2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Review: The Touring Enduro Queen

For the past two decades, BMW has produced one of the best adventure motorcycles. Whether it is top-end rider aids, superior on- and off-road capabilities, comfort, or engine performance, the German manufacturer leaves no stone unturned.

In 2019, BMW launched one of the most popular ADV bikes, known for its superior long-distance touring capability and class-leading off-road performance. The high-capacity engine makes this ADV bike the queen of touring enduro.

It was the biggest BMW adventure bike until the R 1300 GS was introduced this year in the current lineup. However, motorcycle enthusiasts are still fond of this bike.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is more rugged and intimidating. Considering its stature and character, this bike can easily carry loads of luggage if you plan a multi-day trip. Continue reading this article to learn more about the 2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure review.

Over the years, the BMW GS (Off-Road) motorcycles have become bigger, meaner, and more capable. Despite the BMW R 1300 GS now available in 2024, the R 1250 GS Adventure is still the adventure-stopper.

This bike never seems to retire. It looks aggressive, meaner, and intimidating, making it superior. Being a heavier, large-displacement ADV bike doesn’t mean it is lacking in any of the on-road or off-road departments. This bike excels in both on- and off-road departments if you can handle it.

The 2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure looks unique from every angle. From the look of this bike, it feels pretty bulky. However, as you sit on it and start riding, it is pretty fun.

The front-end look of this bike is what makes it easily identifiable. It has an asymmetric front-end look thanks to the asymmetric LED headlight pattern. The adaptive light makes riding safer in the dark.

The 2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure looks like a modern, innovative bike with many features and design elements. It is one of the most versatile bikes and has a sportier, more aggressive, and more adventurous look. It also looks tough and rigid, ready to take on any off-road challenge with more muscle and power.

With ADV touring side cases and trunk installed, the R 1250 GS Adventure looks like a complete touring bike for every type of adventure.

The boxer engine is one of the most favorite motorcyclist engines as it ensures the best performance. The smoothness this flat-twin engine offers is unmatched. It is the most significant advantage that the Boxer engine offers. It provides a seamless cruising experience on highways. The engine doesn’t feel like overdoing to take you above 70 mph while cruising on open roads.

Though the R 1250 GS Adventure is a sportier adventure bike, it may not be the fastest bike for you if you have previously ridden sports bikes. However, the air/liquid-cooled 1,254 cc Boxer engine accelerates quite rapidly. The power and torque delivery are instantaneous, making rides very enjoyable.

Note: If you get a chance to ride the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure for the first time, there is one thing you should know. Do not open the throttle abruptly or too much in the first gear when starting to ride this bike.

As already mentioned, the 1,254 cc Boxer engine provides instantaneous power and torque delivery. If you open the full throttle in the first gear, the front wheel will immediately leave the ground and can put you in a very risky spot.

The 1,254 cc Boxer engine installed in the R 1250 GS Adventure produces an impressive horsepower of 136 hp and a torque of 142.36 Nm, which makes the difference.

When compared with competitors, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure looks like an underpowered bike. The Ducati Multistrada V4 has 170 hp of horsepower, and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S delivers a power output of 160 hp.

However, according to most reviewers, the 136 hp of horsepower feels more than enough on this bike. The torque figure and strong engine character make this bike reach the 100 mph mark in no time. You will never feel bored riding this bike.

The first thing you will immediately notice after turning on the engine of this bike is its light clutch. The wet clutch, which has an anti-hopping function and hydraulic activation, feels super light to engage.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is among the most popular motorcycles in most parts of the world. It is known for its superior dual-sports capabilities. Whether long-distance on-road comfortable touring, motorway cruising, or riding on straight and twisty roads, the R 1250 GS Adventure is capable of all.

Above all, you should not hesitate to take this bike off-road, as it is referred to as the queen of touring enduro. This bike is as good at off-roading as it is on the road.

Adventure bikes are the most trendy motorcycles at the moment as they offer unmatched versatility. The 2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure falls perfectly under this category. It encompasses everything that a modern rider can ask for.

Once you learn and master how to handle the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, you can comfortably take on off-road challenges. It all depends on your off-road capabilities. If you are a pro-off-road rider, you will find it a highly capable enduro bike.

The 2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is comfortable compared to any ADV motorcycle category. You may not expect this bike to be highly comfortable, considering it is dual-purpose. However, it is as good as other touring bikes designed for long-mile travel.

