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BMW R1250GS Review
I will introduce "Owner Review Summary", a collection of reviews based on the voices of owners who have actually ridden various motorcycles from the Webike Community's My Bike. In this issue, we bring you firsthand owner feedback on the R1250GS!
This is what R1250GS is!
Riding a GS makes you feel like a champion. The ADV boom is currently booming, and it was this GS, or more precisely, the R1200GS, one generation earlier, that started it all. The impact of the GS was so great, with its rugged appearance that one would think it was a military vehicle, and its performance that made it feel faster than any other sports motorcycle, that the GS became a huge hit, so much so that it became the backbone of BMW Motorrad. The GS has since evolved to include a variable valve timing mechanism in the engine, and has now evolved into the R1250GS with a displacement of 1254 cc.
The GS has an outstanding sense of ownership, first of all. Since it is the model at the top of all ADVs, the satisfaction level is not half as high as it should be. Furthermore, you feel very good during the ride. The ride height, upright riding position, and windproof performance ensure that the comfort level remains unchanged even at higher speeds. It even makes you feel as if you are the king of the road.
Let's see what Webike users have to say. The comfort of the ride seems to be overwhelming, especially the unique front suspension called "Telelever" seems to have a great effect on the comfort. Also, the user says that the vehicle has more low-speed torque than conventional models, making it easier to perform low-speed maneuvers such as making a U-turn. And the most important thing is the load capacity. There seems to be nothing to complain about.
On the other hand, the negative opinion is that, first of all, SS is not able to keep up with them. It is surely fast, but the absolute performance is still not as good as high performance sports. And then there is the maintenance cost. Since it is a high-end foreign motorcycle, they need to be prepared to spend a certain amount of money for maintenance and other costs. Fortunately, there were no negative comments on driving reliability. Of course, handling and stability are not so good, but GS owners must be prepared for that.
I have heard that BMWs are easiest when they are driving, and there is no doubt about it with the GS. Because it is so easy and comfortable to drive, the distance of 300 km feels like a neighborhood. The GS makes me feel like I can still drive, no matter how much I drive. That is why it is the champion. That is why manufacturers all over the world have come to make ADV so far.
Summary of R1250GS
Advantage
- Behavior is stable thanks to the telelever.
- Recorded good fuel economy of 22km/L
- Seats are well designed and no buttocks pain.
- With Status
Disadvantage
- The grip of the normal tires may not be able to handle the power of the GS.
- The handle is too far and wide for my shoulders.
- Multifunctional meters are not very user-friendly.
Foot grounding
Approximately 60% of riders in the 166-170 cm height range report that the R1250GS has a " Tip-Toe" footprint.
R1250GS Owner's Voice
Webike user
Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I wanted a vehicle with good wind protection and load capacity. I also wanted to experience the horizontally opposed engine and telelever. Might I stop at a forest road on the way to the touring destination? The Premium Line, which has a good reputation, was chosen due to the greedy nature of the company. |
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Pros/Satisfactory points | Wind resistance and load capacity are very satisfactory. Thanks to the telelever, the front/rear behavior is calm and certainly less fatiguing. Fuel economy is not bad. With its great power and strong straight-line performance, highways are its best. The tires are narrow and can go easily into rough paved forest roads. Compared to the water-cooled R1200 series engines, it sticks at very low speeds, making U-turns a piece of cake. For touring purposes, this is a recommended motorcycle that can be used in a wide variety of situations. |
Disadvantages and dissatisfactions | [On-road] Understeer, perhaps due to the 19-inch front end. It is a character that makes you feel like you are driving well, but isn't it actually dangerous to drive without relying on the rudder angle? A sense of wanting to cut more and more is attached to it. Adventure tires cannot handle the large power, and traction control may be activated while turning. The steering wheel is uncomfortable because it is farther, wider, and higher than a typical off-road vehicle. Shoulders are stiff after long hours. Hand length is not long enough and it is difficult to operate with full lock. [Off-road] With the seat shape and engine overhang, can it lean out and turn grizzly with its feet on the ground? When standing, the handle shape is convincing. |
Advice for prospective buyers | ● SS cannot be chased around There are a few reviews such as "I can catch up with the SS," but I was only surprised that it ran better than expected. I wonder if it is possible to close in depending on the tires? ●Torque Reaction ●Premium Standard or Premium Line ●GS is a choice of physique Since the physique of the expected rider is German, any attempt to play with it to Japanese specifications would result in an imbalance and usually bad results. If you try to play around with the Japanese specifications, the balance will usually be off and the result will be bad. I think it is necessary to have faith or determination. ● Is it poor dexterity? If it meets its purpose, it is a well-made motorcycle that I have no complaints about. |
Ricky.
Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I was driving a BMW C650sport. I wanted to ride the adventure type. Mainly touring and camping touring. |
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Pros/Satisfactory points | It is just cool and has status. Once you start driving, it is easy to maneuver and does not feel heavy. Good seat, no pain in the buttocks. You can be ridden anywhere you want. |
Disadvantages and dissatisfactions | It is heavy and difficult to maneuver. There are too few choices of body colors. The TFT meter is not very easy to use. In particular, resetting the trip meter is a pain. |
Advice for prospective buyers | I think all BMW motorcycles are the best. There are various models and prices, so you can choose the BMW that suits you (or that you like). I hope you can find it. |
Webike user
Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | For reasons such as the 30th anniversary, because I was curious about the ability of the champion of land, and because I wanted a motorcycle that would not be boring to drive when I ride alone with my wife. |
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Pros/Satisfactory points | In terms of equipment, the keyless ride is very impressive, and I can feel that the days of having to insert and turn the key every time will soon be coming to an end. Cruise control, heated grips, ETC.The fact that the navigation stay, luggage lugs, etc. are originally established as part of the design is a feature not found in Japanese motorcycles. In terms of driving, the motorcycle has a light turnover at shock level, a super-torqueful engine, and a crisp and stable feel while cornering and cruising at high speeds. The supple suspension is amazing, making gaps in the road less noticeable. And the fuel economy is 22 kilometers per liter! Amazing! Exactly the kind of thing you don't want to have to worry about on a long ride. |
Disadvantages and dissatisfactions | After all, maintenance costs. I feel like I am spending as much money per kilometer as the domestic liter SS I bought in Barron's. Furthermore, the fact that I don't get tired even if I drive 1000 kilometers a day adds to the problem, and I can easily drive 3000 or so a month. If you drive 1,000 km per month at the mercy of the dealer, your annual expense may be 200,000 plus gasoline. Furthermore, those who bought the motorcycle with a loan may have a hard time depending on their income and loan plan.... Is it better to buy a motorcycle from Baron than from a dealer? |
Advice for prospective buyers | Engine guards must be attached. The combination of a tremendous suspension, engine maturity, and a rational frame makes for an impressive and magical ride. It just costs a lot of money to maintain those specs, and I think it's worth it. It's 'a motorcycle with nothing to worry about except money. At first, you may be confused by the slightly tighter embrace and the front suspension that does not sink, but it is a problem that can be digested if you have practiced properly that this is how a liter motorcycle is supposed to be driven. The 250 kg vehicle weight will make you break out in a cold sweat when you forget about it (I know, I know). |