a particularly satisfying sound.

BMW says they have used their BMW ShiftCam Technology for the first time in the serial production of BMW Motorrad engines. This is a variable-timing system. In addition, the intake camshafts are designed for asynchronous opening of the two intake valves, resulting in enhanced swirl of the incoming air-fuel mixture and therefore more effective combustion.

Other technical changes to the engine relate to the camshaft drive – which now uses a toothed chain instead of the previous roller chain – an optimised oil supply, twin-jet injection valves and a new exhaust system.

The bikes come with two rider modes as standard as well as Automatic Stability Control (ASC) that improves rider safety its traction control. They also come with Hill Start Control as standard.

The “Riding Modes Pro” is now available as an option. This features the additional riding modes Dynamic, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, and in the GS also the riding modes Dynamic Pro, Enduro and Enduro Pro. DTC enables even more efficient and safe acceleration, especially when the bike is leaned over in a corner.

ABS Pro (part of Riding Modes Pro in the GS, but a standard feature in the RT) offers even greater safety when braking, even when the bike is leaned over. The new Dynamic Brake Control DBC provides additional safety when braking, also in difficult situations, by avoiding unintentional accelerator activation. By intervening in the engine control, torque is reduced during braking to make full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This stabilises the bike and shortens the braking distance.

With the optional BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA “Next Generation”, damping automatically adapts to the situation according to riding conditions and style and it also compensates automatically for load. BMW says this allows finely tuned adaptation of the motorcycle to riding states, achieving optimum damping comfort and a very stable ride response. This is now also available for the R 1250 RT.

The new R1250 GS now features an LED headlamp as standard. In addition to this, the LED daytime riding light is available as an option for both the GS and the RT, which has halogen headlamps.

The R1250 GS now has the equipment feature Connectivity as standard, including a 6,5-inch full-colour TFT screen. In conjunction with the standard BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller, this means the rider can quickly and accurately access vehicle and connectivity functions.

The RT is fitted with a 5,7-inch TFT colour screen. This is supplemented with an analogue speedometer and rev counter.

The optional Intelligent Emergency Call can summon assistance to an accident scene as quickly as possible. This option is available for both the GS and RT.

BMW says its Motorrad Spezial offers a range of iconic customisation features that enhance both performance and value, available as an option ex works. They say “the focus is on harmonious integration in the vehicle as a whole, use of the very highest-quality materials, elaborate manual workmanship and characteristic attention to detail.”

The Billets Packs Option 719 Classic and HP are available for the new R1250 GS and R1250 RT, for example.

The new R1250 RT can be additionally enhanced with Option 719 Classic or Sport wheels, an exclusive seat and one of two Spezial paint finishes.

An HP sports silencer is likewise available ex works for the two new boxer models.

The new R1250 GS showcases its travel and off-road prowess in two modern basic finishes and two striking style variants. The new R1250 RT embodies its exclusive touring character in one basic colour, two style variants and two Option 719 Spezial finishes.

BMW enthusiasts are no doubt drooling over the new 150 bikes, but with the way that exchange rates have been beating the Rand lately, we are expecting these bikes to nudge closer to the R300 000 price bracket than we would want. No doubt, when the R1250 GS Adventure breaks cover in another year or so, it might cost that much – or even more.

It feels as if BMW Motorrad may have been neglecting our market for the past year or two. But when the much-anticipated R1250 GS lands, we predict a feeding frenzy – in spite of what the sticker price would probably be.

As before, we don’t expect the RT to make much of an impression local buyers. Notwithstanding the fact that the RT has always been a grossly underrated and supremely capable bike, the local market prefers the macho image of the GS, even if most of them hardly ever get a sniff of dirt.

BMW had been losing ground in product development to KTM and Triumph – although not much in confidence by its customer base. It would be best to judge after riding the new bike, but it seems as if BMW might now be clawing back what it lost in the ability and technology race with its competition.

We are looking forward to giving a fuller report once the bikes have been launched here.

Technically speaking: BMW R1250 GS

Engine: 1 254cc, horizontally opposed 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled

Power: 100kW @ 7 750rpm / 143Nm @ 6 250rpm

Gears: 6 speed, shaft

Fuel tank: 20 litres

Seat height: 850-870mm

Tyres: 120/70/19 front, 170/60/17 rear

Brakes: 4-piston 305mm double disks (front); 2-piston 276mm single disk (rear)

Wet weight: 249kg

Price: n/a

Technically speaking: BMW R1250 RT

Engine: 1 254cc, horizontally opposed 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled

Power: 100kW @ 7 750rpm / 143Nm @ 6 250rpm

Gears: 6 speed, shaft

Fuel tank: 25 litres

Seat height: 805/825mm

Tyres: 120/70/17, 180/55/17

Brakes: 4-piston 320mm double disks (front); 2-piston 276mm single disk (rear)

Wet weight: 279kg

Price: n/a