The handlebars have a decent swept-back, making you sit in an upright ride position without compromising on the adventure sportiness. The footpegs are also installed perfectly in the mid position to allow for comfortable rides and better off-roading performance.

With this ergonomics setup, the rider can comfortably stand on the pegs for a more adventurous off-roading experience.

The wind protection on the 2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is adequate. You can also adjust the size of the windscreen manually using the knob adjuster.

Don’t expect to be the quietest bike as you cruise on open roads and highways. Expect some wind blowing past your ears and face.

Another cool feature of the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is its adjustable seat height. All you need to do is to remove the rider’s seat using the bike’s key first.

You will find two brackets installed under the seat. Turn the brackets to adjust the seat height of the bike. In the brackets, you will find “L” for Low and “H” for High. You can easily switch the seat height between 35 in-35.8 in.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is a taller bike even in the low seat height setting. Riders with shorter height and inseam may struggle to ride this bike comfortably, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

It is unusual for such a big adventure bike like the 2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure to handle smoothly. Despite being an ADV bike, it performs exceptionally on paved roads and twisties, making rides more comfortable.

It is an unconventional bike as the springs are not installed in the front forks. The R 1250 GS Adventure has a BMW Motorrad Telever front suspension. It is a spring installed behind the front fork, controlling all the damping in the front.

Though you don’t like riding a conventional motorcycle, this Telelever suspension works incredibly well to ensure better handling.

The steering is quite precise without offering any resistance. The nose-diving is also adequately controlled by the front monoshock, even during emergency and hard braking.

The wheel travel offered by both the front and rear suspensions is impressive. The 8.3-inch front and 8.7-inch rear wheel travel perfectly balances both on- and off-road conditions.

However, to improve your riding experience, you must try the optional Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) feature

BMW Adventure bikes are among the technologically most advanced motorbikes of modern times. The 2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is no less.

Towards the front, we have the finest-quality TFT color screen display with a multimedia connectivity option. It is one of the most premium-looking dashboards inspired by the BMW cars.

Whether it is the display, visibility, mounting position, ease-of-use, or interface, everything is top-notch about this TFT display.

There are two USB charging ports available on this bike. One is located near the TFT display, and the second is installed in the rear frame.

Regarding rider aids, we have Dynamic Traction Control, Integral ABS Pro with cornering optimization, and three different riding modes. The display screen lets you easily switch between the Road, Rain, and Eco modes.

The Hill Start Control (HSA) is another valuable addition to this bike. It helps riders start the bike while riding uphill by holding the bike in a position. It also has a standard cruise control feature for riders to comfortably cruise at high speeds.

The term “GS” in the BMW GS series is a German terminology. In German, it stands for “Gelände/Straße,” meaning “Terrain/Street.” It is used for those BMW models designed to conquer both on- and off-road challenges.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is an expensive motorbike. It is among the premium, high-capacity adventure motorcycles available in the market. Nevertheless, once you start riding this bike and exploring its capabilities, you will begin to admire it.

• The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is worth the money, considering the following:

• This bike has one of the most premium looks in the high-displacement adventure bike.

• This bike has a high-quality Boxer engine, delivering the smoothest power and torque.

• It is one of the most versatile and capable adventure bikes.

• Despite being a dual-sports ADV bike, it is among the most comfortable adventure touring motorcycles.

The BMW 1250 GS Adventure is among the most premium BMW motorcycles and is manufactured in Berlin, Germany. BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle manufacturing subsidiary of the BMW Group, makes these bikes in the Berlin-Spandau plant.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is undoubtedly among the best motorcycles ever produced by the German manufacturer. Though the company introduced the R 1300 GS in 2024, still, the R 1250 GS Adventure has no competition. It is one of the best-selling ADV bikes in many parts of the world.

The 2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is one of the most versatile motorbikes. You can do so many things with this bike. Whether comfortable long-distance touring, highway cruising, city traveling, canyon carving, or off-roading, this bike is an undisputed queen. It is a highly capable motorcycle for maneuvering on multiple terrains.

You will find this bike expensive, especially if you choose to install a few accessories or add-ons. However, it is still worth the money, considering the performance it offers. It is beautifully designed and is innovatively engineered for superior on- and off-road performance.

In this category, you can find a more powerful bike with greater power output. However, you may need help finding a more capable and versatile motorcycle in this range. The 2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is undoubtedly the best.