BMW R 1250 GS Statement & Equipment | Andalucia calling

A Touratech team set off with five of the latest adventure bikes for the traditional season opener in Andalusia. The programme included intensive test rides with the new accessories and an extensive photo shoot. BMW R 1250 GS, BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, Harley-Davidson Pan America, KTM 890 Adventure R, Yamaha Ténéré 700

BMW R 1250 GS

It is and remains the reference - as it has for generations. We are clearly talking about the GS – in this case, the latest generation, the BMW R 1250 GS. Since the legendary G/S of 1980, BMW has, in an impressive manner, succeeded with this model series in finding the compromise between offroad suitability and long-distance or road suitability, time and again.
The guarantor of success in this concept is the ever-evolving Boxer engine, whose latest evolutionary stage produces 136 hp at 7750 revolutions and delivers a maximum torque of 143 Newton metres at 6250 rpm. Offroad, the Boxer's unique characteristics feature superior traction, while onroad, it is also great for sporty performances. The Boxer is just as much fun when it comes to dynamic riding on the winding mountain roads of the Sierra Nevada as it is when low-speed trail riding. The suspension system with its load-transfer-free paralever and telelever front suspension is as directionally stable as it is easy to handle. It is always astonishing that the relatively small wheels with their diameters of 19 or 17 inches hardly detract from its offroad capability.

Vehicle equipment

A comprehensive protector package with a stainless steel crash bar, crash bar extension and the hydroformed Rallye engine protector were, of course, a must for the BMW R 1250 GS. The paths through the Andalusian mountains were too stony for us to risk damage in the wilderness.
The Touratech windscreen provided turbulence-free weather protection on the faster stages. Available in a selection of heights and either clear or tinted, we think the tinted version gives the GS a particularly adventurous look.
The one-piece sports seat with the Fresh Touch cover perfectly matches the high comfort level of the fairing. The unique shape of the high-quality foam core makes even the longest of day trips a pleasure.
The ZEGA Evo pannier system offers plenty of storage space with 38 and 31 litres (on the exhaust side).
The Ambato EXP HP tank bag in BMW motorsport colours holds an additional 13 litres. If required, it can be expanded to 20 litres. Made of high-quality Cordura, the tank bag has a water-repellent coating and offers numerous clever detail solutions such as a cable grommet for charging your smartphone or the practical organiser on the inside of the lid.
The Ibarra handlebar bag proved to be particularly helpful in everyday travel, keeping small items of equipment ready to hand at all times. The R 1250 GS luggage equipment was rounded off by a 49-litre rack pack from the Touratech Waterproof range.

Statement

Visually as well as in terms of sound, the GS is way out front when it comes to adventure bikes, and apart from that, I'm impressed by the intuitive control menu and the low centre of gravity. The GS imparts unshakeable confidence the moment you set off on it for the first time. That's where you notice the 40 years of experience.