My 2020 BMW 1250 GS Review:
After a lot of miles in a few days on the 2020 BMW 1250, I thought I would tell you all about it. I think the best way to describe this bike is quirky. It has a quirky boxer engine, quirky front suspension without forks, odd sized spoked wheels, and a bunch of other novel approaches to design.
Quirky is good when it works, and the 1250 comes off as the perfect little do it all performer. It does require certain riding style adjustments, but once you make the adjustments the reward is a bike that does what you ask it to in most all situations. For example, I kept reaching my knee out for corners only to find a huge cylinder had gotten to the spot first! After an hour of riding I realized there is no need to hop around the seat on this bike. Just stay calm, keep your cheeks centered on the seat and roll into the turn and the 1250 will amaze you.
The 1250 is tall in its standard form. The seat is listed at a whopping 33.46” tall, and the passenger seat is considerably taller than that – and with the side bags the bike is also wide. So, when you lift a leg there is a lot of stuff to clear and it’s difficult for my 30-inch inseam. Probably could have gone with the lower seat and suspension option but I have everything in the low position, so the seat height is more like 31”. Once aboard though things are basically perfect. The bike does have a BMW seating position (which means the pegs are directly under you more or less), but I don’t anticipate needing to change much. Even the seat is passable!
It is ironic however that the flat twin engine has kept me from even considering this bike. As it turns out it is that flat twin that makes the GS so special. Not only does this engine have grunt, but thanks to the variable valve timing it sings to. Honestly as a 10-year Busa pilot, I would love 20-30 more HP. But what’s there is more than enough to put a smile on your face and accommodate some gentlemanly hooliganing. The transmission takes some schooling. 1st & 2nd ratios are clearly set for the dirt and the transition to the “street gears” is a bit abrupt. I finally found myself using the clutch on the first 2 gears and using the shift assist on 3-6. This however is the 1250’s lone obvious compromise to it’s do it all mission. Frankly, fueling on the engine is a bit sloppy, as I am learning is par for the course with BMW’s. There is a hole in the power around 4K that feels like Euro 4. I already ordered a Bren ECU flash.
However, the most important contribution from the boxer may not be its power. The balance on this bike is stunningly good. It feels as light as a feather on the road and pushing it around the garage too. Turning is so easy you will not believe that happened. The bars feel like they are horns on a Texas bull and the leverage you have on the front end would make a Cowboy blush. There is no doubt this bike will ride around the outside (or inside) of many sport bikes. You’ll blow by with a big grin on your face cause you know they just didn’t see that coming.
But the incredible handling is not all due to the other worldly balance. The duo-lever suspension does its magic here just like it did on the K1600 GT. It takes some time to learn to trust this setup (you trade feel for amazing stability), but when you get over it not doing what forks do, you start to really forget those dips and dives that used to make the old buttocks pucker. You can turn under full braking and there is no dive at all. This setup works best when you keep pressure on it in the turn, so the throttle work is a bit different than a typical forked bike. The ESA on BMW’s is amazing. You can feel the bike search for the proper sag, then you’re off. After that, it just seems like a bike with great legs.
Brakes are magnificent. They are strong, progressive and massively confidence inspiring. The TC is very stealthy too, never over playing its hand and taking the reins from you. BMW really has the secret to making electronics make you think it’s all you. They have a consistent, natural feel that some bikes lack.
Did I mention the TFT instrument cluster? Cool and it works too. You can see it in the brightest sun even in the leans when the sun comes around to the back and is right on the face. Pretty cool.
So, what don’t I like? BMW screwed the pooch again on blue tooth connectivity. Here’s a hint: Keep the bike off while connecting stuff and leave the bike out of the network. The stock saddle bags would have a hard time calling themselves briefcases. You’ll need a top case to travel. I don’t like the step between the rider and passenger’s seats. I need to slide back more to stretch the legs (but of course, the bike feels really awesome standing up too). The wind protection is not great compared to the K1600 but pretty good compared to the Busa. The shield adjusts but I almost broke the screw adjuster before I realized that was the best I was going to get. Looking for a taller aftermarket screen now. You have to get the crash bars on this bike. It is very easy to ground hard parts with the way this thing turns. I certainly would welcome the larger fuel capacity of the GSA, but the tank is adequate for most riding. And finally, I already miss the adaptive headlight on the K1600, that thing was like alien technology or something!
All in all, the 1250 series are amazing bikes that are as fun to ride as they are capable adventurers. This bike is a best seller year in and year out, and the dedication to perfecting it by BMW is very apparent.
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