Out on a high note
With the imminent arrival of the 2024 GS, which will see engine capacity bumped to 1300cc's, BMW has released another special edition of their famous large-bore adventure bike. This iteration sees the fabled machine draped in a special colour scheme that celebrates the machines used in the recently completed global GS Trophy. The model is aptly called the GS Trophy
Related: BMW 1250 GS Adventure (2022) Review
Before the current 1250cc machine makes way for the newer model, we took the Trophy on a final ride to refresh ourselves on what makes these the best selling adventure bike in South Africa.
Styling
The big change here is that our test machine gets the GS Trophy Gravity Blue Metallic Matte that replaces the 40-years GS Blackstorm Metallic decal work. This brightwork is rather eye-catching and if you were to park a Trophy next to a standard GS you would instantly see the difference.
The Trophy designation also equips the bike with cross-spoke wheels, a rallye-style seat, a sport windshield, radiator protectors, frame protectors, and enduro footpegs.
Tech and Features
The focal piece of tech that you will encounter is the large TFT screen that contains all the relevant controls for the machine, from the seat and handlebar heating controls to the Bluetooth connectivity and rider modes. The ride modes consist of Road, Eco, Rain, and the optional Dynamic Pro settings for when you want to hit the dirt. You also get adjustable traction control, and ABS settings as well as Hill-start assist and a 6-axis Bosch IMU
Engine and Drivetrain
The GS Trophy has the same engine as the standard GS and most of the 1250-engined BMW bikes and offers a superb riding experience. The horizontally opposed boxer engine delivers 100kW and 143Nm seamlessly, and it is nothing short of fantastic to ride, powering through corners or simply chugging along at highway speeds. Upfront there is the Telelever front suspension and at the rear, the Paralever takes care of the soft cushy ride. The GS Trophy rides well despite its weight and comes to an abrupt stop when you get on the 305mm brakes with their 4-pot calipers
Let's ride
Pros and Cons
- Attractive design
- Balanced rider modes
- Excellent TFT screen
- Torquey motor
- Confusing sub-menus
Model and Price
| BMW R 1250 GS | R 322 900 |
| BMW R 1250 GS Triple Black | R 333 400 |
| BMW R 1250 GS Trophy | R 343 300 |
| BMW R 1250 GS Adventure | R 371 900 |
| BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Special Edition 40 Years of GS | R 368 700 |
Verdict
The GS is the stalwart of BMW's adventure bike market and with the flagship model soon to be sporting a bigger engine and beefier suspension, the outgoing model deserves an honourable send-off. We do have it on good authority that the other models such a sthe 900 and 850 will get the same Trophy treatment so if the big daddy isn't to your liking you can get the brightwork on your chosen engine size.
