BMW R1250GS ADVENTURE (2019 - on) Review

I’ve put a top box on. Don’t be tempted to put too much weight in it as it does make a difference to handling.

Typical boxter - brilliant torque and power delivery but rattles a bit so could be smoother that's the only reason for the 4 out of 5 (would be 4.9)

It's not just the bike - the ownership experience I'd great (makes the price worth while)

Just brilliant of the forecourt but also super customisable

Very difficult to book main dealer servicing and the time scale from booking to getting the service done is disappointing.

Headlight protector is important, as the headlight is expensive to replace.

Road mode Suspension a bit wallowy when pushing it, flicking to dynamic fixes that. Brakes are first class (even the Hayes callipers). Never noticed ABS kicking in even when it’s tried to throw me over the bars if I’ve needed to grab a handful.

A bit vibey(meh it’s a big twin) but sounds good with standard can. Very tractable throughout the Rev range (I barely push it past 6000rpm, there’s no need!). Fuel economy in early - mid 50’s even after a good blast round the back lanes. 300miles on a full tank!

Except from an exhaust flap issue that was covered under warranty, nowt else to pay for. Tank paint on the side where your knees go is quite susceptible to wear from clothing. Side vinyls fix that.

That was for an “Engine oil and brake fluid” service at main dealer (to keep warranty active)

Has everything as standard (TE spec) and the only thing missing on my bike is the heated seats as they didn’t come in until 2020s model.

Heavy but firmly footed, relates to a completely comfortable armchair.

Stunning boxer engine, weight all down low adding to the stability, strong power through the rev range.

Good build quality, as yet 100% reliable

Accessories are costly

Base model poorly equipped, adding packages is very costly.

It had got to the point that I didn’t want to ride this bike. If it was anything like my 2015 GS or any of my RTs I be expect to cover up to 600 miles a day.

I bought the GSA as the ‘cheeky’ alternative to the RT. It should be a sportier ride. It’s a great engine once you are used to it. Compared to the 1200 it initially feels like it will stall when pulling away.

I’ve marked this down for quality I.e. the ride itself. Otherwise I’d give it 5.

Value is poor as I didn’t want to ride it, see above.

It didn’t lack for anything and I sprang a further £2k on an Akrapovic and boxes. Tyres were fine - anarkees.

Rides well especially in dynamic mode. Auto adjusting preload is brilliant.I’m not that “bike-fit” yet but can do an hour and a half currently without a break so I can imagine it being 2hrs + once I’m fully used to it

Noise, torque and general feeling are excellent

Not due service yet but I expect it to be costly at main dealer

The bike is definitely an all-rounder, it can cruise it can scratch it can tour, it can even go off-road, not that mine ever will. It was bought as a touring bike because I find the traditional tourers a bit too cramped for my ageing Rugby knees. The bike will just keep going however, I need a pee after 150 miles so anything else is superfluous. The brakes feel a bit weird at first, when you first pull the front nothing much seems to happen, totally different to my previous GS, I'm not sure about them yet and it's still to be decided if I like the feeling, they do feel very wooden compared to the GS.

The engine is amazing, it's quick, responsive and sounds very nice with the Acropovic factory exhaust on. The power delivery is smooth and it really climbs through the speedo at an alarming rate of you want it to. It also pulls in any gear and 30 in 6th is not an issue at all.

So far everything is working as intended. The TFT dash is awesome and the integration with my iPhone and Pactalk bold is faultless. Very impressed so far.

It's a BMW, if you want cheap then you need to look elsewhere. It will do 250-280 on a full tank which costs around £30.00, averaging around 43mpg. Servicing is the usual BMW extortion, but if you want to maintain the value and warranty then it has to be done.

I love the TFT dash, cruise control is awesome and everyday useful especially with the 1250s acceleration. Heated grips are a godsend on cold days and the down blipper is nice if you are having a bit of a play on the twisties. I really like the tyres that came as standard, Bridgestone A21's and they feel every bit as nice as the Pilots I had on the GS.

Lots of ride adjustment if required Plenty of feel on brakes, great ABS

Great torque - pulls from low revs It’s a tourer, not a boy racer machine Rather noisy at times! There are lots of better sounding machines out there if this bothers you.

Boxer mill and shaft drive. Sounds a bit agricultural but always reliable

Yes, BMW main dealers are expensive

Serves all my needs well

If you want to do long distances, this bike is very good for the rider but the pillion not so hence 4 out of 5

Not the fastest thing on two wheels but that’s not why you buy a GS. If you’ve come from a sports bike you’ll find it a bit underwhelming. The gearbox is still very agricultural compared with Japanese or Italian bikes. The quickshifter is a bit of a joke as well. On the plus side, the engine isn’t buzzy and never feels like it’s struggling. Good MPG if that bothers you.

The bike never failed but the stainless panniers filled with water on my 1st trip and had to be replaced. In my opinion there are better panniers out there other than BMW.

Still waiting to get it’s 1st annual service so I can’t comment on how good or bad it is.

Comes well equipped, but you pay for it. Don’t buy BMW panniers, I’m really not impressed. If you want heated grips they work extremely well, warm or thermonuclear settings. Fender extender is required as soon as you buy the bike along with a crud catcher or hugger. You can spend a small fortune on accessories for a GS. It’s a bit of a pig to try and sync your phone to the bike or satnav to get it to work with comms. Your music will play at one level and the satnav cuts in and nearly bursts your eardrums. I’ve tried various ways of connecting them all but still haven’t found a perfect way yet and the dealer can’t tell me either. I do like the extra lights which are bright so car drivers can see you coming and the led dash is also very clear and easy to see. The automatic suspension settings are the best thing about the bike. Two or three pushes of the buttons and you can adjust the ride height and firmness of the suspension, for somebody who hasn’t a clue how to set up suspension it is a godsend. The anti dive telelever front end is really good as well. I don’t find that the front of the bike is a bit distant feeling. Keyless ignition I can take or leave. Hill hold assist is a brilliant idea especially when the bike is fully laden with a pillion.

Phenomenal ride quality and excellent brakes

Smooth and powerful

Good and sound quality

BMW service still a bit pricey

Recommend that if you decide to buy this bike, go for all the optionals and packages.

Shift cam is definitely a noticeable improvement.

Early doors with just 3000 miles but so far so good.

It seems the harder you ride the earlier your service intervals become. I will monitor this after my second service.

TE spec bike is loaded with goodies. TFT dash is brilliant in all light conditions.