2019 · Adventure · Buyer's Guide
R 1250 GS HP (MY2019)
Gold Brakes, Full Pull
The Machine's Character
The 2019 R 1250 GS HP is BMW's big adventure boxer in its sharpest suit. The HP Style package brings gold brake calipers and HP livery, and underneath sits the same 1254 cc air/liquid-cooled flat-twin with ShiftCam. It makes 136 hp at 7,750 rpm and 105 lb-ft at 6,250 rpm. Telelever up front, Paralever and shaft drive out back. BMW also fits a lot as standard: cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, ride modes, cruise control, a TFT with navigation, tire pressure monitoring and an adjustable windscreen. This isn't a stripped special edition. It's the full working GS with some extra attitude.
Where this bike lives is the long day: interstate miles, mountain passes, then a graded dirt road to the campsite. Low-end pull is where it's strongest, and the suspension is adjustable at both ends as standard, so it adapts well to a passenger or full luggage. It's easy to maintain and the aftermarket is huge, which keeps it relevant for years. The caveat is plain. It weighs 549 lb (249 kg) wet, the front has only 7.5 in (190 mm) of travel, and ground clearance is 6.7 in (170 mm). It's a road-biased traveler that handles dirt well. It is not a technical trail tool.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
Show full specs & equipment Hide specs & equipment
| Power | 136 hp (100 kW) @ 7,750 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 105 lb-ft (143 Nm) @ 6,250 rpm |
| Displacement | 1254 cc |
| Engine | Flat-twin (boxer) |
| Cooling | Air/liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Shaft |
| Fork | Telelever |
| Front brake | 305 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-19 |
| Rear tire | 170/60-17 |
| Wheelbase | 59.6 in (1514 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 6.7 in (170 mm) |
| Front travel | 7.5 in (190 mm) |
| Rear travel | 7.9 in (200 mm) |
| Seat height | 33.5 in (850 mm) |
| Wet weight | 549 lb (249 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 5.3 gal (20 L) |
| Top speed | 124 mph (200 km/h) |
| Fuel economy | 46 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Electronic Suspension BMW Dynamic ESA Realtime road adaptationAuto load leveling Optional
- Front Suspension Adjustable Standard
- Rear Suspension Adjustable Standard
- Cruise Control Standard
Comfort
- Heated Grips Optional
- Adjustable Windscreen Standard
- Adjustable Seat Height Optional
- Luggage System Optional
Connectivity
- TFT Display Standard
- Smartphone Connectivity Standard
- Navigation Standard
- Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) Standard
Drivetrain
- Quickshifter Optional
- Slipper Clutch Standard
Lighting
- LED Headlight Standard
Safety
- ABS Standard
- Cornering ABS BMW Integral ABS Pro Cornering brake safetyStronger consistent braking Standard
- Traction Control Standard
- Ride Modes BMW Ride Modes Pro Selectable ride modesLean sensitive traction Standard
Signature Tech
The named systems that set this bike apart — and what each one does for you.
Drivetrain
- BMW Paralever Standard
- Acceleration stability
- Brake dive control
- High speed stability
- Reduced unsprung rotating mass
Known issues
-
Gearbox input shaft recall (NHTSA 23V011)
Under certain conditions, the gearbox input shaft may break, potentially blocking the rear wheel. A software update is the remedy.
-
Front brake caliper fluid leak (2019–2020 models)
Calipers may leak fluid when parked, reducing reservoir level and potentially impairing brake performance. Improved calipers fitted under warranty.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the BMW R 1250 GS HP with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: BMW R 1250 GS HP vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
What's new versus the previous generation
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2013–2018
BMW R 1200 GS (K50)
The Boxer That Rewired Everything
Compare to the previous model →Alternatives to the BMW R 1250 GS HP
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this BMW R 1250 GS HP. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
