2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

The 2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is a larger, more expensive, and, perhaps surprisingly, even more capable version of the R 1250 GS—just ask Cycle World’s own Mr. ADV, staff photographer Jeff Allen. Below the nearly 8-gallon fuel tank is a liquid-cooled, four-valve-per-cylinder evolution of the air- and oil-head boxer twins that preceded it, upgraded this year with an 84cc displacement increase and ShiftCam variable valve timing. The latter very effectively combines two engine characters in one, with two sets of intake camshaft lobes that can quickly transition from one to the other. In actual use, on or off road, the changeover is virtually imperceptible.

Like the standard GS, the Adventure is suspended by a centrally sprung Telelever fork and Paralever rear end but with an 0.8-inch bump in travel front and rear. If the standard trim doesn’t win you over, a $3,450 Premium package includes the following: Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic ESA, Keyless Ride, Gear Shift Assist Pro, Ride Modes Pro, GPS preparation, chrome exhaust, heated handgrips, tire-pressure monitor, cruise control, LED auxiliary lights, and mounts for optional aluminum side cases.

Likes: Neutral steering; easy to manage at low speeds; fuel for days

Dislikes: Looks even bigger than it feels; skyscraper seat height; fill-ups costly

Verdict: Well-mannered, easy-to-ride streetbike that is shockingly capable off-road

“On the road, the R 1250 GS goes exactly where you want it, an impressive feat considering the bike’s 625-pound fully fueled weight,” Adam Waheed wrote after riding the Adventure. “In spite of the BMW’s generous proportions, you acclimate quickly to its size, in part to favorable balance and weight distribution.”

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The adventure segment is a crowded space, and BMW has been in it since the beginning with the 1980 R 80 G/S. Recognizing opportunity when it presented itself, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, and Yamaha also produce powerful liter-class ADVs that likewise blur the on-/off-road line.

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Color selection is important when buying an R 1250 GS-A because it influences the spec and overall cost of the bike. Choosing Light White/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red or Ice Grey, for example, ticks the $550 Style HP box. Kalamata Metallic Matte, meanwhile, automatically adds the $500 Exclusive Style package.