BMW Motorrad: 2013 BMW R1250GS Preview

BMW GS model is one of the best-selling motorcycle in the world in the adventure-touring market segment. Therefore BMW have to ensure that the new 2013 BMW R1250GS is having better performance.

In addition, BMW also have been getting a pressure to improved the engine cooling air system into a liquid cooling system and installing modern features on their bike.

BMW R1250GS design appears more as a facelift model from the R1200GS models that exist today. Except, this time this sports bike has been equipped with LED running light and other modern features that have become a standard in its class. The engine is completely new higher cylinder head than the previous model.

Liquid-cooling allows a quicker warm-up time, reducing critical post-start-up emissions, while also lowering operating temps. This will help achieve stricter Euro 5 standards slated to begin in 2015.

Liquid-cooling also enables increases in power, so along with a bump in displacement to around 1250cc, we expect a bump in power to compete against the latest batch of challengers to the adventure-touring throne.


The R1250GS engine is an all-new design, sharing no common parts with its predecessor. It’s also carried higher in the frame, increasing its ground clearance. It’ll be interesting to see how this affects handling.

GS spotters will notice the shaft drive switching sides with the exhaust’s muffler. Note also the altered intake and exhaust routing from new cylinder heads.

Front braking is enhanced with the use of radial-mount front brake calipers. ABS will be standard equipment, as evidenced by the wheel-speed ring on the front wheel, which will undoubtedly play a role in a new traction-control system. We also expect an updated form of BMW’s ESA electronic suspension adjustment.

A new transmission sends the Boxer’s power through a shaft drive now on the left side, forcing the exhaust to now terminate on the right side of the bike. The rear tire appears wider, up from 150mm to handle a bigger load capacity. A staggered headlight remains, now with an LED running light.

BMW’s best-selling model worldwide, the air-cooled, horizontally opposed Boxer-Twin engine is loved by many for its quirks, and the bike’s jack-of-all-trades attitude has endeared it to fans worldwide.