[Special Edition]
R 1250 GS – Edition 40 Years GS
* Illustrations may include optional equipment and accessories at extra cost. Non-binding price recommendation ex works without any transfer costs incl. XX% VAT. Changes and errors excepted.

The R 1250 GS – “40 Years GS” edition

Proven performance, legendary design

The BMW GS is a pioneer, combining versatility and a unique riding experience for 40 years. We are celebrating this with the “40 Years GS” edition of the R 1250 GS. In the striking black and yellow look of the legendary R 100 GS, GS history comes alive. The unique design is combined in the R 1250 GS with modern features such as the extended riding modes Pro and the ShiftCam boxer engine. You benefit from superior power and unlimited riding pleasure on any terrain. Whether on or off road, experience the #SpiritOfGS together.

Highlights of the “40 Years GS” edition

Unique design for the anniversary: Inspired by the R 100 GS and nicknamed “Bumblebee”, its black-yellow look is truly striking. Striking design elements turn the legendary look into a true eye-catcher and let the bike shine in the gleam of over 40 years of GS history. 

+ Read more

Front with “40 years GS” sticker
We see a close-up of the 40 Years GS sticker.
Hand guard in yellow as visual highlight
We see the 40 Years GS edition with a yellow hand protector.
Black and yellow Option 719 cylinder head cover
We see the 40 Years GS edition with a black and yellow Option 719 cylinder head cover .
Tank with “1250” lettering and “Option 719” logo
We see the tank of the Edition 40 Years GS with 1250 lettering and Option 719 logo in the detail view.
Seat in black-yellow
We see the black and yellow seat of the 40 Years GS edition with a GS sticker.
Robust shape with powerful Boxer engine
We see the R 1250 GS from in top view with 1250 lettering and the protruding boxer engine with cylinder head covers of the Option 719 billet parts.
Sporty windscreen in yellow
We see the sporty windscreen in yellow on the 40 Years GS edition.
Golden handlebars
We see the 40 Years GS edition with golden handlebars.

The R 1250 GS – always a good foundation

The R 1250 GS – always a good foundation

Outside “40 Years GS Edition”, inside all of the R 1250 GS: With its modern technical equipment, this GS is the ideal partner for your adventures. Its optional Pro riding modes with new dynamic engine brake control ensure superior pleasure in every situation, while modern lighting technology guarantees the best possible illumination and optimum visibility. Learn everything there is to know about the many features and variants of the R 1250 GS.

+ Read more

40 years drive for adventure

From Africa to Central Asia: the GS has been everywhere in the world in 40 years. A motorcycle that has mastered every terrain and every road – powerful and bold despite the elements. The GS is the pioneer of the dual-sport motorcycle.

+ Read more

1980
Launch of the first GS model, the R 80 G/S
6
GS generation with numerous model variants
40
Years of unique experiences with the GS legend
1.2
Over 1.2 million GS models have been built to date

Each success story has a beginning: The story of the GS begins in the year 1980 when BMW Motorrad introduces the R 80 G/S. It is robust, versatile and effortless to handle in any situation: It becomes the first large dual-sport motorcycle in the world. And it’s still being ridden 40 years later. Unstoppable – and fit for any adventure.

+ Read more

From off-road sport to the road

1978 to 1980: 

In 1978, BMW Motorrad attracted attention with a predecessor to the first GS: The GS 80 takes in two gold medals at the International Six Days Enduro. The bike had been developed by an in-house team of developers without an official order. But its success proved the engineers and mechanics right: Their bike made it truly enjoyable to ride both off-road and on-road. It was released to the market in 1980 under a slightly different name, the BMW R 80 G/S.

Its rise begins

1980 to 1987: 

With the GS, BMW Motorrad created the perfect synthesis of off-road and on-road driving: Regardless of surface type, riders have control over their bikes in every situation while also enjoying maximum comfort on long routes. The highlight is the monolever single-sided swinging arm, which is the first to be installed on a motorcycle worldwide. This reduces the weight and enables the rear wheel to be changed quickly. With the R 80 G/S , BMW Motorrad created the segment for large, comfortable dual-sport motorcycles – a segment that it still dominates today.

The GS gains momentum: more displacement, more power

1987 to 1996: 

The new top model, the R 100 GS, focuses on a lot of displacement: it is the most powerful and fastest enduro on the market. The paralever dual-pivot swinging arm on the rear wheel ensures effortless handling off-road and on-road. With its striking black-yellow paint, it is known as “Bumblebee”. The colour is still hugely popular among fans today and decorates this year's special edition “40 Years GS” model.

A new chapter in dual-sport motorcycles

1994 to 2003: 

The GS is on its way to being an icon while continuously changing: In 1994, the first enduro with a four-valve boxer engine appears with the R 1100 GS. The bike is popular because it handles well off road and performs perfectly on long tours. The concept is purposefully further developed with touring in mind and, in 2002, adapted even more to the needs of long-distance travellers with the R 1150 GS Adventure – the Adventure series is born. 

From one-cylinder to two-cylinder

2000 to 2008: 

The very popular and novice-friendly “Funduro” models, the F 650 and F 650 ST, have their engines reworked at the beginning of the new millennium. Thanks to the water-cooled single-cylinder unit, F 650 GS and F 650 GS Dakar riders have enough drive for everyday riding as well as that typical enduro feeling. In 2008, the F 650 GS and F 800 GS, both completely redesigned enduro models, are equipped with a liquid-cooled two-cylinder in-line engine. The means pure adventure, even in the mid-range segment.

From air-cooled to water-cooled boxer engine

2004 to 2017: 

In 2004 BMW Motorrad re-released the R 1200 GS. The bike is given more displacement, power, and torque, making it even more dynamic on any terrain while weighing 30 kilograms less at the same time. A new era begins almost ten years later, when BMW Motorrad engineers equip the R 1200 GS with a water-cooled boxer engine – something that had never been done before. The bike also has a semi-active suspension with Dynamic ESA (electronic suspension adjustment), which takes handling and riding comfort to a new level.

The GS becomes even stronger

In the following years, BMW Motorrad continued to build on the GS legend. The popular R 1250 GS appears with a redeveloped two-cylinder boxer engine: Thanks to its variable BMW ShiftCam camshaft control, it provides more power in all speed ranges and makes the GS even more effortless. In addition, the mid-range F 750 GS and F 850 GS models undergo constant development and make riding more enjoyable with their larger displacement and modified chassis.

#spiritofgs

For over 40 years, the #SpiritOfGS has brought motorcyclists together and its community has shared this spirit around the world. Simply start riding, experience new adventures, and discover the unknown – together we are always writing new stories. Let the GS community inspire you to new experiences. Experience the #SpiritOfGS.

+ Read more

Experience the adventure of the GS community

Go on an exciting GS adventure with our new series “Adventures of a Lifetime”.

+ Read more

More on the #SpiritOfGS

spinner