Last Updated on: November 28, 2025

35 000 kilometers (almost) in two seasons, or close. That was the fasit when my 2022 BMW 1250 GS Triple Black went into winter storage. 

July 2025: The BMW 1250 GS Rondane National Park as backdrop.

So I thought it was time to put together a post about my experience with it. As if there aren’t enough of them on the internet already. Still, maybe some of my rant might be of use. I’ll let you be the judge of that.

Replaced, but not outdated

As 1300 GS models took over, 1250 GS variants didn’t (entirely) loose their cool or charm. Some might say the 1250s has both more cool and charm than the 1300 GS and GS Adventure. That’s subjective of course. As is the question of design and looks.

The BMW 1250 GS or it’s bigger sibling GS Adventure are considered to be the among the most sensible large capacity adventure bikes to own, or to buy second hand. There was some initial scepticism, specifically with regards to the Shiftcam technology. That blew over pretty quickly.

Today you can find three to four years old 1250 GS motorcycles with impressive mileage. A more exceptional example you can find here. For those who are looking to buy any of the 1250 GS models, maybe even their first BMW (GS), there’s no shortage of availability. In any market, anywhere on the planet.

The GS on the last longer ride this season.

How much does latest tech matter? Well, that’s a question for everyone to answer. Or reflect on. The 1250 GS has plenty of it, and its manners, almost regardless of what you do with it, or where you ride, are excellent to the point of being deceptive. It takes some knowing and getting used to, both the weight, the handling, and the power.

When you buy a BMW GS, choose tires to match your needs. The bigger and heavier the bike, the more important that choice will become. The GS motorcycles are one of the most sold range of models in the world. This means you have an excellent range of choices at your disposal, from the road biased, to offroad types.

35 000 kilometers, what do I think?

Plainly put, it’s brilliant. Like so many times before, my decision to change bike happened  suddenly. It materialized out of a need, or believed-to-be need. Which sort of paved the return to BMW GS. Summer of 2024 me and a friend started our journey south in Europe.

That ended up being yet another memorable adventure.

The 1250 GS along Furkastrasse, Switzerland.

For such “expeditions” the 1250 GS is just perfect. No other way to describe it. The comfort, the handling, the power, all important when you cover long distances. All a must when you spend most of the day in a saddle. You can load it up with luggage and still ride offroad almost as if there were no extra weight.

Well, not quite. But the additional weight is something you notice more easily later, when you take all the luggage off. Especially if the motorcycle is fitted with the BMW Vario cases. They weigh approximately half a ton, net weight.

Everyone talks about weight. A motorcycle should not weigh too much, etc etc. Fair point, but when you ride long distance, exposed to all sorts of weather, not the least wind, directional stability often comes with the weight. So as it may be a con, it can also be a pro.

But to try to arrive at some sort of conclusion I will have to say that anyone, or at least almost anyone, who like to ride a motorcycle, will quickly find themselves well seated and home on a BMW 1250 GS. The fact that it has been replaced by the 1300 doesn’t make it any less good.

If price is a factor. then choosing a 1250 GS could be a no-brainer.

June 2025: 1250 GSA & GS on tour.

Things to consider

if you are looking to buy a 1250 GS or GSA, here are some things to consider:

• Service history: these motorcycles can last for a lifetime. But they do require maintenance by the book. A good service history is not a guarantee against any faults, but it definitely reduces risks. Service should be done by certified BMW mechanics.
• Mileage: Many people tend to overfocus on mileage. It’s not all about how far it’s travelled, but as much if not more about how it’s been used. Considering who you’re buying from while also looking at mileage. A one owner motorcycle with higer mileage may be the better choice.
• Few owners: consider buying a motorcycle with few owners over one with many. It goes almost without saying, the more owner, the less insight in what you’re buying. Fortunately, GS owners tends to stick to their bikes for long, so finding a bike with one, two or maybe three owners, is not difficult.
• Factory options: if you buy a 1250 GS of any kind today, make sure it comes with all factory options. That makes it more sellable when/if the time comes for selling it. Bikes with all extras maintain monetary value better.
• Extras: It’s quite normal to find both GS and GSA models with tons of extras included. But not all of it may be useful to you. Some sellers try to make their money back and jack price up while trying to get some of their investments back.
• GS or GSA model: I’ve had both GS and GSA. A few years back it was all about the GSA. That has changed. I don’t need the fuel range of a GSA and I can go anywhere i like, with both. Try them before you make a choice. Neither is a bad choice!

35 000 kilometers, final words

I didn’t have to do 35 000 kilometers on my 1250 to arrive at a conclusion. BMW GS or GSAs, whether a 1200 or a 1250, are among the most versatile all-round motorcycles money can buy. But the boxer bikes aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Though it has to be added many who have criticized it, tend to change their mind once getting well acquainted.

I have a friend in the latter category. Years back he proclaimed that he would never get a BMW GS. Now he rides a 1200 GS and thinks it’s the last motorcycle he’ll own.

See also