BMW R 1250 GS 40 years GS Edition 2021 — Specifications

Four decades. That's how long it took BMW to transform an adventure motorcycle into a true institution. In 2021, the propeller badge brand celebrates this anniversary with an R 1250 GS 40 Years Edition dressed in black and yellow, a direct nod to the 1988 R 100 GS that will make nostalgics' hearts sing. Younger riders might see a pop culture reference in it — no matter. What counts is that BMW knows how to tell its story, and above all, knows how to charge for it.

Beneath this anniversary livery, the 1254 cc flat-twin hasn't budged one bit. The 136 horsepower at 7,750 rpm is still there, along with 142 Nm of torque available from just 6,250 rpm. The ShiftCam variable valve timing continues to do its job with formidable flexibility, able to pull in sixth gear at low revs just as well as it can punch forward when the road opens up. The move to Euro5 compliance cost nothing in performance, which isn't something every competitor can claim. Against a Ducati Multistrada V4 that's more powerful but also more high-strung, or a KTM 1290 Super Adventure with a rawer temperament, the GS plays the total versatility card. It doesn't try to impress on paper. It prefers to convince on the road.

The chassis remains true to the in-house recipe. The Telelever up front and Paralever at the rear offer 190 and 200 mm of travel respectively — a smart compromise between tarmac and trails. The brakes, with their twin 305 mm front discs mounted on radial four-piston calipers, inspire immediate confidence. The whole package weighs in at 249 kg wet, including the 20-litre tank. That's not light, but the GS has that rare ability to make you forget its mass within the first few metres. The 850 mm seat height remains a concern for shorter riders, even though the electronic suspension allows it to be lowered.

What truly sets this anniversary edition apart from the standard GS is the equipment. BMW has bundled into a "Pack PRO 40 Years" the essentials of the Comfort, Dynamic, Touring, and Connected packages. In other words, three-quarters of the options catalogue comes fitted as standard. Two-tone seat, tinted sport screen, unique wheels — it's all there. It's the "all-inclusive" philosophy pushed to its limit, a strategy BMW has perfected to justify a muscular price positioning.

And speaking of price, let's talk numbers. At €24,200, this GS 40 Years sits well above the base model. The bill is steep — no one will argue otherwise. But when you add up the value of the integrated equipment, the gap narrows considerably compared to a standard version kitted out option by option. BMW is targeting the committed GS rider here, the one who's been riding this flat-twin for years and wants to treat themselves to the definitive version of their favourite machine. For a first adventure bike, better to look elsewhere. For celebrating a long-standing passion with a motorcycle equally capable of devouring a Paris-Dakar rally or a daily commute, this anniversary edition delivers on its promise in every way.