BMW Motorrad builds one millionth Boxer GS
BMW Motorrad’s manufacturing plant at Berlin-Spandau recorded a major milestone in late June, with the one millionth GS motorcycle with a boxer engine rolling off the production line.
Berlin Spandau has been producing BMW motorcycles since 1969, while GS models with the flat twin boxer engine have been a constant at the German factory since 1980.
The millionth boxer GS was an R 1250 GS, with the standard 100kW/143Nm 1,254cc flat twin, six-speed transmission and shaft drive, as well as the standard Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension. Finished in Style Triple Black with gold rims, the millionth boxer GS also featured hand guards, panniers and auxiliary lighting from the factory accessories range.
The Australian-market equivalent to the milestone model is the R 1250 GS Triple Black ; a road-biased touring variant in the same colour combination (Black Storm metallic/Black/Agate Grey) that takes the base R 1250 GS and adds Shadow II billet mirrors, along with the Comfort Package (keyless starting, heated grips and cosmetic upgrades), Touring Package (cruise control, hand guards, TPMS, pannier fasteners and GPS device prep), Dynamic Package (Gear Shift Assist Pro, Riding Modes Pro, Dynamic Brake Control and Dynamic ESA suspension adjustment) and the Lights Package (adaptive headlight, DRL, cruising light, multifunction indicators, Headlight Pro).
In this spec, the local R 1250 GS Triple Black is priced from $27,640 ride away, but the millionth boxer GS is obviously worth significantly more. BMW Motorrad did not reveal in their release of 21 June whether they intend to retain the milestone model or release it to the market.
Where it all Began
In the autumn of 1980, BMW Motorrad presented the ‘R 80 G/S’ - a motorcycle that combined two areas of riding for the first time: Off-road and on-road.
What began with a 798cc engine producing 37kW (50hp) has advanced over more than four decades into a high-tech, 1250cc touring enduro motorcycle (‘adventure tourer’ to you and me) in the form of the current R 1250 GS. The latest boxer GS is more than just larger and more powerful: it has state-of-the-art chassis technology and electronic control systems such as ABS, traction control, engine drag torque control, semi-active suspension and more.
According to BMW Motorrad, the ongoing, consistent development applied to GS models with boxer engines has made them the most sought-after adventure tourers in the world.
Adventure First
BMW Motorrad describe the GS range as “elemental, authentic motorcycles that possess incomparable all-round qualities”. These qualities have spurred countless enthusiasts to use the GS on “trips to distant countries, spectacular adventure trips and expeditions to the remotest regions of our planet over the past decades”.
Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, elaborated on the 40+ year lineage of the GS.
“With the R 80 G/S and its unique combination of on-road and off-road suitability, everyday qualities and long-distance touring abilities, BMW Motorrad created the new motorcycle genre of ‘touring enduros’.
“The BMW GS with boxer engine became an icon, which achieved global success in this segment. What is more: the BMW GS became a legend and, at the same time, an indispensable cornerstone in the BMW Motorrad model range.”
Schramm adds that the early GS’s outstanding talents, like dynamic performance, off-road capability and durability were proven in events like the Dakar Rally, where riders on various configurations of the R 80 G/S won in 1981, 1983, 1984 and 1985. Learnings from these early events and BMW Motorrad’s own development have been built upon and put into every subsequent generation, with the latest versions of the GS being as comfortable for long-distance riding as they are capable in extreme environments.
“I am very pleased that, in our ‘100 Years of BMW Motorrad’ anniversary year, we are able to contribute a major milestone to the corporate history of the BMW Group with the one millionth BMW GS motorbike with a boxer engine.,” Schramm concluded.
Centenary Celebrations
Events marking the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad this year have been many and varied, but the big one was BMW Motorrad Days, which was held in Berlin on 7-9 July.
Running in tandem with this was the Pure&Crafted Festival, which combines motorcycle culture with “handmade music” and a celebration of the “New Heritage lifestyle” of ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s themes, from punk to grunge, to skateboarding, BMX, street art and more.
According to BMW, more than 37,000 people attended BMW Motorrad Days 2023. This was around 20,000 more than last year, reflecting the buzz around BMW Motorrad’s centenary. Enthusiasts came from all over Europe and the UK for the event, with 60 nations represented.
Attractions included the Motodrom show (a Wall of Death-style stunt display), a custom bike display, tasters for BMW’s International GS Trophy and Group Classic events, as well as a presentation of the full lineup of 60+ BMW motorcycles, plus accessories and apparel, for a full ‘BMW Motorrad brand experience’.
Selected models could be tested on the Spreewaldring track, with enduro training courses and guided off-road tours part of this year's BMW Motorrad Days, too. A handful of attendees also had the opportunity to tour the Berlin-Spandau factory.
The R 1300 GS
The centenary isn’t done yet, with September to see the opening of BMW Motorrad Welt, a new “heart of the brand” facility, located next to the factory in Berlin-Spandau.
As part of an exclusive opening event at BMW Motorrad Welt on 28 September, the new BMW R 1300 GS will make its official debut.
“I am pleased that the unique history of BMW Motorrad models with boxer engines will soon be supplemented by an exciting chapter with numerous innovations with the new R 1300 GS,” said Dr. Markus Schramm.
No details on the R 1300 GS beyond its name had been revealed at time of writing. Information is expected to be released at the opening ceremony for BMW Motorrad Welt, which will be livestreamed on the BMW Group and BMW Motorrad social media channels.
