BMW G 650 GS versus BMW R 1250 GS

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 650 GS

Adventure
BMW

BMW R 1250 GS

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2011 bis 2016
Built von 2018 bis 2023
RRP
RRP 18.300 €
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Pros:
  • light and manoeuvrable
  • uncomplicated
  • favorable consumption
  • solid workmanship
  • enough space for passenger
Pros:
  • Motor, powerful and willing to rev
  • Resale value (as seller)
  • Chassis
  • Processing
  • Performance
Cons:
  • radiates little emotion
Cons:
  • Price (especially for extras)
  • Resale value (as buyer)
  • Seat

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.477 mm
Length :
2.165 mm
Seat :
780 mm
Weight :
192 kg
Wheelbase: 1.525 mm
Length :
2.207 mm Height : 1.430 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
249 (max: 465 ) kg

Engine

Motor type unknown 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 652 ccm
Hub: 83 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 5
Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.254 ccm
Hub: 76 mm
Hole: 102 mm
Cooling: wassergekühlt
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Performance: 48 HP at 6.500 U/Min
Torque: 60 NM bei 5.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Maximum speed: 220 km/h
Performance: 136 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 143 NM bei 6.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
400 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges (steel)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Frame type:
Two-part framework
Front suspension:
Telelever 37cm (travel 190 mm)
Rear suspension:
WAD mono strut with paralever (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R17

Brakes

Rear brake
Disk
Front brake
Double disc, 4-piston radial brake calipers ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, double piston floating caliper ( 276 mm)

One motorcycle, two opinions

And now, with so much light and so little shadow? Buy or not? Dietmar says it's too expensive for him (@Dietmar: Now among us, you won't have two years, at the latest then you've used it). ;) Otherwise, he is enthusiastic about what you can be, for all his objectivity. In any case, the recent revision would be reason enough to pay for the old model.
Of course, I see it differently. The price is an argument at first glance, and BMW is struggling, especially with the extras. But the competition from Ducati or KTM is not much cheaper, so again this does not attract. First of all, it is too big for me, with my slightly short legs I don't even come up reasonably. Apart from that, the GS is just too perfect for me. I like it when my moped has to work, when I actively lead it and always come back a bit strenuous.
If someone told me that I had overlooked the fact that the BMW would have been driving autonomously all the time during the test - I would believe that.

Our thanks to Bergmann and Söhne for the loan of the BMW.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: from 16.150€. Test bike: 20.870€
  • Used (3 years old): 12,000€
  • Years of construction: since 1987
  • Availability: huge offer
  • Colors: current: black metallic, white (HP design), and black-yellow